Recent spring weather has inspired popular new trends such as styles of dresses, different types of sunglasses, and, perhaps the most popular new trend, the floral skirt.

MHS freshmen Ally Soule is the proud owner of 18 floral skirts. MHS junior Emily Gallagher beats her out with 29 skirts, not including floral dresses or repeated skirts in different colors.

Soule thinks that the skirts are so popular because “they’re bright, girly, and fun. Different from shorts, skirts in general are more comfortable and make you simply feel, well, prettier.”

The main reason that the new skirts are popular is because of the warm weather that has hit recently. As soon as the weather hit mid-70s, almost every girl at school whipped out their dresses and skirts and went “spring shopping.”

Many girls can be seen wearing them either high waisted with a belt or worn like a normal skirt, at the hips.

Soule and Gallagher bought their skirts at Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle, Old Navy, Hollister, Macy’s, Wal-mart, Target, and Charlotte Russe.

Most of these stores, particularly Charlotte Russe, have a big display of the new skirts right in the front of the store, encouraging girls to buy them.  These stores try to push the latest trend because they know that once the trend picks up those skirts will sell like crazy.

This tactic worked on Gallagher, she describes her favorite skirt as “navy blue with purple and magenta flowers on it.”

According to Soule, one of the main reasons these skirts sell so well is because they are comfortable and stylish. “I know when I get dressed in the morning I have two things in mind: comfort and style.”

Gallagher thinks the reason these skirts have gotten so popular is “because it is a quick and easy outfit to throw on but it is also really stylish because of the synched waste.”

Both Gallagher and Soule agree that the new trend took off because of the recent spring weather but the first signs of the new trend actually started during the winter months. “The recent floral trend began in the winter but, for comfort, we added tights,” said Soule. One of Gallagher’s favorite things about the tights is that “when it’s warm you can wear them with a tank top and flip flops but if it’s cold you can also wear them with leggings, boots, and a sweater.”

Soule and Gallagher are just two of the many girls at MHS sporting the spring floral skirt.

Going green is a way to start making a difference. Some ways to aid the environment and go green involve personal hygiene.

 The skin is like a sponge and according to planetgreen.dicovery.com throughout a life time pounds of different chemicals are absorbed by our face. Skin is the largest organ and should be well kept.

 Did you know that there are ways to wash your face to help the environment?

 You can make your own organic face wash by using natural ingredients that work just as well as name brand products, without leaving skin permanently damaged from harsh chemicals.

 Oatmeal, sugar water, and strawberries can be used as a replenishing facial scrub for a deep clean feel. You can mix the different ingredients to make the wash just the right fit for you.

 Steam is also a way to replenish your face and it leaves a fresh feeling. Adding oils or herbs to the water will help make your skin feeling even fresher, is optional.

 If you are looking for smooth skin; honey, bananas, olive oil, or avocados are suggested to use.  Textures of these natural ingredients open your pores and allow a smooth feeling on your skin to develop.

 Milk is one of the simplest ways to cleanse your face. Milk has lactic acids that leave your skin baby soft. Leave a bit of milk on your skin for 10-15 minutes and then rinse off with cool water, for the pleasant soft feel that is desired.

 Looking online is a great way to find accurate ideas on how to mix these natural ingredients. There are simple ways to have fun and keep clean. Try making your own face wash and have a blast with your friends.

Middletown High School SGA put on its annual talent show on March 5, which was eventually won by Freshman Jake Dziubla. Most of the seats were filled as the audience watched 12 acts performed. All of these acts were judged by staff from MHS which included Tracey Athey, Daria Baldovin, Donna Clabaugh, Jane Brandt, Lisa Boyll, and Nancy VomLehn.

The show started off with a bang as the band Arcade Lights performed two songs. They were followed with beat boxing by senior Shane Moore, and then sisters Isabel and Katherine Geisler singing and signing simultaneously.

The audience seemed to have a great time as they frequently cheered on each act. Josh Henry, MHS junior, described the mood as “off the hook”. All of the monetary proceeds, over $670, went to a Haitian relief fund, and 150 canned goods were donated to the Middletown Food Bank.

The first half of the show concluded with Noah Denier and Bryan Goodyear performing a duet, the TBA Improv Troupe, and finally another band named Late Scenes.

All of the acts were having just as great of a time as the audience. Zane Gray, MHS junior and member of Arcade Lights, said after his performance that he was “so stoked”, and “they didn’t come out expecting to win…whatever happens, happens.” He seemed to think that the last act, My Best Friend’s Birthday, would win.

Grant Chaney, member of the band Without a Fight and MHS junior, expressed that he wanted student judges next year. He felt that the kind of music being played by some of the bands were not fully appreciated by the teacher judges.

After a short ten minute intermission, the second half of the show started. This portion kicked off with MHS freshman Jake Dziubla playing “The Entertainer” on piano. Next was Maggie Doherty dancing ballet to “You Raise Me Up”. Following her was Without a Fight, another band, and then a drum solo by Shane Winn. The show then finished with a juggling performance by MHS sophomores Anthony Gesiotto and Patrick Sheridan, and the band My Best Friend’s Birthday.

After a short wait, the winners were announced. Late Scenes came in third, Maggie Doherty came in second, and first place was given to pianist Jake Dziubla. He was awarded a trophy and a $100 gift certificate. Jake then played an encore of “Light My Fire” by the Doors to concluded the show.

Good things come to those who wait, or how about, your first love is always your true love. Being a teenager in high school these clichés can sometimes be true, and other times not. High school is overwhelming, and throw relationships in the mix and things can get really messy. At times it may feel as though any numbers of your friends are “talking” to someone. Or you could be in a serious relationship or even a casual one, or you could be single and truly happy, there are benefits to every type of situation and you can truly make the best where ever you are in your relationship life.

 So your best friend gets a boyfriend, and she starts spending all her time with him. You may hate it at first and you may miss your best friend, but this opportunity will help you reach out to other friends and may even help you make more friends. If you and your friend are open to it, you may be able to hang out with her boyfriend and his friends, making it easier to get to know people that you wouldn’t have met in the first place

 “My best friend and also my sister Jacky got a boyfriend and we always hang out together with his friends making it easier for me to meet new people, plus I get to know his guy friends,” said junior Rachel Kessler.

 While you think that everyone around you is spending all their time with their significant other, you, being single, can be out with friends having a good time with no strings attached.

 “I love not having a boyfriend, and I can have all the fun I want, with a bunch of different people, I never have to worry about a boyfriend getting mad at me,” said junior Kelly McLister.

 The fact that not having any strings attached makes life easier and more flexible. It may not be stress free, but the baggage that comes along with having a boyfriend goes away.

 Many high school students find that it’s easier to be single in high school, as senior Kristin Wilson said, “I’m tired of boys and all the drama they bring in my life. I’m a senior and almost done with high school, its time to have fun and be single.”

 On the other hand some high school students see the opposing side. Many high school students try out the relationship thing. Some try casual dating, and some even take it to the level of being in a serious relationship.

 Take senior Justin Boyer and junior Brittain Altomare they have been together for a year and three months and they wouldn’t have it any other way.

 “I never thought I would want to be in a serious relationship in high school, but I am and love it,” said Altomare.

 With varying opinions some even try casual dating. They are together but they have their boundaries.

 Juniors Chris Pirrone and Tara Staley would classify their relationship as casual.

 “We don’t call each other boyfriend and girlfriend, we have a relationship without the actually saying that we’re dating, and it’s just easier to deal with,” said Staley.

 People who try this out find it to be easy going and not too serious. As Chris says “it’s less stressful and more fun and it feels better than being on lock down all the time, but it’s also good to know that I always have someone to go to.”

 No matter what your relationship status is, have fun, its high school and it only happens once.

 And in the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Each of us our given a pocket full of time to spend however we may, we may use what we will and waste what we will, but we can never get back a day.”

Senior interviews at Middletown High School are coming up and everyone is preparing to perform their best.

A huge part of a good interview is what you wear. At a job interview it is recommended to dress in business casual. You shouldn’t be dressing up in a tuxedo or prom gown but at the same time don’t be dressed like a slob.

It is best to be overdressed than underdressed. Dressing well makes it look like you care about the job interview and that you’re serious. Remember first impressions are everything.

Boys and girls should both wear solid, conservative colors. Girls can wear matching blouses that go with sensible footwear and a limited amount of jewelry. Girls try wearing dress pants in black with a solid color button down shirt. Or if you don’t want to wear pants try a high wasted skirt. The girls should keep the hair neat and professional.

Boys should wear a simple business suit. A dry-cleaned, white, long sleeve shirt is recommended. The tie should be simple with a solid color or straightforward stripe design. When wearing dress shoes always wear dark socks underneath. Boys should also wear a neat professional hairstyle.

Both boys and girls should use perfume and cologne sparingly. The point of an interview is to be straightforward and business like, it’s not a romantic date.

After getting the right business casual look down, you are now ready for a great interview. Just remember to relax and think before you say anything to make sure your words are clear and concise, and don’t forget first impressions are everything.

1: Do you always hold the door for others when leaving and entering a store?

a)        No, I never do. I just want to get in and out. Stay out of my way!

b)        I will sometimes, it depends who it is

c)        Always, I think it’s rude to not hold the door for someone

2: When conversing with a store representative, do you say please and thank you at all the opportune times?

a)        No, it’s their job to be polite to me, not the other way around.

b)        If they are polite to me, I’m polite back.

c)        Yes, being polite is a simple common courtesy and I’m always   polite.

3: When at a restaurant, do you leave an appropriate tip?

a)      HA! No way, I never leave a tip.

b)      It depends on their service, but normally I leave a pretty good tip.

c)      Yes, I always leave a fair tip.

4: You’re driving on the road and someone cuts you off. What do you do?

a)    I lay on my horn, flip em’ the bird, and tail gate them.

b)    I honk my horn, while cursing to myself

c)    I move out of the lane carefully. That person is crazy!

5: You’re best friend just broke up with her boyfriend and wants to hangout, but your boyfriend just called and you really want to hang with him

a)    Ditch your bestie, your guy is way more important

b)    Hang with you boy for a few hours, then sleepover with your friend

c)    You’re there for you friend, guys come and go.  

More A’s- Sorry, you are a total jerk. Your basic concern is only for yourself. You should do some soul-searching and figure out what you’re problem is; a little humility is good for karma. 

More B’s- You can be selfish, but hey who isn’t? For the most part, your head and heart are in the right place. People genuinely like you for you.

More C’s- You are as nice as can be. The world needs more people like you. However, try not to be a push-over. Make sure you stand up for yourself when it is needed. 

1. Sun Tan lotion and Chap Stick: When going to the beach, you want to make sure you are as comfortable as possible. Nothing will ruin a trip faster than sunburn and

chapped lips.

 2. Multiple bathing suits: One is definitely not enough. 8 out of 10 girls buy at least three new bathing suits a year. They are a girl’s best friend in the summer time.

3. Flip-flops: As girls and guys know, summer is a time to relax and not having a care in the world. Flip-flops are an easy, comfortable way to be fashionable in the summer.

4. Summer Dresses: This year, summer dresses have become more and more popular. You can find them almost anywhere. Look for bold floral prints and popping colors; they are styles you’ll want to add to your summer wardrobe.

5. Tanks and Tees: These two are a must. During the summer, girls just want to be comfortable and cute. Tanks and tees are an easy accessible wardrobe choice that goes with pretty much anything. 

Today’s average American teen girl is rolling out the big bucks to get what she wants: labels. Here’s an inside look at the top five fashion musts. 

1. North Face jackets: This hip fleece jacket is sweeping the nation. Starting to gain its popularity in 2008, a predominant number of teen girls sport these warm, stylish jackets. Ranging from about 100 to 170 dollars, they are sure to last for many more winters. 

2. UGG boots: The fashionable boots that come in a variety of colors are a must for any teen girl to have during the winter season. Both comfortable and appropriate for the weather, they are priced from 150 to 200 dollars. 

3. Vera Bradley bags: The Vera Bradley bags are also getting more popular as time goes on; with over 50 different print styles to choose from, this cute fashionable bag is perfect for any teen girl. They run from 55 to 100 dollars.

 4. Abercrombie clothing: Abercrombie clothes are possibly one of the most expensive clothing lines made for teens. However, that doesn’t stop girls from swarming the stores every weekend. Signature hoodies cost about 60 dollars and stylish jeans are priced at about 100 dollars per pair. This brand is sure to be on every girl’s wish list

5. iPod touch: The iPod touch is making its rounds to every teen’s pocket in America. As technology has advanced, so have music devices. The iPod touch is a cute, stylish gadget that is a must accessory for any teen girl, which costs about 230 dollars.

Ever wanted your eyes to have that big, bold, just off the runway look? With just a few easy to follow steps, your eyes can look professionally done in a matter of minutes.

The Simple Procedure:

1) Brush a bone colored eye shadow from eyelid to eyebrow.

2) Apply white eye shadow beneath your brow bone. Be sure to blend well to give your eyes the “wide-eye” look.

3) Line your upper eye lids with brown eyeliner until it’s just past the outer corner of your eye and then smudge slightly. This makes your eyes look more open. 

4) Use white or flesh colored eye liner to rim the inner corners of your eyes. This is the most important step to ensure that your eyes look bigger and brighter.

5) Curl your eye lashes and apply 2-3 costs of mascara on the top lashes only. To save you the trouble of having to curl your eyelashes, simply use curling mascara.

2.      Grade: 11

3.      Make, model, and year: 1992 Honda Accord

4.      Color: Green

5.      How many people can your car hold? How many people have you put in your car? “I have only ever tried to put five people in my car.”

6.      What is the sound system like? Do you prefer listening to CDs or your mp3 player? “My speakers always rattle when I turn the volume up.” My car is so old that there is no CD player but I can use my IPod connector to play music.”

7.      What improvements in the past have you made to your ride? “I had to put in a new exhaust and new tires.”

8.      What plans do you have to improve your ride? “I might buy some new speakers, but that would be it.”

9.      What important gadgets are missing or have broken off of your car? “My back left door doesn’t lock or unlock with the rest of the doors.”

10. What is currently in your car? “My golf clubs and my lacrosse stick.”

11. What is hanging from your rear view mirror? “Nothing.”

12. Where did you buy the car? Who bought the car? “My parents bought it from a neighbor.”

13. How many miles are on it? “A lot, at least 225,000.”

14. What type of accidents have you had in this car? “None so far.”

15. What is your favorite feature about your car? “It has a manual transmission.”