We are happy to announce that Maya Rose Paugh has been named The Children’s League Dapper Dan Child of the Year! Congratulations Maya!
She will be honored at the 77th Dapper Dan Awards Banquet, Sunday, May 17th, 2026 at the Ali Ghan Shrine Club. Mya is 14 years old and is the adopted daughter of David & Serena Paugh of Elk Garden, WV. She has 2 sisters, 2 foster sisters and 3 brothers. Mya is in the 7th grade and is home schooled.
Cathy Growden, Executive Director for The Children’s League states, “Mya is a young girl who catches your heart at the very first meeting. Full of energy, lots of conversation, and she always brightens your day. A true joy to know and a girl who leaves a lasting impact on everyone she meets”.
Mya was first introduced to The Children’s League when she was 9 years old. At that time, she was in foster care and brought to The League by her now adoptive parents for an orthopedic evaluation of her known diagnosis of spastic diplegic cerebral palsy and history of prematurity. Prior to being a League patient Mya had a history of surgery for bilateral tendo Achilles lengthening and also the use of foot brace.
Dr. Ranjit Varghese, Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon from Johns Hopkins Hospital and League Clinic Orthopedist evaluated Mya March 2023. He recommended that Mya receive occupational therapy, physical therapy and prescribed an ankle foot orthotic brace to help with her gait and overall mobility. Mya began occupational therapy through Frankfort Intermediate School and began weekly physical therapy at The Children’s League with Jenny Vought, League Physical Therapist. Jenny states, “Mya is a ball of energy who loves to be active. She is up for all challenges and will try any new activities. She is great at catching fish, and is a big Harry Potter fan. She finds fun in every day and loves to sing and dance. She is kind and willing to share candy and prizes from her therapy sessions with her siblings. She will steal your heart when you meet her”
Since moving to Elk Garden, WV, Mya receives physical therapy through Progressive Physical Therapy in Keyser, WV. She will continue to be followed at The Children’s League for routine orthopedic care and physical therapy as needed.
For information regarding The Children’s League and or tickets for the Dapper Dan Awards Banquet call The Children’s League 301-759-5200 or The Sports Shoppe 301-722-5490.