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
Matt Petres

Matt Petres, Photographer

Matt Petres is a co-editor in chief of photojournalism and a member of the class of 2023. His favorite part of photojournalism is teaching new staff to use the equipment. Outside of photojournalism, Matt enjoys biking on the lakefront trail. This is his second year on staff.

Awards:

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

2023 National Scholastic Press Association Digital Story of the Year: Multimedia sports, fourth place (with William Tan)

2023 National Scholastic Press Association Photo of the Year: Environmental portrait, honorable mention

2023 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Circle Award: Digital news: single spot news photo, first place, "Russian invasion shocks, concerns students of Ukrainian descent"

2023 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Circle Award: Yearbook feature photo, second place, "Excited audience"

2023 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Circle Award: Yearbook sports feature photo, third place, "Hyped huddle"

2022 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Circle Award: Print news: single spot news photo, third place, "United Ukraine"

2022 Journalism Education Association National Student Media Contests, St. Louis convention: Excellent, photography portfolio

2022 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Circle Award: Photo slideshow, certificate of merit (with Andrew Burke-Stevenson, Malcolm Taylor, Chloe Ma, Henry Benton, and Patrice Graham), “Photo gallery: Faculty face off in Homecoming arm wrestling tournament”

2021 Journalism Education Association National Student Media Contests, Virtual: Excellent, first-year photo

All content by Matt Petres
After 21 years of interactive P.E. teaching, Debbie Ribbens will retire. She plans to continue her active and energetic lifestyle.

[Photo] Ribbens inspired with energetic teaching

Katie Sasamoto-Kurisu, Editor-in-Chief
May 25, 2023
Members of the boys soccer team embrace after a goal. The team won 2-3 on a Sept. 30, senior night game against Northridge College Prep.

[Photo] Photo gallery: Raw Reactions

William Tan, Editor-in-Chief
May 4, 2023
TUMBLING TWINS: High up on the rings, senior Akshay Puri engages in a difficult routine at gymnastics practice. He and his twin brother, Kavan Puri, are accomplished student athletes who find strength in family.

[Photo] Balancing Act: A brotherly bond drives twin gymnasts Akshay and Kavan Puri to success

William Tan, Editor-in-Chief
May 2, 2023
Students used a Google form to vote May 1 because of vote changes on the original election April 28. (photo illustration)

[Photo] Google Form implemented for greater election security

Louis Auxenfans, News Editor
May 1, 2023
SPICE IT UP. Unlike the long menus featured in most fast food restaurants, Raising Cane’s only offers a single entrée and three possible side-dishes, allowing the restaurant to exceed in their specialties.

[Photo] With limited menu, chicken restaurant perfects dishes

Erich Raumann, Deputy Managing Editor
April 28, 2023
Brandon Johnson speaks to reporters at an event at Kenwood Academy in February, before his victory in the April 4 election.

[Photo] Underdog progressive Brandon Johnson wins mayoral election

Mia Lipson, Assistant Editor
April 7, 2023
The U-High Jazz ensemble allows for student expressiveness and creativity. 

[Photo] Audio: Through Jazz Band, students demonstrate musicianship

Amon Gray and Victoria Washington
April 6, 2023
Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallas participate in a debate hosted at the University of Chicago on March 30.

[Photo] Mayoral election: candidates show a sharp contrast

Mia Lipson, Assistant Editor
March 31, 2023
A HELPING HAND. Over 40 students became certified in a teen mental health training program that covered resources and ways to help distressed peers.

[Photo] Mental health training program expands to student body

Taariq Ahmed, Reporter
March 31, 2023
CARING FOR COMMUNITIES: Throughout U-High, senior Juan Chaides provides comfort and support to those around him. Not only does Juan work to give Latino students more visibility as co-president of Latinos Unidos, but he also acts as stage manager for theater productions, coordinating the many moving parts.

[Photo] Juan Chaides: Artistic, advocate, admirable

Amy Ren, Assistant Editor
March 31, 2023
Senior Juan Chaides has won a number of awards for his work and support for the Latino community and the student population. 

[Photo]

The Cache Money 8096 robotics team lost in the semifinals of the Milwaukee regional competition and placed seventh after qualifying rounds in the Midwest competition.

[Photo] Robotics team performs well at two regional competitions

Jaya Alenghat, Reporter
March 30, 2023
Xavier Nesbit has been a star of U-High basketball program throughout his time on it. He averaged more than 28 points per game, the 4th highest in Illinois.

[Photo] Q&A: Nesbitt reflects on basketball success, hopes for future

Taariq Ahmed, Reporter
March 28, 2023
U-High P.E. teacher Daniel Dyra stands at the edge of a pool coaching students. The lifeguarding unit is now offered to U-High students after a hiatus during the pandemic, in which students can obtain American Red Cross certification.

[Photo] Audio: After pandemic hiatus, students can again earn lifeguard certification through P.E.

David Santiago, Reporter
March 27, 2023
The refugee center opened by the city government at 6420 S. University Ave, in an abandoned public school, has caused mixed reactions in the community around the center.

[Photo] Refugee center opened in Woodlawn sparks criticism and support from residents

Audrey Matei, Arts Editor
March 22, 2023
Robotics team members Ava Cohen and Asher Grossman work together in the robotics room. The team brings people together and creates a family around their shared passion.

[Photo] Audio: Drills drown out differences — Members of FRC robotics team find affinity within robotics environment

Light Dohrn, Reporter
March 20, 2023
Students make candy in a workshop sponsored by the Alumni Relations and Development department.

[Photo] Audio: At ArtsFest, Candy Creations workshop teaches students the importance of acts of kindness

Skye Freeman, Reporter
March 7, 2023
The new beatmaking club gives students the chance to learn new skills and connect with peers with similar interests.

[Photo] Audio: The beat boys — Club provides opportunity for music exploration, socialization

Téa Tamburo and Sahana Unni
March 7, 2023
At the end of their final year, U-High seniors walk through the school as younger students cheer and celebrate their journey.

[Photo] Through traditions, Lab fosters community

March 6, 2023
The robotics team placed 22nd at the state competition and will not be advancing to the World Championship.

[Photo]

Senior Nico Ahmed works on Sprockets & Screws robot in preparation for a competition.

[Photo] Robotics team places 22nd at state

Mia Lipson, Assistant Editor
March 2, 2023
Despite the robotics being a male-dominated field, many girls — like sophmore Ava Kim Cohen— have had a positive experience and found their place in U-Highs robotics team.

[Photo] Robotics club looks to construct higher population of girl participants

Peter Cox, City Life Editor
February 24, 2023
Senior Nico Ahmed, a member of Sprockets & Screws, works on his teams robot in preparation for the regional competition.

[Photo] Robotics team advances to state

Mia Lipson, Assistant Editor
February 16, 2023
Senior Lena Stole and an exchange student dance at the welcome assembly for the Taiwanese exchange students in the Assembly Hall. For the first time in four years, French and Taiwanese exchange students are staying with their host families for a week and a half.

[Photo] Taiwanese, French students experience Lab through exchange program

Erich Raumann, Deputy Managing Editor
February 9, 2023
Mayor Lori Lightfoot speaks at a rally on Feb. 27, 2022, in the Ukrainian Village neighborhood to support the war in Ukraine.

[Photo] Looking back at Lightfoot: Unpopular mayor seeks second term

Téa Tamburo, Editor-in-Chief
February 15, 2023
CREATING CARS: Members of the F1 in Schools club hover over the workbench as they work to design and build a model F1 car.

[Photo] Winning formula: Club races to build model car in competitive league

Amon Gray, Sports and Leisure Editor
February 14, 2023
Students respond differently in choosing whether or not they support problematic creators.

[Photo] Nay to Ye: Students divided over whether to support problematic creators

Sahana Unni, Features Editor
February 6, 2023
The Black Students Association put posters with quotes commemorating Black History Month on each students locker on Feb. 1.

[Photo] BSA posts signs commemorating Black History Month on every locker

Téa Tamburo, Editor-in-Chief
February 2, 2023
Junior Haley Sturgill approaches the goal during a futsal match in Lower Kovler Gymnasium on Jan. 18. This year’s season now includes the girls soccer players and eighth grade players.

[Photo] Futsal expands; now coed grades 8-12

January 23, 2023
Moments before students walked out of the assembly, BSA co-presidents Camille Bryant and Michael Ewing discuss how students of color continue to feel unwelcome at school.

[Photo] BSA leaders abruptly end MLK assembly with walkout to protest discrimination

Taariq Ahmed and Mia Lipson
January 12, 2023
This years ArtsFest is facing a shortage of workshop proposals which may lead to overcrowded workshops.

[Photo] ArtsFest meets workshop threshold, concerns remain

Téa Tamburo, Editor-in-Chief
January 11, 2023
The dance team performs during a varsity basketball game on Jan. 5.

[Photo] After first-ever competition, dance team focuses on improvement

Zara Siddique, Audience Engagement Manager
January 10, 2023

[Video] Video: Volunteers decorate South Side to spread holiday spirit

Matt Petres and Patrice Graham
December 16, 2022
The U-High Midway and U-Highlights have both received the Crown Award from Colombia Scholastic Press Association. U-High is one of 15 schools to be recognized for their yearbook and news publications.

[Photo] U-High journalism programs win national awards

Louis Auxenfans, News Editor
December 16, 2022
Matthew Insalacos math class takes a break from schoolwork as they watch a World Cup game.

[Photo] Students watch World Cup in and out of class

Kabir Joshi, Reporter
December 13, 2022
A monkey is displayed on the El Salvador tree at the MSI Christmas Around The World Exhibit. The trees are made by community volunteers to represent the characteristics of the countries.

[Photo] Bringing communities together: Christmas Around The World displays different holiday traditions

Chloe Alexander, Assistant Editor
December 7, 2022
STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART. Ariel Williams laughs as she converses with a customer. Ms. Williams keeps conversation flowing as she prepares drinks and hands out baked goods. Talking to her in the coffee shop has become a highlight of many people’s days.

[Photo] Made with care: Barista, cashier provides cheer, daily comfort through genuine conversation

Peter Cox, City Life Editor
December 10, 2022
The robotics team has received a $5,000 grant from two aluminum production companies that have given the team the goal of building a robot that promotes recycling.

[Photo] Robotics team receives $5,000 grant to build recycling robot

Zara Siddique, Audience Engagement Manager
December 6, 2022
U-High alumna Rachel Sylora spoke about her career and the skills she gained at Lab at an event co-hosted by the Maroon Key Society and Asian Students’ Association on Nov. 29.

[Photo] Writing, leadership skills gained at Lab valuable in tech career, alumna says

Louis Auxenfans, News Editor
December 2, 2022
SPEAKING OUT. Sitting in a circle of chairs, senior Zara Baig discusses the role students can play in addressing hate at Lab during a Student Council-sponsored forum on Nov. 29.

[Photo] In low-attended forum, students addressed hate expression

Sahana Unni, Features Editor
December 1, 2022
Students may begin submitting proposals for Artsfest workshops, T-shirt and mural designs.

[Photo] Artsfest submissions due second week of January

Victoria Washington, Audience Engagement Manager
December 1, 2022
Seniors Kenneth Peters and Charlotte Henderson shake hands across the volleyball net. The soccer and volleyball teams faced off in a match on Nov. 16 to raise money for the Greater Chicago Food Pantry.

[Photo] Volleyball and soccer teams compete in friendly charity event

Zara Siddique, Audience Engagement Manager
November 17, 2022
Elizabeth Oyler competes at IHSA sectionals at the University of Illinois Chicago on Nov. 5. Elizabeth broke the U-High record for the 100-yard backstroke at 57.71.

[Photo] Girls swimming and diving season wrap up: Oyler breaks records at end of season

November 15, 2022
Senior Kriti Sarav and sophomore Paola Almeda found success on the court as a doubles team. Outside of their individual competition, they have formed lasting connections with each other and the team.

[Photo] Double or nothing: Kriti Sarav and Paola Almeda find success as a doubles tennis team

Audrey Matei, Arts Editor
November 15, 2022
Students followed the Nov. 8 midterm elections anxiously, leading to a wide variety of reactions in the U-High community.

[Photo] Political implications of state, national elections worry students

Krishita Dutta and Ethan Swinger
November 14, 2022
Script and tech submissions for S.E.T. are due Nov. 28.

[Photo] Proposals for upcoming S.E.T. production due Nov. 28

Audrey Matei, Arts Editor
November 13, 2022
Senior David Wolf arrives at the 5631 S. Kimbark Ave. polling station at Ray Elementary School, excited to vote for the first time.

[Photo] A rite of passage: Seniors reflect on first voting experience

Louis Auxenfans, News Editor
November 11, 2022
Dalin Dohrn holds up her drawing for the Art Throwdown contest that won her second place. The competition required artists to draw a piece of artwork in 90 minutes.

[Photo] Senior places second in state art competition

Louis Auxenfans, News Editor
November 10, 2022
A student reads the October print edition of the Midway, which has four Class of 2022 alumni selected as finalists for seven national awards.

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

Taariq Ahmed, Reporter
November 8, 2022
Maxine Hurst takes a swing during practice. Maxine and her teammate Amelia Tan competed in the IHSA A1 Championship and placed 35th and 19th.

[Photo] Golf season wrap-up: Sophomores go to state

October 27, 2022
Beatmaking club co-founder Evan Lok listens to his music production while co-founder Jacob Liu watches on. The new club helps students learn about digital music making.

[Photo] New club devoted to making digital music and beats

Skye Freeman, Reporter
October 26, 2022
Carefully measuring the distance, senior Ethan Kucera lines up his putt at the Harborside International Golf Course. After recovering from back surgery, Ethan spent the summer training his swing with a healed body while breaking personal records. Ethan returned to the golf team performing well in tournaments.

[Photo] Never stop swinging: Ethan Kucera returns from back surgery a stronger golfer

October 25, 2022
Junior Micayla Hatcher steps up to the ball during the Dig Pink game on Oct. 14 against the Latin School of Chicago. The team raised over $2500 for research and treatment for stage 4 breast cancer.

[Photo] Dig Pink fundraiser surpasses goal

October 20, 2022
More courses within the science and math departments are now using the free online textbook Openstax to decrease textbook costs for students.

[Photo] Cost + Convenience: More teachers choose open source textbooks

Katie Sasamoto-Kurisu, Assistant Editor
October 18, 2022
Emese El Bissatine Pasztor is the new secretary in the high school office. She started working in late September.

[Photo] U-High welcomes new high school office secretary

Parmita Kashanipour, Reporter
October 20, 2022
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[Photo]

Students and faculty can sign up for an upcoming Covid-19 vaccine booster and flu shot clinic at the Historic Campus on Oct. 18 and Earl Shapiro Hall on Oct. 11 and 25.

[Photo] Covid-19 booster and flu shot clinics offered for students and staff

Ainsley Williams, Reporter
October 7, 2022
EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS. Courtney McDonald laughs while talking to adviser Holly Johnston during the advisory period.

[Photo] New students feel welcomed to the U-High community

Zara Siddique, Reporter
September 30, 2022
Seniors Charlotte Henderson and Gretchen Matzke pose in the Sherry Lansing theater during the homecoming dance on Sept. 24.

[Photo] Homecoming dance engages, entertains students

Victoria Washington, Reporter
September 27, 2022
Varsity soccer captain Charlie Young goes for a header during practice after school on Sept. 22. Charlie has played for U-High since ninth grade, gaining confidence in his skills and in leadership.

[Photo] Head in the game: Soccer captain Charlie Young leads through growth and compassion

Katie Sasamoto-Kurisu, Reporter
September 27, 2022
Director Liucija Ambrosini assesses students during tryouts for the fall play, The Firebugs.

[Photo]

Juniors Aaron Moss and Lena Valenti audition for the fall production “The Firebugs” in Sherry Lansing Theater. The show will be preformed on Oct. 27-29 and follows the story of an arsonist terrorizing a town.

[Photo] Fall show, ‘The Firebugs,’ begins production

Téa Tamburo, Editor in Chief
September 23, 2022
Student rolls dice in front of camera

[Photo] Role-playing game builds community through stories

Amy Ren, Assistant Editor
September 21, 2022
Suzanne Baum recently completed her translingual work of historical fiction, “Married to Spain.”

[Photo] ‘Family Folklore:’ Suzanne Baum shares family history with published book

Clare McRoberts, Reporter
September 22, 2022
This year, Homecoming week is aimed to encourage student engagement and participation by letting students vote on spirit day themes and activities at the homecoming dance on Sept. 24.

[Photo] Student involvement integrated into Homecoming week

Taariq Ahmed, Reporter
September 16, 2022
All-School President Fermi Boonstra and Vice President Graham Robbins talk during a Student Council meeting. This year, Student Council is aiming for greater clarification on student mental health policies and introducing curriculum feedback into classes for the 2023-24 school year.

[Photo] Student Council offer agendas on mental health and curriculum feedback

Katie Sasamoto-Kurisu, Reporter
September 16, 2022
Mark Krewatch hands out optional COVID-19 tests to his advisory.

[Photo] COVID-19 rules loosened, but not lifted

Amy Ren, Assistant Editor
September 12, 2022
Seniors Natalie Hultquist and Jaedyn Hudson enter Rockefeller Memorial Chapel.

[Photo] 156 seniors graduate as ceremony returns to Rockefeller Chapel

Téa Tamburo, Editor-in-Chief
June 9, 2022
Senior Amanda ODonell walks down Gordon Parks Arts Hall Assembly Hall to receive her award as students enthusiastically applaud. She was a William “Doc” Monilaw Medalist.

[Photo] Students celebrate graduating seniors and community members at awards assembly

Mia Lipson, Reporter
June 3, 2022
Leo Pratt-Thomas competes in a regatta earlier in the season. The U-High sailing team won eighth in the National Invitational Team Racing Tournament on May 21-22.

[Photo] U-High sailing team wins eighth and fourteenth in national competitions

June 7, 2022
Art teacher Mirentxu Ganzarain oversees her class, which focuses on experiential and independent learning.

[Photo]

Over 13 years after Barack Obama took office, the construction of the Obama Presidential Center in Woodlawn promotes civic engagement and gives new hope to Chicagos South Side.

[Photo] Audio: As Obama Presidential Center takes shape, South Side has high hopes

Victoria Washington, Reporter
June 1, 2022
After teaching for 32 years and starting Labs sculpture program, Mirentxu Ganzarain retires to spend more time on her art. An exhibition of Ms. Ganzarains mixed media work, titled Humans, Spirits and Power, will be displayed in Gordon Parks Arts Hall starting June 3.

[Photo] After Lab, teacher will pursue own art

Sahana Unni, Features Editor
June 2, 2022
Junior Michael Ewing opted to work part-time at Panera during the pandemic. Working during the school year forces some students to find a balance between work and school.

[Photo] Students find balance between school work and jobs

Audrey Matei, Arts Editor
May 17, 2022
P.E. teacher Scott Budeselich reaches for the ball as sophomore Myles Cobb reaches to dunk the basketball in the basket.

[Photo] Gallery: Students take on faculty in community-building games

Krishita Dutta and Audrey Park
May 13, 2022
Siblings David Ren, sophomore, and Amy Ren, junior, practice for the National Invitational Team Racing Tournament.

[Photo] Sailing team wins state championship, qualifies for nationals

Erich Raumann, Content Manager
May 16, 2022
Sophomore Chloe Hurst sets the ball in a game against The British School on Sept. 28. The Maroons won 2-0.

[Photo] Photo gallery: Focused Faces

Chloe Ma and Amy Ren
May 12, 2022
Digital artist Lusia Austen creates art through Procreate on her iPad.

[Photo] Click by Click: Digital artists turn to online platforms for self expression

Lucia Kouri, Editor-in-Chief
May 4, 2022
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