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
Kabir Joshi

Kabir Joshi, Opinion Editor

Kabir Joshi is a member of the Class of 2026 and serves as the opinion editor. As a ninth grader, he joined the U-High Midway during the 2022-23 school year. He was an assistant editor as a sophomore. His favorite story that he has written is “With TikTok ban looming, student reactions differ.” Outside of the Midway, he runs cross country, loves spending time with his dog and is a part of the Model UN team.

Awards:

2023 Journalism Education Association National Student Media Contests, San Francisco convention: Excellent, review writing

All content by Kabir Joshi
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

Kabir Joshi, Opinion Editor
May 7, 2025
Driven to serve: Alumni pursue careers in public service

Driven to serve: Alumni pursue careers in public service

Kabir Joshi, Taariq Ahmed, Clare McRoberts, Lila Coyne, Naomi Benton, and Orlie Weitzman
April 10, 2025
Joyce Malliet, 1980: From the classroom to U.S. attorney’s office

Joyce Malliet, 1980: From the classroom to U.S. attorney’s office

Kabir Joshi, Opinion Editor
April 8, 2025
Junior Isabella Huang, a varsity volleyball player, and senior Maya Pytel, a varsity soccer player, show off their gear. Both Isabella and Maya selectively choose their gear from the brands they most trust.

Battle of the Brands: U-High athletes balance performance, style when choosing gear

Kabir Joshi, Opinion Editor
April 1, 2025
Slice of the City: Pizza in Chicago

Slice of the City: Pizza in Chicago

Caroline Skelly, Kabir Joshi, Lila Coyne, Orlie Weitzman, Sohana Schneider, Taariq Ahmed, and Naomi Benton
February 19, 2025
Troubling Tech

Troubling Tech

Kabir Joshi, Edward Park, and Chloe Alexander
February 13, 2025
The "Coco - Robot Food Delivery" app allows users to order robot food deliveries from certain restaurants. These robots are available in the 27th and 34th ward of Chicago and are also in use in Los Angeles.

Coco Robotics pilot program reimagines, optimizes food delivery

Kabir Joshi, Opinion Editor
February 6, 2025

Audio: Thrifting offers more than just shopping

Kabir Joshi, Opinion Editor
January 31, 2025
The Editorial Board argues that there is an importance in fostering news literacy to combat misinformation.

[Photo] Battle fake news with literacy

Editorial Board
January 23, 2025
FOOD FITNESS FOCUS. Rising obesity rates among younger people reveal the important role of an equal balance of nutrition, exercise and mindful lifestyle. Hidden ingredients, like the fructose found in corn syrup, in a wide range of common foods may be fueling the increase in obesity rates and the downfall of public health.

The real weight of obesity

Jaya Alenghat and Kabir Joshi
January 22, 2025
The Smart Museum, which opened in 1974, is celebrating its 50th anniversary through March 2025 with a new limited-time exhibit, filled with rich history, bright colors and beautiful pieces of art.

Smart Museum marks 50 years with colorful, intimate exhibit

Kabir Joshi, Opinion Editor
January 15, 2025
Following the first official practice of the lower school sports program, students huddle up in Lower Kovler to celebrate their hard work.

Lower school introduces athletics program

Kabir Joshi, Opinion editor
January 14, 2025
Varsity doubles player Xia Nesbitt, a junior, prepares to serve the ball with focus and precision. Finishing off the season strong, Xia and the girls tennis team won fourth place in the IHSA 1A state championship at Hersey High School Oct. 24-26, where both a doubles team and singles player placed second.

Girls tennis season wrap up: Team finishes fourth at state

Kabir Joshi, Opinion Editor
November 4, 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.

Tech tools transform training

Kabir Joshi and Edward Park
October 23, 2024
With Thanksgiving approaching, students and faculty reflect on what they are thankful for in their lives.

Vox Pop: How have budget cuts affected recertifying and running clubs?

Abhay Chandran and Kabir Joshi
October 17, 2024
Opinion Editor Kabir Joshi argues that the categorization of Asians causes underrepresentation and perpetuates stereotypes.

Asian is too broad of a category and doesn’t represent the diversity of ethnicities and experiences

Kabir Joshi, Opinion Editor
October 3, 2024
Sophomore Taara Sajdeh breaks a tile containing her previous personal record during the cross country team's tile smashing celebration.

[Photo] Camaraderie in competition: Cross country teams celebrate personal records

Orlie Weitzman, Reporter
October 1, 2024
Navigating safety: how U-High students should stay safe while using the CTA

Navigating safety: how U-High students should stay safe while using the CTA

Kabir Joshi, Opinion Editor
September 18, 2024
Sabrina Carpenter's “Short n’ Sweet,” out Aug. 23, exceeded expectations with strong vocal range, sweet lyrics, and catchy melodies.

With talent and range, Sabrina Carpenter establishes herself in ‘Short n’ Sweet’

Kabir Joshi, Opinion Editor
September 9, 2024
A face to a name: 10 new faculty join High School

A face to a name: 10 new faculty join High School

Kabir Joshi, Mia Lipson, and Olin Nafziger
September 9, 2024
As the graduation ceremony comes to an end, members of the Class of 2024 throw their caps with joy.

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

Edward Park and Kabir Joshi
June 6, 2024
Sophomore Jiho Song has turned art into more than just a hobby — it's a way to express himself, a way to show to the world who he really is, and an outlet for to de-stress and have fun.

Jiho Song fuses relaxation, expression through art

Kabir Joshi, Opinion Editor
May 20, 2024
Silent or Silenced?

Silent or Silenced?

Clare McRoberts, Sahana Unni, Kabir Joshi, and Light Dohrn
May 6, 2024
In this Vox Pop, we asked students how they interpret the Biden's administration's proposal on student loan forgiveness.

Vox Pop: Biden proposal for student loans

Kabir Joshi, Assistant Editor
April 30, 2024
On April 24, President Biden signed a law that would ban TikTok within a year unless sold to a non-Chinese company.

With TikTok ban looming, student reactions differ

Kabir Joshi, Assistant Editor
April 24, 2024
As expectations for the new season of "Formula 1: Drive to Survive" were low, the sixth season of the show surprised fans with action and interest.

‘Drive to Survive’ exceeds low expectations for F1 fans

Kabir Joshi, Assistant Editor
April 8, 2024
Rolling the dice

Rolling the dice

Audrey Park, Sahana Unni, Jaya Alenghat, and Kabir Joshi
April 5, 2024
The U-High Midway and U-Highlights staff received a combined 21 national awards from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association at Columbia University.

Newspaper, yearbook teams receive 21 national awards

Kabir Joshi, Assistant Editor
March 21, 2024
SPREADING SMILES. Sajal Patel, owner of the Subway on 59th Street, is always eager to put a smile on new and returning customers. She converses with a customer asking about their personal life while making their sandwiches, bringing a smile on their face.

Subway smiles: Sajal Patel

Kabir Joshi, Assistant Editor
February 23, 2024
Settling for Biden... again?

Settling for Biden… again?

Clare McRoberts, Kabir Joshi, Katie Sasamoto-Kurisu, and Mia Lipson
February 21, 2024
Notion is a productivity app that offers organizational tools. At U-High, Notion has become popular among students as a way to stay on top of their work.

Students use organizational app Notion to manage homework

Kabir Joshi, Assistant Editor
February 14, 2024
Administrator Zackary Livingston has been selected as Lab’s next middle school principal. Mr. Livingston will join Lab from Zion-Benton Township High School, where he has served as principal since 2021.

Administrator selected as new middle school principal

Kabir Joshi, Assistant Editor
February 5, 2024
While perhaps not as many activities are at their finger tips, as there are in the summer, there are still many opportunities to enjoy themselves despite the freezing temperatures. From outdoors to indoors, here are five Midway approved activities that students will surely enjoy.

Winter wonders

Kabir Joshi, Assistant Editor
January 22, 2024
This winter the athletics department is providing sports game streaming services through Hudl to students, faculty and families.

Sport game streaming now available to Lab community

Kabir Joshi, Assistant Editor
January 18, 2024
On Dec. 2, the Science Olympiad teams competed at the Harlem High School Invitational in Rockford. The varsity team placed second and the junior varsity team placed seventh.

Science Olympiad begins competition season with strong results

Kabir Joshi and Mia Lipson
December 12, 2023
LOCKDOWN LESSONS. Students listen to instructions during the planned lockdown drill on Dec. 6. On Nov. 27, Historic Campus experienced an accidental lockdown, prompted by human error, sending many into panic.

Community reels from accidental lockdown

Audrey Park and Kabir Joshi
December 8, 2023
Today, as fans and athletes look for a closer connection to their idols and favorite players, sports documentaries offer inspiration and provide a new angle to the sport.

Behind the Play: Sports documentaries immerse fans, show new perspectives

Kabir Joshi, Assistant Editor
December 5, 2023
On Nov. 27 at around 2:42 p.m. two different lockdown alerts were sent out on Historic Campus. The alerts were a false alarm triggered by human error.

Accidental lockdown alerts send Historic Campus into worried frenzy

Kabir Joshi, Assistant Editor
November 29, 2023
A group of Argentinian exchange students eat dinner at a farewell party hosted by Lab senior Hannah Shubin. During their two week visit to Chicago, twenty exchange students experienced Lab and explored Chicago's unique culture, through excursions such as museum visits and an architecture tour.

Through cultural immersion, Argentinian exchange students explore Lab, Chicago

Kabir Joshi, Assistant Editor
November 8, 2023
Kabir Joshi argues history classes should bring more current events into the classroom.

History classes should study more current events

Kabir Joshi, Assistant Editor
November 2, 2023
A fall guide to experience art in Hyde Park

A fall guide to experience art in Hyde Park

Kabir Joshi, Assistant Editor
October 9, 2023
A group of students dance together in the Sherry Lansing Theater during homecoming on Sept. 23. The theme, "A Night Out in Paris," was celebrated through both Student Council's decoration efforts and outfits worn by students.

Homecoming dance delights students with exciting atmosphere, theme

Kabir Joshi, Assistant Editor
September 25, 2023
Paul Alber (left), German exchange student, and senior Ellis Domenick (right) went to a White Sox game with other exchange students.

German exchange students explore Lab

Kabir Joshi, Assistant Editor
September 25, 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
City Bulletin: NASCAR events to cause some area closings

City Bulletin: NASCAR events to cause some area closings

Kabir Joshi, Reporter
May 30, 2023
In this Vox Pop, we ask students about what they have gained from participating in extracurricular activities.

Vox Pop: Student Extracurriculars

Kabir Joshi and Light Dohrn
May 26, 2023
REUNITED AT THE END: Released on May 5, the third "Guardians of the Galaxy" served as a entry point for new Marvel fans by using humor, popular music from the '60s to the '90s and interesting plot twists.

Movie differentiates itself from others

Kabir Joshi, Reporter
May 25, 2023
PASS IT ON. Austin Warner talks to runner Ellis Domenick about proper form to hand off the baton on Jackman Field on May 17. Mr. Warner is preparing his athletes for the state meet May 25-27.

Running coach makes a difference, working to change the life of athletes through small gestures

Kabir Joshi, Reporter
May 18, 2023
The U-High Midway won 49 team and individual awards from the Illinois Journalism Education Association.

U-High Midway receives 49 Illinois journalism awards

Kabir Joshi, Reporter
May 8, 2023
The math team placed first at its fifth and final ICTM competition on April 22.

Math team finishes first in ICTM competition

Kabir Joshi, Reporter
April 26, 2023
English classes should give tests so students would need to read the material instead of looking to other sources to complete assignments.

English classes should administer tests to ensure authenticity

Kabir Joshi, Reporter
March 30, 2023
Senior Xavier Nesbitt was named an ISL Player of the year for the second year in a row. Xavier and senior Ben King were selected for the all-conference team.

Nesbitt named ISL Player of the Year; others receive all-conference honors

Kabir Joshi, Reporter
March 3, 2023
To produce bold journalism, healthy communication between the Lab community and the Midway staff is key.

Bold journalism is possible when everyone participates

Xander Feigenbaum, Skye Freeman, Kabir Joshi, David Ren, and David Santiago
February 23, 2023
Matthew Insalaco's math class takes a break from schoolwork as they watch a World Cup game.

Students watch World Cup in and out of class

Kabir Joshi, Reporter
December 13, 2022
OPEN INVITATION. Applications for prospective students are now open through Nov. 14. An open house for families will be hosted on Saturday, Oct. 22.

Admission applications open for 2023-2024 academic year

Kabir Joshi, Reporter
October 21, 2022
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