The Student News Site of University of Chicago Laboratory High School

U-High Midway
Laura Jarrett, Class of 2003, will speak at the Class of 2025's graduation. Ms. Jarrett is a senior legal correspondent for NBC news.
Speakers, performances selected for graduation June 5
Searching for solutions: Student looks at the AI overview while searching for how to find the derivative of a function on one of the Library’s computers. Many students rely on the overview as well as other AI tools for quick solutions to math problems and inquiries.
Teachers find AI Overview a shortcut for research
From hope to hesitancy, students reacted in many different ways to the election of a new pope.
Vox Pop: Students excited, nervous about new pope
W. Ian Lipkin who graduated U-High in 1970, was awarded the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award. Dr. Lipkin has over 40 years of work in his field.
Immunologist W. Ian Lipkin, Class of 1970, given the Distinguished Alumni Award
Daniel Chang, the 2025-26 all-school president-elect, hopes to make Student Council more efficient.
As president, Chang to prioritize functionality
From May 5-9, sophomores Aya El Bissati and Jairy Felix led a children's book drive, which raised over 120 books.
Book drive supports children’s literacy in underserved communities
On April 26 at Illinois State University, the Math Team won a state competition. Additionally, multiple teams and individuals won first place in individual competitions.
Math team wins state contest after scoring mishap
Senior Taariq Ahmed has been selected as Student Journalist of the Year by Youth Journalism International.
Midway editor named Student Journalist of the Year in global competition
Light Dohrn, the Midway's arts & entertainment editor, and Elspeth LaCroix-Birdthistle, who is on the U-Highlights staff and was on the photojournalism team last year, were selected for the Illinois Journalism Education Association's All-State Journalism Team.
For third consecutive year, two U-High journalists named to All-State team
Midway journalists and photojournalists received various awards from the Illinois Journalism Education Association, including Best Overall Publication and Best Hybrid Publication.
U-High journalists, photojournalists receive state awards
The shadows of policy & power
The shadows of policy & power
Driven to serve: Alumni pursue careers in public service
Driven to serve: Alumni pursue careers in public service
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
News Editor Declan Smith argues that cursive shouldn't be confined to textbooks, but rather, taught as an artistic skill.
Teach cursive as artistic skill rather than a textbook chore
Audience Engagement Editor Abhay Chandran argues that books should choose a meaningful ending instead of an easy ending.
Write endings that have meaning instead of an easy outcome
The Editorial Board argues that Lab is losing the characteristics and limiting student activities which define student life and make the highschool experience fun.
Lab is losing what makes it fun
Assistant Editor Lila Coyne argues that in a period of petty political arguments, students should engage in collaborative disagreement.
Embrace collaborative disagreement to improve discussion
The Editorial Board argues that elected students must follow through on the promises that they make during campaigning.
Hold your Student Council accountable
Private Stories are a a feature on Snapchat often used by teenagers to document funny moments in their lives and share updates with friends — all with the ability to control how public or private they want these stories to be.
Students turn to Snapchat private stories for real talk, connection
IN TUNE. Harmony for Hearts, the student-led organization, performs for seniors and people with disabilities.
Using music, students spread joy to elders
Junior Sara Park attends an Asian Students’ Association meeting on May 16. ASA has become more than just a club, but rather a community led by faculty members Shirley Volk and Hsing-Huei Huang.
Sponsors who reflect students identity help ASA thrive
After 27 years at U-High, college counselor Patty Kovacs is retiring. Ms. Kovacs and her husband have started an endowment at U-High for non-tuition based needs of juniors and seniors going through the college process.
Patty Kovacs: Beloved college counselor retires after 27 years
During Lab A, ninth graders Lauren Wilson and Alondra Reyes visit middle school faculty member Thomas Toney to talk about the latest water polo match that Alondra participated in. Lauren and Alondra often go together to visit Mr. Toney and talk to him about school or about personal things together. “We come back from time to time just to keep conversation going about how we’re doing in high school,” Lauren said.
Students maintain bonds with middle school teachers
Say “Ah.” Dr. Kat Asbury prepares to take a cat's temperature at one of the bimonthly pop-up clinics run by Hyde Park Cats. These pop-up clinics are held in the houses of Hyde Park volunteers, and allow for fosterers to bring their fosters in for necessary vaccinations, blood tests and wellness checks without incurring the costs of a regular vet visit. “Not everybody knows what to do when they see an animal in distress, and it’s good to get the word out so people know we’re a good resource,” Fran Spaltro, a frequent volunteer for this organization, said.
Comforting Cats: Nonprofit shelters, rescues local felines
Typing carefully as she works on her homework, ninth grader Maeve Krewatch gazes at her screen while sitting in a booth at Te’amo, a popular bubble tea shop that many U-High students enjoy visiting. Maeve is one of many students who enjoys this bubble tea shop as a fun place to study and hang out. “It’s close by, so it’s easy to hang out with friends there after school,” she said. “Overall the atmosphere is really nice.”
Te’amo offers welcoming space for students
Food al Fresco
Food al Fresco
PAWS FOR PASSION. Volunteer Wendy Elstien holds her foster dog, Gilda, as she explains the impact that the rescue has had on her life. Ms. Elstien started fostering Gilda after the loss of her own dog. “You have no idea how much this dog means to me and how much this has changed my life,” she said, “and that's really powerful to me.”
Fetching Hope: Volunteer organization saves vulnerable dogs from abuse
The Public Housing Museum, located at 919 S Ada St., allows visitors to engage with a narrative of public housing that highlights the humanity, resilience and joy of residents. The museum includes a working studio where the stories of public housing residents are recorded and publicly archived; a gift shop owned and operated by current and former public housing residents; gallery and exhibition spaces; a playground; and a recreation room where visitors can enjoy a large collection of records by artists who lived in public housing across the United States.
Public Housing Museum combats stereotypes through storytelling
Released earlier this year, “A Minecraft Movie” follows a team of five as they are thrown into the game’s overworld and learn more about themselves and self-expression.
‘A Minecraft Movie’ fails to build on creative legacy
The 2024 movie “Twisters” offers thrilling tornado-chasing visuals yet falls short with a shallow plot and underdeveloped characters.
‘Twisters’ stirs up thrilling visuals but leaves plot in the dust
Karol G poses on stage for the cover of her new documentary on her latest album, “Mañana Será Bonito.”
‘Karol G: Mañana Será Bonito’ reveals story behind success
Graceful & Symbolic. At the Center for Indian Performing Arts, an adult Bharatanatyam dance class takes place on April 22 at 7 p.m. The dancers learned a new technique and had to practice it multiple times with footwork and hands separately in order to perfect all of the intricacies of the dance.
Bharatanatyam Indian dance teaches culture, encourages self expression and family connection
One hundred years after its publication in 1925, "The Great Gatsby" remains relevant, detailing parallel struggles and responses to our current day.
100 years later, ‘The Great Gatsby’ remains a cautionary tale
Ninth grader Kate Stackert plays goalkeeper.
Athletes find benefits, balance in double-rostered roles
Sophomore Suna Choi Hortaçsu competes in an indoor track meet.
Athletic essentials Q&A: Suna Choi Hortaçsu
Jumping into the air, ninth grader Chris Williams delivers a powerful serve during the boys tennis team’s home game against Fenwick on April 24. As of May 5, the varsity had an undefeated record of 11-0 for the season.
Gallery: Pushing Past the Pain
Varsity soccer co-captain Orly Eggener raises her hands for a high five with her teammates. Sports captainship has allowed multiple students to grow both on and off the field.
Audio: Sports captainship allows student athletes to grow leadership skills
Senior Krish Khanna, a varsity tennis co-captain, leads his team with passion and sportsmanship. His love for tennis started at age 6 and continues to shape his high school experience.
Senior Krish Khanna finds purpose through tennis, leadership
The results of 2024 Wellness Survey show that Lab has an overall wellness score of 87, in comparison to the national average of 85. Scores overall have increased in some areas such as enjoyment, while remaining stagnant or worsening in other areas.
Wellness survey shows progress, overall mixed results
HIDDEN HARM. Food dyes like tartrazine may deplete zinc, potentially affecting brain function. The European Union bans several dyes still allowed in the U.S., including Red 40 and Yellow 5.
Candy-colored concerns
A student selects various vegetables from the salad bar. Recent changes to the salad bar offerings in Cafe Lab have inspired students to consider healthier lunch options.
Audio: Improvements in healthier lunch options encourage mindful eating
FY FUTURE. Nature’s Fynd yogurts and patties are sold at local grocery stores like Whole Foods and Mariano’s. The company’s dairy-free Fy Yogurt recently won the 2025 NEXTY Award for best new dairy alternative.
From Yellowstone to yogurt, company makes new protein
Senior Noah Hoereth exercises in the fitness center. Recently, students have been using the fitness center for workouts, finding that the physical activity reaps mental rewards.
Audio: Fitness center workouts provide mental health benefits
Mia Lane paints on a prop for the upcoming theater production, "Urinetown." U-High theater's set crew has make significant advancements in the complexity of their stage design.
Video: With ‘Urinetown,’ set crew takes new leaps in complexity
On a Science Saturday on April 26, Women in Stem co-president Sofia Picciola works with kids on a pepper-and-soap experiment that explains surface tension concepts.
Video: Women in STEM members share passion on Science Saturdays
Varsity soccer co-captain Orly Eggener raises her hands for a high five with her teammates. Sports captainship has allowed multiple students to grow both on and off the field.
Audio: Sports captainship allows student athletes to grow leadership skills
Students have been taking initiative outside of class to improve their foreign language skills through conversation clubs and language learning apps like Duolingo.
Audio: Improving language skills helps students learn, improve academically
Ninth-grader Dorothy Jenner has been dancing since she was two years old. She dances various styles, including ballet, hip hop, modern and pop.
Audio: Developing love for dance, ninth grader gains skills and confidence
Jumping into the air, ninth grader Chris Williams delivers a powerful serve during the boys tennis team’s home game against Fenwick on April 24. As of May 5, the varsity had an undefeated record of 11-0 for the season.
Gallery: Pushing Past the Pain
Surrounded by fellow students, junior Sara Park dances at Spring Fling on April 5 in the Sherry Lansing Theater.
Spring Fling enchants, charms with themed decor
In a March 26 tennis practice, ninth grader Alexander Yamini returns a ball in a serving and returning drill. “Practice helps me to improve my skills on the court,” Alexander said. “Every day that I go to practice I feel that I have added to my tennis skill set. People tend to see the final product or the polished skill, but they don’t always recognize the countless hours of struggling with things that didn’t work out during training.”
Gallery: Practice Makes Perfect
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
Connections: April 30, 2025
Connections: April 30, 2025
Connections: March 31, 2025
Connections: March 31, 2025
Connections: Feb. 25, 2025
Connections: Feb. 25, 2025
Connections Feb. 18, 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
Ainsley Williams

Ainsley Williams, Reporter

Ainsley Williams is a member of the Class of 2025 and is a reporter. She joined journalism in the 2021-22 school year as a ninth grader. Her favorite part of being on the Midway is being able to tell the stories of the various people she meets. In her free time she enjoys reading classic political commentary books.

Awards:

2023 Illinois Journalism Education Association: First place, alternative storytelling (with Amon Gray, Chloë Alexander, Audrey Matei, Téa Tamburo, Katie Sasamoto-Kurisu, Victoria Washington), Rising Stars, Jan. 24, 2023

All content by Ainsley Williams
On May 19 and 20, seven members of the girls track and field team competed at the IHSA 2A State Championship. The team did not advance to the finals, but are hopeful for the years to come.

7 girls compete at state track and field

Ainsley Williams, Audience Engagement Manager
May 23, 2023
ARTISTIC ENDEAVORS. Painted by Isadora Glick, this work shows two children — herself and a childhood friend.

Portfolios allow displays of creativity

Ainsley Williams, Audience Engagement Manager
May 22, 2023
Lives in 300 words: Stories from the Lab community

Lives in 300 words: Stories from the Lab community

Sahana Unni, Chloe Alexander, Mia Lipson, Ainsley Williams, Taariq Ahmed, Peter Cox, Victoria Washington, Ethan Swinger, and Audrey Matei
May 19, 2023
Taking Steps: Chani Patterson

Taking Steps: Chani Patterson

Ainsley Williams, Audience Engagement Manager
May 19, 2023
Now, the most pressing issues facing Generation Z are things like climate change, gun control and affordable housing and education. These are modern issues that require modern people to represent them in government, not the same nine people who have been sitting on the court for decades says Audience Engagement Manager Ainsley Williams.

Supreme Court Justices should represent contemporary America

Ainsley Williams, Audience Engagement Manager
May 18, 2023
Stereotypes of the South Side

Stereotypes of the South Side

Peter Cox, Krishita Dutta, Erich Raumann, Amy Ren, Ethan Swinger, Téa Tamburo, and Ainsley Williams
May 4, 2023
Audrey Park, Katie Sasamoto-Kurisu and Sahana Unni will be editors-in-chief for 2023-24.

Midway editors appointed for 2023-24

Ainsley Williams, Reporter
April 26, 2023
In the recent Netflix series adaptation, 'The Night Agent,' action and tension build in an epic conclusion that appeals to any drama-lovers.

Netflix series ‘The Night Agent’ grips viewers with tense spy drama

Ainsley Williams, Reporter
April 24, 2023
Two administrative roles, assistant director of diversity, equity and inclusion, and assistant director of student services will be added to Lab's roster of staff starting in the 2023-2024 year.

Lab gets two new administrative roles in DEI and student services

Ainsley Williams, Reporter
April 20, 2023
The flavors of family

The flavors of family

Chloe Alexander, Erich Raumann, Ethan Swinger, William Tan, and Ainsley Williams
April 5, 2023
Amira Williams sets her family table with jollof rice, fragrant West African blend of stew, spices

Amira Williams sets her family table with jollof rice, fragrant West African blend of stew, spices

Ainsley Williams, Reporter
April 5, 2023
Keewa Nurullah, Donna Miller and Marshuane Hardy speak at the Women's History Month assembly on March 23.

Speakers discuss activism, winding career at Young Women of Color assembly

Ainsley Williams, Reporter
March 27, 2023
In this Vox Pop, we ask U-High students and faculty which women currently making history should be honored in a future Women's History Month and/or U-High curriculum.

Vox Pop: Women’s History Month

Taariq Ahmed and Ainsley Williams
February 23, 2023
Despite common belief, students and medical professionals say birth control does more than prevent pregnancy.

Birth control: More than pills, periods and pregnancy prevention

Mia Lipson, Clare O’Connor, and Ainsley Williams
February 14, 2023

Glossary

Ainsley Williams, Reporter
February 14, 2023
Ice Spice's newest project "Like..?" exemplifies her creativity and cultural significance.

Ice Spice proves herself on latest record

Ainsley Williams, reporter
February 13, 2023
School usually provides us with the resources needed to prepare us for college and a career after high school. Yet, it is equally important for students to be educated on how to actively participate in our democracy.

Mandatory civics classes promote political literacy, diversity

Ainsley Williams, Reporter
February 9, 2023
The Program of Studies for the 2023-2024 school year has been released. The English curriculum has changed, and there are six new courses. Registration will begin Feb. 17 and end Feb. 28 at 8 a.m.

Six new courses added, English department changes curriculum

Ainsley Williams, Reporter
February 8, 2023
Delaney Connell

Delaney Connell

Ainsley Williams, Reporter
January 24, 2023
Rising Stars: With winter sports underway, athletes demonstrate potential

Rising Stars: With winter sports underway, athletes demonstrate potential

Chloe Alexander, Audrey Matei, Téa Tamburo, Ainsley Williams, Katie Sasamoto-Kurisu, and Victoria Washington
January 24, 2023
Jayna Rumble, the U-Highlights adviser, was named one of 2022 Special Recognition Yearbook Adviser by the Journalism Education Association.

U-Highlights adviser receives national recognition

Ainsley Williams, Reporter
January 11, 2023
Bang Energy, Celsius, Alani Nu Energy, Red Bull and Monster are examples of popular energy drinks. Frequent consumption of these drinks can result in high blood pressure, irritability and caffeine addiction.

Energy drinks provide alternate caffeine intake

Ainsley Williams, Reporter
December 10, 2022
So far, the efforts to bridge the wealth gap between rich and poor have been to create more jobs, and provide equal access to education, but these are only temporary solutions to the larger problem. 

The Billionaire Minimum Income Tax is essential to dissolving the wealth gap

Ainsley Williams, Reporter
December 5, 2022
The Model United Nations team participated in a conference at Brown University and sent beginning members to a conference at St. Ignatius College Prep. Though individuals received awards at the Brown conference, the team as a whole did not place.

Model UN team faces losses at Brown and St. Ignatius conferences

Ainsley Williams, Reporter
November 15, 2022
To the excitement of billions of soccer fans across the world, the 2022 FIFA World Cup is here. However, some controversy has arisen over the country it's being hosted in, Qatar.

FIFA World Cup 2022 builds excitement, sparks controversy

Taariq Ahmed, Zara Siddique, Ethan Swinger, and Ainsley Williams
November 8, 2022

World Cup fast facts

Ainsley Williams, Reporter
November 8, 2022
"1919" is a retelling of the events of The Red Summer being shown at the Steppenwolf Theatre. The play is adapted from a collection of poetry written by UChicago professor Eve L. Ewing.

Play adapts 1919 Chicago race riots with nuance

Ainsley Williams, Reporter
October 24, 2022
Students and faculty can sign up for an upcoming Covid-19 vaccine booster and flu shot clinic at the Historic Campus on Oct. 18 and Earl Shapiro Hall on Oct. 11 and 25.

Covid-19 booster and flu shot clinics offered for students and staff

Ainsley Williams, Reporter
October 7, 2022
"Holy Fvck" strays from Demi Lovato's previous works, and shows a more angsty side of the artist.

Demi Lovato reinvents herself on new album

Ainsley Williams, Reporter
September 22, 2022
Varsity debaters Connor Booth and Adam Cheema secured a bid to the Tournament of Champions by advancing to semifinals in the Mamaroneck Longhorn Classic and Mahi Shah and Cyrus Esmailzadeh earned a full scholarship for a summer debate camp.

Debate team places fourth at Niles Debate Tournament, secures first bid to Tournament of Champions

Ainsley Williams, Reporter
September 20, 2022
Chicago has various indoor and outdoor activities and adventures to try this summer.

A guide to your summer unplugged

Sophie Baker, Mia Lipson, Clare McRoberts, Zara Siddique, Ainsley Williams, and Oliver Wilson
June 2, 2022
COASTING ALONG. A cyclist bikes by North Avenue Beach, the lake glistening behind them. The 18.5-mile path, which stretches from Edgewater to South Shore, provides spectacular views of the city, an enjoyable form of exercise, and direct access to Chicago’s beaches.

[Photo] There’s no need for an outlet outdoors

Sophie Baker, Ainsley Williams, Reporters
June 2, 2022
Ava Eggner and Sophie Volchenbaum sing a duet at last year's Labstock. The end-of-year event allows students to perform live music in front of their peers.

End-of-year celebration Labstock to be held on June 3

Ainsley Williams, Reporter
May 31, 2022
Jack White released his fourth solo studio album, “Fear of the Dawn,” in April 2022.

Jack White’s experimental style falls short in ‘Fear of the Dawn’

Ainsley Williams, Reporter
May 24, 2022
A student browses social media on their Iphone

Doomscrolling: Addictive habit has negative impacts

Ainsley Williams, Reporter
May 2, 2022
Juniors Jack McRoberts, Ege Halac and Jessica Daugherty discuss their National History Day project with history teacher Cindy Jurisson.

28 students qualify for state history day

Ainsley Williams, Reporter
April 19, 2022
The voting age must be lowered, argues Reporter Ainsley Williams.

Lowering the voting age is only logical

Ainsley Williams, Reporter
March 11, 2022
Legal protections for student journalists will become impotent unless they are renewed and the importance of student journalism rights is understood, argue a collection of Midway staff.

Opinion: Student journalism rights must be protected

Sophie Baker, Mia Lipson, Clare McRoberts, Zara Siddique, Ainsley Williams, and Oliver Wilson
February 24, 2022
Multiple workshops centered on the topic of consent will be held from Feb. 28 to March 4.

Consent Fest to hold consent-based workshops

Ainsley Williams, Reporter
February 23, 2022
The Parents’ Association Gratitude Project is in need of volunteers for the Lasagna Love event.

Volunteers needed to prepare lasagna

Ainsley Williams, Reporter
January 24, 2022
In the Chicago Shakespeare Slam, U-High students will work with Chicago-area schools to recite parts of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

Students collaborate to recite Shakespeare play

Ainsley Williams, Reporter
October 27, 2021
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