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
Peter Pu

Peter Pu, Editor-in-Chief

Peter Pu is an editor-in-chief for the U-High Midway and a member of the Class of 2022. Since beginning journalism, he has served as assistant editor, arts co-editor and news editor. Peter enjoys writing and editing news stories and reading features. Outside of journalism, Peter studies math and biology, plays tennis and participates in orchestra.

 

Awards:

2022 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Circle Award: Third place, photo slideshow (with Elliott Taylor, Andrew Burke-Stevenson), Members of Class of 2021 graduate on Jackman Field

2021 Journalism Education Association National Student Media Contests, Virtual: Superior, feature writing

2021 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Circle Award: First place, digital breaking news, “Lab community protests police brutality, racism throughout Chicago”

2020 Journalism Education Association National Student Media Contests, Virtual: Honorable mention, news writing

2020 Illinois Journalism Education Association: First place, in-depth news story, Climate crisis: How teachers plan to address the generation’s hottest issue

2020 Illinois Journalism Education Association: First place, centerspread story package (with Nikhil Patel, Amanda Cassel, Audrey Matzke, Maria Shaughnessy), 96.5 p6-7 Swipe and scroll

2020 Illinois Journalism Education Association: First place, multimedia story package (with Miriam Bloom, Kathy Luan, Maria Shaughnessy, Elliott Taylor, Malcolm Taylor), Artsfest provides time for creativity, relaxation

2020 Illinois Journalism Education Association: Second place, multimedia story package, Campus sound show provides new art experience

2020 Illinois Journalism Education Association: Honorable mention, best photo gallery or photo slideshow (with Maria Shaughnessy, Leland Culver): March 2, 2020: Art, music, fun abound at Art in the Dark

2019 Journalism Education Association National Student Media Contests, Washington, D.C.: Superior, news editing/headline writing/current events

 

All content by Peter Pu
Secretary Elaine Robison works at her desk in the high school office.

Initiatives launched to further employee commitment to DEI

Peter Pu, Editor-In-Chief
April 29, 2022
Senior Will Trone, co-president of Intersectional Feminism Club, discusses submissions for “Why I Didn’t Report" with the rest of the club.

School club uses social media, raises awareness for sexual assault

Peter Pu, Editor-In-Chief
April 5, 2022
On the way: Reggie Jenkins

On the way: Reggie Jenkins

Peter Pu, Editor-in-Chief
March 28, 2022
Some faculty of color at the Laboratory Schools say that they are treated poorly by certain white colleagues in their daily experiences, and they say they have limited opportunities to resolve these issues. 

Mistreated: Faculty of color speak out

Peter Pu, Editor-in-Chief
March 9, 2022

Standardized tests should remain as objective pillars in college application selection process

Peter Pu, Editor-in-Chief
March 8, 2022
Standardized testing: Relic of the past or necessary benchmark?

Standardized testing: Relic of the past or necessary benchmark?

Berk Oto and Peter Pu
March 8, 2022

Partnership targets gun violence at its root

Peter Pu, Editor-in-Chief
February 10, 2022
Strategies & solutions for safety

Strategies & solutions for safety

Peter Pu, Adrianna Nehme, Colin Leslie, and Amon Gray
February 10, 2022
This concert at the Chicago Symphony Center took place on Dec. 9. Hilary Hahn plays Dvorak's violin concerto in A minor.

Appreciate classical musicians’ personal side

Peter Pu, Editor-In-Chief
January 11, 2022
After the extended break, where classes were delayed until Jan. 10, U-High athletes return to their sports with stricter mask-wearing and social distancing expectations.

Athletics resume with same rules, more adherence

Peter Pu, Editor-In-Chief
January 11, 2022
According to Kimberly Williamson, director of human resources, the major hiring shortages are occurring in jobs that are lower-paying and do not necessarily offer benefits.

Hiring issues for Extended Day Program persist

Peter Pu, Editor-in-Chief
December 17, 2021
All the eternals: a diverse, large cast that led to the story's downfall.

‘Eternals’ fails to adhere to cohesive plot

Peter Pu, Editor-In-Chief
December 10, 2021
Students at the University of Chicago Charter School, Woodlawn Campus, first returned to in-person learning after school closure in March 2020. The school is located at 63rd Street and University Avenue.

Audio: UChicago charter school students face lingering effects of distance learning

Peter Pu, Editor-In-Chief
December 7, 2021
SPEAK OUT. At a Student Council-led meeting on Nov. 2, ninth grader Ayush Mishra shares his experiences with the group. The meeting was held for students to discuss strategies for workload.

Heavy workload aggravates students

Peter Pu and Meena Lee
November 9, 2021
Users face challenges identifying facts from misinformation in consuming mass amounts of information each day.

Fact or Fiction: Determining truth from falsehood

Peter Pu, Audrey Park, Erich Raumann, and William Tan
October 7, 2021

Stop, think it through

Peter Pu, Editor-in-chief
October 7, 2021
Lucy Biederman

Lucy Biederman

Peter Pu, Editor-in-Chief
September 15, 2021
Gabriel Baker

Gabriel Baker

Peter Pu, Editor-in-Chief
September 15, 2021
Kimberly Alligood

Kimberly Alligood

Peter Pu, Editor-in-Chief
September 15, 2021
Katie Clendenning

Katie Clendenning

Peter Pu, Editor-in-Chief
September 15, 2021
Anita Debarlaben

Anita Debarlaben

Peter Pu, Editor-in-Chief
September 15, 2021
Richard Del Rio

Richard Del Rio

Peter Pu, Editor-in-Chief
September 15, 2021
W. Danielle Jones

W. Danielle Jones

Peter Pu, Editor-in-Chief
September 15, 2021
Diane Nead

Diane Nead

Peter Pu, Editor-in-Chief
September 15, 2021
Kevin Nihill

Kevin Nihill

Peter Pu, Editor-in-Chief
September 15, 2021
Armando Ortiz

Armando Ortiz

Peter Pu, Editor-in-Chief
September 15, 2021
Peter Samuels

Peter Samuels

Peter Pu, Editor-in-Chief
September 15, 2021
Phillip Sudderberg

Phillip Sudderberg

Peter Pu, Editor-in-Chief
September 15, 2021
Zilkia Rivera-Vazquez

Zilkia Rivera-Vazquez

Peter Pu, Editor-in-Chief
September 15, 2021
Tori Jueds

Tori Jueds

Peter Pu, Editor-in-Chief
September 15, 2021
Nicole Williams

Nicole Williams

Peter Pu, Editor-in-Chief
September 15, 2021
Recruits from diverse backgrounds introduce themselves to U-High

Recruits from diverse backgrounds introduce themselves to U-High

Peter Pu, Editor-in-Chief
September 15, 2021
The ability to meet aid demands of families is increasing, according to Irene Reed, executive director of admissions and financial aid.

28 students join U-High; financial support remains stable

Peter Pu, Editor-In-Chief
September 10, 2021
MAKING IT THROUGH. Members of the Class of 2021 walk through Jackman Field during the recessional after being declared graduates.

Members of Class of 2021 graduate on Jackman Field

Peter Pu, Editor-in-Chief
June 10, 2021
After an amazing year of coverage, the Midway staff will take a publishing break over the summer except in the event of significant breaking news.

Midway to take break over the summer

Berk Oto, Lucia Kouri, and Peter Pu
June 9, 2021
Athletes returning to their sports have found masks to be a challenge, but also essential to safety and strengthening bonds.

Masked up: Athletes return to play following coronavirus guidelines

Peter Pu, Editor-in-Chief
May 18, 2021
Junior Izzy Cafferelli talks to friend during in-person class on historical campus.

In-person students face challenges of establishing rigor of school-day routine

Peter Pu, News Editor
April 15, 2021
Students on distance and hybrid learning connect on Zoom to work together on a group activity in Spanish teacher Dinah D'Antoni's class on April 13. Zoom has also allowed students from Colombia to connect with U-High students in Spanish teacher Suzanne Baum's class without traveling.

[Photo] Breaking barriers: U-High, Colombian students share experiences

Adrianna Nehme, Assistant Editor
April 13, 2021
How have student-teacher interactions changed? The awkwardness of synchronous sessions makes office hours more important than ever for some students.

Student-teacher relationships adapt with hybrid learning

Peter Pu, News Editor
April 13, 2021
Both the varsity and junior varsity Science Olympiad teams ranked first at more than half of the events.

Science Olympiad teams place first at regional tournament

Peter Pu, News Editor
April 5, 2021
Days when students are allowed to return to campus will increase, according to interim director David Magill.

More students, more often: In-person capacity to expand by mid-April

Peter Pu, News Editor
March 15, 2021
Driving for many is associated with boring commutes and draining traffic, but some students drive to destress and connect with friends.

Students drive to reflect, unwind

Peter Pu, News Editor
March 12, 2021
Kindergarten teacher Lisa Washington Kuzel, a two-time Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching finalist, reads a story to her students March 2.

Teacher selected as finalist for Golden Apple award

Peter Pu, News Editor
March 2, 2021
Although with positive intentions, the College Board made a poor choice in discontinuing the subject tests and optional essay, and testing organizations should proceed with caution in evaluating the utility of their exams, writes news editor Peter Pu.

The College Board should not have discontinued the subject tests and optional essay

Peter Pu, News Editor
March 1, 2021
In a Midway article from May 1970, published in the midst of the Vietnam War, U-High students protested at a lunchtime rally. The Class of 1970 have stayed incredibly close due to their shared memories of the war.

Class of 1970 grow closer every 5 years, share memories of political turmoil

Peter Pu, News Editor
March 1, 2021
Junior Chloe Ma delivers her baked goods to a customer.

Baking a difference: Student launches online bakery, donates proceeds to charities

Peter Pu, News Editor
February 24, 2021
Student Experimental Theater prepares for virtual performance

Student Experimental Theater prepares for virtual performance

Peter Pu, News Editor
February 15, 2021
The SAT Subject Tests and optional SAT Essay will be discontinued.

[Photo] Students find relief after SAT subject tests, optional essay are discontinued

Louis Auxenfans, Reporter
January 27, 2021
Some in-person activities have been approved to resume by the University of Chicago.

In-person gatherings to allow for socializing, activities

Peter Pu, News Editor
January 21, 2021
The theme of the Martin Luther King Jr. assembly was reclaiming the Black Lives Matter hashtag.

Assembly honors Martin Luther King Jr., emphasizes active activism

Peter Pu, News Editor
January 13, 2021
Some teachers chose to postpone teaching new content Jan. 7 and instead provided spaces for students to discuss what happened in the U.S. Capitol the day before. Classes were optional, and some experienced moderate to extreme reductions in size.

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

Amanda Cassel, Amy Ren, Téa Tamburo, and Peter Pu
January 7, 2021
We may still have to wait until the end of 2021 before returning to conditions as before the pandemic, assuming an efficient distribution process, writes news editor Peter Pu.

Even with vaccine, coronavirus is here to stay

Peter Pu, News Editor
December 16, 2020
The Diversity Advisory Committee will host an open forum Dec. 9 at 1 p.m. to share its responsibilities and collect input about issues concerning diversity, equity and inclusion from the student body.

Diversity Advisory Committee to take student input in open forum

Peter Pu, News Editor
December 5, 2020
Traditionally, SET receives and distributes submission forms in a colorful box located in the Sherry Lansing Theater. This year, the entire process and subsequent production will be conducted remotely.

SET seeks student submissions for virtual production

Peter Pu, News Editor
November 20, 2020
Parent-teacher conferences will be Nov. 16-18, and specific times will be indicated on Calendly.

[Photo] Parent-teacher conferences to span 3 days of November

Amy Ren, Reporter
October 30, 2020
The last of the missing student course materials will be distributed after numerous delays.

Students to finally receive course materials after delays

Peter Pu, News Editor
October 29, 2020
The prom planning committee sells spirit wear to fundraise for prom in June. The current campaign will end Oct. 26.

[Photo] Planning committee fundraises for prom in June

An Ngo, Assistant Editor
October 22, 2020
The identities of the two final candidates for the director search have been withheld.

Search Advisory Committee establishes qualifications for next director

Peter Pu, News Editor
October 22, 2020
The graduating classes of 2021 and 2022 must learn to tackle college applications during global pandemic.

Juniors and seniors tackle college applications amid pandemic

Peter Pu, News Editor
October 20, 2020
PSAT photo

[Photo] Sophomores and juniors participate in optional standardized test

Lucia Kouri, City Life Editor
October 15, 2020
The Diversity Advisory Council invites new members to apply. Members of previous years were part of the process of editing the Diversity Action Plan.

[Photo] Applications open for student voice on diversity committee

Adrianna Nehme, Assistant Editor
October 13, 2020
Students in teacher Tracy Aiden's kindergarten class visit their Breonna Taylor memorial at the Masaryk Monument.

Lab kindergartener class’ Breonna Taylor memorial defaced

Peter Pu, News Editor
October 8, 2020
Students may apply until the end of October for a position on the BRAVE committee.

[Photo] BRAVE committee invites new members to join, address diversity, equity and inclusion

Clare O'Connor, Reporter
October 7, 2020
The U-High Midway selected new editors and positions for the 2020-21 academic year.

[Photo] New Midway editors, positions selected

Berk Oto, Managing Editor
October 6, 2020
Students may pick up course materials and yearbooks curbside beginning today. Designated times are 3:30-7 p.m. on Sept. 9 and 10, and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sept. 12 on Kimbark Avenue outside Gordon Parks Arts Hall.

Curbside pickup available for course materials, yearbooks

Peter Pu, News Editor
September 9, 2020
There are still many unknowns in the transition between remote and in-person learning.

Lab administration, faculty draft plans for learning in 2020-21 school year

Peter Pu, News Editor
June 9, 2020
Approximately 150 Lab community members protested police brutality at Midway Plaisance June 1.

Lab community protests police brutality, racism throughout Chicago

Peter Pu, News Editor
June 1, 2020
Eli Hinerfeld paddle boards on Powers Lake in Genoa, Wisconsin.

Cap and Gown: Seniors take unique graduation photos to compensate for postponement

Peter Pu, News Editor
May 28, 2020
60% of U-High student respondents lost their summer job or activity due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Students adapt summer plans, find new opportunities during social distancing

Peter Pu, News Editor
May 26, 2020
Among Director Magill's top priorities is to boost morale, ensure Lab's financial security and searching for a permanent director.

Back at it: Magill will draw on Lab experience during interim year

Berk Oto and Peter Pu
May 18, 2020
A sign was erected on the Kent State University campus to commemorate the shooting on May 4, 1970 of unarmed students protesting the Vietnam War by the Ohio National Guard.

Legacy of action: The Kent State shooting, 50 years later

Peter Pu, Arts Co-Editor
May 4, 2020
The girls soccer team does warm up drills before practice on March 11, only a few days before the announcement that Lab was to go online. In an effort to stay in touch while also abiding by social distancing measures, the team has bonded in creative ways such as a rock-paper-scissors tournament and other games.

Teams continue workouts despite postseason uncertainty

Peter Pu, Arts Editor
April 20, 2020
Alyssa Russel, a member of the class of 2019, shows her May Project, which was to work in a production of "Wicked" in Peru, to fellow class member Henry Cassel at the 2019 May Project exposition. The class of 2020 will be executing their May Projects at home.

May Project to go forward under stay-at-home order

Peter Pu, Arts Editor
April 7, 2020
Singers who achieve a division one rating at district contest receive a medal similar to this one. Every singer from U-High achieved division one at the 2020 contest.

Singers score high at district contest

Peter Pu, Arts Editor
April 7, 2020
The spread of COVID-19, caused by the virus rendered above, has had worldwide impact, causing quarantines, travel restrictions and economic instability. Lab and the University of Chicago have responded with caution, planning for a possible school closure and cancelling planned overseas trips.

Here’s how COVID-19 is affecting Lab students

Peter Pu, Arts Editor
March 4, 2020
Artsfest provides time for creativity, relaxation

Artsfest provides time for creativity, relaxation

Peter Pu, Arts Editor
March 2, 2020
Art, music, fun abound at Art in the Dark

Art, music, fun abound at Art in the Dark

Peter Pu, Arts Editor
March 2, 2020
Liam DeJong and Charlotte Henderson rehearse "There's No Here Here" with one of their directors, Natalie Hultquist. The other director was Caroline Taylor, and the scene was written by playwright Craig Pospisil.

S.E.T. to present works written, directed by students

Peter Pu, Arts Editor
February 19, 2020
Students take survey to determine characteristics of success

Students take survey to determine characteristics of success

Peter Pu, Arts Editor
February 19, 2020
Midway website receives national honor

Midway website receives national honor

Peter Pu, Arts Editor
February 7, 2020
The first issue of Ouroboros Review, pictured above, is available and being distributed at a launch party Feb. 6 in Judd C116 for $10 per copy.

[Photo] Ouroboros Review publishes first issue

Caroline Hohner, Reporter
February 3, 2020
Swipe and scroll

Swipe and scroll

Nikhil Patel, Amanda Cassel, Audrey Matzke, and Peter Pu
January 24, 2020

Fact or fiction: Popular phone myths affect classroom policy

Peter Pu, Arts Editor
January 24, 2020
A coyote like the one pictured above was seen prowling Kenwood Mall and Midway Plaisance Jan. 13.

Coyote sighted on Kenwood Mall

Peter Pu, Arts Editor
January 13, 2020
Novice debate teams find early success

Novice debate teams find early success

Peter Pu, Assistant Editor
December 13, 2019
After discussing climate education for various professional development events, lab teachers have begun plans to incorporate climate change into curricula across subjects. Reducing the school’s carbon footprint is also a priority, and being conscious of recycling cans and avoiding lunchroom waste is a place to start.

CLIMATE CRISIS: How teachers plan to address the generation’s hottest issue

Peter Pu, Assistant Editor
December 5, 2019
SPOOKY SCARY STORIES. Alia Thomas, a senior peer leader, reads a Halloween-themed story to two students from the Earl Shapiro Hall. Junior and senior peer leaders met with the younger students on Oct. 29 for books and haunts in Café Lab.

Strategic framework outlines priorities for Lab future

Peter Pu, Assistant Editor
November 5, 2019

[Video] Campus sound show provides new art experience

Peter Pu, Assistant Editor
November 4, 2019
Decision on Bobo-Jones arbitration expected by end of 2019

Decision on Bobo-Jones arbitration expected by end of 2019

Peter Pu, Assistant Editor
October 8, 2019
CHANTING FOR CHANGE. U-High senior Joana Rose and other students walk out to protest in the Global Climate Strike on Sept. 20.

Students covering students: Generation Z stands together on climate

Peter Pu and Leland Culver
September 24, 2019
FOOD FOR ALL. Sophomore Brandon Bousquette serves food to a patron at The River Food Pantry in Wisconsin on Sept. 19. The River Food Pantry is a nonprofit that provides food, clothing and household items to Dane County families. Reflecting on the experience, Brandon said, “It allowed me to meet various new people and gain experience with people of all backgrounds.”

Sophomores find meaning in service at retreat

Peter Pu, Reporter
September 24, 2019
New and veteran clubs advertise to attract members

New and veteran clubs advertise to attract members

Peter Pu, Midway Reporter
September 13, 2019
Students play at one of the many activities offered at the 50th annual Rites of May celebration. A community gathering that takes place every year, students, teachers and parents all help to organize and set it up.

Rites of May offers community, chance for fun

Peter Pu and Christian Gluth
May 20, 2019
HELPING HANDS. Working side by side, juniors Annie Billings and Kathy Luan bag feminine hygiene products for homeless women. The workshop, “Break the Stigma,” taught participants about the importance of menstrual hygiene.

Workshops help break cycle

Peter Pu, Midway Reporter
April 24, 2019
Debate season comes to end for varsity, JV

Debate season comes to end for varsity, JV

Peter Pu, Midway Reporter
March 19, 2019

Debate team produces mixed results

Peter Pu, Midway Reporter
February 14, 2019
Colin Rennert-May, English teacher, talks to Sunny Neater, art teacher, during the Lunar New Year Dinner Feb. 7.

Lab community celebrates Lunar New Year

Peter Pu
February 8, 2019
Load More Stories