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
Meena Lee

Meena Lee, Sports & Leisure Editor

Meena Lee is a member of the Class of 2022 and is the Sports & Leisure editor for the Midway. She began as a sophomore in the 2019-20 school year. Meena’s favorite part about working for the Midway is getting to explore the school’s community and talking to new people. In addition to journalism, Meena enjoys playing soccer and basketball, reading and painting.

Awards:

2023 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Circle Award: Digital sports commentary, second place, “Transgender female athletes must be included, permitted to compete“

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

2022 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Circle Award: Photo layout: full page, third place, Vol. 98, Issue 10 (May 12, 2022), Page 12

2022 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Circle Award: Print sports commentary, certificate of merit, “Transgender female athletes must be included, permitted to compete“

2020 National Scholastic Press Association Fall Best of Show: Sixth Place, Election Reporting (main writer), “As trailblazer for multiple identities, Harris inspires students”

All content by Meena Lee
Located on 53rd Street in Harper Court, the Brave Space Alliance is a community led center for LGBTQ+ people of color on the South and West Sides to recieve support from people who look like them and share their experiences. The center aims to provide culturally competent support.

Thriving: Brave Space Alliance uses mutual aid to provide for LGBTQ+ community of color

Meena Lee, Sports Editor
May 5, 2022

Transgender female athletes must be included, permitted to compete

Meena Lee, Sports Editor
April 12, 2022
Can they play? Transgender athletes face barriers to compete

Can they play? Transgender athletes face barriers to compete

Lucia Kouri, Meena Lee, and Clare O’Connor
April 12, 2022
"Forcing transgender girls to play on boys teams invalidates their transgender identity and is nowhere near providing a gender-affirming experience for them," writes Sports and Leisure editor Meena Lee.

Transgender female athletes must be included, permitted to compete

Meena Lee, Sports Editor
March 31, 2022
Eleven years: Ashley Hannah

Eleven years: Ashley Hannah

Meena Lee, Sports Editor
March 16, 2022
Senior Inga Domenick sews costumes for this year's SET performance. Inga has been a part of the costume crew since ninth grade.

Setting up SET: Senior expands knowledge of fashion design through theater

Meena Lee, Sports Editor
March 3, 2022
Fine arts department chair Sunny Neater poses with her Mental Health First Aid certificate. The training took Ms. Neater 30 hours to complete.

Successful mental health training program will expand to the Lab community

Meena Lee, Sports Editor
January 24, 2022
Netflix's 'Tick, Tick… Boom!' successfully recreates original musical

Netflix’s ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’ successfully recreates original musical

Meena Lee, Sports Editor
January 4, 2022
Murky moods. After months of isolation, seasonal depression can cause even more sadness, fatigue, and low motivation.

Seasonal depression darkens students’ moods

Meena Lee, Sports Editor
December 17, 2021
Here’s how you spend your leisure time

Here’s how you spend your leisure time

Meena Lee, Sports Editor
November 16, 2021
SPEAK OUT. At a Student Council-led meeting on Nov. 2, ninth grader Ayush Mishra shares his experiences with the group. The meeting was held for students to discuss strategies for workload.

Heavy workload aggravates students

Peter Pu and Meena Lee
November 9, 2021
Secret club uses memes to prompt dialogue, raise concerns

Secret club uses memes to prompt dialogue, raise concerns

Meena Lee, Sports Editor
October 28, 2021
Senior Loren Calleri brandishes a handmade spear. On a seven-day backpacking trip through the Allegheny Mountains, Loren, alongside Julien Deroitte and several other Lab seniors, spent time enjoying the outdoors and strenghthening bonds.

Over summer break, students travel, learn, rest, grow

Meena Lee, Sports Editor
October 6, 2021
Junior Sid Shah competes against Lake Forest Academy on April 27. The boys tennis team advanced to state, sending two singles and two doubles teams.

Spring sport teams find success in post-season play

Meena Lee, Sports Editor
June 8, 2021
Some students complete their homework on the train to better balance their school work.

Students adjust routines to accommodate commute for in-person school

Meena Lee, Sports and Leisure Editor
May 25, 2021
The Budlong Hot Chicken • $11

The Budlong Hot Chicken • $11

Meena Lee, Content Manager
April 30, 2021
This hate crime exposed the intersection of misogyny and racism that Asian women face and sparked necessary conversations about the importance of deconstructing the fetishization of Asian women, writes content manager Meena Lee.

Deconstruct the fetishization of Asian women

Meena Lee, Content Manager
April 23, 2021
Gen Z has played a key role in organizing recent protests from the gun control movement to Black Lives Matter. Only time will tell if the generation can also walk the walk.

Will Gen Z ‘be the change’?

Meena Lee, Content Manager
April 15, 2021
Teachers began getting vaccinations on Jan. 31.

Teachers grateful to receive vaccination, experience varied effects

Meena Lee, Content Manager
March 5, 2021

Community organizations demand reparations from University of Chicago

Meena Lee, Assistant Editor
March 3, 2021
Saieh Hall, an iconic gothic red-brick building stands near the UChicago quad at the corner of University Ave.

Racial healing: Chicagoland community members fight for reparations

Amanda Cassel and Meena Lee
March 3, 2021
An expanded history curriculum, new English books and conversations in science class are some ways teachers have implemented ideas in diversity, equity and inclusion.

Teachers expand curriculum to reflect diversity, equity, inclusion statements

Meena Lee, Content Manager
February 15, 2021
Guest speaker Hasan Kwame Jeffries talks to students about the history of protest and its meaning today.

Reclaiming #BlackLivesMatter: BSA urges students to participate in thoughtful, genuine anti-racist work

Meena Lee, Content Manager
January 24, 2021
Students finish their last assignments as the first semester wraps up.

End of semester assessments, deadlines span two weeks to relieve stress

Meena Lee, Content Manager
January 19, 2021
The new Netflix adaptation of "The Prom" is a witty lighthearted film that brings Broadway to your TV screen.

Broadway adaptation of ‘The Prom’ dazzlingly touches on varied experiences of LGBTQ+ community

Meena Lee, Content Manager
December 17, 2020
Sophie poses in front of her house with her two current foster dogs. Having fostered 10 kittens and 13 dogs from PAWS Chicago, Sophie developed deep relationships with her animals and learned how it feels to make an impact on others through service. 

After 23 foster animals, Sophie Raphael develops deep relationships, a dedication to service

Meena Lee, Content Manager
December 7, 2020
While U-High remains in distance learning, students from nursery to second grade continue with in-person instruction.

Younger students adapt to changes during in-person classes, but challenges remain

Meena Lee, Content Manager
November 17, 2020
Even if the ban on indoor dining was lifted, U-High students believe it is too unsafe during the pandemic and people should consider other options before dining inside.

Students concur with, adjust to recent ban on indoor dining to avoid infection risk

Meena Lee, Content Manager
November 13, 2020
After five days of ballot counting, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris won the Presidential and Vice Presidential races.

Following Biden-Harris win, students, faculty excited

Caledonia Abbey, Ryan Clark, Caroline Hohner, Meena Lee, Adrianna Nehme, and Téa Tamburo
November 7, 2020
"It’s not the same as being back in school with everyone, but it is what we can offer, and we are excited to offer it. We just want to give people the opportunity to see one another, not through Zoom screens," Dean of Students Ana Campos said about the events.

Junior, senior classes to hold in-person events on campus

Meena Lee, Content Manager
November 4, 2020
Ms. Harris is the first woman of color to be nominated for a national office by a major party.

As trailblazer for multiple identities, Harris inspires students

Meena Lee, Content Manager
November 3, 2020
NBC's Workplace sitcom "The Office" is popular among U-High students. In 2018, cast member Rainn Wilson visited the school.

Rewatching TV shows offers students comfort, nostalgia

Meena Lee, Content Manager
October 21, 2020
Students gather around a club shopping booth during the 2019-20 school year.

Clubs send videos to participate in virtual club shopping

Meena Lee, Reporter
September 15, 2020
Students flood into gymnasium at back to school event in 2019.

Retreats, assemblies, club events restructured to fit online school environment

Olivia Griffin and Meena Lee
September 15, 2020

Bake

Meena Lee, Reporter
June 9, 2020
Here's our guide to keeping yourself and your family occupied at home through the upcoming summer.

Bingewatch, bake and make: Ways to entertain yourself at home

Abe Callard, Meena Lee, and Colin Leslie
June 9, 2020
Amanda Cassel is one of 12 students named to the Illinois All-State Journalism Team.

Midway editor receives state honor for dedication to staff

Meena Lee, Reporter
May 14, 2020
To solve the gun crisis, we should not be afraid to repeal the second amendment says reporter Meena Lee.

To solve gun problem, America should repeal Second Amendment

Meena Lee, Reporter
May 3, 2020
Juniors Rohan Shah and Loren Pope listen during a Mock Trial practice in March 2020. Mock Trial was a new club this year, and unfortunately was unable to compete in their first-ever competition because of COVID-19.

Mock Trial competition canceled, but members have hope

Meena Lee, Reporter
April 14, 2020
Rashne Hassan scrutinizes a recently-printed car of the kind she hopes to be building with the club she is creating, where students would participate in F1 in Schools, a competition where students build small cars and race them against other schools.

Junior working to create engineering club in Makerspace

Meena Lee, Reporter
March 6, 2020
Lusia Austen examines one of the photos of the exhibit "Braids," designed by artist Shani Crowe and on display in the Corvus Gallery in Gordon Parks Arts Hall until March 13.

New artist-in-residence displays art exhibit, teaches students to braid

Meena Lee, Reporter
January 23, 2020
U-High sophomores and juniors will work among fellow high school and college students for 37.5 hours a week to research areas of interest in the computer science field.

Applications open for SummerLink internships

Meena Lee, Reporter
December 12, 2019
Book Club

Book Club

Meena Lee, Reporter
October 25, 2019
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