The Student News Site of University of Chicago Laboratory High School

U-High Midway
Seniors Jack Colyer, Karis Lee, Krish Khanna, Andrew Ji and Max Gurinas head to the University of Chicago for their Honors Calculus I class, just some of the many students who take classes at UChicago to pursue niche interests in a rigorous setting. 
Students utilize UChicago courses to rigorously explore specialized interests
UChicago Bhangra performed at the assembly on Jan 9 hosted by Young Men of Color and Young Women of Color, themed "Joy & Justice." Bhangra is a a traditional dance style from the Punjab region of India and Pakistan.
At joint assembly, affinity groups intersect joy and justice
Two years after ChatGPT hit the Internet, many students are turning to the AI model as a support system for everything, from assisting with schoolwork to providing personal advice.
AI becomes a tool: ChatGPT tasks expand beyond simple prompts
At the NAIS People of Color Conference in Denver from Dec. 4-7, six U-High students learned about DEI and engaged in activities with other representatives from across the country.
Students explore DEI topics, celebrate identities at national conference
Senior Brianna Chang interacts with kids at the Chicago Youth Foundation, a nonprofit making ice sports accessible with free ice time, lessons, and gear for underserved kids.
Senior coaches, volunteers at Chicago Youth Foundation
Curtrice Scott, Lab's new director of alumni relations and development, begins Jan. 21.
New director of alumni relations and development to begin Jan. 21
Robert Hitzelberg, who was a Lab middle school humanities teacher, became interim dean of students for the middle school on Jan. 6.
Humanities teacher takes on role as interim middle school dean of students
Students explore U-High’s first International Day in Judd C-116 during Artsfest last year. The event, a community-wide potluck in which foods from different cultures are prepared and provided, will be held again this year Feb. 26.
International Day to be held Feb. 26; community invited to sign up by Jan. 21
Renaissance literature and arts magazine will host its first schoolwide event from 4-6 p.m. on Jan. 17 in the Rogers Lobby and the middle school theater in Gordon Parks Arts Hall.
Renaissance magazine to feature community work in Jan. 17 event
Dean of Students Ana Campos invited students to apply to two committees: one for reevaluating U-High’s current cellphone policy and one for examining how U-High’s clubs are formed and managed. Both will begin to meet within the next two weeks.
Committees formed to assess policies for cell phones and student clubs
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
Speakers at the DNC addressed the theme of freedom, directing the word's meaning at key political issues in the election.
DNC highlights freedom as key theme
Voters of younger generations will have a major impact on the results of the upcoming presidential election. Some key topics to young voters include climate change, student loan debt and gun violence.
Young voters have crucial role in election
Arts & Entertainment Editor Light Dohrn argues that wealth shields many from the fatal flaws of the healthcare system.
For millions, our broken health care system turns desperation into tragedy
Features Editor Skye Freeman argues that gender based sentiments such as “Boys will be boys” are harmful and promote things such as toxic masculinity.
Gender-based sentiments must cease
The Editorial Board Argues that accessibility efforts for students with learning differences are a positive step towards making Lab the best place it can be.
Accessibility efforts are worth it
Audience-Engagement Editor Naomi Benton argues that people should take the time to be bored and experience the nuances of boredom.
Embrace boredom to promote creativity and productivity
Assistant Editor Declan Smith argues that phone usage should be accepted and utilized instead of looked down upon.
Phone usage should be embraced among students and teachers
Lower school students in extended day design pages of the student-run publication The Late Day News.
Extended day newspaper inspires lower school writers
Sophomore Mira Reddy receives her drink from baristas at Lab's coffee shop, The Grind. Students frequent The Grind throughout the day, relying on it is not just a place to grab a snack but a source of beverages that get them through the school day.
The Grind provides good energy, yummy snacks for students
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.
Brawl Stars game creates community through competition
Sophomore Ian Benert completes homework in the library during his free period. Many Lab students juggle work and extracurriculars outside of class, yet rate their productivity and achievements significantly lower than Lab parents.
Gap persists between parents, students’ views of Lab
The majority of U-High students prefer to eat their lunch in school hallways, stairways and other corners throughout the high school. Students enjoy the freedom of being able to sit wherever they like and to have their own spot.
Students spend lunch period relaxing, socializing outside of cafeteria
Flag Forward
Flag Forward
SANTA COMES EARLY. Every year the CTA decorates one of their trains as “Santa’s Express” with a Santa and reindeer, and elves as dedicated conductors to raise money for food baskets.
Charity and Cheer
The Lincoln Park Zoolights is marking its 30th anniversary. Throughout the years, it has remained a Chicago holiday custom.
Zoolights keeps Chicago holiday tradition alive
In Bronzeville, a project is underway to commemorate the 1919 race riots. The effort is to install glass markers for each of the people killed and will be installed near the Illinois Institute of Technology campus
Project aims to commemorate 1919 race riots, spread historical awareness
This exhibition was created as a tribute to the Johnson Publishing Company, which was founded by John Johnson in 1942. The exhibition is located at the Stony Island Arts Bank.
Exhibition serves as tribute to the Johnson Publishing Company
The Smart Museum, which opened in 1974, is celebrating its 50th anniversary through March 2025 with a new limited-time exhibit, filled with rich history, bright colors and beautiful pieces of art.
Smart Museum marks 50 years with colorful, intimate exhibit
Lab's newest art exhibit to be held in the Corvus Gallery in Gordon Parks Arts Hall, called “In The Gaze of Time: Ritual Portraiture,” will display the work of the artist Luis Sahagun and is expected to be open no later than Jan. 17.
New Corvus gallery exhibit to highlight Mexican culture
Comedian Matt Rife’s memoir “Your Mom’s Gonna Love Me,” which came out on Dec. 3, is filled with immature writing and a general air of arrogance that prove the book is little more than an attempt to cash in on Mr. Rife’s preexisting fame.
Matt Rife’s ‘Your Mom’s Gonna Love Me’ is an arrogant cash grab
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
Arcane's second season released in three acts from Nov.9- Nov. 23 with streaming available on Netflix. Its most captivating aspect is its exploration of moral ambiguity.
‘Arcane’ Season 2 pushes boundaries of animation, storytelling
Following the first official practice of the lower school sports program, students huddle up in Lower Kovler to celebrate their hard work.
Lower school introduces athletics program
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
Junior Devyn Moubayed, a varsity girls soccer player, displays her vibrant turquoise Nike Tiempo soccer cleats as she stands on Jackman Field.
On-field Fashion: In games, student-athletes showcase style, blending performance and flair
Senior Noah Runesha, the starting point guard for the varsity basketball team, lifts dumbbells in the fitness center to further prepare for the basketball season.
Student-athletes chase varsity dreams through dedication
Senior Simon Lane and sophomore Connor Lane are brothers, and both have passions for running. They inspire each other to work hard at their shared sport.
Simon and Connor Lane: Brothers push each other in shared passion for running
SLEEP SABOTAGE. Exposure to blue light and media before bedtime can disrupt sleep by interfering with the body's circadian rhythm and reducing the natural buildup of sleep pressure. This makes it harder to fall and stay asleep, leading to increased fatigue during the day.
Better sleep starts with simple changes
BREAK THE FAST. Café Lab offers a variety of breakfast foods from fruits and Greek yogurt to less healthy sweets like doughnuts. For students short on time but wanting a nutritious start for the day, dietician Devanee Washington suggests consuming healthy fats and carbs, which can be found in options like overnight oats with fruit, a quick smoothie of greens and Greek yogurt, or a toast with avocado.
Skipping breakfast makes students run on empty
SWEAT IN SWEATS. As part of his Winter Arc fitness routine junior Zuri Cosey Gay runs on the treadmill in the fitness center. The term Winter Arc was inspired by storytelling character development “arcs” to emphasize the personal growth and transformation aspects of the trend.
For fitness, students join winter arc trend
Outdoor winter fitness can help combat Seasonal Affective Disorder and boost immunity, by participating in activities like running, hiking, and ice skating. Joining a local winter sports group or fitness class could further enhance social engagement in maintaining a winter fitness routine.
Tips to stay active and beat winter blues with outdoor fitness
TRACKING TRENDS. Many wearable health devices sync their heath data directly with medical professionals, enabling remote monitoring of health issues and early detection of chronic conditions without frequent in-person visits.
Tech tools transform training
For some teenagers, finding independence is a far more personal process: claiming your identity on your own terms.
Through self-discovery about identity, students gain independence
Four seasonal, spooky snacks for autumn
Four seasonal, spooky snacks for autumn
The TikTok food trend the chamoy pickle has gained popularity among high school students.
Chamoy pickle TikTok food trend tickles taste buds
Asa Bordelon, a junior, has found a passion for sewing and tailoring. Through this activity, his interest in history is explored as well.
Pandemic Pastime to Passion: Asa Bordelon explores history interest through sewing
For one of their last assemblies of the year, the sophomores were going to reflect on the work they’d done and engage in service learning in a new, interactive way. 
Audio: Sophomores celebrate service learning in new assembly style
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
Peyton Palmer

Peyton Palmer, Photographer

Peyton Palmer is an assistant editor and a member of the class of 2026. Her favorite part of photojournalism is photographing student life and the girls swim and dive team. Outside of photojournalism, Peyton enjoys spending time with family and friends, and she participates in girls tennis.

Awards:

2023 Journalism Education Association National Student Media Contests, Boston convention: Honorable mention, first-year photo

All content by Peyton Palmer
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
History teacher Christy Gerst records herself narrating a text for a class to access, an effort that gives her students an easier way to learn.

[Photo] Working to support student comprehension, history teacher records texts

Juliana Daugherty, Audience Engagement Manager
December 6, 2024
Senior Uma Malani flips from the diving board during the team’s meet against Mother McAuley on Oct. 2.

[Photo] Girls swimming and diving places fourth at sectionals, breaks school records

Ari Novak, Assistant Editor
November 14, 2024
This exhibition was created as a tribute to the Johnson Publishing Company, which was founded by John Johnson in 1942. The exhibition is located at the Stony Island Arts Bank.

[Photo] Exhibition serves as tribute to the Johnson Publishing Company

Lila Coyne, Assistant Editor
November 14, 2024
PROFOUND PERSPECTIVES. Courtney Bledsoe, owner of the newly opened bookstore Call and Response, poses with a book in her store. The bookstore opened on May 4, and it aims to share stories from authors of color.

[Photo] Center & Connect

Sohana Schneider, Assistant Editor
October 23, 2024
Sophomore Isaac Sutherland moves around Sherry Lansing Theater during rehearsal for U-High's fall play, "Rossum's Universal Robots." The show will run Nov. 14-16 at 7 p.m.

[Photo] Fall play ‘Rossum’s Universal Robots’ explores AI, human conflict

Orlie Weitzman, Assistant Editor
October 14, 2024
PLACE A PATCH. Junior Summer Pinc puts a pimple patch on her right cheek. Pimple patches, with their ability to cure zits, have found a place as both an acne treatment and a fashion statement.

[Photo] Patch perfection: Pimple patches provide stylish, subtle acne relief

Orlie Weitzman, Reporter
September 12, 2024
Ray Han and Sophie Li prepare their boat for a sailing practice last Spring. Clubs and departments are addressing changes and adapting in light of new, smaller budget cuts.

[Photo] Lab adapts to reality of tighter budget

Taariq Ahmed, Jaya Alenghat, and Clare McRoberts
September 5, 2024
'Tala’ gallery is an immersive art exhibit opened in West Town’s gallery district on April 12.

[Photo] Starry-eyed: Tala gallery uses light, darkness, sound to provide immersive trip following journey of shooting star

Light Dohrn, Arts Editor
May 27, 2024
Since the Israeli invasion of Gaza, pro-Palestinian activists have set up multiple large-scale art displays on campus. The installations in the encampment feature posters advocating for peace in Gaza, as well in Congo and Sudan.

[Photo] UChicago pro-Palestine encampment faces opposition yet stands with goals

Jaya Alenghat, Chloe Alexander, Mia Lipson, and Clare McRoberts
May 3, 2024
"Flyover Chicago," a 4-D experience of the city of Chicago, opened on March 1 with adult tickets costing $24.95 and tickets for children 13 and under costing $14.95. The event starts with a short movie played in a round theater.

[Photo] ‘Flyover Chicago’ offers thrilling multisensory experience of the city

Light Dohrn, Assistant Editor
April 17, 2024
Members of the swim team hang out with each other during lunch. The girls swimming team provided an inclusive community and opportunities for connections across grade levels.

[Photo] Audio: Even after season, girls swimming team friendships remain strong

Lucy Shirrell, Reporter
April 2, 2024
Practicing the art of henna designs and spreading awareness about their cultural significance, ninth grader Taara Sajdeh paints a henna design on the hand and forearm of participant and ninth grader Gabi Novak in the Happy Henna workshop. “I found it really empowering that I was able to share a side of my Desi culture with so many different people from many different cultural backgrounds,” Taara said. “I think it was awesome that we were able to provide an intersection of Indian culture coupled with art to help allow people to express themselves.”

[Photo] ArtsFest activities reflect students spirit, creativity

Taariq Ahmed, Chloe Alexander, and Skye Freeman
February 29, 2024
Bomi Johnson played as a double-rostered player on both JV and varsity for the first month of this basketball season but was moved up to only varsity when he showed consistent improvement.

[Photo] High Hooping Hopes: Ninth grader uplifts varsity team environment

Skye Freeman, Audience Engagement Manager
January 23, 2024
The neon signs and lights illuminate the seating area of Chicago's new Gangnam Market.

[Photo] Unique market glows with culture

Light Dohrn, Assistant Editor
January 17, 2024
On October 14, the U-High girls tennis team ended their season strong with a victory during the IHSA 1A State Championship.

Playing against each other and with strangers across the world, the students strategize and bond over online chess, a game they all enjoy. 

[Photo] Virtual checkmate: Students engage and make friends through online chess

Audrey Park, Editor-in-Chief
September 19, 2023
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