The Student News Site of University of Chicago Laboratory High School

U-High Midway
Senior Brianna Chang makes slime as an experiment with Lab first graders as part of the Beaker Buddies program, which will not run next school year.
Lab science mentorship program suspended for 2025-26
In January, seniors battle it out in a pingpong game as other students relax in the senior lounge. The lounge was temporarily closed from Nov. 19 to Dec. 2 after a lockdown drill during which seniors disrupted the space.
Senior lounge opens after actions prompt warnings, closure
Seniors Jack Colyer, Karis Lee, Krish Khanna, Andrew Ji and Max Gurinas head to the University of Chicago for their Honors Calculus I class, just some of the many students who take classes at UChicago to pursue niche interests in a rigorous setting. 
Students utilize UChicago courses to rigorously explore specialized interests
UChicago Bhangra performed at the assembly on Jan 9 hosted by Young Men of Color and Young Women of Color, themed "Joy & Justice." Bhangra is a a traditional dance style from the Punjab region of India and Pakistan.
At joint assembly, affinity groups intersect joy and justice
Two years after ChatGPT hit the Internet, many students are turning to the AI model as a support system for everything, from assisting with schoolwork to providing personal advice.
AI becomes a tool: ChatGPT tasks expand beyond simple prompts
The Korean Families and Friends Affinity Group and the Chinese Families and Friends Affinity Group will host a Lunar New Year events Jan. 31 and Feb. 2, respectively.
Lab family affinity groups to host Lunar New Year events
Sonakshi Mutreja hosts a workshop during Social Justice Week last year. The form for this year's Social Justice Week workshop proposals is open until February 24th.
Social Justice Week to be held April 24; students invited to sign up by Feb. 24
Curtrice Scott, Lab's new director of alumni relations and development, begins Jan. 21.
New director of alumni relations and development to begin Jan. 21
Robert Hitzelberg, who was a Lab middle school humanities teacher, became interim dean of students for the middle school on Jan. 6.
Humanities teacher takes on role as interim middle school dean of students
Students explore U-High’s first International Day in Judd C-116 during Artsfest last year. The event, a community-wide potluck in which foods from different cultures are prepared and provided, will be held again this year Feb. 26.
International Day to be held Feb. 26; community invited to sign up by Jan. 21
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
Voters of younger generations will have a major impact on the results of the upcoming presidential election. Some key topics to young voters include climate change, student loan debt and gun violence.
Young voters have crucial role in election
Arts & Entertainment Editor Light Dohrn argues that wealth shields many from the fatal flaws of the healthcare system.
For millions, our broken health care system turns desperation into tragedy
Features Editor Skye Freeman argues that gender based sentiments such as “Boys will be boys” are harmful and promote things such as toxic masculinity.
Gender-based sentiments must cease
The Editorial Board Argues that accessibility efforts for students with learning differences are a positive step towards making Lab the best place it can be.
Accessibility efforts are worth it
Audience-Engagement Editor Naomi Benton argues that people should take the time to be bored and experience the nuances of boredom.
Embrace boredom to promote creativity and productivity
Assistant Editor Declan Smith argues that phone usage should be accepted and utilized instead of looked down upon.
Phone usage should be embraced among students and teachers
Dungeons & Dragons is a role-playing game that brings students together and strengthens their real-life connections.
Audio: Dungeons & Dragons fosters creativity, connection
Ninth graders complete math homework in class. At Lab, some female students feel isolated in STEM courses, specifically in advanced math classes.
Some female students feel discouraged, isolated in advanced math courses
19-year-old Tess Frangias, co-owner of Hyde Park's Greek diner Salonica, poses behind the restaurant counter.
Tess Frangias: Co-owner of Greek diner Salonica finds community
Lower school students in extended day design pages of the student-run publication The Late Day News.
Extended day newspaper inspires lower school writers
Sophomore Mira Reddy receives her drink from baristas at Lab's coffee shop, The Grind. Students frequent The Grind throughout the day, relying on it is not just a place to grab a snack but a source of beverages that get them through the school day.
The Grind provides good energy, yummy snacks for students
Flag Forward
Flag Forward
SANTA COMES EARLY. Every year the CTA decorates one of their trains as “Santa’s Express” with a Santa and reindeer, and elves as dedicated conductors to raise money for food baskets.
Charity and Cheer
The Lincoln Park Zoolights is marking its 30th anniversary. Throughout the years, it has remained a Chicago holiday custom.
Zoolights keeps Chicago holiday tradition alive
In Bronzeville, a project is underway to commemorate the 1919 race riots. The effort is to install glass markers for each of the people killed and will be installed near the Illinois Institute of Technology campus
Project aims to commemorate 1919 race riots, spread historical awareness
This exhibition was created as a tribute to the Johnson Publishing Company, which was founded by John Johnson in 1942. The exhibition is located at the Stony Island Arts Bank.
Exhibition serves as tribute to the Johnson Publishing Company
Sophomore Mia Lane, who independently runs “Lost Oddball Crochet,” has found her passion creating and selling whimsical crochet plushies and figures. She began crocheting after receiving an amigurumi kit for Christmas, and used her natural talent for entrepreneurship to build her business afterward.
Totally hooked: Sophomore Mia Lane finds confidence, develops craft through small business
The Smart Museum, which opened in 1974, is celebrating its 50th anniversary through March 2025 with a new limited-time exhibit, filled with rich history, bright colors and beautiful pieces of art.
Smart Museum marks 50 years with colorful, intimate exhibit
Lab's newest art exhibit to be held in the Corvus Gallery in Gordon Parks Arts Hall, called “In The Gaze of Time: Ritual Portraiture,” will display the work of the artist Luis Sahagun and is expected to be open no later than Jan. 17.
New Corvus gallery exhibit to highlight Mexican culture
Comedian Matt Rife’s memoir “Your Mom’s Gonna Love Me,” which came out on Dec. 3, is filled with immature writing and a general air of arrogance that prove the book is little more than an attempt to cash in on Mr. Rife’s preexisting fame.
Matt Rife’s ‘Your Mom’s Gonna Love Me’ is an arrogant cash grab
Before the Dec. 18 high school music concert at Mandel Hall, ninth grader Ari Wong prepares by wetting the reed for his clarinet while laughing and playing around with a friend's violin.
Gallery: U-High winter music concert
Sophomore Nanak Ofori-Mante cheers for the varsity girls basketball team. Nanak is one of multiple team members to be injured during the season, after she hyperextended her knee and tore her meniscus during the 2023-24 varsity girls basketball season.
Varsity girls basketball team fights through various injury setbacks
Following the first official practice of the lower school sports program, students huddle up in Lower Kovler to celebrate their hard work.
Lower school introduces athletics program
Blending high-energy NBA gameplay with intimate behind-the-scenes footage, Netflix's "Starting Five" gives an authentic, emotional look into the lives of NBA stars, though it occasionally falls into a repetition of familiar narratives.
Netflix’s ‘Starting Five’ delivers a fresh perspective on life in the NBA
Junior Devyn Moubayed, a varsity girls soccer player, displays her vibrant turquoise Nike Tiempo soccer cleats as she stands on Jackman Field.
On-field Fashion: In games, student-athletes showcase style, blending performance and flair
Senior Noah Runesha, the starting point guard for the varsity basketball team, lifts dumbbells in the fitness center to further prepare for the basketball season.
Student-athletes chase varsity dreams through dedication
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
BREAK THE FAST. Café Lab offers a variety of breakfast foods from fruits and Greek yogurt to less healthy sweets like doughnuts. For students short on time but wanting a nutritious start for the day, dietician Devanee Washington suggests consuming healthy fats and carbs, which can be found in options like overnight oats with fruit, a quick smoothie of greens and Greek yogurt, or a toast with avocado.
Skipping breakfast makes students run on empty
SWEAT IN SWEATS. As part of his Winter Arc fitness routine junior Zuri Cosey Gay runs on the treadmill in the fitness center. The term Winter Arc was inspired by storytelling character development “arcs” to emphasize the personal growth and transformation aspects of the trend.
For fitness, students join winter arc trend
Outdoor winter fitness can help combat Seasonal Affective Disorder and boost immunity, by participating in activities like running, hiking, and ice skating. Joining a local winter sports group or fitness class could further enhance social engagement in maintaining a winter fitness routine.
Tips to stay active and beat winter blues with outdoor fitness
TRACKING TRENDS. Many wearable health devices sync their heath data directly with medical professionals, enabling remote monitoring of health issues and early detection of chronic conditions without frequent in-person visits.
Tech tools transform training
For some teenagers, finding independence is a far more personal process: claiming your identity on your own terms.
Through self-discovery about identity, students gain independence
Four seasonal, spooky snacks for autumn
Four seasonal, spooky snacks for autumn
The TikTok food trend the chamoy pickle has gained popularity among high school students.
Chamoy pickle TikTok food trend tickles taste buds
Asa Bordelon, a junior, has found a passion for sewing and tailoring. Through this activity, his interest in history is explored as well.
Pandemic Pastime to Passion: Asa Bordelon explores history interest through sewing
For one of their last assemblies of the year, the sophomores were going to reflect on the work they’d done and engage in service learning in a new, interactive way. 
Audio: Sophomores celebrate service learning in new assembly style
Before the Dec. 18 high school music concert at Mandel Hall, ninth grader Ari Wong prepares by wetting the reed for his clarinet while laughing and playing around with a friend's violin.
Gallery: U-High winter music concert
Ninth grader Sofia Caldentey and junior Maggie Yagan work together to set up C-116 to host the UNHRC committee for U-High’s Model UN conference, LabMUNC, on Friday afternoon, Dec. 6.
Model UN team hosts first conference at Lab since before pandemic
Standing with two of his company’s robot products, sophomore Isaac Sutherland delivers lines as the lead role of R.U.R. CEO Harry Domin. “I think my favorite part was when you get to the point in rehearsal where you’re working off of the other actors, and you get to this collaborative flow state that is kind of incredible,” Isaac said. “Everyone is working together and building a story together, and I find that so much fun.”
Gallery: Fall play ‘Rossum’s Universal Robots’ explores revolution, technology
From the fan-favorite dishes of mac and cheese and fried chicken to cornbread and candied yams, different traditional African American foods lined the long table on one side of C116. BSA catered the mac and cheese and collard greens from Lab’s food vendor, HandCut Foods, and the rest was catered from Harold’s Chicken.
Gallery: Cuisine, culture and community thrive at Black Students’ Association’s annual Blacksgiving event
“For Latinos Unidos, since this is our first year colliding for lower and middle school we wanted to do one tier for the lower school, one tier for the middle school, and one tier for the high school.” – Camila Bravo, junior Latinos Unidos member
Gallery: Latinos Unidos hosts ofrenda, invites community to contribute
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
Categories:

Audio: Dungeons & Dragons fosters creativity, connection

Light Dohrn, Arts Editor
January 22, 2025
Ezra Peek Taylor
Dungeons & Dragons is a role-playing game that brings students together and strengthens their real-life connections.
Light Dohrn

A group of U-High students gathers each week to play Dungeons & Dragons, an activity that they believe helps build community and imagination. As they step into the roles of their characters, the game becomes a way to strengthen real-life relationships — and for these students, the fantasy world serves as both an escape and a space to connect, proving that even in a digital age, storytelling and collaboration can bring people together.

View Story Comments
Print this Story
Tags:
More to Discover
More in Features
Ninth graders complete math homework in class. At Lab, some female students feel isolated in STEM courses, specifically in advanced math classes.
Some female students feel discouraged, isolated in advanced math courses
19-year-old Tess Frangias, co-owner of Hyde Park's Greek diner Salonica, poses behind the restaurant counter.
Tess Frangias: Co-owner of Greek diner Salonica finds community
Lower school students in extended day design pages of the student-run publication The Late Day News.
Extended day newspaper inspires lower school writers
Sophomore Mira Reddy receives her drink from baristas at Lab's coffee shop, The Grind. Students frequent The Grind throughout the day, relying on it is not just a place to grab a snack but a source of beverages that get them through the school day.
The Grind provides good energy, yummy snacks for students
A group of freshmen gather to play Brawl Stars during a high school concert at Mandel Hall. The online game has grown increasingly popular at U-High and serves as a way for students to connect with one another.
Brawl Stars game creates community through competition
Sophomore Ian Benert completes homework in the library during his free period. Many Lab students juggle work and extracurriculars outside of class, yet rate their productivity and achievements significantly lower than Lab parents.
Gap persists between parents, students' views of Lab
More in Showcase
Sophomore Nanak Ofori-Mante cheers for the varsity girls basketball team. Nanak is one of multiple team members to be injured during the season, after she hyperextended her knee and tore her meniscus during the 2023-24 varsity girls basketball season.
Varsity girls basketball team fights through various injury setbacks
Senior Brianna Chang makes slime as an experiment with Lab first graders as part of the Beaker Buddies program, which will not run next school year.
Lab science mentorship program suspended for 2025-26
Sophomore Mia Lane, who independently runs “Lost Oddball Crochet,” has found her passion creating and selling whimsical crochet plushies and figures. She began crocheting after receiving an amigurumi kit for Christmas, and used her natural talent for entrepreneurship to build her business afterward.
Totally hooked: Sophomore Mia Lane finds confidence, develops craft through small business
Arts & Entertainment Editor Light Dohrn argues that wealth shields many from the fatal flaws of the healthcare system.
For millions, our broken health care system turns desperation into tragedy
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
The Smart Museum, which opened in 1974, is celebrating its 50th anniversary through March 2025 with a new limited-time exhibit, filled with rich history, bright colors and beautiful pieces of art.
Smart Museum marks 50 years with colorful, intimate exhibit