The Student News Site of University of Chicago Laboratory High School

U-High Midway
THE MAROON SEA. The Class of 2026 floods Rockefeller Chapel on June 11 for the 122nd University of Chicago Laboratory Schools Commencement. Students held fans. Rockefeller Chapel was overrun with heat during the ceremony.
At graduation, speakers, performers commemorate 148 students in the Class 2026
After a busy year, the staff will take a break from publishing over the summer.
Midway will be taking a break during the summer
CONGRATULATORY CLAPS. Looking up at awards announcements projected during the awards assembly, seniors Summer Pinc, Peyton Palmer and Lydia Gilbert clap together. The assembly, during a special schedule on the morning of June 4, ended with seniors hanging out in Scammon Garden and eating popsicles.
Gallery: End-of-year celebrations
The new photojournalism leaders are Bryce Kenny and Simon Vaang, editors-in-chief. The new U-Highlights leaders are Sadie Ellis and Kayla Monterola, editors-in-chief
New editors chosen for 2026-27 U-Highlights and photojournalism teams
SENIOR SEND-OFF. On June 4, seniors saw their 2026 U-Highlights yearbooks for the first time in Café Lab at the senior breakfast. Before the awards assembly, they had the chance to sign each other's books.
Signing Day: U-Highlights yearbooks distributed to student body
Andrew Miller, Lab’s current assistant director of student services, will take on the new role at the high school as dean of student success starting July 1
Andrew Miller hired as dean of student success
Submissions for the Beloved Community T-shirt contest are due on May 20.
Beloved Community T-shirt submissions are open
Sadie Ellis and Declan Smith have been selected for the Illinois All-State Journalism Team for outstanding journalistic work.
Two U-High juniors selected for Illinois All-State Journalism Team
Viren de Jeu, Noah Gunning and Simon Vaang each were recognized for national awards from the Jostens Photo Contest; Both Noah and Simon won additional awards from the Walsworth Photo Contest.
Three photojournalists, adviser receive national recognition
The Shakespeare Slam team poses with various objects. The team won city-wide runners-up on April 27, performing a rendition of Hamlet.
Shakespeare Slam team wins citywide runner-up
Dating Decline
Dating Decline
To Love America
To Love America
AI's Quiet Coup
AI’s Quiet Coup
A social media trend based around nostalgia for the year 2016, revealed a desire for life to feel more carefree.
2026 is out, 2016 is in
Serving Up Skinny
Serving Up Skinny
Opinion Editor Sinziana Lazar argues that Lab has the unique opportunity to adapt education for the age of AI.
To solve AI cheating, the way school works has to change
The Editorial Board urges students to reevaluate the impact of the clubs they may lead or have founded, and to ensure these clubs prioritize a true passion instead of just being for a resume.
Prioritize passion, not your resume
The Editorial Board argues that student expression should not be limited by the neutrality policy, and instead, spaces for expression should be expanded.
Increase spaces for student-controlled expression
Sports Editor Gabriel Wang argues that student-athletes should be given the choice whether to attend P.E.
Student athletes should be able to choose to attend P.E.
Managing Editor Lucy Shirrell argues that mental health education should teach what struggles feel like, not just how to detect them in others.
Discuss what mental health struggles can feel like not just look like
HOME AWAY FROM HOME. Over the summer, junior Samara Grossman is a camp counselor at Hidden Valley, a camp in Maine that focuses on arts and the outdoors. Being a camper was her favorite experience and she wants to share her passion for camp with younger campers.
Students return to overnight camp as leaders
To promote a screen-free summer, the Midway compiled three adventures in the Chicago area for students to take.
Screen-Free Summer
INSPIRED EDUCATING. English teacher Carrie Koenen stands with projects her students made over the years. Ms. Koenen has always been drawn to the world of literary analysis and encourages students to read for pleasure.
End of a Chapter: English teacher Carrie Koenen will retire after 22 years of instilling love for literature
EARLY EDUCATION. Kathleen Iatarola, a second grade assistant teacher, will retire after teaching at Lab for 23 years.
Kathleen Iatarola, early childhood educator, retires
Click, Check, Concentrate. A student in Shauna Anderson’s third period Accelerated Algebra class keeps a bingo board open on their screen while following as another student solves a problem on the whiteboard. The student-created game, based on Ms. Anderson’s commonly used phrases and habits have become a daily part of the class, encouraging students to stay attentive and engaged during lessons.
Bingo board boosts attention, sense of community in math class
SKY ROOM SIGHTS. Guests look out the windows in the Sky Room on the museum’s top floor, where Stephen Colbert interviewed Mr. Obama for the May 5 episode of “The Late Show.” The Sky Room was added to the Obama Center to physically and symbolically connect guests to surrounding South Side neighborhoods, the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan.
Gallery: Peek inside the Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, opening June 19, honors the 44th president of the United States, Barack Obama. The center will include multiple facilities, including a gym, a library and a museum.
Home for Change: 44 facts about the Obama Center opening
RESTOCKING RESOURCES. Amanda Anderson, a vendor at the Gorman Farm Fresh Produce stand fills in their selection of fresh herbs at the 61st Street Farmers Market on April 11. Their stand has had a presence at the market for 12 years and was outside at the market’s last indoor day of the season, as the weather permitted. Molly Gorman, one of the stand’s owners, said about Link Match, “What’s important as part of the community is to be able to make some of our product more affordable so that everyone has a chance to benefit.”
Fresh food for all: 61st Street Farmers Market offers accessible produce to community
Vox Pop: Student expectations of the Obama Center
Vox Pop: Student expectations of the Obama Center
A DIFFERENT KIND OF TURF. The U-High baseball team tends to a community garden in Woodlawn run by the volunteer organization Blacks In Green. Blacks In Green uses these community gardens alongside other sustainability projects like a geothermal heating pilot program to help reverse Chicago’s historical environmental injustice.
A sustainable Chicago
Squire! The YouTube logo of “Royal Court” is displayed at the introduction of every interview, where celebrities and cultural icons answer both ridiculous and serious questions about their lives, careers and passions. The show started in 2023, with country artist Orville Peck as the first guest. “I wanted to provide a talk show setting that rejects tradition & instead plays to my strengths and puts the guest at ease in a silly and carefree environment,” Brittany Broski wrote in the description of “Royal Courts” first episode.
‘Royal Court’ brings humor to interviews through unconventional format
Painted Possibilities: A notebook displaying the question “What is AI?” sits beside watercolor paints as “The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist” examines society’s mixed emotions surrounding artificial intelligence. Directed by Daniel Roher and released in March 2026, the documentary discussed the rapid growth of AI technology and the concerns tied to its influence on humanity’s future. “There are an insane number of challenges ahead of us but if we can get past them, we can unlock a future beyond our wildest imagination,” one interviewee said in the film.
Documentary provides powerful, dangerous reality of artificial intelligence
CAPTION: GAME ON. NBA superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dribbles the basketball in action as the cover athlete in the “NBA 2K26,” the 27th edition of “NBA 2K” published by 2K games. Gilgeous-Alexander is the NBA’s reigning Most Valuable Player Award winner and 2025 champion. “Every kid who grows up playing basketball pictures themselves on the cover of ‘NBA 2K’ — it’s a dream come true moment, especially following an NBA Championship,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.
With advanced motion technology, ‘NBA 2K26,’ basketball-based video game, offers more immersive gameplay
With the Puerto Rican flag flying, Dancing the Revolution: From Dancehall to Reggatón exhibit explores self-expression through art.
Through dance, new MCA exhibit showcases Caribbean cultural identity
THE BIG PICTURE. Using inspiration from his grandparents careers, Alex Hunter began his photography in ninth grade. Alex’s speciality is sports photography, including occasionally taking photos for the Chicago White Sox.
Picture Perfect: Through his camera lens, Alex Hunter discovers self-expression, success
Third baseman Elliot Poston slides to a base during an away varsity baseball game against Francis W. Parker School on May 1. Elliot walked and scored a run. The U-High Maroons won 7-4.
Baseball wrap up: team loss at sectional final
During the 800-meter run on May 1, senior Sean Niro fights for a second place finish with a time of 2:10.28. Discussing Sean, junior Connor Lane said, “He has had a super, super big track season, made a lot of improvement.”
Track and field wrap up: both teams place third at sectionals, finish seasons at state
Yelling in celebration, sophomore Christopher Williams and junior Arjun Sawhney react after winning a point during a varsity tennis match against Lake Forest Academy on April 28. The pair qualified for state even though they were partners for the first time this year. “It was a very new feeling to play with one another,” Arjun said. “I think these matches where we started to feel out how to best play with each other were helpful.”
Boys tennis season wrap-up: In first 2A season, team ties for 14th at state
Varsity baseball coach Luke Zavala cheers for sophomore Jason Cross as he runs between bases in a baseball game against Lincoln Park High School.
Sophomore Jason Cross finds community through extracurricular baseball
During the regional semi-final match against Nazareth Academy on May 19, seniors Devyn Moubayed and Leyla Yates jump to head the ball off a corner kick. U-High lost 2-0 to end the season.
Girls soccer season wrap-up: Loss at regional semifinals caps first 2A season
HIDDEN RISKS. Common over-the-counter medicines and supplements, including antacids, naproxen, melatonin and acetaminophen, can be harmful if dosing instructions aren't carefully followed.
Pills, pain, precaution: Over-the-counter medicine poses hidden risks, can cause harmful effects
Dermatologist Lathilda Reddy thinks that even with sunscreen, there is no way of tanning that is healthy.
Q&A: Dermatologist shares summer skin safety tips
TWISTED TOPIC. Despite the topic being generally viewed as taboo, Dr. Agarwal and students alike encourage people to prioritize health over feelings of awkwardness when discussing testicular torsion. Testicular torsion is the twisting of the spermatic cord which cuts off blood supply to the scrotum and is a condition that often requires immediate surgery, Dr. Agarwal said.
A Painful Subject
WARPED WELLNESS. In an effort to lead a healthier lifestyle, many turn to trendy products. However, some of these goods come with questionable promises.
Trendy or true: four health trends explained
Seniors Cyrus Black and Alex Diamond train in the fitness center for their upcoming triathlon in Oahu, Hawaii, on May 17. Training has forced Cyrus and Alex to think carefully about their habits.
Triathlon training supports healthy habits
SENIOR SEND-OFF. On June 4, seniors saw their 2026 U-Highlights yearbooks for the first time in Café Lab at the senior breakfast. Before the awards assembly, they had the chance to sign each other's books.
Signing Day: U-Highlights yearbooks distributed to student body
OPENING ACT. “The SpongeBob Musical” cast sings the musical’s opening number, “Bikini Bottom Day.” The musical was performed May 15-16, and was held in Sherry Lansing Theater. Sofia Ybarra, who played SpongeBob, said, “It was definitely the hardest role I’ve ever had, both in terms of the physical demands and the acting ones as well. Not only did I have to learn how to be a cartoon character with my voice and emotions, I also had to learn to embody one. On top of that, I was responsible for keeping the energy of the whole cast up and engaged. I wouldn’t have traded the role or the experience for the world, though.” Photo by Elspeth LaCroix-Birdthistle
Gallery: ‘The SpongeBob Musical’ journeys to save Bikini Bottom
Video vox pop: What students want from Student Council
Video vox pop: What students want from Student Council
Cherry blossoms in full bloom in Jackson Park.
Video: Jackson Park cherry blossoms mark beginning of spring
Science teacher Daniel Calleri inspects and sorts through the old honeycombs making sure to clear out any spider webs and a naturally made adhesive called propolis. Because honeybee colonies don’t tend to survive over the Chicago winter, Dr. Calleri has to prepare the hives anew every year.
Audio: As spring approaches, apiary starts to buzz with life
CONGRATULATORY CLAPS. Looking up at awards announcements projected during the awards assembly, seniors Summer Pinc, Peyton Palmer and Lydia Gilbert clap together. The assembly, during a special schedule on the morning of June 4, ended with seniors hanging out in Scammon Garden and eating popsicles.
Gallery: End-of-year celebrations
SKY ROOM SIGHTS. Guests look out the windows in the Sky Room on the museum’s top floor, where Stephen Colbert interviewed Mr. Obama for the May 5 episode of “The Late Show.” The Sky Room was added to the Obama Center to physically and symbolically connect guests to surrounding South Side neighborhoods, the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan.
Gallery: Peek inside the Obama Presidential Center
OPENING ACT. “The SpongeBob Musical” cast sings the musical’s opening number, “Bikini Bottom Day.” The musical was performed May 15-16, and was held in Sherry Lansing Theater. Sofia Ybarra, who played SpongeBob, said, “It was definitely the hardest role I’ve ever had, both in terms of the physical demands and the acting ones as well. Not only did I have to learn how to be a cartoon character with my voice and emotions, I also had to learn to embody one. On top of that, I was responsible for keeping the energy of the whole cast up and engaged. I wouldn’t have traded the role or the experience for the world, though.” Photo by Elspeth LaCroix-Birdthistle
Gallery: ‘The SpongeBob Musical’ journeys to save Bikini Bottom
STRONG STRIDES. Sprinting through a crowd of runners, junior Mikey Skolarus competes in a cross country meet Sept. 14. Mikey said the warm weather increased the challenge of the race. “It was a tough run, the sun was extremely hot. I really just wanted to finish and forget about the time,” he said. “I just wanted to stop running and lay in the grass.”
Gallery: Game Faces
Zanee Barnes poses in a vintage photobooth in the Strip Club in Wicker Park.
Gallery: Walking through Wicker
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
Simon Vaang

Simon Vaang, Photo Assistant Editor

Simon Vaang is the photo assistant editor of the features section and is a member of the Class of 2027. His favorite part of photojournalism is getting the opportunity to shoot so many different scenes and being able to test his photojournalism abilities. Outside of photojournalism, Simon enjoys playing soccer for U-High’s varsity soccer team and sailing.

Awards:

2026 Illinois Journalism Education Association: First place, photo, news or feature, Chemical concentration (Moment of intensity) 

2026 Illinois Journalism Education Association: First place, photo gallery or slideshow (with Lila Coyne, Juliana Daugherty, Ari Novak, Lucy Shirrell, Caroline Skelly, Declan Smith, Ryan Burke-Stevenson, Ellis Calleri, Delaney Connell, Noah Gunning, Bryce Kenny, Devyn Moubayed, Eli Raikhel, Calder Wong), Gallery: Moments of Intensity

2026 Illinois Journalism Education Association: First place, photo story (with Lila Coyne, Maya Gauhar, Davis Dyson, Sacha Twemlow, Delaney Connell, Estelle Levinson), Vol. 101, Issue 8, Page 7, 24 Hours of Art

2026 Illinois Journalism Education Association: Honorable mention, multimedia story package (with Declan Smith, Sohana Schneider, Ari Novak, Elspeth LaCroix-Birdthistle, Calder Wong, Delaney Connell), Lab community participates in one of the largest ‘No Kings’ protests

2026 Scholastic Press Association of Chicago, photo, nonsports, superior

2025 Association of Texas Photography Instructors Fall Contest, advanced portfolio, first honorable mention

2025 Association of Texas Photography Instructors Fall Contest, advanced documentary/street photography, honorable mention

2025 Journalism Education Association National Student Media Contests, Nashville convention: Superior, feature photography

2025 National Scholastic Press Association Digital Story of the Year, Photo Slideshow: First place (with Lila Coyne, Juliana Daugherty, Bryce Kenny, Ari Novak, Lucy Shirrell, Caroline Skelly, Declan Smith, Ryan Burke-Stevenson, Ellis Calleri, Delaney Connell, Noah Gunning, Devyn Moubayed, Eli Raikhel and Calder Wong), Moments of Intensity

2025 National Scholastic Press Association Photo of the Year, Feature: honorable mention, Chemical Concentration 

2025 National Scholastic Press Association Portfolio of the Year, Photojournalist of the Year: Second place

2025 Illinois Journalism Education Association: First place, photo story (with Milo Platz-Walker, Eli Raikhel, Ryan Burke-Stevenson, Carter Chang, Bryce Light, Daniel Baeza), Peak Action, May 30, 2024

2025 Illinois Journalism Education Association: Second place, headline (with Edward Park, Nika Nelson)

2025 Illinois Journalism Education Association: Honorable mention, photo — sports, Alex Giles

2025 Scholastic Press Association of Chicago, sports photo (sailing), excellent

2025 Texas Photographic Society International Student Competition, landscape, third place

2025 Texas Photographic Society International Student Competition, documentary/photojournalism, honorable mention

2025 Jostens North American Photo Contest, yearbookers in action, first place

2025 Jostens North American Photo Contest, academics, second place

2025 Jostens North American Photo Contest, academics, fourth place

2024 Association of Texas Photography Instructors Fall Contest, beginning architecture, first place

2024 Association of Texas Photography Instructors Fall Contest, beginning sports action, third place

2024 Association of Texas Photography Instructors Fall Contest, beginning architecture, honorable mention

2024 Association of Texas Photography Instructors Fall Contest, beginning student life, honorable mention

All content by Simon Vaang
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