The Student News Site of University of Chicago Laboratory High School

U-High Midway
National History Day awards earned by former AT US students can be found in room C121. Now, the future of NHD is now up in the air after its grant was slashed.
Federal cuts halt longstanding National History Day program
U-High student journalists have been recognized for their work through national awards.
U-High student journalists win national awards
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
Juniors Vivianna Nieto and Audrey Tian use their phones before their Neuroscience & Behavior class. Committees for cell phone and club policies presented their proposals at a March 5 faculty meeting, sparking discussions on classroom engagement, academic balance and the student experience at U-High.
Phone, clubs policies analyzed
U-Highlights staff members celebrate sending the 2025 yearbook to print in a March 31 tribute.
2025 U-Highlights yearbook to be released this spring
In a Nov. 15 practice, Aeros Racing team member Aran Malhotra prepares for the the World Finals 2024. The F1 in Schools team placed first at the National Finals April 7-9, earning them a return to the World Finals this fall.
F1 in Schools team finishes first at national finals, advancing to global stage
Model United Nations team members pose with awards won at the Northwestern University MUN conference April 10-13. The team earned best large delegation and numerous individual awards.
MUN team earns best large delegation at Northwestern conference
Science Olympiad team members complete final preparations before the state competition on April 12, where the team placed third, missing the bid for nationals by four points.
Science team ends season with historic third place at state competition
Ninth grader Kian Ladner-Huq works on an off-season robot in December 2024. The U-High Robotics Team finished its season April 4-6.
Robotics Team finishes season with learning experience
At the 2025 Illinois State Bar Association High School Mock Trial Invitational, U-High’s Mock Trial team did not place, though junior Naomi Benton and sophomore Priya Yamada each received best witness awards. 
Mock trial team ends season with individual wins at state competition
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
Freedom in the Balance
Freedom in the Balance
Sports Editor Milo Platz-Walker argues that the term 'Senioritis' needs to be reframed with academic burnout being addressed.
Reframe ‘senioritis’ and recognize academic burnout in second semester
Reporter Cecily Bensmaia argues that access to education for women should be expanded to provide opportunities globally.
Expand access to education to empower women
The Editorial Board argues that the Lab administration must be more transparent and clarify the addition of new adminstration positions amid ongoing budget cuts.
Administration: Be transparent
Reporter Nadia Washington argues that low-stake assessments offer more of a value to students and teachers.
Incorporating more low-stakes assessments will be positive to students
Reporter Gabriel Wang urges parents to support students' growth rather than pressure them about college admissions.
Parents should refrain from pressuring students about college
During the service learning portion of sophomore retreat, sophomore Tyra Deweese volunteers for Habitat for Humanity. Over the course of the year, sophomores have grown by giving back to their communities as part of their 30 hour community service requirement
Audio: Sophomores learn, grow through service learning
Meaning of masculinity
Meaning of masculinity
Four male-identifying members of the U-High community, Theodore Stripling, Ares Cajas, Whit Waterstraat and George Ofori-Mante, sat down for a discussion about masculinity.
Masculinity roundtable: Male-identifying U-High members discuss the meaning of masculinity
For transgender students at U-High, there is a looming fear of the government’s actions, even when surrounded by supportive friends and family.
New policy prompts fear among transgender students
In a particularly competitive year for the annual Hunt, sophomores Nanak Ofori-Mante and Alethia Ikem emerged victorious, their second time competing in the Hunt after a failed attempt last year.
Audio: Competing in annual Hunt challenge, students build confidence
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
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
“The Life List,” a new Netflix film released on March 28, is a charming romantic comedy that combines a meaningful journey of self-discovery and growth with a well-developed and wholesome romance.
‘The Life List’ finds the heart in healing
Prestige television introduces depth and complex themes in a uniquely beautiful way, from the cinematography to the dialogue. These themes challenge us to view ourselves and the power structures that surround us differently.
The comedy of despair: Prestige TV transforms power, trauma, misery into riveting, addictive dramas
Junior Adam Tapper has found a passion for writing literary translations, from Yiddish and German, two languages to which he feels a deep connection due to his family’s heritage.
Lost words, new voices: Junior Adam Tapper works to preserve and share minority languages
“DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS” (“I should have taken more photos”), is a Spanish album by Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny released on Jan. 5. The album features 17 tracks, including hits such as “DtMF” and “NUEVAYoL,” all of which cement Bad Bunny’s ability to create yet another stand out and versatile album.
Bad Bunny’s ‘DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS’ is a genre-blending ode to Puerto Rico
Sophomore Aiden Yu and other members of the U-High Chamber Collective perform a female-forward pop concert in Gordon Parks Arts Hall on March 5, raising funds for the Chicago Foundation for Women.
Video: U-High Chamber Collective holds female-forward pop fundraiser
Sophomore Taara Sajdeh was chosen for the IHSA Student Advisory committee, which includes one student from each of Illinois’ 21 districts.
Taara Sajdeh selected for IHSA Student Advisory Committee
Senior Brayden Kenny prepares to swing as he steps up to the plate during the varsity baseball team's game against Lincoln Park High School on April 5.
U-High athletes navigate college athletic recruitment
Sofia Piccola takes her final strides during an indoor track competition. The team ended its season March 29 at the Illinois Top Times competition and the Illinois Indoor Championships, which happened on the same day.
Indoor track wrap up: runners break multiple school records
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
Junior Isabella Huang, a varsity volleyball player, and senior Maya Pytel, a varsity soccer player, show off their gear. Both Isabella and Maya selectively choose their gear from the brands they most trust.
Battle of the Brands: U-High athletes balance performance, style when choosing gear
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.
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, Nature’s Fynd creates microbe-based 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
FLAWED FORMULA. Once a primary tool for diagnosing obesity, BMI is now being challenged for its oversimplified approach to health. The formula was created for population studies, not individual health assessments.
Experts doubt traditional obesity weight classification
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.
Improvements in healthier lunch options encourage mindful eating
During the service learning portion of sophomore retreat, sophomore Tyra Deweese volunteers for Habitat for Humanity. Over the course of the year, sophomores have grown by giving back to their communities as part of their 30 hour community service requirement
Audio: Sophomores learn, grow through service learning
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
In a particularly competitive year for the annual Hunt, sophomores Nanak Ofori-Mante and Alethia Ikem emerged victorious, their second time competing in the Hunt after a failed attempt last year.
Audio: Competing in annual Hunt challenge, students build confidence
New website game PolyTrack allows students to bond as they compete to get the fastest time around the track.
Audio: PolyTrack ignites friendly competition among students racing to beat best times
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
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
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
Milo Platz-Walker

Milo Platz-Walker, Sports Editor

Milo Platz-Walker is a member of the Class of 2025 and serves as the sports editor. He joined the staff as a ninth grader in 2021 and returned as a junior. Outside of school, he enjoys competing in karate, listening to music, and spending time with friends.

All content by Milo Platz-Walker
Sports Editor Milo Platz-Walker argues that the term 'Senioritis' needs to be reframed with academic burnout being addressed.

Reframe ‘senioritis’ and recognize academic burnout in second semester

Milo Platz-Walker, Sports Editor
April 17, 2025
The fencing team capped off one of its most successful seasons with a second-place finish at the Great Lakes Conference Team Championships on Feb. 1.

Fencing wrap up: team finishes second overall

Milo Platz-Walker, Sports Editor
March 3, 2025

[Video] Audio: Extracurriculars represent ambition, self-discovery — and pressure

Milo Platz-Walker, Sports Editor
March 2, 2025
Juliana Zavala will step into her new role as athletics director on April 7. She will be taking over for David Ribbens, who has been serving as interim athletics director.

New athletics director brings student-centered approach

Milo Platz-Walker, Sports Editor
February 25, 2025
TikTok ban threatens free speech, sets dangerous precedent

TikTok ban threatens free speech, sets dangerous precedent

Milo Platz-Walker, Sports Editor
February 23, 2025
Blending high-energy NBA gameplay with intimate behind-the-scenes footage, Netflix's "Starting Five" gives an authentic, emotional look into the lives of NBA stars, though it occasionally falls into a repetition of familiar narratives.

Netflix’s ‘Starting Five’ delivers a fresh perspective on life in the NBA

Milo Platz-Walker, Sports Editor
January 7, 2025
Ninth grader Sofia Caldentey and junior Maggie Yagan work together to set up C-116 to host the UNHRC committee for U-High’s Model UN conference, LabMUNC, on Friday afternoon, Dec. 6.

Model UN team hosts first conference at Lab since before pandemic

Milo Platz-Walker, Peyton Palmer, Daniel Baeza, and Eli Raikhel
December 10, 2024
FINISHING FIRST. Racing toward the finish line, senior Simon Lane leads the pack on his way to first place at the Lincoln Park Latin Prep Invitational on Sept. 25. "It felt really good to get the win," Simon said. "It was the fastest time in a long time, so I felt very good about that." Simon qualified for the state meet Nov. 9.

Cross country season ends with team and individual achievements

Milo Platz-Walker, Sports Editor
November 15, 2024
Tyler, The Creator impressed with heartfelt and pensive lyrics in his new album, "Chromakopia." The album, which contains 14 songs, was released on Oct. 28.

Tyler, the Creator creates electrifying journey in ‘Chromakopia’

Milo Platz-Walker, Sports Editor
November 4, 2024
Despite impressive visuals and energetic performance, the "A Boogie wit Da Hoodie" concert fell short in terms of stage presence.

Low notes, high night: A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie concert delivers mixed energy

Milo Platz-Walker, Sports Editor
October 28, 2024
These students have received new Midway roles. Front; Abhay Chandran, Juliana Daugherty, Lila Coyne. Middle; Sohana Schneider, Naomi Benton, Declan Smith, Caroline Skelly. Back: Orlie Weitzman, Ari Novak, Lucy Shirell.

10 Midway students receive new leadership roles

Milo Platz-Walker, Sports Editor
September 30, 2024
With Thanksgiving approaching, students and faculty reflect on what they are thankful for in their lives.

Vox Pop: Do you or do you not use public transportation?

Milo Platz-Walker, Sports Editor
September 25, 2024
Junior Mihika Prakash and her exchange student Deva Martinez laugh on a rollercoaster on a trip to Six Flags.

European exchange programs foster cultural interaction

Milo Platz-Walker, Sports Editor
September 20, 2024
A man dressed in a robot costume dances in the center of the dance floor, which came as a surprise to students.

Prom brings Class of 2024 enchanted end-of-year celebration

Milo Platz-Walker, Sports Editor
June 4, 2024
Sophomore Leyla Yates goes for a header between the North Shore Country Day goalie and a defender on April 26. U-High won 8-0. The team also won the IHSA Super-Sectionals, finishing at 4-2 after a high-tension game that progressed to penalty kicks.

Photo Gallery: Spring sports in peak action

Milo Platz-Walker, Chloe Alexander, Eli Raikhel, Bryce Light, Carter Chang, Simon Vaang, Ryan Burke-Stevenson, and Daniel Baeza
May 28, 2024
For their group’s May Project, seniors Adam Syverson and Luca Todorov work together to build a go-kart in the wood shop.

May Project provides avenue for unique exploration

Milo Platz-Walker, Sports Editor
May 24, 2024
Photos from Katja Schulz via flickr; USGS Native Bee Inventory and Monitoring Program via rawpixel; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service via rawpixel; WikiWookie via wikimedia; Moonlight0551 via wikimedia

Vox pop: Cicadapalooza

Milo Platz-Walker, Reporter
May 1, 2024

[Video] Chamoy pickle TikTok food trend tickles taste buds

Clare McRoberts, Features Editor
April 30, 2024
Working both on the court and in the classroom, Dash finds a balance between his academics and tennis.

Tennis star rallies toward goals

Milo Platz-Walker, Reporter
April 25, 2024
Over 750 parents attended the Laboratory Schools Connections, a fundraising gala, which raised $1,285,723 for student financial-aid.

Connections fundraising gala raises $1.2 million

Milo Platz-Walker, Reporter
April 4, 2024
A student looks at his phone, following a tutorial for a looksmaxxing method, mewing. Recently, looksmaxxing has risen in popularity on the internet and at U-High.

Students participate in self-improvement trend looksmaxxing

Milo Platz-Walker, Reporter
March 22, 2024
Gliding through the water, sophomore Julian Rossi uses the butterfly stroke to propel himself along the length of the swimming pool at Ratner Athletics Center on Feb. 3. The boys swimming team ended the season at the IHSA sectional finals, coming in fourth place overall.

Gallery: Winter sports in review

Zara Siddique, Light Dohrn, and Milo Platz-Walker
March 5, 2024
CLIPPER COMMITMENT. Quintin Chothem creates relationships with his clients, making sure they have the best experience possible. Outside of the barbershop, Mr. Chotem enjoys engaging with his community with service.

Beloved barber: Quintin Chothem

Milo Platz-Walker, Reporter
February 21, 2024
The music of Los Tigres del Norte, a Mexican band specializing in the norteño style of folk music, evokes a sense of nostalgia for senior Yolo Martinez, one of many U-High students for whom music is more than just entertainment; it's a direct link to one's cultural roots.

Audio: By listening to cultural music, students keep in touch with identities

Milo Platz-Walker, Reporter
February 19, 2024
This year, Artsfest hopes to engage students with art through new workshops and schedule.

ArtsFest brings new workshops, experiences for students

Milo Platz-Walker, Reporter
February 19, 2024
PERFECT PITCH. Seeing Kayin Bradford in the halls, you wouldn’t know that under the varsity basketball jersey, behind the headphones and on the bike, Kayin is a Bel Canto star who shines in the selective choir and on the court.

Hidden Harmony

Milo Platz-Walker, Reporter
January 22, 2024
The U-high Athlete Council had its first meeting on Jan 4. The council is composed of the varsity captains for each sport and is a way for athletes to voice opinions and concerns to the faculty.

Athlete Council aims to involve student opinions

Milo Platz-Walker, Reporter
January 10, 2024
Freedom Flare Up

Freedom Flare Up

Taariq Ahmed, Light Dohrn, Sahana Unni, Milo Platz-Walker, and Audrey Park
December 8, 2023
A group of six U-High students attended the NAIS People of Color Conference, which took place in St. Louis from Nov. 29 to Dec. 2. 

At DEI conference, students gain valuable lessons to foster inclusivity

Milo Platz-Walker, Reporter
December 6, 2023
Girls tennis head coach Dawuad Talib has been named the 2023 IHSA 1A Girls Tennis Coach of the Year for exceptional coaching and leadership this season.

Tennis coach receives honor for second time

Milo Platz-Walker, Reporter
November 10, 2023
Nine U-High students and one Lab middle school student have been selected to participate in the district ensembles for the best jazz, orchestra, and chorus students hosted by the Illinois Music Education Association.

Ten students admitted to district music ensembles

Milo Platz-Walker, Reporter
November 2, 2023
Reporter Milo Platz-Walker argues that influencers glorifying steroids must understand their impressionable audience and must educate them on the drug's downsides, while social media platforms, like TikTok, should enforce stricter content guidelines and discourage content promoting steroid abuse.

Influencers: Consider viewers before promoting steroids

Milo Platz-Walker, Reporter
October 19, 2023
Senior TA Poppy Beiser explains to students how to titrate with a burette. She is the TA for an AT Chemistry Lab period for the 2023-2024 school year.

U-High seniors assist, learn as teaching assistants in advanced science classes

Milo Platz-Walker, Reporter
October 13, 2023
Affirmative Apprehension

Affirmative Apprehension

Audrey Park, Sahana Unni, Light Dohrn, Haley Maharry, and Milo Platz-Walker
September 27, 2023
A student watches a video on their phone, using the subtitles feature. In a 2022 study, almost 60% of Gen Z respondents said they use subtitles.

Superscript: Subtitles gain popularity among Gen Z

Milo Platz-Walker, Reporter
September 19, 2023
Midway staff, individuals recognized as national award finalists

Midway staff, individuals recognized as national award finalists

Milo Platz-Walker, Reporter
September 15, 2023
Chicago has a diverse range of food and activities to explore this summer.

All over the map: Explore something new this summer

Kiran Collins, Milo Platz-Walker, Katie Sasamoto-Kurisu, Evan Lok, Victoria Washington, Olivia Adams, and Chloe Alexander
June 1, 2022
Birria de Res Tacos, beef-filled tacos from Tortillería y Taquerias Atotonilco

[Photo] Tasting Chicago’s flavors: Here’s what’s on the menu

Kiran Collins, Milo Platz-Walker, Katie Sasamoto-Kurisu, Reporters
June 1, 2022
The new sci-fi movie “The Adam Project” has just been released to Netflix.

‘The Adam Project’ adds witty, comical spin on sci-fi

Milo Platz-Walker, Reporter
May 26, 2022
The U-High Midway was recognized by Student Newspapers Online with the Distinguished Sites Award.

Midway website earns recognition

Milo Platz-Walker, Reporter
May 16, 2022
The Illinois High School Association should require vaccinations for athletes, argues reporter Milo Platz-Walker.

IHSA should mandate vaccinations for athletes

Milo Platz-Walker, Reporter
April 20, 2022
Misinformation on social media must be countered, argue a group of beginning journalists.

Opinion: Social media users should combat misinformation of Ukrainian invasion

Olivia Adams, Chloe Alexander, Toshiro Chin, Kiran Collins, Evan Lok, Sandra Mordi, Milo Platz-Walker, Katie Sasamoto-Kurisu, and Victoria Washington
March 7, 2022
This year's Winter Formal, now called Spring Fling, will be held in Sherry Lansing Theater on March 5 from 7:30-10:30 p.m. The Spring Fling will follow Spirit Week, where students can dress up as themes selected by Student Council.

Enchanted Forest Spring Fling to take place March 5

Milo Platz-Walker, Reporter
February 22, 2022
Members of the Soccer Viewing Club discuss their fantasy soccer drafts.

Club provides relaxing space to watch, discuss soccer

Milo Platz-Walker, Reporter
November 2, 2021
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