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
Estelle Levinson

Estelle Levinson, Photo Managing Editor

Estelle Levinson is the managing editor of photojournalism and a member of the Class of 2026. Her favorite part of photojournalism is being able to take photos of interesting events and working with a team. Outside of photojournalism, Estelle enjoys playing tennis, spending time with friends and family, and traveling.

Awards:

2025 Jostens North American Photo Contest, portrait, fifth place

2024 Association of Texas Photography Instructors Fall Contest, advanced student life, first place

All content by Estelle Levinson
Junior dance team member Savannah Woodson has been wearing long nails for years, and she views them as a form of self expression. Per IHSA rules, she must remove them for dance competitions, a decision she is disappointed by.

[Photo] Athletes wear long nails for confidence despite risks

Declan Smith, News Editor
October 7, 2025
FLAGS A-FLYING. Lower school students hype up the crowd during the varsity soccer game on Jackman Field after school Sept. 19. Face paint, a mascot and free merchandise, such as pompoms, shirts, sunglasses and towels, were used by student supporters to cheer on the sports teams.

[Photo] Gallery: Scenes from homecoming

Calder Wong and Declan Smith
September 22, 2025
Save the Children Action Network President Annabelle McCormick watches as senior Marie Hurley signs up for the Save the Children Action Network. Only 88 clubs participated in club shopping this year, around 20 less than last year.

[Photo] Club policy to help set new expectations

Orlie Weitzman, Opinion Editor
September 19, 2025
Some windows in Gordon Parks Arts Hall have been updated with new material to stop bird strikes.

[Photo] Material applied to GPAH will help birds see windows

Cecily Bensmaia, Reporter
September 16, 2025
MAKING MEMORIES MATTER. An exhibit at the Illinois Holocaust Museum uses personal experiences to describe the attempted 1978 Neo-Nazi march on Skokie, a Chicago suburb home to 7,000 holocaust survivors at the time. Throughout the museum's new satellite location, the stories of survivors are used to help visitors truly understand the inhumanity of various genocides worldwide and the persistent hatred that followed them.

[Photo] Illinois Holocaust Museum opens satellite location, spreads stories

Naomi Benton, Managing editor
September 10, 2025
Screenshot 2025-09-07 at 1.51.47 PM

[Photo] Meet the newcomers:

Sohana Schneider, Editor-in-Chief
September 7, 2025
Ninth grader Debbie Lu, who helped run the Asian Students’ Association booth at Rites of May, instructs a kid on how to fold a paper crane. Rites of May was held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 31.

[Photo] Clubs fundraise, students volunteer at Rites of May

Lucy Shirrell, Health & Wellness Editor
June 3, 2025
Seniors Aerianna Rai-Marchant and Orly Eggener hold up paintings and photos from Boston and Chicago. May Projects fostering creative skills, like this one, have become more popular recently.

[Photo] May Project: A valued tradition

Abhay Chandran, City Life Editor
June 4, 2025
DINK OR DILL: Senior Asher Huner found a love for pickleball last summer, amid a boom of the fastest-growing sport.

[Photo] Pickleball provides social time, enjoyable gameplay

Mia Lipson, Managing Editor
May 2, 2025
Dressed head to toe in his own merchandise, Quinton McNair, founder and owner of StruggleBeard Bakery, prepares a batch of his lemon cookies. With his background of battling struggles and determination to grow a beard, Mr. McNair started this buisness to give back to his community through sweet treats.

[Photo] One tough cookie: Founder of local StruggleBeard Bakery overcomes struggles to share sweets

Naomi Benton, Audience Engagement Editor
March 2, 2025
History teacher Holly Johnston talks to three of her students during class. She dedicates her time to creating a welcoming classroom environment where her students can engage in thoughtful dialogue, and she does so through personal conversations, classroom policies and engagement out of the classroom.

[Photo] Holly Johnston builds meaningful, intentional connections with students

Nadia Washington, Reporter
March 4, 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
The math team placed first in the state for division 3AA in the Regional ICTM Math Competition on Feb. 22 at Concordia University.

[Photo] Dominating regional competition, math team places first

Sohana Schneider, Assistant Editor
March 3, 2025
Sophomores Sofia Schwartz and Venice Lichstein attend a Women in STEM meeting. The club is organizing a new mentorship program to connect U-High students with undergraduates at the University of Chicago.

[Photo] Women in STEM club organizes mentorship program open to all

Gabriel Wang, Reporter
January 30, 2025
Many U-High sports teams offers various preseason activities, and the pressure on student athletes to attend these varies depending on the sports team and the athlete's motivation.

[Photo] Audio: Preseason team activities bring opportunity, added pressure

Jaya Alenghat, Editor-in-Chief
February 5, 2025
Seniors Jack Colyer, Karis Lee, Krish Khanna, Andrew Ji and Max Gurinas head to the University of Chicago for their Honors Calculus I class, just some of the many students who take classes at UChicago to pursue niche interests in a rigorous setting. 

[Photo] Students utilize UChicago courses to rigorously explore specialized interests

Sohana Schneider, Assistant Editor
January 15, 2025
Estelle Levinson, first place, student life

[Photo] Eight photojournalists win 13 awards in national competition

Chloé Tyndall, Reporter
December 13, 2024
Junior Danyal Shah works in the library during Lab C Oct. 23. To promote a focused environment, librarians are now closing the GPAH doors, requiring students to check in when entering the library and controlling volume during lab periods.

[Photo] New policies reemphasize library as space for silent work

Lucy Shirrell, Reporter
November 1, 2024
SET FOR SUCCESS. Sophomore nail artists Rania Khan and Mercury Romero pose with their custom nail sets. They've navigated the ins and outs of running their business, Shimmr, over the past few months, and have a loyal following.

[Photo] Nailed it: Sophomore duo turns nail art hobby into innovative, Insta-friendly business

Mia Lipson, Managing Editor
October 11, 2024
During the election season, students will participate in dialogue surrounding the political issues defining the 2024 presidential race to enhance understanding of policy debates.

[Photo] Undersea theme hooks attendees

Juliana Daugherty, Reporter
September 23, 2024
After many isolated months indoors, some people have developed a green thumb, providing an outlet for relaxation and stress reduction.

[Photo] Green thumbs: Students, faculty create comfort and connection with houseplants

Victoria Washington, Opinion Editor
April 23, 2024
With the installment of P.E. electives, students have more agency over what physical activities they engage in during the day.

[Photo] Audio: P.E. electives allow ninth graders to grow their enjoyment of P.E.

Juliana Daugherty, Reporter
March 18, 2024
Lindiwe Jackson picks up one of the three children of the host family she cares for from tutoring outside Blaine Hall. While she can travel on the weekends and explore Chicago, Ms. Jackson ensures to prioritize her au pair responsibilities.

[Photo] A little different from the movies: Lindiwe Jackson

Audrey Park, Editor-In-Chief
February 23, 2024
A student performs CPR on a mannequin during a Heartbeat Club meeting. The Heartbeat Club will prepare students to handle real-life emergencies.

[Photo] First aid-centered club will help students prepare for emergencies

November 1, 2023
A recent decision to turn the Lake Shore Hotel into an asylum shelter sparked anger and frustration among Kenwood residents at city officials for their approach to handling the incoming migrants.

[Photo] Local neighborhoods push back against city’s plan accommodating new migrants

Katie Sasamoto-Kurisu, Editor-in-Chief
September 22, 2023
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