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
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
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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