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
The Student News Site of University of Chicago Laboratory High School

U-High Midway
Audrey Park

Audrey Park, Editor-in-Chief

Audrey Park is a member of the Class of 2024 and serves as an editor-in-chief. She began writing for the Midway in the 2020-21 school year when she was in ninth grade. Her favorite story she has written is about University of Chicago nurses seeking solutions for the uninsured. She loves journalism because of its ability to represent and reflect multiple perspectives. Audrey also enjoys reading, traveling and playing card games.

Awards:

2024 Scholastic Press Association of Chicago, special coverage: (with Clare McRoberts and Sahana Unni) superior

2024 Scholastic Press Association of Chicago, general feature Story: excellent

2024 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Circle Award: First place, sidebar writing, “Affirmative Apprehension — Expert input: Law professor explains case”

2023 Illinois All-State Journalism Team

2023 Journalism Education Association National Student Media Contests, San Francisco convention: Honorable mention, online package

2023 Scholastic Press Association of Chicago, news story: excellent

2022 Journalism Education Association National Student Media Contests, St. Louis convention: Honorable mention, editorial writing

2022 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Circle Award: First place, sidebar writing, “Misinformation solutions rely on regulation, media literacy”

All content by Audrey Park
Photos from Katja Schulz via flickr; USGS Native Bee Inventory and Monitoring Program via rawpixel; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service via rawpixel; WikiWookie via wikimedia; Moonlight0551 via wikimedia

Get ready for… Cicadapalooza!

Audrey Park, Editor-in-Chief
May 1, 2024
In an all-school election on April 26, the student body elected Lisa Tao as the all-school president for 2024-25. Joshua Carter will be all-school vice president. Turnout for the April 26 election was about 84% of the student body: 86% of 11th graders, 82% of 10th graders and 84% of 9th graders. 

Tao to prioritize transparency, communication as all-school president

Audrey Park, Editor-in-Chief
April 30, 2024

[Video] Chamoy pickle TikTok food trend tickles taste buds

Clare McRoberts, Features Editor
April 30, 2024
Rolling the dice

Rolling the dice

Audrey Park, Sahana Unni, Jaya Alenghat, and Kabir Joshi
April 5, 2024
The boys swimming diving team ended its season on Feb. 17 at the IHSA sectionals.

Boys swimming and diving places fourth at sectionals

Audrey Park, Editor-in-Chief
March 18, 2024
Sampling Sushi

Sampling Sushi

Audrey Park and Sahana Unni
March 6, 2024
The Midway staff will take a break from publishing over spring break except in the event of breaking news after after a busy fall and winter season.

Midway to take publishing hiatus over spring break

Katie Sasamoto-Kurisu, Audrey Park, and Sahana Unni
March 5, 2024
Lindiwe Jackson picks up one of the three children of the host family she cares for from tutoring outside Blaine Hall. While she can travel on the weekends and explore Chicago, Ms. Jackson ensures to prioritize her au pair responsibilities.

A little different from the movies: Lindiwe Jackson

Audrey Park, Editor-In-Chief
February 23, 2024
Zyn pouches are oral nicotine products that users put under their upper lip, visually concealing them. They come in flavors ranging from citrus to coffee. In Illinois, a person must be 21 to purchase any tobacco or nicotine products. All flavored liquid nicotine products are illegal in Cook County. However, Zyn patches are not liquid until moistened in the user’s mouth.

Students use Zyn nicotine products, despite discouragement

Audrey Park, Editor-in-Chief
February 9, 2024
It's all about the gray areas

It’s all about the gray areas

Mia Lipson, Audrey Park, and Sahana Unni
January 25, 2024
For Tate, fencing is more than just a physical activity. He said the sport involves a lot of mental perseverance, making it rewarding.

Dual Commitment: Tate Nguyen brings passion to both school and club teams

Audrey Park, Editor-in-Chief
January 19, 2024
The Lab community experienced two school closure days in the last week: for expected snow on Jan. 12 and for extreme cold on Jan. 16.

School closures for snow and cold prompt mix of relaxation, inconvenience

Audrey Park, Editor-in-Chief
January 18, 2024
Despite existing stereotypical attitudes about country music, the genre is experiencing change and gaining traction — including at U-High.

Hiding honky-tonk

Audrey Park, Editor-in-Chief
December 11, 2023
Freedom Flare Up

Freedom Flare Up

Taariq Ahmed, Light Dohrn, Sahana Unni, Milo Platz-Walker, and Audrey Park
December 8, 2023
LOCKDOWN LESSONS. Students listen to instructions during the planned lockdown drill on Dec. 6. On Nov. 27, Historic Campus experienced an accidental lockdown, prompted by human error, sending many into panic.

Community reels from accidental lockdown

Audrey Park and Kabir Joshi
December 8, 2023
Some believe the Invest in Kids Scholarship Tax Credit Program diverts funds from Chicago Public Schools, while others praise the program for providing low-income families with school choice.

Controversy arises from discontinuation of scholarship tax credit program

Audrey Park, Editor-in-Chief
December 6, 2023
High school students face an evolving landscape in the college admissions process after colleges and universities introduced test-optional admission policies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Optional standardized testing presents flexibility in college admissions process

Audrey Park, Editor-in-Chief
November 27, 2023
Skye Freeman, Edward Park, Light Dohrn, Kabir Joshi and Jaya Alenghat have received new leadership roles for the U-High Midway.

[Photo] 5 Midway students have new leadership roles

Juliana Daugherty, Reporter
October 20, 2023
A retention committee will be formed due in part to the “unusually” high number of Black students who left Lab after the 2021-22 school year and to better understand the student experience.

Committee formed to better understand minority student experience

Audrey Park, Editor-in-Chief
October 19, 2023
As students react to the new schedule and time management, Dr. Alejandra Lastra at the University of Chicago shares her insight and advice regarding sleep.

New schedule creates mixed results in quest for sleep

Audrey Park, Editor-in-Chief
October 18, 2023
With the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas war, Lab community members facilitate informed discussions related to both the conflict and its implications.

Classes, community address complex Israel-Hamas war

Audrey Park and Sahana Unni
October 17, 2023
Affirmative Apprehension

Affirmative Apprehension

Audrey Park, Sahana Unni, Light Dohrn, Haley Maharry, and Milo Platz-Walker
September 27, 2023
After just over a year of serving as Lab's director of security, Brian Canavan is set to leave Lab at the end of this month.

Security director to depart Lab schools

Audrey Park, Editor-in-Chief
September 26, 2023
Playing against each other and with strangers across the world, the students strategize and bond over online chess, a game they all enjoy. 

Virtual checkmate: Students engage and make friends through online chess

Audrey Park, Editor-in-Chief
September 19, 2023
Midways editors announce plans to enhance relationship with student body and amplify social media interaction and other digital elements for the community.

Midway plans to incorporate more student body voice

Audrey Park, Sahana Unni, and Katie Sasamoto-Kurisu
September 5, 2023
ATHLETICS APPRECIATION. Athletics Director Matt Manley taught at Sacred Heart Schools for 11 years and has a love for coaching and sports.

New athletics director brings ideas, change

Audrey Park and Sahana Unni
September 4, 2023
ORIENTATION SMILES. Tyra DeWeese, Ledya Wreden and Justin Salomon laugh as they walk to the buses to depart on ninth grade retreat, on Aug. 31. The Class of 2027 met their advisers after completing a scavenger hunt.

New security, schedule implemented

Mia Lipson and Audrey Park
September 4, 2023
After a busy year, the staff with take a break from publishing over the summer.

Midway to take break over summer

Audrey Park, Katie Sasamoto-Kurisu, and Sahana Unni
June 9, 2023
The student crowd spectates the annual student-versus-faculty soccer game at Wellapalooza held on May 18.  

Spectators cheer for favorite students, faculty in Wellapalooza soccer game

Zara Siddique, Audrey Park, and Taariq Ahmed
May 31, 2023
At Lips Chicago on May 19, during a drag show and dinner, drag performer Priscilla Rock dances amid flashing, colorful lights as viewers offer cash.

[Photo] Dazzling drag city

Sahana Unni, Editor-in-Chief
June 1, 2023
Paul Horton will retire after over two decades of prioritizing authentic learning for his students. During retirement, Mr. Horton plans to explore and continue new interests, and travel more.

Horton plans to continue hobbies, travel

Audrey Park, Editor-in-Chief
May 24, 2023
Ariadne Merchant, now a senior, selects characters from her favorite media but tries to choose characters with the same eye and hair color. For example, she cosplayed Strawberry Shortcake and Daphne Blake from “Scooby-Doo” because they are both redheads.

Character Creations: Cosplay provides escape from reality through fictional media

Audrey Park, Managing Editor
April 28, 2023
Despite often being overlooked, the landscapers, security guards and police officers are a fundamental piece to keeping the tourist-filled heart of San Francisco upscale. From keeping the grass trimmed to ensuring the streets are safe, these individuals are essential to the ambiance of Union Square.

Behind the scenes: Union Square workers maintain the luxurious district

Audrey Park, Sahana Unni, and Katie Sasamoto-Kurisu
April 21, 2023
During a lunchtime event, New York Times editor Monica Davey spoke about her path following high school and her wavering certainty about what she wanted to pursue at that time.

New York Times editor U-High alumna Monica Davey speaks to students

Audrey Park, Managing Editor
April 19, 2023
OBSERVING OBESITY. Guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics detail the societal stigma surrounding obesity and the many factors that play a role in contributing to the illness, such as family history.

Obesity guidelines confront stigma

Audrey Park, Managing Editor
April 5, 2023
The frequent, green-lighted patrol cars found in and around campus are intended to make the community feel safer, but some don't feel that they have the intended effect.

Audio: UChicago security contractors serve as bandage to solution in community

Peter Cox and Audrey Park
March 29, 2023
The U-Highlights yearbook received its first Crown award, a Silver Crown, and the U-High Midway newspaper and website received a Gold Crown from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association.

Yearbook, newspaper win national awards

Audrey Park, Managing Editor
March 28, 2023
Some comments people tell women have adopted double meanings and can take the form of sexist microaggressions, thus perpetuating a stigmatizing cycle of sexism.

An invisible pandemic: stop saying casual sexist comments

Audrey Park, Managing Editor
February 27, 2023
Health care workers fight for solutions to provide care for uninsured people.  

No time to waste: UChicago nurses seek solutions for the uninsured

Audrey Park, Managing Editor
February 17, 2023
The process of negotiating the collective bargaining agreement for faculty has begun.

Faculty Association, administration begin contract negotiation talks

Audrey Park, Managing Editor
February 13, 2023
One of the nation’s top high schoolers in math, Jeffrey Chen is outgoing and involved in a number of activities outside of math like computer science, physics and the Diplomacy Club

More than math: Jeffrey Chen reaches apex through hard work, talent

Audrey Park, Managing Editor
February 10, 2023
With two students scoring perfect, the math team placed fifth in the state at its fourth North Suburban Math League meet this school year.

Math team placed fifth in state at NMSL contest

Audrey Park, Managing Editor
February 7, 2023
Bar graph comparing percentage of Lab and CPS students who said an issue concerned them.

CPS students concerned about health care, climate

Audrey Park, Managing Editor
January 20, 2023
RACIAL MISTREATMENT. Black students say microagressions and Lab’s environment devalues their Black identity, contributing to decisions on whether to leave the school or stay.

Leaving Lab: Black students say school environment is unwelcoming

Audrey Park, Managing Editor
December 7, 2022
Elizabeth Oyler competes at IHSA sectionals at the University of Illinois Chicago on Nov. 5. Elizabeth broke the U-High record for the 100-yard backstroke at 57.71.

Girls swimming and diving season wrap up: Oyler breaks records at end of season

Audrey Park, Managing Editor
November 15, 2022

Students should strive to participate in extracurriculars earnestly

Audrey Park, Managing editor
October 20, 2022
Secretary Elaine Robison, who died in late July, was a force of happiness and love in the Lab Community.

Secretary Elaine Robison leaves legacy of love

Audrey Park, Managing Editor
September 26, 2022
FORGING FOOD FAMILIES. Sam Kass, Class of 1998, will speak at the Class of 2022 at graduation June 9. Mr. Kass served as the senior policy adviser for nutrition at the White House under the Obamas and founded Trove, a company that helps implement healthy, sustainable food practices.

Graduation to feature food activist alumnus

Audrey Park, Managing Editor
May 26, 2022
Asian Students' Association President Zara Baig speaks to parents and faculty in a commencement ceremony May 11 about the creation of the Asian Culture Fund. She reiterated her excitement for the increased possibilities the fund offers to increase awareness of Asian culture at Lab.

Donor establishes fund to increase awareness of Asian culture at Lab

Audrey Park, Managing Editor
May 17, 2022
People in attendance of the Wave Wall Wax festival at Navy Pier dance to the weekly live DJ music.

Festival Fun: Your guide to upcoming festivals

Audrey Park, Managing Editor
May 13, 2022
P.E. teacher Scott Budeselich reaches for the ball as sophomore Myles Cobb reaches to dunk the basketball in the basket.

Gallery: Students take on faculty in community-building games

Krishita Dutta and Audrey Park
May 13, 2022
Volunteer Samantha Clark and another volunteer watch as client Rohan Kamath-Rayne receives help getting on the horse from his therapist.

Healing on horseback: Therapy center helps kids as they grow

Audrey Park, Assistant Editor
May 2, 2022
Seniors look at art on display at this year's LabArts show.

LabArts showcases student artwork

Audrey Park, Assistant Editor
April 27, 2022
SUPER SMOOTHIES. Advertising certain additives as “superfoods” represents a marketing strategy exaggerating their benefit.

Smoothie superfoods: Really beneficial or exaggeration?

Audrey Park, Assistant Editor
April 5, 2022
Two hearts: Maya Mubayi

Two hearts: Maya Mubayi

Audrey Park, Assistant Editor
March 28, 2022
Mark Clements, a police torture survivor, stands in front of the Woodlawn Health Clinic. The Chicago Torture Justice Center will move in to the clinic after outgrowing their old space in Englewood.

Survivors of police torture fight for justice and healing

Audrey Park, Assistant Editor
March 7, 2022

‘Butter’ is an important and heartwarming film for teens

Audrey Park, Assistant Editor
February 25, 2022
The Diversity Advisory Committee will host an open forum Feb. 22 at 3:45 p.m.

Diversity Advisory Committee to discuss DEI during open forum

Audrey Park, Assistant Editor
February 14, 2022
With COVID-19 restrictions and geopolitical controversy, the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics will be unlike any other.

COVID-19, controversy, competition: A look into the 2022 Winter Olympics

Audrey Park, Assistant Editor
February 7, 2022
Members of the schedule committee meet Jan. 18. The schedule committee was formed to focus on discovering schedules that will benefit the high school.

New committee considers daily schedule changes

Audrey Park, Assistant Editor
January 26, 2022
The Literary Translation club is hosting poet and Rhino Magazine editor, Naoko Fujimoto, on Feb. 3 from 3:45-4:45 p.m.

Club will host poet Naoko Fujimoto to speak at workshop

Audrey Park, Assistant Editor
January 6, 2022
The Information Systems department began the installation process of CrowdStrike Falcon in mid-September to increase cybersecurity.

New antivirus program to increase cybersecurity

Audrey Park, Assistant Editor
December 8, 2021
Junior Steven Sun was the first place winner for the Chicago-area chapter of the American Chemical Society.

Chemistry student recognized for high exam score

Audrey Park, Reporter
November 16, 2021
The 2021 U-Highlights yearbook won the NSPA best of show and placed ninth in the 144-264 page yearbook category.

[Photo] U-Highlights staff win national awards

November 17, 2021
From left to right: Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Tortilla Chips, Pumpkin Brioche Twist, Pumpkin Spice Hummus, Non-Dairy Pumpkin Oat Beverage and Pumpkin Bagels. The Midway staff enjoyed the pumpkin bagels, but didn’t think the rest were worth buying.

Pumped up for pumpkin spice

Peter Cox, Audrey Park, Amy Ren, Téa Tamburo, and Sahana Unni
November 10, 2021
Sophomore Santana Romero, left, subs into the game for junior Audrey Matei on Oct. 20. For the annual Dig Pink game against DePaul College Prep, the volleyball team raised over $2,500 in donations to the Side Out Foundation.

Donations from annual Dig Pink volleyball game surpass goal

Audrey Park, Assistant Editor
October 22, 2021
The debate team participated virtually in the Iowa Caucus Oct. 29 and the University of Michigan Debate Tournament Nov. 4.

Debate team succeeds despite virtual challenges

Audrey Park, Assistant Editor
October 18, 2021
Contestants of the game line up on either side of the game operators.

Netflix’s “Squid Game” depicts themes of poverty, wealth in a dystopian society

Audrey Park, Assistant Editor
October 16, 2021
Users face challenges identifying facts from misinformation in consuming mass amounts of information each day.

Fact or Fiction: Determining truth from falsehood

Peter Pu, Audrey Park, Erich Raumann, and William Tan
October 7, 2021

Misinformation solutions rely on regulation, media literacy

Audrey Park, Assistant Editor
October 7, 2021
Senior Sophie Levitt and junior Myra Malkic interact with a student during Extended Day, a program that offers child-care during before and after school hours for Nursery 3 through eighth grade students.

Hiring shortage impacts Extended Day Program

Audrey Park, Reporter
September 17, 2021
Alexis Chia presents with Eliza Doss about their May project called "Back to the Future of Fashion." Seniors who participated in May project gave classroom presentations June 1-4.

Seniors present creative, innovative May Projects

Louis Auxenfans, William Tan, Margot Konetzka, Audrey Matei, Audrey Park, Amy Ren, and Peter Cox
June 4, 2021
The U-High Chamber Collective performed for a limited audience in Mandel Hall on May 13.

Chamber Collective plays in Mandel Hall

Audrey Park, Reporter
May 27, 2021
Many consider getting a driver's license a rite of passage into adulthood with many benefits. The ability to grab your keys, hop into the front seat and drive wherever you want is a privilege. However while driving provides students with more freedom, it also requires them to take on more responsibility.

Students learn to drive during pandemic, take on new responsibility

Audrey Matei, Jack Hurst, and Audrey Park
May 24, 2021
MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Donations are a powerful tool, helping organizations such as Margaret’s Village in combating homelessness. With three simple clicks on their website, you can make a difference. “You can’t underestimate the power of making a $5 donation and the power that can do for us as an agency,” Cassandra Cooke, the Director of Development, said.

Homeless shelter empowers, keeps families together

Audrey Park, Reporter
May 18, 2021
During Social Justice Week, students learned about issues ranging from gender equality to climate change. In "Refugee Journeys," attendees learned about the complications refugees may face and explored a simulation of a Syrian refugee's journey.

Social justice workshops open discussions about community issues

Audrey Park, Reporter
April 22, 2021

Following pandemic restrictions imperative to reducing spread of COVID-19

Audrey Park, Reporter
April 21, 2021
Finland's feta pasta went viral on TikTok, clearing Finland's grocery store shelves of the cheese.

Feta pasta takes over TikTok

Audrey Park, Reporter
March 9, 2021
Tryout for the spring musical, "Alice Down the Rabbit Hole," will be held after school March 3 through March 5.

Tryouts held for spring musical

Audrey Park, Reporter
February 26, 2021
U-High's annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day assembly will focus largely on activism and action for social justice.

Martin Luther King assembly to demonstrate activism through action

Audrey Park, Reporter
January 11, 2021
Freshman Elena Bloom gazes out her window awaiting the return to normalcy. While distance learning used to be enjoyable, students long for the days they can escape the monotonous cycle of Zoom classes.

Drained by mundane routines, students are eager for change

Audrey Park, Reporter
January 8, 2021
The new Solidarity Lab network will provide support for members of the Lab community.

Mutual aid network to help members of Lab community

Audrey Park, Reporter
December 13, 2020
Psychologist and author Lisa Damour will address the challenges of adolescence in her talk on Oct. 29.

Parents’ Association to hold talk featuring psychologist, author Lisa Damour

Audrey Park, Reporter
October 26, 2020
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