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
Elspeth LaCroix-Birdthistle

Elspeth LaCroix-Birdthistle, Photo Editor-in-Chief

Elspeth LaCroix-Birdthistle is an editor-in-chief of the photojournalism staff and a member of the Class of 2026. Her favorite parts of photojournalism are having the ability to tell stories through her photos and representing the U-High community. Outside of photojournalism, Elspeth is class president, and she enjoys playing soccer, reading about the U.S. Civil War and watching “The West Wing.”

Awards:

2025 Illinois All-State Journalism Team

All content by Elspeth LaCroix-Birdthistle
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.

[Photo] Girls tennis season wrap up: team finishes fifth at state

Chloé Tyndall, Multimedia Editor
October 28, 2025
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.

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

Declan Smith, Sohana Schneider, and Ari Novak
October 21, 2025
Evelyn Halbach and Reed Francez practice their lines during an Oct. 16 rehearsal of “Coal Country”, U-High’s fall play.

[Photo] Mining tragedy retold: Fall play ‘Coal Country’ tells the story of real-life mining tragedy

Nola Baldassare, Reporter
October 16, 2025
Junior Clara Golley folds pamphlets alongside English teacher Darlene McCampbell. The two attended Latinos Unidos and Multicultural Students' Assocations' co-hosted event on Oct. 7, which was held to raise awareness about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Chicago and their impact on the Lab community.

[Photo] Clubs organize response to increased immigration enforcement activity

Naomi Benton, Managing Editor
October 8, 2025
With a voter turnout of 89%, ninth grader Kingston Zhao was elected class president. Voting occurred on Oct. 3 after speeches on Sept. 30.

[Photo] Class of 2029 elects Kingston Zhao president, other positions elected

Cecily Bensmaia, Reporter
October 3, 2025
During girls swimming and dive practice on Sept. 24, sophomore Saanvi Chitneni does the freestyle. Saanvi began swimming competetivly in ninth grade.

[Photo] Athletic essentials Q&A: Saanvi Chitneni

Maya Gauhar, Reporter
September 30, 2025
Sophomore Allie Parham and Marlene Zieker, a German exchange student, hug as they are reunited in front of the Blaine steps. The German exchange students arrived on Sept. 15, and will be exploring Chicago with U-High students until their departure on Oct. 1.

[Photo] Future of the German exchange trip left uncertain

Naomi Benton, Managing Editor
September 23, 2025
FRIENDLY COMPETITION. Sophomore Iris Strahilavitz and ninth grader Ella Nguyen play against each other in a basketball game during Labstock on June 6. Labstock included an assortment of activities to play with friends, including basketball, bags and inflatables.

[Photo] Gallery: Students Celebrate End of Year

Naomi Benton, Managing Editor
June 10, 2025
Sophomore Saanika Dutta sets up an experiment for lower school students on April 6 as part of Women in STEM's Science Saturday.

[Photo] WiSTEM Science Saturday offers mentorship, education

Nadia Washington, Reporter
May 12, 2025
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.

[Photo] Video: Women in STEM members share passion on Science Saturdays

May 6, 2025
Ninth-grader Dorothy Jenner has been dancing since she was two years old. She dances various styles, including ballet, hip hop, modern and pop.

[Photo] Audio: Developing love for dance, ninth grader gains skills and confidence

Imani Qureshi, Reporter
April 30, 2025
Senior Brianna Chang makes slime as an experiment with Lab first graders as part of the Beaker Buddies program, which will not run next school year.

[Photo] Lab science mentorship program suspended for 2025-26

Orlie Weitzman, Assistant Editor
January 20, 2025
From April 7-16, the French exchange students from Lille explored Chicago, trying food, activities, and bonding with U-High students.

[Photo] French exchange students explore Chicago, make memories

Victoria Washington, Opinion Editor
April 22, 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
Sophomore Evelyn Halbach participated in the Young Entrepreneur Academy program in Chicago, where she created a board game called EcoFrenzy. The game was based on the science involved in the world of pollination and won first place.

[Photo] Student inventor wins first place for environmental board game in entrepreneurship program

Zara Siddique, Sports & Leisure editor
April 16, 2024
As ninth grader Priya Yamada becomes a member of an advanced group of dancers at the Hyde Park School of Dance, she has to examine what it means to grow in ballet outside of pointe.

[Photo] Audio: U-High dancer explores ballet beyond pointe

Lila Coyne, Reporter
April 11, 2024
Gliding through the water, sophomore Julian Rossi uses the butterfly stroke to propel himself along the length of the swimming pool at Ratner Athletics Center on Feb. 3. The boys swimming team ended the season at the IHSA sectional finals, coming in fourth place overall.

[Photo] Gallery: Winter sports in review

Zara Siddique, Light Dohrn, and Milo Platz-Walker
March 5, 2024
At the Association of Texas Photography Instructors competition, three photojournalism students placed with two receiving honorable mentions and one placing third.

[Photo] Three students place in national photojournalism competition

Mira Reddy, Reporter
February 22, 2024
A RAW WORKSHOP. Ki and Yang Kim have owned and operated Vogue Cleaners since its opening in 1995, serving an array of Hyde Parkers and students alike. Despite meeting through an arranged marriage, their time together has only strengthened their bond as they work alongside each other day after day.

[Photo] Sewn together: Ki Kim and Yang Kim

Skye Freeman, Audience Engagement Manager
February 19, 2024
A poster in the hallway spreads awareness about Consent Week. From Feb. 12-16, Intersectional Feminism Club will host Consent Week, a school-sponsored event consisting of various workshops and activities to raise awareness on consent.

[Photo] Consent Week to raise awareness of consent through activities, workshops

Zara Siddique, Sports & Leisure Editor
February 6, 2024
On Jan. 17, new testing rooms were opened for students with accommodations during school hours. The rooms are in S101.

[Photo] Testing space opens for students with accomodations

Chloe Alexander, Arts Editor
January 22, 2024
Many students have put down their devices and opted for long-term strategic tabletop board games.

[Photo] Tabletop board game sends students on months long quest

Clare McRoberts, Features Editor
November 14, 2023
A student receives a henna tattoo during the Nov. 2 Diwali festival held by the Hindu Students Club. The group is a newly established affinity space for Hindu members of the Lab community.

[Photo] New affinity club gives more voice to U-High’s Hindu community

Orlie Weitzman, Reporter
November 7, 2023
Narcan, an opioid antagonist designed to prevent overdoses, is now available in the U-High nurse's office. "As a measure of protecting public health, we want to be prepared to treat anything that comes our way," Laboratory Schools lead nurse Kristen Szewczyk said.

[Photo] Narcan made available in nurse’s office

Mia Lipson, News Editor
September 21, 2023
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