neXt: The next generation, covered now

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Hanging with friends (Aaron Eisenhauer)

Going to Grandma's with style

When it comes to fashion, teenagers know how to push the limits. They've got youth and attitude in their favor, and a risky move may even set a trend.

But what about when they're headed to a family gathering? Untucked shirttails, micro minis and shaggy hair may not score any points around the holiday table.

"I have to dress up for holidays because [my parents] think it's special," said Stephanie Riley, a junior at Central High School. "I usually have to wear a nice shirt."

If some wardrobe adjustment may be in order, consider this wisdom from the stars of two Disney Channel TV shows, who say it is possible to maintain personal style while still pleasing your parents -- and grandparents and great-grandparents.

Dinner with family (Aaron Eisenhauer)

David Henrie, 18, from "Wizards of Waverly Place," said to put aside your day-to-day look and wear a nice sweater, khakis and good shoes for those times when you see all your far-flung relatives.

"I have this huge Italian family. We get together on Thanksgiving and play cards. It's a little more formal than the usual pasta dinner at Nona's house," he said. "But we see each other so often we don't have to dress to impress."

Christmas morning at home with his parents and brother may be loose and casual.

But later in the day, when more family gets together, he goes for a clean-cut look.

Notre Dame Regional High School senior Ty Williams said 15 to 20 extra family members come to his house over the course of Thanksgiving Day, and he tends to dress it up a little.

"You just kind of try to look your best," Williams said.

The normal sweats and sock cap don't go over for the family dinner.

Brenda Song plays London on "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody." The teenage diva Song plays has a tendency to go way too far over the top, the actress said. "She's a little farfetched."

Instead of sequins and fur, Song said in real life she's more likely to spend the holidays draped in red-and-green novelty print scarves. Some family gatherings, though, call for more casual clothes.

"We used to get dressed up but the last couple of years we've come to realize you can play and laugh better in jeans. We found a good medium," she said.

She often wears flat-heel boots and a cute sweater, a look that also pleases her parents.

Monica Henggeler, a junior at Notre Dame, said she prefers sweats and a hoodie, but for seeing family in Kansas City, Mo., her mother has final approval of the outfit.

"My mom kind of influences it," she said. "But if I don't like it, I won't wear it."

She said anything too tight or too revealing would be vetoed.

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Voice box

~What do you think of the 30-year sentence given to 16-year-old Jonathan McClard for first-degree assault in a Jackson car wash shooting?

"I definitely think it's too long for a 16-year-old. He could go to counseling or something."

~from Britney Scott, junior at Notre Dame Regional High School

"I think he deserves it. If he was trying to kill someone, he deserves to be locked up."

~from Chayli Richardson, sophomore at Central High School

"I think that he shouldn't have gotten that much. That's a lot for a 16-year-old."

~from Matt Reinageo, junior at Notre Dame Regional High School

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Friday night lives

Helen Keller, played by Sami Gross, throws many tantrums before her tutor Annie Sullivan, rear, played by Suzanne Burke, can teach her how to communicate with the rest of the world in Central High's production of "The Miracle Worker." Catch it at 7:30 p.m. today or Saturday at Central Junior High's auditorium. (Photo by Kit Doyle) ---

neXt up

FRIDAY

• "The Miracle Worker:" presented by Red Dagger, Central Junior High School, 7:30 p.m.
• Classic Country Band: American Legion Hall, Jackson, 7 to 10:30 p.m.
• Country Touch Band: Jackson Elks Lodge, Jackson, 7 to 10 p.m.
• "Bell, Book and Candle" dinner theater: presented by River City Players, River City Yacht Club, Port Cape, dinner at 7 p.m., show at 8
• Open mic night: Broadway Books and Roasting Co., 7:30 p.m.
• New movies:

"Beowulf": Rated PG-13, 1 hour 57 minutes. At Cape West Cine

"Love in the Time of Cholera": Rated R, 2 hourrs 18 minutes. At Cape West Cine.

"Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium": Rated G, 1 hourr 34 minutes. At Town Plaza Cinema

SATURDAY

• "The Miracle Worker:" presented by Red Dagger, Central Junior High School, 7:30 p.m.
• Irene's Country Dance class: Double Nickel II, Sikeston, Mo., 7 to 9 p.m.
• "Bell, Book and Candle" dinner theater: presented by River City Players, River City Yacht Club, Port Cape, dinner at 7 p.m., show at 8.
• Senior Recital featuring Amanda Eades, voice: Schuck Music Recital Hall, River Campus, 7:30 p.m.

SUNDAY

• Senior Recital featuring Kevin Blair, saxophone and Sean Brown, trombone: Schuck Music Recital Hall, River Campus, 5 p.m.

NEXT WEEK

• Games:

Rock Band, Tuesday, X360, PS3

College Hoops 2K8, Monday, X360, PS3, PS2

Final Fantasy XI: Wings of the Goddess, Tuesday, PS2, X360, PC

Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings, Tuesday, DS

• CDs:

Ayo, Joyful, Tuesday

• DVDs:

Hairspray, PG, Tuesday

Live Free or Die Hard, PG-13, Tuesday

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Who's neXt

ACHIEVEMENTS

• Johnna Davis Wieter, a 1991 graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, was named the 2007 physical education teacher of the year by the Missouri Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. Wieter teaches at Sperreng Middle School in the Lindbergh School District in St. Louis.

SCHOOL NEWS

• Notre Dame Regional High School students will honor Bruce Brinkmeyer, the school's head of maintenance who died Nov. 6, by walking and praying at three churches from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tuesday. Proceeds from the walk will go to his family.

-- From staff reports

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Check it

It's package season. Like bubble wrap? For a little virtual fun, check out this Web site (make sure the sound is on for full bubble effect):http://www.winterrowd.com/bubblewrap/

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