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
N.C. Gunning

N.C. Gunning, Photographer

N.C. Gunning is a member of the Class of 2028 and a beginning photojournalist. His favorite part of photojournalism is the chance to take photos of sports — especially soccer and basketball. Outside of photojournalism, N.C. enjoys running and traveling for karate. He also enjoys photography outside of school as well.

 

All content by N.C. Gunning
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.

[Photo] Class of 2025 recognizes 157 graduates in Rockefeller Chapel

Light Dohrn, Editor-in-Chief
June 12, 2025
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

Lila Coyne, Juliana Daugherty, Ari Novak, Sohana Schneider, Lucy Shirrell, Caroline Skelly, Declan Smith, Ryan Burke-Stevenson, Ellis Calleri, Delaney Connell, N.C. Gunning, Bryce Kenny, Devyn Moubayed, Eli Raikhel, Simon Vaang, and Calder Wong
June 2, 2025
A group of ninth graders sit, using their cellphones, on the first floor. A new policy will take place next fall restricting student’s access to their phones during school hours on campus with some exceptions.

[Photo] Phones to be mostly banned next year

Lila Coyne, Arts & Entertainment Editor
May 29, 2025
Many students in U-High dye their hair to express their identity, present themselves, and set themselves apart.  “Whenever I go to a hairdresser to get my hair cut, I always leave disappointed,” sophomore Mardi said, “but when I do it myself, I feel more accomplished, and when I mess up, I'm not upset because I'm the one who did it.”

[Photo] Through colored hair, students find unique ways to express their identities

Juliana Daugherty, Assistant Editor
June 6, 2025
Sophomore Suna Choi Hortaçsu competes in an indoor track meet.

[Photo] Athletic essentials Q&A: Suna Choi Hortaçsu

Karina Hans, Reporter
May 13, 2025
During the boys tennis team’s match against Sandburg High School on April 3, junior Tyler Chang walks back to the baseline to serve during a singles game. Tyler accumulated a record of 10-1, emphasizing his impact for the team this season. “It’s nice to see that all the hard work the team has put in is paying off,” Tyler said.

[Photo] Gallery: Pushing Past the Pain

Milo Platz-Walker, Sports Editor
May 6, 2025
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.

[Photo] Indoor track wrap up: runners break multiple school records

Declan Smith, Assistant Editor
April 4, 2025
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

Bryce Kenny, Suleiman Sufi, Nika Nelson, Devyn Moubayed, N.C. Gunning, Peyton Palmer, Clara Blucher, and Lucy Shirrell
February 18, 2025
Despite being sidelined due to injuries, Junior Zachary Wong leans over the pool, cheering on his teammates during the boys swimming and diving meet against Latin on Jan. 29.

[Photo] Athletic essentials Q&A: Zachary Wong

Caroline Skelly, Audience Engagement Editor
February 4, 2025
Sophomore Nanak Ofori-Mante cheers for the varsity girls basketball team. Nanak is one of multiple team members to be injured during the season, after she hyperextended her knee and tore her meniscus during the 2023-24 varsity girls basketball season.

[Photo] Varsity girls basketball team fights through various injury setbacks

Ari Novak, Assistant Editor
January 22, 2025
A group of freshmen gather to play Brawl Stars during a high school concert at Mandel Hall. The online game has grown increasingly popular at U-High and serves as a way for students to connect with one another.

[Photo] Brawl Stars game creates community through competition

Imani Qureshi, Reporter
January 14, 2025
During the assembly, club leaders led an interactive activity that involved students standing up if statements read aloud regarding identity resonated with them.

[Photo] At joint assembly, affinity groups intersect joy and justice

Mia Lipson, Managing Editor
January 10, 2025
Before the Dec. 18 high school music concert at Mandel Hall, ninth grader Ari Wong prepares by wetting the reed for his clarinet while laughing and playing around with a friend's violin.

Gallery: U-High winter music concert

Lila Coyne, N.C. Gunning, Nathan Li, and Olin Nafziger
December 20, 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.

[Photo] Cross country season ends with team and individual achievements

Milo Platz-Walker, Sports Editor
November 15, 2024
During a Model UN practice at lunch, sophomore Arjun Sawhney prepares for the Brown University conference. The Model UN team won best small delegation at Brown, and they won best medium delegation in a conference held at St. Ignatius College Prep.

[Photo] At Brown and St. Ignatius conferences, Model UN team wins best delegation

Caroline Skelly, Audience Engagement Manager
November 13, 2024
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