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
Clare McRoberts

Clare McRoberts, Editor-in-Chief

Clare McRoberts is a member of the Class of 2025 and serves as Features Editor. She began in the 2021-22 school year when she was a ninth grader. Other than writing for the Midway, she enjoys running, cooking, reading and painting.

Awards:

2024 Scholastic Press Association of Chicago, news story, superior

2024 Scholastic Press Association of Chicago, opinion piece or column: superior

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

2024 Scholastic Press Association of Chicago, broadcast feature: excellent

2024 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Circle Award: Certificate of merit, personal opinion: off-campus issues, “It’s time to end legacy admissions”

2023 Journalism Education Association National Student Media Contests, San Francisco convention: Honorable mention, feature writing

All content by Clare McRoberts
With new year, Midway promises to bring in new voices

With new year, Midway promises to bring in new voices

Jaya Alenghat, Chloe Alexander, and Clare McRoberts
September 9, 2024
Ray Han and Sophie Li prepare their boat for a sailing practice last Spring. Clubs and departments are addressing changes and adapting in light of new, smaller budget cuts.

Lab adapts to reality of tighter budget

Taariq Ahmed, Jaya Alenghat, and Clare McRoberts
September 5, 2024
From the podium, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz overlooks a sea of “Coach Walz” signs. The Harris-Walz campaign has embraced this nickname, drawing on his past as a high school football coach with small-town roots.

DNC Day 3 Summary: Walz welcomed as running mate; theme of freedom permeates

Clare McRoberts, Editor-in-Chief
August 22, 2024
DNC updates

DNC updates

Taariq Ahmed, Jaya Alenghat, Chloe Alexander, Mia Lipson, and Clare McRoberts
August 19, 2024
After a busy year, the staff with take a break from publishing over the summer.

Midway will be taking a break over the summer

Chloë Alexander, Jaya Alenghat, and Clare McRoberts
June 7, 2024
The debate over who should monitor young kids' use of social media platforms is attempted to be resolved with two differing views.

Two views: Who should limit teen’s social media access?

Chloë Alexander and Clare McRoberts
May 30, 2024
Parents should monitor their kids social media use and not rely on social media companies instead.

Two Views: Parents should monitor use, access to various platforms

Clare McRoberts, Editor-in-cheif
May 28, 2024
During a lab period, junior Xander Maxcy works on an AT Chemistry lab activity A Student Council survey found that most respondents prefer lab periods for science classes.

New schedule receives mostly positive student feedback

Clare McRoberts, Editor-in-Chief
May 28, 2024
U-High English teacher Catie Bell is retiring after almost 38 years at Lab. She hopes to focus on unread books, spend time with friends and family and travel.

Writing her conclusion: Dewey expert, English teacher Catie Bell retires

Clare McRoberts, Editor-in-Chief
May 23, 2024
On May 6, Director of Schools Tori Jueds sent out an email to the community announcing cuts that will eliminate sports teams, an academic program and staff positions. Many students were disappointed and some were confused.

Budget cuts eliminate German program, squash, sailing, 9 staff positions; U-High students stricken with emotions

Jaya Alenghat, Chloe Alexander, and Clare McRoberts
May 7, 2024
Silent or Silenced?

Silent or Silenced?

Clare McRoberts, Sahana Unni, Kabir Joshi, and Light Dohrn
May 6, 2024
On May 2, the fourth day of the encampment, a demonstrator stands in front of a group of police waving a Palestinian flag. On Monday, April 29, UChicago United for Palestine launched an encampment on the University of Chicago’s Main Quad to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people. The encampment and pro-Palestinian protests continued for days.

UChicago pro-Palestine encampment faces opposition yet stands with goals

Jaya Alenghat, Chloe Alexander, Mia Lipson, and Clare McRoberts
May 3, 2024

Chamoy pickle TikTok food trend tickles taste buds

Clare McRoberts, Features Editor
April 30, 2024
The popular music listening platforms, Spotify and Apple Music, remain debated over as to which is the superior choice. They both have their own benefits, students said.

[Photo] Clash of the platforms: Students say Apple and Spotify hold different benefits

Sahana Unni, Editor-in-Chief
April 26, 2024
Chantal Thornberry will join the Lab community as equal opportunity services director and the deputy Title IX coordinator in July. Students seeking help with concerns about discrimination or harassment in the coming weeks should contact Dean of Students Ana Campos.

New equal opportunities director and Title IX coordinator to begin in July

Clare McRoberts, Features Editor
April 2, 2024
María Hinojosa's time at U-High shaped her into the journalist she is and developed a through line of humanity in her perspective, allowing her to connect with the people she writes about.

A voice for shared humanity: Journalist alumna carries on U-High ideals of empathy

Clare McRoberts, Features Editor
March 29, 2024
At the State of the Schools presentation on Feb. 23, Tori Jueds talked about the future of the Laboratory Schools.

State of the Schools presentation addresses future plans, goals

Clare McRoberts
February 28, 2024
Settling for Biden... again?

Settling for Biden… again?

Clare McRoberts, Kabir Joshi, Katie Sasamoto-Kurisu, and Mia Lipson
February 21, 2024
A COMMUNITY ESSENTIAL. Phil Raoul is the owner of Hyde Park’s Foreign Car Hospital, a hidden auto-repair shop that is at the heart of the community. Mr. Raoul loves his connections with clients, but his favorite part of the job is the repair itself.

Repair with care: Phillip Raoul

Clare McRoberts, Features Editor
February 20, 2024
Features Editor Clare McRoberts argues that tipping removes professionalism from a job and reduces it to a quest to charm passersby who have little or no real knowledge of the profession.

The customer isn’t always right; compensate fairly

Clare McRoberts, Features Editor
February 15, 2024
With the Super Bowl coming up, it's crucial to plan out our your snack lineup for this Sunday. If you're in search of some untraditional options, we review an assortment.

[Photo] Super Snacks: discover new, unique foods for the big game

Ari Novak, Reporter
February 8, 2024
Last week, U-High’s dance team hosted the Kids Dance Clinic, where students in lower and middle school learned a choreographed routine and performed the dance alongside members of the dance team.

At Kids Dance Clinic, young students learn routine, perform at sporting events

Clare McRoberts, Features Editor
January 29, 2024
Current leaders from the Black Students' Association did not host the annual Dr. Martin Luther King assembly after leaders held a walkout last year to highlight discrimination at Lab. BSA hopes the Lab community will reflect on different student experiences and celebrate Blackness beyond a one-day celebration.

After walkout, BSA shifts focus to community

Clare McRoberts, Features Editor
January 22, 2024
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.

[Photo] Controversy arises from discontinuation of scholarship tax credit program

Audrey Park, Editor-in-Chief
December 6, 2023
A student clasps their hands in the library, overwhelmed by stress. While stress is unavoidable, it's essential for students to recognize the intensity of the effects and causes of stress in order to manage it.

Stress is eating away at physical health, life spans

Clare McRoberts, Features Editor
November 15, 2023
Many students have put down their devices and opted for long-term strategic tabletop board games.

Tabletop board game sends students on months long quest

Clare McRoberts, Features Editor
November 14, 2023
Emmett Till’s childhood home, at 6427 S. St. Lawrence Ave., is being transformed into a museum in honor of him and his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley.

A historic reckoning at last

Clare McRoberts, Features Editor
October 25, 2023
Citing a 1967 university report on political statements, known as the Kalven report, the University of Chicago banned land acknowledgment statements recognizing Indigenous peoples.

University bars land acknowledgement statements

Clare McRoberts, Features Editor
October 24, 2023
At the Blood Donation Center at the University of Chicago, a worker prepares snacks for future donors. The center is open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. year round.

[Photo] Life blood: Combination of factors leaves nation short of blood donors

Jaya Alenghat, Assistant Editor
October 11, 2023
Features editor Clare McRoberts argues that those of us who could benefit from legacy admission practices must be willing to sacrifice one of our privileges.

It’s time to end legacy admissions

Clare McRoberts, Features Editor
September 26, 2023
Almost a quarter of people younger than 30- Gen Z especially- use TikTok as a news source on a regular basis. Although many find it more digestible than traditional media sources, there are risks.

Fact or fiction: Teens use social media as news source, risks included

Clare McRoberts, Features Editor
September 22, 2023
High school welcomes 10 new faculty

High school welcomes 10 new faculty

Taariq Ahmed and Clare McRoberts
September 6, 2023
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Video: Taylor Swift fans unite over clothing, bracelets and songs

Clare McRoberts, Features Editor
June 7, 2023
While using financial advice resources on the internet, it is crucial to be cautious and skeptical.

[Photo] Drowning out the noise: Be mindful when looking for finance platforms online

Katie Sasamoto-Kurisu, Editor-in-Chief
June 2, 2023
Alumni Ella Beiser, Andrew Burke-Stevenson, Amanda Cassel, Andrada Nicole and Malcolm Taylor are student journalists. Some of them work on their college school newspaper and some are involved with journalism programs outside of school.

[Photo] At college, student journalists experience growth

Chloe Alexander, Arts Editor
May 30, 2023
Dean of the UC Berkeley School of Law Erwin Chemerinsky speakes to students and faculty at a Maroon Mentor lunch hosted by the Maroon Key Society on May 19.

From debate team to law school dean, Chemerinsky lives Lab’s values

Clare McRoberts, Features Editor
May 24, 2023
Mifepristone is the first pill in a two-pill method of medication abortion. Currently, over half of abortions in America are done by medication abortion.

Audio: Upcoming ruling poses threat to abortion pill rights across country

Clare McRoberts, Features Editor
May 10, 2023
Martin Woods, who served as an administrator for Wolcott College Prep in Chicago will be U-High's next principal.

Chicago administrator will be next U-High principal

Clare McRoberts, Assistant Editor
April 24, 2023
Holocaust survivor Susan Meschel retells her experiences during the high school wide assembly on April 13.

In Holocaust Remembrance Assembly, JSA calls on greater inclusivity from affinity groups, students

Clare McRoberts, Assistant Editor
April 18, 2023
Four principal finalists visited U-High on April 10-13, talking with administrators, students, faculty and parents on how they would improve the high school. The search committee aims to make a decision by the end of April.

4 principal finalists visit U-High

Clare McRoberts, Assistant Editor
April 14, 2023
In this Vox Pop, we ask students and faculty about their opinion on the results of Chicago's mayoral election April 4.

Vox Pop: Mayoral election results

Sahana Unni, Clare McRoberts, and Zara Siddique
April 7, 2023
Only four students attended the principal search open session where they said they wanted a principal who can balance the high achieving and stressful aspects of Lab.

Students seek balance in next principal

Clare McRoberts, Assistant Editor
April 3, 2023
Members of the mock trial team practice for their Springfield competition on March 18 and 19.

Mock trial team creates closeness in ISBA tournament

Clare McRoberts, Assistant Editor
March 21, 2023
JSA president Charlie Benton converses with JSA members during their weekly meeting about the upcoming workshops.

JSA accepting workshops submissions for Holocaust assembly

Clare McRoberts, Assistant Editor
March 20, 2023
A student watches one of Taylor Swift's instagram posts.

Audio: How we treat women in power — it’s not just Taylor Swift who faces sexism

Krishita Dutta and Clare McRoberts
March 8, 2023
Although surveillance cameras can pose some threats, they can also be productive in reducing police brutality and increasing transparency.

Surveillance cameras watch the police, too

Clare McRoberts, Assistant Editor
February 24, 2023
Falling into the manosphere pipeline

Falling into the manosphere pipeline

William Tan, Clare O’Connor, Peter Cox, and Clare McRoberts
February 22, 2023

Societal deficits help drive manosphere

Clare McRoberts, Assistant Editor
February 22, 2023
Spinning and leaping across the ice rink, junior Amy Ji has found passion and developed lasting team bonds through synchronized skating.

A perfect fit: Through synchronized skating, Amy Ji finds her place

Clare McRoberts, Assistant Editor
February 14, 2023
SIGNIFICANT SERVICE: While fulfilling the sophomore year of service, some students have found a passion at their service site, and many continue to volunteer after the required 30 hours have been completed.

Students emerge from year of service with widened world view

Clare McRoberts, Assistant Editor
January 31, 2023
Social media aside, students, teachers and administrators should be aware of difficulties and complications faced by women with ADHD inside and outside of school due to societal expectations and gender norms.

Women with ADHD face different — and difficult — societal expectations

Clare McRoberts, Assistant Editor
January 26, 2023
Two students pass a police car as they walk outside of Kenwood Academy High School.

Safety and security: Half of surveyed worry about safety on campus

Clare McRoberts, Assistant Editor
January 20, 2023
BITTERLY COLD. Sam Rezaei and James Dill sleep in tents throughout their journey, braving the harsh conditions.

Across the country: Two alumni walk 2,800 miles to combat homelessness

Clare McRoberts, Assistant Editor
December 3, 2022
Junior Max Mathias practices in Bel Canto on Nov. 15. Since he took choir in sixth grade, Max has found joy in singing and has worked to spread that joy to others.

Bel Canto singer finds his voice in song

Clare McRoberts, Assistant Editor
November 15, 2022
Senior Corona Chen takes a swing during a match against Regina Dominican High School on September 15. Corona and two of her teammates qualified for the IHSA state championship.

Girls tennis season wrap-up: team placed fifth at state

Clare McRoberts, Assistant editor
November 1, 2022
EXPANDING FEMINISM. Juniors Santana Romero, Norie Kaufman-Sites and Stella Sturgill converse during an Intersectional Feminism club meeting on Oct. 24. Intersectional Feminism club focuses on the empowerment of groups that are marginalized.

Striving toward gender equality

Clare McRoberts, Assistant Editor
October 26, 2022
While Café Lab offers a salad bar, students often gravitate toward the quicker, more convenient options at the grill.

Food Fight: Café Lab’s options clash with students’ health choices, expectations

Clare McRoberts, Assistant editor
October 19, 2022

Video: Simple pumpkin carving tips can improve your jack-o’-lantern

Clare McRoberts and Mia Lipson
October 14, 2022
Suzanne Baum recently completed her translingual work of historical fiction, “Married to Spain.”

‘Family Folklore:’ Suzanne Baum shares family history with published book

Clare McRoberts, Reporter
September 22, 2022
After two shootings in the same weak near the golf team's practices in Jackson Park, the team will now only practice at the Harborside International Golf Center.

After two shootings near course, golf team practices relocated

Clare McRoberts, Reporter
September 16, 2022
During their retreat, 9th grader Eve Dyson reads instructions on writing a letter to their future self.

Vox Pop: Ninth graders share worries, excitement for high school

Chloe Alexander, Mia Lipson, and Clare McRoberts
September 13, 2022
Chicago has various indoor and outdoor activities and adventures to try this summer.

A guide to your summer unplugged

Sophie Baker, Mia Lipson, Clare McRoberts, Zara Siddique, Ainsley Williams, and Oliver Wilson
June 2, 2022
“Honeymoon with My Mother” offers the story of a man who finds himself on a journey with his mother, but the movie never truly delivers on the deeper topics that it explores.

‘Honeymoon with My Mother’ is no vacation

Clare McRoberts, Reporter
May 23, 2022
The 2022 Connections gala, celebrating Lab’s 125th anniversary, raised $2.8 million for financial aid.

Connections fundraising gala raises $2.8 million

Clare McRoberts, Reporter
May 16, 2022
Lori Waterstraat, a Laboratory Schools nurse, assists a student in her office. The pandemic has changed the outlook of Ms. Waterstraat and many other nurses. She said, “I never understood the importance of kids being in school to learn and having a community that supports them and loves them, like I do now.”

COVID-19 adds to job stress of Lab nurses

Clare McRoberts, Reporter
April 26, 2022
Lab alumnus George E. Lewis, Class of 1969, will be the first Black leader of the International Contemporary Ensemble.

Lab alumnus named to prestigious music role

Clare McRoberts, Reporter
April 18, 2022
"A governing principle in America is free speech, but a platform with as much reach as Spotify has a duty not to amplify views that it knows to be false to listeners who may see Spotify’s backing as giving those views credibility," write reporter Clare McRoberts.

Remove Joe Rogan’s podcast from Spotify

Clare McRoberts, Reporter
March 4, 2022
Legal protections for student journalists will become impotent unless they are renewed and the importance of student journalism rights is understood, argue a collection of Midway staff.

Opinion: Student journalism rights must be protected

Sophie Baker, Mia Lipson, Clare McRoberts, Zara Siddique, Ainsley Williams, and Oliver Wilson
February 24, 2022
The implements that the math team used to move to sixth in the North Suburban Math League

Math Team results leave members optimistic

Clare McRoberts, Reporter
February 18, 2022
Although pads and tampons are provided in bathrooms, they’re often out of stock, leading students to borrow their friends’ products.

In a pinch, students use borrowed menstrual products

Clare McRoberts, Reporter
February 11, 2022
Members of the Laboratory Schools community dance on Oct. 15 to celebrate Diwali.

Desi Culture Group holds celebration for Diwali

Clare McRoberts, Reporter
October 22, 2021
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