Student-faculty games cultivate school spirit, community bonding

Taariq Ahmed and Jaya Alenghat

November 17, 2023

As a send off to the community just before Thanksgiving break, students and faculty gathered in Upper Kovler gymnasium during the Lab D period on Nov. 15 for a student-faculty athletic competition made up of a yarn ball dodgeball game and a set of three volleyball matches. There was also a moment of recognition for fall sports teams.

About the Contributors

Taariq Ahmed, News Editor

Taariq Ahmed is a member of the Class of 2025 and serves as the news editor. He joined the Midway as a sophomore after moving from St. Louis, where he completed Introduction to Journalism at his previous school in ninth grade. Taariq is the co-president of his school's Young Men of Color group and Being Racially Aware and Valuing Ethnicity conference board. Outside of school, Taariq enjoys spending time with family and friends, exercising and reading the news. Awards:

2024 National Scholastic Press Association Digital Story of the Year: Photo Slideshow (with Jaya Alenghat, Mia Lipson, Nathan Li, Olin Nafziger, Eli Raikhel, Grace LaBelle, Ryan Burke-Stevenson, Ellis Calleri, Bryce Light) — Top 10 Finalist (result announced Nov. 9, 2024)

2024 Illinois All-State Journalism Team

2024 Illinois Journalism Education Association: First place, sports news story, 7 seniors commit to play college athletics in community event

2024 Illinois Journalism Education Association: First place, photo gallery or slideshow (with Chloë Alexander, Skye Freeman), ArtsFest activities reflect students spirit, creativity

2024 Illinois Journalism Education Association: Second place, personality profile, Juggling Act: Senior works to explore passions with numerous roles in upcoming fall play

2024 Illinois Journalism Education Association: Second place, photo gallery or slideshow (with Mia Lipson, Alex Diamond, Bryce Light, Olin Nafziger, Eli Raikhel), U-High celebrates community spirit in annual Homecoming assembly 2023 Illinois Journalism Education Association: Third place, news (with Mia Lipson, Téa Tamburo), With powerful testimonials of discrimination, groups call for action

Jaya Alenghat, Editor-in-Chief

Jaya Alenghat is a member of the Class of 2025 and is an editor-in-chief for the U-High Midway. She joined the Midway as a sophomore in the 2022-23 school year and previously served as an assistant editor and the city life editor. Outside of school, she enjoys playing tennis and spending time with her friends, family and dog. Awards:

2024 National Scholastic Press Association Design of the Year: Newspaper Page/Spread — Top 10 Finalist (result announced Nov. 9, 2024)

2024 National Scholastic Press Association Digital Story of the Year: Photo Slideshow (with Taariq Ahmed, Mia Lipson, Nathan Li, Olin Nafziger, Eli Raikhel, Grace LaBelle, Ryan Burke-Stevenson, Ellis Calleri, Bryce Light) — Top 10 Finalist (result announced Nov. 9, 2024)

2024 National Scholastic Press Association Digital Story of the Year: Photo Slideshow (with Olin Nafziger, Chloë Alexander, Mia Lipson) — Top 10 Finalist (result announced Nov. 9, 2024)

2024 National Scholastic Press Association Best Use of Social Media: Social Media Reporting (with Chloë Alexander, Clare McRoberts, Skye Freeman) — Top 10 Finalist (result announced Nov. 9, 2024)

2024 Illinois Journalism Education Association: First place, sports feature, Coaching with care: Tyrone Mason

2024 Illinois Journalism Education Association: First place, sports commentary, A new White Sox stadium would be beneficial but nonessential 2024 Illinois Journalism Education Association: Second place, sports feature, Muslim student athletes navigate fasting during Ramadan while maintaining physical endurance

2024 Illinois Journalism Education Association: Second place, multimedia story package (with Haley Maharry, Chloë Alexander, Clare McRoberts, Olin Nafziger), Mocktail Mania: Fruity, fizzy drinks offer nonalchoholic, fun beverage option

2024 Scholastic Press Association of Chicago, sports news story: excellent 2024 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Circle Award: Certificate of merit, sports features, “Muslim student athletes navigate fasting during Ramadan while maintaining physical endurance” 2023 Journalism Education Association National Student Media Contests, Boston convention: Excellent, news writing

Delaney Connell, Photographer

Delaney Connell is an advanced photojournalist and a member of the class of 2026. Her favorite part of photojournalism is taking photos of sports and other school events. Outside of photojournalism, she plays soccer and likes cooking.

Olin Nafziger, Photo Editor-in-Chief

Olin Nafziger is an editor-in-chief of the photojournalism team and a member of the class of 2025. His favorite part of photojournalism is being able to cover local news and events in the U-High community. Outside of photojournalism, Olin enjoys woodworking, watching soccer and motorsport, and completing the New York Times Crossword. Awards:

2024 National Scholastic Press Association Digital Story of the Year: Photo Slideshow (with Jaya Alenghat, Taariq Ahmed, Mia Lipson, Nathan Li, Olin Nafziger, Eli Raikhel, Grace LaBelle, Ryan Burke-Stevenson, Ellis Calleri, Bryce Light) — Top 10 Finalist (result announced Nov. 9, 2024)

2024 National Scholastic Press Association Digital Story of the Year: Photo Slideshow (with Olin Nafziger, Jaya Alenghat, Chloë Alexander, Mia Lipson) — Top 10 Finalist (result announced Nov. 9, 2024)

2024 National Scholastic Press Association Portfolio of the Year: Photojournalist of the Year — Top 10 Finalist (result announced Nov. 9, 2024)

2024 Illinois All-State Journalism Team

2024 Illinois Journalism Education Association: Second place, multimedia story package (with Haley Maharry, Jaya Alenghat, Chloë Alexander, Clare McRoberts), Mocktail Mania: Fruity, fizzy drinks offer nonalchoholic, fun beverage option

2024 Illinois Journalism Education Association: Second place, photo gallery or slideshow (with Taariq Ahmed, Mia Lipson, Alex Diamond, Bryce Light, Eli Raikhel), U-High celebrates community spirit in annual Homecoming assembly

2023 Association of Texas Photography Instructors Fall Contest, sports reaction, third place 2023 Association of Texas Photography Instructors Fall Contest, still life, honorable mention

Nathan Li, Photographer

Nathan Li, a member of the Class of 2025, is a beginning photojournalist. His favorite part of photojournalism is documenting sports and being able to include his friends. Outside of photojournalism, Nathan likes playing basketball and listening to music. Awards:

2024 National Scholastic Press Association Digital Story of the Year: Photo Slideshow (with Jaya Alenghat, Taariq Ahmed, Mia Lipson, Olin Nafziger, Eli Raikhel, Grace LaBelle, Ryan Burke-Stevenson, Ellis Calleri, Bryce Light) — Top 10 Finalist (result announced Nov. 9, 2024)