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
The Student News Site of University of Chicago Laboratory High School

U-High Midway
Skye Freeman

Skye Freeman, Features Editor

Skye Freeman is a member of the Class of 2025 and serves as the features editor. She joined the Midway in the 2022-23 school year as a sophomore and previously served as the audience engagement manager. Her favorite piece she has written is “Sewn together: Ki Kim and Yang Kim.” When not working on the Midway, Skye enjoys listening to music, spending time with friends and wandering around the Art Institute.

Awards:

2024 National Scholastic Press Association Best Use of Social Media: Social Media Reporting (with Jaya Alenghat, Chloë Alexander, Clare McRoberts) — Top 10 Finalist (result announced Nov. 9, 2024)

2024 Illinois Journalism Education Association: First place, personality profile, Sewn together: Ki Kim and Yang Kim

2024 Illinois Journalism Education Association: First place, photo gallery or slideshow (with Taariq Ahmed, Chloë Alexander), ArtsFest activities reflect students spirit, creativity

2024 Illinois Journalism Education Association: Second place, audio, Audio: Band shares joy of music with youngest Lab students in Halloween parade

All content by Skye Freeman
U-High students have been using planners to stay organized when juggling school work, activities, and time to socialize.

From digital to physical, students explore planner use

Skye Freeman, Features Editor
December 13, 2024
Students face the dilemma of needing time off versus the fear of losing ground in coursework. The pressure to stay on track leaves little room for rest, even when it’s most needed.

Too busy to be gone: Students perceive missing classes as unfeasible, taxing

Skye Freeman, Features Editor
November 18, 2024
Freedom in the Balance

Freedom in the Balance

Chloë Alexander, Light Dohrn, Edward Park, Taariq Ahmed, and Skye Freeman
October 23, 2024
Sheila Carrasco, Class of 2000, is reprising her role as Flower in the third season of supernatural sitcom “Ghosts” on CBS. A 2000 U-High graduate, Ms. Carrasco joined Lab in second grade, and at age 7, an “Annie”-obsessed Sheila performed in a rendition of the movie at a local community theater — hence, her introduction to acting.

Alumna gives life to ghostly role

Skye Freeman, Features Editor
October 21, 2024
Assuming the roles of Mr. and Mrs. Ambrosini, Matt Boresi and Ryan Wantland will be serving U-High's theater as director and technical director.

New directors bring deep experience, vision to U-High theater

Skye Freeman, Features Editor
September 18, 2024
Despite increased tuition and budget cuts, Lab’s reputation seems unaffected

Despite increased tuition and budget cuts, Lab’s reputation seems unaffected

Light Dohrn and Skye Freeman
September 9, 2024
Junior Joshua Carter receives a Citizenship Award from assistant principal Zilkia Rivera-Vazquez during the Student Awards Assembly in Griffin Auditorium on May 30.

Individuals, organizations recognized in student awards assembly

Skye Freeman, Features Editor
May 31, 2024
Liucija and Allen Ambrosini, who have taught theater at U-High for a combined 74 years, will retire this June. Regarding retirement, Mr. Ambrosini said, “We just can’t wait.”

The final curtain call: Theater teachers Allen and Liucija Ambrosini retire after long era at Lab

Skye Freeman, Features Editor
May 21, 2024
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

Skye Freeman, Audience Engagement Manager
April 26, 2024
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

Skye Freeman, Audience Engagement Manager
April 19, 2024
A new survey of city teens about issues important to Chicago youth, conducted from Feb. 12 to Feb. 23, evaluated the highest concerns for the more than 220 U-High students who participated.

For U-High students, mental health, school safety, DEI arise as highest concerns

Skye Freeman and Katie Sasamoto-Kurisu
April 15, 2024
Audience Engagement Manager Skye Freeman argues Students, faculty and staff should work to de-stigmatize the word “disability” by using healthier language, inviting perspectives from those in the disabled community to the table, and highlighting the importance of using non demeaning language.

Say the word: De-stigmatize the word ‘disability’

Skye Freeman, Audience Engagement Manager
April 11, 2024
During a band class, co-teacher Abby Kott assists a student with a trumpet while co-teacher Ryan Hudec directs from the podium. The benefits of co-teaching practices are exemplified in Lab’s music classes, as music faculty create strong engagement and introduce students to numerous perspectives.

[Video] Dynamic Duets: Through co-teaching, music faculty improve engagement, experience

Taariq Ahmed, Digital Editor
March 27, 2024
On March 19, one convenient location in Hyde Park to vote for or against the Bring Chicago Home referendum in the Illinois Primary, which failed, was at William H. Ray Elementary School.

Bring Chicago Home referendum fails; future uncertain

Skye Freeman, Audience Engagement Manager
March 27, 2024
For the hour-long ArtsFest lunch period on Feb. 28, the Student Council hosted U-High’s first International Day, where a group of nearly 30 parent and staff volunteers provided students with a free lunch of international cuisine samples. 

At International Day, Lab community celebrates cultural diversity through food

Skye Freeman, Audience Engagement Manager
March 5, 2024
Juniors Ace Ma and Dilara Dogan paint the ArtsFest 2024 mural on the third floor of Belfield Hall. They worked with Lisa Tao and Sebastian Gans, spending their day working on their mural. “It was a lot of fun,” Ace said. “When I start an art project, I really can’t stop until I’m finished. It was a group of people: Sebastian did the design really, really well. It was really fun to be able to work on something big all day. I like being able to work on projects non-stop.”

ArtsFest activities reflect students spirit, creativity

Taariq Ahmed, Chloe Alexander, and Skye Freeman
February 29, 2024
A RAW WORKSHOP. Ki and Yang Kim have owned and operated Vogue Cleaners since its opening in 1995, serving an array of Hyde Parkers and students alike. Despite meeting through an arranged marriage, their time together has only strengthened their bond as they work alongside each other day after day.

Sewn together: Ki Kim and Yang Kim

Skye Freeman, Audience Engagement Manager
February 19, 2024
Teachers are utilizing digital skills gained from distance learning to orchestrate classes on emergency days.

Teachers deploy online tools learned during COVID

Skye Freeman, Audience Engagement Manager
February 16, 2024
At first-ever assembly, Asian Students' Association celebrates the diversity of the Asian-American experience today. The assembly featured a performance from the local dance group Ishti Collective and a guest speaker, Josina Morita, Cook County Commissioner of the 13th District and the first Asian American woman to serve on the Cook County Board.

Asian Students’ Association commemorates diversity of the Asian American experience in first assembly

Skye Freeman, Audience Engagement Manager
February 12, 2024
The Gage, a restaurant participating in Chicago Restaurant Week, offers a main course of butter chicken with coriander rice and sweet potato chaat. Until Feb. 4, the restaurant has a $25 three-course lunch and a $59 three-course dinner.

Chicago Restaurant Week offers delicious meals and promotes business

Skye Freeman, Audience Engagement Manager
January 30, 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.

High Hooping Hopes: Ninth grader uplifts varsity team environment

Skye Freeman, Audience Engagement Manager
January 23, 2024
Applications for Lab’s SummerLink internships are open with deadlines early in 2024.

Applications open for SummerLink internships

Skye Freeman, Audience Engagement Manager
December 15, 2023

Cultural market immerses visitors in diverse holiday spirit

Skye Freeman, Delaney Connell, and Zara Siddique
December 13, 2023
The Finance Club is hosting Andy Dunn, a co-founder of the men’s apparel brand Bonobos, on Dec. 14 in Room C116 during lunch.

Finance club hosts CEO to speak on economic career

Skye Freeman, Audience Engagement Manager
December 11, 2023
Owner of Harper Foods Alex Bharucha stands at the cashier, waiting for customers to complete their purchases. Mr. Bharucha enjoys his customer interactions with members of the Hyde Park community.

Harper Foods owner watches community, students grow

Skye Freeman, Audience Engagement Manager
November 8, 2023
The girls swimming and diving team ended its season after placing fourth at the IHSA Sectionals on Nov. 4 at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Girls swimming and diving ends season at sectionals

Skye Freeman, Audience Engagement Manager
November 7, 2023
Students and parents gathered for the annual Halloween parade at Earl Shapiro Hall on Oct. 31. Students in the high school band, with instruments in hand, faced the heavy wind and light flecks of snow as they led the parade, greeting the excited children in their elaborate costumes along the way.

Audio: Band shares joy of music with youngest Lab students in Halloween parade

Skye Freeman, Audience Engagement Manager
November 3, 2023
You and AI: Your new reality

You and AI: Your new reality

Sahana Unni, Skye Freeman, Victoria Washington, Edward Park, and Katie Sasamoto-Kurisu
October 25, 2023
Chicago snack stores that showcase a range of international snacks have seen a boom in popularity in 2023. These six snacks reflect that new range of options.

Snacks around the globe

Skye Freeman, Audience Engagement Manager
October 13, 2023
The new Lab Safe app is now available for download on mobile app stores. The app contains features that connect users to the University of Chicago Police, alter friends in emergencies and provide access to campus transportation services.

New Lab safety app offers security, communication resources for community

Skye Freeman, Audience Engagement Manager
October 9, 2023
In Laufey's sophomore album, "Bewitched," she delivers an homage to a past era of jazz.

Laufey pays homage to a lost jazz era

Skye Freeman, Audience Engagement Manager
September 28, 2023
Reporter Skye Freeman argues that younger generations should be able to turn on the TV and see characters that resonate with parts of their identity, without having to question whether they are worthy enough to be a Disney princess.

Disney should prioritize diverse characters

Skye Freeman, Reporter
September 21, 2023
The Midway website has been awarded the Distinguished Site honor from the Student News Online network for the second year in a row.

Midway website honored with national award

Skye Freeman, Reporter
June 8, 2023
Junior Sam Pastor hands a baton off to sophomore Nyel Khan at the 2A IHSA Sectionals. The boys track team had a strong performance, sending eight students to state. The team did not advance to the state finals.

Boys track team ends season after first round at state

Skye Freeman, Reporter
May 31, 2023
URBAN ROUTE. From Buckingham Fountain to Grant Park to Michigan Avenue, the NASCAR Chicago drivers will make their way through a track that will include views of Lake Michigan and several other Chicago attractions. The front straightaway and pit road will be housed on South Columbus Drive, running along a two-block stretch that will take the race past Buckingham Fountain.

Pulling up downtown: NASCAR hits Windy City

Haley Maharry, Light Dohrn, Jaya Alenghat, Edward Park, Skye Freeman, Niall Danahey, Kabir Joshi, and David Santiago
May 30, 2023
NASCAR events generate plentiful income- and controversy

NASCAR events generate plentiful income- and controversy

Skye Freeman, Reporter
May 30, 2023
At an April 28 game against Lake Forest Academy at the University of Chicago Anderson Field, sophomore Theo Williams winds up for a pitch. Theo also played third base.

One-run loss ends baseball season

Skye Freeman, Reporter
May 26, 2023
In Limbo,” the graphic memoir by author and artist Deb JJ Lee, discusses the sensitive themes of familial expectations, friendships, cultural identity and mental health in their debut novel.

Graphic memoir explores cultural identity, familial relations in vulnerable art style

Skye Freeman, Reporter
May 22, 2023
ANYTHING BUT ROTTEN. For decades, theater teachers and married couple Mrs. and Mr. Ambrosini work together to execute show after show.

Love that Lasts: U-High theater teachers married for over 50 years flawlessly execute show after show

Skye Freeman, Reporter
May 15, 2023
U-Highlight and U-High Midway members won top awards in competitions at a national high school journalism convention in San Francisco. The U-High Midway won first place in newspaper and website, and the U-Highlights yearbook placed fourth in their contests.

Journalists learn, win top awards at San Francisco national convention

Skye Freeman, Reporter
April 26, 2023
Through two English classes, Teddy Stripling has found a way to create a discussion forum for students regarding complex topics in literature and connect with students who don't usually connect.

Teddy Stripling creates forum to facilitate discussions, understanding

Skye Freeman, Reporter
April 14, 2023
Attendees of the Becoming Racially Aware and Valuing Ethnicity conference will participate in workshops and have discussions on how to prevent discrimination in the future, in light of the events that occurred earlier in the year.

BRAVE conference to facilitate conversations on discrimination, unity

Skye Freeman, Reporter
March 28, 2023
Skye Freeman argues that parents should give children free rein to figure out how they identify and allow them to explore and express themselves as they wish, instead of raising them gender-autonomously.

Parents, let children explore their identities as they grow up

Skye Freeman, Reporter
March 28, 2023
In the Candy Creations ArtsFest workshop, students filled up jars and goodie bags with sweet treats, to be donated to shelters for homeless and domestic violence victims.

Audio: At ArtsFest, Candy Creations workshop teaches students the importance of acts of kindness

Skye Freeman, Reporter
March 7, 2023
FAST FASHION FLAWS. While the low prices may attract students to fast fashion companies, Shein, among other brands, has come under fire for the mistreatment of workers and detrimental effects on the environment, making many students more hesitant to purchase the trendy designs they offer.

The price is (not) right: Fast fashion ethical concerns outweigh low prices

Skye Freeman, Reporter
March 3, 2023
Workshop proposals for this year’s Social Justice Week, themed UNITY, have opened.

Workshop proposals for Social Justice Week open

Skye Freeman, Reporter
February 27, 2023
To produce bold journalism, healthy communication between the Lab community and the Midway staff is key.

Bold journalism is possible when everyone participates

Xander Feigenbaum, Skye Freeman, Kabir Joshi, David Ren, and David Santiago
February 23, 2023
Two Science Olympiad team members work on a tennis ball launcher for the Neuqua Valley High School Invitational.

Science Olympiad performs well at first competition of season

Skye Freeman, Reporter
December 15, 2022
Beatmaking club co-founder Evan Lok listens to his music production while co-founder Jacob Liu watches on. The new club helps students learn about digital music making.

New club devoted to making digital music and beats

Skye Freeman, Reporter
October 26, 2022
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