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
Zara Siddique

Zara Siddique, Sports & Leisure Editor

Zara Siddique is a member of the Class of 2024 and serves as the sports and leisure editor. She joined the journalism family in the 2021-22 school year as a sophomore. Her favorite part of journalism is getting to meet new people. Her favorite story she has written is “Qatar sparks controversy as World Cup host.” Outside of journalism, she enjoys playing tennis, reading and listening to music.

Awards:

2024 Illinois Journalism Education Association: First place, photo story (with Sahana Unni)

2024 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Circle Award: Second place (with Sahana Unni), photo layout: full page (Page 3)

2023 Illinois Journalism Education Association: First place, multimedia story package (with Amy Ren), Stitched together: New elective blends artistic creativity, fashion through experimental approach

2023 Illinois Journalism Education Association: Third place, sports commentary, FIFA World Cup (Chapter 2): Qatar sparks controversy as World Cup host

2023 Journalism Education Association National Student Media Contests, San Francisco convention: Superior, commentary writing

All content by Zara Siddique

[Video] Chamoy pickle TikTok food trend tickles taste buds

Clare McRoberts, Features Editor
April 30, 2024
Sophomore Evelyn Halbach participated in the Young Entrepreneur Academy program in Chicago, where she created a board game called EcoFrenzy. The game was based on the science involved in the world of pollination and won first place.

Student inventor wins first place for environmental board game in entrepreneurship program

Zara Siddique, Sports & Leisure editor
April 16, 2024
PAINTING PSYCHEDELICS. A group of students from Sunny Neater’s third period Studio Art class works on the Electric Gordyland mural on the second floor of Gordon Parks Arts Hall. The students had the chance to fully design this mural, choosing its colors, style and elements to include. This allowed the class to get firsthand art experience.

‘Gordyland’ mural shows ’60s trends

Zara Siddique, Sports & Leisure Editor
April 1, 2024
At the annual Spring Fling dance on March 23, themed “Aurora Borealis Bash,” students danced the night away in Sherry Lansing Theater with a high attendance of 420 students.

Spring Fling dance enthralls students with Aurora Borealis theme

Zara Siddique, Sports & Leisure editor
March 26, 2024
The varsity boys basketball team ended its season in a 41-67 loss against Wendell Phillips High School.

Boys basketball ends season at regional semifinals

Zara Siddique, Sports and Leisure Editor
March 7, 2024
Gliding through the water, sophomore Julian Rossi uses the butterfly stroke to propel himself along the length of the swimming pool at Ratner Athletics Center on Feb. 3. The boys swimming team ended the season at the IHSA sectional finals, coming in fourth place overall.

Gallery: Winter sports in review

Zara Siddique, Light Dohrn, and Milo Platz-Walker
March 5, 2024
Illyria Grezda, a barber at University Hair Stylists, has established connections with a wide variety of continuous customers, their ages spanning from 5 to 70, and even greater. With each one, Mr. Grezda has developed a connection.

Barber and immigrant Ilirian Grezda enjoys salon atmosphere

Zara Siddique, Sports & Leisure Editor
February 23, 2024
A poster in the hallway spreads awareness about Consent Week. From Feb. 12-16, Intersectional Feminism Club will host Consent Week, a school-sponsored event consisting of various workshops and activities to raise awareness on consent.

Consent Week to raise awareness of consent through activities, workshops

Zara Siddique, Sports & Leisure Editor
February 6, 2024
Sports & Leisure Editor Zara Siddique argues that while social media platforms and instant video services can be seen as a way to stay connected, they also pose a threat to maintaining healthy amounts of social activity.

Socializing through screens isn’t enough for healthy connections

Zara Siddique, Sports & Leisure Editor
January 18, 2024

Cultural market immerses visitors in diverse holiday spirit

Skye Freeman, Delaney Connell, and Zara Siddique
December 13, 2023
Many students have sought refuge in their New York Times subscriptions, specifically the mindful and captivating games that come with news, opinion and sports headlines.

New York Times puzzle games bring opportunities to connect

Zara Siddique, Sports & Leisure Editor
December 7, 2023
CLASSROOM CLIMATE. Holly Johnston teaches Modern World Religions. Ms. Johnston adapted her classroom to support students better.

In response to data, teachers modify classrooms

Zara Siddique, Sports & Leisure Editor
November 14, 2023
In this Vox Pop, we ask students who will vote in the 2024 Presidential election which issues are the most important.

Vox Pop: 2024 presidential election

Light Dohrn, Edward Park, and Zara Siddique
November 9, 2023
Headspace, Daylio Journal, Forest and Moodkit are valuable tools for aiding students in managing their mental health.

Stress management apps support student mental health

Zara Siddique, Sports & Leisure Editor
November 1, 2023
Head coach Lisa Kirchhoff and senior captain Santana Romero attentively listen to a comment during a team huddle at the Dig Pink game.

Dig Pink brings together community

Zara Siddique, Sports and Leisure Editor
October 26, 2023
As the leaves turn shades of red and orange and the air becomes crisp, it’s clear that autumn has finally arrived. The colorful and cozy season is often cherished through fall traditions, whether it be enjoying pumpkin-flavored everything or getting lost in a corn maze.

[Photo] Four fun fall activities to celebrate the new season

Sahana Unni, Editor-in-Chief
October 26, 2023
The JV boys soccer team is dismissed early in order to make it to their game on time. Student-athletes struggle missing class when homework, assessments and lessons are dispersed throughout their day.

Athletic Approach: In first year, new trainer establishes relationships with student athletes

Zara Siddique, Sports & Leisure Editor
October 19, 2023
In the Sundrip café, a vegan restaurant new to Hyde Park, an employee works at the cashier. This is Sundrip's second location at 1109 East 55th Street.

New vegan eatery offers haven, health

Zara Siddique, Sports & Leisure Editor
October 13, 2023
Five former U-High athletes will be inducted into the Lab Athletics Hall of Fame on Oct. 14. The reception and ceremony will take place for its fifth year in Upper Kovler gym at 6 p.m.

Athletics hall of fame to honor 5 alumni athletes

Zara Siddique, Sports & Leisure Editor
September 26, 2023
The student crowd spectates the annual student-versus-faculty soccer game at Wellapalooza held on May 18.  

Spectators cheer for favorite students, faculty in Wellapalooza soccer game

Zara Siddique, Audrey Park, and Taariq Ahmed
May 31, 2023
Seniors Peter Cox and Jay Molony work together to build a go-kart for their group's May Project.

May Projects prompt creative exploration

Zara Siddique, Sports and Leisure Editor
May 24, 2023
Summer festivals are gathering spots for groups of friends, who say the joy is in the culture, community and atmosphere.

Festival Fans: At Chicago summer music festivals, students find culture, community

Zara Siddique, Sports & Leisure Editor
May 18, 2023

Video: Wildlife conservation club serves community in monthly beach cleanup

Zara Siddique, Sports and Leisure editor
May 11, 2023
Keith Bear sits in a music classroom and talks to students about his music and storytelling. He crafts flutes and uses them to create musical compositions that tell stories.

Musician visits lab to tell stories through music, talk with students

Zara Siddique, Audience Engagement Manager
May 4, 2023
In this Vox Pop, we ask students and faculty about their opinion on the results of Chicago's mayoral election April 4.

Vox Pop: Mayoral election results

Sahana Unni, Clare McRoberts, and Zara Siddique
April 7, 2023
The popular social media app TikTok, due to attention-grabbing short videos, makes it a time suck that's hard to stop using. Some students deleted the app to improve their focus and concentration.

Audio: Tick Tock — Is time up for TikTok?

Audrey Matei and Zara Siddique
April 4, 2023
Thirteen members of the Midway received awards from the Scholastic Press Association of Chicago for their work in writing, photograph, online, and multimedia categories.

Midway staff receive citywide recognition

Zara Siddique, Audience and Engagement Manager
March 31, 2023
As manager of the varsity boys basketball team, Senior Camille Bryant was in charge of filming games and taking statistics.

Team managers organize behind the scenes and on the field

Zara Siddique, Audience Engagement Manager
March 22, 2023
​​

[Video] Video: Creative outlets found at Art in the Dark

Zara Siddique, Audience Engagement Manager
March 3, 2023
Mispronunciation of names and foreign names is common in the classroom, causing discomfort for some students.

Students experience discomfort due to mispronunciation of names

Zara Siddique, Audience Engagement Manager
February 24, 2023
While "Kaleidoscope's" "choose your own adventure" concept is unique and compelling, it ultimately makes the plot less cohesive and more vague.

Netflix’s Kaleidoscope, while compelling, lacks developed plot

Zara Siddique, Audience Engagement Manager
February 22, 2023
REWARDING WRITING. Sasha Watson listens to a classmate talk about a writing assignment in the library classroom. Sasha is an avid writer, serving as the editor-in-chief of Renaissance Literary Board and using writing as a way to reflect on her life.

Junior uses writing to reflect, grow

Zara Siddique, Audience Engagement Manager
February 20, 2023
Audience Engagement Manager Zara Siddique argues that many TikTok trends use various forms of editing to create unrealistic, harmful norms and standards.

TikTok promotes unhealthy trends

Zara Siddique, Audience Engagement Manager
February 16, 2023

[Video] Stitched together: New elective blends artistic creativity, fashion through experimental approach

Amy Ren, Assistant Editor
January 23, 2023
The dance team performs during a varsity basketball game on Jan. 5.

After first-ever competition, dance team focuses on improvement

Zara Siddique, Audience Engagement Manager
January 10, 2023
The robotics team has received a $5,000 grant from two aluminum production companies that have given the team the goal of building a robot that promotes recycling.

Robotics team receives $5,000 grant to build recycling robot

Zara Siddique, Audience Engagement Manager
December 6, 2022
"Neymar: the Perfect Chaos" reveals a sad side of the Brazilian soccer player's life.

Mini-series tells multi-faceted story of soccer star

Zara Siddique, Audience Engagement Manager
December 5, 2022
Seniors Kenneth Peters and Charlotte Henderson shake hands across the volleyball net. The soccer and volleyball teams faced off in a match on Nov. 16 to raise money for the Greater Chicago Food Pantry.

Volleyball and soccer teams compete in friendly charity event

Zara Siddique, Audience Engagement Manager
November 17, 2022
To the excitement of billions of soccer fans across the world, the 2022 FIFA World Cup is here. However, some controversy has arisen over the country it's being hosted in, Qatar.

FIFA World Cup 2022 builds excitement, sparks controversy

Taariq Ahmed, Zara Siddique, Ethan Swinger, and Ainsley Williams
November 8, 2022

Qatar sparks controversy as World Cup host

Zara Siddique, Audience Engagement Manager
November 8, 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
Senior Charlie Young explores the Museum of Ice Cream, an interactive experience with a variety of ice cream related-themed exhibits and photo ops.

Instagram-worthy ice cream: Museum of Ice Cream caters to social media users

Zara Siddique, Audience Engagement Manager
October 14, 2022
EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS. Courtney McDonald laughs while talking to adviser Holly Johnston during the advisory period.

New students feel welcomed to the U-High community

Zara Siddique, Reporter
September 30, 2022
In this vox pop, we ask U-High students how they deal with the cancellation of celebrities or brands.

Vox Pop: How students deal with celebrity drama

Kajus Nakas and Zara Siddique
September 29, 2022
English department chair Mark Krewatch gives an award to junior Amy Ren.

Event celebrating U-High writers returns after pandemic delays

Zara Siddique, Reporter
June 2, 2022
Chicago has various indoor and outdoor activities and adventures to try this summer.

A guide to your summer unplugged

Sophie Baker, Mia Lipson, Clare McRoberts, Zara Siddique, Ainsley Williams, and Oliver Wilson
June 2, 2022
98.11-07-Bracelets-ZS_Edit

[Photo] Indoor activities provide cure for rainy day boredom

Mia Lipson, Zara Siddique, Reporters
June 2, 2022
Senior Chloe Ma and junior Ava Wilczack will lobby in Washington D.C. from June 14-15 on behalf of Eye to Eye for greater support for students with disabilities.

Students to lobby in Washington D.C. about supporting students with disabilities

Zara Siddique, Reporter
May 20, 2022
Fatema Burhani converses with her 10th grade advisee Adam Syverson during the long advisory meeting period on Wednesdays.

After distance learning, teacher experiences community

Zara Siddique, Reporter
May 19, 2022
Netflix’s use of graphics is effective in displaying emotions of the characters in “Heartstopper.”

Netflix’s ‘Heartstopper’ lives up to its name

Zara Siddique, Reporter
May 18, 2022
A graduation event for the Class of 2020 will be held on June 9 at Rockefeller Chapel.

Class of 2020 graduation event to be held June 9

Zara Siddique, Reporter
April 20, 2022
The school attempts to compress too much important knowledge about sexual health and ethics, writes reporter Zara Siddique.

Social realities demand longer sexual education

Zara Siddique, Reporter
March 24, 2022
Legal protections for student journalists will become impotent unless they are renewed and the importance of student journalism rights is understood, argue a collection of Midway staff.

Opinion: Student journalism rights must be protected

Sophie Baker, Mia Lipson, Clare McRoberts, Zara Siddique, Ainsley Williams, and Oliver Wilson
February 24, 2022
Juniors Amelia Cifu and Zoe Stephens light a Bunsen burner during Science Olympiad practice. The Lab Science Olympiad varsity team took second place overall at an invitational competition held at Marquette High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Illinois Science Olympiad varsity team wins invitational award

Zara Siddique, Reporter
February 21, 2022
Applications for the Internship for Civic Engagement are due Feb. 10.

Internship for Civic Engagement applications available

Zara Siddique, Reporter
January 25, 2022
Students can purchase spirit wear from the Parents’ Association pop-up store on Oct. 26 in Gordon Parks Art Hall from 3-5 p.m.

Spirit wear at pop-up store features new logo

Zara Siddique, Reporter
October 22, 2021
Load More Stories