The Student News Site of University of Chicago Laboratory High School

U-High Midway
Searching for solutions: Student looks at the AI overview while searching for how to find the derivative of a function on one of the Library’s computers. Many students rely on the overview as well as other AI tools for quick solutions to math problems and inquiries.
Teachers find AI Overview a shortcut for research
From hope to hesitancy, students reacted in many different ways to the election of a new pope.
Vox Pop: Students excited, nervous about new pope
W. Ian Lipkin who graduated U-High in 1970, was awarded the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award. Dr. Lipkin has over 40 years of work in his field.
Immunologist W. Ian Lipkin, Class of 1970, given the Distinguished Alumni Award
Daniel Chang, the 2025-26 all-school president-elect, hopes to make Student Council more efficient.
As president, Chang to prioritize functionality
Daniel Chang was elected all-school president for the 2025-26 school year.
Chang, Quiles to lead 2025-26 Student Council
From May 5-9, sophomores Aya El Bissati and Jairy Felix led a children's book drive, which raised over 120 books.
Book drive supports children’s literacy in underserved communities
On April 26 at Illinois State University, the Math Team won a state competition. Additionally, multiple teams and individuals won first place in individual competitions.
Math team wins state contest after scoring mishap
Senior Taariq Ahmed has been selected as Student Journalist of the Year by Youth Journalism International.
Midway editor named Student Journalist of the Year in global competition
Light Dohrn, the Midway's arts & entertainment editor, and Elspeth LaCroix-Birdthistle, who is on the U-Highlights staff and was on the photojournalism team last year, were selected for the Illinois Journalism Education Association's All-State Journalism Team.
For third consecutive year, two U-High journalists named to All-State team
Midway journalists and photojournalists received various awards from the Illinois Journalism Education Association, including Best Overall Publication and Best Hybrid Publication.
U-High journalists, photojournalists receive state awards
The shadows of policy & power
The shadows of policy & power
Driven to serve: Alumni pursue careers in public service
Driven to serve: Alumni pursue careers in public service
Addicted to the Algorithm
Addicted to the Algorithm
10 x 10: Midway 100
10 x 10: Midway 100
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
Audience Engagement Editor Abhay Chandran argues that books should choose a meaningful ending instead of an easy ending.
Write endings that have meaning instead of an easy outcome
The Editorial Board argues that Lab is losing the characteristics and limiting student activities which define student life and make the highschool experience fun.
Lab is losing what makes it fun
Assistant Editor Lila Coyne argues that in a period of petty political arguments, students should engage in collaborative disagreement.
Embrace collaborative disagreement to improve discussion
The Editorial Board argues that elected students must follow through on the promises that they make during campaigning.
Hold your Student Council accountable
Assistant Editor Orlie Weitzman argues that diversity from multilingualism needs to be embraced instead of demonized.
America must celebrate its multilingual roots
During Lab A, ninth graders Lauren Wilson and Alondra Reyes visit middle school faculty member Thomas Toney to talk about the latest water polo match that Alondra participated in. Lauren and Alondra often go together to visit Mr. Toney and talk to him about school or about personal things together. “We come back from time to time just to keep conversation going about how we’re doing in high school,” Lauren said.
Students maintain bonds with middle school teachers
Sophomore Saanika Dutta sets up an experiment for lower school students on April 6 as apart of Women in Stem's Science Saturday.
WiStem Science Saturday offers mentorship, education
Pressure of the perfect night
Pressure of the perfect night
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
DINK OR DILL: Senior Asher Huner found a love for pickleball last summer, amid a boom of the fastest-growing sport.
Pickleball provides social time, enjoyable gameplay
Food al Fresco
Food al Fresco
PAWS FOR PASSION. Volunteer Wendy Elstien holds her foster dog, Gilda, as she explains the impact that the rescue has had on her life. Ms. Elstien started fostering Gilda after the loss of her own dog. “You have no idea how much this dog means to me and how much this has changed my life,” she said, “and that's really powerful to me.”
Fetching Hope: Volunteer organization saves vulnerable dogs from abuse
The Public Housing Museum, located at 919 S Ada St., allows visitors to engage with a narrative of public housing that highlights the humanity, resilience and joy of residents. The museum includes a working studio where the stories of public housing residents are recorded and publicly archived; a gift shop owned and operated by current and former public housing residents; gallery and exhibition spaces; a playground; and a recreation room where visitors can enjoy a large collection of records by artists who lived in public housing across the United States.
Public Housing Museum combats stereotypes through storytelling
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
One hundred years after its publication in 1925, "The Great Gatsby" remains relevant, detailing parallel struggles and responses to our current day.
100 years later, ‘The Great Gatsby’ remains a cautionary tale
FROM SCENE TO SCREEN. Ninth grader René Saussy edits footage for a classmate’s short film using Adobe Premiere. After completing his own short film, he has been helping others edit their films
From Script to Screen: Ninth Graders explore filmmaking one scene at a time
"Sinners," a new movie by the director of "Black Panther," explores themes of ownership and race. It was released on April 17 and is currently available in theaters.
‘Sinners’ brings fresh vision, allegorical confusion
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
Senior Henry Auxenfans began taking violin lessons at 5 years old, and dedicated the next 13 years of his life to it.
Keeping time: Senior Henry Auxenfans finds discipline in violin
Sophomore Suna Choi Hortaçsu competes in an indoor track meet.
Athletic essentials Q&A: Suna Choi Hortaçsu
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
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
Senior Krish Khanna, a varsity tennis co-captain, leads his team with passion and sportsmanship. His love for tennis started at age 6 and continues to shape his high school experience.
Senior Krish Khanna finds purpose through tennis, leadership
Six alumni who once competed as U-High athletes will be inducted into the Lab Athletics Hall of Fame as members of the Class of 2025.
Six U-High alumni athletes to be inducted into Lab Athletics Hall of Fame
HIDDEN HARM. Food dyes like tartrazine may deplete zinc, potentially affecting brain function. The European Union bans several dyes still allowed in the U.S., including Red 40 and Yellow 5.
Candy-colored concerns
A student selects various vegetables from the salad bar. Recent changes to the salad bar offerings in Cafe Lab have inspired students to consider healthier lunch options.
Audio: Improvements in healthier lunch options encourage mindful eating
FY FUTURE. Nature’s Fynd yogurts and patties are sold at local grocery stores like Whole Foods and Mariano’s. The company’s dairy-free Fy Yogurt recently won the 2025 NEXTY Award for best new dairy alternative.
From Yellowstone to yogurt, company makes new protein
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
Mia Lane paints on a prop for the upcoming theater production, "Urinetown." U-High theater's set crew has make significant advancements in the complexity of their stage design.
Video: With ‘Urinetown,’ set crew takes new leaps in complexity
On a Science Saturday on April 26, Women in Stem co-president Sofia Picciola works with kids on a pepper-and-soap experiment that explains surface tension concepts.
Video: Women in STEM members share passion on Science Saturdays
Varsity soccer co-captain Orly Eggener raises her hands for a high five with her teammates. Sports captainship has allowed multiple students to grow both on and off the field.
Audio: Sports captainship allows student athletes to grow leadership skills
Students have been taking initiative outside of class to improve their foreign language skills through conversation clubs and language learning apps like Duolingo.
Audio: Improving language skills helps students learn, improve academically
Ninth-grader Dorothy Jenner has been dancing since she was two years old. She dances various styles, including ballet, hip hop, modern and pop.
Audio: Developing love for dance, ninth grader gains skills and confidence
Jumping into the air, ninth grader Chris Williams delivers a powerful serve during the boys tennis team’s home game against Fenwick on April 24. As of May 5, the varsity had an undefeated record of 11-0 for the season.
Gallery: Pushing Past the Pain
Surrounded by fellow students, junior Sara Park dances at Spring Fling on April 5 in the Sherry Lansing Theater.
Spring Fling enchants, charms with themed decor
In a March 26 tennis practice, ninth grader Alexander Yamini returns a ball in a serving and returning drill. “Practice helps me to improve my skills on the court,” Alexander said. “Every day that I go to practice I feel that I have added to my tennis skill set. People tend to see the final product or the polished skill, but they don’t always recognize the countless hours of struggling with things that didn’t work out during training.”
Gallery: Practice Makes Perfect
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
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
Gabriel Issa

Gabriel Issa, Photographer

Awards:

2024 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Circle Award: First place, single feature photograph (digital), “Sprinting to success: Poppy Beiser”

2024 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Circle Award: Second place, single feature photograph (print), “Sprinting to success: Poppy Beiser”

2024 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Circle Award: Certificate of merit (with William Tan, Patrice Graham, Matthew McGehee, Kaden Moubayed, Matt Petres), photo story, “Photo Gallery: Raw reactions”

2023 National Scholastic Press Association Photo of the Year: Environmental Portrait, second place

2023 Illinois Journalism Education Association: First place, photo gallery or slideshow (with Andrew Burke-Stevenson, Carter Chang, Patrice Graham, Matthew McGehee, Chloe Ma, Matt Petres, Amy Ren, Elliott Taylor, Malcolm Taylor), Photo gallery: Focused Faces

2023 Illinois Journalism Education Association: First place, photo story (with Andrew Burke-Stevenson, Carter Chang, Patrice Graham, Meena Lee, Matthew McGehee, Chloe Ma, Matt Petres, Amy Ren, Elliott Taylor, Malcolm Taylor), Focused Faces

2022 Journalism Education Association National Student Media Contests, St. Louis convention: Excellent, themed photo

All content by Gabriel Issa
Junior Sam Pastor hands a baton off to sophomore Nyel Khan at the 2A IHSA Sectionals. The boys track team had a strong performance, sending eight students to state. The team did not advance to the state finals.

[Photo] Boys track team ends season after first round at state

Skye Freeman, Reporter
May 31, 2023
Ooh Wee! It Is!, a Chicago-based chain restaurant providing "soul food with a twist," is opening up a third location in Hyde Park on April 16.

[Photo] Oooh Wee! It Is! provides unique twist on classic dishes

Krishita Dutta, Opinions Editor
April 7, 2023
Junior Poppy Beiser practices starts on Jackman Field. Poppy's passion for and dedication to running has propelled her to to success.

[Photo] Sprinting to success: Poppy Beiser perseveres, finds joy

Victoria Washington, Audience Engagement Manager
March 28, 2023
Sophomore Dory Barnard works the light board in the balcony above Sherry Lansing Theater. They serve as the master of lighting which has taught them skills in leadership and responsibility.

[Photo] Dory Barnard glows and grows through leadership role in lighting crew

Taariq Ahmed, Reporter
March 6, 2023
FAST FASHION FLAWS. While the low prices may attract students to fast fashion companies, Shein, among other brands, has come under fire for the mistreatment of workers and detrimental effects on the environment, making many students more hesitant to purchase the trendy designs they offer.

[Photo] The price is (not) right: Fast fashion ethical concerns outweigh low prices

Skye Freeman, Reporter
March 3, 2023
One of the nation’s top high schoolers in math, Jeffrey Chen is outgoing and involved in a number of activities outside of math like computer science, physics and the Diplomacy Club

[Photo] More than math: Jeffrey Chen reaches apex through hard work, talent

Audrey Park, Managing Editor
February 10, 2023
In addition to a call for student submissions, the Ouroboros Review is also running a poetry contest where submissions are due Feb. 28.

[Photo] Ouroboros Review accepting student submissions for fourth edition

Peter Cox, City Life Editor
February 3, 2023
A noose was found at the construction site of the Obama Presidential Center on Nov. 10, which halted construction.

[Photo] Obama Presidential Center halts construction after noose found on site

Mia Lipson, Assistant Editor
November 16, 2022
Seniors Jeffrey Huang (unmasked) and Ege Halac (masked) talk in the library. The mask optional guidelines for the school year mean that less than 25% of the U-High student body has chosen to wear a mask regularly.

[Photo] COVID-19 worries decrease despite Chicago’s infection rate

Erich Raumann, Deputy Managing Editor
September 23, 2022
student in library takes book off shelf

[Photo] TikTok subculture inspires teens to read

Mia Lipson, Reporter
September 22, 2022
Senior Linsbert Reynolds pumps his fist in the air as his name is called to receive his diploma.

[Photo] 156 seniors graduate as ceremony returns to Rockefeller Chapel

Téa Tamburo, Editor-in-Chief
June 9, 2022
Junior Luke Grotthus takes the baton from junior teammate William Montague. The two were part of a 4x400 meter relay including juniors Cristian Ferreyra and Sohan Manek.

[Photo] Eight boys track and field athletes compete in state competition

May 31, 2022
The literary translation club holds a group session to give feedback on each other's work.

[Photo] Ouroboros Review will hold release party to celebrate its third volume

Erich Raumann, Deputy Managing Editor
May 25, 2022
Junior Sara Kumar discusses literary translation for the "Ouroboros Review" as part of literary translation club.

[Photo] Club encourages students to practice translation, awareness

Sandra Mordi, Reporter
May 24, 2022
The U-High Midway has been recognized with several awards by the Illinois Journalism Education Association.

[Photo] U-High Midway wins 44 state journalism awards

Katie Sasamoto-Kurisu, Reporter
May 16, 2022
Counselor Camille Baughn-Cunningham draws her hand back in preparation to throw a yarn ball across the court.

[Photo] Gallery: Students take on faculty in community-building games

Krishita Dutta and Audrey Park
May 13, 2022
A customer browses through First Aid's comics collection, book in hand.

[Photo] Local comic book store thrives despite pandemic

Peter Cox, City Life Editor
May 18, 2022
Located on 53rd Street in Harper Court, the Brave Space Alliance is a community led center for LGBTQ+ people of color on the South and West Sides to recieve support from people who look like them and share their experiences. The center aims to provide culturally competent support.

[Photo] Thriving: Brave Space Alliance uses mutual aid to provide for LGBTQ+ community of color

Meena Lee, Sports Editor
May 5, 2022
The varsity Science Olympiad team will be advancing to the state competition on April 23.

[Photo] Science Olympiad team to participate in state competition

Anathea Carrigan, Managing Editor
April 22, 2022
Waves crash onto the iconic limestone rocks which encircle the Point.

[Photo] Keep the historic significance of ‘the Point’

Editorial Board
April 8, 2022
ENDANGERED. Organizations including Preservation Chicago and Promontory Point Conservancy have come out against plans to demolish and replace the limestone rocks with concrete.

[Photo] Fight to save Promontory Point reinvigorated after demolition and construction proposed

Adrianna Nehme, News Editor
April 6, 2022
During a scrimmage at practice on March 1, junior Elsa Nielsen dribbles the ball as junior Charlotte Sims defends.

[Photo] Gallery: Spring season off to strong start

March 10, 2022
Senior Will Maharry has set several school records for diving, but his dedication to the team and unwavering support for his teammates makes him stand out.

[Photo] Deep Dive: Senior diver sets records, supports team

Colin Leslie, Assistant Editor
March 4, 2022
Juniors Eitan Malani, Asher Levinson and Milo Jarard cheer on the Jesse White Tumblers at the ArtsFest opening ceremony.

[Photo] Photos: Artfest 2022 captured image by image

Krishita Dutta, Amon Gray, Chloe Ma, and Ethan Swinger
February 25, 2022
Juniors Amelia Cifu and Zoe Stephens light a Bunsen burner during Science Olympiad practice. The Lab Science Olympiad varsity team took second place overall at an invitational competition held at Marquette High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

[Photo] Illinois Science Olympiad varsity team wins invitational award

Zara Siddique, Reporter
February 21, 2022
Elevator issues such as long wait times and break-downs increase stress in students who need it to get to class.

[Photo] Elevator obstacles generate anxiety

Louis Auxenfans, Assistant Editor
February 7, 2022
Members of the schedule committee meet Jan. 18. The schedule committee was formed to focus on discovering schedules that will benefit the high school.

[Photo] New committee considers daily schedule changes

Audrey Park, Assistant Editor
January 26, 2022
Amelie Liu poses with her book, "Matzo-Ball Wonton Thanksgiving." The book tells the story of a younger Amelie's experience with balancing different cultural identities over Thanksgiving.

[Photo] One book, two cultures: Junior writes children’s book exploring intersectionality, multicultural heritage

William Tan, Assistant Editor
December 17, 2021
Senior Erik Erling faces off in a fencing match during a practice against one of his teammates. The team will compete in their next meet on Dec. 11 at Culver Academy.

[Photo] Winter sports return in full swing

Joaquin Figueroa, Reporter
December 15, 2021
Dance Troupe has gone through vast changes in its 2021-22 season, resulting in more members, lifted team spirit and an increase in opportunities to grow as dancers.

[Photo] Size and spirit: Dance Troupe invigorated in new year

Krishita Dutta, Arts Co-Editor
December 9, 2021
Editorial board applications for the Inflame History and Economics Journal are open to all juniors and sophomores enrolled in a history class.

[Photo] History journal accepts applications for editorial board positions

Kiran Collins, Reporter
December 9, 2021
Sophomore Elizabeth Oyler set three school records during IHSA sectionals on Nov. 6.

[Photo] Girls swimming and diving set school records during post-season

Joaquin Figueroa, Reporter
November 12, 2021
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