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
Téa Tamburo

Téa Tamburo, Editor-in-Chief

Téa Tamburo is an editor-in-chief of the U-High Midway and is a member of the Class of 2023. Since joining the Midway in 2019, she has served as a content manager and as deputy managing editor. She enjoys collaborating with other Midway staff members and learning about the community through reporting. Outside of journalism, she is president of Students with Disabilities Association and Girl Up.

Awards:

2023 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Circle Award: Podcast, third place (with Audrey Matei), “Parade watchers express differing views on Columbus and holiday“

2023 Illinois Journalism Education Association: First place, alternative storytelling (with Amon Gray, Chloë Alexander, Audrey Matei, Ainsley Williams, Katie Sasamoto-Kurisu, Victoria Washington), Rising Stars, Jan. 24, 2023

2023 Illinois Journalism Education Association: First place, audio journalism (with Sahana Unni), Audio: The beat boys — Club provides opportunity for music exploration, socialization

2023 Illinois Journalism Education Association: Second place, news, Identity groups demand community address hate speech

2023 Illinois Journalism Education Association: Second place, infographic (with Ethan Swinger), Christmas season keeps creeping closer (snowflake graphic)

2023 Illinois Journalism Education Association: Third place, news (with Taariq Ahmed, Mia Lipson), With powerful testimonials of discrimination, groups call for action

2023 Illinois Journalism Education Association: Honorable mention, alternative storytelling, Light up the season with city’s holiday activities

2022 Journalism Education Association National Student Media Contests, St. Louis convention: Excellent, news editing/headline/current events

2022 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Circle Award: First-person experience, certificate of merit, “Inclusion at Lab must mean more than a single identifier”

2022 Illinois All-State Journalism Team

2021 National Scholastic Press Association Individual Best of Show: First Place, podcast (with Audrey Matei)

2021 Journalism Education Association National Student Media Contests, Virtual: Excellent, review writing

2020 National Scholastic Press Association Fall Best of Show: Sixth Place, election reporting (contributor), “As trailblazer for multiple identities, Harris inspires students”

 

All content by Téa Tamburo
Senior Ava Wilczak, co-leader of Lab's Eye-to-Eye chapter, strives to create community for students with learning differences.

[Video] Through creating community, senior advocates for learning differences at school and national level

Téa Tamburo, Editor-in-Chief
May 5, 2023
Stereotypes of the South Side

Stereotypes of the South Side

Peter Cox, Krishita Dutta, Erich Raumann, Amy Ren, Ethan Swinger, Téa Tamburo, and Ainsley Williams
May 4, 2023

By the numbers

Amy Ren and Téa Tamburo
May 4, 2023
Unauthorized changing of votes that delayed the Student Council election results have caused a new election which will be held May 1 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Unauthorized vote changes cause new Student Council election May 1

Téa Tamburo, Clare O’Connor, and Chloe Alexander
April 28, 2023
Due to the schedule changes coming in the 2023-2024 school year, several rooms across Lab will be repurposed into classrooms.

Five classrooms created to accommodate new schedule

Téa Tamburo, Editor-in-Chief
April 26, 2023
Your guide to the 2023-24 Student Council elections

Your guide to the 2023-24 Student Council elections

Louis Auxenfans, Amy Ren, and Téa Tamburo
April 24, 2023
Students can drop off hygiene products at the high school lobby and various classrooms as part of Girl Up's hygiene product drive.

[Photo] GirlUp runs hygiene product drive to supply Hyde Park’s Love Fridge

Edward Park, Reporter
March 30, 2023
“The 1619 Project” is a television series that aims to to reframe America's history by placing Black people’s contributions at the center of what shaped today’s culture.

‘1619’ on Hulu reframes American history

Téa Tamburo, Editor-in-Chief
March 27, 2023
The new beatmaking club gives students the chance to learn new skills and connect with peers with similar interests.

Audio: The beat boys — Club provides opportunity for music exploration, socialization

Téa Tamburo and Sahana Unni
March 7, 2023
“Moonlight Sunrise” subverts TWICE's previous releases by maintaining the timbre of the first verse throughout its full three minutes, but lacks the payoff of a good chorus.

‘Moonlight Sunrise’ gives unexciting preview of upcoming TWICE album

Téa Tamburo, Editor-in-Chief
February 21, 2023
Asian Americans deserve to feel seen in the community and not overlooked as valid people of color. 

Race-related discussions must be reframed to include Asian American community

Téa Tamburo, Editor-in-Chief
February 20, 2023
SUCCESSOR SEARCH. Following the new on Feb. 3 that principal Paul Beekmeyer will leave Lab, a search committee of eight faculty and administrators will work with consultants DRG Talent to hire the next U-High principal.

Principal search aims to finish by April

Téa Tamburo, Editor-in-Chief
February 17, 2023
Mayor Lori Lightfoot speaks at a rally on Feb. 27, 2022, in the Ukrainian Village neighborhood to support the war in Ukraine.

Looking back at Lightfoot: Unpopular mayor seeks second term

Téa Tamburo, Editor-in-Chief
February 15, 2023
U-High Principal Paul Beekmeyer will leave Lab at the end of the 2022-23 school year to serve as head of upper school in a boarding school in Florida.

Principal accepts new job in Florida

Téa Tamburo and Clare O'Connor
February 3, 2023
The Black Students' Association put posters with quotes commemorating Black History Month on each student's locker on Feb. 1.

BSA posts signs commemorating Black History Month on every locker

Téa Tamburo, Editor-in-Chief
February 2, 2023
Following their walkout from the MLK assembly, the Black Students' Association played audio testimonials in hallways Jan. 17. The testimonials were collected from members of U-High identity groups and detail accounts of overt discrimination and microagressions.

With powerful testimonials of discrimination, groups call for action

Taariq Ahmed, Mia Lipson, and Téa Tamburo
January 24, 2023
Charlie Lichtenbaum

Charlie Lichtenbaum

Téa Tamburo, Editor-In-Chief
January 24, 2023
Rising Stars: With winter sports underway, athletes demonstrate potential

Rising Stars: With winter sports underway, athletes demonstrate potential

Chloe Alexander, Audrey Matei, Téa Tamburo, Ainsley Williams, Katie Sasamoto-Kurisu, and Victoria Washington
January 24, 2023
This year's ArtsFest is facing a shortage of workshop proposals which may lead to overcrowded workshops.

ArtsFest meets workshop threshold, concerns remain

Téa Tamburo, Editor-in-Chief
January 11, 2023

Light up the season with city’s holiday activities

Téa Tamburo, Editor-in-Chief
December 8, 2022
Is it really the most wonderful time of year?

Is it really the most wonderful time of year?

Jaya Alenghat, Krishita Dutta, Haley Maharry, Erich Raumann, and Téa Tamburo
December 7, 2022
A statement was released to Laboratory Schools Director Tori Jueds and U-High Principal Paul Beekmeyer by student members of five affinity clubs, demanding that they address hate speech at school and posted on social media.

Identity groups demand community address hate speech

Téa Tamburo, Editor-in-Chief
November 16, 2022
Sophomore Wendell He trick-or-treats down 56th Street while dressed up as the protagonist of "Tian Guan Ci Fu," a Chinese novel. Wendell went with a group of friends and described the experience as very fun.

Hallo-work: Trick or treating less popular as students age

Téa Tamburo, Editor-in-Chief
November 4, 2022

Misleading campaign mailings circulating

Téa Tamburo, Editor-in-Chief
October 26, 2022
So much at risk…

So much at risk…

Téa Tamburo, Taariq Ahmed, Mia Lipson, Amy Ren, Zara Siddique, Victoria Washington, and Peter Cox
October 26, 2022
Editor-in-Chief Téa Tamburo argues that students should be given the option to purchase e-books for their classes.

Consider e-books for increased class accessibility, sustainability

Téa Tamburo, Editor-in-Chief
October 6, 2022
Juniors Aaron Moss and Lena Valenti audition for the fall production “The Firebugs” in Sherry Lansing Theater. The show will be preformed on Oct. 27-29 and follows the story of an arsonist terrorizing a town.

Fall show, ‘The Firebugs,’ begins production

Téa Tamburo, Editor in Chief
September 23, 2022
Fiona Murphy

Fiona Murphy

Téa Tamburo, Editor-in-Chief
September 12, 2022
Quinn Menchetti

Quinn Menchetti

Téa Tamburo, Editor-in-Chief
September 12, 2022
Isaac Berrueta

Isaac Berrueta

Téa Tamburo, Editor-in-Chief
September 12, 2022
Aaron Arreguin

Aaron Arreguin

Téa Tamburo, Editor-in-Chief
September 12, 2022
Fresh Faces: Lab welcomes 9 new faculty

Fresh Faces: Lab welcomes 9 new faculty

Louis Auxenfans and Téa Tamburo
September 12, 2022
The U-High Midway will expand its online presence to engage with more readers and the print paper has been redesigned. Nevertheless, the Midway will maintain its standards of accurate, reliable and timely stories that highlight a diverse range of perspectives.

Midway style evolves with revised goals

Clare O'Connor, Téa Tamburo, and William Tan
September 9, 2022
After an eventful year of coverage, the staff will take a break from publishing over the summer.

Midway to take publishing break over the summer

Clare O'Connor, Téa Tamburo, and William Tan
June 10, 2022
At this year's graduation, 2010 U-High alumna Amy Solomon will give the commencement address at Rockfeller Chapel on June 8.

156 seniors graduate as ceremony returns to Rockefeller Chapel

Téa Tamburo, Editor-in-Chief
June 9, 2022
Editor-in-Chief Téa Tamburo argues that abortion must be looked at through a lens of accessibility and mental health, and that adoption should not be viewed as an alternative for those who want abortions.

Adoption should not be considered a panacea to abortion

Téa Tamburo, Editor-in-Chief
June 3, 2022
Spanish teacher Angelica Guerrero worked with middle and lower school students during her 20 years at Lab.

Five lower, middle school teachers retire with 122 combined years at Lab

Peter Cox, Amy Ren, and Téa Tamburo
June 2, 2022
Ege Halac works with history teacher Cindy Jurisson on his National History Day project.

Seventeen juniors qualify for National History Day Contest

Téa Tamburo, Editor-in-Chief
May 12, 2022
Ninth graders Rohan Gengler and Joonsung Kim converse. The University of Chicago is recommending individuals on its campus to wear a mask indoors.

UChicago recommends wearing masks on campus when indoors

Téa Tamburo, Deputy Managing Editor
May 11, 2022
Staying safe in the sun

Staying safe in the sun

Anathea Carrigan, Audrey Matei, Audrey Matzke, and Téa Tamburo
May 10, 2022

Sunscreens offer various protections, features

Téa Tamburo, Deputy Managing Editor
May 10, 2022
BRAVE BRUSHES. Sophomores Leila Battiste and Ella Cohen-Richie paint the BRAVE logo during the BRAVE mural painting workshop. Mural painting was offered for the first time this year.

BRAVE attendees work toward justice

Téa Tamburo, Deputy Managing Editor
April 11, 2022
Good mornings: Cynthia Boykin

Good mornings: Cynthia Boykin

Téa Tamburo, Deputy Managing Editor
March 16, 2022
In the coming weeks, Lab will welcome a director of communications and change the director of information technology.

Changes to administration in coming year

Téa Tamburo, Deputy Managing Editor
March 10, 2022
Senior Ashley Hannah asks Dean of Students Ana Campos a question about fundraising during a prom committee meeting at lunch on March 3. The committee meets every Thursday to plan this year’s prom, which will be the first one since 2019 to take place off campus.

Dedicated PromCom plans passionately

Téa Tamburo, Deputy Managing Editor
March 10, 2022
The U-High Midway’s website is being recognized by the National Scholastic Press Association for the Online Pacemaker Award.

[Photo] Midway website finalist for national honor

Chloe Alexander, Reporter
March 8, 2022
Juniors David Wolf and Sohan Manek eat lunch without masks. After spring break masks will be optional throughout the entire school.

School announces optional masking after spring break

Téa Tamburo, Deputy Managing Editor
March 7, 2022
To fulfill its mission to uphold DEI values, U-High must make accessibility an important part of curricular design.

Accessibility should guide classroom experience

Téa Tamburo, Deputy Managing Editor
February 16, 2022
With COVID-19 cases decreasing, Lab’s mitigation strategies are changing.

Decrease in COVID-19 cases changes U-High’s mitigation policies

Téa Tamburo, Deputy Managing Editor
February 11, 2022
The mascot of the 2022 Winter Olympics is an animated panda named Bing Dwen Dwen. Read about more Winter Olympics facts below.

Tournament trivia: 44 facts about the Winter Olympics

Téa Tamburo and Peter Cox
February 4, 2022
Lab's emergency communications system has announced that classes on Feb. 2 will be canceled.

Classes canceled due to anticipated winter storm

Téa Tamburo, Deputy Managing Editor
February 1, 2022
A Hyde Park jerk staple, Uncle Joe's Jerk Grilled Chicken offers quality chicken at the cost of a long wait time.

Don’t be a jerk, but consider some for takeout

Noa Appelbaum, Joaquin Figueroa, and Téa Tamburo
January 27, 2022
Jerky Jerk

Jerky Jerk

Téa Tamburo, Deputy Managing Editor
January 27, 2022
Fleetwood Mac’s album “Rumours” reached No. 34 on Billboard’s top 200 downloaded and streamed albums charts for 2021. “Rumours” made a resurgence in August 2021 and remains relatable 40 years after it was released.

Emotional relatability causes resurgence of old album

Téa Tamburo, Deputy Managing Editor
January 26, 2022
When students return to school Jan. 10, they must continue to wear a mask indoors and are recommended to wear a KN95 mask like this one. Lab is making KN95 masks available to the community.

Recommended safety measures to reduce COVID-19 transmission

Téa Tamburo, Deputy Managing Editor
January 7, 2022
In-person exchange trips will be canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its safety restrictions for the 2021-2022 school year.

Exchange trips canceled for the second year

Téa Tamburo, Deputy Managing Editor
December 9, 2021
Artsfest posters can be seen across the school and in Gordon Parks Arts Assembly in light of them accepting submissions.

ArtsFest accepting workshop submissions through Dec. 19

Téa Tamburo, Deputy Managing Editor
November 17, 2021
From left to right: Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Tortilla Chips, Pumpkin Brioche Twist, Pumpkin Spice Hummus, Non-Dairy Pumpkin Oat Beverage and Pumpkin Bagels. The Midway staff enjoyed the pumpkin bagels, but didn’t think the rest were worth buying.

Pumped up for pumpkin spice

Peter Cox, Audrey Park, Amy Ren, Téa Tamburo, and Sahana Unni
November 10, 2021
The volleyball team huddles together before a game on senior night on Oct. 21. The Maroons' finished their season winning the ISL conference and the regional championship.

Aces & Queens: Volleyball team’s connection leads to successful season

Téa Tamburo, Deputy Managing Editor
November 2, 2021
Organizers hold up the “Columbus Day Parade” sign at the corner of State Street and Wacker Boulevard at the beginning of the parade route on Monday, Oct. 11. The organizers were preceded by a marching band.

Parade watchers express differing views on Columbus and holiday

Téa Tamburo and Audrey Matei
October 19, 2021
The military exit from Afghanistan was a good choice, but it shouldn't dull us to the continuing need for humanitarian aid in the region, writes Deputy Managing Editor Téa Tamburo.

U.S. must still aid Afghanistan after withdrawal

Téa Tamburo, Deputy Managing Editor
October 6, 2021
New athletic trainer Breanna Lewenthal examines an athlete in the fitness center.

New athletic trainer joins U-High

Téa Tamburo, Deputy Managing Editor
October 1, 2021
The Ouroboros Review literary translation journal is accepting submissions until Dec. 18.

[Photo] Ouroboros Review opens submissions for upcoming publication

Samuel Beck, Reporter
September 28, 2021
This year’s homecoming will take place in the Sherry Lansing Theater Sept. 25 from 7:30-10:30 p.m.

[Photo] ‘Hollywood’ themed homecoming to take place Sept. 25

Audrey Matei, Reporter
September 21, 2021
History teacher Holly Johnston, left, hugs Elizabeth Lin, who had just recognized Ms. Johnston on behalf of the Class of 2021 for the impact she had on students. “She challenged us intellectually, pushed us to be independent, but also gave us structure and the resources we needed to be successful,” Elizabeth said. “But more importantly, she believed in us.”

Seniors gather for picnic, final walk of historic campus

Téa Tamburo and Amon Gray
June 9, 2021
Playing for a prize. Seniors play roulette to win raffle tickets. Poker, blackjack and craps were also available, and students traded their tokens for raffle tickets. “I’m glad something was put together,” Avi Keysar said. “The main thing is that we got to see each other and celebrate together.”

Students gather for ’Under the Stars’-themed prom on June 5

Lucia Kouri, Téa Tamburo, and Adrianna Nehme
June 8, 2021
Juniors Ben Sachs and Saul Arnow, along with the rest of the U-High Progressives club members, will have to navigate adjusting club activities to a more normal school year.

Clubs manage leadership transitions after year of distance learning

Téa Tamburo, Deputy Managing Editor
June 3, 2021
Sophomore Téa Tamburo's closet consists of an assortment of dresses that are a few of her options for prom. This year’s prom will take place on Kenwood Mall on June 5 from 8-10:30 p.m.

‘Under the Stars’ themed prom to take place June 5

Téa Tamburo, Deputy Managing Editor
May 24, 2021
Many students have ventured outdoors to pursue hobbies during the pandemic. Chicago's Navy Pier offers a scenic outdoor space for friends and family to gather.

[Photo] Students find time to pursue outdoor hobbies during pandemic

Samuel Beck, Reporter
May 20, 2021
The InFlame History and Economics Journal is accepting history papers, and the Ouroboros Review literary translation journal is accepting student literary translations for their upcoming publications.

[Photo] Student submissions open for journals’ upcoming publications

William Tan, Reporter
May 13, 2021
The Parents’ Association website will hold links and resources pertaining to Rites of May.

Rites of May to be celebrated virtually May 15

Téa Tamburo, Deputy Managing Editor
May 12, 2021
To acknowledge that Chicago and the Laboratory Schools sit on historically indigenous land, the science department wrote a land acknowledgement statement that will act as a starting point for diversifying curriculum and recognizing students’ heritage. 

Statement acknowledges indigenous land, sets example

Téa Tamburo, Content Manager
May 6, 2021
Photos taken will be included in the 2021 edition of U-Highlights.

Students to be photographed in late April

Téa Tamburo, Content Manager
April 14, 2021
To accommodate students on distance learning and hybrid, teachers take on new responsibilities such as tackling issues with technology.

[Photo] Teachers receive new responsibilities related to supervision, technology

Amon Gray, Assistant Editor
April 14, 2021
Pop singer Sia has just released a new film to debut her new album that may be controversial to some viewers

Sia’s new film ‘Music’ lacks the consideration to properly portray neurodivergence

Téa Tamburo
April 9, 2021
As the pandemic has continued, students have faced new challenges navigating social interactions, leading some students to relax their diligence about getting infected with the coronavirus. Some have completely avoided in-person socialization, while others formed small pods, where members reduce risk by committing to interactions only with a limited group.

Pandemic Problems: Social isolation reveals importance of human connection

Téa Tamburo, Content Manager
April 9, 2021
The Jalapeño Poppers, this year’s winners of the Hunt, pose for an unlikely photo with Justin Timberlake. For one of the annual scavenger hunt’s challenges, juniors Ben Luu, Adrianna Nehme, Alina Susani and Saul Arnow had to create an image of themselves with their favorite celebrity.

Junior team Jalapeño Poppers wins the Hunt

Téa Tamburo, Content Manager
April 8, 2021
The junior varsity and novice debate teams end their competition season and work on preparing for next year's topic on water resource protections.

Competitions finished, debate team prepares for next season 

Téa Tamburo, Content Manager
March 31, 2021
When we return to completely in-person classes, teachers should continue to provide us with this resource, so we can continue to practice time management, writes content manager Téa Tamburo.

Teachers should continue publishing weekly course plans

Téa Tamburo, Content Manager
March 15, 2021
The main priority should be finding the most qualified candidate who brings experience and who validates peoples’ experiences, even if it means not having someone permanent in that position this fall, writes content manager Téa Tamburo.

Lab should appoint an interim DEI director to ensure stability during search process

Téa Tamburo, Content Manager
March 11, 2021
Junior Loren Calleri makes knives, hooks, cheeseboards and more through woodwork and metalwork with his dad. These are sold on his Etsy shop, Driftless Metal Works

Loren, Daniel Calleri start Etsy shop, bond over woodworking

Téa Tamburo, Content Manager
March 5, 2021
The junior varsity and novice debate teams end their competition season and work on preparing for next year's topic on water resource protections.

Debate team finishes season with strong performance

Téa Tamburo, Content Manager
March 3, 2021
Both spring and winter sports have been given approval to begin their seasons.

Winter, spring sports begin at last

Téa Tamburo, Content Manager
February 28, 2021
The junior varsity and novice debate teams end their competition season and work on preparing for next year's topic on water resource protections.

Debate finishes with strong rankings at virtual competitions

Téa Tamburo, Content Manager
February 24, 2021
Connections for Abused Women and Their Children faced a great strain on its already limited services when the pandemic's stay-at- home order was implemented in the spring of 2020.

Local domestic abuse shelter under strain from pandemic

Téa Tamburo, Content Manager
February 24, 2021
The law enforcement response to the attack on the Capitol demonstrates a need to acknowledge and scrutinize the white supremacist roots of our country, writes Midway content manager Téa Tamburo.

Insufficient response to attack on Capitol perpetuates white supremacist values

Téa Tamburo, Content Manager
January 20, 2021
Taylor Swifts 'Evermore' is the stand alone album that came out on December 11 2020, and distinguishes itself from her other albums through its sophistication.

Taylor Swift’s second album of the year ‘Evermore’ shifts away from her light hearted pop scene

Téa Tamburo, Content Manager
January 8, 2021
Some teachers chose to postpone teaching new content Jan. 7 and instead provided spaces for students to discuss what happened in the U.S. Capitol the day before. Classes were optional, and some experienced moderate to extreme reductions in size.

Discussions, reactions, relaxing activities fill school day after Capitol insurrection

Amanda Cassel, Amy Ren, Téa Tamburo, and Peter Pu
January 7, 2021
The senior retreat scheduled for February 2021 was canceled due to the spread of COVID-19 and the University of Chicago’s health guidelines, but the Class of 2021 Student Council plans to organize opportunities for the class to connect. 

Student Council plans events to connect students after senior retreat cancellation

Téa Tamburo, Content Manager
December 16, 2020
Sophomore Ana Cucalon started the school year off with a goal to apply makeup before class. As distance learning continued, she has found herself neglecting this goal and uses extra morning time to sleep.

Morning, self-care routines shift due to distance learning

Téa Tamburo, Content Manager
December 8, 2020
A shopper walks along Chicago’s North Michigan Avenue past a sign for a Black Friday sale.

Students, families shop online for Black Friday deals to stay safe

Téa Tamburo, Content Manager
December 3, 2020
Load More Stories