The first all-school social event since the November ice-skating party will be held tonight at the Illini Union. The winter formal, sponsored by the sophomore class, begins a series of dances, trips, and other activities that will culminate with prom and the senior day trip to Six Flags in May.

Lauren Piester has been re-reading one of her favorite series of books, "Uglies" by Scott Westerfeld. The books are set in a future where cosmetic surgery is required at age 16, making everyone beautiful. Of course, some people don't want to be changed. They want to keep their own faces — but they're not allowed. "I am utterly clueless about how to save the world," Lauren writes. "I have no solutions. All I know is that I don't want it to turn out like the world in these books."

Uni students traditionally recognize the third Monday in January as the first day off from school after winter break. But it's more than that, of course. It's Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a holiday in honor of the slain civil rights leader. Each year the University of Illinois and other C-U organizations sponsor events celebrating King's legacy. Uni High's Sam Smith is part of the U of I organizing committee. Check inside to learn more about the events planned for this weekend and beyond.