The Student News Site of University of Chicago Laboratory High School

U-High Midway
Isaac Stanley-Becker, who attended the Laboratory Schools from nursery school through ninth grade, is a reporter for The Washington Post and historian of modern Europe who recently authored “Europe Without Borders: History,” a book exploring the Schengen Agreement and free movement in Europe.
Q&A: Former student turned journalist and historian unpacks new book
Due to weather concerns on Feb. 12, Laboratory Schools campuses will be closed. This photo is from the Jan. 12, 2024, snow day.
Campuses closed on Feb. 12 due to severe weather
Sophomore Jimmy Yu studies for one of his two math classes, Discrete Mathematics and Statistics and Accelerated Pre-Calculus/Calculus A. Many U-High students are doubling up and testing out of math classes to reach more advanced courses. Motivations vary, such as nurturing a passion, finding a challenge or strengthening their college applications.
More math gives depth, edge
RDFZ’s dance, aerobics, martial arts and boy’s dance teams smile during the last moments of the “Youth of the Lion Dance,” one of the most common Chinese dances. This Lunar New Year’s animal was the snake, a symbol of good luck, rebirth and regality.
Exchange students arrive from China; Lunar New Year performance amazes
A Reuters-Ipsos poll found that most Americans oppose President Trump’s executive orders ruling on issues like birthright citizenship and the environment, exemplifying the significant resistance his dozens of policies have faced, including from students at U-High.
Trump’s return sets in
Ethics Bowl is a competitive academic team that debates moral philosophies. U-High teams placed high at the Indiana Ethics Bowl Regional Tournament on Feb. 1 to end their current season.
Ethics Bowl team finishes season well at Indiana tournament
From Jan. 29 to Feb. 1, junior Sophia Zheng and sophomore Sinziana Lazar went to the Illinois Music Education Association All-State Orchestra in Peoria for three days of intense practice with a final performance on the last day. 
Two U-High musicians perform in Illinois Music Education Association All-State Orchestra
Campers drench counselor and junior Mo Iyi-Ojo using an alternative dunk tank at Summer Lab last year. The application form to be counselor for Summer Lab is open until Feb. 17 at 9 p.m.
Summer Lab counselor applications made due for Feb. 17
During a Jan. 27 meeting, senior Helen Kraemer listens as sophomore Taara Sajdeh practices for an upcoming Model United Nation team conference. At the Harvard MUN conference Jan. 31 to Feb. 2, two-thirds of the team won awards.
At Harvard competition, Model UN team wins awards, gains experience
At a Jan. 31 meeting, the Youth Engagement in Politics Club announces the guests they will be interviewing. The nonpartisan club aims to be a space for students to discuss politics.
Political dialogue at U-High to expand through new club
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
Freedom in the Balance
Freedom in the Balance
Speakers at the DNC addressed the theme of freedom, directing the word's meaning at key political issues in the election.
DNC highlights freedom as key theme
Voters of younger generations will have a major impact on the results of the upcoming presidential election. Some key topics to young voters include climate change, student loan debt and gun violence.
Young voters have crucial role in election
Audience Engagement Editor Caroline Skelly argues that cancel culture is harmful towards society and argues it perpetuates public shaming.
Exaggerating cancel culture hampers free expression, debate
Troubling Tech
Troubling Tech
Assitant Editor Sohana Schneider argues that birthright citizenship must stand regardless of President Trump's executive order.
Birthright citizenship cannot cease under Trump
Assistant Editor Lucy Shirrell argues that constant work is not sustainable and can lead to burnout.
Desire for productivity prevents relaxation
The Editorial Board argues that there is an importance in fostering news literacy to combat misinformation.
Battle fake news with literacy
At U-High, students are faced with the decision to dress for comfort or style during the harsh Chicago winter weather
Frosty Fashion
Trushar Patel has been running Rajun Cajun, his family-owned resturaunt in Hyde Park on 53rd street, for the past 30 years. Inspired by the previous owner’s Southern cooking, Rajun Cajun serves customers a unique blend of both Indian and southern cuisine.
Combining culture and comfort: Trushar Patel gives Indian food a Southern twist
Ninth grader Tal Neiman skates alongside co-presidents of the U-High figure skating club, sophomores Lily Davidson and Hannah Gao, on the Midway Plaisance ice rink. They meet almost weekly to skate for leisure or prepare for high school skating competitions.
Figure skating club created for competition, leisure
Molly Herron, social worker and organizer of the South Side Pie Competition, began her pie-baking journey in her mid-20s, when she and her husband decided to spend a year traveling around the United States in a pickup truck.
Molly Herron: Social worker mixes love for human connection with pie baking
From fiery Sriracha Peas to sweet Popcorn Twists, this year's lineup of snacks can be a game changer, elevating your game day to the next first down.
Super Bowl snacks that score
An attendee drives a Kia car simulation at the 2025 Chicago Auto Show, Feb.8-17. The auto show included other interactive elements for visitors, such as electric test tracks and ride-alongs.
Chicago Auto Show immerses, engages attendees
The "Coco - Robot Food Delivery" app allows users to order robot food deliveries from certain restaurants. These robots are available in the 27th and 34th ward of Chicago and are also in use in Los Angeles.
Coco Robotics pilot program reimagines, optimizes food delivery
A WONDERFUL TIME. The Shedd Aquarium's Wonder of Water exhibit opened to the public in December, replacing the historical Caribbean Reef.
Wonder of Water exhibit offers insight, understanding
Flag Forward
Flag Forward
SANTA COMES EARLY. Every year the CTA decorates one of their trains as “Santa’s Express” with a Santa and reindeer, and elves as dedicated conductors to raise money for food baskets.
Charity and Cheer
The University of Chicago's Court Theatre is performing a production of Lorraine Hansberry's timeless play "A Raisin in the Sun." The production will run until March 9.
Court Theatre’s ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ honors Hansberry’s vision
From Jan. 29 to Feb. 1, junior Sophia Zheng and sophomore Sinziana Lazar went to the Illinois Music Education Association All-State Orchestra in Peoria for three days of intense practice with a final performance on the last day. 
Two U-High musicians perform in Illinois Music Education Association All-State Orchestra
“Cunk On Life,” which began streaming on Netflix Dec. 30, follows mockumentarian Philomena Cunk taking a deep dive into philosophy, the meaning of life and the nature of reality.
‘Cunk on Life’ provides both meaning and humor
Kendrick Lamar's GNX, released unannounced on Nov. 22, is an introspective album that critiques the music industry while showcasing Lamar's lyrical complexity, released shortly after a high-profile feud with Drake and ahead of his Super Bowl halftime performance.
Kendrick Lamar’s ‘GNX’ responds boldly to industry betrayal
Sophomore Mia Lane, who independently runs “Lost Oddball Crochet,” has found her passion creating and selling whimsical crochet plushies and figures. She began crocheting after receiving an amigurumi kit for Christmas, and used her natural talent for entrepreneurship to build her business afterward.
Totally hooked: Sophomore Mia Lane finds confidence, develops craft through small business
Sonali Shaw and Ceci Siegel pose in the front row at the end of the team's dance during the halftime of a basketball game on Feb. 7.
Dancing Duo: Sonali Shaw, Ceci Siegel lead with passion, experience
Many U-High sports teams offers various preseason activities, and the pressure on student athletes to attend these varies depending on the sports team and the athlete's motivation.
Audio: Preseason team activities bring opportunity, added pressure
Despite being sidelined due to injuries, Junior Zachary Wong leans over the pool, cheering on his teammates during the boys swimming and diving meet against Latin on Jan. 29.
Athletic essentials Q&A: Zachary Wong
By successfully balancing academics and fencing, ninth grader Ella Nguyen stands out not only for her skill but for her persistence and openness to advice from her coach, peers and even her brother.
Ella Nguyen finds fencing success through hard work, determination
Sophomore Nanak Ofori-Mante cheers for the varsity girls basketball team. Nanak is one of multiple team members to be injured during the season, after she hyperextended her knee and tore her meniscus during the 2023-24 varsity girls basketball season.
Varsity girls basketball team fights through various injury setbacks
CAFETERIA CHANGES. Some students find the cafeteria food meets their needs, while others feel there is room for improvement. In the coming months, HandCut Foods plan to bring more variety and excitement to lunch by adding new options like sushi, omelets and seasonal treats.
What’s on your lunch plate?
SWEATY SERENITY. Besides benefits like increased sweat production, flexibility, and the detoxifying effects, hot yoga brings many other gains including stronger bone density, better skin, and ease of depression.
Students find mindfulness and strength hot yoga and pilates
FOOD FITNESS FOCUS. Rising obesity rates among younger people reveal the important role of an equal balance of nutrition, exercise and mindful lifestyle. Hidden ingredients, like the fructose found in corn syrup, in a wide range of common foods may be fueling the increase in obesity rates and the downfall of public health.
The real weight of obesity
SLEEP SABOTAGE. Exposure to blue light and media before bedtime can disrupt sleep by interfering with the body's circadian rhythm and reducing the natural buildup of sleep pressure. This makes it harder to fall and stay asleep, leading to increased fatigue during the day.
Better sleep starts with simple changes
BREAK THE FAST. For students short on time but wanting a nutritious start for the day, dietician Devanee Washington suggests consuming healthy fats and carbs, which can be found in options like overnight oats with fruit, a quick smoothie of greens and Greek yogurt, or a toast with avocado.
Skipping breakfast makes students run on empty
RDFZ’s dance, aerobics, martial arts and boy’s dance teams smile during the last moments of the “Youth of the Lion Dance,” one of the most common Chinese dances. This Lunar New Year’s animal was the snake, a symbol of good luck, rebirth and regality.
Exchange students arrive from China; Lunar New Year performance amazes
Many U-High sports teams offers various preseason activities, and the pressure on student athletes to attend these varies depending on the sports team and the athlete's motivation.
Audio: Preseason team activities bring opportunity, added pressure
Math teacher Ross Hunefeld helps sophomore Freddie Neater-DuBow through a math problem. Some students have felt pressure on how they should be using their free time.
Audio: Independence requires balancing free time, studying
Thrifting has become more than just getting new clothes for a cheap price. For some students, thrifting is about spending time with family and friends as well as shopping.
Audio: Thrifting offers more than just shopping
Instead of interacting, some have taken to "phubbing" avoiding interaction using their phones as an excuse.
Audio: Avoiding awkwardness — Phubbing disrupts interactions
An attendee drives a Kia car simulation at the 2025 Chicago Auto Show, Feb.8-17. The auto show included other interactive elements for visitors, such as electric test tracks and ride-alongs.
Chicago Auto Show immerses, engages attendees
RDFZ’s dance, aerobics, martial arts and boy’s dance teams smile during the last moments of the “Youth of the Lion Dance,” one of the most common Chinese dances. This Lunar New Year’s animal was the snake, a symbol of good luck, rebirth and regality.
Exchange students arrive from China; Lunar New Year performance amazes
Before returning to their townhomes for the night on Jan. 31, Stefanie Giurcanu and Olivia Adams play Jenga in the basement of the Eagle Ridge Resort main lodge.
Gallery: Class of 2025 unwinds, bonds with friends during annual Senior Getaway
Before the Dec. 18 high school music concert at Mandel Hall, ninth grader Ari Wong prepares by wetting the reed for his clarinet while laughing and playing around with a friend's violin.
Gallery: U-High winter music concert
Ninth grader Sofia Caldentey and junior Maggie Yagan work together to set up C-116 to host the UNHRC committee for U-High’s Model UN conference, LabMUNC, on Friday afternoon, Dec. 6.
Model UN team hosts first conference at Lab since before pandemic
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
Henry Benton

Henry Benton, Photographer

Henry Benton is an assistant editor and a member of the class of 2025. Henry is most excited to photograph basketball this year. Outside of photojournalism, Henry enjoys tennis, hanging out with friends and music.

Awards:

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

2022 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Circle Award: Photo slideshow, certificate of merit (with Andrew Burke-Stevenson, Malcolm Taylor, Matt Petres, Chloe Ma and Patrice Graham), “Photo gallery: Faculty face off in Homecoming arm wrestling tournament”

All content by Henry Benton
Zoe Cobb, sophomore, prioritizes style in the winter. She is meticulous about her clothing, looking to balance the baggy and tight elements of her outfits. Zoe always strives to convey her bubbly personality through bold colors and interesting patterns. She said, “I treat school as my own fashion show.”

[Photo] Frosty Fashion

Lila Coyne, Assistant Editor
February 14, 2025
CAFETERIA CHANGES. Some students find the cafeteria food meets their needs, while others feel there is room for improvement. In the coming months, HandCut Foods plan to bring more variety and excitement to lunch by adding new options like sushi, omelets and seasonal treats.

[Photo] What’s on your lunch plate?

Edward Park, Health & Wellness Editor
February 12, 2025
From fiery Sriracha Peas to sweet Popcorn Twists, this year's lineup of snacks can be a game changer, elevating your game day to the next first down.

[Photo] Super Bowl snacks that score

Chloé Tyndall, Reporter
February 7, 2025
The U-High Midway newspaper and website won its eight consecutive and 28th overall Crown Award from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association. The U-Highlights yearbook won its second Crown Award.

[Photo] U-High Midway and U-Highlights win prestigious Crown Award

Gabriel Wang, Reporter
December 20, 2024
Henry Benton, honorable mention, student life

[Photo] Eight photojournalists win 13 awards in national competition

Chloé Tyndall, Reporter
December 13, 2024
Sophomore Josiah Sklarsky has turned his musical talent into a way of expressing himself and understanding his identity.

[Photo] Disc Discovery: Josiah Sklarsky finds expression, identity in music

Chloë Alexander, Editor-in-Chief
December 9, 2024
TRACKING TRENDS. Many wearable health devices sync their heath data directly with medical professionals, enabling remote monitoring of health issues and early detection of chronic conditions without frequent in-person visits.

[Photo] Tech tools transform training

Kabir Joshi and Edward Park
October 23, 2024
Karim Sulayman, a Class of 1994 alumnus, excitedly addresses his commencement speech, emphasizing the value of relationships. “You can find joy in leaning into your relationships. This is the real treasure that Lab gave me: the people who I’ve known since nursery school that are still in my life.”

[Photo] After reminiscing with fond memories, Class of 2024 graduates in Rockefeller Chapel

Edward Park and Kabir Joshi
June 6, 2024
SWEET SECRETARY. After 35 years of service in the high school office, Carol Arrington will retire at the end of this year. “Ms. Carol” touched many hearts during her time at U-High.

[Photo] For 35 years, U-High’s elegant caretaker

Chloe Alexander, Editor-in-Chief
May 22, 2024
Several U-High tennis team players also take private lessons during the off-season. These players have grown their tennis skills through two distinct ways, and their intersection has impacts both on and off the court.

[Photo] Audio: U-High girls tennis players grow their skill through private lessons

Neha Dhawan, Reporter
April 9, 2024
High school students face an evolving landscape in the college admissions process after colleges and universities introduced test-optional admission policies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

[Photo] Optional standardized testing presents flexibility in college admissions process

Audrey Park, Editor-in-Chief
November 27, 2023
The U-High cross country team ended its season at the IHSA state competition Nov. 4 in Detweiller Park.

[Photo] Girls and boys cross country ends season with individual, group recognition

Jaya Alenghat, Assistant Editor
November 8, 2023
BALANCING ABILITY. Playing the stage manager in “Our Town,” senior Emma Ciesla balances multiple roles — main character, and props and makeup master. The ability to juggle these tasks stems from Emma’s love of theater.

[Photo] Juggling Act: Senior works to explore passions with numerous roles in upcoming fall play

Taariq Ahmed, Digital Editor
October 23, 2023
P.E. teacher Joyce Grotthuss performs compressions on one of Lab's new CPR mannequins.

[Photo] Lab purchases new lifeguard training equipment

Edward Park, Reporter
September 14, 2023
Sophomore Jack Colyer rigs his sailboat during a practice May 25 at the Columbia Yacht Club.

[Photo] Sailing team places 9th in national regatta

Edward Park, Reporter
May 26, 2023
Seniors Peter Cox and Jay Molony work together to build a go-kart for their group's May Project.

[Photo] May Projects prompt creative exploration

Zara Siddique, Sports and Leisure Editor
May 24, 2023
Holocaust survivor Susan Meschel retells her experiences during the high school wide assembly on April 13.

[Photo] In Holocaust Remembrance Assembly, JSA calls on greater inclusivity from affinity groups, students

Clare McRoberts, Assistant Editor
April 18, 2023
Jewish Students' Association co-president Charlie Benton speaks at a JSA meeting. The affinity group is planning a Holocaust Remembrance assembly that includes student- and faculty-run workshops.

[Photo] Holocaust Remembrance will include assembly, workshops

Amy Ren, Assistant Editor
March 30, 2023
While most members of the Lab community don't wholeheartedly trust astrology, many appreciate it as an interesting subject and pastime.

[Photo] Comforting vs. casual: Varying trust in astrology helps guide decisions, start conversations

Sahana Unni, Features Editor
March 22, 2023
JSA president Charlie Benton converses with JSA members during their weekly meeting about the upcoming workshops.

[Photo] JSA accepting workshops submissions for Holocaust assembly

Clare McRoberts, Assistant Editor
March 20, 2023
In the U-High athletics building, fencing equipment is sorted in an orderly fashion. Students who fence on the U-High team are able to expand their skills through a P.E. elective.

[Photo] Audio: Fencing team members find new opportunity in fencing P.E. elective.

March 8, 2023
Sophomore Anik Shetty roasts a marshmallow over a campfire in the Outdoor Classroom. In “S'mores in the Outdoors,” students enjoyed time outside and making s’mores.

[Photo] Photos: ArtsFest 2023

Victoria Washington and Audrey Matei
March 3, 2023
TRAVEL FRENZY. More than 50 students in total will travel to Taiwan, Paris and La Rochelle or Greece for spring break exchange trips.

[Photo] Spring break exchange trips offer cultural immersion

Krishita Dutta, Opinion Editor
February 20, 2023
Lab has begun searching for a new athletics director and hopes to select the candidate shortly. David Ribbens, Lab’s director of athletics for two decades, will retire.

[Photo] New athletics director to be selected by spring

Mia Lipson, Assistant Editor
February 14, 2023
SIGNIFICANT SERVICE: While fulfilling the sophomore year of service, some students have found a passion at their service site, and many continue to volunteer after the required 30 hours have been completed.

[Photo] Students emerge from year of service with widened world view

Clare McRoberts, Assistant Editor
January 31, 2023
Though CBD products have grown in popularity, research shows that the drug has few known effects.

[Photo] CBD products popular but unproven

November 30, 2022
SHIELD test sample submissions have dwindled significantly since they were mandatory in the spring.

[Photo] Without participation, SHIELD testing program could end

Erich Raumann, Deputy Managing Editor
November 8, 2022
With fewer participants since the beginning of the year, Lab’s SHIELD testing program for Covid-19 might shut down. The end of the program raises concerns about infection rates going into the the winter months. “We have to have a certain number of samples in each week in order to keep the program going,” nurse Mary Toledo-Treviño said. “That's why we're trying to just make sure to put it out there to say, please make sure to get tested.”

Mediclub will use video lectures and guest speaker events to help students learn about pursuing a career in a medical field.

[Photo] New club helps students learn about careers in a medical field

David Santiago, Reporter
October 28, 2022
After a flood of support from members of the Hyde Park community, Kilwins reopened their doors in late July.

[Photo] Store reopens in heart of Hyde Park

Louis Auxenfans, News Editor
September 26, 2022
New Faculty 22-23 Placards MaxDefenition3

[Photo] Isaac Berrueta

Téa Tamburo, Editor-in-Chief
September 12, 2022
New Faculty 22-23 Placards MaxDefenition2

[Photo] Shannon Barker

Louis Auxenfans, News Editor
September 12, 2022
New Faculty 22-23 Placards4

[Photo] Cody Boukather

Louis Auxenfans, News Editor
September 12, 2022
New Faculty 22-23 Placards

[Photo] Aaron Arreguin

Téa Tamburo, Editor-in-Chief
September 12, 2022
Spanish teacher Angelica Guerrero worked with middle and lower school students during her 20 years at Lab.

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

Peter Cox, Amy Ren, and Téa Tamburo
June 2, 2022
Young Women of Color club members Taylor Patterson, Raven Reid and Kiran Chinniah applaud while watching Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Supreme Court acceptance speech.

[Photo] For young women of color, Justice Jackson represents judicial progress, work

Katie Sasamoto-Kurisu, Reporter
May 25, 2022
Student-versus-faculty games will occur during the assembly period on May 12.

[Photo] To build community, student-versus-faculty games are returning

Katie Sasamoto-Kurisu, Reporter
April 28, 2022
The Fresh/Soph Boys Basketball team huddles up during their game against Northridge College Prep. The team lost the game and is currently 0-1.

[Photo] Winter sports return in full swing

Joaquin Figueroa, Reporter
December 15, 2021
A student crosses off items from their planner. The next Program of Studies will attempt to accurately display how much work students should expect to do for each class.

[Photo] Workload expectations to be included in the Program of Studies

Colin Leslie, Assistant Editor
December 12, 2021
In-person exchange trips will be canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its safety restrictions for the 2021-2022 school year.

[Photo] Exchange trips canceled for the second year

Téa Tamburo, Deputy Managing Editor
December 9, 2021
Skin irritation can be soothed by gentle moisturizers such as CeraVe, according to junior Charlie Benton.

[Photo] Skin issues intensified through mask-wearing, community offers solutions

Colin Leslie, Assistant Editor
November 3, 2021
A costumer browses through a rack of Halloween costumes set out for the season at a Salvation Army.

[Photo] Stores offer second hand, spooky costumes for Halloween

An Ngo, City Life Editor
October 20, 2021
The Class of 2025 elected Krish Khanna class president after a second election.

[Photo] Class of 2025 representatives chosen after technical difficulties

Chloe Ma, Reporter
October 15, 2021
Students feel an increase in stress with the sudden change in workload.

[Photo] In-person school heightens anxiety

Adrianna Nehme, News Editor
October 6, 2021
During a faculty arm wrestling tournament at the homecoming assembly Sept. 23 on Jackman Field, Daniel Calleri and Daniel Bobo-Jones competed first. Photo by Andrew Burke-Stevenson.

Photo gallery: Faculty face off in Homecoming arm wrestling tournament

Malcolm Taylor, Andrew Burke-Stevenson, Matt Petres, Chloe Ma, Henry Benton, and Patrice Graham
September 24, 2021
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