The Student News Site of University of Chicago Laboratory High School

U-High Midway
The 2023-24 U-High Midway newspaper/website and the 2024 U-Highlights yearbook each received a top national award. The Midway also received 17 awards in a local contest.
U-High Midway and U-Highlights win top national award; Midway recognized in local contest
U-High Progressives president Lucie Bhatoey-Bertrand addresses the Coalition for Free Speech at Lab as Lab Liberty president Oliver Wilson listens in a March 5 meeting.
Coalition of clubs emphasizes free speech in monthly political discussions
A new full-time U-High administrative position, a dean of student success, has stirred up different reactions from faculty and others.
New administrative position sparks concern
After school on March 3, members of the girls soccer team discovered some of their personal items were missing from the girls locker room.
Personal items discovered missing from girls locker room
Author and poet Clint Smith discusses “Counting Descent," a book of his which students in English 9 read, live on Zoom in the Ken Griffin Auditorium March 5.
After studying ‘Counting Descent,’ students engage with author Clint Smith
At the 2025 Illinois State Bar Association High School Mock Trial Invitational, U-High’s Mock Trial team did not place, though junior Naomi Benton and sophomore Priya Yamada each received best witness awards. 
Mock trial team ends season with individual wins at state competition
U-High's varsity and JV Science Olympiad teams placed second at the March 1 College of Lake County regional. They are headed to the state competition at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign on April 12.
Science Olympiad team achieves strong results in regional, heads to state
The math team placed first in the state for division 3AA in the Regional ICTM Math Competition on Feb. 22 at Concordia University.
Dominating regional competition, math team places first
The debate team has had exceptional performances at the Golden Desert Debate Tournament at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Feb. 1-3, the Harvard National Speech and Debate Tournament in Cambridge, Massachusetts Feb. 15-17 and the Maine East Regatta in suburban Park Ridge Feb. 7-9.
Debate team performs well at three recent competitions
The Model United Nations team won best small delegation and had a 100% placement rate at the North American Invitational Model UN Conference at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Feb. 13-16.
MUN team earns best small delegation, full placement at Georgetown
Addicted to the Algorithm
Addicted to the Algorithm
10 x 10: Midway 100
10 x 10: Midway 100
Vice presidential candidate and previous educator Tim Walz addresses his supportive crowd at the 2024 DNC.
With former educator Walz on ticket, schools take spotlight
Freedom in the Balance
Freedom in the Balance
Speakers at the DNC addressed the theme of freedom, directing the word's meaning at key political issues in the election.
DNC highlights freedom as key theme
Reporter Carmen Nehme argues that in-person conversations between friends and family are essential towards building interpersonal relationship.
In-person conversations are neccessary for making real connections
Editor-in-Chief Chloë Alexander argues that Lab students must prioritize friendships and true connection as much as they prioritize academic work.
Lab students must prioritize friendships as much as academics
Reporter Karina Hans argues that spreak break should be split into two parts, one in Febuary and one in April.
Split spring break to boost students’ mental health and academic performance
Reporter Maya Gauhar argues that people should research and avoid fast food restaurants with poor working conditions and low wages.
Support fair wages by choosing ethical restaurants
Reporter Laila Valenti argues using a planner helps students stay organized, reducing stress and improving productivity.
Organize your life and reduce stress by using a planner
Founder and owner of a small baking business, Junior Daniel Wu places a batch of his everything cookies, made with mini marshmallows, pretzels, toffee and four kinds of chocolate, into the oven. Despite a stressful high school environment, he and other U-High students have taken their passion for cooking and baking to the next level through social media accounts or small businesses.
Cooking up success: Students turn culinary passion into profit, social media presence
Despite approximately 40 years of experiencing racism while working as an electrician, Lawrence Driskell has persevered in a career where he is still a minority.
Lawrence Driskell: Former electrician perseveres through discrimination
History teacher Holly Johnston talks to three of her students during class. She dedicates her time to creating a welcoming classroom environment where her students can engage in thoughtful dialogue, and she does so through personal conversations, classroom policies and engagement out of the classroom.
Holly Johnston builds meaningful, intentional connections with students
College counselor Patty Kovacs talks to a junior on Jan. 22 about his potential college matches and how his extracurricular activities and interests could affect which colleges are a good fit for him. Along with representing student's ambition, extracurriculars also work to bolster college applications.
Audio: Extracurriculars represent ambition, self-discovery — and pressure
Dressed head to toe in his own merchandise, Quinton McNair, founder and owner of StruggleBeard Bakery, prepares a batch of his lemon cookies. With his background of battling struggles and determination to grow a beard, Mr. McNair started this buisness to give back to his community through sweet treats.
One tough cookie: Founder of local StruggleBeard Bakery overcomes struggles to share sweets
Students practice lifeguarding skills in Sunny Gymnasium as part of a U-High class. U-High students say lifeguarding provides them with work experience and helps build connections with fellow employees.
Lifeguarding provides students with work experience, camaraderie
A second location of 5 Rabanitos, a Mexican restaurant based in the Pilsen neighborhood, is now open at 1301 E. 53rd St..
Pilsen’s 5 Rabanitos restaurant opens second location in Hyde Park
Slice of the City: Pizza in Chicago
Slice of the City: Pizza in Chicago
An attendee drives a Kia car simulation at the 2025 Chicago Auto Show, Feb.8-17. The auto show included other interactive elements for visitors, such as electric test tracks and ride-alongs.
Chicago Auto Show immerses, engages attendees
The "Coco - Robot Food Delivery" app allows users to order robot food deliveries from certain restaurants. These robots are available in the 27th and 34th ward of Chicago and are also in use in Los Angeles.
Coco Robotics pilot program reimagines, optimizes food delivery
“DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS” (“I should have taken more photos”), is a Spanish album by Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny released on Jan. 5. The album features 17 tracks, including hits such as “DtMF” and “NUEVAYoL,” all of which cement Bad Bunny’s ability to create yet another stand out and versatile album.
Bad Bunny’s ‘DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS’ is a genre-blending ode to Puerto Rico
Sophomore Aiden Yu and other members of the U-High Chamber Collective perform a female-forward pop concert in Gordon Parks Arts Hall on March 5, raising funds for the Chicago Foundation for Women.
Video: U-High Chamber Collective holds female-forward pop fundraiser
In a recurring scene about a student stuck in a time loop, junior Evelyn Halbach, left, relives the same experience of helping senior Taylor Landrey with her homework.
Gallery: Student Experimental Theater
Over the course of this spring break, catch up with your favorite podcasts and audio stories — while also trying out some new ones!
Break-ready, binge-worthy: 5 podcasts to check out this spring break
Junior Liz Longnecker completes a Gelli plate print during Period 3.
Gallery: ArtsFest sparks excitement, expression
Seniors Krish Khanna and Juliana Walker have been selected to be a part of the IHSA Academic All-State Team.
Krish Khanna, Juliana Walker selected for IHSA Academic All-State Team
Senior Alex Giles, a varsity soccer and basketball player, smiles as she works through a resistance band stretch after school in the fitness center. The exercise improves ankle mobility, preventing injuries during sports.
U-High athletes rely on recovery routines for injury prevention, wellness
The dance team ended its competition season at Ottawa High School on Feb. 8 after placing first in both hip-hop and pom but not meeting the point threshold to qualify for the state tournament.
Dance team wrap up: season ends with ArtsFest performance
On Feb. 28, the boys swimming and diving season ended. Senior Sebastian Gans advanced to the IHSA State Swimming and Diving Championship meet at the FCM Aquatics Center in Westmont. Sebastian and other swimmers, Sam Oyler, Simon Gans and Jeffrey Wang broke school records.
Boys swimming and diving wrap up: swimmers set records, Sebastian Gans advances to state
Senior Alex Giles dribbles around her defender from Lindblom High School in Upper Kovler Gymnasium on Feb. 7.
Athletic essentials Q&A: Alex Giles
FLAWED FORMULA. Once a primary tool for diagnosing obesity, BMI is now being challenged for its oversimplified approach to health. The formula was originally created for population studies, not individual health assessments.
Experts question traditional weight classification in diagnosing obesity
CAFETERIA CHANGES. Some students find the cafeteria food meets their needs, while others feel there is room for improvement. In the coming months, HandCut Foods plan to bring more variety and excitement to lunch by adding new options like sushi, omelets and seasonal treats.
What’s on your lunch plate?
SWEATY SERENITY. Besides benefits like increased sweat production, flexibility, and the detoxifying effects, hot yoga brings many other gains including stronger bone density, better skin, and ease of depression.
Students find mindfulness and strength hot yoga and pilates
FOOD FITNESS FOCUS. Rising obesity rates among younger people reveal the important role of an equal balance of nutrition, exercise and mindful lifestyle. Hidden ingredients, like the fructose found in corn syrup, in a wide range of common foods may be fueling the increase in obesity rates and the downfall of public health.
The real weight of obesity
SLEEP SABOTAGE. Exposure to blue light and media before bedtime can disrupt sleep by interfering with the body's circadian rhythm and reducing the natural buildup of sleep pressure. This makes it harder to fall and stay asleep, leading to increased fatigue during the day.
Better sleep starts with simple changes
Sophomore Aiden Yu and other members of the U-High Chamber Collective perform a female-forward pop concert in Gordon Parks Arts Hall on March 5, raising funds for the Chicago Foundation for Women.
Video: U-High Chamber Collective holds female-forward pop fundraiser
College counselor Patty Kovacs talks to a junior on Jan. 22 about his potential college matches and how his extracurricular activities and interests could affect which colleges are a good fit for him. Along with representing student's ambition, extracurriculars also work to bolster college applications.
Audio: Extracurriculars represent ambition, self-discovery — and pressure
Video: Community says farewell to retiring ‘Ms. Cynthia’ Boykin
Video: Community says farewell to retiring ‘Ms. Cynthia’ Boykin
Video: Sophomores celebrate ‘joy in service’ with dance, activities
Video: Sophomores celebrate ‘joy in service’ with dance, activities
RDFZ’s dance, aerobics, martial arts and boy’s dance teams smile during the last moments of the “Youth of the Lion Dance,” one of the most common Chinese dances. This Lunar New Year’s animal was the snake, a symbol of good luck, rebirth and regality.
Exchange students arrive from China; Lunar New Year performance amazes
In a recurring scene about a student stuck in a time loop, junior Evelyn Halbach, left, relives the same experience of helping senior Taylor Landrey with her homework.
Gallery: Student Experimental Theater
Junior Liz Longnecker completes a Gelli plate print during Period 3.
Gallery: ArtsFest sparks excitement, expression
TRIUMPHANT TACTICS. Surrounded by players, varsity boys basketball coach Andre Battle discusses mid-game adjustments during a game against the Latin School of Chicago in Upper Kovler Gymnasium on Jan. 17. The game ended in a decisive 58-44 victory.
Gallery: Coaching with Care
An attendee drives a Kia car simulation at the 2025 Chicago Auto Show, Feb.8-17. The auto show included other interactive elements for visitors, such as electric test tracks and ride-alongs.
Chicago Auto Show immerses, engages attendees
RDFZ’s dance, aerobics, martial arts and boy’s dance teams smile during the last moments of the “Youth of the Lion Dance,” one of the most common Chinese dances. This Lunar New Year’s animal was the snake, a symbol of good luck, rebirth and regality.
Exchange students arrive from China; Lunar New Year performance amazes
Connections: Feb. 25, 2025
Connections Feb. 18, 2025
The Student News Site of University of Chicago Laboratory High School

U-High Midway
The Student News Site of University of Chicago Laboratory High School

U-High Midway
News
Author and poet Clint Smith discusses “Counting Descent," a book of his which students in English 9 read, live on Zoom in the Ken Griffin Auditorium March 5.
After studying ‘Counting Descent,’ students engage with author Clint Smith
Ellie Rosenberg, Reporter • March 6, 2025

On March 5 at 8:30 a.m., approximately 70 students gathered in the Ken Griffin Auditorium to listen to author and poet Clint Smith read and discuss...

At a Feb. 27 meeting, Lab employees received little new information about the University of Chicago’s review of school policies, leaving questions about the reasoning behind the move.
At meeting, employees receive little new info about review; director sees ‘opportunity for growth’
February 28, 2025
Lab’s operations and custodial staff have reported an increase in inappropriate use of feminine hygiene products and general messiness in shared spaces, prompting a reminder about respecting the school environment.
Messy bathrooms, cafeteria raise alarm
February 28, 2025
During an assembly in the Ken Griffin Auditorium on Feb. 27, Andy Dunn, founder and former CEO of Bonobos, spoke about his history with bipolar disorder.
Assembly speaker Andy Dunn encourages openness about wellness; workshops encourage mental health
February 28, 2025
Video: Community says farewell to retiring ‘Ms. Cynthia’ Boykin
Video: Community says farewell to retiring ‘Ms. Cynthia’ Boykin
February 26, 2025
Briefs
At the 2025 Illinois State Bar Association High School Mock Trial Invitational, U-High’s Mock Trial team did not place, though junior Naomi Benton and sophomore Priya Yamada each received best witness awards. 
Mock trial team ends season with individual wins at state competition
Sohana Schneider, Assistant Editor • March 27, 2025

To finish the season, U-High’s Mock Trial team competed against 51 teams at the 2025 Illinois State Bar Association High School Mock Trial Invitational held March 15-16 in Springfield.  Nine students attended, and although...

U-High's varsity and JV Science Olympiad teams placed second at the March 1 College of Lake County regional. They are headed to the state competition at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign on April 12.
Science Olympiad team achieves strong results in regional, heads to state
Maya Gauhar, Reporter • March 6, 2025
The math team placed first in the state for division 3AA in the Regional ICTM Math Competition on Feb. 22 at Concordia University.
Dominating regional competition, math team places first
Sohana Schneider, Assistant Editor • March 3, 2025
The debate team has had exceptional performances at the Golden Desert Debate Tournament at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Feb. 1-3, the Harvard National Speech and Debate Tournament in Cambridge, Massachusetts Feb. 15-17 and the Maine East Regatta in suburban Park Ridge Feb. 7-9.
Debate team performs well at three recent competitions
Imani Qureshi, Reporter • February 20, 2025
The Model United Nations team won best small delegation and had a 100% placement rate at the North American Invitational Model UN Conference at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Feb. 13-16.
MUN team earns best small delegation, full placement at Georgetown
Chloé Tyndall, Reporter • February 20, 2025
Features
Trending Stories
1
A new full-time U-High administrative position, a dean of student success, has stirred up different reactions from faculty and others.

New administrative position sparks concern

2
Reporter Karina Hans argues that spreak break should be split into two parts, one in Febuary and one in April.

Split spring break to boost students' mental health and academic performance

3
Senior Alex Giles, a varsity soccer and basketball player, smiles as she works through a resistance band stretch after school in the fitness center. The exercise improves ankle mobility, preventing injuries during sports.

U-High athletes rely on recovery routines for injury prevention, wellness

4
Editor-in-Chief Chloë Alexander argues that Lab students must prioritize friendships and true connection as much as they prioritize academic work.

Lab students must prioritize friendships as much as academics

5
U-High Progressives president Lucie Bhatoey-Bertrand addresses the Coalition for Free Speech at Lab as Lab Liberty president Oliver Wilson listens in a March 5 meeting.

Coalition of clubs emphasizes free speech in monthly political discussions

6
Block Blast, the newest viral online game, has grown in popularity among U-High students. They enjoy the strategic thinking it requires, and play the game among friends or on their own.

Block Blast: Addictive game encourages strategic thinking

7
Students practice lifeguarding skills in Sunny Gymnasium as part of a U-High class. U-High students say lifeguarding provides them with work experience and helps build connections with fellow employees.

Lifeguarding provides students with work experience, camaraderie

Poll

The poll for this week: are you following march madness?

Sorry, there was an error loading this poll.

Opinion
Reporter Carmen Nehme argues that in-person conversations between friends and family are essential towards building interpersonal relationship.
In-person conversations are neccessary for making real connections
Carmen Nehme, Reporter • March 28, 2025
Reporter Karina Hans argues that spreak break should be split into two parts, one in Febuary and one in April.
Split spring break to boost students’ mental health and academic performance
Karina Hans, Reporter • March 26, 2025
Reporter Maya Gauhar argues that people should research and avoid fast food restaurants with poor working conditions and low wages.
Support fair wages by choosing ethical restaurants
Maya Gauhar, Reporter • March 24, 2025
Reporter Laila Valenti argues using a planner helps students stay organized, reducing stress and improving productivity.
Organize your life and reduce stress by using a planner
Laila Valenti, Reporter • March 7, 2025
Editor-in-Chief Jaya Alenghat argues that the college process, while stressful offers alot of self insight for students.
College applications offer much needed clarity and direction
Jaya Alenghat, Editor-in-Chief • March 6, 2025
Photo Galleries
In a recurring scene about a student stuck in a time loop, junior Evelyn Halbach, left, relives the same experience of helping senior Taylor Landrey with her homework.
Gallery: Student Experimental Theater
Delaney Connell, Ellis Calleri, Olin Nafziger, Estelle Levinson, and Lucy Byrnes • March 3, 2025
Junior Liz Longnecker completes a Gelli plate print during Period 3.
Gallery: ArtsFest sparks excitement, expression
Ari Novak and Skye Freeman • February 28, 2025
TRIUMPHANT TACTICS. Surrounded by players, varsity boys basketball coach Andre Battle discusses mid-game adjustments during a game against the Latin School of Chicago in Upper Kovler Gymnasium on Jan. 17. The game ended in a decisive 58-44 victory.
Gallery: Coaching with Care
Bryce Kenny, Suleiman Sufi, Nika Nelson, Devyn Moubayed, N.C. Gunning, Peyton Palmer, Clara Blucher, and Lucy Shirrell • February 18, 2025
An attendee drives a Kia car simulation at the 2025 Chicago Auto Show, Feb.8-17. The auto show included other interactive elements for visitors, such as electric test tracks and ride-alongs.
Chicago Auto Show immerses, engages attendees
Jaya Alenghat, Editor-in-Chief • February 12, 2025
RDFZ’s dance, aerobics, martial arts and boy’s dance teams smile during the last moments of the “Youth of the Lion Dance,” one of the most common Chinese dances. This Lunar New Year’s animal was the snake, a symbol of good luck, rebirth and regality.
Exchange students arrive from China; Lunar New Year performance amazes
Naomi Benton, Ari Novak, Calder Wong, Bryce Kenny, and Olin Nafziger • February 7, 2025
Sports
The dance team ended its competition season at Ottawa High School on Feb. 8 after placing first in both hip-hop and pom but not meeting the point threshold to qualify for the state tournament.
Dance team wrap up: season ends with ArtsFest performance
Lucy Shirrell, Assistant Editor • March 6, 2025

The dance team ended its competition season at Ottawa High School on Feb. 8 after placing first in both hip-hop and pom but not meeting the point threshold to qualify for the state tournament. The team...

On Feb. 28, the boys swimming and diving season ended. Senior Sebastian Gans advanced to the IHSA State Swimming and Diving Championship meet at the FCM Aquatics Center in Westmont. Sebastian and other swimmers, Sam Oyler, Simon Gans and Jeffrey Wang broke school records.
Boys swimming and diving wrap up: swimmers set records, Sebastian Gans advances to state
March 4, 2025
Senior Alex Giles dribbles around her defender from Lindblom High School in Upper Kovler Gymnasium on Feb. 7.
Athletic essentials Q&A: Alex Giles
March 4, 2025
Health and Wellness
FLAWED FORMULA. Once a primary tool for diagnosing obesity, BMI is now being challenged for its oversimplified approach to health. The formula was originally created for population studies, not individual health assessments.
Experts question traditional weight classification in diagnosing obesity
Naomi Benton, Audience Engagement Editor • February 26, 2025

Body mass index, BMI, is a scale traditionally used by doctors to diagnose clinical obesity. Recently, however, this tool has been controversial. Doctors now believe that other factors, including muscle...

CAFETERIA CHANGES. Some students find the cafeteria food meets their needs, while others feel there is room for improvement. In the coming months, HandCut Foods plan to bring more variety and excitement to lunch by adding new options like sushi, omelets and seasonal treats.
What’s on your lunch plate?
February 12, 2025
SWEATY SERENITY. Besides benefits like increased sweat production, flexibility, and the detoxifying effects, hot yoga brings many other gains including stronger bone density, better skin, and ease of depression.
Students find mindfulness and strength hot yoga and pilates
January 29, 2025
Arts
“DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS” (“I should have taken more photos”), is a Spanish album by Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny released on Jan. 5. The album features 17 tracks, including hits such as “DtMF” and “NUEVAYoL,” all of which cement Bad Bunny’s ability to create yet another stand out and versatile album.
Bad Bunny’s ‘DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS’ is a genre-blending ode to Puerto Rico
Orlie Weitzman, Assistant Editor • March 24, 2025

The first Spanish-language artist to ever become Spotify’s most-streamed artist globally, with over 8.3 billion total streams. The fastest male artist to create a project amassing 1 billion streams....

In a recurring scene about a student stuck in a time loop, junior Evelyn Halbach, left, relives the same experience of helping senior Taylor Landrey with her homework.
Gallery: Student Experimental Theater
March 3, 2025
Over the course of this spring break, catch up with your favorite podcasts and audio stories — while also trying out some new ones!
Break-ready, binge-worthy: 5 podcasts to check out this spring break
March 3, 2025
Multimedia
College counselor Patty Kovacs talks to a junior on Jan. 22 about his potential college matches and how his extracurricular activities and interests could affect which colleges are a good fit for him. Along with representing student's ambition, extracurriculars also work to bolster college applications.
Audio: Extracurriculars represent ambition, self-discovery — and pressure
Milo Platz-Walker, Sports Editor • March 2, 2025

Ambient sound of basketball practice HOST: An hour before basketball practice, senior Noah Runesha can be found in the middle school learning...

Video: Community says farewell to retiring ‘Ms. Cynthia’ Boykin
Video: Community says farewell to retiring ‘Ms. Cynthia’ Boykin
February 26, 2025
Video: Sophomores celebrate ‘joy in service’ with dance, activities
Video: Sophomores celebrate ‘joy in service’ with dance, activities
February 20, 2025
In-Depth
Addicted to the Algorithm
Addicted to the Algorithm
February 23, 2025

After TikTok was unavailable for 12 hours on Jan. 19, the app received a 75-day reprieve from President Donald Trump as he tries to find an American buyer. The reaction from students has been mixed: a...

10 x 10: Midway 100
10 x 10: Midway 100
December 19, 2024
Vice presidential candidate and previous educator Tim Walz addresses his supportive crowd at the 2024 DNC.
With former educator Walz on ticket, schools take spotlight
October 25, 2024
City Life
A second location of 5 Rabanitos, a Mexican restaurant based in the Pilsen neighborhood, is now open at 1301 E. 53rd St..
Pilsen’s 5 Rabanitos restaurant opens second location in Hyde Park
Lucy Shirrell, Assistant Editor • March 5, 2025

Plastered across the wall of 5 Rabanitos’ Hyde Park location is a mural covered in bright colors. Centered between images of plants, hummingbirds...

Slice of the City: Pizza in Chicago
Slice of the City: Pizza in Chicago
February 19, 2025
An attendee drives a Kia car simulation at the 2025 Chicago Auto Show, Feb.8-17. The auto show included other interactive elements for visitors, such as electric test tracks and ride-alongs.
Chicago Auto Show immerses, engages attendees
February 12, 2025