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
Mia Lipson

Mia Lipson, Managing Editor

Mia Lipson is a member of the Class of 2025 and serves as managing editor. She began journalism in the 2021-22 school year as a ninth grader and previously served as an assistant editor and news editor. Her favorite story she has written is a profile on a U-High band called I-94. Outside of journalism, she enjoys biking, writing and reading any history book she can find.

Awards:

2024 National Scholastic Press Association Design of the Year: Newspaper Front Page — Top 10 Finalist (result announced Nov. 9, 2024)

2024 National Scholastic Press Association Digital Story of the Year: Photo Slideshow (with Jaya Alenghat, Taariq Ahmed, Nathan Li, Olin Nafziger, Eli Raikhel, Grace LaBelle, Ryan Burke-Stevenson, Ellis Calleri, Bryce Light) — Top 10 Finalist (result announced Nov. 9, 2024)

2024 National Scholastic Press Association Digital Story of the Year: Photo Slideshow (with Olin Nafziger, Jaya Alenghat, Chloë Alexander) — Top 10 Finalist (result announced Nov. 9, 2024)

2024 Illinois Journalism Education Association: First place, staff editorial, After alarm, attitude must change

2024 Illinois Journalism Education Association: First place, front-page design, Vol. 99, Issue 7, Feb. 22, 2024

2024 Illinois Journalism Education Association: Second place, photo gallery or slideshow (with Taariq Ahmed, Alex Diamond, Bryce Light, Olin Nafziger, Eli Raikhel), U-High celebrates community spirit in annual Homecoming assembly

2024 Illinois Journalism Education Association: Second place, single-page story package (with Chloë Alexander, Haley Maharry), Arts: Hiding honky-tonk

2024 Illinois Journalism Education Association: Second place, front-page design, Vol. 98, Issue 21, June 1, 2023

2024 Scholastic Press Association of Chicago, staff editorial: superior

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

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

All content by Mia Lipson
Junior Varsity Science Olympiad team members Ronen Malani and Tal Neiman compete at the Nov. 17 Marquette Invitational, where they placed 11th. The varsity team placed third.

At Marquette Invitational, Science Olympiad varsity team places third

Mia Lipson, Managing Editor
November 19, 2024
The re-election of former president Donald Trump elicited disheartenment from members of the Lab community as students feared how political issues like abortion access and immigration rights will be impacted by another Trump presidency.

Trump reelection sparks concern from Lab community about rights, policies

Mia Lipson and Abhay Chandran
November 13, 2024
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

Mia Lipson, Managing Editor
October 25, 2024
Managing Editor Mia Lipson argues that education in the humanities is crucial for creating educated members of society.

People should value the humanities

Mia Lipson, Managing Editor
October 22, 2024
SET FOR SUCCESS. Sophomore nail artists Rania Khan and Mercury Romero pose with their custom nail sets. They've navigated the ins and outs of running their business, Shimmr, over the past few months, and have a loyal following.

Nailed it: Sophomore duo turns nail art hobby into innovative, Insta-friendly business

Mia Lipson, Managing Editor
October 11, 2024
BEAUTY SQUEEZE. Going viral on TikTok has propelled many imported skin care products into spotlight, with influencers driving the products’ growing popularity, particularly among Gen Z consumers.

Global Glow-up: Use of imported skin care increases due to affordability, gentle ingredients

Caroline Skelly and Mia Lipson
September 25, 2024
P.E. teacher Pete Miller came to Lab from a long and impressive background in the sport of bodybuilding. After dedicating almost seven years to his bodybuilding career and winning the Mr. America title in 1990, Mr. Miller uses the lessons he learned as a bodybuilder to encourage his students to reach their goals.

Mind, Body & Soul

Mia Lipson, Managing Editor
September 20, 2024
A face to a name: 10 new faculty join High School

A face to a name: 10 new faculty join High School

Kabir Joshi, Mia Lipson, and Olin Nafziger
September 9, 2024
President Joe Biden waves to the crowd after arriving at the podium, preparing to give the keynote speech Monday night. Mr. Biden's speech spoke on Gaza, reproductive rights and his pride in his more than 50 years of service. “Folks, I’ve got five months left in my presidency. I’ve got a lot to do. I intend to get it done,” Mr. Biden said. “It’s been the honor of my lifetime to serve as your president. I love the job, but I love my country more.”

DNC Day 1 Summary: Biden passes torch to Harris; celebrates legacy, unity

Mia Lipson, Managing Editor
August 20, 2024
DNC updates

DNC updates

Taariq Ahmed, Jaya Alenghat, Chloe Alexander, Mia Lipson, and Clare McRoberts
August 19, 2024
Matt Manley, director of athletics, who has been at Lab since fall 2023, will be leaving at the end of the school year.

Director of Athletics Matt Manley to leave Lab

Mia Lipson, Managing Editor
June 4, 2024
The girls soccer team finished fourth in the IHSA 1A State Finals elimination game at North Central College in Naperville on May 31. 

Girls soccer season wrap up: Team finishes fourth at state

Mia Lipson, Managing Editor
June 3, 2024
11 students participated in the IHSA Boys State Championship at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston for the end of the boys track and field team’s season.

Boys track and field wrap up: Team ends season with strong performance at state

Mia Lipson, Managing Editor
May 28, 2024
Throughout her time at Lab, U-High math teacher Jane Canright dedicated herself to her passion for math, developing curriculums and serving on countless committees.

Canright contributed leadership in 30 years

Mia Lipson, Managing Editor
May 24, 2024
U-High students, some of whom are enrolled in a German language class and some of whom are not, protest in the cafeteria during lunch on May 10.

U-High students protest German language program cuts

Mia Lipson, Managing Editor
May 10, 2024
University of Chicago police officers hold a barricade on the Ellis Avenue entrance to the Main Quad on the morning of May 7 after police shut down the eight-day pro-Palestinian encampment on the Main Quad.

After 8 days, UChicago pro-Palestine encampment removed on morning of May 7

Jaya Alenghat, Chloe Alexander, Mia Lipson, and Olin Nafziger
May 7, 2024
A worker with the University of Chicago Facilities Management department walks through rainwater pooled outside of the cafeteria on the afternoon of May 7. The rain accumulated about three inches in the sunken area below Blaine Courtyard. Students got soaked trekking through the treacherous conditions to and from the gymnasium building.

Café Lab experiences minor flood due to rain and hailstorm

Chloe Alexander and Mia Lipson
May 7, 2024
On May 2, the fourth day of the encampment, a demonstrator stands in front of a group of police waving a Palestinian flag. On Monday, April 29, UChicago United for Palestine launched an encampment on the University of Chicago’s Main Quad to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people. The encampment and pro-Palestinian protests continued for days.

UChicago pro-Palestine encampment faces opposition yet stands with goals

Jaya Alenghat, Chloe Alexander, Mia Lipson, and Clare McRoberts
May 3, 2024
Photos from Katja Schulz via flickr; USGS Native Bee Inventory and Monitoring Program via rawpixel; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service via rawpixel; WikiWookie via wikimedia; Moonlight0551 via wikimedia

Explainer: 10 ways to get to know cicadas

Mia Lipson, News Editor
May 1, 2024
BELOVED BAND: I-94 band, a group of U-High seniors, grew from a love of jazz into a passion these students now have. The name, an interstate highway running through Chicago, represents the groups Chicago roots.

Rhythmic Journey: U-High Band was founded through jazz, evolved into friendship

Mia Lipson, News Editor
April 29, 2024
Embracing the warm weather and clear skies, ninth grader Bryce Poston gazes up at the sky in awe during the eclipse. “It was a pretty cool experience being so close to a full eclipse,” Bryce said, “and I’m glad the school gave us the chance to go out and view it.”

Eclipse excitement: Lab community gathers to celebrate unique celestial event

Jaya Alenghat, Taariq Ahmed, Mia Lipson, Nathan Li, Olin Nafziger, Eli Raikhel, Grace LaBelle, Ryan Burke-Stevenson, Ellis Calleri, and Bryce Light
April 10, 2024
With her left foot wrapped in red silk, Daisy Coleman suspends herself in the air. This form of acrobatics, called aerial silks, is Daisy’s specialty in circus performance.

Defying Gravity: Daisy Coleman finds freedom in aerial silks

Mia Lipson, News Editor
March 27, 2024
News Editor Mia Lipson argues that Julian Assange shouldn't extradited for seeking the truth and reporting it.

Assange extradition threatens journalistic rights

Mia Lipson, News Editor
March 21, 2024
Settling for Biden... again?

Settling for Biden… again?

Clare McRoberts, Kabir Joshi, Katie Sasamoto-Kurisu, and Mia Lipson
February 21, 2024
DAILY DRIVING DELIGHT. Driver Habeeb Mohammed, who transports Lab students to and from school, has created a joyful environment in his car. From bringing students snacks to playing their favorite songs, Mr. Mohammed treats the students as his family.

Devoted driver: Habeeb Mohammed

Mia Lipson, News Editor
February 19, 2024
Over the past few years, there has been seen a large increase in the number of students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds enrolling in AT Chemistry. The class aims to foster belonging and confidence in students to tackle a challenging science class.

Changes in AT Chemistry empower students, contribute to welcoming classroom environment

Mia Lipson, News Editor
February 12, 2024
It's all about the gray areas

It’s all about the gray areas

Mia Lipson, Audrey Park, and Sahana Unni
January 25, 2024
In new movie, "Saltburn," aristocrats clash with a seemingly innocent proletariat in a labyrinth of colors, parties and alcohol.

‘Saltburn’ blends two worlds with its bright, disco colors

Mia Lipson, News Editor
January 8, 2024
On Dec. 2, the Science Olympiad teams competed at the Harlem High School Invitational in Rockford. The varsity team placed second and the junior varsity team placed seventh.

Science Olympiad begins competition season with strong results

Kabir Joshi and Mia Lipson
December 12, 2023
Country music legend Dolly Parton released her 49th album "Rockstar" Nov. 17. Aside from her music endeavors, Ms. Parton has been very vocal in recent politics.

With vibrant rock ’n’ roll, Parton expresses herself in album

Mia Lipson, News Editor
November 27, 2023
Linda Patterson, a community service officer at the Laboratory Schools who was known for her kindness and dedication, died Oct. 6 at age 64.

Linda Patterson, community service officer, known for kindness, has died

Mia Lipson, News Editor
October 26, 2023
MEETING A HERO. Sophomore Camila Bravo and Sandra Cisneros hug after Ms. Cisneros’ talk. “I grew up reading her work,” Camila said. “She inspired me to write my poems, so meeting her felt so good.”

Noted author Sandra Cisneros shares how writing is powerful

Mia Lipson, News Editor
October 23, 2023
Sophomore Ishie Holz speaks with junior Helen Kraemer during the first training conference of the year at Carl Sandburg High School on Oct. 14.

Model UN begins season with strong performance at training competition

Mia Lipson, News Editor
October 17, 2023
At the second annual Latinidad assembly, Yolotzin Martinez, co-president of Latinos Unidos, addressed the recent migration crisis, focusing on the situation in Venezuela. In addition to highlighting recent events, the assembly connected intersectionality and diversity within the Latinx community.

At Latinidad assembly, students connect diversity, intersectionality, current events

Mia Lipson and Edward Park
October 13, 2023
Carrying her teammate Emma Heo on her back, junior Juliana Walker leads the volleyball team into the Upper Kovler gymnasium. Each U-High athletics team had their own moment to rally in front of the crowd before the next arrived.

U-High celebrates community spirit in annual Homecoming assembly

Taariq Ahmed and Mia Lipson
September 25, 2023
U-High's new principal Martin Woods gestures to the crowd of students at the back to school assembly. Mr. Woods is eager to get to know students and embrace the Lab community's spirit and closeness.

A warm Woods welcome

Mia Lipson, News Editor
September 25, 2023
Narcan, an opioid antagonist designed to prevent overdoses, is now available in the U-High nurse's office. "As a measure of protecting public health, we want to be prepared to treat anything that comes our way," Laboratory Schools lead nurse Kristen Szewczyk said.

Narcan made available in nurse’s office

Mia Lipson, News Editor
September 21, 2023
ORIENTATION SMILES. Tyra DeWeese, Ledya Wreden and Justin Salomon laugh as they walk to the buses to depart on ninth grade retreat, on Aug. 31. The Class of 2027 met their advisers after completing a scavenger hunt.

New security, schedule implemented

Mia Lipson and Audrey Park
September 4, 2023
As the commencement ceremony comes to a close, the new graduates rejoice and throw their caps into the air.

161 seniors graduate as the Lab community honors the Class of 2023 at Rockefeller Chapel

Mia Lipson, News Editor
June 8, 2023
Senior Juan Chaides stands up after receiving an award. During the June 1 assembly, students were recognized for their exceptional contributions by acknowledgements such as the Citizenship Award, which is given to students for their devotion to upstanding service in the community.

Student awards assembly celebrates individuals, groups

Mia Lipson and Taariq Ahmed
June 2, 2023
Since receiving a Lab P.E. teacher position as her first job ever in 1980, Ms. Greene has treasured the opportunity to watch students grow and help them along the way.

Greene cherished kids for 42 years

Mia Lipson, News Editor
May 23, 2023
Bridging the Gaps: Gabriel Baker

Bridging the Gaps: Gabriel Baker

Mia Lipson, News Editor
May 23, 2023
The graduation committee has selected the senior speakers and performers for the Class of 2023’s graduation ceremony taking place at Rockefeller Chapel from 2-4 p.m. on June 8. Amy Solomon, Class of 2010, will give the commencement address.

Families to gather for commencement on June 8

Mia Lipson, News Editor
May 22, 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
Matthew Manley, former coach and and athletic director of 20 years, has been selected as the Director of Athletics for the Laboratory Schools next year.

Experienced coach, administrator, hired as new athletics director

Mia Lipson, Assistant Editor
April 24, 2023
Brandon Johnson speaks to reporters at an event at Kenwood Academy in February, before his victory in the April 4 election.

Underdog progressive Brandon Johnson wins mayoral election

Mia Lipson, Assistant Editor
April 7, 2023
Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallas participate in a debate hosted at the University of Chicago on March 30.

Mayoral election: candidates show a sharp contrast

Mia Lipson, Assistant Editor
March 31, 2023
Students participate in one of the first water polo club practices at Sunny Pool.

Audio: New water polo club team begins first season

Mia Lipson and Ethan Swinger
March 21, 2023
Senior Nico Ahmed works on Sprockets & Screws' robot in preparation for a competition.

Robotics team places 22nd at state

Mia Lipson, Assistant Editor
March 2, 2023
Season two of Netflix show “Ginny and Georgia” is a compelling watch despite cliches and unrealistic plots, and is an improvement from the first season.

‘Ginny & Georgia’ Season 2 presents improved focus on relationships, stories

Mia Lipson, Assistant Editor
February 17, 2023
Senior Nico Ahmed, a member of Sprockets & Screws, works on his team's robot in preparation for the regional competition.

Robotics team advances to state

Mia Lipson, Assistant Editor
February 16, 2023
Despite common belief, students and medical professionals say birth control does more than prevent pregnancy.

Birth control: More than pills, periods and pregnancy prevention

Mia Lipson, Clare O'Connor, and Ainsley Williams
February 14, 2023

Hormonal medications can provide way to manage menstrual cycle

Mia Lipson, Assistant Editor
February 14, 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.

New athletics director to be selected by spring

Mia Lipson, Assistant Editor
February 14, 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
Moments before students walked out of the assembly, BSA co-presidents Camille Bryant and Michael Ewing discuss how students of color continue to feel unwelcome at school.

BSA leaders abruptly end MLK assembly with walkout to protest discrimination

Taariq Ahmed and Mia Lipson
January 12, 2023
Playing Cene, students learn about climate change by completing quests containing puzzles, quizzes and other tasks.

In alternate reality game, 7th graders find new ways to explore climate change

Mia Lipson, Assistant Editor
January 11, 2023
Some students appreciate how the new schedule standardizes start and end times with the lower and middle school, while others say the later end will make them reschedule extracurriculars.

Students react with mix of optimism and frustration to schedule changes

Mia Lipson, Assistant Editor
January 6, 2023
Six U-High students attended the National Association of Independent Schools Student Diversity Leadership Conference in Dallas Nov. 30-Dec. 3, to learn about incorporating discussions about community into the diversity, equity and inclusion curriculum at Lab.

Learning about equity and community, students bring diversity conference lessons to DEI curriculum

Mia Lipson, Assistant editor
December 7, 2022
ALL SMILES: French exchange student Sarah Chaillé Chaillé grins as she chats in class with junior Max Mathias during her month-long stay in Chicago.

Au Revoir! Exchange students spend month experiencing Chicago

Mia Lipson, Assistant Editor
November 28, 2022
A noose was found at the construction site of the Obama Presidential Center on Nov. 10, which halted construction.

Obama Presidential Center halts construction after noose found on site

Mia Lipson, Assistant Editor
November 16, 2022
Supervised injection sites provide more direct care to individuals. Employees or volunteers of such organizations are competent in administering substances in a safer manner than would be possible without their assistance.

Setting up supervised injection sites would save lives

Mia Lipson, Assistant Editor
November 10, 2022

Beware of groups, candidates seeking to undermine voting rights, violence

Mia Lipson, Assistant Editor
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

Video: Simple pumpkin carving tips can improve your jack-o’-lantern

Clare McRoberts and Mia Lipson
October 14, 2022
Newly elected ninth grade class president Sahana Agarwal addresses her classmates during student council election speeches on Oct. 6.

Class of 2026 elects Student Council officers

Mia Lipson, Assistant Editor
October 7, 2022
Ninth grader Daniel Chang poses with his driver. He cannot compete on the team in his first year at U-High due to temporarily enrolling at Naperville North High School and their golf team after the school year started. Daniel was recently ranked third in Illinois for the Class of 2026 following recent tournaments.

Golfer among top in state not allowed on team

Mia Lipson, Reporter
September 28, 2022
student in library takes book off shelf

TikTok subculture inspires teens to read

Mia Lipson, Reporter
September 22, 2022
During their retreat, 9th grader Eve Dyson reads instructions on writing a letter to their future self.

Vox Pop: Ninth graders share worries, excitement for high school

Chloe Alexander, Mia Lipson, and Clare McRoberts
September 13, 2022
Senior Amanda O'Donell walks down Gordon Parks Arts Hall Assembly Hall to receive her award as students enthusiastically applaud. She was a William “Doc” Monilaw Medalist.

Students celebrate graduating seniors and community members at awards assembly

Mia Lipson, Reporter
June 3, 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-Cooking-ML_Edit

[Photo] Indoor activities provide cure for rainy day boredom

Mia Lipson, Zara Siddique, Reporters
June 2, 2022
Emma Chamberlain’s podcast “Anything Goes” features her honest and relatable discussion of any topic and with the feeling of hearing from an old friend.

Podcast ‘Anything Goes’ achieves relatable listening experience

Mia Lipson, Reporter
May 25, 2022
In an English 1 class, students read and reflect on their semester in English.

English department shifts curriculum, including poetry, emphasizing diversity

Mia Lipson, Reporter
May 17, 2022
Sophomores Jackson Skelly and Brandon Chang present at a Finance Club meeting April 13.

New Finance Team participates in first competition

Mia Lipson, Reporter
April 13, 2022
Criminalizing abortions does not stop them from occurring, and the effects of these restrictive bans push women to access abortions through other ways, such as extensive travel or unsafe and illegal procedures, writes Mia Lipson.

Legalize abortion at the federal level

Mia Lipson, Reporter
March 8, 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
The Model United Nations team won Best Small Delegation at the Chicago International Model United Nations conference.

Junior members lead their first Model UN conference

Mia Lipson, Reporter
February 14, 2022
English teacher Christine Himmelfarb and senior Ariana Vazquez, both wearing black masks, conference during class.

Student mask usage increases after omicron spike

Mia Lipson, Reporter
January 28, 2022
U-High sophomores and juniors will work among fellow high school and college students for 37.5 hours a week to research areas of interest in the computer science field.

Applications open for computer science research position

Mia Lipson, Reporter
December 17, 2021
Junior Ella Hultquist pays for her items at the coffee shop.

Transaction fee to be added for credit card users

Mia Lipson, Reporter
October 25, 2021
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