The Student News Site of University of Chicago Laboratory High School

U-High Midway
Interim Director of Schools Susan Groesbeck, who worked at Lab for 10 weeks, has departed her role effective immediately. Ethan Bueno de Mesquita, dean of the Harris School of Public Policy, will serve as interim director for the rest of the academic year.
Interim director Susan Groesbeck leaves Lab; Ethan Bueno de Mesquita appointed interim leader
A group of teachers have created a program called “Strength in Numbers” to walk teachers and students home after school due to feelings of anxiety regarding the increased presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Chicago neighborhoods.
‘Strength in Numbers’ program aims to ease community anxiety
Michael Smalenberger, a math teacher, has joined U-High as a long term substitute for Advanced Algebra and Precalculus/Intro to Calculus. He has taught mathematics for over 10 years at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
New math teacher, Michael Smalenberger, has started at U-High
Horror Club is a recently founded Tier 1 club that focuses on talking about and creating horror media. The club meets Wedesdays in N214 during lunch and lab periods.
New club brings together horror fans
A student raises their hand to ask newly-elected secretary-general Daniel Chang a question. Maggie Yagan was also elected a secretary-general alongside nine other board members in the largest MUN board in history.
After hiatus, Model UN team elects officials, begins competing
Junior Tinson Xu writes down equations on the board during a math team meeting. Tinson was one of multiple students to receive a perfect score on the Sept. 25 math team competition at Naperville North High School. The math team has attended three competitions so far this season.
Math Team receives perfect scores, struggles in recent competitions
Horror Club is a recently founded Tier 1 club that focuses on talking about and creating horror media. The club meets Wedesdays in N214 during lunch and lab periods.
New club brings together horror fans
After a coaching staff change, the debate team has had to overcome various challenges. In their first three competitions, they failed to place or win awards.
Debate team competes in first 3 competitions, does not place
Latinos Unidos will host a Día De Los Muertos celebration in the lobby of Gordon Parks Arts Hall from 3:30 to 5 p.m on October 30. Students are encouraged to participate by bringing a photo of a deceased loved one to be placed on the ofrenda.
Lab will honor Día de los Muertos in colorful celebration
Paper AP exams are to be phased out by 2027 due to convenience and security concerns. The AP exam is currently offered on paper, hybrid, and fully online, though students often prefer the hybrid and online versions. A digital AP exam also makes it easier for College Board to manage scores.
Paper AP exams to be phased out by 2027
Seismic shifts:
Seismic shifts:
F1 Fever
F1 Fever
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
Multimedia Editor Chloé Tyndall argues that restricting AI use will aid in reducing its harmful environmental effects.
Save water resources: use AI less
Managing Editor Naomi Benton argues that students should embrace range in their passions, rather than feeling pressured to specialize early.
Resist the urge to focus too early
The Editorial Board argues that U-High students should spread awareness and take action against the deportation crisis.
Stand up against ICE raids
Assistant Section Editor Nadia Washington argues that students should strive to forge connections with their teachers early on so they have support when conflict arises.
Get comfortable asking teachers for help
Arts & Entertainment Editor Lila Coyne argues that Lab's tradition of dialogue should enable students to discuss the Israel-Hamas war thoughtfully.
Lab’s legacy of experimentation should aid in conversations about Gaza
Ronen has been on the ski team since he was in third grade, and he mainly competes in the slalom and giant slalom races. His season runs from early December to spring break, during which he competes in at least eight races
Junior Ronen Malani finds freedom through skiing
Senior Catherine Groves poses with a massive skull. Most people don't discover their career until college, but some teens are already getting hands-on experience with paleontology through the University of Chicago’s Fossil Lab.
Students explore paleontology through Fossil Lab
People see Gen Z using these phrases online and misattribute their origin to this generation. In reality, many of these “slang” words used today trace back to Black and queer communities. These words have been lifted from their origins and now circulate through mainstream life.
Margin to Mainstream: Gen Z slang uses terms from minority dialects
English teacher Sari Hernández, a resident supervisor for Snell House at the University of Chicago, holds a stuffed version of her dorm’s mascot, Snurtle.
Resident supervisors foster community, offer support
Five U-High Hidden Gems to appreciate
Five U-High Hidden Gems to appreciate
SCRAPINGS THAT SAVE. The Department of Streets and Sanitation’s food scrap drop off program eases the oftentimes hard task of composting in the city.
Citywide program makes composting accessible
Chicago School: Chicago Savings Bank Building.
Building History:
FACT-FILLED FERRY. A ship from Shoreline Sightseeing passes by Apple Michigan Avenue during a Chicago River tour. Shoreline Sightseeing is one of the many fleets of tour ferries and water taxis that run the famous tours.
Variety of tours provides insight, depth
The David Rubenstein Forum, 1201 E. 60th St. Named after 1973 alumnus and trustee David Rubenstein, is one of many private sites open to the public for The Chicago Architecture center's Open House Chicago event. Every year since 2011, the event has allowed people to see some of the most famous examples of Chicago architecture firsthand.
What to see at Open House Chicago
REFLECTIVE REFRESH. The 53rd Street and 55th Street viaduct panels are now home to 19 new murals from local artists with ties to the neighborhood, replacing pieces that had been made 18 years prior. The artworks, located under the Metra Electric tracks near Lake Park Avenue, are meant to represent each artist’s individual take on a representation of Hyde Park.
Underrated Overpass
Five Faves: November Edition
Five Faves: November Edition
Season 2 of "Wednesday," a TV show focused on Wednesday Addams of "The Addams Family" fame, received millions of views within the first week of its release. However, the storyline is distracted, hindered by addition of too many side plots.
‘Wednesday’ Season 2 disappoints with scattered, unfocused plot
“Unto Thee,” Theaster Gates’s new exhibit at the Smart Museum, explores the relationship between the South Side and the University of Chicago with objects from both the communities.
Exhibit expands on the ordinary: ‘Unto Thee’ exhibit gives new life to discarded objects
Evelyn Halbach and Reed Francez practice their lines during an Oct. 16 rehearsal of “Coal Country”, U-High’s fall play.
Mining tragedy retold: Fall play ‘Coal Country’ tells the story of real-life mining tragedy
"The Life of a Showgirl," Taylor Swift's highly anticipated new album, came out on Oct. 3 While the album is enjoyable, Ms. Swift fails to deliver on the complex, well-crafted lyrics her fans have come to expect.
New Taylor Swift album ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ fails lyrically
Marty Billingsley, a cross country coach and computer science teacher, talks to junior Connor Lane at the ISL Regional Championship on Oct. 14.
Teachers find deeper connections through coaching roles
During the regional semifinals on Oct. 28 in Upper Kovler, senior Kate Ryan hits the ball over the net.
Volleyball season wrap up: loss at regional finals
In the first game of playoffs against Evergreen Community High School on Oct. 21, junior Atticus Richard dribbles the ball. The Maroons won 5-0, but lost in the finals on Oct. 24 against Bremen.
Boys soccer season wrap up: loss at regional finals
In a match against Parker on Sept. 11, junior Sophia Holt prepares to return the ball. Sophia made it to the singles quarterfinals at state.
Girls tennis season wrap up: team finishes fifth at state
Junior Mikey Skolarus runs in a cross country race on Sept. 7.
Athletic essentials Q&A: Mikey Skolarus
GIVING THANKS: Research shows that practicing gratitude strengthens brain circuits associated with connection.
Gaining from gratitude: Research shows gratitude reinforces positivity
LISTEN SMART: Experts say that monitoring symptoms and taking regular breaks from listening to loud sounds can help prevent hearing damage.
Headphone health: Protect your hearing through breaks, monitoring decibels
BRAIN BOOSTERS. Avocados, berries, Greek yogurt and nuts are food foods that are scientifically proven to improve long-term brain function.
Four foods to fire up brain function
DELAY OR DO. Counselors, advisers and teachers are resources for students struggling with procrastination, learning coordinator Laura Doto said.
Q&A: Skills, support to combat procrastination
PROTEIN POWER. Despite many influencers and companies perpetuating the idea that more protein is better, the recommended dietary allowance for protein for the average adult is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight.
Pushing protein: Despite what influencers say, most people meet their protein needs
Volleyball co-captain Kylie Carter present the guest of honor, Cynthia Estes, with flowers before the varsity game.
Volleyball teams fundraise for breast cancer research
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
FREEDOM FOR THE MASSES. Amid a sea of protesters, an individual holds a sign reading "Defend Democracy Deport the Racist," as they listen to the speakers on the Butler Field stage at the No Kings Protest on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Chicago.
Lab community participates in one of the largest ‘No Kings’ protests
ROWS OF RED. Wearing their assigned grade color of red, seniors Spencer Davis, Sam Oyler, Mo Iyi-Ojo and Ryan de Jong celebrate during the free-throw competition during the spirit assembly on Sept. 18. Ninth graders were assigned the color yellow, sophomores blue, juniors green, and faculty and staff donned purple.
Gallery: Scenes from homecoming
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
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
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.

Awards:

2025 Illinois Journalism Education Association: First place, photo story (with Simon Vaang, Eli Raikhel, Ryan Burke-Stevenson, Carter Chang, Bryce Light, Daniel Baeza), Peak Action, May 30, 2024

2025 Illinois Journalism Education Association: Second place, photo story (with Lucy Shirrell, Devyn Moubayed, Bryce Kenny, Clara Blucher, Suleiman Sufi, Noah Gunning), Coaching With Care, Feb. 20, 2025 

2025 Illinois Journalism Education Association: Second place, centerspread story package (with Clare McRoberts, Taariq Ahmed, Jaya Alenghat, Skye Freeman, Naomi Benton, Lila Coyne, Sygne Stole), Addicted to the Algorithm

2024 Journalism Education Association National Student Media Contests, Philadelphia convention: Excellent, yearbook copy/caption: sports

All content by Milo Platz-Walker
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

Milo Platz-Walker, Sports Editor
May 6, 2025
Two national diversity-related conferences which U-High students and adults have attended for years have been paused for 2025.

Major DEI conferences long-attended by U-High students, adults paused for 2025

Milo Platz-Walker, Sports Editor
April 28, 2025
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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