The Student News Site of University of Chicago Laboratory High School

U-High Midway
Searching for solutions: Student looks at the AI overview while searching for how to find the derivative of a function on one of the Library’s computers. Many students rely on the overview as well as other AI tools for quick solutions to math problems and inquiries.
Teachers find AI Overview a shortcut for research
From hope to hesitancy, students reacted in many different ways to the election of a new pope.
Vox Pop: Students excited, nervous about new pope
W. Ian Lipkin who graduated U-High in 1970, was awarded the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award. Dr. Lipkin has over 40 years of work in his field.
Immunologist W. Ian Lipkin, Class of 1970, given the Distinguished Alumni Award
Daniel Chang, the 2025-26 all-school president-elect, hopes to make Student Council more efficient.
As president, Chang to prioritize functionality
Daniel Chang was elected all-school president for the 2025-26 school year.
Chang, Quiles to lead 2025-26 Student Council
From May 5-9, sophomores Aya El Bissati and Jairy Felix led a children's book drive, which raised over 120 books.
Book drive supports children’s literacy in underserved communities
On April 26 at Illinois State University, the Math Team won a state competition. Additionally, multiple teams and individuals won first place in individual competitions.
Math team wins state contest after scoring mishap
Senior Taariq Ahmed has been selected as Student Journalist of the Year by Youth Journalism International.
Midway editor named Student Journalist of the Year in global competition
Light Dohrn, the Midway's arts & entertainment editor, and Elspeth LaCroix-Birdthistle, who is on the U-Highlights staff and was on the photojournalism team last year, were selected for the Illinois Journalism Education Association's All-State Journalism Team.
For third consecutive year, two U-High journalists named to All-State team
Midway journalists and photojournalists received various awards from the Illinois Journalism Education Association, including Best Overall Publication and Best Hybrid Publication.
U-High journalists, photojournalists receive state awards
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
Addicted to the Algorithm
Addicted to the Algorithm
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
Audience Engagement Editor Abhay Chandran argues that books should choose a meaningful ending instead of an easy ending.
Write endings that have meaning instead of an easy outcome
The Editorial Board argues that Lab is losing the characteristics and limiting student activities which define student life and make the highschool experience fun.
Lab is losing what makes it fun
Assistant Editor Lila Coyne argues that in a period of petty political arguments, students should engage in collaborative disagreement.
Embrace collaborative disagreement to improve discussion
The Editorial Board argues that elected students must follow through on the promises that they make during campaigning.
Hold your Student Council accountable
Assistant Editor Orlie Weitzman argues that diversity from multilingualism needs to be embraced instead of demonized.
America must celebrate its multilingual roots
During Lab A, ninth graders Lauren Wilson and Alondra Reyes visit middle school faculty member Thomas Toney to talk about the latest water polo match that Alondra participated in. Lauren and Alondra often go together to visit Mr. Toney and talk to him about school or about personal things together. “We come back from time to time just to keep conversation going about how we’re doing in high school,” Lauren said.
Students maintain bonds with middle school teachers
Sophomore Saanika Dutta sets up an experiment for lower school students on April 6 as apart of Women in Stem's Science Saturday.
WiStem Science Saturday offers mentorship, education
Pressure of the perfect night
Pressure of the perfect night
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
DINK OR DILL: Senior Asher Huner found a love for pickleball last summer, amid a boom of the fastest-growing sport.
Pickleball provides social time, enjoyable gameplay
Food al Fresco
Food al Fresco
PAWS FOR PASSION. Volunteer Wendy Elstien holds her foster dog, Gilda, as she explains the impact that the rescue has had on her life. Ms. Elstien started fostering Gilda after the loss of her own dog. “You have no idea how much this dog means to me and how much this has changed my life,” she said, “and that's really powerful to me.”
Fetching Hope: Volunteer organization saves vulnerable dogs from abuse
The Public Housing Museum, located at 919 S Ada St., allows visitors to engage with a narrative of public housing that highlights the humanity, resilience and joy of residents. The museum includes a working studio where the stories of public housing residents are recorded and publicly archived; a gift shop owned and operated by current and former public housing residents; gallery and exhibition spaces; a playground; and a recreation room where visitors can enjoy a large collection of records by artists who lived in public housing across the United States.
Public Housing Museum combats stereotypes through storytelling
Students practice lifeguarding skills in Sunny Gymnasium as part of a U-High class. U-High students say lifeguarding provides them with work experience and helps build connections with fellow employees.
Lifeguarding provides students with work experience, camaraderie
A second location of 5 Rabanitos, a Mexican restaurant based in the Pilsen neighborhood, is now open at 1301 E. 53rd St..
Pilsen’s 5 Rabanitos restaurant opens second location in Hyde Park
One hundred years after its publication in 1925, "The Great Gatsby" remains relevant, detailing parallel struggles and responses to our current day.
100 years later, ‘The Great Gatsby’ remains a cautionary tale
FROM SCENE TO SCREEN. Ninth grader René Saussy edits footage for a classmate’s short film using Adobe Premiere. After completing his own short film, he has been helping others edit their films
From Script to Screen: Ninth Graders explore filmmaking one scene at a time
"Sinners," a new movie by the director of "Black Panther," explores themes of ownership and race. It was released on April 17 and is currently available in theaters.
‘Sinners’ brings fresh vision, allegorical confusion
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
Senior Henry Auxenfans began taking violin lessons at 5 years old, and dedicated the next 13 years of his life to it.
Keeping time: Senior Henry Auxenfans finds discipline in violin
Sophomore Suna Choi Hortaçsu competes in an indoor track meet.
Athletic essentials Q&A: Suna Choi Hortaçsu
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
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
Senior Krish Khanna, a varsity tennis co-captain, leads his team with passion and sportsmanship. His love for tennis started at age 6 and continues to shape his high school experience.
Senior Krish Khanna finds purpose through tennis, leadership
Six alumni who once competed as U-High athletes will be inducted into the Lab Athletics Hall of Fame as members of the Class of 2025.
Six U-High alumni athletes to be inducted into Lab Athletics Hall of Fame
HIDDEN HARM. Food dyes like tartrazine may deplete zinc, potentially affecting brain function. The European Union bans several dyes still allowed in the U.S., including Red 40 and Yellow 5.
Candy-colored concerns
A student selects various vegetables from the salad bar. Recent changes to the salad bar offerings in Cafe Lab have inspired students to consider healthier lunch options.
Audio: Improvements in healthier lunch options encourage mindful eating
FY FUTURE. Nature’s Fynd yogurts and patties are sold at local grocery stores like Whole Foods and Mariano’s. The company’s dairy-free Fy Yogurt recently won the 2025 NEXTY Award for best new dairy alternative.
From Yellowstone to yogurt, company makes new protein
Senior Noah Hoereth exercises in the fitness center. Recently, students have been using the fitness center for workouts, finding that the physical activity reaps mental rewards.
Audio: Fitness center workouts provide mental health benefits
LAUGH IT OFF. Laughter helps in reducing stress, strengthening your immune system, and bringing people closer together. In fact, you're 30 times more likely to laugh when you're with someone else than when you're alone.
Ha-ha for healthy healing
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
Students have been taking initiative outside of class to improve their foreign language skills through conversation clubs and language learning apps like Duolingo.
Audio: Improving language skills helps students learn, improve academically
Ninth-grader Dorothy Jenner has been dancing since she was two years old. She dances various styles, including ballet, hip hop, modern and pop.
Audio: Developing love for dance, ninth grader gains skills and confidence
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
Surrounded by fellow students, junior Sara Park dances at Spring Fling on April 5 in the Sherry Lansing Theater.
Spring Fling enchants, charms with themed decor
In a March 26 tennis practice, ninth grader Alexander Yamini returns a ball in a serving and returning drill. “Practice helps me to improve my skills on the court,” Alexander said. “Every day that I go to practice I feel that I have added to my tennis skill set. People tend to see the final product or the polished skill, but they don’t always recognize the countless hours of struggling with things that didn’t work out during training.”
Gallery: Practice Makes Perfect
In a recurring scene about a student stuck in a time loop, junior Evelyn Halbach, left, relives the same experience of helping senior Taylor Landrey with her homework.
Gallery: Student Experimental Theater
Junior Liz Longnecker completes a Gelli plate print during Period 3.
Gallery: ArtsFest sparks excitement, expression
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
Victoria Washington

Victoria Washington, Opinion Editor

Victoria Washington is a member of the Class of 2025 and serves as the Opinion Editor. She joined the journalism team in fall 2021 during her ninth grade year. Her favorite story she’s written for the U-High Midway is “Artist raises $2,000 to restore Bronzeville mural.” She enjoys journalism because it provides an opportunity to communicate with others from different departments and see new perspectives. Aside from journalism, she enjoys historical fashion and watching documentaries.

Awards:

2024 Illinois Journalism Education Association: Third place, sports commentary, Like their male counterparts, allow female athletes to display emotion during competitions

2023 Journalism Education Association National Student Media Contests, Boston convention: Honorable mention, commentary writing

2023 Illinois Journalism Education Association: Second place, photo gallery or slideshow (with Audrey Matei, Kaden Moubayed, Henry Benton, Patrice Graham, Matthew McGehee, Ishani Hariprasad, Sarah Abdelsalam), Photos: ArtsFest 2023

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

2023 Journalism Education Association National Student Media Contests, San Francisco convention: Honorable mention, news writing

All content by Victoria Washington
Ninth graders Isaac Sutherland and Priya Yamada perform a rendition of “Here Comes the Sun" by the Beatles at Labstock, which took place May 31 afterschool on Scammon Garden.

Community unwinds together at Labstock gathering

Victoria Washington, City Life Editor
June 3, 2024
Spend your summer exploring the city of Chicago with 12 different festival recommendations.

[Photo] 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
Students were asked a question about social media having an enforced age limit.

Vox Pop: Enforced social media age limit

Victoria Washington, City Life Editor
May 28, 2024
Six members of the girls track and field team participated in five events at the 2A state meet at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston May 16-18. 

Girls track and field wrap up: Team participated in 5 events at state

Victoria Washington, City Life Editor
May 24, 2024
After many isolated months indoors, some people have developed a green thumb, providing an outlet for relaxation and stress reduction.

Green thumbs: Students, faculty create comfort and connection with houseplants

Victoria Washington, Opinion Editor
April 23, 2024
After a recent art competition, seven U-High students had their work featured at the Bridgeport Arts Center. Reid was inspired to make the ergonomic camera prototype, in the photo, an easier alternative to the cameras currently on the market.

Artist show their work in recent competition, Bridgeport exhibit

Victoria Washington, Opinion Editor
April 22, 2024
From April 7-16, the French exchange students from Lille explored Chicago, trying food, activities, and bonding with U-High students.

French exchange students explore Chicago, make memories

Victoria Washington, Opinion Editor
April 22, 2024
The Laboratory Schools has hired a new director of safety and security. Michael McGehee began his new role on March 1.

Alumnus and experienced school resource officer hired as new director of security

Victoria Washington, Opinion Editor
March 29, 2024
Twin sisters Haley Sturgill and Stella Sturgill have played soccer together on the same team for almost their whole lives. They are seen by their teammates as leaders for their commitment to the sport. Next year they will play soccer at the collegiate level, but on different teams for the first time.

These twins win: On and off field, Sturgill sisters provide support

Victoria Washington, Opinion Editor
March 29, 2024
Opinion editor Victoria Washington argues that even though Beyoncé is an R&B singer, she should be allowed to branch off into the country music genre.

Beyoncé’s shift to country music pays homage to history of genre

Victoria Washington, Opinion Editor
March 25, 2024
To provide a commercial salon space, Sheila Dantzler works closely with stylists including Savanna Finely to create a positive work environment. She believes creating work environments like the Suites will inspire the entrepreneurs of Bronzeville.

Hair check: Sheila Dantzler

Victoria Washington, Opinion Editor
February 21, 2024
Students pass around candy, and other treats to celebrate Valentine's Day. Some classes even require their students to make Valentines to embrace the spirit and spread love during the day.

Teens celebrate Valentine’s Day in untraditional ways

Victoria Washington, Opinion Editor
February 19, 2024
On Feb. 1, the Math Team hosted the fourth competition for the North Suburban Math League (NSML) at Lab, where the team placed third.

Math Team places third in NSML competition hosted at Lab

Victoria Washington, Opinion Editor
February 7, 2024
Guest speaker Michelle Hoereth, assistant provost and a leader in DEI initiatives at the University of Chicago, spoke about different forms of activism at the school-wide assembly on Jan. 11.

Encouraging cultural awareness: Affinity groups collaborate on schoolwide assembly

Victoria Washington, Opinion Editor
January 18, 2024
A customer decides how much to tip employees for their meal at Plein Air Cafe in the University of Chicago.

After years of advocacy, Chicago ends subminimum wage for tipped workers

Victoria Washington, Opinion Editor
November 29, 2023
Café Lab has implemented multiple measures to promote sustainability, including a new system to recycle cooking oil, which turns the waste product into biodiesel. Additionally, Café Lab reduces food waste and uses fresh ingredients, particularly at the stir fry bar.

Cafeteria implements new sustainability practices

Victoria Washington, Opinion Editor
November 29, 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
Opinion Editor Victoria Washington argues Laboratory Schools students are encouraged to spend a lot of time reflecting on DEI topics through workshops, assemblies and a mandatory middle school DEI course. As a result, students are much more conscious and sensitive to their own implicit biases, but not much has changed in actuality.

DEI overhaul: students don’t need more workshops

Victoria Washington, Opinion Editor
October 13, 2023
Lab students arrive at school before the 8:30 a.m. start time. Two weeks into the 2023-24 school year, students express a wide variety of thoughts and opinions regarding the schedule changes.

New schedule prompts mix of convenience, irritation

Victoria Washington, Opinion Editor
September 21, 2023
A student views their ballot confirmation after voting in the May 1 Student Council election.

Election circumstances spark concern, feelings of distrust

Victoria Washington, Opinion Editor
May 29, 2023
CARING COMMUNITIES. Phillip Matsikas (who insisted on being photographed from the back), Loretta Palmer and Michael Moses will retire at the end of the year after decades of facilitating welcoming communities.

Other cherished faces will retire

Victoria Washington, Opinion Editor
May 26, 2023
Lives in 300 words: Stories from the Lab community

Lives in 300 words: Stories from the Lab community

Sahana Unni, Chloe Alexander, Mia Lipson, Ainsley Williams, Taariq Ahmed, Peter Cox, Victoria Washington, Ethan Swinger, and Audrey Matei
May 19, 2023
Everyday Energy: Hana Javed

Everyday Energy: Hana Javed

Victoria Washington, Opinion Editor
May 19, 2023
The Nat King Cole mural, a significant part of the Bronzeville neighborhood, was recently the subject of a fundraising campaign for much-needed repairs. 

Artist raises $2,000 to restore Bronzeville mural

Victoria Washington, Audience Engagement Manager
April 19, 2023
Audience Engagement Manager Victoria Washington argues that just as male athletes are praised for their sportsmanship and display of emotion during the game, women, especially black women, should be allowed the space to trash talk their fellow competitors.

Like their male counterparts, allow female athletes to display emotion during competitions

Victoria Washington, Audience Engagement Manager
April 13, 2023
The U-High Jazz ensemble allows for student expressiveness and creativity. 

Audio: Through Jazz Band, students demonstrate musicianship

Amon Gray and Victoria Washington
April 6, 2023
Junior Poppy Beiser practices starts on Jackman Field. Poppy's passion for and dedication to running has propelled her to to success.

Sprinting to success: Poppy Beiser perseveres, finds joy

Victoria Washington, Audience Engagement Manager
March 28, 2023
At the end of their final year, U-High seniors walk through the school as younger students cheer and celebrate their journey.

Through traditions, Lab fosters community

Victoria Washington, Audience Engagement Manager
March 6, 2023
Photos: ArtsFest 2023

Photos: ArtsFest 2023

Victoria Washington and Audrey Matei
March 3, 2023
Thinking twice about purchasing decisions and taking initiative are necessary for a more sustainable world.

Wealth disparity among consumers sustains environmentally detrimental fast-fashion industry

Victoria Washington, Audience Engagement Manager
March 2, 2023
SHIFTING PERSPECTIVES. The Smart Museum at the University of Chicago will be displaying the exhibit “Not All Realisms” through June 4, 2023. The goal of the exhibit is to show the relationship between people and media in African countries during the 1960’s.

Museum exhibit reframes reality through photography

Victoria Washington, Audience Engagement Manager
February 20, 2023
Nana Akoto

Nana Akoto

Victoria Washington, Audience Engagement Manager
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
Audience Engagement Manager Victoria Washington argues individual ownership of social media platforms increases the danger of misinformation and disinformation.

Individual ownership of social media platforms threatens access to reliable information

Victoria Washington, Audience Engagement Manager
January 12, 2023
Students may begin submitting proposals for Artsfest workshops, T-shirt and mural designs.

Artsfest submissions due second week of January

Victoria Washington, Audience Engagement Manager
December 1, 2022
Senior Maile Nacu throws a kick into the air. Maile trains in karate at the top level four to five times a week. She is a part of her family's Enso Karate school.

Maile Nacu applies skills and values of karate to everyday life

Victoria Washington, Audience Engagement Manager
November 29, 2022
Despite a star-studded cast list and a significant budget, "Blonde" ultimately takes too many inaccurate, sexist creative liberties in documenting Marilyn Monroe's life.

‘Blonde’ fails to depict Marilyn Monroe’s life, reinforces stereotypes

Victoria Washington, Reporter
October 31, 2022

These national election issues should be critical to students, too

Amy Ren, Zara Siddique, Taariq Ahmed, Victoria Washington, and Peter Cox
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
Seniors Charlotte Henderson and Gretchen Matzke pose in the Sherry Lansing theater during the homecoming dance on Sept. 24.

Homecoming dance engages, entertains students

Victoria Washington, Reporter
September 27, 2022
Over 13 years after Barack Obama took office, the construction of the Obama Presidential Center in Woodlawn promotes civic engagement and gives new hope to Chicago's South Side.

Audio: As Obama Presidential Center takes shape, South Side has high hopes

Victoria Washington, Reporter
June 1, 2022
Chicago has a diverse range of food and activities to explore this summer.

All over the map: Explore something new this summer

Kiran Collins, Milo Platz-Walker, Katie Sasamoto-Kurisu, Evan Lok, Victoria Washington, Olivia Adams, and Chloe Alexander
June 1, 2022
ENGAGING EXHIBITS. The DuSable Museum exhibits African American history distinctively.

[Photo] Murals, museum express culture, stories

Evan Lok, Victoria Washington, Reporters
June 1, 2022
“Live, Learn and Achieve.” A dynamic series of posters by international artists is showcased in a virtual gallery by the Kellogg University Art Gallery. The exhibition, inspired by Hillary Clinton’s proclamation, “Women’s Rights are Human Rights,” remind viewers of the realities of gender-based violence and discrimination.

Virtual art gallery provokes conversation about gender-based violence

Victoria Washington, Reporter
May 27, 2022
A page from Eleey Farrell and Govan Norse Rondeau’s book on Barbra Kruger’s exhibit at the Art Institute Of Chicago: “Thinking of you I mean me I mean you.” The statement,“I need therefore I shop” is a still from the video version of “Untitled (I shop therefore I am), 1987/2019.” The phrase is a play on Rene Descartes’ philosophical concept “I think, therefore I am” with a classic Kruger twist. Ms. Kruger is known for social commentary on consumerism and these stills demonstrate the irony in the Supreme Swipe.

Supreme Swipe: Supreme logo spurs ethics controversy

Victoria Washington, Reporter
May 20, 2022
Those interested in preforming at the Awards Assembly should fill out a form by May 5.

Applications open for Awards Assembly performer

Victoria Washington, Reporter
April 26, 2022
Schools must work towards providing healthier school lunches for students, writes reporter Victoria Washington.

Prioritize programming of healthier school lunches

Victoria Washington, Reporter
April 15, 2022
Misinformation on social media must be countered, argue a group of beginning journalists.

Opinion: Social media users should combat misinformation of Ukrainian invasion

Olivia Adams, Chloe Alexander, Toshiro Chin, Kiran Collins, Evan Lok, Sandra Mordi, Milo Platz-Walker, Katie Sasamoto-Kurisu, and Victoria Washington
March 7, 2022
A little boy pets Puka, the family dog of students Ace and Chloe Ma, on Kenwood Mall. Parents with dogs have been taking advantage of pickup time to get to know each other.

Come for pickup, stay for puppies: Dog-owner parents socialize on Kenwood

Victoria Washington, Reporter
February 28, 2022
Sophomores volunteer at their service site during retreat.

Changes made to sophomore service learning requirement

Victoria Washington, Reporter
October 26, 2021
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