The Student News Site of University of Chicago Laboratory High School

U-High Midway
Video: Sophomores celebrate ‘joy in service’ with dance, activities
Video: Sophomores celebrate ‘joy in service’ with dance, activities
Isaac Stanley-Becker, who attended the Laboratory Schools from nursery school through ninth grade, is a reporter for The Washington Post and historian of modern Europe who recently authored “Europe Without Borders: History,” a book exploring the Schengen Agreement and free movement in Europe.
Q&A: Former student turned journalist and historian unpacks new book
Due to weather concerns on Feb. 12, Laboratory Schools campuses will be closed. This photo is from the Jan. 12, 2024, snow day.
Campuses closed on Feb. 12 due to severe weather
Sophomore Jimmy Yu studies for one of his two math classes, Discrete Mathematics and Statistics and Accelerated Pre-Calculus/Calculus A. Many U-High students are doubling up and testing out of math classes to reach more advanced courses. Motivations vary, such as nurturing a passion, finding a challenge or strengthening their college applications.
More math gives depth, edge
RDFZ’s dance, aerobics, martial arts and boy’s dance teams smile during the last moments of the “Youth of the Lion Dance,” one of the most common Chinese dances. This Lunar New Year’s animal was the snake, a symbol of good luck, rebirth and regality.
Exchange students arrive from China; Lunar New Year performance amazes
The debate team has had exceptional performances at the Golden Desert Debate Tournament at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Feb. 1-3, the Harvard National Speech and Debate Tournament in Cambridge, Massachusetts Feb. 15-17 and the Maine East Regatta in suburban Park Ridge Feb. 7-9.
Debate team performs well at three recent competitions
The Model United Nations team won best small delegation and had a 100% placement rate at the North American Invitational Model UN Conference at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Feb. 13-16.
MUN team earns best small delegation, full placement at Georgetown
Ethics Bowl is a competitive academic team that debates moral philosophies. U-High teams placed high at the Indiana Ethics Bowl Regional Tournament on Feb. 1 to end their current season.
Ethics Bowl team finishes season well at Indiana tournament
From Jan. 29 to Feb. 1, junior Sophia Zheng and sophomore Sinziana Lazar went to the Illinois Music Education Association All-State Orchestra in Peoria for three days of intense practice with a final performance on the last day. 
Two U-High musicians perform in Illinois Music Education Association All-State Orchestra
Campers drench counselor and junior Mo Iyi-Ojo using an alternative dunk tank at Summer Lab last year. The application form to be counselor for Summer Lab is open until Feb. 17 at 9 p.m.
Summer Lab counselor applications made due for Feb. 17
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
Freedom in the Balance
Freedom in the Balance
Speakers at the DNC addressed the theme of freedom, directing the word's meaning at key political issues in the election.
DNC highlights freedom as key theme
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
The Editorial Board argues that the DEI cuts made at the federal level have negative impacts on Lab students.
DEI initiatives are essential
Audience Engagement Editor Caroline Skelly argues that cancel culture is harmful towards society and argues it perpetuates public shaming.
Exaggerating cancel culture hampers free expression, debate
Troubling Tech
Troubling Tech
Assitant Editor Sohana Schneider argues that birthright citizenship must stand regardless of President Trump's executive order.
Birthright citizenship cannot cease under Trump
Assistant Editor Lucy Shirrell argues that constant work is not sustainable and can lead to burnout.
Desire for productivity prevents relaxation
Moss, the resident dog at Powell's, delights both customers and residents passing by. One of the largest independent bookstores, Powell's first opened in 1970 and sells a varied collection of mostly secondhand books.
Hyde Park bookstore provides community with history, culture
At U-High, students are faced with the decision to dress for comfort or style during the harsh Chicago winter weather
Frosty Fashion
Trushar Patel has been running Rajun Cajun, his family-owned resturaunt in Hyde Park on 53rd street, for the past 30 years. Inspired by the previous owner’s Southern cooking, Rajun Cajun serves customers a unique blend of both Indian and southern cuisine.
Combining culture and comfort: Trushar Patel gives Indian food a Southern twist
Ninth grader Tal Neiman skates alongside co-presidents of the U-High figure skating club, sophomores Lily Davidson and Hannah Gao, on the Midway Plaisance ice rink. They meet almost weekly to skate for leisure or prepare for high school skating competitions.
Figure skating club created for competition, leisure
Molly Herron, social worker and organizer of the South Side Pie Competition, began her pie-baking journey in her mid-20s, when she and her husband decided to spend a year traveling around the United States in a pickup truck.
Molly Herron: Social worker mixes love for human connection with pie baking
Slice of the City: Pizza in Chicago
Slice of the City: Pizza in Chicago
An attendee drives a Kia car simulation at the 2025 Chicago Auto Show, Feb.8-17. The auto show included other interactive elements for visitors, such as electric test tracks and ride-alongs.
Chicago Auto Show immerses, engages attendees
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
A WONDERFUL TIME. The Shedd Aquarium's Wonder of Water exhibit opened to the public in December, replacing the historical Caribbean Reef.
Wonder of Water exhibit offers insight, understanding
Flag Forward
Flag Forward
Senior Sierra Stacy strums at her harp, locked in concentration. Harpists at U-High have a unique and close-knit community that comes with playing this rare and technically demanding instrument.
Strings of Connection: U-High harpists find connection in niche musical community
With the launching of multiple programs that include AI generation features, such as Adobe and DALL-E 3, the question of generative intelligence’s role in art has become more prevalent than ever.
Art-ificial: AI art prompts ethical, creative concerns
The University of Chicago's Court Theatre is performing a production of Lorraine Hansberry's timeless play "A Raisin in the Sun." The production will run until March 9.
Court Theatre’s ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ honors Hansberry’s vision
From Jan. 29 to Feb. 1, junior Sophia Zheng and sophomore Sinziana Lazar went to the Illinois Music Education Association All-State Orchestra in Peoria for three days of intense practice with a final performance on the last day. 
Two U-High musicians perform in Illinois Music Education Association All-State Orchestra
“Cunk On Life,” which began streaming on Netflix Dec. 30, follows mockumentarian Philomena Cunk taking a deep dive into philosophy, the meaning of life and the nature of reality.
‘Cunk on Life’ provides both meaning and humor
TRIUMPHANT TACTICS. Surrounded by players, varsity boys basketball coach Andre Battle discusses mid-game adjustments during a game against the Latin School of Chicago in Upper Kovler Gymnasium on Jan. 17. The game ended in a decisive 58-44 victory.
Gallery: Coaching with Care
Sonali Shaw and Ceci Siegel pose in the front row at the end of the team's dance during the halftime of a basketball game on Feb. 7.
Dancing Duo: Sonali Shaw, Ceci Siegel lead with passion, experience
Many U-High sports teams offers various preseason activities, and the pressure on student athletes to attend these varies depending on the sports team and the athlete's motivation.
Audio: Preseason team activities bring opportunity, added pressure
Despite being sidelined due to injuries, Junior Zachary Wong leans over the pool, cheering on his teammates during the boys swimming and diving meet against Latin on Jan. 29.
Athletic essentials Q&A: Zachary Wong
By successfully balancing academics and fencing, ninth grader Ella Nguyen stands out not only for her skill but for her persistence and openness to advice from her coach, peers and even her brother.
Ella Nguyen finds fencing success through hard work, determination
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.
What’s on your lunch plate?
SWEATY SERENITY. Besides benefits like increased sweat production, flexibility, and the detoxifying effects, hot yoga brings many other gains including stronger bone density, better skin, and ease of depression.
Students find mindfulness and strength hot yoga and pilates
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
SLEEP SABOTAGE. Exposure to blue light and media before bedtime can disrupt sleep by interfering with the body's circadian rhythm and reducing the natural buildup of sleep pressure. This makes it harder to fall and stay asleep, leading to increased fatigue during the day.
Better sleep starts with simple changes
BREAK THE FAST. For students short on time but wanting a nutritious start for the day, dietician Devanee Washington suggests consuming healthy fats and carbs, which can be found in options like overnight oats with fruit, a quick smoothie of greens and Greek yogurt, or a toast with avocado.
Skipping breakfast makes students run on empty
Video: Sophomores celebrate ‘joy in service’ with dance, activities
Video: Sophomores celebrate ‘joy in service’ with dance, activities
RDFZ’s dance, aerobics, martial arts and boy’s dance teams smile during the last moments of the “Youth of the Lion Dance,” one of the most common Chinese dances. This Lunar New Year’s animal was the snake, a symbol of good luck, rebirth and regality.
Exchange students arrive from China; Lunar New Year performance amazes
Many U-High sports teams offers various preseason activities, and the pressure on student athletes to attend these varies depending on the sports team and the athlete's motivation.
Audio: Preseason team activities bring opportunity, added pressure
Math teacher Ross Hunefeld helps sophomore Freddie Neater-DuBow through a math problem. Some students have felt pressure on how they should be using their free time.
Audio: Independence requires balancing free time, studying
Thrifting has become more than just getting new clothes for a cheap price. For some students, thrifting is about spending time with family and friends as well as shopping.
Audio: Thrifting offers more than just shopping
TRIUMPHANT TACTICS. Surrounded by players, varsity boys basketball coach Andre Battle discusses mid-game adjustments during a game against the Latin School of Chicago in Upper Kovler Gymnasium on Jan. 17. The game ended in a decisive 58-44 victory.
Gallery: Coaching with Care
An attendee drives a Kia car simulation at the 2025 Chicago Auto Show, Feb.8-17. The auto show included other interactive elements for visitors, such as electric test tracks and ride-alongs.
Chicago Auto Show immerses, engages attendees
RDFZ’s dance, aerobics, martial arts and boy’s dance teams smile during the last moments of the “Youth of the Lion Dance,” one of the most common Chinese dances. This Lunar New Year’s animal was the snake, a symbol of good luck, rebirth and regality.
Exchange students arrive from China; Lunar New Year performance amazes
Before returning to their townhomes for the night on Jan. 31, Stefanie Giurcanu and Olivia Adams play Jenga in the basement of the Eagle Ridge Resort main lodge.
Gallery: Class of 2025 unwinds, bonds with friends during annual Senior Getaway
Before the Dec. 18 high school music concert at Mandel Hall, ninth grader Ari Wong prepares by wetting the reed for his clarinet while laughing and playing around with a friend's violin.
Gallery: U-High winter music concert
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
Lila Coyne

Lila Coyne, Assistant Editor

Lila Coyne is a member of the Class of 2027 and serves as an assistant editor. She began taking journalism in the 2023-24 school year as a ninth grader. Lila is also a member of the debate team. Outside of school, she enjoys reading and listening to Belle and Sebastian.

All content by Lila Coyne
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
At U-High, students are faced with the decision to dress for comfort or style during the harsh Chicago winter weather

Frosty Fashion

Lila Coyne, Assistant Editor
February 14, 2025
University of Chicago graduate Hannah Nyhart, the co-owner and co-founder of Build Coffee coffee shop and used bookstore, works behind the counter. Despite years of experience running Build Coffee and getting to know the community, Ms. Nyhart has decided to sell the shop.

Hannah Nyhart: Co-founder of Build Coffee cherishes memories she has constructed

Lila Coyne, Assistant Editor
February 4, 2025
Dean of Students Ana Campos invited students to apply to two committees: one for reevaluating U-High’s current cellphone policy and one for examining how U-High’s clubs are formed and managed. Both will begin to meet within the next two weeks.

Committees formed to assess policies for cell phones and student clubs

Lila Coyne, Assistant Editor
January 9, 2025
Comedian Matt Rife’s memoir “Your Mom’s Gonna Love Me,” which came out on Dec. 3, is filled with immature writing and a general air of arrogance that prove the book is little more than an attempt to cash in on Mr. Rife’s preexisting fame.

Matt Rife’s ‘Your Mom’s Gonna Love Me’ is an arrogant cash grab

Lila Coyne, Assistant Editor
January 6, 2025
Before the Dec. 18 high school music concert at Mandel Hall, ninth grader Ari Wong prepares by wetting the reed for his clarinet while laughing and playing around with a friend's violin.

Gallery: U-High winter music concert

Lila Coyne, N.C. Gunning, Nathan Li, and Olin Nafziger
December 20, 2024
Junior James Hubbard builds a robot during a Cache Money practice session. Especially during the competition season, when these sessions are long and frequent, the robotics team receives critical support from a committee of dedicated parents.

Parents boost robotics team with funds and foods

Lila Coyne, Assistant Editor
December 12, 2024
The 2024 adaptation of Broadway musical "Wicked," starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, focused so much on appealing imagery and magical effects that it ended up dulling down its characters and losing the original story's power.

‘Wicked’ delivers spectacle but fails its characters

Lila Coyne, Assistant Editor
December 4, 2024
This exhibition was created as a tribute to the Johnson Publishing Company, which was founded by John Johnson in 1942. The exhibition is located at the Stony Island Arts Bank.

Exhibition serves as tribute to the Johnson Publishing Company

Lila Coyne, Assistant Editor
November 14, 2024
The Sustainability and Environmental Action Council, a newly formed group consisting of students and faculty, will address issues like placing more stainless steel bins for recycling and garbage around the school.

To improve sustainability at Lab, new committee unites students, faculty

Lila Coyne, Assistant Editor
November 6, 2024
Music teacher Bridget Andes puts an instrument into a locker. Music faculty have been coping with an influx of new work after the removal of an important support role due to budget cuts.

Music faculty navigate removal of support role due to budget cuts

Lila Coyne, Assistant Editor
October 15, 2024
Netflix’s new adaptation of the 2005 dystopian novel “Uglies” disappointed its audience with careless writing and simplistic messages.

‘Uglies’ falls flat with shallow, pandering morals

Lila Coyne, Assistant Editor
September 30, 2024
Cell phones are ubiquitous across the country and serve as a fundamental part of teens' lives. The debate about their usage in school has reached Lab.

Dialing up Debate

Lila Coyne, Taariq Ahmed, Chloe Alexander, Clare McRoberts, Lucy Shirrell, and Declan Smith
September 28, 2024
Coming out in theaters on April 22, “Challengers” blends rivalry, romance and tennis to create a new take on traditional rom-com tropes.

‘Challengers’ defies expectations with blend of rivalry, romance, tennis

Lila Coyne, Reporter
June 3, 2024
Spend your summer exploring the city of Chicago with 12 different festival recommendations.

4 ways to summer soiree

Naomi Benton, Lila Coyne, Sinziana Lazar, Dina Letko, David Li, Ari Novak, Ari Novak, and Mira Reddy
May 30, 2024
Blues! Thomas Ealey performs at the 2008 Chicago Blues Festival, the biggest free blues festival in the world. 2024 will be the Chicago Blues Festival’s 40th year celebrating this genre and Chicago’s role in its conception. From June 6-9, anyone who reserves tickets can attend this free festival in Millennium Park.

Chicago Blues Fest reflects rich history

David Li and Lila Coyne
May 28, 2024
FLYING HIGH. During the 2022 ArtsFest opening ceremony, Dance Team members participated in a trick alongside the Jesse White Tumblers.

Tumblers inspire, change young teen lives

Lila Coyne and David Li
May 28, 2024
Spend your summer exploring the city of Chicago with 12 different festival recommendations.

From music to art, here’s 12 fun festivals for this summer

Naomi Benton, Ari Novak, Mira Reddy, David Li, Lila Coyne, Dina Letko, and Sinziana Lazar
May 28, 2024
“Giovanni’s Room” by James Baldwin expertly explores shame, purity, and queer desire as it recounts the love affair between two men in 1950s Paris. The novel serves as a cautionary tale, with its tragic ending revealed on the third page.

Depicting queer desire, ‘Giovanni’s Room’ explores shame

Lila Coyne, Reporter
May 27, 2024
FINDING FREEDOM. Dance teacher Jane Sawyer teaches a Modern I class on April 12th, at her everyday studio at the Hyde Park School of Dance. Ms. Sawyer prioritizes her goal of making her students feel free and comfortable in their bodies through her work teaching dance to incarcerated women at Cook County Jail. “If they come and take this dance class, maybe they’ll come away feeling like redemption from other people is not necessary, and they can just give themselves that compassionate forgiveness,” she said.

Offering freedom through dance, teacher works with incarcerated women

Lila Coyne, Reporter
May 20, 2024
As ninth grader Priya Yamada becomes a member of an advanced group of dancers at the Hyde Park School of Dance, she has to examine what it means to grow in ballet outside of pointe.

Audio: U-High dancer explores ballet beyond pointe

Lila Coyne, Reporter
April 11, 2024
On March 2, 13 U-High Students received a superior ranking in an Illinois State vocalist competition.

In district choir competition, all students received a superior

Lila Coyne, Reporter
March 29, 2024
Reporter Lila Coyne argues the U-High administration should adjust policies surrounding student activities, so students who are absent due to academic teams have the same guidelines students who are absent due to athletic competition.

Academic team absences shouldn’t count toward threshold

Lila Coyne, Reporter
March 8, 2024
Junior Ketan Kandula carefully works on a robot during the Greater Pittsburgh Regional from March 1-3, , in which the robotics received the Gracious Professionalism Award for their conduct, but did not qualify for playoffs. 

At competition, robotics team misses playoffs but displays professionalism

Lila Coyne, Reporter
March 5, 2024
A student plays a song from Taylor Swift's rerelease of her album, "1989," her most recent album. Ms. Swift's popularity is largely due to the relatability of her lyrics.

Taylor Swift’s relatable lyrics provide comfort, reassurance to audiences

Lila Coyne, Reporter
January 24, 2024
Global Foods Club meets every Thursday at lunch in Room C-123. The group aims to expose U-High students to foods from other cultures.

In new club, students can experience food from global cultures

Lila Coyne, Reporter
October 31, 2023
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