The Student News Site of University of Chicago Laboratory High School

U-High Midway
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
A student raises their hand to ask newly-elected secretary-general Daniel Chang a question. Maggie Yagan was also elected a secretary-general alongside nine other board members in the largest MUN board in history.
After hiatus, Model UN team elects officials, begins competing
On Oct. 30, Earl Shapiro Hall hosted a Halloween parade, which allowed younger members of the Lab community to show off their costumes. U-High band students played music during the parade and within U-High various Halloween events were held in the cafeteria.
Video: Lab community celebrates Halloween with parade, costumes
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
Paper AP exams are to be phased out by 2027 due to convenience and security concerns. The AP exam is currently offered on paper, hybrid, and fully online, though students often prefer the hybrid and online versions. A digital AP exam also makes it easier for College Board to manage scores.
Paper AP exams to be phased out by 2027
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 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
Arts & Entertainment Editor Lila Coyne argues that Lab's tradition of dialogue should enable students to discuss the Israel-Hamas war thoughtfully.
Lab’s legacy of experimentation should aid in conversations about Gaza
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
English teacher Sari Hernández, a resident supervisor for Snell House at the University of Chicago, holds a stuffed version of her dorm’s mascot, Snurtle.
Resident supervisors foster community, offer support
Five U-High Hidden Gems to appreciate
Five U-High Hidden Gems to appreciate
Satya has trained in circus arts for 10 years. As she developed her performance style, she began to combine clowning with her skills as a trapeze artist, and now, with every performance, she pushes her audience to expand their notion of what’s possible.
Senior Satya Dominguez-Hultgren adds whimsy to aerial dancing through clowning
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
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
Evelyn Halbach and Reed Francez practice their lines during an Oct. 16 rehearsal of “Coal Country”, U-High’s fall play.
Mining tragedy retold: Fall play ‘Coal Country’ tells the story of real-life mining tragedy
"The Life of a Showgirl," Taylor Swift's highly anticipated new album, came out on Oct. 3 While the album is enjoyable, Ms. Swift fails to deliver on the complex, well-crafted lyrics her fans have come to expect.
New Taylor Swift album ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ fails lyrically
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
Junior Mikey Skolarus runs in a cross country race on Sept. 7.
Athletic essentials Q&A: Mikey Skolarus
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
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:

2025 National Scholastic Press Association Photo of the Year, Sports Feature: Water Break — Top 10 Finalist (result announced Nov. 15, 2025)

2024 Association of Texas Photography Instructors Fall Contest, advanced sports reaction, third place

2024 Association of Texas Photography Instructors Fall Contest, advanced student life, honorable mention

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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