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
The Student News Site of University of Chicago Laboratory High School

U-High Midway
Jaya Alenghat

Jaya Alenghat, Editor-in-Chief

Jaya Alenghat is a member of the Class of 2025 and is an editor-in-chief for the U-High Midway. She joined the Midway as a sophomore in the 2022-23 school year and previously served as an assistant editor and the city life editor. Outside of school, she enjoys playing tennis and spending time with her friends, family and dog.

Awards:

2024 National Scholastic Press Association Design of the Year: Newspaper Page/Spread — Top 10 Finalist (result announced Nov. 9, 2024)

2024 National Scholastic Press Association Digital Story of the Year: Photo Slideshow (with Taariq Ahmed, Mia Lipson, Nathan Li, Olin Nafziger, Eli Raikhel, Grace LaBelle, Ryan Burke-Stevenson, Ellis Calleri, Bryce Light) — Top 10 Finalist (result announced Nov. 9, 2024)

2024 National Scholastic Press Association Digital Story of the Year: Photo Slideshow (with Olin Nafziger, Chloë Alexander, Mia Lipson) — Top 10 Finalist (result announced Nov. 9, 2024)

2024 National Scholastic Press Association Best Use of Social Media: Social Media Reporting (with Chloë Alexander, Clare McRoberts, Skye Freeman) — Top 10 Finalist (result announced Nov. 9, 2024)

2024 Illinois Journalism Education Association: First place, sports feature, Coaching with care: Tyrone Mason

2024 Illinois Journalism Education Association: First place, sports commentary, A new White Sox stadium would be beneficial but nonessential

2024 Illinois Journalism Education Association: Second place, sports feature, Muslim student athletes navigate fasting during Ramadan while maintaining physical endurance

2024 Illinois Journalism Education Association: Second place, multimedia story package (with Haley Maharry, Chloë Alexander, Clare McRoberts, Olin Nafziger), Mocktail Mania: Fruity, fizzy drinks offer nonalchoholic, fun beverage option

2024 Scholastic Press Association of Chicago, sports news story: excellent

2024 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Circle Award: Certificate of merit, sports features, “Muslim student athletes navigate fasting during Ramadan while maintaining physical endurance”

2023 Journalism Education Association National Student Media Contests, Boston convention: Excellent, news writing

All content by Jaya Alenghat
10 x 10: Midway 100

10 x 10: Midway 100

Jaya Alenghat, Ari Novak, Lucy Shirrell, and Declan Smith
December 19, 2024
1: Midway moments

1: Midway moments

Jaya Alenghat, Editor-in-Chief
December 19, 2024
Ninth grader Zain Zaidi and senior Raza Zaidi finalize the design for the Aeros Racing pit display in advance of the Formula 1 in Schools world finals in Saudi Arabia. The team placed 13th overall with the 10th fastest car in the competition Nov. 21-26.

Representing U.S., F1 in Schools team places 13th in world

Jaya Alenghat, Editor-in-Chief
December 11, 2024
From the fan-favorite dishes of mac and cheese and fried chicken to cornbread and candied yams, different traditional African American foods lined the long table on one side of C116. BSA catered the mac and cheese and collard greens from Lab’s food vendor, HandCut Foods, and the rest was catered from Harold’s Chicken.

Gallery: Cuisine, culture and community thrive at Black Students’ Association’s annual Blacksgiving event

Jaya Alenghat and Eli Raikhel
November 15, 2024
Seniors captains Noah Hoereth and Juliana Walker stand in Upper Kovler, representing their roles as leaders on the soccer, volleyball and basketball varsity teams.

Senior captains Noah Hoereth and Juliana Walker balance overlapping sports, college applications

Jaya Alenghat, Editor-in-Chief
November 13, 2024
Ninth grader Shivan Shachdev reacts to a game during a Finance Club meeting. While some clubs are not experiencing major challenges, others are facing difficulties maintaining attendance.

Record number of clubs brings strain

Jaya Alenghat, Editor-in-Chief
October 21, 2024
Voters of younger generations will have a major impact on the results of the upcoming presidential election. Some key topics to young voters include climate change, student loan debt and gun violence.

Young voters have crucial role in election

Jaya Alenghat, Editor-in-Chief
October 16, 2024
Pop culture word play

Pop culture word play

Jaya Alenghat, Editor-in-Chief
September 27, 2024
With new year, Midway promises to bring in new voices

With new year, Midway promises to bring in new voices

Jaya Alenghat, Chloe Alexander, and Clare McRoberts
September 9, 2024
Ray Han and Sophie Li prepare their boat for a sailing practice last Spring. Clubs and departments are addressing changes and adapting in light of new, smaller budget cuts.

Lab adapts to reality of tighter budget

Taariq Ahmed, Jaya Alenghat, and Clare McRoberts
September 5, 2024
Kamala Harris addresses the crowd saying, “Thank you, thank you” as chanting continues.

DNC Day 4 Summary: Harris embraces historical nomination, charts a ‘new way forward’

Jaya Alenghat, Editor-in-Chief
August 23, 2024
DNC updates

DNC updates

Taariq Ahmed, Jaya Alenghat, Chloe Alexander, Mia Lipson, and Clare McRoberts
August 19, 2024
After a busy year, the staff with take a break from publishing over the summer.

Midway will be taking a break over the summer

Chloë Alexander, Jaya Alenghat, and Clare McRoberts
June 7, 2024
Junior Krish Khanna hits the tennis ball in his match against Latin School of Chicago on May 8.

Boys tennis season wrap up: Team wins state

Jaya Alenghat, Editor-in-Chief
May 29, 2024
RAISING THE BAR. Austin Siu performs a deadlift, raising the weight-loaded barbell off the ground from a standing position before straightening his back to complete the lift.

Uplifting: Sophomore Austin Siu finds passion for powerlifting

Jaya Alenghat, Editor-in-Chief
May 21, 2024
On May 6, Director of Schools Tori Jueds sent out an email to the community announcing cuts that will eliminate sports teams, an academic program and staff positions. Many students were disappointed and some were confused.

Budget cuts eliminate German program, squash, sailing, 9 staff positions; U-High students stricken with emotions

Jaya Alenghat, Chloe Alexander, and Clare McRoberts
May 7, 2024
University of Chicago police officers hold a barricade on the Ellis Avenue entrance to the Main Quad on the morning of May 7 after police shut down the eight-day pro-Palestinian encampment on the Main Quad.

After 8 days, UChicago pro-Palestine encampment removed on morning of May 7

Jaya Alenghat, Chloe Alexander, Mia Lipson, and Olin Nafziger
May 7, 2024
On May 2, the fourth day of the encampment, a demonstrator stands in front of a group of police waving a Palestinian flag. On Monday, April 29, UChicago United for Palestine launched an encampment on the University of Chicago’s Main Quad to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people. The encampment and pro-Palestinian protests continued for days.

UChicago pro-Palestine encampment faces opposition yet stands with goals

Jaya Alenghat, Chloe Alexander, Mia Lipson, and Clare McRoberts
May 3, 2024
Lisa Tao was elected all-school president for the 2024-25 school year.

Tao, Carter to lead 2024-25 Student Council

Jaya Alenghat, City Life Editor
April 26, 2024
Ancestry.com is an online DNA testing website where students can find information about their genetic backgrounds. Those who have tried it out say the experience was both surprising and fulfilling.

Discovering our roots: Using online DNA testing services, students unearth heritage

Jaya Alenghat, City Life Editor
April 26, 2024
The annual senior exhibit in the Corvus Gallery is running from through May 3.

Senior exhibit, through U-High’s art program, exhibits Lab’s artists’ excellence

Jaya Alenghat, City Life Editor
April 15, 2024
Embracing the warm weather and clear skies, ninth grader Bryce Poston gazes up at the sky in awe during the eclipse. “It was a pretty cool experience being so close to a full eclipse,” Bryce said, “and I’m glad the school gave us the chance to go out and view it.”

Eclipse excitement: Lab community gathers to celebrate unique celestial event

Jaya Alenghat, Taariq Ahmed, Mia Lipson, Nathan Li, Olin Nafziger, Eli Raikhel, Grace LaBelle, Ryan Burke-Stevenson, Ellis Calleri, and Bryce Light
April 10, 2024
Rolling the dice

Rolling the dice

Audrey Park, Sahana Unni, Jaya Alenghat, and Kabir Joshi
April 5, 2024
On March 28, from 5-8 p.m., the University of Chicago is celebrating the The Living Legacy of Ida B. Wells in the Logan Center Performance Hall.

UChicago events to honor living legacy of Ida B. Wells

Jaya Alenghat, City Life Editor
March 27, 2024
On March 16, a large crowd watches the Chicago Plumbers Union dye the Chicago river green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, an annual tradition since 1962.

St. Patrick’s Day celebrations attract immense crowds to Chicago

Jaya Alenghat, City Life Editor
March 18, 2024
City Life Editor Jaya Alenghat argues that while a new White Sox stadium would be beneficial for Chicago, city officials should be responsible when using taxpayer dollars on a nonessential project.

A new White Sox stadium would be beneficial but nonessential

Jaya Alenghat, City Life Editor
February 29, 2024
CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY. Local tennis coach Tyron Mason interacts with the Kenwood community as he coaches. He builds relationships with his students along with the neighborhood, becoming a well-known figure in the area.

Coaching with care: Tyrone Mason

Jaya Alenghat, City Life Editor
February 20, 2024
The Midway asked students to comment on how they feel about the cicada emergence this summer.

Vox Pop: reality dating shows

Chloë Alexander and Jaya Alenghat
February 13, 2024
Delayed migrant evictions settle concern, uncertain future

Delayed migrant evictions settle concern, uncertain future

Jaya Alenghat, City Life Editor
February 7, 2024
A student works on one of the many puzzles in the high school library, which offer an opportunity for students and faculty to take a break from work and engage in a fun, hands-on activity. 

Community puzzles offer chance to rewind, disperse energy

Jaya Alenghat, City Life Editor
February 6, 2024
PFAS, cancer-prone chemicals, are in many of the products people use daily, and once consumed, they last “forever.”

Constant danger: ‘Forever chemicals’ pose grave harm

Jaya Alenghat, City Life Editor
January 24, 2024
The thrilling fantasy-romance novel "Fourth Wing" brings readers into a dystopian world of dragons, war and romance. A mature, female led "How to Train Your Dragon."

‘Fourth Wing’ brings readers to the world of dragons and romance

Jaya Alenghat, City Life Editor
January 15, 2024
Counselor Teddy Stripling, organizer of the student-faculty games, leans over to pick up a ball at the beginning of the yarn ball dodgeball game. Along with fine arts teacher Aaron Arreguin, Mr. Stripling was one of the last two adults in the game before the students eliminated all, winning the game after two and a half minutes of chaos and action.

Student-faculty games cultivate school spirit, community bonding

Taariq Ahmed and Jaya Alenghat
November 17, 2023
Artist Shani Crowe, former Lab artist-in-residence, shares her current art endeavors and the inspiration for her work.

Q&A: Former artist-in-residence shares work, muses

Jaya Alenghat, Assistant Editor
November 13, 2023
The U-High cross country team ended its season at the IHSA state competition Nov. 4 in Detweiller Park.

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

Jaya Alenghat, Assistant Editor
November 8, 2023
The volleyball team ended its 2023 season with an 18-13 record after competing in the IHSA sectional semifinals at Southland College Prep on Oct. 30, where Kankakee’s Bishop McNamara High School beat the Maroons 2-0.

Volleyball season ends at sectional semifinals

Jaya Alenghat, Assistant Editor
November 7, 2023
The U-High Debate team has displayed strong results at recent competitions and has earned individual and group recognition.

Debate team performs well at recent conferences

Jaya Alenghat, Assistant Editor
November 7, 2023
Eric Heath, associate vice president for safety and security, presents to students, faculty, and parents during the safety and security webinar.

In webinar, university addresses campus security, encourages safety resources

Jaya Alenghat, Assistant Editor
October 26, 2023
At the Blood Donation Center at the University of Chicago, a worker prepares snacks for future donors. The center is open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. year round.

Life blood: Combination of factors leaves nation short of blood donors

Jaya Alenghat, Assistant Editor
October 11, 2023
The Laboratory Schools are instating new security regulations for volunteers at the school, including background checks and reporter training.

New safety measures implemented for volunteers

Jaya Alenghat, Assistant Editor
October 6, 2023
Aiden Yu, the newly elected ninth grade class president, addresses his classmates during his election speech on Sept. 28 in Griffin Auditorium.

Class of 2027 elects student representatives

Jaya Alenghat, Assistant Editor
September 29, 2023
After an injury, senior Mahin Schneider was able to recover just in time for his last U-High soccer season.

Mahin Schneider brings spirit back to soccer field after injury

Jaya Alenghat, Reporter
September 18, 2023
When tennis players advocate for themselves or question a play, they should be should be shown support instead of criticism.

Self-advocacy in tennis should be supported, not criticized

Jaya Alenghat, Reporter
September 14, 2023
URBAN ROUTE. From Buckingham Fountain to Grant Park to Michigan Avenue, the NASCAR Chicago drivers will make their way through a track that will include views of Lake Michigan and several other Chicago attractions. The front straightaway and pit road will be housed on South Columbus Drive, running along a two-block stretch that will take the race past Buckingham Fountain.

Pulling up downtown: NASCAR hits Windy City

Haley Maharry, Light Dohrn, Jaya Alenghat, Edward Park, Skye Freeman, Niall Danahey, Kabir Joshi, and David Santiago
May 30, 2023
Summer street races bring more inconvenience than excitement

Summer street races bring more inconvenience than excitement

Jaya Alenghat and Edward Park
May 30, 2023
Last year, two current sixth graders started a petition to fly the Progress Pride flag in the Blaine courtyard. The tradition will continue this year, and the flag will be raised for the month of June.

For second year, pride flag to fly in Blaine Courtyard

Jaya Alenghat, Reporter
May 19, 2023
The app Flora - Green Focus by AppFinca Inc. has a 4.7 star rating on the Apple app store and more than 2,000,000 users. This productivity app can be a great way to keep U-High students motivated and organized when studying for finals.

Productivity app ‘Flora – Green Focus’ helps with educational motivation

Jaya Alenghat, Reporter
May 17, 2023
LabArts is back to full-scale since 2019. LabArts is going on from May 8 to May 13, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and displays student artwork from across the Lab community. 

LabArts comes back full-scale, presents student artwork

Jaya Alenghat, Reporter
May 9, 2023
Dalin Dohrn working on a piece of artwork that was exhibited in the show. Dalin was one of multiple students who displayed art at the at the Bridgeport Art Center and was also awarded a college scholarship for her work.

Student artists recognized by Illinois High School Art Exhibition, artwork displayed

Jaya Alenghat, Reporter
May 4, 2023
FASTING MONTH. Instead of eating during lunch, senior Yaseen Qureshi works on his computer at Muslim Students’ Association on April 14 in C121. Since March 22, students observing Ramadan have been fasting from dawn until dusk which has caused difficulties for student athletes. “I definitely make sure that I have enough to eat in the morning to be able to go through practice,” Yaseen said.

Muslim student athletes navigate fasting during Ramadan while maintaining physical endurance

Jaya Alenghat, Reporter
April 27, 2023
The U-High Jazz Band traveled to New Orleans from April 13-16, experiencing the musical culture of the city, sometimes even performing themselves.

Jazz Band attends New Orleans music festival

Jaya Alenghat, Reporter
April 26, 2023
The Cache Money 8096 robot (center) works with their alliance to attempt a triple balance on the charging station during the second playoffs/eliminations match at the Wisconsin regional.

Robotics team performs well at two regional competitions

Jaya Alenghat, Reporter
March 30, 2023
English teacher Sari Hernández instructs seniors Kariani Rojas and Juan Chaides during class. Since starting at U-High in 2016, Ms. Hernández has provided a safe space, particularly for Latinx students.

In finding community, English teacher provides comfort for Latinx students

Jaya Alenghat, Reporter
March 24, 2023
U-High students practice bhangra through Zoom.

Audio: Through bhangra lessons, students explore culture while having fun

Jaya Alenghat, Reporter
March 22, 2023
Lab should combat U-High’s lack of racial diversity by considering race a more significant factor in admissions.

Race should play a bigger role in Lab’s admission process

Jaya Alenghat, Reporter
March 21, 2023
Student journalists in states not protected by a student press law must gain free press rights in order to promote social change.

Student free press laws are necessary for a healthy student community

Jaya Alenghat, Niall Danahey, Light Dohrn, Haley Maharry, and Edward Park
February 22, 2023
SUPER BOWL SNACKS: A variety of sweet, spicy, sour or savory snacks are perfect to enjoy while watching the Super Bowl LVII on Feb. 12.

Super snacks: Enjoy a variety of flavors while watching the NFL (or the Rihanna concert)

Jaya Alenghat, Reporter
February 10, 2023
To identify mental health and illness among peers, students can apply by Feb. 16 to a teen mental health training program run by the Learning and Counseling department.

Teen mental health training program accepting student applications

Jaya Alenghat, Reporter
February 8, 2023
TIME CRUNCH: With only five minutes to get to their next class, it is common for students to pack up their supplies while a teacher is still talking.

Packing problem: Despite teacher annoyance, students pack up early

Jaya Alenghat, Reporter
January 5, 2023

Vox pop.

Jaya Alenghat and Haley Maharry
December 7, 2022
Is it really the most wonderful time of year?

Is it really the most wonderful time of year?

Jaya Alenghat, Krishita Dutta, Haley Maharry, Erich Raumann, and Téa Tamburo
December 7, 2022
A new student club, part of the Junior State of America organization, allows students to debate about political issues from their own personal perspectives.

New club provides space for students to voice political opinions

Jaya Alenghat, Reporter
October 25, 2022
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