The Student News Site of University of Chicago Laboratory High School

U-High Midway
Students from the art troupe of RDFZ, the high school affiliated with Renmin University of China, perform with a traditional dragon decoration. Lab’s Chinese Families and Friends Affinity Group hosted a Lunar New Year celebration on Sunday, Feb. 2, from 4-5 p.m.
Exchange students arrive from China; Lunar New Year performance amazes
A Reuters-Ipsos poll found that only 36% of Americans support President Trump's executive order ending birthright citizenship for immigrants, an example of the significant resistance his dozens of executive orders have faced by many including U-High students.
Trump’s return sets in
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
Senior Asa Bordelon addresses his AT War and Violence I history class in a historical simulation of the ancient Roman Senate Jan. 23. In the activity, organized by teacher Gabriel Baker, each student played the role of a Roman senator and explored the dynamics of this environment through collaboration and competition.
History class activity brings ancient Rome to life for students
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
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
Sophomores Sofia Schwartz and Venice Lichstein attend a Women in STEM meeting. The club is organizing a new mentorship program to connect U-High students with undergraduates at the University of Chicago.
Women in STEM club organizes mentorship program open to all
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
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
Arts & Entertainment Editor Light Dohrn argues that wealth shields many from the fatal flaws of the healthcare system.
For millions, our broken health care system turns desperation into tragedy
Features Editor Skye Freeman argues that gender based sentiments such as “Boys will be boys” are harmful and promote things such as toxic masculinity.
Gender-based sentiments must cease
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
Photographer and documentarian Marc Monaghan interviews Levi, a student at Dyett High School, before his performance at The Promontory as part of the Intonation Music’s Student Showcase on Dec. 21. Although Mr. Monaghan had an interest in photography from a young age, the Hyde Park Herald journalist didn’t pursue it as a career until his 50s.
Marc Monaghan: Former Lab middle school dean captures the world through photojournalism
University of Chicago graduate Hannah Nyhart, the co-owner and co-founder of Build Coffee coffee shop and used bookstore, works behind the counter. Despite years of experience running Build Coffee and getting to know the community, Ms. Nyhart has decided to sell the shop.
Hannah Nyhart: Co-founder of Build Coffee cherishes memories she has constructed
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
Juniors Anaya Douglas, Frankie Bishop and Ty Quiles converse during a meeting of the Multicultural Students Association. The number of clubs at U-High has increased as students create communities serving their different interests.
Students shape community through founding new clubs
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 Lincoln Park Zoolights is marking its 30th anniversary. Throughout the years, it has remained a Chicago holiday custom.
Zoolights keeps Chicago holiday tradition alive
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
The Smart Museum, which opened in 1974, is celebrating its 50th anniversary through March 2025 with a new limited-time exhibit, filled with rich history, bright colors and beautiful pieces of art.
Smart Museum marks 50 years with colorful, intimate exhibit
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
Following the first official practice of the lower school sports program, students huddle up in Lower Kovler to celebrate their hard work.
Lower school introduces athletics program
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. Café Lab offers a variety of breakfast foods from fruits and Greek yogurt to less healthy sweets like doughnuts. 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
SWEAT IN SWEATS. As part of his Winter Arc fitness routine junior Zuri Cosey Gay runs on the treadmill in the fitness center. The term Winter Arc was inspired by storytelling character development “arcs” to emphasize the personal growth and transformation aspects of the trend.
For fitness, students join winter arc trend
Students from the art troupe of RDFZ, the high school affiliated with Renmin University of China, perform with a traditional dragon decoration. Lab’s Chinese Families and Friends Affinity Group hosted a Lunar New Year celebration on Sunday, Feb. 2, from 4-5 p.m.
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
Students from the art troupe of RDFZ, the high school affiliated with Renmin University of China, perform with a traditional dragon decoration. Lab’s Chinese Families and Friends Affinity Group hosted a Lunar New Year celebration on Sunday, Feb. 2, from 4-5 p.m.
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
Standing with two of his company’s robot products, sophomore Isaac Sutherland delivers lines as the lead role of R.U.R. CEO Harry Domin. “I think my favorite part was when you get to the point in rehearsal where you’re working off of the other actors, and you get to this collaborative flow state that is kind of incredible,” Isaac said. “Everyone is working together and building a story together, and I find that so much fun.”
Gallery: Fall play ‘Rossum’s Universal Robots’ explores revolution, technology
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