The Student News Site of University of Chicago Laboratory High School

U-High Midway
PE teacher Quinn Menchetti answers questions. Mr. Mencheti was a speaker at the rally on Nov. 7, which assembled to ask the university for a solid plan in terms of federal agents.
At rally, unions demand university to take more action
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
On it's website, the Laboratory Schools has included a new page with specific guidance about federal law enforcement.
Lab website page includes updated guidance on federal agents
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
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 Karina Hans argues that social media cultivates a culture of toxicity and misogyny.
Social media enables violent misogyny
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
Assistant Editor Sinziana Lazar offers advice on how students can build foundational skills before leaving for college. While high school may equip students with foundational skills such as how to plan homework and analyze a text, success in college and eventually in the professional world requires attaining and developing new skills essential to a career.
Learning life skills: How to prepare for college life
The Young Entrepreneur Academy, abbreviated as YEA!, is a yearlong program that offers mentorship and real-life exposure to young aspiring entrepreneurs. Senior Evelyn Halbach, ninth graders Layleh Adhi and Tess Weitzman, sophomore Lara Mohindra and junior Freddie Neater-Dubow all attend the Chicago chapter.
Mind your business: Young women learn skills through entrepreneurship program
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
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
Even as Guillermo Del Toro’s new film adaptation of “Frankenstein” makes changes to the original novel's plot, it skillfully communicates the source’s meditations on creation and motherhood.
‘Frankenstein’ film innovates, illustrates novel’s vision
Tame Impala's new album 'Deadbeat' strays from his usual genre of music. Some of the songs are successful but most fall short.
Tame Impala’s ‘Deadbeat’ stumbles, misses the mark
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
Sophomore Morgan Purcell runs at CC Invite at Detweiler Park on Sept. 13.
Cross country wrap up: girls team places at state
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
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
Delaney Connell

Delaney Connell, Photo Editor-in-Chief

Delaney Connell is an editor-in-chief of the photojournalism staff and a member of the Class of 2026. Her favorite part of photojournalism is taking fun environmental portraits and sports photos. Outside of photojournalism, Delaney enjoys playing soccer, volunteering and hanging out with her friends.

Awards:

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

2025 National Scholastic Press Association Photo of the Year, Environmental Portrait: Totally Hooked (Mia Lane) — Top 10 Finalist (result announced Nov. 15, 2025)

2025 National Scholastic Press Association Portfolio of the Year, Photojournalist of the Year — Top 10 Finalist (result announced Nov. 15, 2025)

All content by Delaney Connell
HANDS OFF. A young girl sits on her dad's shoulders as they march through the streets of downtown. Like many other protesters, she held a sign reading "Migra: Fuera de Chicago," or "ICE: Out of Chicago," protesting against recent United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities in and around the city.

[Photo] Lab community participates in one of the largest ‘No Kings’ protests

Declan Smith, Sohana Schneider, and Ari Novak
October 21, 2025
In a JV volleyball game on Sept. 30 against Parker, the new scoreboard is in use. It was installed this past summer and will be used most in basketball season because it allows for tracking of stats like rebounds and points per player.

[Photo] Kovler Gymnasium upgrades include shot clocks, scoreboard

Kabir Joshi, Editor-in-Chief
October 14, 2025
Satya has trained in circus arts for 10 years. As she developed her performance style, she began to combine clowning with her skills as a trapeze artist, and now, with every performance, she pushes her audience to expand their notion of what’s possible.

[Photo] Senior Satya Dominguez-Hultgren adds whimsy to aerial dancing through clowning

Lila Coyne, Arts & Entertainment Editor
September 26, 2025
Senior Miles Wilczak assists Susan Groesbeck as she steps offstage at the back-to-school assembly on Sept. 3. Dr. Groesbeck brings decades of experience in leadership and education to Lab.

[Photo] Interim director makes debut

Kabir Joshi and Light Dohrn
September 5, 2025
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.”

[Photo] Gallery: Students Celebrate End of Year

Naomi Benton, Managing Editor
June 10, 2025
During the 2024 graduation, Tori Jueds shakes hands with 2024 senior Max Mathias as he walks down the aisle. Ms. Jueds was known for her contributions to free expression at Lab, as well as the launch of the LabVision program.

[Photo] Director of Schools Tori Jueds to leave July 1; search for interim will begin

Light Dohrn, Kabir Joshi, and Sohana Schneider
June 5, 2025
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. 

[Photo] Through colored hair, students find unique ways to express their identities

Juliana Daugherty, Assistant Editor
June 6, 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
Ninth grader Kate Stackert plays goalkeeper.

[Photo] Athletes find benefits, balance in double-rostered roles

Ellie Rosenberg, Reporter
May 20, 2025
After 27 years at U-High, college counselor Patty Kovacs is retiring. Ms. Kovacs and her husband have started an endowment at U-High for non-tuition based needs of juniors and seniors going through the college process.

[Photo] Patty Kovacs: Beloved college counselor retires after 27 years

Lila Coyne, Arts & Entertainment Editor
May 20, 2025
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

Clare McRoberts, Ellis Calleri, and Delaney Connell
May 8, 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
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.

[Photo] Phone, clubs policies analyzed

Lila Coyne and Ari Novak
April 7, 2025
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

Delaney Connell, Ellis Calleri, Olin Nafziger, Estelle Levinson, and Lucy Byrnes
March 3, 2025
Junior Ty Quiles, one of five students invited on stage to perform with American rapper DLow, dances alongside sophomore Asha Reynolds-Stewart and senior Marcus Wolfe during the closing assembly.

[Photo] Gallery: ArtsFest sparks excitement, expression

Ari Novak and Skye Freeman
February 28, 2025
Senior Alex Giles dribbles the ball up the court during the varsity girls basketball game against DeLaSalle on Dec. 5. The team ended its season on Feb. 15 in the first round of regionals, losing 13-38 to Dyett High School.

[Photo] Girls basketball wrap up: team ends season after regional loss

Skye Freeman, Features Editor
February 28, 2025
Ninth grader Tal Neiman skates alongside co-presidents of the U-High figure skating club, sophomores Lily Davidson and Hannah Gao, on the Midway Plaisance ice rink. They meet almost weekly to skate for leisure or prepare for high school skating competitions.

[Photo] Figure skating club created for competition, leisure

Juliana Daugherty, Audience Engagement Manager
February 11, 2025
Sophomore Mia Lane, who independently runs “Lost Oddball Crochet,” has found her passion creating and selling whimsical crochet plushies and figures. She began crocheting after receiving an amigurumi kit for Christmas, and used her natural talent for entrepreneurship to build her business afterward.

[Photo] Totally hooked: Sophomore Mia Lane finds confidence, develops craft through small business

Naomi Benton, Audience Engagement Editor
January 20, 2025
After undergoing surgery because of a medical complication, Stefanie Giurcanu founded her company RoShe Ventures to fund efforts to help Romanian girls to forge their own career paths.

[Photo] Inspiring Interests: Stefanie Giurcanu uses her experiences to help Romanian girls pursue science, arts

Abhay Chandran, Audience Engagement Editor
December 20, 2024
Standing with two of his company’s robot products, sophomore Isaac Sutherland delivers lines as the lead role of R.U.R. CEO Harry Domin. “I think my favorite part was when you get to the point in rehearsal where you’re working off of the other actors, and you get to this collaborative flow state that is kind of incredible,” Isaac said. “Everyone is working together and building a story together, and I find that so much fun.”

Gallery: Fall play ‘Rossum’s Universal Robots’ explores revolution, technology

Light Dohrn, Ellis Calleri, Olin Nafziger, and Delaney Connell
November 22, 2024
Sheila Carrasco, Class of 2000, is reprising her role as Flower in the third season of supernatural sitcom “Ghosts” on CBS. A 2000 U-High graduate, Ms. Carrasco joined Lab in second grade, and at age 7, an “Annie”-obsessed Sheila performed in a rendition of the movie at a local community theater — hence, her introduction to acting.

[Photo] Alumna gives life to ghostly role

Skye Freeman, Features Editor
October 21, 2024
Ninth grader Christian Sanford speaks with counselor Aria Choi. The LabSTART presentations, run by counselors including Ms. Choi, encourages students to be present throughout their time in high school.

[Photo] LabSTART emphasizes balance, planning ahead to 9th graders

Declan Smith, Assistant Editor
October 10, 2024
Terry Shanks, retiring boy’s locker attendant, hugs senior Myles Cobb after being recognized with an honorary diploma for his dedicated service during his 25 years at Lab.

[Photo] After reminiscing with fond memories, Class of 2024 graduates in Rockefeller Chapel

Edward Park and Kabir Joshi
June 6, 2024
Junior Joshua Carter receives a Citizenship Award from assistant principal Zilkia Rivera-Vazquez during the Student Awards Assembly in Griffin Auditorium on May 30.

[Photo] Individuals, organizations recognized in student awards assembly

Skye Freeman, Features Editor
May 31, 2024
Badminton is a backyard sport that doesn't require much equipment, being a viable option to many people.

[Photo] Backyard fitness fun

Declan Smith, Reporter
May 23, 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. 

[Photo] Tao to prioritize transparency, communication as all-school president

Audrey Park, Editor-in-Chief
April 30, 2024
Senior Emmanuelle Bal participates in a workshop called "Are you doing it for yourself or the white man?” where students used an interactive discussion format to explore how people of color have been affected by tokenism, whitewashing, internalized racism and double consciousness.

Gallery: Students attend annual BRAVE conference

Elspeth LaCroix-Birdthistle and Delaney Connell
April 18, 2024
Ninth grader Taara Sajdeh qualified for the New Balance nationals and competed in March.

[Photo] Taara Sajdeh sprints to success

Haley Maharry, Reporter
April 11, 2024
Eric Williams, the owner of Hyde Park’s “Silver Room,” embodies the vibrant community spirit that defines his store. He considers his relationships with the people he interacts with in the space to be the most valuable part of running it. Mr. Williams is now a sucessful buisness owner, his success steming from his hard work.

[Photo] Boiled Eggs to Business: Eric Williams

Light Dohrn, Assistant Editor
February 20, 2024
The 2024-25 Program of Studies was recently released. It features new course offerings in six departments and new grading purpose statements to explain how each department defines success in its courses.

[Photo] Program of studies features new classes, grading explanations

Taariq Ahmed, Digital Editor
February 9, 2024
PFAS, cancer-prone chemicals, are in many of the products people use daily, and once consumed, they last “forever.”

[Photo] Constant danger: ‘Forever chemicals’ pose grave harm

Jaya Alenghat, City Life Editor
January 24, 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.

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

Caroline Skelly, Reporter
January 11, 2024

Cultural market immerses visitors in diverse holiday spirit

Skye Freeman, Delaney Connell, and Zara Siddique
December 13, 2023
Counselor Teddy Stripling, organizer of the student-faculty games, leans over to pick up a ball at the beginning of the yarn ball dodgeball game. Along with fine arts teacher Aaron Arreguin, Mr. Stripling was one of the last two adults in the game before the students eliminated all, winning the game after two and a half minutes of chaos and action.

[Photo] Student-faculty games cultivate school spirit, community bonding

Taariq Ahmed and Jaya Alenghat
November 17, 2023
MEETING A HERO. Sophomore Camila Bravo and Sandra Cisneros hug after Ms. Cisneros’ talk. “I grew up reading her work,” Camila said. “She inspired me to write my poems, so meeting her felt so good.”

[Photo] Noted author Sandra Cisneros shares how writing is powerful

Mia Lipson, News Editor
October 23, 2023
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