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
Matthew McGehee

Matthew McGehee, Photographer

Matthew McGehee, a managing editor, is a member of the class of 2023. His favorite part of photojournalism is the satisfaction of putting in the work to get a good photo during an assignment. He is a member of the U-High soccer team and likes to hike.

Awards:

2024 Illinois Journalism Education Association: First place, sports photo, One-run loss ends baseball season

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

2023 National Scholastic Press Association Photo of the Year: Sports Feature, honorable mention

2023 Illinois Journalism Education Association: First place, photo gallery or slideshow (with Andrew Burke-Stevenson, Carter Chang, Patrice Graham, Gabriel Issa, Chloe Ma, Matt Petres, Amy Ren, Elliott Taylor, Malcolm Taylor), Photo gallery: Focused Faces

2023 Illinois Journalism Education Association: First place, photo story (with Andrew Burke-Stevenson, Carter Chang, Patrice Graham, Gabriel Issa, Meena Lee, Chloe Ma, Matt Petres, Amy Ren, Elliott Taylor, Malcolm Taylor), Focused Faces

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

All content by Matthew McGehee
Junior Sasha Duda and others look up at a fly ball in the U-High Varsity baseball team's loss against Latin School of Chicago on April 11.

[Photo] Photo gallery: Raw Reactions

William Tan, Editor-in-Chief
May 4, 2023
The Eid potluck dinner and celebration for seniors in the Muslim Students’ Association took place last Friday on April 28.

[Photo] Muslim families welcome community to Eid celebration

Katie Sasamoto-Kurisu, Editor-in-Chief
May 3, 2023
OBSERVING OBESITY. Guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics detail the societal stigma surrounding obesity and the many factors that play a role in contributing to the illness, such as family history.

[Photo] Obesity guidelines confront stigma

Audrey Park, Managing Editor
April 5, 2023
The U-Highlights yearbook received its first Crown award, a Silver Crown, and the U-High Midway newspaper and website received a Gold Crown from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association.

[Photo] Yearbook, newspaper win national awards

Audrey Park, Managing Editor
March 28, 2023
mcgeheeartsfest-8

[Photo] Photos: ArtsFest 2023

Victoria Washington and Audrey Matei
March 3, 2023
Junior David Ren won the sectional meet and advanced to state, which took place on Feb. 24.

[Photo] Ren wins sectional meet, qualifies for state

March 1, 2023
EXPERIMENTAL SEASON. Sasha Duda prepares to swing during practice with his team at the Henry Crown Field House. Sasha and his teammates are participating in a University of Chicago economics study.

[Photo] UChicago economics study tests baseball team

Katie Sasamoto-Kurisu, Assistant Editor
February 21, 2023
Health care workers fight for solutions to provide care for uninsured people.  

[Photo] No time to waste: UChicago nurses seek solutions for the uninsured

Audrey Park, Managing Editor
February 17, 2023
The Program of Studies for the 2023-2024 school year has been released. The English curriculum has changed, and there are six new courses. Registration will begin Feb. 17 and end Feb. 28 at 8 a.m.

[Photo] Six new courses added, English department changes curriculum

Ainsley Williams, Reporter
February 8, 2023
Students and athletes, in particular, use pilates to practice mindfulness and get exercise.

[Photo] Student athletes use Pilates, mindfulness as a form of exercise

Taariq Ahmed, Reporter
February 7, 2023
“Seeing the Other,” the current Corvus Gallery exhibit, displays portraits of dozens of individuals across the world. The artist will attend the exhibit's opening and visit several arts classes.

[Photo] Corvus Gallery exhibit opening to occur Jan. 25

David Santiago, Reporter
January 17, 2023
The debate duo of Mahi Shah and Cyrus Esmailzadeh advanced to octofinals in a tourament in Nashville on Jan. 6-8, earning another bid for the Tournament of Champions.

[Photo] Debaters earn another bid for Tournament of Champions

David Ren, Reporter
January 12, 2023
Dead birds can often be found outside of Gordon Parks Arts Hall, because sunlight reflecting off the large glass windows confuses them.

[Photo] Fixing the flight plight: Administration has plan to reduce bird-window collisions

Haley Maharry, Reporter
January 5, 2023
The volleyball team celebrates their victory in their ISL regional finals match against King High School.

[Photo] Volleyball team wins regionals, advances to sectional finals

November 1, 2022
McGeheeVB-2

Traditional Tunes. Mestra Marisa of the Afro-Brazilian dance group Gingarte Capoeira demonstrates two traditional Brazilian instruments, the berimbau and caxixi, which are used in the martial art form of capoeira.

[Photo] First Latinidad assembly celebrates diversity of Latinx culture

Ethan Swinger, Assistant editor
October 24, 2022
Senior Anna Bohlen works at the set of the upcoming fall play “the Firebugs.” She serves as theater manager and plays the role of “Anna” in the production.

[Photo] Sharing the Spotlight

Erich Raumann, Deputy Managing Editor
October 21, 2022
This year, minor adjustments have been made regarding mental health days and workload in the student handbook. One policy outlines that assessments may not be administered two days after school breaks.

[Photo] New year brings changes

Clare O’Connor, Editor-in-Chief
September 9, 2022
At this year's graduation, 2010 U-High alumna Amy Solomon will give the commencement address at Rockfeller Chapel on June 8.

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

Téa Tamburo, Editor-in-Chief
June 9, 2022
Asian Students' Association President Zara Baig speaks to parents and faculty in a commencement ceremony May 11 about the creation of the Asian Culture Fund. She reiterated her excitement for the increased possibilities the fund offers to increase awareness of Asian culture at Lab.

[Photo] Donor establishes fund to increase awareness of Asian culture at Lab

Audrey Park, Managing Editor
May 17, 2022
Some students believe that Lab's health curriculum is outdated, and needs modification to effectively teach modern health principals.

[Photo] Students push for health curriculum reforms

Sophie Baker, Reporter
May 16, 2022
The U-High Midway was recognized by Student Newspapers Online with the Distinguished Sites Award.

[Photo] Midway website earns recognition

Milo Platz-Walker, Reporter
May 16, 2022
BUILDING COMMUNITY. Senior Sammy Fackenthal, left, rehearses a scene with his castmates for their upcoming performance of “Seussical: The Musical.” According to Sammy, the theater provides him with a space in which he can creatively express himself with a community he trusts. “Seussical” performances will be May 19, 20 and 21. Tickets, available in the high school lobby, are $10.

[Photo] From seats to stage: Senior finds community, safe space within theater

Adrianna Nehme, News Editor
May 11, 2022
Lucy Aronsohn, a ninth grader, settles the ball from the air on April 25 for the senior night game against Regina Dominican High School.

[Photo] Photo gallery: Focused Faces

Chloe Ma and Amy Ren
May 12, 2022
Senior Colin Leslie passes with a teammate during practice on March 9. Colin pitched a perfect game against Northridge College Prep on April 12.

[Photo] Senior pitches perfect game

Amy Ren and William Tan
April 14, 2022
During baseball practice March 1, freshman Ryan Roggin throws the ball to his teammate freshman Marcus Wolfe during a drill.

[Photo] Gallery: Spring season off to strong start

March 10, 2022
Junior Blake Dunkley applies a cream to his face. Many male students utilize skin care routines, but they find that products are not marketed well toward a male audience.

[Photo] It’s OK to moisturize: Guys seek to rethink skin care

Krishita Dutta, Arts Co-Editor
March 10, 2022
A student holds on to a printed copy of the U-High O’Hare, a student-run humor newspaper that has been circulating U-High since December.

[Photo] Move over Midway: Spoof paper circulates Lab halls

Ryan Clark, Opinion Editor
March 8, 2022
Senior Carolyn Gao mixes ingredients in the hot sauce workshop.

[Photo] Photos: Artfest 2022 captured image by image

Krishita Dutta, Amon Gray, Chloe Ma, and Ethan Swinger
February 25, 2022
Juniors Camille Bryant and Michael Ewing talk about Tupac Shakur during the Black Students’ Association workshop on Jan. 13. During the workshop students also discussed other major Black influences in the music industry.

[Photo] Black Joy: Celebrating hope, spirit

Anathea Carrigan, Managing Editor
January 19, 2022
Student Council passed a bill dedicated to making Gordon Park Arts Hall more student-friendly. Student Council plans to bring student artwork, more tables and plants into the space.

[Photo] Student Council passes decoration, feedback bills

Sahana Unni, Content Manager
December 16, 2021
South Shore Nature Sanctuary is a 15-minute drive from Lab and contains six acres of dune, woodland and shrubbery for visitors to walk through.

[Photo] South Side parks offer scenic, historic walks

William Tan, Assistant Editor
November 5, 2021
Mr. Onli stands in front of his collection in the Corvus Gallery in Gordon Parks Arts Hall.

[Photo] Corvus Gallery showcases politically emblematic, self-expressive art

Sahana Unni, Content Manager
November 4, 2021
Ariadne Merchant and Samuel Fackenthal rehearse for their roles in the upcoming fall production, "Words, Words, Words".

[Photo] 'Words, Words, Words,' fall play showing Oct. 28-31

October 27, 2021
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