Student born without hands awarded for penmanship

Fifth-grader Nicholas Maxim was born without hands or lower limbs, but that hasn't held him back.

On Monday, he accepted a penmanship award.

Mixim was recognized for his participation in Zaner-Bloser's 20th annual National Handwriting Contest and even had an award named after him.

Cheryl Hasenfus, principal of Readfield Elementary School in Maine, told CNN that Maxim writes by holding a pen or pencil between his upper arms.

"We submitted his entry because we felt his penmanship was amazing considering he completes most of his work without using his prostheses."

Nicholas, who likes writing and illustrating his own comics, didn't know his paper had been submitted, so the recognition came as a complete surprise.

Occupational therapist Dianna Schmidt told The Kennebec Journal that Nicholas — Nick to his friends — has little use for his prosthetic arms, and can take notes, use scissors and open milk cartons without them.

"He hasn't worn them for months because he's much more independent without them," Schmidt said. "He's absolutely amazing."

Zaner-Bloser, the Ohio-based publisher that sponsors the contest, created a special award category named in honour of the inspiring youth: the Nicholas Maxim Special Award for Excellent Penmanship.

Zaner-Bloser President Bob Page hopes students are encouraged by Nicholas to participate in the penmanship challenge:

"When our team saw Nicholas' handwriting, we were just amazed. Since we started this contest 20 years ago, we've been pleased to get a great response that increases every year, and Nicholas inspired us to encourage all students to participate."

Everett Maxim, Nicholas' father, knows his son's limitations will not stop him from achieving whatever he sets his sights on.

"We don't all get to be Tom Brady, but we all have special things we can do," Everett Maxim said. "We just have to try everything to find out. Some day he's going to run and climb rock walls."