Sixth-grader plans to pursue ‘wildest dreams’

Olyvia Manning is a sixth-grader at Centennial Middle School who has a flair for the dramatics.

“I believe that if I put just enough hope and faith into this, I will live up to my dreams,” said the writer, illustrator, dancer and aspiring actress.

She began writing stories in the fourth grade. Titles include “Lemonade Stand” and “Money Dad.” She also illustrates them. Her characters are expressive and the backgrounds are detailed. Olyvia based her characters on SpongeBob SquarePants.

“They have big eyes and humongous heads to fit the eyes in,” she said, “and tiny bodies. Except my characters are humans, not fish.”

The stories are filled with teenage problems. Her favorite was written after Hurricane Katrina and is about a girl whose class is having a fundraising competition for Katrina victims. “She gets caught up in trying to win and forgets the real reason she is doing it. It’s a real page turner and one of my best.”

Olyvia, 11, also dances. She started in the first grade but thought the costumes were too itchy. Two years ago, after watching her older sister, Prosparetti, shine on the stage, Olyvia took it up again and has been hip-hopping ever since. “The costumes aren’t as itchy as before.”

Inspired by television, Olyvia wants to be in the public eye. Be it signing books for fans, shining on stage or on the screen, Olyvia plans on going for it. “My advice to kids is if you have a dream, go for it. Don’t just sit in front of the TV and let other people live an exciting life for you … maybe one day, your wildest dreams will come true.”

Olyvia also involves herself helping others, including gathering supplies for Katrina victims and being a part of the recent Susan G. Koman Race for the Cure.