The Student News Site of University of Chicago Laboratory High School

U-High Midway
Video: Sophomores celebrate ‘joy in service’ with dance, activities
Video: Sophomores celebrate ‘joy in service’ with dance, activities
Isaac Stanley-Becker, who attended the Laboratory Schools from nursery school through ninth grade, is a reporter for The Washington Post and historian of modern Europe who recently authored “Europe Without Borders: History,” a book exploring the Schengen Agreement and free movement in Europe.
Q&A: Former student turned journalist and historian unpacks new book
Due to weather concerns on Feb. 12, Laboratory Schools campuses will be closed. This photo is from the Jan. 12, 2024, snow day.
Campuses closed on Feb. 12 due to severe weather
Sophomore Jimmy Yu studies for one of his two math classes, Discrete Mathematics and Statistics and Accelerated Pre-Calculus/Calculus A. Many U-High students are doubling up and testing out of math classes to reach more advanced courses. Motivations vary, such as nurturing a passion, finding a challenge or strengthening their college applications.
More math gives depth, edge
RDFZ’s dance, aerobics, martial arts and boy’s dance teams smile during the last moments of the “Youth of the Lion Dance,” one of the most common Chinese dances. This Lunar New Year’s animal was the snake, a symbol of good luck, rebirth and regality.
Exchange students arrive from China; Lunar New Year performance amazes
The debate team has had exceptional performances at the Golden Desert Debate Tournament at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Feb. 1-3, the Harvard National Speech and Debate Tournament in Cambridge, Massachusetts Feb. 15-17 and the Maine East Regatta in suburban Park Ridge Feb. 7-9.
Debate team performs well at three recent competitions
The Model United Nations team won best small delegation and had a 100% placement rate at the North American Invitational Model UN Conference at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Feb. 13-16.
MUN team earns best small delegation, full placement at Georgetown
Ethics Bowl is a competitive academic team that debates moral philosophies. U-High teams placed high at the Indiana Ethics Bowl Regional Tournament on Feb. 1 to end their current season.
Ethics Bowl team finishes season well at Indiana tournament
From Jan. 29 to Feb. 1, junior Sophia Zheng and sophomore Sinziana Lazar went to the Illinois Music Education Association All-State Orchestra in Peoria for three days of intense practice with a final performance on the last day. 
Two U-High musicians perform in Illinois Music Education Association All-State Orchestra
Campers drench counselor and junior Mo Iyi-Ojo using an alternative dunk tank at Summer Lab last year. The application form to be counselor for Summer Lab is open until Feb. 17 at 9 p.m.
Summer Lab counselor applications made due for Feb. 17
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
The Editorial Board argues that the DEI cuts made at the federal level have negative impacts on Lab students.
DEI initiatives are essential
Audience Engagement Editor Caroline Skelly argues that cancel culture is harmful towards society and argues it perpetuates public shaming.
Exaggerating cancel culture hampers free expression, debate
Troubling Tech
Troubling Tech
Assitant Editor Sohana Schneider argues that birthright citizenship must stand regardless of President Trump's executive order.
Birthright citizenship cannot cease under Trump
Assistant Editor Lucy Shirrell argues that constant work is not sustainable and can lead to burnout.
Desire for productivity prevents relaxation
Moss, the resident dog at Powell's, delights both customers and residents passing by. One of the largest independent bookstores, Powell's first opened in 1970 and sells a varied collection of mostly secondhand books.
Hyde Park bookstore provides community with history, culture
At U-High, students are faced with the decision to dress for comfort or style during the harsh Chicago winter weather
Frosty Fashion
Trushar Patel has been running Rajun Cajun, his family-owned resturaunt in Hyde Park on 53rd street, for the past 30 years. Inspired by the previous owner’s Southern cooking, Rajun Cajun serves customers a unique blend of both Indian and southern cuisine.
Combining culture and comfort: Trushar Patel gives Indian food a Southern twist
Ninth grader Tal Neiman skates alongside co-presidents of the U-High figure skating club, sophomores Lily Davidson and Hannah Gao, on the Midway Plaisance ice rink. They meet almost weekly to skate for leisure or prepare for high school skating competitions.
Figure skating club created for competition, leisure
Molly Herron, social worker and organizer of the South Side Pie Competition, began her pie-baking journey in her mid-20s, when she and her husband decided to spend a year traveling around the United States in a pickup truck.
Molly Herron: Social worker mixes love for human connection with pie baking
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
A WONDERFUL TIME. The Shedd Aquarium's Wonder of Water exhibit opened to the public in December, replacing the historical Caribbean Reef.
Wonder of Water exhibit offers insight, understanding
Flag Forward
Flag Forward
Senior Sierra Stacy strums at her harp, locked in concentration. Harpists at U-High have a unique and close-knit community that comes with playing this rare and technically demanding instrument.
Strings of Connection: U-High harpists find connection in niche musical community
With the launching of multiple programs that include AI generation features, such as Adobe and DALL-E 3, the question of generative intelligence’s role in art has become more prevalent than ever.
Art-ificial: AI art prompts ethical, creative concerns
The University of Chicago's Court Theatre is performing a production of Lorraine Hansberry's timeless play "A Raisin in the Sun." The production will run until March 9.
Court Theatre’s ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ honors Hansberry’s vision
From Jan. 29 to Feb. 1, junior Sophia Zheng and sophomore Sinziana Lazar went to the Illinois Music Education Association All-State Orchestra in Peoria for three days of intense practice with a final performance on the last day. 
Two U-High musicians perform in Illinois Music Education Association All-State Orchestra
“Cunk On Life,” which began streaming on Netflix Dec. 30, follows mockumentarian Philomena Cunk taking a deep dive into philosophy, the meaning of life and the nature of reality.
‘Cunk on Life’ provides both meaning and humor
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
Sonali Shaw and Ceci Siegel pose in the front row at the end of the team's dance during the halftime of a basketball game on Feb. 7.
Dancing Duo: Sonali Shaw, Ceci Siegel lead with passion, experience
Many U-High sports teams offers various preseason activities, and the pressure on student athletes to attend these varies depending on the sports team and the athlete's motivation.
Audio: Preseason team activities bring opportunity, added pressure
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.
Athletic essentials Q&A: Zachary Wong
By successfully balancing academics and fencing, ninth grader Ella Nguyen stands out not only for her skill but for her persistence and openness to advice from her coach, peers and even her brother.
Ella Nguyen finds fencing success through hard work, determination
CAFETERIA CHANGES. Some students find the cafeteria food meets their needs, while others feel there is room for improvement. In the coming months, HandCut Foods plan to bring more variety and excitement to lunch by adding new options like sushi, omelets and seasonal treats.
What’s on your lunch plate?
SWEATY SERENITY. Besides benefits like increased sweat production, flexibility, and the detoxifying effects, hot yoga brings many other gains including stronger bone density, better skin, and ease of depression.
Students find mindfulness and strength hot yoga and pilates
FOOD FITNESS FOCUS. Rising obesity rates among younger people reveal the important role of an equal balance of nutrition, exercise and mindful lifestyle. Hidden ingredients, like the fructose found in corn syrup, in a wide range of common foods may be fueling the increase in obesity rates and the downfall of public health.
The real weight of obesity
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. 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
Video: Sophomores celebrate ‘joy in service’ with dance, activities
Video: Sophomores celebrate ‘joy in service’ with dance, activities
RDFZ’s dance, aerobics, martial arts and boy’s dance teams smile during the last moments of the “Youth of the Lion Dance,” one of the most common Chinese dances. This Lunar New Year’s animal was the snake, a symbol of good luck, rebirth and regality.
Exchange students arrive from China; Lunar New Year performance amazes
Many U-High sports teams offers various preseason activities, and the pressure on student athletes to attend these varies depending on the sports team and the athlete's motivation.
Audio: Preseason team activities bring opportunity, added pressure
Math teacher Ross Hunefeld helps sophomore Freddie Neater-DuBow through a math problem. Some students have felt pressure on how they should be using their free time.
Audio: Independence requires balancing free time, studying
Thrifting has become more than just getting new clothes for a cheap price. For some students, thrifting is about spending time with family and friends as well as shopping.
Audio: Thrifting offers more than just shopping
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
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
RDFZ’s dance, aerobics, martial arts and boy’s dance teams smile during the last moments of the “Youth of the Lion Dance,” one of the most common Chinese dances. This Lunar New Year’s animal was the snake, a symbol of good luck, rebirth and regality.
Exchange students arrive from China; Lunar New Year performance amazes
Before returning to their townhomes for the night on Jan. 31, Stefanie Giurcanu and Olivia Adams play Jenga in the basement of the Eagle Ridge Resort main lodge.
Gallery: Class of 2025 unwinds, bonds with friends during annual Senior Getaway
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
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
Ryan Burke-Stevenson

Ryan Burke-Stevenson, Photographer

Ryan Burke-Stevenson is an equipment manager and advanced photojournalist in the class of 2025. His favorite part of photojournalism is being able to give a visual element to stories. Outside of photojournalism, Ryan is interested in cooking and cycling.

Awards:

2024 National Scholastic Press Association Digital Story of the Year: Photo Slideshow (with Jaya Alenghat, Taariq Ahmed, Mia Lipson, Nathan Li, Olin Nafziger, Eli Raikhel, Grace LaBelle, Ellis Calleri, Bryce Light) — Top 10 Finalist (result announced Nov. 9, 2024)

2024 Scholastic Press Association of Chicago, non-sports photo: superior

2023 Association of Texas Photography Instructors Fall Contest, advertising, first honorable mention

All content by Ryan Burke-Stevenson
The debate team has had exceptional performances at the Golden Desert Debate Tournament at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Feb. 1-3, the Harvard National Speech and Debate Tournament in Cambridge, Massachusetts Feb. 15-17 and the Maine East Regatta in suburban Park Ridge Feb. 7-9.

[Photo] Debate team performs well at three recent competitions

Imani Qureshi, Reporter
February 20, 2025
The Model United Nations team won best small delegation and had a 100% placement rate at the North American Invitational Model UN Conference at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Feb. 13-16.

[Photo] MUN team earns best small delegation, full placement at Georgetown

Chloé Tyndall, Reporter
February 20, 2025
HOMEMADE COMFORT. Senior Jeffrey Wang prepares to eat the food his mother packed for lunch. Packing lunch has been linked to healthier eating habits, as homemade meals often contain less processed food and lower sodium levels than cafeteria or restaurant meals.

[Photo] What’s on your lunch plate?

Edward Park, Health & Wellness Editor
February 12, 2025
University of Chicago graduate Hannah Nyhart, the co-owner and co-founder of Build Coffee coffee shop and used bookstore, works behind the counter. Despite years of experience running Build Coffee and getting to know the community, Ms. Nyhart has decided to sell the shop.

[Photo] Hannah Nyhart: Co-founder of Build Coffee cherishes memories she has constructed

Lila Coyne, Assistant Editor
February 4, 2025
Samantha Guerrero and Dell Dominguez of the Mayambo dance company perform a routine in the Mambo Salsa On2 style at the Nov. 20 “Celebrating Latinindad!” assembly. The event highlighted the richness of Latin American identities in the face of an incoming Trump presidency.

[Photo] Latinidad assembly emphasizes cultural awareness through stories, performances

Declan Smith, Assistant Editor
November 21, 2024
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.

[Photo] Tips to stay active and beat winter blues with outdoor fitness

Sohana Schneider, Assistant Editor
October 30, 2024
fallactivitiesfinal

[Photo] Experience fall: 5 activities to try in Chicago

Caroline Skelly, Audience Engagement Editor
October 9, 2024
An educational student trip to Italy will be hosted by Latin teacher Frances Spaltro this spring break.

[Photo] Students to experience Rome in spring break trip

Abhay Chandran, Reporter
September 19, 2024
6.1_Prom2024_RBS-1

[Photo] Prom brings Class of 2024 enchanted end-of-year celebration

Milo Platz-Walker, Sports Editor
June 4, 2024
At a May 11 away game against Chicago Christian High School, senior Connor Booth scores a run. The varsity baseball team concluded their season May 22 with a 8-9 loss in the sectional semi-final game.

[Photo] Baseball season wrap up: Team loses in sectional semi-finals

Light Dohrn, Arts Editor
June 3, 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
Embracing the warm weather and clear skies, ninth grader Bryce Poston gazes up at the sky in awe during the eclipse. “It was a pretty cool experience being so close to a full eclipse,” Bryce said, “and I’m glad the school gave us the chance to go out and view it.”

Eclipse excitement: Lab community gathers to celebrate unique celestial event

Jaya Alenghat, Taariq Ahmed, Mia Lipson, Nathan Li, Olin Nafziger, Eli Raikhel, Grace LaBelle, Ryan Burke-Stevenson, Ellis Calleri, and Bryce Light
April 10, 2024
At the annual Spring Fling dance on March 23, themed “Aurora Borealis Bash,” students danced the night away in Sherry Lansing Theater with a high attendance of 420 students.

[Photo] Spring Fling dance enthralls students with Aurora Borealis theme

Zara Siddique, Sports & Leisure editor
March 26, 2024
Lunging at his opponent using his foil to aim for his target, sophomore Ray Han plays through a fencing match at Marian Catholic High School on Nov. 18. The fencing team ended the season with a first-place finish at the Great Lakes Conference Team Championships on Feb. 3.

[Photo] Gallery: Winter sports in review

Zara Siddique, Light Dohrn, and Milo Platz-Walker
March 5, 2024
At an all-school assembly on Feb. 29, Alex Lickerman, a Lab parent and primary care doctor spoke to students about the importance of growing resilience.

[Photo] Lab parent educates students about growing resilience at all-school assembly

Edward Park, Assistant Editor
March 4, 2024
CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY. Local tennis coach Tyron Mason interacts with the Kenwood community as he coaches. He builds relationships with his students along with the neighborhood, becoming a well-known figure in the area.

[Photo] Coaching with care: Tyrone Mason

Jaya Alenghat, City Life Editor
February 20, 2024
Zyn pouches are oral nicotine products that users put under their upper lip, visually concealing them. They come in flavors ranging from citrus to coffee. In Illinois, a person must be 21 to purchase any tobacco or nicotine products. All flavored liquid nicotine products are illegal in Cook County. However, Zyn patches are not liquid until moistened in the user’s mouth.

[Photo] Students use Zyn nicotine products, despite discouragement

Audrey Park, Editor-in-Chief
February 9, 2024
In the U-High library, a student reads on a beanbag. Pleasure reading has become increasingly unpopular, especially among younger generations. Simultaneously, the daily social media usage average is six hours a day.

[Photo] Pleasure reading plummets: As attention spans decrease, so does reading popularity

Chloe Alexander, Arts Editor
January 19, 2024
More sophisticated colognes are replacing less exclusive deodorants as high-end fragrances become popularized for young men through social media.

[Photo] Fragrance fanatics: trend sparks student interest in cologne

Sahana Unni, Editor-in-Chief
November 3, 2023
Gina Alicea assembles the new Corvus Gallery installment, "Immersed," by 1981 U-High alumna and artist Louise LeBourgeois. This installment will be open from Sept. 22-Nov. 17. 

[Photo] Corvus gallery installment, ‘Immersed,’ opens Sept. 22

Light Dohrn, Reporter
September 21, 2023
Gina Alicea assembles the new installment in the Corvus Gallery, "Immersed," by artist and lab alumna Louise LeBourgeois. The installment will be open from Sept. 22-Nov. 17.

As the commencement ceremony comes to a close, the new graduates rejoice and throw their caps into the air.

[Photo] 161 seniors graduate as the Lab community honors the Class of 2023 at Rockefeller Chapel

Mia Lipson, News Editor
June 8, 2023
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