The Student News Site of University of Chicago Laboratory High School

U-High Midway
Laura Jarrett, Class of 2003, will speak at the Class of 2025's graduation. Ms. Jarrett is a senior legal correspondent for NBC news.
Speakers, performances selected for graduation June 5
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
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
News Editor Declan Smith argues that cursive shouldn't be confined to textbooks, but rather, taught as an artistic skill.
Teach cursive as artistic skill rather than a textbook chore
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
Private Stories are a a feature on Snapchat often used by teenagers to document funny moments in their lives and share updates with friends — all with the ability to control how public or private they want these stories to be.
Students turn to Snapchat private stories for real talk, connection
IN TUNE. Harmony for Hearts, the student-led organization, performs for seniors and people with disabilities.
Using music, students spread joy to elders
Junior Sara Park attends an Asian Students’ Association meeting on May 16. ASA has become more than just a club, but rather a community led by faculty members Shirley Volk and Hsing-Huei Huang.
Sponsors who reflect students identity help ASA thrive
After 27 years at U-High, college counselor Patty Kovacs is retiring. Ms. Kovacs and her husband have started an endowment at U-High for non-tuition based needs of juniors and seniors going through the college process.
Patty Kovacs: Beloved college counselor retires after 27 years
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
Say “Ah.” Dr. Kat Asbury prepares to take a cat's temperature at one of the bimonthly pop-up clinics run by Hyde Park Cats. These pop-up clinics are held in the houses of Hyde Park volunteers, and allow for fosterers to bring their fosters in for necessary vaccinations, blood tests and wellness checks without incurring the costs of a regular vet visit. “Not everybody knows what to do when they see an animal in distress, and it’s good to get the word out so people know we’re a good resource,” Fran Spaltro, a frequent volunteer for this organization, said.
Comforting Cats: Nonprofit shelters, rescues local felines
Typing carefully as she works on her homework, ninth grader Maeve Krewatch gazes at her screen while sitting in a booth at Te’amo, a popular bubble tea shop that many U-High students enjoy visiting. Maeve is one of many students who enjoys this bubble tea shop as a fun place to study and hang out. “It’s close by, so it’s easy to hang out with friends there after school,” she said. “Overall the atmosphere is really nice.”
Te’amo offers welcoming space for students
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
Released earlier this year, “A Minecraft Movie” follows a team of five as they are thrown into the game’s overworld and learn more about themselves and self-expression.
‘A Minecraft Movie’ fails to build on creative legacy
The 2024 movie “Twisters” offers thrilling tornado-chasing visuals yet falls short with a shallow plot and underdeveloped characters.
‘Twisters’ stirs up thrilling visuals but leaves plot in the dust
Karol G poses on stage for the cover of her new documentary on her latest album, “Mañana Será Bonito.”
‘Karol G: Mañana Será Bonito’ reveals story behind success
Graceful & Symbolic. At the Center for Indian Performing Arts, an adult Bharatanatyam dance class takes place on April 22 at 7 p.m. The dancers learned a new technique and had to practice it multiple times with footwork and hands separately in order to perfect all of the intricacies of the dance.
Bharatanatyam Indian dance teaches culture, encourages self expression and family connection
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
Ninth grader Kate Stackert plays goalkeeper.
Athletes find benefits, balance in double-rostered roles
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
The results of 2024 Wellness Survey show that Lab has an overall wellness score of 87, in comparison to the national average of 85. Scores overall have increased in some areas such as enjoyment, while remaining stagnant or worsening in other areas.
Wellness survey shows progress, overall mixed results
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
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
Henry Benton

Henry Benton, Photographer

Henry Benton is an assistant editor and a member of the class of 2025. Henry is most excited to photograph basketball this year. Outside of photojournalism, Henry enjoys tennis, hanging out with friends and music.

Awards:

2023 Illinois Journalism Education Association: Second place, photo gallery or slideshow (with Victoria Washington and Audrey Matei, Kaden Moubayed, Patrice Graham, Matthew McGehee, Ishani Hariprasad, Sarah Abdelsalam), Photos: ArtsFest 2023

2022 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Circle Award: Photo slideshow, certificate of merit (with Andrew Burke-Stevenson, Malcolm Taylor, Matt Petres, Chloe Ma and Patrice Graham), “Photo gallery: Faculty face off in Homecoming arm wrestling tournament”

All content by Henry Benton
Two national diversity-related conferences which U-High students and adults have attended for years have been paused for 2025.

[Photo] Major DEI conferences long-attended by U-High students, adults paused for 2025

Milo Platz-Walker, Sports Editor
April 28, 2025
The Thursday Afternoon Live club, which meets in room N308 on Thursdays during lunch, provides students with a space to express themselves creatively with improvisational games and skits.

[Photo] Thursday Afternoon Live club encourages creative expression, comedy

Declan Smith, Assistant Editor
April 22, 2025
U-High student journalists have been recognized for their work through national awards.

[Photo] U-High student journalists win national awards

Laila Valenti, Reporter
April 9, 2025
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.

[Photo] Lifeguarding provides students with work experience, camaraderie

Edward Park, Health and Wellness Editor
March 26, 2025
Zoe Cobb, sophomore, prioritizes style in the winter. She is meticulous about her clothing, looking to balance the baggy and tight elements of her outfits. Zoe always strives to convey her bubbly personality through bold colors and interesting patterns. She said, “I treat school as my own fashion show.”

[Photo] Frosty Fashion

Lila Coyne, Assistant Editor
February 14, 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.

[Photo] What’s on your lunch plate?

Edward Park, Health & Wellness Editor
February 12, 2025
From fiery Sriracha Peas to sweet Popcorn Twists, this year's lineup of snacks can be a game changer, elevating your game day to the next first down.

[Photo] Super Bowl snacks that score

Chloé Tyndall, Reporter
February 7, 2025
The U-High Midway newspaper and website won its eight consecutive and 28th overall Crown Award from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association. The U-Highlights yearbook won its second Crown Award.

[Photo] U-High Midway and U-Highlights win prestigious Crown Award

Gabriel Wang, Reporter
December 20, 2024
Henry Benton, honorable mention, student life

[Photo] Eight photojournalists win 13 awards in national competition

Chloé Tyndall, Reporter
December 13, 2024
Sophomore Josiah Sklarsky has turned his musical talent into a way of expressing himself and understanding his identity.

[Photo] Disc Discovery: Josiah Sklarsky finds expression, identity in music

Chloë Alexander, Editor-in-Chief
December 9, 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.

[Photo] Tech tools transform training

Kabir Joshi and Edward Park
October 23, 2024
Karim Sulayman, a Class of 1994 alumnus, excitedly addresses his commencement speech, emphasizing the value of relationships. “You can find joy in leaning into your relationships. This is the real treasure that Lab gave me: the people who I’ve known since nursery school that are still in my life.”

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

Edward Park and Kabir Joshi
June 6, 2024
SWEET SECRETARY. After 35 years of service in the high school office, Carol Arrington will retire at the end of this year. “Ms. Carol” touched many hearts during her time at U-High.

[Photo] For 35 years, U-High’s elegant caretaker

Chloe Alexander, Editor-in-Chief
May 22, 2024
Several U-High tennis team players also take private lessons during the off-season. These players have grown their tennis skills through two distinct ways, and their intersection has impacts both on and off the court.

[Photo] Audio: U-High girls tennis players grow their skill through private lessons

Neha Dhawan, Reporter
April 9, 2024
High school students face an evolving landscape in the college admissions process after colleges and universities introduced test-optional admission policies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

[Photo] Optional standardized testing presents flexibility in college admissions process

Audrey Park, Editor-in-Chief
November 27, 2023
The U-High cross country team ended its season at the IHSA state competition Nov. 4 in Detweiller Park.

[Photo] Girls and boys cross country ends season with individual, group recognition

Jaya Alenghat, Assistant Editor
November 8, 2023
BALANCING ABILITY. Playing the stage manager in “Our Town,” senior Emma Ciesla balances multiple roles — main character, and props and makeup master. The ability to juggle these tasks stems from Emma’s love of theater.

[Photo] Juggling Act: Senior works to explore passions with numerous roles in upcoming fall play

Taariq Ahmed, Digital Editor
October 23, 2023
P.E. teacher Joyce Grotthuss performs compressions on one of Lab's new CPR mannequins.

[Photo] Lab purchases new lifeguard training equipment

Edward Park, Reporter
September 14, 2023
Sophomore Jack Colyer rigs his sailboat during a practice May 25 at the Columbia Yacht Club.

[Photo] Sailing team places 9th in national regatta

Edward Park, Reporter
May 26, 2023
Seniors Peter Cox and Jay Molony work together to build a go-kart for their group's May Project.

[Photo] May Projects prompt creative exploration

Zara Siddique, Sports and Leisure Editor
May 24, 2023
Holocaust survivor Susan Meschel retells her experiences during the high school wide assembly on April 13.

[Photo] In Holocaust Remembrance Assembly, JSA calls on greater inclusivity from affinity groups, students

Clare McRoberts, Assistant Editor
April 18, 2023
Jewish Students' Association co-president Charlie Benton speaks at a JSA meeting. The affinity group is planning a Holocaust Remembrance assembly that includes student- and faculty-run workshops.

[Photo] Holocaust Remembrance will include assembly, workshops

Amy Ren, Assistant Editor
March 30, 2023
While most members of the Lab community don't wholeheartedly trust astrology, many appreciate it as an interesting subject and pastime.

[Photo] Comforting vs. casual: Varying trust in astrology helps guide decisions, start conversations

Sahana Unni, Features Editor
March 22, 2023
JSA president Charlie Benton converses with JSA members during their weekly meeting about the upcoming workshops.

[Photo] JSA accepting workshops submissions for Holocaust assembly

Clare McRoberts, Assistant Editor
March 20, 2023
In the U-High athletics building, fencing equipment is sorted in an orderly fashion. Students who fence on the U-High team are able to expand their skills through a P.E. elective.

[Photo] Audio: Fencing team members find new opportunity in fencing P.E. elective.

March 8, 2023
Sophomore Anik Shetty roasts a marshmallow over a campfire in the Outdoor Classroom. In “S'mores in the Outdoors,” students enjoyed time outside and making s’mores.

[Photo] Photos: ArtsFest 2023

Victoria Washington and Audrey Matei
March 3, 2023
TRAVEL FRENZY. More than 50 students in total will travel to Taiwan, Paris and La Rochelle or Greece for spring break exchange trips.

[Photo] Spring break exchange trips offer cultural immersion

Krishita Dutta, Opinion Editor
February 20, 2023
Lab has begun searching for a new athletics director and hopes to select the candidate shortly. David Ribbens, Lab’s director of athletics for two decades, will retire.

[Photo] New athletics director to be selected by spring

Mia Lipson, Assistant Editor
February 14, 2023
SIGNIFICANT SERVICE: While fulfilling the sophomore year of service, some students have found a passion at their service site, and many continue to volunteer after the required 30 hours have been completed.

[Photo] Students emerge from year of service with widened world view

Clare McRoberts, Assistant Editor
January 31, 2023
Though CBD products have grown in popularity, research shows that the drug has few known effects.

[Photo] CBD products popular but unproven

November 30, 2022
SHIELD test sample submissions have dwindled significantly since they were mandatory in the spring.

[Photo] Without participation, SHIELD testing program could end

Erich Raumann, Deputy Managing Editor
November 8, 2022
With fewer participants since the beginning of the year, Lab’s SHIELD testing program for Covid-19 might shut down. The end of the program raises concerns about infection rates going into the the winter months. “We have to have a certain number of samples in each week in order to keep the program going,” nurse Mary Toledo-Treviño said. “That's why we're trying to just make sure to put it out there to say, please make sure to get tested.”

Mediclub will use video lectures and guest speaker events to help students learn about pursuing a career in a medical field.

[Photo] New club helps students learn about careers in a medical field

David Santiago, Reporter
October 28, 2022
After a flood of support from members of the Hyde Park community, Kilwins reopened their doors in late July.

[Photo] Store reopens in heart of Hyde Park

Louis Auxenfans, News Editor
September 26, 2022
New Faculty 22-23 Placards MaxDefenition3

[Photo] Isaac Berrueta

Téa Tamburo, Editor-in-Chief
September 12, 2022
New Faculty 22-23 Placards MaxDefenition2

[Photo] Shannon Barker

Louis Auxenfans, News Editor
September 12, 2022
New Faculty 22-23 Placards4

[Photo] Cody Boukather

Louis Auxenfans, News Editor
September 12, 2022
New Faculty 22-23 Placards

[Photo] Aaron Arreguin

Téa Tamburo, Editor-in-Chief
September 12, 2022
Spanish teacher Angelica Guerrero worked with middle and lower school students during her 20 years at Lab.

[Photo] Five lower, middle school teachers retire with 122 combined years at Lab

Peter Cox, Amy Ren, and Téa Tamburo
June 2, 2022
Young Women of Color club members Taylor Patterson, Raven Reid and Kiran Chinniah applaud while watching Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Supreme Court acceptance speech.

[Photo] For young women of color, Justice Jackson represents judicial progress, work

Katie Sasamoto-Kurisu, Reporter
May 25, 2022
Student-versus-faculty games will occur during the assembly period on May 12.

[Photo] To build community, student-versus-faculty games are returning

Katie Sasamoto-Kurisu, Reporter
April 28, 2022
The Fresh/Soph Boys Basketball team huddles up during their game against Northridge College Prep. The team lost the game and is currently 0-1.

[Photo] Winter sports return in full swing

Joaquin Figueroa, Reporter
December 15, 2021
A student crosses off items from their planner. The next Program of Studies will attempt to accurately display how much work students should expect to do for each class.

[Photo] Workload expectations to be included in the Program of Studies

Colin Leslie, Assistant Editor
December 12, 2021
In-person exchange trips will be canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its safety restrictions for the 2021-2022 school year.

[Photo] Exchange trips canceled for the second year

Téa Tamburo, Deputy Managing Editor
December 9, 2021
Skin irritation can be soothed by gentle moisturizers such as CeraVe, according to junior Charlie Benton.

[Photo] Skin issues intensified through mask-wearing, community offers solutions

Colin Leslie, Assistant Editor
November 3, 2021
A costumer browses through a rack of Halloween costumes set out for the season at a Salvation Army.

[Photo] Stores offer second hand, spooky costumes for Halloween

An Ngo, City Life Editor
October 20, 2021
The Class of 2025 elected Krish Khanna class president after a second election.

[Photo] Class of 2025 representatives chosen after technical difficulties

Chloe Ma, Reporter
October 15, 2021
Students feel an increase in stress with the sudden change in workload.

[Photo] In-person school heightens anxiety

Adrianna Nehme, News Editor
October 6, 2021
During a faculty arm wrestling tournament at the homecoming assembly Sept. 23 on Jackman Field, Daniel Calleri and Daniel Bobo-Jones competed first. Photo by Andrew Burke-Stevenson.

Photo gallery: Faculty face off in Homecoming arm wrestling tournament

Malcolm Taylor, Andrew Burke-Stevenson, Matt Petres, Chloe Ma, Henry Benton, and Patrice Graham
September 24, 2021
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