Lead Lifestyle Editor: Walter Tolosa
Lead Lifestyle Editor: Walter Tolosa
How to prepare for PROM
By Armani Franklin Moore
Prom is one of the most memorable nights of high school, so preparing ahead of time can help you enjoy the night instead of stressing about it. Follow these steps to make sure you’re fully ready.
Step 1: Decide Your Look
The first thing you should do is decide what color and style you want to wear. This includes your dress or suit, shoes, accessories, and hairstyle. Knowing your look early helps everything else fall into place, especially when choosing matching accessories or coordinating with your date or friends. It also gives you enough time to find something you truly like instead of settling for whatever is left.
Photo Via Google Images
Step 2: Set a Budget
Prom can get expensive quickly, so it’s important to decide how much money you’re willing to spend. This includes your outfit, tickets, hair, nails, makeup, transportation, and dinner. Setting a budget helps you avoid overspending and allows you to plan realistically.
Step 3: Buy Your Outfit Early
Once you know your budget and style, buy your dress or suit as soon as possible. Waiting too long can make it harder to find your size or preferred style. Buying early also gives you time for alterations if needed, so everything fits perfectly.
Step 4: Make Appointments in Advance
Hair, nail, and makeup appointments fill up quickly during prom season. Schedule these appointments weeks ahead of time to secure a spot. This ensures you won’t be scrambling at the last minute or forced to do everything yourself if you don’t want to.
Step 5: Plan Transportation and Logistics
Make sure you know how you’re getting to and from prom. Whether it’s a car, limo, or ride from a family member, planning ahead prevents confusion or delays. You should also buy your prom tickets on time and know who you’re sitting with so everything goes smoothly.
Step 6: Prepare a Small Emergency Kit
Bring a small purse with essentials like mascara, hair ties, bobby pins, lip gloss, and travel-size makeup. These items can help you fix small problems quickly so you can continue enjoying your night without worrying about your appearance.
Step 7: Relax and Enjoy the Experience
The most important step is to enjoy yourself. Prom is about making memories with your friends. Preparing ahead of time allows you to feel confident, stress-free, and ready to have fun.
Winter to Spring Transition
By Junita Hemingway
Winter to Spring Transition
As winter fades away and spring approaches you students can still stay stylish while adjusting to the unpredictable weather conditions. Transitioning your wardrobe during this time of year doesn’t have to be buying and replacing every piece of clothing in your closet. It’s more about layering, choosing pieces you can wear in different ways, and adding lighter colors and fabrics while also staying comfortable and school-appropriate.
All images VIA Google
In school
For when we are in school wearing uniforms here are some ways you can transition to your uniform for spring that can be simple and stylish. For one your Heavy sweaters can be replaced with lightweight cardigans or even a sweater vest, which can provide warmth for you without feeling too bulky or hot. For the girls who like to wear skirts to school on colder days, wear tights or knee-high socks with your uniform skirts, Also lighter socks can be worn as temperatures rise. Also adding a light jacket or trench coat for mornings can allow you to stay warm while walking to school.
Out of school/ dress down
Now for when we have a dress down or out of school ideas. Like I said, one of the best ways to stay comfortable this time of year is by layering. So like wearing a T-shirt with a hoodie, cardigan, or light jacket some that you can take off later if it’s starting to get warm . Swapping out your heavy winter coats for something like denim jackets or zip-up hoodies to make your outfits feel lighter and more ready for spring. You can also mix your winter and spring pieces, like sweaters with jeans or lighter pants. For shoes sneakers or casual shoes will work better than boots, and choosing softer colors like pastels or light neutrals can give your outfit a fresh spring feel. Overall, winter to spring outfits should be simple, comfortable, and is all about the layering.
Through the Lens of Our Backpacks
By Bandna B.
The items we hold in our backpacks are more than just everyday items. They reflect our aesthetics, habits, and what we tend to care about the most. Whether we realize it or not, the things we choose to carry show what we believe and how we express ourselves.
One noticeable item in my backpack is a mini figurine from a blind box series called “Mr. Pa”. I got it while on a shopping trip with one of my closest friends, making it more meaningful to me. I like to keep it with me because I love collecting fun items and cherishing special memories. This silly little item shows how I hold the value of my friendships and the nostalgia I carry. It represents my desire to hold onto moments that make me happy and turn them into lasting reminders. Plus, if my papers are ever flying away, Mr. Pa could double as a chunky paperweight, even though he is definitely not “built” for the job.
Photo By Bandna B.
In contrast to this are the items in my friend Megan’s backpack. She is carrying a practical but sparkly dog wallet. Megan named the dog on this wallet Rod because it sounds similar to “rad”, which is fitting for his cool vibe. Rod gives off an energy that says he is nonchalant and groovy, just like Megan. In her words, she described him as a “brochacho”. Her wallet shows that she enjoys items that are both useful and stylish. Mirroring her confident demeanor and her ability to subtly stand out. While it serves an everyday purpose, it also expresses her individuality and aura.
By comparing these objects, we can see how different items represent different traits. Some people solely carry notebooks and folders, showing that they are organized and structured. Others carry items like collectibles or photos, showing their memories and spontaneous sides. Even small, unnoticed things like hand sanitizer can say something about a person. Someone may carry it because they are fond of the scent while others carry it for cleanliness. Either way, every choice reveals something about a person.
As a whole, what we carry in our backpacks says a lot about who we are. My figurine shows my love for memories and collecting, while Megan’s wallet shows her calm and unique personality. Our items reflect our friendship and serve as a reminder that even small belongings can represent big parts of our identity.
New Spring, new me
By Aniyah Brown
What Spring Break Could Bring
When every winter ends, a flower blooms. Once one flower blooms, spring awakens everywhere. Life gets a little brighter and more colorful once spring arrives. And once spring comes, Spring Break comes along with it. Spring break is seen as a time of rest for students and teachers. Some people stay close to home while others may travel. That being said. What is there to really do during Spring break? Well, there's a ton!
All images VIA Google
Here's a few things you May (pun intended) be able to do this upcoming spring break!
One of the best ways to enjoy spring and your spring break is by spending your time outdoors. Get to know nature more! Go on walks to the park, ride a bicycle, go hiking, enjoy fresh air, have a picnic with some friends and family while the sun is out with a gentle breeze.
A lot of students tend to go to the mall, which is a wonderful idea as well. Going out with friends, shopping for beautiful spring dresses if you're a girl or matching shorts + shirts sets as a boy. Shopping gives students more fun, shows creativity and expresses their personal style before going back to school. Especially if that school had a uniform.
Some students also use spring break to be more productive. Catching up on missing school work or studying before the school year ends. Going to the library with friends to read and learn more while having fun with companions. Others get a chance to explore things they cannot during school hours such as art, music, or volunteering. Many students also tend to find new hobbies such as gardening, jogging, photography and sports during spring!
One of the most important things celebrated during spring break is Easter and Easter related activities. Families may spend time decorating eggs together, attend Easter services in Church or participate in community Easter egg hunts! Baking seasonal treats, making sweet Easter baskets for loved ones and even just spending time with relatives and friends are common traditions that really bring people together during the week off.
Spring break is full of excitement, traditions, rest and bittersweet fun. Whether it's shopping, having picnics, relaxing at home or having casual days hanging out with family and or friends, spring break gives students and more a well deserved chance to reset before another ending of a school year. As break comes to an end, students will return to school refreshed, feeling brand new, motivated and ready to end this school year with a bang.
eos Shea Better Hand Cream
BY JLYNN CARTER & MATEO A. VILLALTA-CELIS
All Photos by Jam Reviews
M
EOS Shea Better Hand Cream is a great travel-size solution for dealing with dry hands during the winter season. It absorbs quickly, leaves my hands feeling moisturized, and has a subtle vanilla scent that isn’t overpowering. Overall, it's a great option for anyone who wants an effective, reliable hand cream that's hydrating, fast-absorbent, and easy to carry and use on the go. I’d definitely recommend it and would repurchase.
J
Eos Products is a popular brand that was once best known for its chapsticks but has since expanded into body care products. They now offer body lotions, washes, oils, and more. I’ve been using their hand lotion in the scent “Vanilla Cashmere” for a year now. It has a very sweet, warm vanilla fragrance that I personally love, though it might be too strong for those who prefer lighter scents. The formula absorbs quickly and leaves my hands feeling soft and moisturized without any greasy residue.
Final review
EOS products is a popular brand that was once best known for its chapsticks but has since expanded into body care products, now offering body lotions, washes, oils, and more. I’ve been using their hand lotion in the scent “Vanilla Cashmere” for a while now, and it is a great travel-size hand lotion for dealing with dry hands during the winter season. It absorbs quickly, leaves my hands feeling soft and moisturized without any greasy residue, and has a sweet, warm vanilla fragrance that isn't overpowering, though it might be too strong for those who prefer lighter scents. Overall, it’s a great option for anyone who wants an effective, reliable hand cream that’s hydrating, fast absorbent, and easy to carry and use on the go. Overall a 4.5/5 product would definitely recommend and repurchase!
MONGOLIAN & SUSHI
RESTAURANT
BY JLYNN CARTER & MATEO A. VILLALTA-CELIS
J
Mongolian & Sushi - We recently visited Mongolian & Sushi, a new Asian Fusion restaurant that’s quickly gaining attention. While the food was delicious, the service is what truly stood out to me. Our waitress suggested the buffet so we could get more variety for a better price, which made the experience feel thoughtful rather than rushed. She was attentive and helpful with questions. That level of care made the meal feel welcoming and personal. 5/5.
M
Mongolian & Sushi - My experience at Mongolian & Sushi was fantastic!! It’s an Asian Fusion Restaurant that opened around June of 2025, and it has already started building a name for itself. The menu features a wide variety of specialty rolls, sashimi, and cooked fusion dishes. When we went, we were seated immediately and decided to try the lunch buffet option for $13.99. The buffet includes a large selection of raw ingredients, allowing you to choose from different meats and vegetables to create your perfect dish. I ended up recreating the beef hibachi noodles on their menu and it was incredible. The staff was also very kind, attentive, and welcoming which is always great. Overall I would give this place a solid 5/5 and will be going back.
Final review
Our experience at Mongolian & Sushi was fantastic!! It’s an Asian Fusion restaurant that opened around June of 2025 and has already started building a name for itself, quickly gaining attention. The menu features a wide variety of specialty rolls, sashimi, and cooked fusion dishes. When we got there, we were seated immediately and decided to try the lunch buffet option for $13.99. Our waitress suggested the buffet so we could get more variety for a better price, which made the experience feel thoughtful rather than rushed. The buffet includes a large selection of raw ingredients, allowing you to choose from different meats and vegetables to create your perfect dish. The staff was very kind, attentive and helpful with questions. That level of care made the meals feel welcoming and personal. Overall we would give this play a solid 5/5 and will be going back.