The Student News Site of University of Chicago Laboratory High School

U-High Midway
After a busy year, the staff with take a break from publishing over the summer.
Midway will be taking a break during the summer
HATS OFF. After turning his tassel to the right side, Henry Auxenfans throws his mortarboard into the air, surrounded by jubilant classmates. Henry was one of 157 students to receive their diplomas during graduation, which lasted from 2-4 p.m. on June 12.
Class of 2025 recognizes 157 graduates in Rockefeller Chapel
SELFIE FIRST. Seniors Courtney McDonald, Kaavya Peddinti, Marcus Wolfe, Helen Kraemer and Amira Williams take a selfie on the dance floor during prom. Courntey ensured to document the night, so that he could look back on the memories in the future. “Prom was an amazing night for me, and I made sure to capture as many moments as I could with the people I care about the most.”
Gallery: Students Celebrate End of Year
Seniors Simon Lane, Krish Khanna, Paola Almeda and Juliana Walker take a photo with Athletics Director Juliana Zavala. They were the four William "Doc" Monilaw Medalists at the awards assembly on June 4.
Awards assembly honors student excellence, helps conclude school year
Director of Schools Tori Jueds, who has worked for Lab for four years, announced her departure from Lab on July 1. Her departure was announced via email on June 4.
Director of Schools Tori Jueds to leave July 1; search for interim will begin
Four students, including sophomore Suna Choi Hortacsu, junior Cruise Lickerman, junior Kai Gregorski and ninth grader Axel Lintz, won awards at the Midwest Chinese Speech Contest.
4 students win awards at Midwest Chinese Speech Contest
After the senior night soccer game, senior Arhan Ganapathi promposed to fellow senior Isolde Wedemeyer. This year's prom will be held on June 7, at Ovation on 2324 W. Fulton St.
Gatsby-themed prom to be held June 7
During the 2024 Labstock, Josiah Sklarsky, who is now a sophomore, performs before an audience. Labstock this year will take place on June 6.
Signup for Labstock opens; performers to be selected for June 6 celebration
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
Take me out to the ball game
Take me out to the ball game
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
New cell phone policy needs revisions
New cell phone policy needs revisions
Sports Editor Caroline Skelly argues that while it is important to prioritize wellbeing, mental health days can cause missed work to pile up, creating more stress.
Mental health days can add stress in unexpected ways
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 high school experience fun.
Lab is losing what makes it fun
Sophomore Laurel Farmer fixes her hair in the bathroom mirror. A growing number of students dye their hair to express their identity, present themselves and set themselves apart. 
Through colored hair, students find unique ways to express their identities
CHEMICAL CONCENTRATION. Focusing intently, sophomore Caillum Haffner precisely dribbles droplets of sodium hydroxide into an aspirin-ethanol solution. As Caillum watched, he had to tensely await a color change in the solution. “It was actually really stressful doing the lab,” Caillum said. “It was hard because one drop too much of sodium hydroxide could totally ruin the lab, and I’d have to start over.”
Gallery: Moments of Intensity
Rather than buying new merchandise, U-High students choose vintage college apparel for its authenticity, history and retro style.
Worn-in and well-loved: Students embrace vintage college apparel
La Tiendita is a free store in the Washington Park neighborhood that provides clothes, household items and other goods to its shoppers. It is managed by admissions office associate Arcelia Guerrero.
Charity La Tiendita provides aid, support to those in need
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
With a new phone policy coming next year, students and faculty were conflicted about its effectiveness.
Vox pop: What makes Farmers markets worth the effort?
Eden Place Farms was founded as an answer to the longstanding food desert in Fuller Park. Farmers markets like the 61st Street Farmers Market help urban farms maintain constant flows of income.
From farm to market
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
“Shatter Me” is a young adult dystopian-romance series well-known for its compelling writing style, originally published in 2011 — although new books continue to be written.
‘Shatter me’ offers engaging style but leaves dystopian world underdeveloped
Award-winning musical, "Next to Normal," is an expertly executed exploration of mental health issues, specifically bipolar disorder. The musical is available to stream on PBS until June 30 as part of their "Great Performances" series.
Musical ‘Next to Normal’ effectively explores the realities of mental health
“Drop,” a new movie released on April 11, presents its audience with a frightening new reality of AirDrop technology.
‘Drop’ presents generic characters, introspective themes
Tate McRae’s album “So Close to What” was released on Feb. 21. Along with her electronic club beats, the album showcases her impressive range and lyricism with her songs going from topics of betrayal and heartache to love, showing the full variety of what growing up as a young woman is like.
Using pop beats, Tate McRae shows bittersweet realities of growing up in ‘So Close to What’
2002 musical “Kimberly Akimbo” examines themes of adolescence and mortality through the life of Kimberly Levaco, a teenage girl with a degenerative disease. The musical is coming to Chicago’s CIBC Theater June 10-22.
Death, disease & teens: Award-winning musical ‘Kimberly Akimbo’ tells about living urgently
Lunging for the ball, sophomore Arjun Sawhney rallies during a boys tennis match against Brooks College Prep High School on May 2. Arjun and his doubles partner Krish Khanna got second place at state in doubles
Boys tennis wrap up: team wins state
Junior Ty Quiles competes in the high jump event at the ISL championship at Lake Forest Academy.
Track and field wrap up: both teams win sectionals, individual wins at state
Preparing to release the ball, senior Ben Troutman pitches during the team's senior night game against North Shore Country Day School on May 16.
Baseball wrap up: team loss at postseason tournament
Junior co-captain Devyn Moubayed prepares to shoot the ball during a varsity soccer match against St. Laurence on April 3. The Maroons tied 2-2.
Girls soccer season wrap up: Loss at super-sectional final
Sophomore Rachel Hu plays water polo.
Club sports overcome challenges to find success
Although marketed as healthy, experts claim that Vitamin Water contains just as much sugar as a regular soda and includes unnecessary nutrients. “Teens don't need that, adults don't need that. Plain old filtered water is fine. No one is dying of vitamin malnutrition around here,” Dr. Lisa Oldson said.
Help or Hurt: Vitamin Water boosts sugar intake despite healthy claims
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
New cell phone policy needs revisions
New cell phone policy needs revisions
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
SELFIE FIRST. Seniors Courtney McDonald, Kaavya Peddinti, Marcus Wolfe, Helen Kraemer and Amira Williams take a selfie on the dance floor during prom. Courntey ensured to document the night, so that he could look back on the memories in the future. “Prom was an amazing night for me, and I made sure to capture as many moments as I could with the people I care about the most.”
Gallery: Students Celebrate End of Year
CHEMICAL CONCENTRATION. Focusing intently, sophomore Caillum Haffner precisely dribbles droplets of sodium hydroxide into an aspirin-ethanol solution. As Caillum watched, he had to tensely await a color change in the solution. “It was actually really stressful doing the lab,” Caillum said. “It was hard because one drop too much of sodium hydroxide could totally ruin the lab, and I’d have to start over.”
Gallery: Moments of Intensity
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
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
An Ngo

An Ngo, City Life Editor

An Ngo is a member of the Class of 2022 and is the U-High Midway’s city life editor. As a sophomore, An joined the Midway staff during the 2019-20 school year. Her favorite part of being on the Midway is getting to interview and connect with community members. She is a co-president of the Intersectional Feminism Club. Outside of school, An works at Wesley’s shoes in Hyde Park and teaches students at a Vietnamese online school.

Awards:

2022 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Circle Award: Single subject news or feature package, single-page design, third place, Vol. 98, Issue 6 (Jan. 20 2022), Page 2

2021 Journalism Education Association National Student Media Contests: Excellent, press law and ethics

2020 Journalism Education Association National Student Media Contests, Virtual: Honorable mention, commentary writing

2019 Journalism Education Association National Student Media Contests, Washington, D.C.: Superior, review writing

All content by An Ngo
Kennedi Bickham, a senior, makes her way through a store, looking for her perfect dress. She chose to get her dress at a speciality store in suburban Aurora called Wolsfelt's.

Dress distress: Seniors search for perfect prom dress

An Ngo, City Life Editor
May 6, 2022
The front of Shawn Michelle's features their logo along with a "Black owned Business sign."

[Photo] Shawn Michelle’s spreads love with every scoop

Ethan Swinger, Reporter
April 11, 2022

Grassroots market elevates and connects Chicago’s young entrepreneurs

An Ngo, City Life Editor
March 31, 2022
The Wildlife Conservation Club’s Bottle Brick Drive will take place from March 28 to April 8.

Drive will accept soft plastics to make bottle bricks

An Ngo, City Life Editor
March 25, 2022
Sexual assault is a real and recurring phenomenon that needs to be faced directly rather than brushed aside, write An Ngo and Will Trone.

Support and listen to sexual assault victims

An Ngo and Will Trone
March 1, 2022
In this image from the 2009 U-Highlights yearbook, Alexis Jenkins, Class of 2009, shoots a free throw during a game. Jenkins, alongside assistant soccer coach Elan Weiner, has returned to coach at U-High.

Back to school: Two alumni return to coach where they once played

An Ngo, City Life Editor
February 28, 2022
Chicago's aldermen must decide on a new ward map by May 20, when if they haven't come to an agreement, the responsibility will be transferred to voters. The referendum would occur during the June 28 primary.

Aldermen clash over ward remapping, agree on first Asian ward

An Ngo, City Life Editor
February 8, 2022
Fana Hues's released her debut collection of songs in 2020 which explores heartbreak though emotive lyrics and soulful singing.

R&B album “Hues” exemplifies heartbreak

An Ngo, City Life Editor
January 20, 2022
Some members of the U-High community use natural remedies to boost their immunity to diseases.

To boost immunity, some turn to holistic methods for protection

An Ngo, City Life Editor
December 14, 2021
Traditions like jersey day should never be used to decide who is and isn't valuable in our community, writes City Life Editor An Ngo.

Let’s rethink jersey day

An Ngo, City Life Editor
October 28, 2021
A costumer browses through a rack of Halloween costumes set out for the season at a Salvation Army.

Stores offer second hand, spooky costumes for Halloween

An Ngo, City Life Editor
October 20, 2021
Students converse in the hallways as they commute between classes. While students are physically back in person, much has changed since the last in-person fall at U-High.

In-person learning affects academic, social life

Anathea Carrigan, Adrianna Nehme, and An Ngo
October 8, 2021

Teachers adopt new in-person class structures

An Ngo, City Life Editor
October 8, 2021
BUNCH OF TREBLE MAKERS. Audience members listen to one of 29 live performances of the jazz festival. The two-day festival returned for its 15th year on Sept. 25-26 after being virtual last year. Admission was free for all.

Hyde Park Jazz Festival returns

An Ngo, City Life Editor
October 7, 2021
The Hyde Park Jazz Festival will feature nearly 30 free performances over Sept. 25-26.

Jazz Festival returns to Hyde Park

An Ngo, City Life Editor
September 22, 2021
Students should participate in DEI assemblies to make them more successful, writes city life editor An Ngo.

Successful DEI work requires participation from everyone

An Ngo, City Life Editor
June 1, 2021
Jason Tyler will serve as chair of the Laboratory Schools Board starting July 1.

Jason Tyler appointed chair of the Laboratory Schools Board

An Ngo, City Life Editor
June 1, 2021
Crystals have shot up in popularity amidst the pandemic with many people looking to using them for healing and comfort.

Students turn to new age spirituality for guidance, introspection

An Ngo, Assistant Editor
April 13, 2021
Kenwood Academy sign stands on the east side of campus, facing the school entrance.

Kenwood Academy students face tentative reopening date following difficult year in distance learning

An Ngo, Assistant Editor
April 9, 2021
Choice feminism stops us from thinking critically about what liberation really looks like, writes assistant editor An Ngo.

Choice feminism fails to address issues that contribute to women quitting their jobs

An Ngo, Assistant Editor
March 16, 2021
2020 film "Nomadland" reminds us there is no single way of life in its almost documentary-style of filming.

‘Nomadland’ shows an earnest view to nomadic living

An Ngo, Assistant Editor
March 8, 2021
Some teachers are working through the process of setting up their classrooms and helping students transition to hybrid by lightening the workload.

Teachers plan logistics of in-person learning

An Ngo, Assistant Editor
March 7, 2021
Lab alumna Ellen Ma shows off clothing from a Leaders 1354 collaboration with Adidas.

A canvas for activism: Alumna bridges gap between Black and Asian American communities through streetwear

An Ngo, Assistant Editor
February 26, 2021
Ninth graders on Jackman Field participate in orientation Sept. 12 to become familiar with U-High. Although they have spent the first part high school in distance learning, ninth graders may receive advice from juniors and seniors through the Academic, Community, Engagement, Social Advice initiative.

Ninth graders learn from juniors, seniors through new initiative

An Ngo, Assistant Editor
February 22, 2021

Students wait for details, anticipate issues

An Ngo, Assistant Editor
February 10, 2021
The U-High community is split on whether to opt-in to hybrid learning with many fearing COVID-19 risk.

Still undecided: Community anxious for hybrid learning details

Lucia Kouri, An Ngo, and Berk Oto
February 10, 2021
Junior Spencer McKula strides forward across his lane during a Dec. 12, 2019 meet at Latin. Due to continual postponement of winter sports this season, boys swimming has been one of many teams held on standby until further notice.

Winter sports delays leave athletes in limbo

An Ngo, Assistant Editor
January 15, 2021

Isolation, boredom leave students desperate for stimulation, turning to substances

An Ngo, Assistant Editor
December 11, 2020
Isolated to their homes and desperate for entertainment, some U-High students turn to alcohol and drugs.

Struggling in Solitude

Caroline Hohner and An Ngo
December 11, 2020
We must push back against claims that affirmative action rewards Black and Latinx students while punishing white and Asian students as they imply that Black and Latinx students are undeserving and unqualified, which they are not writes assistant editor An Ngo.

The fight against affirmative action is rooted in white supremacy

An Ngo, Assistant Editor
December 9, 2020
Photo by Maria Shaughnessy

For U-High voters, equality/discrimination is top issue

Amanda Cassel and An Ngo
October 24, 2020
The prom planning committee sells spirit wear to fundraise for prom in June. The current campaign will end Oct. 26.

Planning committee fundraises for prom in June

An Ngo, Assistant Editor
October 22, 2020
"On the Basis of Sex" has a great overall message despite some flaws writes Assistant Editor An Ngo.

“On the Basis of Sex” strongly portrays Ruth Bader Ginsburg as a lone feminist crusader

An Ngo, Assistant Editor
October 15, 2020
We are all complicit in the death of George Floyd and the system of racism behind it, argues reporter An Ngo.

We are all responsible for the death of George Floyd

An Ngo, Reporter
June 5, 2020
History students received multiple awards, one earning a monetary prize.

History students shine at state, national levels

Nicky Edwards-Levin and An Ngo
June 4, 2020

Hyde Park

An Ngo, Reporter
June 1, 2020
With plenty of benches and shade from trees, the South Winter Garden is a perfect place to sit and take a break.

Take our social distancing friendly walking tour of Chicago’s neighborhoods

An Ngo, Caroline Hohner, and Colin Leslie
June 1, 2020
NPR's Tiny Desk concerts are one of the many virtual concert options provided throughout the pandemic.

Your guide to upcoming virtual musical, theatrical performances

An Ngo, Reporter
May 22, 2020
May project, a quintessential U-High experience, has changed for nearly all seniors due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Due to pandemic, seniors revise May Project plans

An Ngo, Reporter
May 3, 2020
Voting a varied, new experience for seniors, juniors

Voting a varied, new experience for seniors, juniors

An Ngo, Reporter
April 21, 2020
Students come together for prom at navy pier June 8, 2019.

Senior Class receives sizable anonymous bonus for prom

An Ngo, Reporter
February 28, 2020
Senior Julian Skosey-LaLonde lifts two weights while lying on the bench press in the fitness center.

Fitness center open for use during finals week

An Ngo, Reporter
January 24, 2020

Top Albums

Grace Brady and An Ngo
December 13, 2019

Top Trends

An Ngo, Midway Reporter
December 13, 2019
2019, year in review

2019, year in review

Abigail Slimmon, Berk Oto, An Ngo, and Grace Brady
December 13, 2019
Lab Civic Engagement Coalition expands local service work

Lab Civic Engagement Coalition expands local service work

An Ngo, Reporter
October 27, 2019
19-1024-feminism

[Photo] Club changes name, expands horizons

Colin Leslie, Reporter
October 24, 2019
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