The Student News Site of University of Chicago Laboratory High School

U-High Midway
Senior Brianna Chang makes slime as an experiment with Lab first graders as part of the Beaker Buddies program, which will not run next school year.
Lab science mentorship program suspended for 2025-26
In January, seniors battle it out in a pingpong game as other students relax in the senior lounge. The lounge was temporarily closed from Nov. 19 to Dec. 2 after a lockdown drill during which seniors disrupted the space.
Senior lounge opens after actions prompt warnings, closure
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
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
19-year-old Tess Frangias, co-owner of Hyde Park's Greek diner Salonica, poses behind the restaurant counter.
Tess Frangias: Co-owner of Greek diner Salonica finds community
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
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
Sophomore Mia Lane, who independently runs “Lost Oddball Crochet,” has found her passion creating and selling whimsical crochet plushies and figures. She began crocheting after receiving an amigurumi kit for Christmas, and used her natural talent for entrepreneurship to build her business afterward.
Totally hooked: Sophomore Mia Lane finds confidence, develops craft through small business
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
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
Sinziana Lazar

Sinziana Lazar, Reporter

Sinziana Lazar is a member of the Class of 2027. She began journalism in 2023 as a ninth grader. She plays violin in CYSO and is a member of the Robotics and Model UN teams.

All content by Sinziana Lazar
Spend your summer exploring the city of Chicago with 12 different festival recommendations.

4 ways to summer soiree

Naomi Benton, Lila Coyne, Sinziana Lazar, Dina Letko, David Li, Ari Novak, Ari Novak, and Mira Reddy
May 30, 2024
The interactive map lays out the locations of all 12 recommended festivals for U-High students to try out this summer in Chicago.

Interactive Festival Map

Sinziana Lazar and Dina Letko
May 29, 2024
Spend your summer exploring the city of Chicago with 12 different festival recommendations.

From music to art, here’s 12 fun festivals for this summer

Naomi Benton, Ari Novak, Mira Reddy, David Li, Lila Coyne, Dina Letko, and Sinziana Lazar
May 28, 2024
AI ASSISTANCE - A U-High student converses with ChatGPT during a class break on April 17, experimenting with its many features. ChatGPT has become increasingly popular in the last year, and many schools, as well as the Laboratory Schools, are creating guidelines to regulate its usage by students and avoid academic dishonesty. “I think AI neees to be accepted by educators in a way that makes sure students are doing their work but also not feeling overpoliced,” Jimmy Yu, a ninth grader, said.

Committee looks to regulate AI usage at Lab

Sinziana Lazar, Reporter
May 17, 2024
Cary Grant and Priscilla Lane star in Frank Capra’s 1944 film “Arsenic and Old Lace.” The film is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video.

Classic film continues to amuse audiences with blend of comedy, horror

Sinziana Lazar, Reporter
May 13, 2024
Learning coordinator Heavenly Hicks always has her door open to students, providing support for the U-High community. She tailors her methods to what each student needs, encouraging organizational skills and security.

Known for vibrant personality, Heavenly Hicks welcomes students, provides support

Sinziana Lazar, Reporter
May 3, 2024
Tracy Aiden, who has been at Lab for the past six years and is a teacher for Nursery 3 through kindergarten students, has been selected as a finalists for the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Early childhood educator selected as finalist for award for excellence in teaching

Sinziana Lazar, Reporter
April 26, 2024
Reporter Sinziana Lazar argues teachers and students should explore other methods of ensuring academic integrity.

Use judgment before relying on AI detectors, Turnitin

Sinziana Lazar, Reporter
April 8, 2024
Community members gather at the "Blacksgiving" event, a Nov. 9 Thanksgiving-inspired cultural food exchange hosted by the Black Students' Association in Judd C116. Inside and outside school, the popularity of identity-focused clubs has increased in recent years. BSA is only one of the many clubs of this kind available to students at Lab.

Audio: Affinity groups gain popularity

Sinziana Lazar, Reporter
March 28, 2024
The Science Olympiad team performed excellently at two competitions. They competed at a competition on Feb. 24 at Northwestern University. They also competed at the regional competition on March 2, where they placed second overall and qualified for the state competition in April.

Science Olympiad Team finds success at recent competitions

Sinziana Lazar, Reporter
March 5, 2024
On Feb. 7, junior Ainsley Williams placed first in the regional Poetry Out Loud competition at the Poetry Foundation in Chicago. 

Junior places first in regional poetry recitation competition

Sinziana Lazar, Reporter
February 15, 2024
Over the past several years, stores have been selling Christmas items sooner and sooner.

Christmas Creep: Commercial Christmas items appear earlier and earlier in stores

Sinziana Lazar, Reporter
December 12, 2023
ENGin is dedicated to teaching Ukrainian students English through casual conversation in place of structured classes.

New club founded to connect American, Ukrainian students

Sinziana Lazar, Reporter
November 10, 2023
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