LAKEWOOD, Ohio — If you happen to be in the food court at Cleveland Clinics Crile Emporium, you'll most certainly notice 28-year-old Annie Murray, laser-focused on her cleaning tasks.
"Annie is one of probably our most reliable, hardworking employees that we have," said Annie's supervisor, Jacey Anderson, director of dining services for Morrison Healthcare at Cleveland Clinic.
She's also the sunshine in every room.
"She always in a good mood. I've never seen Annie to not be in a good mood. So she's bringing an energy to us," said Annie's supervisor, Faith Gill, general manager of dining services at Cleveland Clinic's Crile Emporium.
So, it should come as no surprise, that Annie's energy and dedication has propelled her into a successful figure skating career.
"I feel proud of myself," Annie shared.
Annie's skating journey began when she was a little girl. But, her parents, Peter and Janette, say Annie was into everything. Especially, chasing around her older brothers.
"The boys were in every sport, so they had teammates from all over the place and that goes into college. And so when we go visit their colleges or wherever they were playing," Peter said. "She became part of the team."
Then, Annie joined the best team: The Trinity Special Olympics program at Winterhurst in Lakewood. In May, she competed in Iceland. Her fancy footskills earned her the gold medal.
"It's like dream come true," Annie said.
For her coaches, too, Marjorie Thomas and April Gabrylski.
"She has lots of fun out on the ice and she works really hard," April said.
"I've been skating with Annie since she was about five," Thomas said. "That girl is the bravest girl. She will try anything."
She's been supported by places like Gigi's Playhouse, a Down Syndrome achievement center. Her family says she thrives there and is celebrated for being exactly who she is: a great role model.
"She's, in my opinion, very self-sufficient. And I think a lot of parents see that and maybe they will allow their son or daughter to be a little more self-sufficient and take on more added responsibility because that's the goal," Peter said.
"I would add that attitude is a big deal with that, too. When they came back from Iceland, her coach was like, 'She has the best attitude.' She tries anything, she goes anywhere and that helps everybody around around her," Janette said.
Annie Murray, you have a heart of gold.
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