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
Sohana Schneider

Sohana Schneider, Editor-in-Chief

Sohana Schneider is a member of the Class of 2026 and serves as a current editor-in-chief. She joined the U-High Midway in the 2023-24 school year as a sophomore. Her favorite story she has written so far is “On-field Fashion: In games, student-athletes showcase style, blending performance and flair” during her junior year. Outside of the Midway, she plays soccer and competes in Science Olympiad. She loves to read, walk her dog and spend time with friends.

Awards:

2025 Illinois Journalism Education Association: Second place, alternative storytelling (with Ilana Umanskiy), City Life Slice of the City

All content by Sohana Schneider
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

Light Dohrn, Kabir Joshi, and Sohana Schneider
November 7, 2025
SEEING RED. At the Oct. 31 professional development day, Lab faculty and staff received more information about the administration’s protocol for dealing with these issues. Many Faculty Association members and other employees chose to wear red clothing in solidarity with parents who have raised concerns.

Parents, faculty dismayed with lack of administrative action

Light Dohrn and Sohana Schneider
November 3, 2025
Seismic shifts:

Seismic shifts:

Lila Coyne, Declan Smith, Sinziana Lazar, and Sohana Schneider
October 22, 2025
Loss of international students is not our gain

Loss of international students is not our gain

Sohana Schneider, Editor-in-Chief
October 22, 2025
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

Declan Smith, Sohana Schneider, and Ari Novak
October 21, 2025
F1 Fever

F1 Fever

Kabir Joshi, Ari Novak, Light Dohrn, Sohana Schneider, Gabriel Wang, and Karina Hans
September 25, 2025
'F1: The Movie' delivers thrills despite weak female representation

‘F1: The Movie’ delivers thrills despite weak female representation

Sohana Schneider, Editor-in-Cheif
September 25, 2025
Midway will strive to increase dialog with students and administration, build connection

Midway will strive to increase dialog with students and administration, build connection

Light Dohrn, Kabir Joshi, and Sohana Schneider
September 10, 2025
Meet the newcomers:

Meet the newcomers:

Sohana Schneider, Editor-in-Chief
September 7, 2025
After a busy year, the staff with take a break from publishing over the summer.

Midway will be taking a break during the summer

Light Dohrn, Kabir Joshi, and Sohana Schneider
June 16, 2025
Director of Schools Tori Jueds, who has worked for Lab for four years, announced her departure from Lab on July 1. Her departure was announced via email on June 4.

Director of Schools Tori Jueds to leave July 1; search for interim will begin

Light Dohrn, Kabir Joshi, and Sohana Schneider
June 5, 2025
With a new phone policy coming next year, students and faculty were conflicted about its effectiveness.

Vox Pop: What was your initial reaction to the new cell phone policy?

Sohana Schneider, Editor-in-Chief
May 29, 2025
Private Stories are a a feature on Snapchat often used by teenagers to document funny moments in their lives and share updates with friends — all with the ability to control how public or private they want these stories to be.

Students turn to Snapchat private stories for real talk, connection

Sohana Schneider, Editor-in-Chief
May 23, 2025
Q&A: Press freedom under attack, limited

Q&A: Press freedom under attack, limited

Sohana Schneider, Assistant Editor
May 8, 2025
A version of the Senior Assassin game, which involves seniors who sign up shooting their peers with a water gun, was canceled due to the water guns being brought to campus in violation of school rules.

Senior assassin game canceled due to school rules violation

Sohana Schneider, Assistant Editor
April 29, 2025
At the 2025 Illinois State Bar Association High School Mock Trial Invitational, U-High’s Mock Trial team did not place, though junior Naomi Benton and sophomore Priya Yamada each received best witness awards. 

Mock trial team ends season with individual wins at state competition

Sohana Schneider, Assistant Editor
March 27, 2025
U-High Progressives president Lucie Bhatoey-Bertrand addresses the Coalition for Free Speech at Lab as Lab Liberty president Oliver Wilson listens in a March 5 meeting.

Coalition of clubs emphasizes free speech in monthly political discussions

Sohana Schneider, Assistant Editor
March 27, 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.

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

Sohana Schneider, Assistant Editor
March 4, 2025
The math team placed first in the state for division 3AA in the Regional ICTM Math Competition on Feb. 22 at Concordia University.

Dominating regional competition, math team places first

Sohana Schneider, Assistant Editor
March 3, 2025
Over the course of this spring break, catch up with your favorite podcasts and audio stories — while also trying out some new ones!

Break-ready, binge-worthy: 5 podcasts to check out this spring break

Juliana Daugherty, Light Dohrn, Clare McRoberts, Sohana Schneider, and Caroline Skelly
March 3, 2025
Ashley Cole and mother Linda Cochran pose behind the main counter of their jewelry and bodycare store, Suuri Design. Their handmade creations are intentionally crafted minimalist jewelry that doesn’t break the bank.

Linda Cochran and Ashley Cole: Mother-daughter duo run jewelry store, strengthen bond

Sohana Schneider, Assistant Editor
February 25, 2025
Slice of the City: Pizza in Chicago

Slice of the City: Pizza in Chicago

Caroline Skelly, Kabir Joshi, Lila Coyne, Orlie Weitzman, Sohana Schneider, Taariq Ahmed, and Naomi Benton
February 19, 2025
Assitant Editor Sohana Schneider argues that birthright citizenship must stand regardless of President Trump's executive order.

Birthright citizenship cannot cease under Trump

Sohana Schneider, Assistant Editor
February 7, 2025
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

Sohana Schneider, Assistant Editor
January 15, 2025
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

Sohana Schneider, Assistant Editor
December 17, 2024
A new financial aid program introduced this year will cover either a club trip — specifically for Model United Nations, robotics or debate team — or a domestic trip within the United States and its territories.

New program expands financial aid coverage to club, domestic trips

Sohana Schneider, Assistant Editor
November 8, 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.

Tips to stay active and beat winter blues with outdoor fitness

Sohana Schneider, Assistant Editor
October 30, 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.

Center & Connect

Sohana Schneider, Assistant Editor
October 23, 2024
The U-High Midway is one of 34 high school newspapers in the country that are finalists for the prestigious Newspaper Pacemaker Award. U-High journalists are also Top 10 national finalists for 11 individual awards.

Midway team, individuals named finalists for national awards

Sohana Schneider, Assistant Editor
October 2, 2024
Ninth grade varsity soccer players Santi Bravo and Alex Yamini have embraced their new roles as starters on the team. Alex and Santi value their positive experiences as varsity starters, highlighting the supportive team environment and strong bonds they have formed with their teammates.

Ninth grade varsity soccer starters reflect on positive team environment, older teammates

Sohana Schneider, Reporter
September 24, 2024
After Lab families received an emergency alert that turned out to be false on Sept. 13, the Laboratory Schools safety and security team is working to prevent future accidental alerts.

Changes promised after third false security alert

Sohana Schneider, Reporter
September 17, 2024
Bonjour, Olympiques!

Bonjour, Olympiques!

Abhay Chandran, Juliana Daugherty, Lucia Dumitrescu, Sohana Schneider, Caroline Skelly, and Orlie Weitzman
May 30, 2024
Paris Olympics introduce 2 new sports, breaking and kayak cross

Paris Olympics introduce 2 new sports, breaking and kayak cross

Sohana Schneider, Reporter
May 30, 2024
New leaders have been chosen for both photojournalism and U-Highlights teams for the 2024-2025 school year.

New editors chosen for 2024-25 U-Highlights and photojournalism teams

Sohana Schneider, Reporter
May 16, 2024
REFRESHING ROM-COM. “The Idea of You”, a cheesy and somewhat unrealistic rom-com, redeems itself with its feminist themes and strong acting. It is currently streaming on Prime Video.

‘The Idea of You’ features strong acting, feminist themes

Sohana Schneider, Reporter
May 16, 2024
MAKING A DIFFERENCE. Men and women in bright pink vests stand outside Family Planning Associates Medical Group on Washington Boulevard in the Loop, ready to escort patients seeking abortion care. Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, restrictions in some states led to a 49% rise in abortions in Illinois. “14 states have banned abortion outright, with four more states banning abortions at six weeks, making it nearly impossible to seek care, which has led Illinois to kind of be an oasis for people seeking abortion care not only in the Midwest, but in the South as well,” said Alison Dreith of the Midwest Access Coalition.

Illinois: Becomes an oasis for those seeking abortion care

Sohana Schneider, Reporter
May 8, 2024
Every Wednesday at lunch, U-High Film Society  teaches students with basic filmmaking skills like using their phones, to work with actual equipment to  portray stories through film. 

Audio: U-High Film Society teaches students to create stories through film

Sohana Schneider, Reporter
April 10, 2024
Reporter Sohana Schneider argues that students should embrace the age difference in classes and use it as an opportunity to learn from and mentor one another.

Age differences in classes allow students to grow, meet new people

Sohana Schneider, Reporter
March 20, 2024
At U-High, crocs are a popular shoe choice for many students. Although Crocs was founded in 2002, the shoes have recently started to trend among people in Gen Z.

Students wear crocs for comfort, creativity

Sohana Schneider, Reporter
February 23, 2024
After 185 years, Elgin Academy, a longtime competitor of U-High's sports teams in the Independent Schools League, is closing.

Elgin Academy, a longtime competitor of U-High’s sports teams, to close

Sohana Schneider, Reporter
January 10, 2024
Leaders Sygne Stole and Angela Zhang review content during a PINKRR meeting. PINKRR has been established to focus on the materialistic actions that can be done to improve reproductive advocacy and menstrual health

Students advocate for reproductive rights in new club

Sohana Schneider, Reporter
November 3, 2023
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