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
Dalin Dohrn

Dalin Dohrn, Artist

Dalin Dohrn is a member of the Class of 2023, who began as a contributing artist as a junior.

Awards:

2024 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Circle Award: Third place, computer-generated art/illustration, “Rethinking therapy”

2023 Scholastic Press Association of Chicago, original editorial cartoon: superior

2023 Illinois Journalism Education Association: First place, editorial cartoon, New auditorium name at odds with values

2023 Illinois Journalism Education Association: First place, illustration, Rethinking Therapy

2023 Illinois Journalism Education Association: Third place, editorial cartoon, It’s time to establish boundaries for AI use

All content by Dalin Dohrn
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[Photo] Amelie Liu finds intersectional identity through matzo ball soup

Ethan Swinger, Assistant Editor
April 5, 2023
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[Photo] Amira Williams sets her family table with jollof rice, fragrant West African blend of stew, spices

Ainsley Williams, Reporter
April 5, 2023
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[Photo] Tara Sawhney experiences meaningful moments by cooking gulab jamun, North Indian delicacy

Erich Raumann, Deputy Managing Editor
April 5, 2023
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[Photo] The flavors of family

Chloe Alexander, Erich Raumann, Ethan Swinger, William Tan, and Ainsley Williams
April 5, 2023
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[Photo] Dress code can limit student expression

Chloe Alexander, Assistant Editor
April 3, 2023
08-9 boy on computer

[Photo] Gen Z must reconcile internalized bias

Peter Cox, City Life Editor
February 22, 2023
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[Photo] Falling into the manosphere pipeline

William Tan, Clare O’Connor, Peter Cox, and Clare McRoberts
February 22, 2023
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[Photo] Ramen Roundup: Dish provides warmth despite cold weather

Louis Auxenfans, News Editor
February 17, 2023
Regardless of intent, joking about mental health can be harmful in the long term, and students should be careful about what they say and create an uplifting environment.

[Photo] Step up to support peers’ mental health

Editorial Board
February 17, 2023
Despite common belief, students and medical professionals say birth control does more than prevent pregnancy.

[Photo] Hormonal medications can provide way to manage menstrual cycle

Mia Lipson, Assistant Editor
February 14, 2023
As artificial intelligence continues to develop, its usage in a school environment must be addressed, and distinct boundaries need to be established by teachers to prevent crossover into academic dishonesty.

[Photo] It’s time to establish boundaries for AI use

Editorial Board
January 20, 2023
Though the no-cut policy has existed for seven decades, some say it is time for a change.

[Photo] Drop no-cut: Too many on the field

Amon Gray, Sports and Leisure Editor
December 8, 2022
Though the no-cut policy has existed for seven decades, some say it is time for a change.

[Photo] Head to Head: Time to cut the no-cut?

William Tan and Amon Gray
December 8, 2022
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.

[Photo] Leaving Lab: Black students say school environment is unwelcoming

Audrey Park, Managing Editor
December 7, 2022
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[Photo] Is it really the most wonderful time of year?

Jaya Alenghat, Krishita Dutta, Haley Maharry, Erich Raumann, and Téa Tamburo
December 7, 2022
To the excitement of billions of soccer fans across the world, the 2022 FIFA World Cup is here. However, some controversy has arisen over the country it's being hosted in, Qatar.

[Photo] FIFA World Cup 2022 builds excitement, sparks controversy

Taariq Ahmed, Zara Siddique, Ethan Swinger, and Ainsley Williams
November 8, 2022
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[Photo] So much at risk…

Téa Tamburo, Taariq Ahmed, Mia Lipson, Amy Ren, Zara Siddique, Victoria Washington, and Peter Cox
October 26, 2022
In order to become productive citizens and participate in democracy, students need to engage with current events in the classroom.

[Photo] Current events are critical to education

Editorial Board
October 27, 2022
While the administration has made steps towards decreasing stress, more systematic revamping need to be done.

[Photo] Workload policies need effective enforcement system

Editorial Board
September 30, 2022
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[Photo] Rethinking Therapy: The harder parts of improving mental health

William Tan, Clare O’Connor, and Chloe Alexander
September 29, 2022
Features editor Sahana Unni argues that while Ken Griffin made a generous contribution to Lab, he shouldn't be honored in such an ironic way.

[Photo] New auditorium name at odds with values

Sahana Unni, Features editor
September 28, 2022
Chicago has a diverse range of food and activities to explore this summer.

[Photo] All over the map: Explore something new this summer

Kiran Collins, Milo Platz-Walker, Katie Sasamoto-Kurisu, Evan Lok, Victoria Washington, Olivia Adams, and Chloe Alexander
June 1, 2022
According to the Editorial Board, teens must remember the negative consequences that violence can incur on its viewers.

[Photo] Resharing tragedy online can be harmful

Editorial Board
May 26, 2022
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[Photo] Staying safe in the sun

Anathea Carrigan, Audrey Matei, Audrey Matzke, and Téa Tamburo
May 10, 2022
The Editorial Board argues that cultivating the observance of community norms throughout the school year will make Social Justice Week a more fruitful and harmonious experience for its participants.

[Photo] Community norms must be followed for successful Social Justice Week

Editorial Board
May 11, 2022
Dalin

[Photo] To my ninth grade self: Seniors give advice from years at Lab

Joaquin Figueroa and Chloe Ma
May 10, 2022
Probiotics like yogurt and kombucha most likely will not help your microbiome, according to Eugene Chang, associate director of gastroenterology at UChicago Medicine.

[Photo] Gut instincts: how do we heal our gastrointestinal tract?

Noa Appelbaum, Health and Wellness Editor
May 3, 2022
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[Photo] Can they play? Transgender athletes face barriers to compete

Lucia Kouri, Meena Lee, and Clare O’Connor
April 12, 2022
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[Photo] Reggaeton music unifies singing, history, culture

Audrey Matzke, Reporter
April 13, 2022
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[Photo] Into the metaverse: How it will impact your life

Berk Oto, Peter Cox, Caroline Hohner, Erich Raumann, and Amon Gray
March 9, 2022
Some faculty of color at the Laboratory Schools say that they are treated poorly by certain white colleagues in their daily experiences, and they say they have limited opportunities to resolve these issues. 

[Photo] Mistreated: Faculty of color speak out

Peter Pu, Editor-in-Chief
March 9, 2022
The Midway Editorial Board reflects on Student Press Freedom Day, which was Feb. 24, the theme of which was that student journalists must "unmute" themselves to have their voices be heard.

[Photo] To preserve student press freedom, stop self-censorship

Editorial Board
March 3, 2022
Doctors say that natural sleep methods are healthier than melatonin, which, when taken regularly, could cause headaches and prolonged fatigue.

[Photo] Students find alternative ways to sleep as melatonin usage rises

Louis Auxenfans, Assistant Editor
February 23, 2022
The recent move by the the history department to increase the offerings of semester-long electives is a wise choice other departments should look to.

[Photo] Editorial: electives promote engaged students

Editorial Board
February 8, 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.

[Photo] Aldermen clash over ward remapping, agree on first Asian ward

An Ngo, City Life Editor
February 8, 2022
The mascot of the 2022 Winter Olympics is an animated panda named Bing Dwen Dwen. Read about more Winter Olympics facts below.

[Photo] Tournament trivia: 44 facts about the Winter Olympics

Téa Tamburo and Peter Cox
February 4, 2022
With COVID-19 restrictions and geopolitical controversy, the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics will be unlike any other.

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

Audrey Park, Assistant Editor
February 7, 2022
While many teachers at Lab acknowledge students' preferred pronouns, transgender and genderqueer students expressed frustration with those that don't.

[Photo] Pronoun problems: Students frustrated when teachers don’t use the right pronouns

Sahana Unni, Content Manager
February 1, 2022
Plans for reducing neighborhood violence must be supported by data and a sound understanding of the dynamics at play, argues the Editorial Board.

[Photo] To curb violence, commit to research

Editorial Board
December 16, 2021
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[Photo] Sophomore year: Service Learning and finding your passion

June 4, 2020
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