The Student News Site of University of Chicago Laboratory High School

U-High Midway
National History Day awards earned by former AT US students can be found in room C121. Now, the future of NHD is now up in the air after its grant was slashed.
Federal cuts halt longstanding National History Day program
U-High student journalists have been recognized for their work through national awards.
U-High student journalists win national awards
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
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.
Phone, clubs policies analyzed
U-Highlights staff members celebrate sending the 2025 yearbook to print in a March 31 tribute.
2025 U-Highlights yearbook to be released this spring
In a Nov. 15 practice, Aeros Racing team member Aran Malhotra prepares for the the World Finals 2024. The F1 in Schools team placed first at the National Finals April 7-9, earning them a return to the World Finals this fall.
F1 in Schools team finishes first at national finals, advancing to global stage
Model United Nations team members pose with awards won at the Northwestern University MUN conference April 10-13. The team earned best large delegation and numerous individual awards.
MUN team earns best large delegation at Northwestern conference
Science Olympiad team members complete final preparations before the state competition on April 12, where the team placed third, missing the bid for nationals by four points.
Science team ends season with historic third place at state competition
Ninth grader Kian Ladner-Huq works on an off-season robot in December 2024. The U-High Robotics Team finished its season April 4-6.
Robotics Team finishes season with learning experience
At the 2025 Illinois State Bar Association High School Mock Trial Invitational, U-High’s Mock Trial team did not place, though junior Naomi Benton and sophomore Priya Yamada each received best witness awards. 
Mock trial team ends season with individual wins at state competition
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
Vice presidential candidate and previous educator Tim Walz addresses his supportive crowd at the 2024 DNC.
With former educator Walz on ticket, schools take spotlight
Freedom in the Balance
Freedom in the Balance
Sports Editor Milo Platz-Walker argues that the term 'Senioritis' needs to be reframed with academic burnout being addressed.
Reframe ‘senioritis’ and recognize academic burnout in second semester
Reporter Cecily Bensmaia argues that access to education for women should be expanded to provide opportunities globally.
Expand access to education to empower women
The Editorial Board argues that the Lab administration must be more transparent and clarify the addition of new adminstration positions amid ongoing budget cuts.
Administration: Be transparent
Reporter Nadia Washington argues that low-stake assessments offer more of a value to students and teachers.
Incorporating more low-stakes assessments will be positive to students
Reporter Gabriel Wang urges parents to support students' growth rather than pressure them about college admissions.
Parents should refrain from pressuring students about college
During the service learning portion of sophomore retreat, sophomore Tyra Deweese volunteers for Habitat for Humanity. Over the course of the year, sophomores have grown by giving back to their communities as part of their 30 hour community service requirement
Audio: Sophomores learn, grow through service learning
Meaning of masculinity
Meaning of masculinity
Four male-identifying members of the U-High community, Theodore Stripling, Ares Cajas, Whit Waterstraat and George Ofori-Mante, sat down for a discussion about masculinity.
Masculinity roundtable: Male-identifying U-High members discuss the meaning of masculinity
For transgender students at U-High, there is a looming fear of the government’s actions, even when surrounded by supportive friends and family.
New policy prompts fear among transgender students
In a particularly competitive year for the annual Hunt, sophomores Nanak Ofori-Mante and Alethia Ikem emerged victorious, their second time competing in the Hunt after a failed attempt last year.
Audio: Competing in annual Hunt challenge, students build confidence
Students practice lifeguarding skills in Sunny Gymnasium as part of a U-High class. U-High students say lifeguarding provides them with work experience and helps build connections with fellow employees.
Lifeguarding provides students with work experience, camaraderie
A second location of 5 Rabanitos, a Mexican restaurant based in the Pilsen neighborhood, is now open at 1301 E. 53rd St..
Pilsen’s 5 Rabanitos restaurant opens second location in Hyde Park
Slice of the City: Pizza in Chicago
Slice of the City: Pizza in Chicago
An attendee drives a Kia car simulation at the 2025 Chicago Auto Show, Feb.8-17. The auto show included other interactive elements for visitors, such as electric test tracks and ride-alongs.
Chicago Auto Show immerses, engages attendees
The "Coco - Robot Food Delivery" app allows users to order robot food deliveries from certain restaurants. These robots are available in the 27th and 34th ward of Chicago and are also in use in Los Angeles.
Coco Robotics pilot program reimagines, optimizes food delivery
“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
Prestige television introduces depth and complex themes in a uniquely beautiful way, from the cinematography to the dialogue. These themes challenge us to view ourselves and the power structures that surround us differently.
The comedy of despair: Prestige TV transforms power, trauma, misery into riveting, addictive dramas
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
“DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS” (“I should have taken more photos”), is a Spanish album by Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny released on Jan. 5. The album features 17 tracks, including hits such as “DtMF” and “NUEVAYoL,” all of which cement Bad Bunny’s ability to create yet another stand out and versatile album.
Bad Bunny’s ‘DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS’ is a genre-blending ode to Puerto Rico
Sophomore Aiden Yu and other members of the U-High Chamber Collective perform a female-forward pop concert in Gordon Parks Arts Hall on March 5, raising funds for the Chicago Foundation for Women.
Video: U-High Chamber Collective holds female-forward pop fundraiser
Sophomore Taara Sajdeh was chosen for the IHSA Student Advisory committee, which includes one student from each of Illinois’ 21 districts.
Taara Sajdeh selected for IHSA Student Advisory Committee
Senior Brayden Kenny prepares to swing as he steps up to the plate during the varsity baseball team's game against Lincoln Park High School on April 5.
U-High athletes navigate college athletic recruitment
Sofia Piccola takes her final strides during an indoor track competition. The team ended its season March 29 at the Illinois Top Times competition and the Illinois Indoor Championships, which happened on the same day.
Indoor track wrap up: runners break multiple school records
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
Junior Isabella Huang, a varsity volleyball player, and senior Maya Pytel, a varsity soccer player, show off their gear. Both Isabella and Maya selectively choose their gear from the brands they most trust.
Battle of the Brands: U-High athletes balance performance, style when choosing gear
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.
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, Nature’s Fynd creates microbe-based protein
Senior Noah Hoereth exercises in the fitness center. Recently, students have been using the fitness center for workouts, finding that the physical activity reaps mental rewards.
Audio: Fitness center workouts provide mental health benefits
LAUGH IT OFF. Laughter helps in reducing stress, strengthening your immune system, and bringing people closer together. In fact, you're 30 times more likely to laugh when you're with someone else than when you're alone.
Ha-ha for healthy healing
FLAWED FORMULA. Once a primary tool for diagnosing obesity, BMI is now being challenged for its oversimplified approach to health. The formula was created for population studies, not individual health assessments.
Experts doubt traditional obesity weight classification
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.
Improvements in healthier lunch options encourage mindful eating
During the service learning portion of sophomore retreat, sophomore Tyra Deweese volunteers for Habitat for Humanity. Over the course of the year, sophomores have grown by giving back to their communities as part of their 30 hour community service requirement
Audio: Sophomores learn, grow through service learning
Senior Noah Hoereth exercises in the fitness center. Recently, students have been using the fitness center for workouts, finding that the physical activity reaps mental rewards.
Audio: Fitness center workouts provide mental health benefits
In a particularly competitive year for the annual Hunt, sophomores Nanak Ofori-Mante and Alethia Ikem emerged victorious, their second time competing in the Hunt after a failed attempt last year.
Audio: Competing in annual Hunt challenge, students build confidence
New website game PolyTrack allows students to bond as they compete to get the fastest time around the track.
Audio: PolyTrack ignites friendly competition among students racing to beat best times
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
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
Junior Liz Longnecker completes a Gelli plate print during Period 3.
Gallery: ArtsFest sparks excitement, expression
TRIUMPHANT TACTICS. Surrounded by players, varsity boys basketball coach Andre Battle discusses mid-game adjustments during a game against the Latin School of Chicago in Upper Kovler Gymnasium on Jan. 17. The game ended in a decisive 58-44 victory.
Gallery: Coaching with Care
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
Edward Park

Edward Park, Health & Wellness Editor

Edward Park is a member of the Class of 2025 and serves as the health and wellness editor. He joined the journalism staff in the 2022-23 school year as a sophomore. He was an assistant editor as a junior. His favorite story that he has written is “Time Zone Tug-of-War: Students, experts find respective ways to cope with jet lag.” Outside of journalism, Edward enjoys watching sports and cooking for his family. He is also a board member of several affinity groups, including Kids Allergy Network and Young Men of Color, as well as the Cultural Union representative of the Class of 2025.

All content by Edward Park
Students practice lifeguarding skills in Sunny Gymnasium as part of a U-High class. U-High students say lifeguarding provides them with work experience and helps build connections with fellow employees.

Lifeguarding provides students with work experience, camaraderie

Edward Park, Health and Wellness Editor
March 26, 2025
Senior Noah Runesha lays the ball up during the varsity boys basketball game against Latin on Jan. 17. The team ended its season on Feb. 26 with a 57-41 regional semifinal loss to top-seeded Leo High School.

Boys basketball wrap up: season ends after regional semifinal loss

Edward Park, Health & Wellness Editor
March 3, 2025
Listening to music is a crucial part of many students' pre-game routines.

U-High athletes use music to prepare for competition

Edward Park, Health & Wellness Editor
February 26, 2025
Troubling Tech

Troubling Tech

Kabir Joshi, Edward Park, and Chloe Alexander
February 13, 2025
CAFETERIA CHANGES. Some students find the cafeteria food meets their needs, while others feel there is room for improvement. In the coming months, HandCut Foods plan to bring more variety and excitement to lunch by adding new options like sushi, omelets and seasonal treats.

What’s on your lunch plate?

Edward Park, Health & Wellness Editor
February 12, 2025
By successfully balancing academics and fencing, ninth grader Ella Nguyen stands out not only for her skill but for her persistence and openness to advice from her coach, peers and even her brother.

Ella Nguyen finds fencing success through hard work, determination

Edward Park, Health & Wellness Editor
January 29, 2025

Audio: Avoiding awkwardness — Phubbing disrupts interactions

Edward Park, Health and Wellness Editor
January 27, 2025
SWEAT IN SWEATS. As part of his Winter Arc fitness routine junior Zuri Cosey Gay runs on the treadmill in the fitness center. The term Winter Arc was inspired by storytelling character development “arcs” to emphasize the personal growth and transformation aspects of the trend.

For fitness, students join winter arc trend

Edward Park, Health & Wellness Editor
December 11, 2024
Health & Wellness Editor Edward Park argues that motivational videos can be a doubled edged sword leading to negative thoughts.

Inspiration or insult: Motivational media can be a double-edged sword

Edward Park, Health & Wellness Editor
October 31, 2024
Students have won awards in numerous essay contests held both in and out of school.

Students honored with awards in several prestigious essay contests

Edward Park, Health & Wellness Editor
October 30, 2024
Freedom in the Balance

Freedom in the Balance

Chloë Alexander, Light Dohrn, Edward Park, Taariq Ahmed, and Skye Freeman
October 23, 2024
To make a difference, students get involved in the election

To make a difference, students get involved in the election

Edward Park, Health and Wellness Editor
October 23, 2024
TRACKING TRENDS. Many wearable health devices sync their heath data directly with medical professionals, enabling remote monitoring of health issues and early detection of chronic conditions without frequent in-person visits.

Tech tools transform training

Kabir Joshi and Edward Park
October 23, 2024
Varsity debate members Austin Lok and Devdan Jeffrey compete in the virtual Marist Ivy Street Tournament Sept. 27.

Two debaters compete in virtual tournament, miss elimination rounds

Edward Park, Health & Wellness Editor
October 7, 2024
A Roblox player poses in an outfit they created for the theme “Harajuku.” The Roblox game Dress to Impress released on Nov. 11, 2023, and it has attracted many U-High students.

Creativity, fashion expressed in game Dress to Impress

Edward Park, Health & Wellness Editor
September 20, 2024
A student holds the Kenwood Mall gate open for a friend in the morning. The Laboratory Schools are implementing new security policies, including a new pre-screening policy for all visitors and providing after-hours Kenwood Mall access to parents.

New security policies for visitors, parents take effect

Edward Park, Health & Wellness Editor
September 16, 2024
In this Vox Pop, we asked students what they are most excited for this year.

Vox pop: what sudents are most excited for this year

Abhay Chandran, Edward Park, Ari Novak, Orlie Weitzman, Naomi Benton, and Light Dohrn
September 13, 2024
As the graduation ceremony comes to an end, members of the Class of 2024 throw their caps with joy.

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

Edward Park and Kabir Joshi
June 6, 2024
This year, six esteemed members of the Laboratory Schools faculty from middle, lower and early childhood schools as well as staff are set to retire, each leaving behind a legacy of dedication and impact.

6 staff, non-high school faculty will also retire this year

Edward Park, Health and Wellness Editor
May 23, 2024
Class of 1977 alumnus Ralph Hruban has received the Distinguished Alumni Award.

Ralph Hruban recognized for research with alumni award

Edward Park, Health & Wellness Editor
May 21, 2024
Debate captains Mahi Shah and Cyrus Esmailzade lead their team with determination and resilience, inspiring a winning spirit for the entire team.

From underdogs to winners: debate duo’s synergy leads to success

Edward Park, Assistant Editor
April 26, 2024
Sophomore Dominic Vaughan stands at a food truck, ready to order. Students say that the food trucks on South Ellis Avenue offer a vibrant environment of aromas, people and fresh foods.

Vibrant food truck environment brings community together through freshness, energy

Edward Park, Assistant Editor
April 12, 2024
Students who travel to different parts of the world often find that jet lag can make the return to home — and school work — hard. Some students have come up with their own antidotes for the problem, while new scientific studies have suggested cures like increasing light exposure and changing food schedules.

Time Zone Tug-of-War: Students, experts find respective ways to cope with jet lag

Edward Park, Assistant Editor
March 27, 2024
At an all-school assembly on Feb. 29, Alex Lickerman, a Lab parent and primary care doctor spoke to students about the importance of growing resilience.

Lab parent educates students about growing resilience at all-school assembly

Edward Park, Assistant Editor
March 4, 2024
The varsity volleyball team defeated the boys varsity soccer team 21-8 on Feb. 26 in a charity game, with proceeds benefiting the Side-Out Foundation, a group in support of breast cancer patients.

Volleyball team defeats boys soccer in annual charity volleyball match

Edward Park, Assistant Editor
February 27, 2024
Throughout his time on the U-High squash team Adam Tang has ensured that he balance both his athletics and academics.

Adam Tang brings eager passion to school and sports

Edward Park, Assistant Editor
February 22, 2024
STYLING WITH HEART. Esther Adewole blends her bright personality with skilled hairstyling to create a welcoming atmosphere. Originally from Nigeria, Adewole pursued beauty school over nursing, transforming her career into a passion for hairdressing and genuine client interactions.

Warmth and Style: Esther Adewole

Edward Park, Assistant Editor
February 22, 2024

At latest events, senior debate duo finds success

Edward Park, Assistant Editor
February 2, 2024
The Science Olympiad teams excelled at the recent Crystal Lake Central Invitationals on Jan. 27. The varsity team placed first and the junior varsity team placed fifth overall.

Science Olympiad continues success from previous invitational

Edward Park, Assistant Editor
January 30, 2024
Siddharth’s vast collection of Funko Pops line an LED-lit shelf in his bedroom. Collections can hold a variety of different significances to students. For Siddharth, the search for the items is his favorite part.

Troves of trinkets and treasure

Edward Park, Assistant Editor
January 26, 2024
A culture of toxic masculinity encouraging sexism, homophobia, and other forms of discrimination prompts thoughts and concerns from those who identify as male at U-High, especially in spaces like the boys locker room.

Audio: U-High community reflects upon toxicity within male-centric spaces

Taariq Ahmed and Edward Park
January 22, 2024
On Oct. 4, the Model United Nations team won the outstanding large delegation award at a training conference at St. Ignatius College Prep.

Model UN wins outstanding large delegation at training conference

Edward Park, Assistant Editor
November 13, 2023
Since the start of the year, the robotics team Cache Money 8096 has competed in two tournaments during their fall offseason and is proud of their results so far.

Robotics team begins offseason following recent success

Edward Park, Assistant editor
November 9, 2023
In this Vox Pop, we ask students who will vote in the 2024 Presidential election which issues are the most important.

Vox Pop: 2024 presidential election

Light Dohrn, Edward Park, and Zara Siddique
November 9, 2023
You and AI: Your new reality

You and AI: Your new reality

Sahana Unni, Skye Freeman, Victoria Washington, Edward Park, and Katie Sasamoto-Kurisu
October 25, 2023
At the second annual Latinidad assembly, Yolotzin Martinez, co-president of Latinos Unidos, addressed the recent migration crisis, focusing on the situation in Venezuela. In addition to highlighting recent events, the assembly connected intersectionality and diversity within the Latinx community.

At Latinidad assembly, students connect diversity, intersectionality, current events

Mia Lipson and Edward Park
October 13, 2023
Assistant Editor Edward Park says it’s Instagram user's responsibility to take care of their own security and privacy.

Instagram users must protect accounts

Edward Park, Assistant Editor
October 5, 2023
The Kistenbroker Family Artist-in-Residence Program is coming back from 2022, after taking a one year break upon returning from the pandemic at a smaller scale, and for the first time the program will focus on dance.

After yearlong break, artist-in-residence program returns as dance

Edward Park, Assistant Editor
September 26, 2023
Students react with a range of emotions to Lab's new security measures that require more frequent use of student IDs for access and attendance.

Students adjust to new security measures with relief, resentment

Haley Maharry and Edward Park
September 20, 2023
P.E. teacher Joyce Grotthuss performs compressions on one of Lab's new CPR mannequins.

Lab purchases new lifeguard training equipment

Edward Park, Reporter
September 14, 2023
Junior Adam Syverson plays guitar for a crowd at Labstock, Student Council’s annual end-of-year celebration held by Student Council.

Labstock engages community with events, activities

Edward Park, Reporter
June 5, 2023
URBAN ROUTE. From Buckingham Fountain to Grant Park to Michigan Avenue, the NASCAR Chicago drivers will make their way through a track that will include views of Lake Michigan and several other Chicago attractions. The front straightaway and pit road will be housed on South Columbus Drive, running along a two-block stretch that will take the race past Buckingham Fountain.

Pulling up downtown: NASCAR hits Windy City

Haley Maharry, Light Dohrn, Jaya Alenghat, Edward Park, Skye Freeman, Niall Danahey, Kabir Joshi, and David Santiago
May 30, 2023
Vox Pop: The impact of NASCAR on students and community

Vox Pop: The impact of NASCAR on students and community

Edward Park, Reporter
May 30, 2023
Summer street races bring more inconvenience than excitement

Summer street races bring more inconvenience than excitement

Jaya Alenghat and Edward Park
May 30, 2023
AAPI EMPOWERMENT. Pachinko, the drama series, is a remake of the 2017 New York Times’ bestseller book Pachinko by Min Jin Lee. With its increasing popularity, Apple TV confirmed a second season for the drama series later in 2023.

Intriguing ideas capture audience

Edward Park, Reporter
May 29, 2023
Sophomore Jack Colyer rigs his sailboat during a practice May 25 at the Columbia Yacht Club.

Sailing team places 9th in national regatta

Edward Park, Reporter
May 26, 2023
Sophomore Orly Eggner fights for the ball in the regional game against Catalyst–Maria on May 12 at Jackman Field. The team ended its season in a 2-1 loss to Coal City.

Girls soccer team ends season in close loss

Edward Park, Reporter
May 22, 2023
BIG SMILES. Service learning coordinator Katie Clendenning laughs as she talks with Nash McKeague, a sophomore, to answer questions regarding his community service experience in her classroom April 14. She has a calendly page where students can schedule meetings with her easily. “The conversation was very helpful,” Nash said, “and I was able to clarify some things that I needed to know.”

With her love for community service, Katie Clendenning inspires students

Edward Park, Reporter
May 12, 2023
Two students examine a piece on display at the senior show in the Corvus Gallery. The show will run until May 13 and is a display of many types of art.

Corvus Gallery exhibit celebrates senior artists

Edward Park, reporter
April 26, 2023
Students can drop off hygiene products at the high school lobby and various classrooms as part of Girl Up's hygiene product drive.

GirlUp runs hygiene product drive to supply Hyde Park’s Love Fridge

Edward Park, Reporter
March 30, 2023
Colleges should reconsider mandating first-year students to live on campus.

Colleges should offer exemptions from living on-campus

Edward Park, Reporter
March 22, 2023
Sometimes, ArtsFest can be a stressful experience for students who run workshops, as they spend great time planning for the event.

Audio: After running a workshop at ArtsFest students experience growth

Edward Park, Reporter
March 7, 2023
Student journalists in states not protected by a student press law must gain free press rights in order to promote social change.

Student free press laws are necessary for a healthy student community

Jaya Alenghat, Niall Danahey, Light Dohrn, Haley Maharry, and Edward Park
February 22, 2023
Although the Model United Nations team did not place as a school, many individuals placed at the North American MUN conference.

MUN students win individual awards; team misses placement

Edward Park, Reporter
February 22, 2023
Students can drop off toothpaste, shampoo, deodarant, socks, and more hygine products in boxes in the Judd and high school lobby to welcome newly arrived Venezuelan migrants in Chicago.

Club-run hygiene product drive will help asylum-seeking migrants

Edward Park, Reporter
December 8, 2022
Katie Sasamoto-Kurisu, Chloe Alexander, Clare McRoberts, Mia Lipson are now assistant editors and Zara Siddique and Victoria Washington are audience engagement managers.

New Midway assistant editors, audience engagement managers selected

Edward Park, Reporter
October 19, 2022
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