The Student News Site of University of Chicago Laboratory High School

U-High Midway
Video: Sophomores celebrate ‘joy in service’ with dance, activities
Video: Sophomores celebrate ‘joy in service’ with dance, activities
Isaac Stanley-Becker, who attended the Laboratory Schools from nursery school through ninth grade, is a reporter for The Washington Post and historian of modern Europe who recently authored “Europe Without Borders: History,” a book exploring the Schengen Agreement and free movement in Europe.
Q&A: Former student turned journalist and historian unpacks new book
Due to weather concerns on Feb. 12, Laboratory Schools campuses will be closed. This photo is from the Jan. 12, 2024, snow day.
Campuses closed on Feb. 12 due to severe weather
Sophomore Jimmy Yu studies for one of his two math classes, Discrete Mathematics and Statistics and Accelerated Pre-Calculus/Calculus A. Many U-High students are doubling up and testing out of math classes to reach more advanced courses. Motivations vary, such as nurturing a passion, finding a challenge or strengthening their college applications.
More math gives depth, edge
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
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
From Jan. 29 to Feb. 1, junior Sophia Zheng and sophomore Sinziana Lazar went to the Illinois Music Education Association All-State Orchestra in Peoria for three days of intense practice with a final performance on the last day. 
Two U-High musicians perform in Illinois Music Education Association All-State Orchestra
Campers drench counselor and junior Mo Iyi-Ojo using an alternative dunk tank at Summer Lab last year. The application form to be counselor for Summer Lab is open until Feb. 17 at 9 p.m.
Summer Lab counselor applications made due for Feb. 17
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
The Editorial Board argues that the DEI cuts made at the federal level have negative impacts on Lab students.
DEI initiatives are essential
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
Troubling Tech
Troubling Tech
Assitant Editor Sohana Schneider argues that birthright citizenship must stand regardless of President Trump's executive order.
Birthright citizenship cannot cease under Trump
Assistant Editor Lucy Shirrell argues that constant work is not sustainable and can lead to burnout.
Desire for productivity prevents relaxation
Moss, the resident dog at Powell's, delights both customers and residents passing by. One of the largest independent bookstores, Powell's first opened in 1970 and sells a varied collection of mostly secondhand books.
Hyde Park bookstore provides community with history, culture
At U-High, students are faced with the decision to dress for comfort or style during the harsh Chicago winter weather
Frosty Fashion
Trushar Patel has been running Rajun Cajun, his family-owned resturaunt in Hyde Park on 53rd street, for the past 30 years. Inspired by the previous owner’s Southern cooking, Rajun Cajun serves customers a unique blend of both Indian and southern cuisine.
Combining culture and comfort: Trushar Patel gives Indian food a Southern twist
Ninth grader Tal Neiman skates alongside co-presidents of the U-High figure skating club, sophomores Lily Davidson and Hannah Gao, on the Midway Plaisance ice rink. They meet almost weekly to skate for leisure or prepare for high school skating competitions.
Figure skating club created for competition, leisure
Molly Herron, social worker and organizer of the South Side Pie Competition, began her pie-baking journey in her mid-20s, when she and her husband decided to spend a year traveling around the United States in a pickup truck.
Molly Herron: Social worker mixes love for human connection with pie baking
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
Flag Forward
Flag Forward
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
With the launching of multiple programs that include AI generation features, such as Adobe and DALL-E 3, the question of generative intelligence’s role in art has become more prevalent than ever.
Art-ificial: AI art prompts ethical, creative concerns
The University of Chicago's Court Theatre is performing a production of Lorraine Hansberry's timeless play "A Raisin in the Sun." The production will run until March 9.
Court Theatre’s ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ honors Hansberry’s vision
From Jan. 29 to Feb. 1, junior Sophia Zheng and sophomore Sinziana Lazar went to the Illinois Music Education Association All-State Orchestra in Peoria for three days of intense practice with a final performance on the last day. 
Two U-High musicians perform in Illinois Music Education Association All-State Orchestra
“Cunk On Life,” which began streaming on Netflix Dec. 30, follows mockumentarian Philomena Cunk taking a deep dive into philosophy, the meaning of life and the nature of reality.
‘Cunk on Life’ provides both meaning and humor
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
Sonali Shaw and Ceci Siegel pose in the front row at the end of the team's dance during the halftime of a basketball game on Feb. 7.
Dancing Duo: Sonali Shaw, Ceci Siegel lead with passion, experience
Many U-High sports teams offers various preseason activities, and the pressure on student athletes to attend these varies depending on the sports team and the athlete's motivation.
Audio: Preseason team activities bring opportunity, added pressure
Despite being sidelined due to injuries, Junior Zachary Wong leans over the pool, cheering on his teammates during the boys swimming and diving meet against Latin on Jan. 29.
Athletic essentials Q&A: Zachary Wong
By successfully balancing academics and fencing, ninth grader Ella Nguyen stands out not only for her skill but for her persistence and openness to advice from her coach, peers and even her brother.
Ella Nguyen finds fencing success through hard work, determination
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
BREAK THE FAST. 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
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
Many U-High sports teams offers various preseason activities, and the pressure on student athletes to attend these varies depending on the sports team and the athlete's motivation.
Audio: Preseason team activities bring opportunity, added pressure
Math teacher Ross Hunefeld helps sophomore Freddie Neater-DuBow through a math problem. Some students have felt pressure on how they should be using their free time.
Audio: Independence requires balancing free time, studying
Thrifting has become more than just getting new clothes for a cheap price. For some students, thrifting is about spending time with family and friends as well as shopping.
Audio: Thrifting offers more than just shopping
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
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
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
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
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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.

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Moss, the resident dog at Powell's, delights both customers and residents passing by. One of the largest independent bookstores, Powell's first opened in 1970 and sells a varied collection of mostly secondhand books.
Hyde Park bookstore provides community with history, culture
At U-High, students are faced with the decision to dress for comfort or style during the harsh Chicago winter weather
Frosty Fashion
Trushar Patel has been running Rajun Cajun, his family-owned resturaunt in Hyde Park on 53rd street, for the past 30 years. Inspired by the previous owner’s Southern cooking, Rajun Cajun serves customers a unique blend of both Indian and southern cuisine.
Combining culture and comfort: Trushar Patel gives Indian food a Southern twist
Ninth grader Tal Neiman skates alongside co-presidents of the U-High figure skating club, sophomores Lily Davidson and Hannah Gao, on the Midway Plaisance ice rink. They meet almost weekly to skate for leisure or prepare for high school skating competitions.
Figure skating club created for competition, leisure
Molly Herron, social worker and organizer of the South Side Pie Competition, began her pie-baking journey in her mid-20s, when she and her husband decided to spend a year traveling around the United States in a pickup truck.
Molly Herron: Social worker mixes love for human connection with pie baking
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More in Multimedia
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
Many U-High sports teams offers various preseason activities, and the pressure on student athletes to attend these varies depending on the sports team and the athlete's motivation.
Audio: Preseason team activities bring opportunity, added pressure
Math teacher Ross Hunefeld helps sophomore Freddie Neater-DuBow through a math problem. Some students have felt pressure on how they should be using their free time.
Audio: Independence requires balancing free time, studying
Thrifting has become more than just getting new clothes for a cheap price. For some students, thrifting is about spending time with family and friends as well as shopping.
Audio: Thrifting offers more than just shopping
Instead of interacting, some have taken to "phubbing" avoiding interaction using their phones as an excuse.
Audio: Avoiding awkwardness — Phubbing disrupts interactions