Purple Power

Many people have the same misconceptions about Inspire School of Arts and Sciences: That it is a school dedicated to “the arts,” that regular classes aren’t offered, that the school only accepts certain students who possess a unique talent, and that there are no sports at Inspire. Let’s put those ideas to rest. And there’s no one better to illustrate the type of student who attends the school than sophomore Julian Manning.

While Julian (they, them) does possess some remarkable talent in the areas of creativity and motivation, they are also unique in a number of other ways. Julian is enrolled in subjects offered next door at Chico High: creative writing, chemistry, English, Spanish II, math, and world history. What does differ is the outlook on life and school many Inspire students possess. They want to be involved in school-wide decisions and be a participant, not a spectator.

As journalism and student government advisor Brittney Hawkins said, “We have a special kind of student who flourishes in the Inspire environment.” Julian echoed Hawkins’ comments. “At Inspire, you want to work. I’m much more engaged in class than in a typical school.” In fact, students actually have input into what goes on at the school. “You have a voice here,” said Julian. “You can help choose what is going on, and all the students appreciate it.”

What Julian really appreciates is the school-wide support they received in creating the school newspaper, the Purple Pages. The idea came to Julian as a freshman. “We were working on a project, brainstorming ideas, when the thought of a school newspaper came to me. Eventually, with the help of Ms. Hawkins, we put one together.”

Hawkins has high praise for Julian: “In my two years of working with them so far, Julian has proven to be a very driven, motivated, inspired, and creative person.”

Julian’s elementary and middle school experiences definitely helped her prepare for Inspire. Julian attended Hooker Oak Elementary School, where they were in theater and band and Blue Oak Charter, where the transition to Inspire was a natural choice. “Blue Oak focused on a community of students, where close friendships were made but still included hard work in the classroom,” they said.

Julian also attributes their success with the newspaper to their parents, Sarah Ebling and Neal Manning. Grandmother Theresa Manning has also played a motivational role. Julian’s immediate family is rounded out by siblings, Charlie and Ben.

Said Julian, “So many people have been supportive of the Purple Pages. My friends have been great!” In order to pull off the paper, Julian became self-taught in publishing programs Adobe Creative Suite and Printshop. “Print journalism needs to stay alive. The publication is physical for the time being and always will be.” Julian also attributes the success of the paper to friends Gage, Andres, and Phoebe. The plan is to expand the paper and hopefully create a journalism class instead of an after-school club.

You can help the Purple Pages expand by making a donation, buying an ad, or telling your friends. Students can pick up copies and see what articles are coming up so they can contribute to the paper news-wise, and the paper is printed on recycled paper which is good for all of us. You can contact the paper at purplepages@inspirechico.org.