10 x 10: Midway 100

Celebrating the Midway’s 100th year of publication, this collection of stories, alumni and images showcases the diverse coverage of U-High history in 100 items — 10 lists of 10.

Jaya Alenghat, Ari Novak, Lucy Shirrell, and Declan Smith

December 19, 2024

Lucy Byrnes

This year the Midway celebrates its 100th year of publication. Since its founding, the Midway has overcome obstacles, documented U-High history and become one of the most recognized high school newspapers in the nation.

In the journalism storage room, a team of Midway staff looked through Midway archives dating back to 1924, finding powerful stories, alumni and images to showcase the diverse coverage of U-High history in 100 items — 10 lists of 10. While the archives have a few gaps, the information presented here still captures the Midway’s legacy at U-High.

About the Contributors

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

Ari Novak, Assistant Editor

Ari Novak is a member of the Class of 2027 and serves as an assistant editor. She began writing for the Midway as a ninth grader during the 2023-24 school year. Outside of journalism, she is on the mock trial team. She also enjoys playing the piano, reading the works of Margaret Atwood and listening to The Killers. Awards: 2024 Illinois Journalism Education Association: First place, audio journalism, Audio: Chicago music school experiences boom in business

Lucy Shirrell, Assistant Editor

Lucy Shirrell is a member of the Class of 2027 and serves as an assistant editor. She began journalism as a ninth grader in the 2023-24 school year. Outside of journalism, Lucy enjoys singing, listening to music and baking.

Declan Smith, Assistant Editor

Declan Smith is a member of the Class of 2027 and is an assistant editor. He began journalism as a ninth grader in the 2023-2024 school year. When he is not working on the Midway, he studies his family history and is a member of the Ouroboros club. Awards: 2023 Journalism Education Association National Student Media Contests, Boston convention: Excellent, yearbook copy/caption: student life

Lucy Byrnes, Photographer

Lucy Byrnes is an equipment manager and is a member of the Class of 2026. Her favorite part of photojournalism is getting to know interesting members of the Lab community and taking their photos. Outside of photojournalism she enjoys sewing and science, and she participates in costumes and running crew for theater.