The Student News Site of University of Chicago Laboratory High School

U-High Midway
Interim Director of Schools Susan Groesbeck, who worked at Lab for 10 weeks, has departed her role effective immediately. Ethan Bueno de Mesquita, dean of the Harris School of Public Policy, will serve as interim director for the rest of the academic year.
Interim director Susan Groesbeck leaves Lab; Ethan Bueno de Mesquita appointed interim leader
A group of teachers have created a program called “Strength in Numbers” to walk teachers and students home after school due to feelings of anxiety regarding the increased presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Chicago neighborhoods.
‘Strength in Numbers’ program aims to ease community anxiety
Michael Smalenberger, a math teacher, has joined U-High as a long term substitute for Advanced Algebra and Precalculus/Intro to Calculus. He has taught mathematics for over 10 years at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
New math teacher, Michael Smalenberger, has started at U-High
Horror Club is a recently founded Tier 1 club that focuses on talking about and creating horror media. The club meets Wedesdays in N214 during lunch and lab periods.
New club brings together horror fans
A student raises their hand to ask newly-elected secretary-general Daniel Chang a question. Maggie Yagan was also elected a secretary-general alongside nine other board members in the largest MUN board in history.
After hiatus, Model UN team elects officials, begins competing
Junior Tinson Xu writes down equations on the board during a math team meeting. Tinson was one of multiple students to receive a perfect score on the Sept. 25 math team competition at Naperville North High School. The math team has attended three competitions so far this season.
Math Team receives perfect scores, struggles in recent competitions
Horror Club is a recently founded Tier 1 club that focuses on talking about and creating horror media. The club meets Wedesdays in N214 during lunch and lab periods.
New club brings together horror fans
After a coaching staff change, the debate team has had to overcome various challenges. In their first three competitions, they failed to place or win awards.
Debate team competes in first 3 competitions, does not place
Latinos Unidos will host a Día De Los Muertos celebration in the lobby of Gordon Parks Arts Hall from 3:30 to 5 p.m on October 30. Students are encouraged to participate by bringing a photo of a deceased loved one to be placed on the ofrenda.
Lab will honor Día de los Muertos in colorful celebration
Paper AP exams are to be phased out by 2027 due to convenience and security concerns. The AP exam is currently offered on paper, hybrid, and fully online, though students often prefer the hybrid and online versions. A digital AP exam also makes it easier for College Board to manage scores.
Paper AP exams to be phased out by 2027
Seismic shifts:
Seismic shifts:
F1 Fever
F1 Fever
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
Multimedia Editor Chloé Tyndall argues that restricting AI use will aid in reducing its harmful environmental effects.
Save water resources: use AI less
Managing Editor Naomi Benton argues that students should embrace range in their passions, rather than feeling pressured to specialize early.
Resist the urge to focus too early
The Editorial Board argues that U-High students should spread awareness and take action against the deportation crisis.
Stand up against ICE raids
Assistant Section Editor Nadia Washington argues that students should strive to forge connections with their teachers early on so they have support when conflict arises.
Get comfortable asking teachers for help
Arts & Entertainment Editor Lila Coyne argues that Lab's tradition of dialogue should enable students to discuss the Israel-Hamas war thoughtfully.
Lab’s legacy of experimentation should aid in conversations about Gaza
Ronen has been on the ski team since he was in third grade, and he mainly competes in the slalom and giant slalom races. His season runs from early December to spring break, during which he competes in at least eight races
Junior Ronen Malani finds freedom through skiing
Senior Catherine Groves poses with a massive skull. Most people don't discover their career until college, but some teens are already getting hands-on experience with paleontology through the University of Chicago’s Fossil Lab.
Students explore paleontology through Fossil Lab
People see Gen Z using these phrases online and misattribute their origin to this generation. In reality, many of these “slang” words used today trace back to Black and queer communities. These words have been lifted from their origins and now circulate through mainstream life.
Margin to Mainstream: Gen Z slang uses terms from minority dialects
English teacher Sari Hernández, a resident supervisor for Snell House at the University of Chicago, holds a stuffed version of her dorm’s mascot, Snurtle.
Resident supervisors foster community, offer support
Five U-High Hidden Gems to appreciate
Five U-High Hidden Gems to appreciate
SCRAPINGS THAT SAVE. The Department of Streets and Sanitation’s food scrap drop off program eases the oftentimes hard task of composting in the city.
Citywide program makes composting accessible
Chicago School: Chicago Savings Bank Building.
Building History:
FACT-FILLED FERRY. A ship from Shoreline Sightseeing passes by Apple Michigan Avenue during a Chicago River tour. Shoreline Sightseeing is one of the many fleets of tour ferries and water taxis that run the famous tours.
Variety of tours provides insight, depth
The David Rubenstein Forum, 1201 E. 60th St. Named after 1973 alumnus and trustee David Rubenstein, is one of many private sites open to the public for The Chicago Architecture center's Open House Chicago event. Every year since 2011, the event has allowed people to see some of the most famous examples of Chicago architecture firsthand.
What to see at Open House Chicago
REFLECTIVE REFRESH. The 53rd Street and 55th Street viaduct panels are now home to 19 new murals from local artists with ties to the neighborhood, replacing pieces that had been made 18 years prior. The artworks, located under the Metra Electric tracks near Lake Park Avenue, are meant to represent each artist’s individual take on a representation of Hyde Park.
Underrated Overpass
Five Faves: November Edition
Five Faves: November Edition
Season 2 of "Wednesday," a TV show focused on Wednesday Addams of "The Addams Family" fame, received millions of views within the first week of its release. However, the storyline is distracted, hindered by addition of too many side plots.
‘Wednesday’ Season 2 disappoints with scattered, unfocused plot
“Unto Thee,” Theaster Gates’s new exhibit at the Smart Museum, explores the relationship between the South Side and the University of Chicago with objects from both the communities.
Exhibit expands on the ordinary: ‘Unto Thee’ exhibit gives new life to discarded objects
Evelyn Halbach and Reed Francez practice their lines during an Oct. 16 rehearsal of “Coal Country”, U-High’s fall play.
Mining tragedy retold: Fall play ‘Coal Country’ tells the story of real-life mining tragedy
"The Life of a Showgirl," Taylor Swift's highly anticipated new album, came out on Oct. 3 While the album is enjoyable, Ms. Swift fails to deliver on the complex, well-crafted lyrics her fans have come to expect.
New Taylor Swift album ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ fails lyrically
Marty Billingsley, a cross country coach and computer science teacher, talks to junior Connor Lane at the ISL Regional Championship on Oct. 14.
Teachers find deeper connections through coaching roles
During the regional semifinals on Oct. 28 in Upper Kovler, senior Kate Ryan hits the ball over the net.
Volleyball season wrap up: loss at regional finals
In the first game of playoffs against Evergreen Community High School on Oct. 21, junior Atticus Richard dribbles the ball. The Maroons won 5-0, but lost in the finals on Oct. 24 against Bremen.
Boys soccer season wrap up: loss at regional finals
In a match against Parker on Sept. 11, junior Sophia Holt prepares to return the ball. Sophia made it to the singles quarterfinals at state.
Girls tennis season wrap up: team finishes fifth at state
Junior Mikey Skolarus runs in a cross country race on Sept. 7.
Athletic essentials Q&A: Mikey Skolarus
GIVING THANKS: Research shows that practicing gratitude strengthens brain circuits associated with connection.
Gaining from gratitude: Research shows gratitude reinforces positivity
LISTEN SMART: Experts say that monitoring symptoms and taking regular breaks from listening to loud sounds can help prevent hearing damage.
Headphone health: Protect your hearing through breaks, monitoring decibels
BRAIN BOOSTERS. Avocados, berries, Greek yogurt and nuts are food foods that are scientifically proven to improve long-term brain function.
Four foods to fire up brain function
DELAY OR DO. Counselors, advisers and teachers are resources for students struggling with procrastination, learning coordinator Laura Doto said.
Q&A: Skills, support to combat procrastination
PROTEIN POWER. Despite many influencers and companies perpetuating the idea that more protein is better, the recommended dietary allowance for protein for the average adult is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight.
Pushing protein: Despite what influencers say, most people meet their protein needs
Volleyball co-captain Kylie Carter present the guest of honor, Cynthia Estes, with flowers before the varsity game.
Volleyball teams fundraise for breast cancer research
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
FREEDOM FOR THE MASSES. Amid a sea of protesters, an individual holds a sign reading "Defend Democracy Deport the Racist," as they listen to the speakers on the Butler Field stage at the No Kings Protest on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Chicago.
Lab community participates in one of the largest ‘No Kings’ protests
ROWS OF RED. Wearing their assigned grade color of red, seniors Spencer Davis, Sam Oyler, Mo Iyi-Ojo and Ryan de Jong celebrate during the free-throw competition during the spirit assembly on Sept. 18. Ninth graders were assigned the color yellow, sophomores blue, juniors green, and faculty and staff donned purple.
Gallery: Scenes from homecoming
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
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
Caroline Skelly

Caroline Skelly, Sports Editor

Caroline Skelly is delighted to serve as the sports editor this year. She is a member of the Class of 2027 and began journalism in the 2023-24 school year as a ninth grader. In her free time, she enjoys reading, lacrosse and being with friends and family.

Awards:

2025 National Scholastic Press Association Digital Story of the Year, Photo Slideshow (with Lila Coyne, Juliana Daugherty, Ari Novak, Lucy Shirrell, Declan Smith, Ryan Burke-Stevenson, Ellis Calleri, Delaney Connell, Noah Gunning, Bryce Kenny, Devyn Moubayed, Eli Raikhel, Simon Vaang, Calder Wong), Moments of Intensity — Top 10 Finalist (result announced Nov. 15, 2025)

2025 Illinois Journalism Education Association: First place, social media (with Naomi Benton, Abhay Chandran, Juliana Daugherty), Instagram

2024 Journalism Education Association National Student Media Contests, Philadelphia convention: Honorable mention, sports writing

All content by Caroline Skelly
Ronen has been on the ski team since he was in third grade, and he mainly competes in the slalom and giant slalom races. His season runs from early December to spring break, during which he competes in at least eight races

Junior Ronen Malani finds freedom through skiing

Caroline Skelly, Sports Editor
November 7, 2025
English teacher Rachel Nielsen presents about the U-High English program to students on Oct. 18 as part of the open house. The open house is one of multiple efforts that the admissions office has been making to show prospective students what it is like to be a student at Lab.

Admissions office to host online, in-person programs to exhibit Lab

Caroline Skelly, Sports Editor
October 21, 2025
Volleyball co-captain Kylie Carter present the guest of honor, Cynthia Estes, with flowers before the varsity game.

[Video] Volleyball teams fundraise for breast cancer research

Caroline Skelly, Lucy Shirrell, and Calder Wong
October 21, 2025
PROTEIN POWER. Despite many influencers and companies perpetuating the idea that more protein is better, the recommended dietary allowance for protein for the average adult is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight.

Pushing protein: Despite what influencers say, most people meet their protein needs

Caroline Skelly, Sports Editor
September 17, 2025
Five Faves

Five Faves

Caroline Skelly, Sports Editor
September 15, 2025
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

Caroline Skelly, Sports Editor
June 6, 2025
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

Lucy Shirrell and Caroline Skelly
June 4, 2025
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

Lila Coyne, Juliana Daugherty, Ari Novak, Lucy Shirrell, Caroline Skelly, Declan Smith, Ryan Burke-Stevenson, Ellis Calleri, Delaney Connell, N.C. Gunning, Bryce Kenny, Devyn Moubayed, Eli Raikhel, Simon Vaang, and Calder Wong
June 2, 2025

Mental health days can add stress in unexpected ways

Caroline Skelly, Sports Editor
May 29, 2025
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

Caroline Skelly, Audience Engagement Editor
May 2, 2025
Connections: April 30, 2025

Connections: April 30, 2025

Caroline Skelly, Audience Engagement Editor
April 30, 2025
Librarians Susan Augustine and Shirley Volk pose with books in a corner of the Pritzker Traubert Family Library. Whether assisting with research on student papers, recommending novels for curious minds, or setting up beanbags and puzzles for students to wind down with, they are always available for students and teachers in U-High.

Librarians sustain library through thoughtful curation, atmosphere

Caroline Skelly, Audience Engagement Editor
April 26, 2025
“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

Caroline Skelly, Audience Engagement Editor
April 14, 2025
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

Caroline Skelly, Eli Raikhel, Delaney Connell, and Zach Eagle McKnight
April 8, 2025
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

Caroline Skelly, Audience Engagement Editor
March 31, 2025
Seniors Krish Khanna and Juliana Walker have been selected to be a part of the IHSA Academic All-State Team.

Krish Khanna, Juliana Walker selected for IHSA Academic All-State Team

Caroline Skelly, Audience Engagement Editor
March 28, 2025
Over the course of this spring break, catch up with your favorite podcasts and audio stories — while also trying out some new ones!

Break-ready, binge-worthy: 5 podcasts to check out this spring break

Juliana Daugherty, Light Dohrn, Clare McRoberts, Sohana Schneider, and Caroline Skelly
March 3, 2025
Video: Community says farewell to retiring ‘Ms. Cynthia’ Boykin

Video: Community says farewell to retiring ‘Ms. Cynthia’ Boykin

Caroline Skelly, Audience Engagement Editor
February 26, 2025

Video: Sophomores celebrate ‘joy in service’ with dance, activities

Caroline Skelly and Bryce Kenny
February 20, 2025
Slice of the City: Pizza in Chicago

Slice of the City: Pizza in Chicago

Caroline Skelly, Kabir Joshi, Lila Coyne, Orlie Weitzman, Sohana Schneider, Taariq Ahmed, and Naomi Benton
February 19, 2025
Connections Feb. 18, 2025

Connections Feb. 18, 2025

Caroline Skelly, Audience Engagement Editor
February 18, 2025
Audience Engagement Editor Caroline Skelly argues that cancel culture is harmful towards society and argues it perpetuates public shaming.

Exaggerating cancel culture hampers free expression, debate

Caroline Skelly, Audience Engagement Editor
February 14, 2025
Molly Herron, social worker and organizer of the South Side Pie Competition, began her pie-baking journey in her mid-20s, when she and her husband decided to spend a year traveling around the United States in a pickup truck.

Molly Herron: Social worker mixes love for human connection with pie baking

Caroline Skelly, Audience Engagement Editor
February 11, 2025
Despite being sidelined due to injuries, Junior Zachary Wong leans over the pool, cheering on his teammates during the boys swimming and diving meet against Latin on Jan. 29.

Athletic essentials Q&A: Zachary Wong

Caroline Skelly, Audience Engagement Editor
February 4, 2025
A WONDERFUL TIME. The Shedd Aquarium's Wonder of Water exhibit opened to the public in December, replacing the historical Caribbean Reef.

Wonder of Water exhibit offers insight, understanding

Caroline Skelly, Audience Engagement Editor
January 29, 2025
The Lincoln Park Zoolights is marking its 30th anniversary. Throughout the years, it has remained a Chicago holiday custom.

Zoolights keeps Chicago holiday tradition alive

Caroline Skelly, Audience Engagement Editor
December 4, 2024
During a Model UN practice at lunch, sophomore Arjun Sawhney prepares for the Brown University conference. The Model UN team won best small delegation at Brown, and they won best medium delegation in a conference held at St. Ignatius College Prep.

At Brown and St. Ignatius conferences, Model UN team wins best delegation

Caroline Skelly, Audience Engagement Manager
November 13, 2024
With Thanksgiving approaching, students and faculty reflect on what they are thankful for in their lives.

Vox Pop: Students and faculty share what they are thankful for

Caroline Skelly, Audience Engagement Editor
November 5, 2024
Senior Maxine Hurst follows through on a drive at golf competition earlier in the season. The girls golf team placed third overall at the IHSA 1A State

Golf teams compete at state; girls finish third

Caroline Skelly, Audience Engagement Editor
October 29, 2024
English Seminar, a new course offered this year, allows an opportunity for students to discuss and read more challenging texts.

New English elective centers student-led discussion, independent study

Caroline Skelly, Audience Engagement Editor
October 11, 2024
Experience fall: 5 activities to try in Chicago

Experience fall: 5 activities to try in Chicago

Caroline Skelly, Audience Engagement Editor
October 9, 2024
BEAUTY SQUEEZE. Going viral on TikTok has propelled many imported skin care products into spotlight, with influencers driving the products’ growing popularity, particularly among Gen Z consumers.

Global Glow-up: Use of imported skin care increases due to affordability, gentle ingredients

Caroline Skelly and Mia Lipson
September 25, 2024
Café Lab worker Mike Ligon hands over a freshly-made serving of curly fries to a student. Lab has partnered with a new food vendor, HandCut Foods for the 2024-25 school year and on.

New food vendor introduces changes to cafeteria

Caroline Skelly, Reporter
September 13, 2024
4 Team USA athletes worth watching

4 Team USA athletes worth watching

Caroline Skelly, Reporter
May 31, 2024
Bonjour, Olympiques!

Bonjour, Olympiques!

Abhay Chandran, Juliana Daugherty, Lucia Dumitrescu, Sohana Schneider, Caroline Skelly, and Orlie Weitzman
May 30, 2024

Video: U-High students answer Paris Summer Olympics trivia

Juliana Daugherty, Caroline Skelly, and Orlie Weitzman
May 30, 2024
“Upgraded” combines sweet romance with an engaging plot to be a bingable rom-com.

‘Upgraded’ offers refreshing take on classic trope

Caroline Skelly, Reporter
May 13, 2024
FOCUSED EYES. Pencil ready, ninth grader Saanika Dutta reads the poetry collection “Counting Descent” for her English 1 class. The book is one of the changes made by the English department to showcase underrepresented voices in literature. “I think our English curriculum so far has done a good job of diversifying the books we’ve read,” Saanika said.

English curriculum changes to incorporate different perspectives

Caroline Skelly, Reporter
May 6, 2024
Dan Green, a Laboratory Schools security staff member, was awarded the Department of Safety and Security’s Community Service Officer of the Year Award by the University of Chicago.

Community Service Officer Dan Green wins university award

Caroline Skelly, Reporter
April 30, 2024
Student watches a video on TikTok with the hashtag #booktok.

Audio: BookTok reignites passion for reading

Caroline Skelly, Reporter
March 5, 2024
Reporter Caroline Skelly argues that during any week, regardless of whether it is co-curricular, at least one lab period should be guaranteed free and available for students.

Allow students one lab period during co-curricular weeks

Caroline Skelly, Reporter
February 28, 2024
On a vanity, amid cosmetic products, a TikTok "get ready with me" video plays. In these confessional videos, influencers get honest and vulnerable with their fanbases.

‘Get ready with me’ videos encourage influencers to get vulnerable with audiences

Caroline Skelly, Reporter
January 11, 2024
Abbey Cullen has been selected as assistant principal after former Assistant Principal Jessica Hanzlik left at the end of the 2022-23 school year.

New middle school assistant principal selected

Caroline Skelly, Reporter
November 15, 2023
Juniors Millie Norton, Aerianna Rai-Marchant, Orly Eggner and Charlotte Satalic share ideas during a club meeting for The Lab Podcast.

New podcast club creates relationships between students and teachers

Caroline Skelly, Reporter
November 6, 2023
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