The Student News Site of University of Chicago Laboratory High School

U-High Midway
After a busy year, the staff with take a break from publishing over the summer.
Midway will be taking a break during the summer
HATS OFF. After turning his tassel to the right side, Henry Auxenfans throws his mortarboard into the air, surrounded by jubilant classmates. Henry was one of 157 students to receive their diplomas during graduation, which lasted from 2-4 p.m. on June 12.
Class of 2025 recognizes 157 graduates in Rockefeller Chapel
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
Seniors Simon Lane, Krish Khanna, Paola Almeda and Juliana Walker take a photo with Athletics Director Juliana Zavala. They were the four William "Doc" Monilaw Medalists at the awards assembly on June 4.
Awards assembly honors student excellence, helps conclude school year
Director of Schools Tori Jueds, who has worked for Lab for four years, announced her departure from Lab on July 1. Her departure was announced via email on June 4.
Director of Schools Tori Jueds to leave July 1; search for interim will begin
Four students, including sophomore Suna Choi Hortacsu, junior Cruise Lickerman, junior Kai Gregorski and ninth grader Axel Lintz, won awards at the Midwest Chinese Speech Contest.
4 students win awards at Midwest Chinese Speech Contest
After the senior night soccer game, senior Arhan Ganapathi promposed to fellow senior Isolde Wedemeyer. This year's prom will be held on June 7, at Ovation on 2324 W. Fulton St.
Gatsby-themed prom to be held June 7
During the 2024 Labstock, Josiah Sklarsky, who is now a sophomore, performs before an audience. Labstock this year will take place on June 6.
Signup for Labstock opens; performers to be selected for June 6 celebration
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
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
Addicted to the Algorithm
Addicted to the Algorithm
10 x 10: Midway 100
10 x 10: Midway 100
New cell phone policy needs revisions
New cell phone policy needs revisions
Sports Editor Caroline Skelly argues that while it is important to prioritize wellbeing, mental health days can cause missed work to pile up, creating more stress.
Mental health days can add stress in unexpected ways
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 high school experience fun.
Lab is losing what makes it fun
Sophomore Laurel Farmer fixes her hair in the bathroom mirror. A growing number of students dye their hair to express their identity, present themselves and set themselves apart. 
Through colored hair, students find unique ways to express their identities
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
Rather than buying new merchandise, U-High students choose vintage college apparel for its authenticity, history and retro style.
Worn-in and well-loved: Students embrace vintage college apparel
La Tiendita is a free store in the Washington Park neighborhood that provides clothes, household items and other goods to its shoppers. It is managed by admissions office associate Arcelia Guerrero.
Charity La Tiendita provides aid, support to those in need
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
With a new phone policy coming next year, students and faculty were conflicted about its effectiveness.
Vox pop: What makes Farmers markets worth the effort?
Eden Place Farms was founded as an answer to the longstanding food desert in Fuller Park. Farmers markets like the 61st Street Farmers Market help urban farms maintain constant flows of income.
From farm to market
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
“Shatter Me” is a young adult dystopian-romance series well-known for its compelling writing style, originally published in 2011 — although new books continue to be written.
‘Shatter me’ offers engaging style but leaves dystopian world underdeveloped
Award-winning musical, "Next to Normal," is an expertly executed exploration of mental health issues, specifically bipolar disorder. The musical is available to stream on PBS until June 30 as part of their "Great Performances" series.
Musical ‘Next to Normal’ effectively explores the realities of mental health
“Drop,” a new movie released on April 11, presents its audience with a frightening new reality of AirDrop technology.
‘Drop’ presents generic characters, introspective themes
Tate McRae’s album “So Close to What” was released on Feb. 21. Along with her electronic club beats, the album showcases her impressive range and lyricism with her songs going from topics of betrayal and heartache to love, showing the full variety of what growing up as a young woman is like.
Using pop beats, Tate McRae shows bittersweet realities of growing up in ‘So Close to What’
2002 musical “Kimberly Akimbo” examines themes of adolescence and mortality through the life of Kimberly Levaco, a teenage girl with a degenerative disease. The musical is coming to Chicago’s CIBC Theater June 10-22.
Death, disease & teens: Award-winning musical ‘Kimberly Akimbo’ tells about living urgently
Lunging for the ball, sophomore Arjun Sawhney rallies during a boys tennis match against Brooks College Prep High School on May 2. Arjun and his doubles partner Krish Khanna got second place at state in doubles
Boys tennis wrap up: team wins state
Junior Ty Quiles competes in the high jump event at the ISL championship at Lake Forest Academy.
Track and field wrap up: both teams win sectionals, individual wins at state
Preparing to release the ball, senior Ben Troutman pitches during the team's senior night game against North Shore Country Day School on May 16.
Baseball wrap up: team loss at postseason tournament
Junior co-captain Devyn Moubayed prepares to shoot the ball during a varsity soccer match against St. Laurence on April 3. The Maroons tied 2-2.
Girls soccer season wrap up: Loss at super-sectional final
Sophomore Rachel Hu plays water polo.
Club sports overcome challenges to find success
Although marketed as healthy, experts claim that Vitamin Water contains just as much sugar as a regular soda and includes unnecessary nutrients. “Teens don't need that, adults don't need that. Plain old filtered water is fine. No one is dying of vitamin malnutrition around here,” Dr. Lisa Oldson said.
Help or Hurt: Vitamin Water boosts sugar intake despite healthy claims
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
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
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
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
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
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
Kaden Moubayed

Kaden Moubayed, Photographer

Kaden Moubayed is a member of the Class of 2024 and serves as an editor-in-chief for photojournalism. He joined the staff in the 2022-23 school year. His favorite part of photojournalism is taking pictures of sports events. Outside of photojournalism, Kaden is a competitive soccer player and enjoys spending time with friends and family.

Awards:

2024 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Circle Award: Second place, single spot news photograph, “2023 Graduation” (Photo 11: Jason & Sydney Tyler embrace)

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

2023 Journalism Education Association National Student Media Contests, Boston convention: Honorable mention, photography portfolio

2023 Illinois Journalism Education Association: Second place, news or feature photo, Photos: ArtsFest 2023 (Photo 5 Chicago Boyz acrobats

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

2023 Journalism Education Association National Student Media Contests, San Francisco convention: Superior, first-year photo

All content by Kaden Moubayed
Sonakshi Mutreja hosts a workshop during Social Justice Week last year. The form for this year's Social Justice Week workshop proposals is open until February 24th.

[Photo] Social Justice Week to be held April 24; students invited to sign up by Feb. 24

Ellie Rosenberg, Reporter
January 21, 2025
Twin sisters Haley Sturgill and Stella Sturgill have played soccer together on the same team for almost their whole lives. They are seen by their teammates as leaders for their commitment to the sport. Next year they will play soccer at the collegiate level, but on different teams for the first time.

[Photo] These twins win: On and off field, Sturgill sisters provide support

Victoria Washington, Opinion Editor
March 29, 2024
The girls basketball team ended their season on Feb. 10 in the first round of playoffs against Dyett High School.

[Photo] Girls basketball ends season in first round of playoffs

Haley Maharry, Reporter
March 14, 2024
Seven U-High senior athletes signed letters of intent to their respective college sports programs on Feb. 26 at a ceremony held in Judd C-116. 

[Photo] 7 seniors commit to play college athletics in community event

Taariq Ahmed, Digital Editor
February 27, 2024
Migrant placard (1)

[Photo] Delayed migrant evictions settle concern, uncertain future

Jaya Alenghat, City Life Editor
February 7, 2024
A student texts on a class group chat. Messaging channels for classes allows students to easily communicate about assignments, tests and other class-related topics.

[Photo] Class group chats assist with productivity, connectedness

Neha Dhawan, Reporter
February 14, 2024
Some students stay inside hiding from the cold, while others head outside to enjoy the winter weather. Among these outdoor activities in sledding. Sledding is a timeless activity many students enjoy as it creates more opportunities for thrill, fun and friendship.

[Photo] Sledding brings fun in snowy weather

Sahana Unni, Editor-in-Chief
January 23, 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.

[Photo] Winter wonders

Kabir Joshi, Assistant Editor
January 22, 2024
Guest speaker Michelle Hoereth, assistant provost and a leader in DEI initiatives at the University of Chicago, spoke about different forms of activism at the school-wide assembly on Jan. 11.

[Photo] Encouraging cultural awareness: Affinity groups collaborate on schoolwide assembly

Victoria Washington, Opinion Editor
January 18, 2024
One of the fifteen food scrap drop-off sites around Chicago set up by the Department of Streets and Sanitation.

[Photo] New Chicago composting program strives to keep food scraps out of landfills

Haley Maharry, Reporter
December 13, 2023
Fitness Club leader Carter Chang addresses the crowd of lower school students at a Dec. 6 joint assembly with the Kids Allergy Network. The assembly was held to spread awareness of food insecurity and their efforts to combat it.

[Photo] Student clubs collaborate to host food drive

David Li, Reporter
December 8, 2023
During the annual football season, members of the Lab community participate in fantasy football leagues. The activity is designed to build competition and camaraderie between users.

[Photo] Fantasy Fanatics: Lab community bonds through fantasy football leagues

Katie Sasamoto-Kurisu, Editor-in-Chief
October 17, 2023
Terry Shanks was given the Billy Streeter Award for outstanding community service and for his longstanding commitment and impact on students from third grade to graduation.

[Photo] Terry Shanks, mentor for a generation, receives service award

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

[Photo] Mahin Schneider brings spirit back to soccer field after injury

Jaya Alenghat, Reporter
September 18, 2023
ATHLETICS APPRECIATION. Athletics Director Matt Manley taught at Sacred Heart Schools for 11 years and has a love for coaching and sports.

[Photo] New athletics director brings ideas, change

Audrey Park and Sahana Unni
September 4, 2023
Lizzie Baker dabs her eye while watching the ceremony.

[Photo] 161 seniors graduate as the Lab community honors the Class of 2023 at Rockefeller Chapel

Mia Lipson, News Editor
June 8, 2023
Senior Lauren Tapper dances with her friends under flashing lights.

[Photo] Prom brings about nostalgia, provides end-of-year celebration

Katie Sasamoto-Kurisu, Editor-in-Chief
June 5, 2023
Senior Juan Chaides stands up after receiving an award. During the June 1 assembly, students were recognized for their exceptional contributions by acknowledgements such as the Citizenship Award, which is given to students for their devotion to upstanding service in the community.

[Photo] Student awards assembly celebrates individuals, groups

Mia Lipson and Taariq Ahmed
June 2, 2023
A student views their ballot confirmation after voting in the May 1 Student Council election.

[Photo] Election circumstances spark concern, feelings of distrust

Victoria Washington, Opinion Editor
May 29, 2023
CARING COMMUNITIES. Phillip Matsikas (who insisted on being photographed from the back), Loretta Palmer and Michael Moses will retire at the end of the year after decades of facilitating welcoming communities.

[Photo] Other cherished faces will retire

Victoria Washington, Opinion Editor
May 26, 2023
Dean of the UC Berkeley School of Law Erwin Chemerinsky speakes to students and faculty at a Maroon Mentor lunch hosted by the Maroon Key Society on May 19.

[Photo] From debate team to law school dean, Chemerinsky lives Lab’s values

Clare McRoberts, Features Editor
May 24, 2023
Five U-High students will advance to the National History Day finals in Washington, D.C. Cindy Jurisson has worked with students Alice Fan, Kaavya Shriram, Mahi Shah, Jade Deng and Andrew Pincus as they prepare for National History Day.

[Photo] 5 students advance to National History Day finals

May 11, 2023
Girls varsity soccer captain, senior Elsa Nielsen, jubilantly celebrates sophomore Lucy Arohnson's overtime game-winning goal against Latin on April 10.

[Photo] Photo gallery: Raw Reactions

William Tan, Editor-in-Chief
May 4, 2023
LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP: Zoe Nathwani will continue her fourth year of student government and wants to increase transparency with students.

[Photo] Nathwani chosen in second election

Chloe Alexander, Assistant Editor
May 1, 2023
U-High Midway staff member Zara Siddique takes notes and listens to a speaker at one of the many workshops she attended at the national journalism convention.

[Photo] Journalists learn, win top awards at San Francisco national convention

Skye Freeman, Reporter
April 26, 2023
During a lunchtime event, New York Times editor Monica Davey spoke about her path following high school and her wavering certainty about what she wanted to pursue at that time.

[Photo] New York Times editor U-High alumna Monica Davey speaks to students

Audrey Park, Managing Editor
April 19, 2023
The U-High Midway and U-Highlights team received a combined 21 honors for their performance in the 2021-2022 school year.

[Photo] Journalism team receives 21 national awards

Light Dohrn, Reporter
April 12, 2023
MIRROR REFLECTION. Overthinking one’s physical appearance can contribute to harmful ideas of personal body image. Weight, which is influenced by a number of factors, should be viewed in a larger health context.

[Photo] Body positivity should match personal lifestyle balance

Louis Auxenfans, News Editor
April 5, 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.

[Photo] In finding community, English teacher provides comfort for Latinx students

Jaya Alenghat, Reporter
March 24, 2023
The track and field team has spent the winter training and improving.

[Photo] Audio: Indoor track team placed first March 1

Niall Danahey, Reporter
March 23, 2023
A student watches one of Taylor Swift's instagram posts.

[Photo] Audio: How we treat women in power — it’s not just Taylor Swift who faces sexism

Krishita Dutta and Clare McRoberts
March 8, 2023
A member of the Chicago Boyz Acrobatic Team flips over students participating during the Closing Ceremony on March 1. The acrobatic team is composed of professional young male gymnasts in the Chicago Area.

[Photo] Photos: ArtsFest 2023

Victoria Washington and Audrey Matei
March 3, 2023
ALL-AROUND ATHLETE. Lucy Aronsohn begins her spring soccer season continuing from travel soccer and winter basketball. Lucy has had to work hard to maintin her committment to being a two-sport, three-season athlete while keeping up her school career.

[Photo] Lucy Aronsohn: Success with every season

Chloe Alexander, Assistant Editor
February 21, 2023
Mispronunciation of names and foreign names is common in the classroom, causing discomfort for some students.

[Photo] Students experience discomfort due to mispronunciation of names

Zara Siddique, Audience Engagement Manager
February 24, 2023
DEEP BREATHS. Students can practice guided meditations and breathing exercises with the wellness app Insight Timer. The wellness council purchased a schoolwide subscription to the app this year and is hoping students will utilize this resource, and that teachers will incorporate Insight Timer into their classrooms.

[Photo] Breathe in: School promotes meditation app Insight Timer for student wellness

Clare O’Connor, Editor-in-Chief
January 24, 2023
ALL SMILES: French exchange student Sarah Chaillé Chaillé grins as she chats in class with junior Max Mathias during her month-long stay in Chicago.

[Photo] Au Revoir! Exchange students spend month experiencing Chicago

Mia Lipson, Assistant Editor
November 28, 2022
In the midst of the Nov. 8 elections, Rep. Liz Cheney spoke at campus last week discussing the future of the United States.

[Photo] Liz Cheney talks on the state of U.S. democracy

Chloe Alexander, Assistant Editor
November 14, 2022
Assistant editor Mia Lipson distributes the October edition of the Midway to students during lunch. Four Class of 2022 alumni were chosen for seven finalist awards in a national journalism competition

[Photo] Four Lab alumni named finalists for seven national journalism awards

Taariq Ahmed, Reporter
November 8, 2022
Community service officer Brian Arceneaux stands in front of the Kovler Gym building where he works. Throughout the day he is busy assisting and greeting students and teachers. Mr. Arceneaux was awarded the 2022 Billy Streeter Award for Service Excellence.

[Photo] Friendly Face: Brian Arceneaux’s friendly character recognized with Billy Streeter Award

Clare O’Connor, Editor-in-Chief
November 11, 2022
Juniors Carter Chang (left) and Leyton Mueller (right) attend the U-High Health and Fitness club.

[Photo] Health and fitness club promotes wellness

Taariq Ahmed, Reporter
October 13, 2022
When the notification goes off at a random time each day, many U-High students are quick to capture their BeReal within the two minute window.

[Photo] Staged vs. Sincere: BeReal incorporates authenticity into social media

Audrey Matei, Arts Editor
September 21, 2022
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