The Student News Site of University of Chicago Laboratory High School

U-High Midway
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 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’
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
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
Ethics Bowl is a competitive academic team that debates moral philosophies. U-High teams placed high at the Indiana Ethics Bowl Regional Tournament on Feb. 1 to end their current season.
Ethics Bowl team finishes season well at Indiana tournament
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 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
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
Reporter Nola Baldassare argues that students best learn when given choices in their own learning process.
Engage students by giving them choice in their learning
Audience Engagement Editor argues that controversial topics that are hard to discuss must be discussed more freely.
Lab must take action and foster discussions on critical issues
The Editorial Board argues that the DEI cuts made at the federal level have negative impacts on Lab students.
DEI initiatives are essential
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
Saba Ayman-Nolley unpacks donations from the Baha'i community to be used for various social justice projects. Ms. Ayman-Nolley is the president of the Hyde Park/Kenwood Interfaith Council.
Saba Ayman-Nolley: Uniting faith traditions, celebrating difference
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
A WONDERFUL TIME. The Shedd Aquarium's Wonder of Water exhibit opened to the public in December, replacing the historical Caribbean Reef.
Wonder of Water exhibit offers insight, understanding
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
Sophomore Valkyrie Laurence and senior Sylvie Bartom rehearse a scene during S.E.T., or Student Experimental Theater.
Student Experimental Theater fosters creativity, growth
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
Senior Noah Runesha lays the ball up during the varsity boys basketball game against Latin on Jan. 17. The team ended its season on Feb. 26 with a 57-41 regional semifinal loss to top-seeded Leo High School.
Boys basketball wrap up: season ends after regional semifinal loss
The fencing team capped off one of its most successful seasons with a second-place finish at the Great Lakes Conference Team Championships on Feb. 1.
Fencing wrap up: team finishes second overall
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
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

After performing very well at the March 1 College of Lake County regional, with both varsity and JV teams placing second, U-High’s Science Olympiad team is headed to the state competition at the University of Illinois,...

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
Ethics Bowl is a competitive academic team that debates moral philosophies. U-High teams placed high at the Indiana Ethics Bowl Regional Tournament on Feb. 1 to end their current season.
Ethics Bowl team finishes season well at Indiana tournament
Nola Baldassare, Reporter • February 11, 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
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

3
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

4
A Roblox player poses in an outfit they created for the theme “Harajuku.” The Roblox game Dress to Impress released on Nov. 11, 2023, and it has attracted many U-High students.

Creativity, fashion expressed in game Dress to Impress

5
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

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
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

Poll

How’s your spring break so far?

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Opinion
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
Reporter Nola Baldassare argues that students best learn when given choices in their own learning process.
Engage students by giving them choice in their learning
Nola Baldassare, Reporter • March 5, 2025
Audience Engagement Editor argues that controversial topics that are hard to discuss must be discussed more freely.
Lab must take action and foster discussions on critical issues
Juliana Daugherty, Audience Engagement Editor • February 27, 2025
The Editorial Board argues that the DEI cuts made at the federal level have negative impacts on Lab students.
DEI initiatives are essential
Editorial Board • February 20, 2025
Audience Engagement Editor Caroline Skelly argues that cancel culture is harmful towards society and argues it perpetuates public shaming.
Exaggerating cancel culture hampers free expression, debate
Caroline Skelly, Audience Engagement Editor • February 14, 2025
Photo Galleries
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
Before returning to their townhomes for the night on Jan. 31, Stefanie Giurcanu and Olivia Adams play Jenga in the basement of the Eagle Ridge Resort main lodge.
Gallery: Class of 2025 unwinds, bonds with friends during annual Senior Getaway
Olin Nafziger, Photo Editor-in-Chief • February 5, 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 Noah Runesha lays the ball up during the varsity boys basketball game against Latin on Jan. 17. The team ended its season on Feb. 26 with a 57-41 regional semifinal loss to top-seeded Leo High School.
Boys basketball wrap up: season ends after regional semifinal loss
March 3, 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
Junior Liz Longnecker completes a Gelli plate print during Period 3.
Gallery: ArtsFest sparks excitement, expression
Ari Novak and Skye Freeman • February 28, 2025

Lab’s annual ArtsFest kicked off with Art in the Dark on the evening of Feb. 25 and the main event held on Feb. 26, featuring dozens of workshops hosted by students and faculty, from Euchre Fun! to slime...

Sophomore Valkyrie Laurence and senior Sylvie Bartom rehearse a scene during S.E.T., or Student Experimental Theater.
Student Experimental Theater fosters creativity, growth
February 24, 2025
Senior Sierra Stacy strums at her harp, locked in concentration. Harpists at U-High have a unique and close-knit community that comes with playing this rare and technically demanding instrument.
Strings of Connection: U-High harpists find connection in niche musical community
February 19, 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