The Student News Site of University of Chicago Laboratory High School

U-High Midway
National History Day awards earned by former AT US students can be found in room C121. Now, the future of NHD is now up in the air after its grant was slashed.
Federal cuts halt longstanding National History Day program
U-High student journalists have been recognized for their work through national awards.
U-High student journalists win national awards
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
Juniors Vivianna Nieto and Audrey Tian use their phones before their Neuroscience & Behavior class. Committees for cell phone and club policies presented their proposals at a March 5 faculty meeting, sparking discussions on classroom engagement, academic balance and the student experience at U-High.
Phone, clubs policies analyzed
U-Highlights staff members celebrate sending the 2025 yearbook to print in a March 31 tribute.
2025 U-Highlights yearbook to be released this spring
In a Nov. 15 practice, Aeros Racing team member Aran Malhotra prepares for the the World Finals 2024. The F1 in Schools team placed first at the National Finals April 7-9, earning them a return to the World Finals this fall.
F1 in Schools team finishes first at national finals, advancing to global stage
Model United Nations team members pose with awards won at the Northwestern University MUN conference April 10-13. The team earned best large delegation and numerous individual awards.
MUN team earns best large delegation at Northwestern conference
Science Olympiad team members complete final preparations before the state competition on April 12, where the team placed third, missing the bid for nationals by four points.
Science team ends season with historic third place at state competition
Ninth grader Kian Ladner-Huq works on an off-season robot in December 2024. The U-High Robotics Team finished its season April 4-6.
Robotics Team finishes season with learning experience
At the 2025 Illinois State Bar Association High School Mock Trial Invitational, U-High’s Mock Trial team did not place, though junior Naomi Benton and sophomore Priya Yamada each received best witness awards. 
Mock trial team ends season with individual wins at state competition
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
Freedom in the Balance
Freedom in the Balance
Sports Editor Milo Platz-Walker argues that the term 'Senioritis' needs to be reframed with academic burnout being addressed.
Reframe ‘senioritis’ and recognize academic burnout in second semester
Reporter Cecily Bensmaia argues that access to education for women should be expanded to provide opportunities globally.
Expand access to education to empower women
The Editorial Board argues that the Lab administration must be more transparent and clarify the addition of new adminstration positions amid ongoing budget cuts.
Administration: Be transparent
Reporter Nadia Washington argues that low-stake assessments offer more of a value to students and teachers.
Incorporating more low-stakes assessments will be positive to students
Reporter Gabriel Wang urges parents to support students' growth rather than pressure them about college admissions.
Parents should refrain from pressuring students about college
During the service learning portion of sophomore retreat, sophomore Tyra Deweese volunteers for Habitat for Humanity. Over the course of the year, sophomores have grown by giving back to their communities as part of their 30 hour community service requirement
Audio: Sophomores learn, grow through service learning
Meaning of masculinity
Meaning of masculinity
Four male-identifying members of the U-High community, Theodore Stripling, Ares Cajas, Whit Waterstraat and George Ofori-Mante, sat down for a discussion about masculinity.
Masculinity roundtable: Male-identifying U-High members discuss the meaning of masculinity
For transgender students at U-High, there is a looming fear of the government’s actions, even when surrounded by supportive friends and family.
New policy prompts fear among transgender students
In a particularly competitive year for the annual Hunt, sophomores Nanak Ofori-Mante and Alethia Ikem emerged victorious, their second time competing in the Hunt after a failed attempt last year.
Audio: Competing in annual Hunt challenge, students build confidence
Students practice lifeguarding skills in Sunny Gymnasium as part of a U-High class. U-High students say lifeguarding provides them with work experience and helps build connections with fellow employees.
Lifeguarding provides students with work experience, camaraderie
A second location of 5 Rabanitos, a Mexican restaurant based in the Pilsen neighborhood, is now open at 1301 E. 53rd St..
Pilsen’s 5 Rabanitos restaurant opens second location in Hyde Park
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
“The Life List,” a new Netflix film released on March 28, is a charming romantic comedy that combines a meaningful journey of self-discovery and growth with a well-developed and wholesome romance.
‘The Life List’ finds the heart in healing
Prestige television introduces depth and complex themes in a uniquely beautiful way, from the cinematography to the dialogue. These themes challenge us to view ourselves and the power structures that surround us differently.
The comedy of despair: Prestige TV transforms power, trauma, misery into riveting, addictive dramas
Junior Adam Tapper has found a passion for writing literary translations, from Yiddish and German, two languages to which he feels a deep connection due to his family’s heritage.
Lost words, new voices: Junior Adam Tapper works to preserve and share minority languages
“DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS” (“I should have taken more photos”), is a Spanish album by Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny released on Jan. 5. The album features 17 tracks, including hits such as “DtMF” and “NUEVAYoL,” all of which cement Bad Bunny’s ability to create yet another stand out and versatile album.
Bad Bunny’s ‘DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS’ is a genre-blending ode to Puerto Rico
Sophomore Aiden Yu and other members of the U-High Chamber Collective perform a female-forward pop concert in Gordon Parks Arts Hall on March 5, raising funds for the Chicago Foundation for Women.
Video: U-High Chamber Collective holds female-forward pop fundraiser
Sophomore Taara Sajdeh was chosen for the IHSA Student Advisory committee, which includes one student from each of Illinois’ 21 districts.
Taara Sajdeh selected for IHSA Student Advisory Committee
Senior Brayden Kenny prepares to swing as he steps up to the plate during the varsity baseball team's game against Lincoln Park High School on April 5.
U-High athletes navigate college athletic recruitment
Sofia Piccola takes her final strides during an indoor track competition. The team ended its season March 29 at the Illinois Top Times competition and the Illinois Indoor Championships, which happened on the same day.
Indoor track wrap up: runners break multiple school records
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
Junior Isabella Huang, a varsity volleyball player, and senior Maya Pytel, a varsity soccer player, show off their gear. Both Isabella and Maya selectively choose their gear from the brands they most trust.
Battle of the Brands: U-High athletes balance performance, style when choosing gear
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.
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, Nature’s Fynd creates microbe-based 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
LAUGH IT OFF. Laughter helps in reducing stress, strengthening your immune system, and bringing people closer together. In fact, you're 30 times more likely to laugh when you're with someone else than when you're alone.
Ha-ha for healthy healing
FLAWED FORMULA. Once a primary tool for diagnosing obesity, BMI is now being challenged for its oversimplified approach to health. The formula was created for population studies, not individual health assessments.
Experts doubt traditional obesity weight classification
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.
Improvements in healthier lunch options encourage mindful eating
During the service learning portion of sophomore retreat, sophomore Tyra Deweese volunteers for Habitat for Humanity. Over the course of the year, sophomores have grown by giving back to their communities as part of their 30 hour community service requirement
Audio: Sophomores learn, grow through service learning
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
In a particularly competitive year for the annual Hunt, sophomores Nanak Ofori-Mante and Alethia Ikem emerged victorious, their second time competing in the Hunt after a failed attempt last year.
Audio: Competing in annual Hunt challenge, students build confidence
New website game PolyTrack allows students to bond as they compete to get the fastest time around the track.
Audio: PolyTrack ignites friendly competition among students racing to beat best times
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
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
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
Anathea Carrigan

Anathea Carrigan, Managing Editor

Anathea Carrigan is a member of the Class of 2022 and the managing editor of the U-High Midway. She joined the Midway staff in the 2019-2020 school year as a sophomore. Anathea’s favorite part of journalism is getting to meet new people throughout the U-High community. Outside of journalism, Anathea plays volleyball, participates on the science team and sings as a part of Bel Canto.

Awards:

2022 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Circle Award: Op-ed/news analysis page design, third place, Vol. 98, Issue 8 (March 10 2022), Page 5

2020 Illinois Journalism Education Association: Third place, centerspread story package (with Amanda Cassel, Nicky Edwards-Levin, Caroline Hohner, Risa Cohen) 96.6 p6-7 Race for the Nomination

2019 Journalism Education Association National Student Media Contests, Washington, D.C.: Honorable mention, yearbook copy/caption: sports

All content by Anathea Carrigan

Starting from youth, take sun precautions

Anathea Carrigan, Managing Editor
May 10, 2022
Staying safe in the sun

Staying safe in the sun

Anathea Carrigan, Audrey Matei, Audrey Matzke, and Téa Tamburo
May 10, 2022
Clare O'Connor, Téa Tamburo and William Tan were selected as the editors-in-chief for the 2022-23 academic year.

[Photo] Midway editors selected for 2022-23 school year

Samuel Beck, Reporter
May 3, 2022
The varsity Science Olympiad team will be advancing to the state competition on April 23.

Science Olympiad team to participate in state competition

Anathea Carrigan, Managing Editor
April 22, 2022
TASTING TRADITION. Areen Khan organizes prepared dinners at the end of the Ramadan Ramp Up event. The event, which took place on April 7, was hosted by MSA and featured student leaders of the club, who explained the significance of Ramadan in the Muslim faith and how it is practiced.

Ramadan’s return: Observant students balance work and tradition

Anathea Carrigan, Managing Editor
April 11, 2022
Seniors Jonah Schloerb and Katie Baffa sing "you matter to me" backed by string lights on a makeshift stage in the cafeteria.

Audio: Practice pays off for student performers at Art in The Dark

Anathea Carrigan, Managing Editor
February 25, 2022
"The Stranger in the Lifeboat" analyzes the topic of the physical manifestation of God through an explicitly Christian lens that is also applicable to other faiths.

Despite Christian lens, novel’s lessons applicable to different religions

Anathea Carrigan, Managing Editor
February 3, 2022
Junior Michael Ewing portrays famous abolitionist David Walker during a roundtable discussion in an AT African American class Feb. 1.

History department offers flexibility, more options in new courses

Anathea Carrigan, Managing Editor
February 2, 2022
Juniors Camille Bryant and Michael Ewing talk about Tupac Shakur during the Black Students’ Association workshop on Jan. 13. During the workshop students also discussed other major Black influences in the music industry.

Black Joy: Celebrating hope, spirit

Anathea Carrigan, Managing Editor
January 19, 2022
Sophomore Yolo Martinez prints an assignment in the library. Students can set up Mobility Print on their laptops to print to any of the 25 multifunctional printers throughout the school.

New system can ease hassle of printing in library

Anathea Carrigan, Managing Editor
November 2, 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

Students face new demands for time

Anathea Carrigan and Adrianna Nehme
October 8, 2021
Hyde Park's Love Fridge is located at the Augustana Lutheran Church on 55th and Woodlawn. The fridge is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for drop-offs and pick-ups.

The Love Fridge addresses food insecurity through mutual-aid

Anathea Carrigan, Managing Editor
September 30, 2021
Along with keeping her followers updated on her TikTok page, sophomore Ella Hultquist reaches out through her Instagram page, which currently has over twelve thousand followers.

Trending: Sophomore manages highs and lows of teenage TikTok fame

Anathea Carrigan, Managing Editor
June 3, 2021
Computer science teacher Dan Wheadon sings at Labstock in 2019. Labstock will be held this Friday, June 4, from 2:30-5 p.m. on Kenwood Mall.

Labstock to be hosted by Student Council June 4

Anathea Carrigan, Managing Editor
June 2, 2021
Actor Kevin Roston Jrvisited Ms. Himmelfarb's Music and Literature classes on April 27 for a virtual panel regarding the play

Actors, directors visit English classes for virtual panel about ‘Seven Guitars’ play

Anathea Carrigan, Opinion Editor
May 6, 2021
“So considering the pandemic, online chess has become the go-to for a lot of amateur and world-class chess players,” junior Andrew Razborov said. “I think the practicality of online chess and the ability to face opponents of your own level at any time of day has encouraged me to play chess a lot more.”

Chess boards serve as common ground for online, in-person students

Anathea Carrigan, Opinion Editor
April 26, 2021
The organization SLAP’D began as a website a few years ago, where teens could share their stories about losing a parent. Amelie Liu, a student at the Lab Schools has expanded this organization into Instagram with the hopes of helping more teens like herself.

Through Instagram, teens share stories of losing a parent

Anathea Carrigan, Opinion Editor
April 2, 2021
Department updates: Teachers share how classes will look during hybrid learning

Department updates: Teachers share how classes will look during hybrid learning

Ella Beiser, Anathea Carrigan, and Adrianna Nehme
March 7, 2021
As students prepare for a hybrid learning model, they should work to uphold social distancing guidelines for the health and the safety of their peers, writes opinion editor Anathea Carrigan.

Students should advocate for their safety as Lab returns to in-person learning

Anathea Carrigan, Opinion Editor
March 3, 2021
As fake news and biased reporting continue to expand pervasively, it’s crucial to train the next generation of student journalists to seek and report the unbiased truth, writes opinion editor Anathea Carrigan.

Student journalists are crucial in combating the continuation of fake news

Anathea Carrigan, Opinion Editor
February 26, 2021
In her new role as a senior administrator, Ms. Rupani will collaborate closely with the Francis W. Parker principal, which is the equivalent of the director; oversee educational programming; and coordinate the work of DEI co-chairs, faculty and staff facilitators, and parent and alumni DEI committees. 

Director of diversity, equity, inclusion leaves Lab

Anathea Carrigan, Assistant Editor
February 18, 2021
Local bookstores, like 57th Street Books, have had to adapt their business model to maintain their production levels while also learning how to foster a sense of community online.

Neighborhood bookstore moves online, wants to bring community with it

Anathea Carrigan, Opinion Editor
February 4, 2021
Sharon Harrison will be returning to Australia and leaving Lab Jan 20.

Computer science teacher leaves Lab

Anathea Carrigan, Assistant Editor
January 29, 2021
Junior Chloe Ma's family prepares dinner together. Extra time at home has allowed students to share more moments cooking and bonding with family.

Cooking during the coronavirus, students strengthen skills, family bonds

Anathea Carrigan, Opinion Editor
January 27, 2021
Photos: Community members hold candles for COVID-19 memorial service

Photos: Community members hold candles for COVID-19 memorial service

Anathea Carrigan, Assistant Editor
January 22, 2021
The junior varsity and novice debate teams end their competition season and work on preparing for next year's topic on water resource protections.

Debate Team members continue strong performance with high seeding during distance learning

Anathea Carrigan, Assistant Editor
December 18, 2020
Ninth grader Amy Ji has joined four clubs to meet peers, but finds it difficult to socialize as most students already know each other well.

New U-High students forced to meet their peers on Zoom

Anathea Carrigan, Assistant Editor
December 16, 2020
Students log onto sites including Vista Higher Learning, Schoology and Flipgrid to complete their assignments.

Students balance multiple platforms while managing overwhelming workload

Anathea Carrigan, Assistant Editor
November 13, 2020
The virtual panel will feature Lab alumni Maria Hinojosa, Carlo Rotella and Gabriel Bump on Nov. 12.

Virtual panel to showcase books by alumni authors

Anathea Carrigan, Assistant Editor
November 10, 2020
As the election progresses, follow student and faculty reactions to voting, working the polls, election results and community discussions.

Election 2020: Final lap and recap

Anathea Carrigan, Caroline Hohner, Adrianna Nehme, Amy Ren, and William Tan
November 2, 2020
The Schoology gradebook was enabled Oct. 9, giving teachers the option to share grades with students within the learning management system.

Teachers to use Schoology gradebook for compiling assignments

Anathea Carrigan, Assistant Editor
October 26, 2020
Clubs had to submit videos to be featured in this year's virtual club shopping.

Clubs adjust meetings, activities to comply with distance learning

Anathea Carrigan, Assistant Editor
October 5, 2020
Fundraiser to benefit school custodian after death of husband

Fundraiser to benefit school custodian after death of husband

Anathea Carrigan, Reporter
June 3, 2020
From yoga to streaming online concerts, there are many ways to reduce levels of stress during quarantine.

Active & Passive: Stay engaged, take care during distancing

Anathea Carrigan and Kajus Nakas
June 2, 2020
Taking time to remove yourself from electronics and work out is an effective way to improve mental health, says school counselor Teddy Stripling.

Physical activities can improve mental health

Anathea Carrigan, Reporter
June 2, 2020

Quiz determines optimal self-care activity

Anathea Carrigan, Reporter
June 2, 2020
The revised end-of-year schedule for the 2020 spring semester was posted on Schoology recently.

End-of-year schedule revised, posted on Schoology

Anathea Carrigan, Reporter
May 13, 2020
Taylor Tomlinson, left, Chris D'Elia, middle, Nick Kroll and John Mulaney, right, all released their comedy specials on Netflix.

Quarantine laughs: Which comedy specials to watch, avoid on Netflix

Colin Leslie, Grace Brady, and Anathea Carrigan
April 30, 2020
Activism should not be conducted only through social media

Activism should not be conducted only through social media

Anathea Carrigan, Reporter
April 26, 2020
Administrator to leave Lab

Administrator to leave Lab

Anathea Carrigan, Reporter
March 6, 2020
Tryouts for spring musical will be held March 3-6

Tryouts for spring musical will be held March 3-6

Anathea Carrigan, Reporter
February 28, 2020
Artwork by Risa Cohen

Racing for the nomination

Anathea Carrigan, Amanda Cassel, Caroline Hohner, and Nicky Edwards-Levin
February 21, 2020

Meet the Candidates

Anathea Carrigan, Amanda Cassel, Caroline Hohner, and Nicky Edwards-Levin
February 21, 2020
A student slices portabella mushrooms for "polenta con i funghi" in the cooking seminar hosted by Food for Thought Dec. 13. Anna Stephanov designed the recipe and Anika Gupta organized the event.

Club takes teaching cooking into student hands

Anathea Carrigan, Reporter
December 16, 2019
Members of the U-High Science Team prepare for the next competition.

U-High Science Team place first in opening event

Anathea Carrigan, Reporter
December 13, 2019
Sophomore Theodore Arado sits in English class with an Apple AirPod in one ear, his teacher Colin Rennert-May in the background. It's not uncommon to see students wearing AirPods throughout the school day.

Audio audacity: Students use concealed earbuds to avoid authority

Anathea Carrigan, Reporter
November 22, 2019
Dining and handbook committee appointments arrive

Dining and handbook committee appointments arrive

Anathea Carrigan, Reporter
October 23, 2019
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