By JOSIE CLARKE
Young Kauri Awards
Tess Connell announced to her parents when she was aged 3 that she wanted to swim with the dolphins at Marineland in Napier.
Now the 8-year-old, who was born with no hands, swims almost daily and has learned to snorkel.
Friends and family say Tess accepts few barriers.
Also packed into her active schedule are ballet, and learning to play the piano with her toes. She recently tried horse-riding and intends to learn to ski next year.
"She just tries everything," says mother Julia Maskill. "I don't think there's anything she doesn't fancy.
"She's always had this attitude of being able to do anything. She's very centred and very steady."
Tess has just finished standard three at Marist Primary School in Ponsonby. Principal Anne Saunokonoko, who nominated Tess for a Herald Young Kauri Award, admits she had misgivings about how well the school could cater for the youngster.
"But from her very first day at school, my concerns disappeared.
"Tess showed us there was nothing we needed to do, or indeed could do, to assist her."
She especially loves creative writing and art. She holds the pen or pencil between her arms and uses her toes for complex crafts.
Tess can throw and catch a ball, wield a hockey stick, and is proving a talented gymnast.
Her ambition is to be a teacher.
Mrs Saunokonoko says Tess is an inspiration to pupils and teachers alike.
"Tess has never been heard to say, 'I can't do that.' In fact, because of Tess' positive attitude and the independence she has shown since she began school, no one even thinks something might prove difficult for her.
"She is a shining example of what can be achieved, despite her physical limitations, through courage, perseverance and the support of a loving family."
Tess says: "I know I can't do some things - but not many. Sometimes I have to ask Mum or Dad or a teacher to help me, but not very often."
No limits for girl with no hands
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