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
Simon Vaang

Simon Vaang, Photo Assistant Editor

Simon Vaang is the photo assistant editor of the features section and is a member of the Class of 2027. His favorite part of photojournalism is getting the opportunity to shoot so many different scenes and being able to test his photojournalism abilities. Outside of photojournalism, Simon enjoys playing soccer for U-High’s varsity soccer team and sailing.

Awards:

2025 National Scholastic Press Association Digital Story of the Year, Photo Slideshow (with Lila Coyne, Juliana Daugherty, Ari Novak, Lucy Shirrell, Caroline Skelly, Declan Smith, Ryan Burke-Stevenson, Ellis Calleri, Delaney Connell, Noah Gunning, Bryce Kenny, Devyn Moubayed, Eli Raikhel, Calder Wong), Moments of Intensity — Top 10 Finalist (result announced Nov. 15, 2025)

2025 National Scholastic Press Association Photo of the Year, Feature: Chemical Concentration — Top 10 Finalist (result announced Nov. 15, 2025)

2025 National Scholastic Press Association Portfolio of the Year, Photojournalist of the Year — Top 10 Finalist (result announced Nov. 15, 2025)

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

2025 Illinois Journalism Education Association: Second place, headline (with Edward Park, Nika Nelson)

2025 Illinois Journalism Education Association: Honorable mention, photo — sports, Alex Giles

2025 Scholastic Press Association of Chicago, sports photo (sailing), excellent

2025 Texas Photographic Society International Student Competition, landscape, third place

2025 Texas Photographic Society International Student Competition, documentary/photojournalism, honorable mention

2025 Jostens North American Photo Contest, yearbookers in action, first place

2025 Jostens North American Photo Contest, academics, second place

2025 Jostens North American Photo Contest, academics, fourth place

2024 Association of Texas Photography Instructors Fall Contest, beginning architecture, first place

2024 Association of Texas Photography Instructors Fall Contest, beginning sports action, third place

2024 Association of Texas Photography Instructors Fall Contest, beginning architecture, honorable mention

2024 Association of Texas Photography Instructors Fall Contest, beginning student life, honorable mention

All content by Simon Vaang
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.

[Photo] Math Team receives perfect scores, struggles in recent competitions

Karina Hans, Multimedia Editor
November 6, 2025

[Video] Video: Lab community celebrates Halloween with parade, costumes

Chloé Tyndall, Multimedia Editor
November 4, 2025
RAISE THE ROOF. Protestors stand on top of the Grant Park Garage on South Michigan Avenue while observing other marchers passing by. The Chicago crowd was estimated at 250,000 people, according to the Chicago Tribune, and nearly 7 million people attended the 2,700 No Kings events nationwide.

[Photo] Lab community participates in one of the largest ‘No Kings’ protests

Declan Smith, Sohana Schneider, and Ari Novak
October 21, 2025
Volleyball co-captain Kylie Carter present the guest of honor, Cynthia Estes, with flowers before the varsity game.

[Photo] Volleyball teams fundraise for breast cancer research

Caroline Skelly, Lucy Shirrell, and Calder Wong
October 21, 2025
Sophomore Anthony Kozlov and ninth graders Agnes Raikhel, Vera Cyrenne and Clara Paul assemble bagels and socialize. On Sept. 26, the Jewish Students' Association hosted a Rosh Hashanah potluck. JSA, like other similar affinity groups, is trying to widen the community that attends its meetings and teach members of the U-High community.

[Photo] Affinity groups seek to increase outreach, encourage diversity this year

Ari Novak, Features Editor
October 8, 2025
9.30 - U-High Easter Eggs - Simon Vaang-14

[Photo] Five U-High Hidden Gems to appreciate

October 3, 2025
SILENT STRAIN. Learning coordinator Heavenly Hicks grimaces as she competes with science teacher Matthew Bonges in arm wrestling in the teachers bracket during the spirit assembly on Sept. 18. Mr. Bonges ended up winning the competition after beating student winner Dominic Vaughan. This was the first year where students were selected at random for the arm wrestling competition.

[Photo] Gallery: Scenes from homecoming

Calder Wong and Declan Smith
September 22, 2025
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

[Photo] Boys tennis wrap up: team wins state

Nadia Washington, Reporter
June 8, 2025
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.

[Photo] Girls soccer season wrap up: Loss at super-sectional final

Orlie Weitzman, Opinion Editor
June 4, 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, 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
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.

[Photo] Charity La Tiendita provides aid, support to those in need

Declan Smith, News Editor
May 30, 2025
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.

[Photo] Audio: Sports captainship allows student athletes to grow leadership skills

Nadia Washington, Reporter
May 5, 2025
Author and poet Clint Smith discusses “Counting Descent," a book of his which students in English 9 read, live on Zoom in the Ken Griffin Auditorium March 5.

[Photo] After studying ‘Counting Descent,’ students engage with author Clint Smith

Ellie Rosenberg, Reporter
March 6, 2025
A second location of 5 Rabanitos, a Mexican restaurant based in the Pilsen neighborhood, is now open at 1301 E. 53rd St..

[Photo] Pilsen’s 5 Rabanitos restaurant opens second location in Hyde Park

Lucy Shirrell, Assistant Editor
March 5, 2025
On Feb. 28, the boys swimming and diving season ended. Senior Sebastian Gans advanced to the IHSA State Swimming and Diving Championship meet at the FCM Aquatics Center in Westmont. Sebastian and other swimmers, Sam Oyler, Simon Gans and Jeffrey Wang broke school records.

[Photo] Boys swimming and diving wrap up: swimmers set records, Sebastian Gans advances to state

Sohana Schneider, Assistant Editor
March 4, 2025
Senior Alex Giles dribbles around her defender from Lindblom High School in Upper Kovler Gymnasium on Feb. 7.

[Photo] Athletic essentials Q&A: Alex Giles

Juliana Daugherty, Audience Engagement Editor
March 4, 2025
Junior Liz Longnecker completes a Gelli plate print during Period 3.

[Photo] Gallery: ArtsFest sparks excitement, expression

Ari Novak and Skye Freeman
February 28, 2025
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.

[Photo] Audio: Independence requires balancing free time, studying

Skye Freeman, Features Editor
February 3, 2025
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.

[Photo] Skipping breakfast makes students run on empty

Orlie Weitzman, Assistant Editor
December 18, 2024
Simon Vaang, honorable mention, architecture

[Photo] Eight photojournalists win 13 awards in national competition

Chloé Tyndall, Reporter
December 13, 2024
A student scrolls through Letterboxed reviews for "Joker: Folie à Deux," which came out on Oct. 4. Letterboxd is a website where people can write, share and read reviews to discuss their favorite movies, as well as get help determining what should be next on their watchlist.

[Photo] Letterboxd platform adds humor, social connection to movie reviews

Juliana Daugherty, Audience Engagement Editor
November 11, 2024
Junior varsity basketball coach Xavier Smith shares a laugh with senior Joonsung Kim in his office located in the Information Services department.

[Photo] Xavier Smith: Mentoring with motivation

Taariq Ahmed, News Editor
November 11, 2024
Instagram will restrict some content for teens and their account settings.

[Photo] New Instagram restrictions to shield teens

Ari Novak, Assistant Editor
October 18, 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
DSC_0642

[Photo] Mahin Schneider brings spirit back to soccer field after injury

Jaya Alenghat, Reporter
September 18, 2023
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