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:

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
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

March 22, 2023
Robotics team members Eva 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

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

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

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

March 2, 2023
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[Photo] Robotics club looks to construct higher population of girl participants

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Photo] Artsfest submissions due second week of January

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

September 23, 2022
Student rolls dice in front of camera

[Photo] Role-playing game builds community through stories

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

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

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

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

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

September 12, 2022
Seniors Natalie Hultquist and Jaedyn Hudson enter Rockefeller Memorial Chapel.

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

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

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

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

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

May 17, 2022
Counselor Teddy Stripling tosses the basketball to P.E. teacher Josh Potter

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

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

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

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

May 4, 2022
Juniors gather around each other during an entire grade session at retreat. Some students were worried about contracting COVID-19 on retreat given that mask wearing was optional and several juniors were deemed close contacts.

[Photo] Junior retreat experiences spark worry over COVID-19 cases

April 11, 2022
Senior Aaron Kim and sophomore Mahi Shah will participate in the prestigious debate tournament, the Tournament of Champions, from April 23-25. Aaron and Mahi only started working together last November as debate partners.

[Photo] Audio: Students prepare for prestigious debate tournament

April 8, 2022
Senior Will Trone, co-president of Intersectional Feminism Club, discusses submissions for “Why I Didn’t Report with the rest of the club.

[Photo] School club uses social media, raises awareness for sexual assault

April 5, 2022
The Math Team placed first in the llinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics state competition, their concluding competition for the season.

[Photo] Math Team qualifies to compete at state competition

March 23, 2022
Ms. Shah de Jeu speaking at a Maroon mentors event on March 2.

[Photo] Maroon Mentor Series: Smita Shah de Jeu

March 9, 2022
Juniors David Wolf and Sohan Manek eat lunch without masks. After spring break masks will be optional throughout the entire school.

[Photo] School announces optional masking after spring break

March 7, 2022
The Biden administration has reinstated parts of the Obama administrations student nutrition policies for public schools. While private, many feel that U-High does not meet these nutritional standards.

[Photo] Cafeteria food may sacrifice convenience for health

March 4, 2022
People rally in support for Ukraine outside of Saints Volodymyr and Olha Ukrainian Catholic Church, which is also across from the Ukraine National Museum.

[Photo] Ukrainian Village celebrates its culture during tumultuous times

March 3, 2022
UNITED UKRAINE. On Feb. 27, hundreds of individuals gathered in Ukrainian Village with flags and handmade signs to display anger and unity over Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine.

[Photo] Russian invasion shocks, concerns students of Ukrainian descent

March 2, 2022
Junior Maya Herron adds duct tape to her project in the fashion design workshop.

[Photo] Photos: Artfest 2022 captured image by image

February 25, 2022
The implements that the math team used to move to sixth in the North Suburban Math League

[Photo] Math Team results leave members optimistic

February 18, 2022
Juniors Asha Patel and Kiran Chinniah play a game of chess at the new tables in the courtyard between Gordon Parks Arts Hall and the high school building. The chess tables were donated by a group of Laboratory Schools alumni in honor of Chris Janus, former high school history teacher.

[Photo] Chess tables honor former history teacher

December 6, 2021
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[Photo] Pandemic interrupts bus service

November 16, 2021
Washington Park, just five minutes from Lab, consists of 300 acres of greenery, lakes and educational spaces.

[Photo] South Side parks offer scenic, historic walks

November 5, 2021
Attendance secretary Robyn Roland completes work. Ms. Roland mainly works with attendance coordinating student absences and events such as field trips.

[Photo] Two employees reassigned to secretary positions

October 26, 2021
Waving an Italian flag and blowing kisses, a woman leans out of one an Italian car being showcased at the parade.

[Photo] Parade watchers express differing views on Columbus and holiday

October 19, 2021
The varsity volleyball team won the Independent School League championship for the first time since 2004.

[Photo] Volleyball team wins ISL championship for first time in 17 years

October 6, 2021
Jeremy Schwartz, computer science teacher, poses with his Computer Science Teacher Excellence Award.

[Photo] Computer science teacher receives award for inspiring, engaging students

September 28, 2021
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