PAGE 5 • FEATURES PAGE 6 • IN-DEPTH PAGE 11 • SPORTS Cake, gluten-free pie, Four out of 10 students At an altitude of 594 feet, and a Norwegian waffle, report they don’t have a Chicago isn’t known for U-High faculty members trusted adult at Lab. For its hills, but if you look put their favorite recipies some, friendships with hard enough, you’ll find to the test in this year’s teachers provide banter, plenty of steep slopes holiday bake-off. Only comfort, and clarity, to and thrilling drops for one treat will triumph. their high school lives. winter sledding fun. University of Chicago Laboratory High School

1362 East 59th Street, Chicago,U-HIGH Illinois 60637 MIDWAY uhighmidway.com • Volume 95, Number 4 DECEMBER 13, 2018 Faculty endorse equal-length semester system Dec. 5. Ms. Weber was present at the “There is already a policy that we terms of equal lengths, almost all Weber decides The faculty had recommended faculty meeting where the vote don’t assign homework over break. faculty members seemed open switching from quarters to semes- took place. During the meeting, I would not be surprised if the pol- to both models, according to Dr. to move forward ters during its Nov. 7 meeting but she conveyed student concerns icy is more actively enforced given Hubin. had postponed a decision about about the semester switch. student concern.” “It was interesting how quick- with semesters the two calendar models. According to science teacher A common argument for the ly we came to a consensus,” Dr. by BERK OTO In a Midway interview, Ms. We- Elizabeth Hubin, the primary con- calendar model was that equal Hubin said. “There were people MIDWAY REPORTER ber said she will be moving for- cern addressed at the meeting was terms would contribute to bet- with strong opinions, but almost By a substantial majority, the ward with a semester system and about the possibility of teachers ter pacing throughout the school everyone said that they are willing high school faculty recommended will use the faculty vote and stu- giving homework over breaks. year for teachers and students. to work with either calendar.” to Principal Stephanie Weber that dent input to decide which semes- “The teachers have discussed The constant breaks in the fall Ms. Weber is also unsure of the school adopt a semester sys- ter calendar model would work the policies that would be enact- make it hard for teachers to find whether or not the calendar tem with terms of equal lengths best. ed in order to ensure that there their stride in the year, Dr. Hubin change will take place next year. beginning in the 2019-20 school The alternative calendar model, would be no work over breaks. said. She expected that some of “The priority is making a well in- year. The endorsement vote took which the faculty did not endorse, That includes truly having a con- the pacing issues would be reme- formed decision rather than rush- place after a presentation about would have semesters of different clusion for assignments, and not died by switching the calendar. ing the decision or forcing the de- the pros and cons of two semes- lengths with the first term ending even presenting or hinting at Despite some members of facul- cision to be next year,” Ms. Weber ter options at a faculty meeting before winter break in December. what’s to come,” Dr. Hubin said. ty being against the calendar with said. LGBT students weigh differing support needs Principal Spectrum club still serves those search seeking network begins and support by PRIYANKA SHRIJAY by EMMA TRONE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lab has taken the first steps in Results of the health and well- the search for a new high school ness survey confirmed what many principal, aided by a consultants have anecdotally suspected: a lot from a recruitment firm and a Lab of U-High students are not just at- Schools selection committee as tracted to the opposite gender. well as separate student and par- But only a few more than a doz- ent advisory boards. en students, mostly underclass- Representatives from Car- men, gather in C211 every Fri- ney Sandoe & Associates were day lunch for Spectrum, U-High’s on campus meeting with faculty, LGBTQ+ alliance. staff and students on Dec. 10 to Despite the club’s relatively low help learn about attendance, Spectrum President Lab and the po- Bassem Noghnogh said Spectrum sition. Principal fills a valuable role. From his four Stephanie We- years of observation as a member, ber announced Bassem said students who join of- on Nov. 27 ten are younger and looking for af- that she will firmation in their identity. be leaving the “They’re at a formative place in Lab Schools in their lives, and it’s important to June 2019 after help them,” he said. “It’s import- spending three Stephanie ant to help a lot of these younger years at U-High. Weber kids through these formative ex- Lab Schools periences. We owe them, because MIDWAY PHOTO BY LILY VAG-URMINSKI Director Charlie Abelmann said we were given that, or we weren’t SOCIAL SUPPORT. Junior Destiny Strange holds hands with senior Ryan Lee, supporting him at a the position will be advertised given that when we wish we had.” Spectrum meeting after a stressful day. At the meeting, students discussed the role of an ally. through the University of Chicago Senior Ryan Lee joined Spectrum as well as Carney Sandoe. Working last year and said he was drawn to ley said. “Like, if four of my five For Ryan, Spectrum served that with Carney Sandoe, the school having conversations with people “ Being bisexual ... defines closest friends are LGBT, why exact purpose. will narrow the applicant pool, who had similar struggles with sex- who I’m romantically would I have to go to Spectrum “With help from my friends, I invite candidates to the school, hold an open forum with candi- uality and coming out. interested in, but other to have those meaningful discus- came out to both of my sisters, “I really needed Spectrum for sions, when I could have them and very recently, I came out to my dates, and receive input from par- my own self-confidence,” Ryan than that, it doesn’t define with my friends in a more com- mother, with great results,” Ryan ents, faculty, staff, administration said. “Spectrum needs to be there anything about me. I didn’t fortable space?” said. “It stressed me out so much I and students. Some members of for people like me — people who feel the need to join a club Daniel Jones, Spectrum’s faculty actually ended up sobbing into my the Lab community will be given opportunities to interview candi- only just realized that they are about it.” adviser, said that as more U-High mom’s shoulder after she told me LGBT and now don’t know how to students have identified as LGBT, everything was fine and she loved dates. — GRACE WATSON, SENIOR come out to others, how to recon- Spectrum has become a space for me all the same. I spent nearly half That input will lead to a recom- cile their new realizations — be- students who feel marginalized a year terrified that I would never mendation to Dr. Abelmann, who cause it’s a jarring experience, and feel the need to join a club about within the LGBT community. be able to come out, and that, par- will make the decision to hire the when you don’t know who to talk it,” Grace said. “For me, and a lot “For people who don’t feel mar- alyzed with fear, I would just en- new principal. to it can become a painful and the people I’m friends with who ginalized, they feel that they don’t ter a heterosexual relationship and In a Midway interview, Ms. We- stressful environment if not miti- are also in the community, it’s not need the group or the affinity live out my life like that.” ber communicated that she leaves gated with conversations.” a big part of our identities and it’s space. But people who certainly do He said the network he built the high school in a better and Other LGBT students are less in- not something we’re constantly feel marginalized, do still rely on through Spectrum helped. more stable place. terested in a formal support net- talking about. We joke about it, but that social outlet,” Mr. Jones said, “That’s why it’s so important “I am really impressed with how work around sexuality and gender. that’s about it.” adding that Lab still has work to that I had so many people to back hard the curriculum committee Senior Grace Watson said being Haley Wanner, who said she do around education, health and me up in any situation,” he said. has been working and with de- surrounded by a lot of other LGBT identifies as queer, said she has wellness, and mental health. “People to make random gay jokes partments to think about what’s students can make an LGBT iden- other chances to talk about gender Mr. Jones said it’s not common with to lighten the mood. People to next for the high school and to tity less personally important. and sexuality, in informal settings. that people come out as straight. whisper to about crushes and gig- take steps in developing the next “Being bisexual is in no way a “There are clumps of LGBT peo- “For LGBT people, they do have gle about hot guys with. It helped phase of program and am grate- big part of my identity. It defines ple and certain groups where the to identify themselves, and there’s me normalize what it meant to be ful to have been able to steer them who I’m romantically interested majority of the group is LGBT, and mental anguish and anxiety about LGBT, and accept that I shouldn’t through this process,” she said. in, but other than that, it doesn’t that, I think, is a reason why some- that,” he said, “and so groups like settle for anything less than who I Ms. Weber did not indicate her define anything about me. I didn’t one wouldn’t join Spectrum,” Ha- this still serve that purpose.” was.” future plans. THURSDAY, DEC. 13, 2018 2 • NEWS U-HIGH MIDWAY • UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL, CHICAGO What gets thrown away does get recycled ­— eventually “The recycling guy comes ev- Mix of trash, ery morning and then takes all “ Even though it doesn’t the trash and other recycling into matter because it’ll all recyclables taken the compactor,” get sorted at the transfer explained Jo- station, it can cause some off site, sorted seph Wachows- ki, Lab’s director issues with contaminating by NIKHIL PATEL of operations, the cardboard, which we ASSISTANT EDITOR which includes sort out at the school.” “The students at Lab tend to dis- recycling. — JOSEPH WACHOWSKI, card their trash, whether it is re- Mr. Wachows- DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS cyclable or not, in the place most ki explained that convenient for them,” junior Ke- the recycling Joseph pler Boonstra system at the Wachowski some issues with contaminating said. transfer station the cardboard, which we sort out Due to chang- is complex. at the school.” es in recycling “Using puffs of air and vibra- The main concern Mr. Wa- technology, Ke- tions,” Mr. Wachowski said, “these chowski has about this is that pler’s state- transfer stations can sort out plas- U-High students may not learn ment is true — tics, aluminum and paper to be how to recycle for their everyday but a school of- sent to their respective facilities.” lives. ficial explains The biggest issue with Lab’s re- “Where it does matter is that we it doesn’t really Kepler cycling system is cross-contami- want kids to know the difference,” matter because Boonstra nation. When food waste and liq- Mr. Wachowski said. “ESH has a most trash and uids get on a batch of recycling, it great program when they’re little: recyclables eventually get sorted at can mean the batch ultimately is no waste, recycling. We hope that designated transfer stations. Card- headed for a landfill. those behaviors stay, but I haven’t “You get this contamination board is separated on campus to seen anything yet.” MIDWAY PHOTO BY ALYSSA RUSSELL be either reused or recycled. of the recycling, especially down Although the school’s recycling RESPONSIBLE RECYCLING. Junior Eleanor Skish recycles an The common belief among in the cafeteria,” Mr. Wachowski methods seem simple, simplicity U-High students is that all of the said. “Even though it doesn’t mat- may create this misconception. aluminum can. While the school does not separate recycling and Lab Schools’ waste goes to land- ter because it’ll all get sorted at But this idea may be nothing trash on campus, officials still encourage using the correct bin to fills, but this isn’t true. the transfer station, it can cause more than garbage. build lifelong recycling habits. NEWS IN BRIEF MUN wins Best Small Dr. King by his accomplishments Science team takes School Library Advisory Board Framework rather than who he was as a per- meeting. They discuss ways to Delegation at Princeton son and how he worked with oth- first at Olympiad make the library a more comfort- The Model Unit- er people. The Illinois Science ing, homey space. guides social ed Nations team won Ms. Baughn-Cunningham said Olympiad division of This is the first year students best small delegation she hopes that with the award the U-High Science have successfully transitioned award at the Prince- more people will consider the es- Team dominated the from being a part of the middle learning ton Model UN Con- sence of Martin Luther King and first invitational of school board to the high school. their season. ference Nov. 9-11. Al- try to embrace it in school and in “My friends and I created HLAB by AMANDA CASSEL though the team didn’t reclaim the their lives. The competition among 31 ISO because we did MLAB, the mid- ASSISTANT EDITOR — MAX GARFINKEL teams took place Dec. 8 at Harlem “Tiger” award for best large dele- dle school version,” President Inga To help counselors be consis- High School. The teams partici- gation, the team still performed as Domineck explained. “In MLAB, tent in how they discuss students pated in 23 competition rounds best they could, according to team Students form club the majority of the members were and their development, Lab has for the lowest overall point tallies. leaders to discuss disabilities 8th graders. We decided to make implemented a new social and While the team competed in U-High’s varsity ISO team took this club in high school and be- Last year, when sophomore emotional learning framework to large delegation category last year first place with 99 points and the cause there are so many of us, we Zach Sharp discovered that anoth- help students grow. Nicole Neal, and won, this year the team was junior varsity team took second thought we could keep it going.” er student in his grade had a vision director of special services, pre- placed in the small delegation cat- with 171. So far, they have decorated the impairment like himself, he was sented the program. egory due to number of partici- ISO co-captain Jenna Nimer library for holidays, come up with overcome with a sense of kinship. “I think this framework has pants. The team won best small said the team doesn’t normally do new ideas for book displays and “I wasn’t happy that some- so much potential, because it delegation and also brought home this well at the first competition, have decided to soon get a pet tur- body else had a vision disability,” will allow us to see how a 3-year- multiple “best delegate” individu- but their success might be partly tle. The board will hold a naming Zach said, “but thank God I’m not old turns into a high functioning al awards. because of new, promising mem- contest for their turtle after winter alone,” he said. “It’s not just me!” adult,” Ms. Neal said, “and that’s Jamal Nimer, one of the secre- bers and different captains. break. “It’s a really amazing experi- what we want for each and every taries-general, said, “We were real- Looking forward, Jenna said the — ABIGAIL SLIMMON ence, to know, I’m not alone out U-High graduate.” ly impressed by people’s prepara- team should still be vigilant. there, and we’re hoping to bring The CASEL Framework will al- tion and performances at the con- “Even though we got first, I’m more people together like that,” New English sub mixes so help prioritize health and well- ference and are excited for the next taking the win with a grain of salt Zach said. ness of Lab community members, conferences throughout the year.” because the competition wasn’t style and curriculum To increase awareness about guide a shared vision of the role of Some members of the team will strong,” she said, adding that com- Andrew Inchiosa has been Lab’s disabled students and pro- social and emotional learning and compete next at the Harvard Mod- petition later in the season will be teaching classes for English teach- vide a community for them, Zach help the community engage in di- el United Nations conference Jan. better prepared. er Christine Himmelfarb since late and sophomore Jayne Crouthamel alogue about the health and well- 24-27, 2019, while others will com- ISO also has invitationals on Jan. October and will continue for the founded the Students With Dis- ness of students. pete at the Boston Model Unit- 12 and Feb. 9. rest of the school year while she re- abilities Association. The framework focuses on five ed Nations conference Feb. 8-10, — MIRA COSTELLO mains on maternity leave. The club plans to meet Thurs- key competencies to help achieve 2019. Although he is new to Lab, Dr. these different goals: self-aware- days at lunch. Debate team trains Inchiosa is familiar with the Uni- — NIKHIL PATEL They started the club because ness, self-management, social at Lane Tech meet versity of Chicago community. awareness, relationship skills and they felt that Lab’s disabled com- He completed The debate team scored a 2-5 at responsible decision making. New award to honor munity should be able to come to- his doctorate at the Glenbrooks Speech and De- Looking at students through this gether in a more effective way. the University of MLK’s values at Lab bate tournament in the north sub- set of terminology will allow teach- “We’re also hoping to have a Chicago’s Fran- The annual Martin Luther King Jr. urbs Nov. 17-19. The team will ers, counselors, administration club be a place where people can ke Institute for Assembly in January will revolve compete at Lane Tech College and parents throughout the entire come and talk about their experi- the Humanities. around the values and spirit of Prep this weekend. community to have a clear path to ences,” Zach said. “We aren’t alone He also taught Dr. King and will use a new award Novice debaters scored a 4-7. follow in the face of any issue. in our struggles.” classes at U. of C. to recognize two members of the Freshman Berk Oto placed 24th “It is a big school with lots of dif- Jayne especially strives to in- in American lit- U-High community who exhibit and sophomore Roma Bhattacha- ferent ages and problems,” Ms. crease awareness about Lab’s dis- erature and cul- these values. rjee placed 27th out of 62 novices. Andrew Neal said. “But we have to see how abled community with the club. ture, and read- The Black Students’ Association “Lane Tech is a smaller, local Inchiosa we flow together and how we can “We hope to create awareness to ing in the United will use the theme “Are we living tournament. There are no bids at look at the social and emotional other students about people with States in the 1800s. the dream today?” and will bestow stake, but our goal is to get some learning of a sixth grader and con- disabilities,” Jayne said. “We are an When approaching taking over a the Spirit of MLK Award to one much needed practice and hope- nect it to the stability of a graduat- overlooked group. People don’t re- class, Dr. Inchiosa said he wants to teacher and one student. Submis- fully perform really well as we gear ing 12th grader.” ally understand what the challeng- blend Ms. Himmelfarb’s plans with sions are due by Jan 7. up for the upcoming, more com- The framework dictates that es are and we hope to bring aware- his own teaching style. The criteria for the award are petitive tournaments,” Jasmine watching social and emotional ness to that.” “I am definitely going to follow upholding the same values that Dr. Wang said. learning starts with teachers, par- Suzanne Baum, the faculty ad- the general curriculum that the King did and supporting those val- — ELLA BEISER ents and friends seeing the dai- viser, thinks about the club in the classes have set,” Dr. Inchiosa said, ues in the U-High community. ly habits and activities of Lab stu- same way. “but I hope I can see what the at- BSA adviser Camille dents. “They would like to make the Freshmen form club to mosphere of my classes are and ad- Baughn-Cunningham said BSA is “CASEL gives us a clear ap- school more aware of what it is like just and add my own unique flair.” incorporating the Spirit of MLK make library cozy proach to any student issues that to be a student with a disability at Mondays during lunch, 20 ninth Dr. Inchiosa said he is excited to award to add new ideas to the as- may come up,” high school coun- Lab and help support each other,” grade students pack into to Pritz- see what happens in each English sembly while keeping the old tra- selor Tracy Graham said, “and for Ms. Baum said. ker Traubert Family Library con- class he teaches. ditions in place. — NICKY EDWARDS-LEVIN most issues that’s exactly the first ference room for their weekly High — AMANDA CASSEL She said people often think of step we need.” THURSDAY, DEC. 13, 2018 U-HIGH MIDWAY • UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL, CHICAGO NEWS • 3 TIMUEL BLACK Positions on Pritzker Two students of different political beliefs shared their thoughts on Gov.-elect J.B. Pritzker’s policies on four key issues. Answers were edited for clarity and length. Ben Meyer Grace Watson sophomore senior Identifies as Identifies as politically politically conservative liberal

LEGALIZATION OF LEGALIZATION OF RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA: RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA: I’m pro-legalization as are many contem- I absolutely support the legalization of rec- porary conservatives because they tend to reational marijuana in Illinois, as the ille- lean more towards personal liberties, and gality of it thus far has fed into the huge libertarianism is sort of woven into the mass incarceration problem for Illinois contemporary conservative movement. I and the U.S. as a whole. Besides just legal- think that if one wants to smoke marijuana izing marijuana, I hope that Pritzker will MIDWAY PHOTO BY MARIA SHAUGHNESSY recreationally, I think there’s overwhelming take measures to decriminalize it, ensur- INSPIRING INVOLVEMENT. Civil Rights activist Timuel Black speaks to AT research that would suggest that isn’t ex- ing that any future crimes committed sur- African American History students Nov. 26 about his life and the importance tremely detrimental to their health. I think rounding marijuana offenses are given we should have the right to. I think it’s also shorter sentences. I also hope that Pritz- of young people speaking out. Mr. Black, a historian, political activist and au- a government overstep if the government ker tries to hit the root of the marijuana/ thor, organized the Chicago contingent for the March on Washington in 1963. tries to tell the public so we don’t have the mass incarceration problem by investing right to smoke a substance that really isn’t resources in communities affected by ini- all too detrimental to their health. tiatives such as the war on drugs.

HIGHER EDUCATION: It all sort HIGHER EDUCATION: As a se- 21 mayoral candidates file of seems kind of vague and unsustainable. nior applying to college, the thought of by ABIGAIL SLIMMON William M. Daley filed to run. Both his fa- I don’t know what his exact policy is. He higher education and affording it are on SPORTS EDITOR ther and brother are former mayors, serv- keeps referencing making education more the minds of my family and many of my It’s only been a few weeks since the most ing 43 years in office collectively. Other lead- affordable while maintaining excellence. peers’ families. Pritzker has talked a lot recent election, but on Feb. 26, Chicago resi- ing candidates include Cook County Board I don’t think that’s sustainable. There is a about working to keep students in state for dents will head to the polls to vote for a new President Toni Preckwinkle, a former alder- way to make education more affordable, their higher education, and while I under- mayor and city council. Rahm Emanuel, man who lives in Hyde Park; Illinois Comp- but you have to compromise the fact that stand his reasoning behind this, I want him who has been mayor since 2011, announced troller and former City Clerk Susana Mendo- it won’t be known excellence as he says it to first focus on ensuring that Illinois fami- in September he would not run for a third za; former police superintendent Garry Mc- will. It won’t be the most prestigious edu- lies are not crippled with higher education term. Carthy; Lori Lightfoot, former chair of the cation … You can’t have the facilities, bril- debt, by focusing on providing more finan- A total of 21 mayoral candidates met the civilian Chicago Police Board; former Chica- liant teachers, all off the whole nine yards, cial aid as well as the issue of the rising cost filing date of Nov. 26 to run. Although this is go Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas; and Gery while still having very affordable educa- of higher education. the highest number of candidates filed since Chico, a former mayoral candidate who has tion. Those are mutually exclusive. 1901, by the time of the February election, held several city leadership positions. it will likely shrink due to candidates drop- Both Chance The Rapper and Kanye West HEALTH CARE: In general I’m just HEALTH CARE: Pritzker said that ping out. If no candidate receives a majori- have endorsed and financially contributed I’m skeptical of any sort of universal health much of his plans surrounding health care ty vote in February, a runoff election will be to candidate Amara Enyia, 35, a West Side care. Historically over the past few years is to make health care more affordable for held on April 2. resident who leads the Austin Chamber of most attempts to carry out similar plans ha- the poor. While I absolutely back this idea, Among the 21 filed are several familiar Commerce and who previously worked in ven’t been all too successful. Our state is al- I hope that Pritzker also focuses on the names. Former White House Chief of Staff the policy department of the mayor’s office. ready in debt. Universal health care is very plans provided services that have been his- costly. He references the workmen quite a torically overlooked, particularly mental bit. The working man doesn’t benefit when health treatments. NEWS IN BRIEF you take money out of their pocket for, you Student Council seeks more want,” Shiva said. “We have been doing this to get a more accurate representation of stu- know, the systems that just aren’t effective or student input, feedback for infrastructure that doesn’t work. dent voice and to encourage more partic- This year, the Student Council wants the ipation in democratic processes at school, CRIMINAL JUSTICE: I think he CRIMINAL JUSTICE: The pleth- student voice to be heard. The group has serving our role in the best way possible.” has his good intent. I think it’s very prob- ora of problems surrounding the criminal been collecting feedback from students — NICKY EDWARDS-LEVIN lematic that our in general our justice sys- justice system in Illinois are serious ones about its performance. Additionally, they tem puts a stronger emphasis on detain- that won’t just go away overnight. I sincere- have been making making a stronger effort Senior class to design, paint ing and keeping detained certain individu- ly hope that Pritzker stands by his word to to advocate for the interests of the student als rather than rehabilitating them. But the reform the criminal justice system in Illi- body. Most recently, that manifested in ask- mural in lounge In the senior lounge, white walls and way he suggests doing so I believe is an- nois, hopefully by working to combat is- ing for student input regarding the switch ping-pong tables could become a thing of other example of when government tries sues like gun violence and mass incar- to semesters. the past. Student Council is accepting sub- to do too much. He has suggested imple- ceration of black and brown people, two According to All-School President Shiva missions for mural designs, which seniors menting various governmental agencies serious issues affecting Chicago particu- Menta, Student Council was less connected will collaborate to paint on a canvas. that specialize in reforming the justice sys- larly. Hopefully Pritzker will work at the to the student body than they should have This project was suggested by Senior tem, which I feel can be done substantial- root of the problems, such as looking at re- been last year. Class Vice President Eddy ly more efficiently without wasting the tax- forms within the police academy, commu- “After last year, despite our attempts, it Rose, who said he hopes it payer’s money. It’s a promise that’s appeal- nity-based help, and changing the algo- seemed that students felt there was a true will increase school spirit, ing to certain voters but when you actually rithms behind setting bail. disconnect between the students and ad- encourage people to look get into it it just doesn’t seem effective. — COMPILED BY GRACE ZHANG ministration. People believed Student Council wasn’t serving its true role,” Shiva after the space and draw a said. more diverse crowd. But now, Student Council is doing more to “It’s for our grade, by our reach out to students. After the spirit assem- grade,” Eddy said. bly and homecoming dance in September, Additionally, he said the Cultural Union sent out dance and assem- Eddy lounge tends to get dirty. bly feedback forms to help guide organizers Rose The mural project, Eddy who want to make them more enjoyable ful- said, will add beauty to the filling for those attending. space, encouraging his classmates to keep it For student government, Student Coun- clean. He also cited recent renovations as a cil has been reaching out to students about force behind the demand for new artwork. the switch to semesters. The council used a “With the expansion, we’ve gotten a lot of form to solicit feedback on semesters, which new white walls, and I feel like we’ve lost a Shiva said the leaders will use to use to con- lot of character,” Eddy said. vey to administration students’ questions Filled with video game sets, the space and thoughts about the models. tends to get crowded. Most of the attendees, “Another instance I think was import- Eddy said, are male. ant was the Student Council Town Halls we “As more and more males showed up, held, where we tried to help students be it set a standard for the space,” Eddy said. more aware of the possible change to se- Through the mural, he strives to to attract a mesters,” Shiva said. more mixed group to the lounge. Shiva said students can reach out to Stu- Eddy hopes the mural will give his artis- dent Council through the Student Council tic classmates a chance to have their work website, as well as just finding any member celebrated. of Student Council and sharing with them. “The artistic kids at our school are re- “At any time, we strongly encourage stu- ally talented,” he said. “Sometimes, they dents to reach out whenever possible so don’t get as many opportunities as the more we can best understand what the students STEM-focused students.” — AUDREY MATZKE THURSDAY, DEC. 13, 2018 4 • FEATURES U-HIGH MIDWAY • UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL, CHICAGO New wave of .io video games has Simple, easy, popular captivated a range of students by CALEDONIA ABBEY MIDWAY REPORTER “ I started playing one-on- “Agar,” “Slither,” “Shell Shock” one with my friend, and we and “surviv.” bacame super competitive, Colorful dots, glowing snakes, so I started playing a lot exploding eggs and 2D battle royale. and soon I surpassed him The world of basic, yet unde- and everyone else in the niably charming internet brows- school.” er games seems to have found its — OMAR SIDDIQUI, niche among students at Lab. SOPHOMORE Equipped with laptops and an internet connection, students of all grade levels can be found in pays homage to the popular digital clusters, paired with the furious game from the ‘90s, “Snake,” but tapping of keys and clicks. with a twist: shiny dots and bright- The .io domain, standing for ly colored snakes bent on cutting “input/output” has become host each other off. “Slither” was next to a series of online games popular in the line of .io games to reign among students. popular among Danny Han, a students, espe- sophomore and cially in middle peer-deemed school, but nev- surviv all-star er quite reached with a record of the level of its 28 kills in a sin- predecessor. gle game, said The games that his interest that have been in these games Danny Sam more recently began back in Han DuBose captivating stu- MIDWAY PHOTO BY ODYSSEAS NIKAS middle school. dents are “surviv. CLICKING AWAY. Jaden Lynch, right, plays a round of surviv.io in the cafeteria with Connor Smith, “I would always get my home- io” and “shellshock.io.” center, and Ben Wolf. Playing in squad mode connects many students, who will gather in groups to work done early, and I’d be really Of these games, “surviv” in par- do so. Last year, students playing surviv.io using the library computers became such a problem that bored, so my friends and I would ticular has reached a point of pop- just play different io games togeth- ularity so extreme that the school’s the librarians were forced to make a rule against games on library computers. er, and ‘surviv’ is the only game librarians have had to implement that we’re still playing.” a “no surviv” rule for school com- and secret underground bunkers This year, “Shellshock.io,” has and everyone else in the school,” “Agar.io,” the first of many .io puters. It’s virtually an epidemic. collecting weapons, ammunition been gaining popularity at Lab and Omar Siddiqui, the sophomore games to rise to fame features a “Surviv” is a graphically simple, and health boosts until they en- has potential to be the .io game of “Shellshock” champ, with an im- cell — blob really — that, under 2D, battle royale-type game with counter another. Then the fight re- the future, maybe even toppling pressive 39-kill streak, said hum- control of the player, floats around a similar structure to the popu- ally begins. “surviv” from its pedestal. bly. endlessly absorbing small dots and lar video game “Fortnite.” Up to 70 “My friends and I play quite a Having also acted as an inspira- The free-for-all style, infinite other players to increase in mass individual players can be in a so- bit, we have a group chat, ‘surviv. tion for group chats, the first-per- lives and private-server option, and eventually become the reign- lo game, and even more in “squad ibros,’ so when one of us wants son-shooter — or rather, first-egg- which allows friends to join a ing cell.That is, until it gets eaten mode” which allows parties of to play we’re, like, ‘Yeah I’ve got- shooter — consists of about a doz- game with just each other, makes by an even bigger, better blob. people to play together as a team cha, I’ll play with you,’” said Sam en eggs per game. for especially riveting competition The simple premise, easy con- in the same game. The last person DuBose, a senior with a self-pro- They are armed with various among peers. trols and low commitment made or team standing finally reaches claimed passion for “surviv.” weapons, running around a blocky With the glow of the screen re- “agar.io” popular among students “victory royale.” Groups of friends playing 3D map searching for the other flected in their eyes and the deft of all ages. It’s fast paced to match the in- “squads,” can be seen all around eggs to scramble, poach or fry with maneuvering of the trackpad per- During “agar.io’s” prime, around tensity with which people play, the school: the Caf, library and a well-aimed shot and the click of fected through hours and hours its release in 2015, one could find and most rounds take less than 5 even in class, as subtle as the a button. of practice, one can’t help but ad- more of these colorful blobs float- or 10 minutes. “mute” button, discreet clicks of “I started playing one-on-one mire the passion with which peo- ing around the computer lab than A player’s character travels the mouse and stifled yells of “I with my friend, and we became su- ple play, and the jovial intensity scratch projects and coding. around the forest-set map, in- was just about to get that kill” al- per competitive, so I started play- of, well, a teenager playing a vid- “Slither.io,” on the other hand, to mansions, cottages, outhouses low for. ing a lot and soon I surpassed him eo game. Among noisy crowds, library study now difficult by MAX GARFINKEL lem that will only increase in com- MIDWAY REPORTER “We don’t want to have to ing years. It’s 10:10 a.m. on a Tuesday, and be the disciplinarians. It “As the student body expands, students flow into the Pritzker makes us feel like we can’t everything is going to be affected,” Traubert Family Library for their Ms. Augustine said. free period. They scan the room for give as much attention Next year high school enroll- a spot to sit, but every seat at every as we want towards ment will reach the target of ap- table — both conference rooms, helpign students if we are proximately 600 students, near- all the computers and all the bean- constantly trying to keep ly 100 more than at the start of the bags — already have someone sit- expansion. ting in them. the noise down” With no plans to ease the over- One student sees a friend — SUSAN AUGUSTINE, crowding of the library, Ms. Au- scrunched between two shelves LIBRARIAN gustine said she and fellow library and goes to join staff members are not sure what him, but other more than 100 students. they are going to do. students go back “We don’t want to have to be Ms. Augustine said, “We are ner- out the same the disciplinarians,” she said. “It vous about next year.” doors. They’ll makes us feel like we can’t give Junior Emily He has been going have to findas much attention as we want to- to the library throughout this year a quiet space wards helping students if we are and has both seen and heard the somewhere else. constantly trying to keep the noise crowds. The over- down.” She said, “In the library, I under- crowded library Although the librarians have stand it’s natural for friends to talk Susan not only affects opened up the library classrooms to each other, but when so many Augustine the students try- as additional workspace, the li- people do it, such as in the library ing to study, but brary is still often operating at when there are so many people in it has put a lot of stress on librar- overcapacity. there it just feels quite overwhelm- ians Susan Augustine and Shirley Despite this, students continue ing.” Volk, who are trying to adapt to the to fill every corner there since the With the crowds and the noise, crowds, according to Ms. Augus- school lacks other designated si- Emily is less enthusiastic about go- tine. lent work spaces. ing there at all. They have added bean bags for “I’m upset there’s not more qui- “I’ve found that recently I’ve people to sit on and have repealed et spaces for students to work,” been spending less and less time old rules about not sitting on the Ms. Augustine said. She would like in the library,” she said. “In the floors or between stacks. She said to see a quiet work space that’s not beginning of the year the library it’s not uncommon to see more in the library, so students don’t feel was not as crowded as it now, and MIDWAY PHOTO BY EMERSON WRIGHT as cramped. A group of juniors sits near the rear of the library than 100 people in the library I would go there every time I had TAKEN SEATS. during Tuesday free periods. She said students deserve to a free period. But nowadays I feel during open time. Often, students will take up seats to play games Ms. Augustine said it’s near- have a place designated for doing like I’m just in the search of a new or relax, frustrating both the library staff and students who are ly impossible to keep the library a work. cubbyhole to do my work in in- just looking for a quiet place to study. quiet place when it’s packed with The library crowding is a prob- stead of the library.” THURSDAY, DEC. 13, 2018 U-HIGH MIDWAY • UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL, CHICAGO FEATURES • 5 A festive faculty bake-off Driven by a passion for baking, four faculty members competed in the Midway’s bake-off, entering a range of baked goods for the holidays. A panel of Midway staff judges rated the baked items. First place went to... Daniel Jones’ Baklava Fingerprint Cookies by IVÁN BECK lowing a recipe, Mr. Jones usually FEATURES EDITOR “ But then there are other finds his own way to improve ex- reaking through the parts of [baking] which are isting baked goods. crunchy outer layer, completely out of control “there are some parts of the cookie gives way baking that there’s no mar- to flavors that ex- and you can be forgiving. gin for error; your measure- plode in the mouth. There’s some margin there ments need to be exact and Cinnamon, hazel- that you can play with.” they need to be weighed,” nut, sugar, and but- — DANIEL JONES, Mr. Jones said, “but then Bter give the cookies the perfect fes- BIOLOGY TEACHER there are other parts of it tive flavors that delight the sens- which are completely out of es. The small size allows them to grandmother, someone Mr. Jones your control and you can be be finished in a few bites, but it has always been close to, was the forgiving. There’s some margin is almost impossible to have only first person to show him how to there that you can play with.” one. The smells waft up from the cook. His family has been both a This margin is all Mr. Jones tin, which inevitably are enough guiding light and an inspiration needs to come up with ways to temptation to try a couple more. for Mr. Jones’ baking. perfect his craft. That, and im- The Baklava Fingerprint cook- “One of my uncles spent a mense amounts of practice. Mr. ies made with hazelnuts won both lot of time overseas,” Mr. Jones Jones bakes every week, and com- overall and texture in the Midway’s said, “and when he came back mits a large amount of effort. Festive Faculty Bake-Off. he showed me how to work with “There’s a whole section of my Baking has always been a pas- things I was never exposed to.” kitchen devoted strictly to bak- sion for Daniel Jones, which he One aspect of baking that Mr. ing.” said Mr. Jones said was first spurred by his re- Jones, a science teacher, loves the Cookies, in particular, are a hol- lationship with his family. His most is the experimentation as- iday tradition, which Mr. Jones pect of it. often bakes to give away. This is “I like doing it because of the, something that connects Mr. Jones this is going to sounds super with his children. uber nerdy, the chemistry “We do a lot of baking with the factor,” Mr. Jones said. kids around this time of the year,” perfect Almost never directly fol- he said. “They cook with us any- holiday treat. way, so I like teaching them that They can be made in Online: aspect, the skill of being able to large quantities for large Find the recipe for Daniel take these, usually inedible in- family gatherings, are the perfect gredients, mix them together and Jones’ baklava thumbprint size for a quick bite, and have the MIDWAY PHOTOS BY WILL KOENEN cookies at uhighmidway.com make something edible.” sweet scent and flavor that can act The hazelnut cookies are the as the perfect holiday indulgence. Runners-up offer diverse choices for holiday season

MIDWAY PHOTOS BY WILL KOENEN Patty Kovacs’ coffee cake Rachel Nielsen’s krumkaker Mariane Zemil’s sweet potato pie If you’re looking for something festive to make for a holiday This Norwegian treat includes a soft wafer filled with ling- Most people have the option to eat whatever they want party, look no further than this cinnamon coffee cake. The onberry cream. It tastes as festive as it looks with the soft pink during the holiday season. For those who have restrictions, combination of a soft cake mixed with a filling. this gluten-free sweet potato pie will do in swirl of moist cinnamon filling, a crunchy The crunchy outer layer breaks with a a pinch. This pie has a chewy crust and a mixture of cinnamon sugar and nuts on satisfying burst of flavor provided by the sweet, soft filling which are complimented the top, this sweet cinnamon cake has an filling. The berries provide a fresh-yet-fill- perfectly by the nice touch of cinnamon. essence of Christmas and is perfect for the ing touch to this unique pastry. Ms. Zemil, a world language teacher, cre- holiday season. Even small portions of this For English teacher Rachel Nielsen, the ated a special recipe for this sweet potato pie festive cake are satisfying and filling. krumkaker connects her to family. due to dietary restrictions of her family. College counselor Patty Kovacs first “You make it on an iron,” Ms. Nielsen “Several years ago my husband went veg- learned this recipe from her mother, but in said, “The iron I have is my grandmother’s, an, and I have a milk allergy as well, so we the end it was her own touch that made it so its very antique — stained and splattered were looking for recipes that everyone in the Patty Rachel Mariane perfect. — they make them much nicer now, but I family could eat,” Ms. Zemil said. Kovacs Nielsen Zemil “It is an adaptation of my mother’s reci- have one that’s probably from the 1950s.” She and her daughter also have celiac dis- pe, that she gave to me twice and I realized when I was mak- She said she remembers making this as a child with her ease, so she took matters into her own hands and adapted ing it, after a number of years, I said, ‘Wait a minute, there’s grandmother. other recipies of the pie. Now, she is able to share this special something missing: eggs!’ So I adapted my mom’s recipe,” The Krumkaker will spice up the festivities with different pie despite the many restrictions her family has. Ms. Kovacs said, laughing. and unique flavors. COMPILED BY IVÁN BECK THURSDAY, DEC. 13, 2018 THURSDAY, DEC. 13, 2018 6 • IN-DEPTH U-HIGH MIDWAY • UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL, CHICAGO U-HIGH MIDWAY • UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL, CHICAGO IN-DEPTH • 7 Recipe forRelationships In last spring's survey, 40 percent of Lab middle and high school students reported they have no trusted adult in school, and 13 percent reported they have no trusted adult at all. Mentor, friend, boss, buddy, student teacher relationships come in many flavors, but all require a few essential ingredients.

MIDWAY ILLUSTRATION BY ACE ZHANG

MIDWAY PHOTO BY EMERSON WRIGHT MIDWAY PHOTO BY EMERSON WRIGHT MIDWAY PHOTO BY EMERSON WRIGHT MIDWAY PHOTO BY LILY VAG-URMINSKY Bonding over chemistry, Zachary Hund's Connor Smith, Josh Potter help each Bassem Noghnogh identifies with friend Riley Kay and Lucjia Ambrosini connect room has become refuge for Dania Baig other find balance on the soccer field and biology teacher Daniel Jones through professionalism in theater by GRACE ZHANG tions, or watch YouTube videos and listen to by SAMIRA GLAESER-KHAN by JACOB POSNER by MIRA COSTELLO ARTS EDITOR music in his room. MANAGING EDITOR “ As a coach, you’ll have a lot of kids EDITOR IN CHIEF “ I took it upon myself to keep him MIDWAY REPORTER “ I still act, but working on crews ania Baig nods her head to Queen’s “He knows me quite well and I know him t’s summer 2016 and Josh Potter, at the who just accept what you say and ince his first teaching job, Daniel from rambling. And that developed very year, nervous newcomers wan- and working in tech theater, which “Bohemian Rhapsody” while com- quite well. As a result of that, he’s able to re- time a part-time soccer coach, watch- put all their trust in you as their Jones hasn’t been afraid to set bound- into a funny, kind of jovial, kind of der into the Sherry Lansing Theater. is off stage, it definitely helped me pleting her homework, during ally constructively mentor me,” Dania said. es the game on a hot summer day. coach, but Connor is the one kid aries without being too authoritari- teasing relationship.” While some are unfazed by the cul- open time, in C331. Chemistry “Say I was having trouble picking out col- Throughout the game, he can’t help an. He knew he had a bond with one ture of the stage, others are uncer- develop my relationship with her D I who will challenge you.” S — DANIEL JONES E teacher Zachary Hund sits at the desk at the leges, or like writing an essay, I ask him for but smile at a boy he sees joking around particular student, Nick, who he called a tain, bewildered by the lights and lingo. because you have to one-on-one front of the room, grading papers. Once in a ideas. He knows me well enough to make and having a good time on the field. Look- — JOSH POTTER troublemaker, when Nick’s mom called Mr. Three years ago, Riley Kay was among work with her a lot. After spending while they strike up a conversation. those judgments, and he’ll make them well ing back on that first time he met Connor Jones one night at 8:30. with Bassem originating with meetings of the arrivals. Brought along by a more expe- a lot of time with her, I can have From “Hey Mr. Hund, can you listen to and he pushes me too, because he knows Smith, Mr. Potter described him as “vibrant hard work has given the team a new mind- “I get this call, and mom’s on the phone. the LGBTQ+ alliance. rienced friend, she was shy and unfamil- this thesis I’m writing for an English pa- that I’m very ambitious for myself, but I’m and funny.” set. ‘Nick has locked himself in his room, and “He’s just kind of a rambler,” Mr. Jones iar with the people and the art. But the thrill a really genuine conversation per?” to “What type of college would I do also super lazy.” Through their friendship, Connor, now “Skill-wise, we’re a pretty strong team he’s screaming and yelling obscenities at said about Bassem. “I took it upon myself to of participating in productions stuck and with her. I understand her well at?” to “What episode of ‘Brooklyn Currently, Dania is taking an indepen- a senior and a varsity captain, and Mr. Pot- and we can win games just based on talent, us,’” Mr. Jones recounted. “I can hear him in go ‘Done — you’ve made a statement, let’s grew, right alongside a close, dependable and I understand why she gets Nine-Nine’ are you on?” dent study for the fall quarter with Dr. ter, now the U-High head coach, have both but we can sometimes come off as cocky the background — he’s yelling obscenities at move on and deal with it.’ He’s like, ‘Wait I relationship with her drama teacher and di- frustrated.” have three more —’ ‘Yes. Stick with one and Having a good relationship with Dr. Hund on quantum mechanics. Seeing she pushed each other to grow. Connor has or lazy,” Connor said. “Coach Potter really his mom and dad. ‘He’s acting up, he won’t rector, Liucija Ambrosini. — RILEY KAY Hund has helped Dania nurture her inter- was daunted by the math and science as- helped Coach Potter be more laid back and told us that if we want it, we have to grind. do his homework, and the only reason why we’ll deal with them one at a time.’ I took Throughout high school, Riley has est in the sciences, while Dr. Hund’s class- pects of chemistry and quantum mechan- attuned to his students, while Coach Potter During the summer, he told us that this is I called you is that he actually yelled at one it upon myself to keep him from rambling. worked her way from acting to tech crews, room has become the place she feels most ics, Dr. Hund gave Dania “Alice in Quan- has helped Connor become more focused. our time to work harder than everyone else point through the door, I won’t come out and And that developed into a funny, kind of jo- and now, as a senior, to theater manager. said. “I can talk to her about that, and un- comfortable at school. tumland,” a book which tells the story of In their roles, Coach Potter and Con- and push ourselves.” speak to any of you ever again unless you call vial, kind of teasing relationship.” “I still act, but working on crews and derstand that there’s not just one path for Dania first had Dr. Hund for Chemistry “Alice in Wonderland” through quantum nor each have strong opinions about what Coach Potter is proud of the growth he Mr. Jones.’” Over the years, Mr. Jones said Bassem has working in tech theater, which is off stage, it everyone.” C, where he said she didn’t seem to take the mechanics. is right for the team, which can sometimes sees in Connor as a leader. Upon hearing Mr. Jones’ voice on the become less of a rambler. Now he’s the pres- definitely helped me develop my relation- Mrs. Ambrosini said even though she is class seriously the first quarter. Dania said According to Dania, Dr. Hund has sup- cause (mostly constructive) disagreements. “Connor showed a tremendous maturi- phone, Nick emerged from the bedroom. ident of Spectrum. ship with her because you have to one-on- a mentor in some ways, she relies on Ri- she originally disliked chemistry but en- ported and encouraged her interests, “He’s challenged my patience a lot,” ty that he didn’t have the first two years I In his two decades of teaching, including Bassem said he likes talking to teachers one work with her a lot,” Riley said. “After ley’s input too, and appreciates their shared joyed learning about “the theoretics behind whether or not they were science-related. Coach Potter said. “As a coach, you’ll have a knew him,” Coach Potter said. “As a team more than 14 at Lab, dozens of friendships in general because they have the perspec- spending a lot of time with her, I can have a dedication. chemistry, the history of chemistry and the Dr. Hund said he makes sure to not on- lot of kids who just accept what you say and captain, he kind of latched on to the young- followed. tive that comes with decades of life experi- really genuine conversation with her. I un- “We’re both hard workers, I think,” Mrs. people who do chemistry.” However, Dr. ly teach material, but also to build relation- put all their trust in you as their coach, but er kids and helped them be calm in tough One especially strong relationship is with ence.He looks up to Mr. Jones in particular derstand her and I understand why she gets Ambrosini said. “She’s the one I rely on to Hund saw a shift in her dedication when ships with his students to help them learn Connor is the one kid who will challenge situations. He actually wants to care for Bassem Noghnogh, a senior. because they’ve encountered similar obsta- frustrated.” get a hold of everybody when I need them. she started staying in his room to get help to be successful, which helps him connect you. Not in a negative way, but in a way that these guys and make sure everyone’s OK To Bassem, Mr. Jones is a role model and cles, and Mr. Jones has made it through. Mrs. Ambrosini said this close work helps That makes me respect her and like her a on and finish chemistry homework. with them and teach them. Being open and makes me think. He’s made me more open and not just win games. He’s still goofy, but authority figure but also a friend — some- According to Bassem, their friendship re- her and Riley be effective directors and lot.” Dr. Hund said Dania changed her per- relatable for students is important to him. minded to listening to my players and re- he knows how to separate when he can joke one like him he can look up to. volves around banter, especially sarcasm. build a familiar, adept team. Mrs. Ambrosini said she’s grateful for Ri- spective and demonstrated she wanted to “It’s talking about the things that students specting their different opinions.” around and when he has to be serious and Mr. Jones said during lectures he shares He might drop by the science office to check “When students have been working on ley’s role as a student and manager, but said take chemistry seriously and show him she really want to talk about in terms of what While their disagreements haven’t always lead.” anecdotes about his life to show students in and see what Mr. Jones is listening to so theater projects over and over again, by the their relationship might not be as strong if could do well because of her intelligence they’re impressed with and what they’ve been friendly, Connor said he values that he Off the soccer field, Coach Potter’s guid- he’s open to talk after class. Student rela- he can playfully insult it. time they’re juniors and seniors there’s cer- they had met in another environment. The- and motivation. been successful with,” he said. “But then al- and Coach Potter can always work through ance has motivated Connor to try his best tionships have become an integral part of But sometimes scary things happen, and tainly a friendship and a collegial kind of ater has more dimensions than a one-way “So simply seeing that shift from the so looking at the other side which is, ‘I know arguments and don’t hold grudges. and stay persistent. his teaching philosophy. Bassem knows he can turn to Mr. Jones. aspect to it because we’re all in it together.” traditional classroom, which Mrs. Ambros- non-serious priority to something that there are things that are stressing you. How “When I was younger, I used to not real- “Last year, I was struggling in math for Mr. Jones said he has stayed at Lab be- Over the summer, he said he called Mr. But in their countless hours of sitting side ini said brings her and her students togeth- seemed really important to her, that was might I be able to just talk through with it ly listen to anything anyone said,” Connor a long time,” Connor said. “He ended up cause a solid group of teachers care deep- Jones in a panic. Bassem had a health scare by side, cultivating the production to open- er. the biggest change,” he said. or help you examine the burden in a differ- said. “My junior year he showed me that emailing one of my teachers and asked if he ly about the well-being of their students. and didn’t know what to do. The two talked ing night, the pair talk about much more “I feel if they’re deeply involved in the- Over time, Dania showed up during oth- ent way.’” sometimes you do have to take stuff seri- could help in any way. Just having him to Bassem agrees — teachers are such a regu- it through and developed a plan. than music, sets, acting and their individu- ater, it helps me reimagine things or recon- er free periods, lunches and before and af- For Dania, Dr. Hund is a friend, men- ously and, in the end, it’s more rewarding if talk to was honestly the biggest help I got. lar part of their students’ lives that it doesn’t “The fact that he’s gay makes it so that I al visions. stitute my idea of how to approach some- ter school as well, since the library and caf- tor and counselor, and she appreciates his you care about something and try for it as He gave me the option to talk about it and make sense for their relationship to be lim- can trust him with the feelings I wouldn’t tell “She’s helped me talk through some life thing,” she said. “That’s what a student like eteria were loud and distracting. presence — and rocking out to Queen. opposed to just messing around with every- figure it out instead of just holding it inside ited to class instruction. to a straight person,” Bassem said. “We’re stuff and get comfortable with it. I’m join- Riley brings out for me, because I try to see The two would talk through personal is- She said, “He’s definitely one of my an- thing and not really putting in any effort.” and just accepting that it’ll be another fail- Mr. Jones, the faculty adviser for Spec- part of the same club, and that means I can ing the Israeli army next year, so I’ve been where their excellence lies and what they sues, such as completing college applica- chors at the school.” Connor said Coach Potter’s emphasis on ure.” trum, said he remembered his friendship talk to him about my problems.” having a lot of nerves about that,” Riley can bring to it.” THURSDAY, DEC. 13, 2018 8 • OPINION U-HIGH MIDWAY • UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL, CHICAGO We need to commit to a healthier environment the best light possible, even if that take initiative and see each other overnight and cannot be Students must take seriously social means losing friends in the pro- not as work robots, but instead as achieved by one group of one in- cess. individuals that are facing similar dividuals. Students and the admin- and emotional learning curriculum This, in turn, leads many stu- struggles. The administration and istration must make a long-term dents to hide behind a facade, faculty must aid students by pro- commitment to invest in better- scientious choices, and have em- never showing their true self due viding enough guidance to achieve ing the learning and social environ- As the Midway sees it … pathy for others. to the fear that they are not good these goals, but the change is ment. An initiative to further stream- enough. This lack of self-aware- impossible without here is a nearly-universal, yet line this type of education has re- ness and self-management is in- the full com- largely ignored issue among cently swept across most of the dicative of the fact that students mitment of Tstudents at U-High. In our nation, including Lab. While have not had enough social and the student constant and overpowering search the effort on the part of the ad- emotional education. body. for our narrow definition of suc- ministration to emphasize this One of the only exceptions is the Creating a cess and acceptance to prestigous type of learning is necessary, it fabled Junior Retreat, where stu- healthier en- colleges, we disregard kindness is not enough to solve the some- dents open up to their classmates vironment and decency to our peers. While times-destructive nature of social and see each other in completely won’t hap- striving to personally achieve aca- interactions between students. different lights. For almost all stu- pen demic accomplishments, we often The reason for this lies in how dents, this retreat works to con- secretly hope to see others fail so pervasive the competition be- nect them in ways they had nev- we can be seen as smarter or bet- tween students is. Although er achieved before. ter. We compare grades, and look U-High does not formally rank its What makes this retreat so ef- down on those who aren’t doing as students, individuals in any grade fective? The fact that, although it is well as us. In other words, we have and every class search for oppor- led by an adult, most of the talking grown to ignore the basic princi- tunities to get an edge over each is done by students. Therefore, ples taught by social and emotion- other. A widespread mindset is individuals can facilitate their al education. that if something can be put on the own healing. The collaborative for academ- Ccommon Aapp, then everything This process must be mir- ic, social, and emotional learning possible must be done to achieve rored on a much larger scale (CASEL) defines this type of ed- that goal. in order to improve the so- ucation as the process through This attitude makes students in- cial interactions at this school. which an individual develops the to machines that churn out more With the framework of social capacity to comprehend and con- and more work and jump through and emotional learning as trol emotions, set goals, make con- every hoop in order to be seen in our guidelines, students must MIDWAY ILLUSTRATION BY JASMINE WANG Since bigotry stems from ignorance, education is key by AMANDA CASSEL caught on camera saluting Hitler. arships and acceptances to col- nificant consequences for the rest privileged to be constantly ex- ASSISTANT EDITOR I thought he knew better. Some- leges revoked. One awful but stu- of their lives. They will grow up posed to discussions about di- Whether it was intentional, they one must have spoken up and said pid and thoughtless action got out to be angry and bitter about the versity and it is something appar- shouldn’t have saluted Hitler in the that it was ridiculous, anti-Semit- on the internet and will now stick things they did in their youth, and ent and on our minds. I wish stu- first place. The fact that it was in- ic and just moronic. They need- with them forever. more importantly, they won’t have dents in towns like Baraboo, with tended as a joke ed to think about what their ac- “I don’t understand what I’m learned their lesson. They will con- a 90 percent white population, had does not excuse tions meant but didn’t because of getting blamed for,” my friend tinue to hold on to the stereotypes a chance to engage in similar dis- it. their ignorance. Whether you are said. “The camera man shouldn’t and ignorance they have now. cussions. The main reason this in- My phone a stranger, acquaintance or friend have taken that picture.” A nationwide survey showed cident happened, was not because blew up with you should hope for education He and his classmates are right- that 22 percent of millenials are the boys are racist, but because horrified mes- and exposure rather than punish- fully being blamed for doing some- unsure if they have heard of the they are ignorant. They did not sages: “How ments that will influence them for thing anti-Semitic. While they in- Holocaust. The data also revealed think their actions would come could he do the rest of their lives. tended it as a joke, it certainly that almost one-third of the re- across the way they did because such a thing?”, He told me it was an accident. didn’t come across that way. They spondents believe 2 million Jews they simply did not know. “Is he actual- He said the photographer told need to know why it was inappro- were killed in comparison to the They are high schoolers and ly racist or just them to do the “Wisconsin wave” priate instead of suffering conse- 6 million that were actually killed. have the rest of their lives to live. really dumb?”, “How could he and then told them to make an ex- quences that will influence the rest This means that most respondents They need compassion and sup- get caught on camera heiling, cited fist. The boys made a joke of their lives. Their college oppor- did not see the height and signifi- port and exposure to diversity to he’s got to have SOME common how if you combine the two it is tunities may be their only chance cance of the death toll of the Holo- make sure they put the right foot sense…” My initial reaction was basically heiling. So, in the next out of a small town like Baraboo caust or the Holocaust itself. forward. that it couldn’t possibly be true. photo, they heiled. The picture and to get exposure to diversity. The events in a Baraboo, al- Punishing them does not pre- My friend from camp, one of ma- was snapped. Before they knew it, Punishing them will achieve though seemingly isolated, are not vent the issue in the future. And ul- ny within the entire male senior it was national news. nothing. The potential sense of unique. This is a larger, more im- timately, that is the goal. If it isn’t, class of a high school in Baraboo, People on Twitter commented justice will not last, as the students pactful issue across the nation. then we are asking for history to Wisconsin, couldn’t have been that they should have their schol- will suffer and live with these sig- In the Lab community, we are repeat itself. Put down your screen — you’ll sleep better and be happier

by NIKHIL PATEL addictive and damaging natures hours a day had a much higher in- leading to excessive screen time. ASSISTANT EDITOR of excessive use of computers, it’s “ As more is revealed cidence rate of anxiety, depression The main sources of student com- Taking a break from working on time to get serious about moni- about the addictive and and insomnia. And, according to puter usage are online homework an essay, a student scrolls through toring our screen time. In light of damaging natures of a study published by MIT’s Sloan and papers. Individually, these as- Facebook. Feel- these detriments, it is important to Management Review, most of the signments don’t amount to much ing a buzz from make sure that we get enough time excessive use of computers, students who were asked to give screen time, but the cumulative their smart- to rest, relax and unplug. it’s time to get serious up their computer and phone for effect can literally rewire brains of watch, they be- At Lab, in last spring’s health about monitoring our a day felt at least one or more tra- developing minds, according to gin to send text and wellness survey, students in- screen time.” ditional symptom of anxiety. Ac- the Radiological Society of North messages from dicated using their computer for cording to this same study, suicid- America. For students, it’s import- their computer. about three hours unrelated to light has a pronounced effect on al thoughts almost double in teen- ant to make the extra effort and do Surrounded by schoolwork and about three and circadian rhythms, the body’s in- agers with five or more hours of homework offline when you can. screens, students a half hours for their homework. ternal clock. Blue light can af- screen time compared to teenag- Research that can be done in a li- can miss the im- This means most students are us- fect your sleep up to six hours af- ers with only one. brary should be, and worksheets pact of this technology on their ing their screens until around mid- ter you close your screen. For stu- After a hard day, the only thing should be printed out. For teach- lives. Push notifications on smart- night, the time when “blue light” dents who use a computer until you may want to do is watch Net- ers, it is important to be aware of phones release a Pavlovian surge begins to take its toll. midnight, that means getting only flix, but “unplugging” can do won- the effects of screens and assign of dopamine, while social media “Blue light,” or UV radiation, about an hour of unaltered sleep. ders for mental health. And, at a less computer-based homework. sites like Facebook and Instagram is a high-energy wave emitted by In addition, studies from as ear- school where about half of stu- If we don’t start reducing our are designed to make you lose track sunlight, light bulbs and, yes, our ly as 2003 have proven a link be- dents reported having negative screen time now, those six hours of time. The opportunity to switch computers. At night, the stimu- tween computers and severe men- thoughts about themselves every a day the average Lab students tasks on computers is proving det- lative effects of blue light have a tal health issues. According to a day for two weeks, improved men- spend in front of a screen will end rimental to focus, while blue light deeply detrimental effect on sleep. study by the American Journal of tal health is exactly what we need. up having major repercussions can severely disrupt your sleep. According to an article published Medicine, workers who sat in front Besides entertainment, school that don’t only affect our high- As more is revealed about the by Harvard Medical School, blue of a computer for five or more work is the other major culprit school career, but our entire lives. U-HIGH MIDWAY Published 10 times during the school year EDITORS-IN-CHIEF*...... Jacob Posner, BUSINESS MANAGER...... Max Garfinkel ARTISTS...... Risa Cohen, Jasmine Wang, ADVISERS ...... Logan Aimone, editorial by journalism and photojournalism Priyanka Shrijay, Emma Trone Ace Zhang Benjamin Jaffe, photography students of University High School, ASSISTANT EDITORS...... Ella Beiser, University of Chicago Laboratory Schools. MANAGING EDITOR*...... Samira Amanda Cassel, Katerina Lopez PHOTOJOURNALISTS...... Macy Beal, EDITORIAL POLICY: In a time when Glaeser-Khan Audrey Matzke, Nikhil Patel Anna Shloerb, Alyssa Russell the press is criticized, the U-High Midway 1362 East 59th Street Michelle Husain, seeks to inform, educate and serve the Chicago, Illinois 60637 FEATURES EDITOR* ...... Iván Beck REPORTERS...... Caledonia Abbey, Isabella Kellermeier, Tosya Khodarkovsky, community of University High School. Phone 773-702-0591 FAX 773-702-7455 Otto Brown, Mira Costello, Leland Culver, The Midway is created by students, for ARTS EDITOR* ...... Grace Zhang Elena Liao, Maria Shaughnessy Email [email protected] Nicholas Edwards-Levin, Christian Gluth, students. SPORTS EDITOR* ...... Abby Slimmon Olivia Griffin, Julian Ingersoll, Yanni Simmons, Abigael Thinakaran, Copyright 2018, Journalism Students, Emerson Wright, Lily Vag-Urminsky, University High School Nelson Marks, Teddy Neer, Berk Oto, Printed by FGS, Broadview, Illinois * Members of the Editorial Board Peter Pu, Madeline Welch Odysseas Nikas, William Koenan THURSDAY, DEC. 13, 2018 U-HIGH MIDWAY • UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL, CHICAGO ARTS • 9 Artists’ deaths cement connections Generation Z musicians leave “ When an artist dies, their music becomes a more behind comforting, relatable important deal because message with teen audiences in listening to it or at it in one’s own music, you’re by KATERINA LOPEZ ASSISTANT EDITOR preserving their memory Whether driving, doing home- and the artist themselves work or just laying down to rewind in a lot of ways, and I think after a long day, music plays a big part in most teens’ lives. that’s really cool.” — MICHAEL HARPER Claire Piccirilli, a sophomore, said music helps her to think. “I usually listen to X’s music Once an artist dies, more peo- while I was writ- ple listen to their music. This is ing it just put me due to the increase of popularity, in a zone,” Claire from both fans and former ex fans, said, “or when I the artist gains from people who was sad I’d just miss them. Ariel Montague, a ju- sit and listen to nior, said that she used to listen to it for an hour or Mac Miller, and so. It just made then started lis- me contemplate tening again af- a lot of things go- Claire ter his death in ing on in my life. Piccirilli September. I’m always re- “People defi- ally busy, but I just sat down and nitely listen to thought about things for a while his music more which was nice.” now that he’s Music is an escape. Naturally, dead,” Ariel said. Ariel the people making music are ad- “The sadness of Montague mired for creating the music that MIDWAY ILLUSTRATION BY JASMINE WANG their death at- people love. Their stories of pain MUSICAL AMUSEMENT. Students claim music is a way to rewind and relax. Many artists who tracts people to their music. I and suffering, as well as happi- have died resonate with teenagers and give a voice to the emotions and obstacles that they are was a fan freshman year and then ness are translated into an art form started listening to him again after which inspire special connections. experiencing. Music is a way to receive encouraging advice from people who understand teenagers. his death.” In many ways, the pain and suffer- tions have experienced the deaths sic becomes a more important that got me through some tough Like Michael, Claire thinks that ing these artists have gone through of their favorite artists, such as El- deal,” Michael said, “because in times. I felt like all his lyrics were when an artist like XXXTentacion help their audience empathize vis Presley, John Lennon and Mi- listening to it or hinting at it in very powerful,” Claire said. “The dies, their music remains import- with them through their music. chael Jackson. Listening to a dead one’s own music, you’re preserving themes of his songs and lyrics ant. In the past year or so, several art- artist’s music continues their lega- their memory and the artist them- were universal for example emo- “I don’t think anyone deserves ists who were especially popular cy. selves in a lot of ways, and I think tions, violence but also hop, so a to die like he did, but death is just with teens have died including Lil Michael Harper, a senior who that’s really cool.” lot of people could relate to them a part of life and we mourn and Peep, XXXTentacion and Mac Mill- plays drums in the student band Claire said she admires the mes- including me. I feel like even then move on,” she said. “Yes, it’s er. This is the first time Generation Rooftop Parking, said music helps sage spread by the music of XXX- though there were a lot of contro- sad that he won’t be making more Z has experienced losing artists preserve a dead artist’s memory. Tentacion, who died in June. versies about him he was trying to music, but I’ll just keep moving on who they idolize. Other genera- “When an artist dies, their mu- “His music was something spread a good message.” and listening to his old music.” Concert funds aid hurricane relief by AUDREY MATZKE ditions alive. ASSISTANT EDITOR “We feel that we owe it to the Supplementing their charitable people who own this music to support toward hurricane victims, learn more about them,” Ms. Tor- the high school orchestra per- to said. This article inspired their formed a traditional Puerto Rican charitable efforts. carol at the U-High music con- In addition to instilling a desire cert Dec. 6, where they also played to help, Ms. Torto said thorough alongside the band. exploration of Puerto Rican cul- After the Mandel Hall concert ture, as well as how traditions per- took place, orchestra students sist through recent circumstances, raised $242.25 from selling hot co- make for a richer, more authentic coa to audience members, and do- performance. nated proceeds to The Red Cross “We have to ask ourselves: ‘Are and AmeriCares. we just dabbling, or can we go In the next few weeks, they plan deeper,’” she said. to place donation boxes through- The orchestra joined the band out the halls and to hold a bake to perform “Matador.” According sale. to band conductor Bradley Brick- According to orchestra teacher ner, combined performances are Rozalyn Torto, the orchestra mem- almost always avoided in high bers will continue their work in- school concerts. to spring quarter as to avoid the “What might be easy for the fundraiser being a “‘one-off,’ to- string instruments might be dif- ken gesture.” ficult for the winds,” Mr. Brick- After the orchestra began learn- ner said, describing his difficulties ing “La Media Noche,” a Puerto choosing an accessible piece. He Rican Christmas carol, Ms. Tor- also cited difficulties with finding to had her students read the New available time and space for both MIDWAY PHOTO BY EMERSON WRIGHT York Times article, “Carols by a groups to practice together. Orchestra member Victoria Welch hands freshman Brandon Cellphone’s Glow,” which explains Additionally, Bel Canto per- COLLECTING CONTRIBUTIONS. how, despite power outages, Puer- formed “Carol of the Bells,” “Tam- Bousquette a hot chocolate after the U-High music concert Dec. 6. The orchestra performed along- to Ricans manage to keep their tra- bur” and “Sicut Cervus.” side the band and sold drinks help Puerto Rico with hurricane relief. THURSDAY, DEC. 13, 2018 10 • SPORTS U-HIGH MIDWAY • UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL, CHICAGO SUPER TROUPE-ERS Reborn, motivated and ready, dance troupe has over five times as many dancers as last year

by SAMIRA GLAESER-KHAN MANAGING EDITOR ance troupe has grown from 5 mem- bers to 26 members in the past year Das a result of strong coach-student re- lationships. With their in- creased size, the dance team has more team spir- it and has been able to ex- plore more diverse styles of dance. Yael explained that the coach and the team have a collaborative supportive relationship. Yael “She’s super support- Rolnik ive of what we want to do, and we bounce ideas off each other all the time,” Yael said. Dance troupe coach and PE teacher Nichole Mag- gliocco said she and her dancers are fully in sync. “The kids really feel MIDWAY PHOTO BY ISABELLA KELLERMEIR they can come talk to me Sara MOVE TO THE BEAT. Dance troupe members perform in Upper Kovler during halftime of the boys varsity basketball game, about what we’re doing,” Gregg Dec. 1. Dance troupe grew from just five members last year to over25 girls from all four grade levels. The team danced to two she said. “I’m very open if they have a conflict. I always let them go songs and are currently rehearsing a new routine for the next home game, tonight. to their other commitment, and as long as they learn the choreography, they can still Ms. Maggliocco said that dance troupe’s said. “ A big benefit of having a bigger perform.” artsfest performance last year was helpful in With more people on the team, the danc- team as opposed to having only five It hasn’t always been this positive. Troupe recruiting members. ers have explored new choreography styles. captain Yael Rolnik, a senior, explained that “When they performed at artsfest, I think “A big benefit of having a bigger team as people is formation.With 26 people a few years ago there were internal tensions kids really saw the dance troupe as a unified opposed to having only five people is forma- there’s a lot of formation changes between the team and the coach, PE teach- team instead of just as students who throw tion,” Yael said. “With 26 people there’s a lot and cool transformations you can er Nichole Magliocco, which caused the ma- dances together,” she said. of formation changes and cool transforma- do, especially with pom routines … jority of the team members to quit. Yael said that with more people the dance tions you can do, especially with pom rou- “Last year we resolved all of our prob- troupe has better morale. tines. Some people are really good at gym- Everyone contributes something lems and had a better relationship with the New team member Sara Gregg, a junior, nastics, some people are good at ballet, or when we’re doing our routines.” coach,” Yael said, “and I think people real- said she likes the energy on the team. some people are really good at hip-hop. Ev- — YAEL ROLNIK, SENIOR ized that it was a better environment, so a “Everyone is really supportive and wants eryone contributes something when we’re AND DANCE TROUPE CAPTAIN lot of people joined.” to help you learn the choreography,” she doing our routines.” ZEKE UPSHAW MEMORIAL GAME TEAM RESULTS Scores are listed as: U-High-Opponent IL Math and Science Nov. 17 16-21 Bremen Nov. 27 24-51 Morgan Park Dec. 1 48-36 Boys Basketball, Varsity North Shore Dec. 4 28-38 Notable: Seniors Moham- med Alausa and Jamie Fencing Miller and sophomore Notable: At tournaments on Toluwanimi Johnson are co-cap- Nov. 10 and 17 at the tians of the varsity basketball Stevenson Invitational and team. Students packed the stands Catholic Memorial open, mem- to watch the boys play Northridge bers of the fencing team placed in College Prep in it’s exciting home the top 50 for men’s épée, men’s opener Nov. 30. The team ended foil, men’s saber, women’s épée up winning by just two points. and women’s foil. The team will Overall, the team has won four of host the Great Lakes High School it’s eight games, and will face the Fencing Conference Dec. 15. British School of Chicago at home Dec. 13, at 6 p.m. Then they will head to Elgin Academy Dec. 15. Squash New Trier Nov. 19 14-65 Notable: The squash team, New Trier Nov. 20 40-69 lead by it’s new coach New Trier Nov. 21 71-47 Seetreeon Torres, won it’s New Trier Nov. 24 59-53 first match against Lake Forest Kenwood Academy Nov. 28 52-54 Northridge Nov. 30 46-49 Academy Dec. 8. The team will Christ the King Dec. 1 54-36 play against Latin and GEMS North Shore Dec. 4 51-60 Academy at Lakeshore Sports and Morgan Park Dec. 7 70-40 Fitness Dec. 14 and will face LFA again at the first home game Jan. Boys Basketball, 12. Junior Varsity Lake Forest Academy Dec. 8 9-0

Kenwood Academy Nov. 28 Boys Swimming/Diving 27-59 Notable: The team is twice Northridge Nov. 30 50-48 North Shore Dec 4. 48-39 the size as last year and has 10 seniors. According senior Girls Basketball Mitch Walker, the first meet is Notable: The team only has about getting their grip when 11 members this year and competing and pushing them- does not have a team selves even when they are tired. MIDWAY PHOTO BY ISABELLA KELLERMEIER captain. The team has only won The boys will compete at Juarez High School Dec. 14. Their first HONORING THE MEMORY OF AN ALUMNUS. Friends and family of Zeke Upshaw flood one game. The girls will play home meet will be held Jan. 15. the court to watch as a jersey is retired in his honor after a game on Dec. 1. Upshaw, a U-High against the British School of Lincoln Way West Nov. 20 4th basketball star who graduated in 2009, died March 26. This was the first time in history a Chicago Dec. 13 at 5 p.m. right before the boys varsity game. — COMPILED BY AMANDA CASSEL jersey number has ever been retired at U-High. Upshaw was named MVP of the Independent Aurora Christian Nov. 13 16-68 ILLUSTRATIONS BY NEENA DHANOA School League as a junior and went on to play college and professional basketball. Aurora Christian Nov 15 16-56 Indian Creek Nov. 16 38-56 THURSDAY, DEC. 13, 2018 U-HIGH MIDWAY • UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL, CHICAGO SPORTS • 11 Socializing & Sweating Students use school fitness center for more than just working out by MIRA COSTELLO MIDWAY REPORTER “ As a piece of advice to arm, beige fluorescence kids who don’t find the hums in stark contrast motivation to workout, I Wfrom the cool clouds out- would say that it’s open side iron-barred windows. After a long day at school, friends pile every day, it’s free, and their bags at the door and greet there’s a lot of cool people each other excitedly, rushing to that go. If you have nothing work out on adjacent machines. Between sharp exhalations over else to do, then you might as the whirr of bicycles and the hum well.” of treadmills, they shout encour- — OLIVIA JARARD agement. Some switch exercis- es once they are red-faced. Some unmotivated from time to time. stay fixed, headphones in their “For a lot of people, getting exer- ears, until sweat drips onto the cise for the purpose of getting ex- foam-padded floor. Weights clank ercise, it’s hard to stay motivated on metal shelves, permeating the for that,” he said, adding that the heat-heavy air. feeling of fitness helps drive him. It’s another “Part of it for me, too, is eating day in the Kov- healthy. Combine that with get- ler Gymnasi- ting daily exercise, and it just feels um fitness cen- good.” ter — but ath- Olivia Jarard, a senior who met letes aren’t the Zain through working out, said she only ones work- also values the feeling of being in ing out, and shape. Olivia, who was involved in some are finding rowing but quit because of tendi- Olivia MIDWAY PHOTO BY TOSYA KHODARKOVSKY Jarard a community of nitis, knew she had to keep fit. One of many in the U-High workout facility, junior Zain Jansen does a lat pull their own. “I’ve never really clicked with STAYING IN SHAPE. Zain Jansen, a junior, has fre- sports in my life,” she said, “but down Dec. 4. The room is usually packed with students breaking a sweat on different machines and quented the school’s gym since he I’ve always loved working out in laughing while trying out new workouts with their friends. Zain goes almost everyday after school to was a freshman even though he’s general.” both stay fit, and have fun with his friends. not on any of the school’s sports Olivia said her main motivation teams. Unlike some of his peers is that working out is a great way to Zain, who was introduced to the doing it with a bunch of people,” ia both said it can be great for any- looking to stay in shape for their release stress. facility by a friend, said that the so- Zain said over the echo of eager one. off season, Zain said he has always “I don’t think about school work cial aspect of exercise also makes voices in the stairwell. “When you “As a piece of advice to kids who had an interest in staying fit, and and friends and family, I’m just fo- it easier. say, ‘I like going to the gym be- don’t find the motivation to work usually exercises here five days a cusing on that. If I’m doing some “You’re trying to be better than cause it’s a social thing and it’s with out, I would say that it’s open ev- week. intense workout, the last thing I each other, or at least match each my friends,’ it’s really fun. It doesn’t ery day, it’s free, and there’s a lot of While Zain said he appreciates want to think about is what home- other, and that can really motivate weigh on you as much.” cool people that go,” Olivia said. “If the convenience and familiarity of work I’m going to have to do,” she you to do well. It doesn’t seem so Though they have their own rea- you have nothing else to do, then the gym, he said he finds himself said. intense of a workout when you’re sons for exercising, Zain and Oliv- you might as well.” Many people complain about Windy City winters. Sled This winter break, get off the couch, grab a hat, some mittens and some friends to explore the best the City sledding hills throughout the snowy city of Chicago. Soldier Field Palmisano Park Located just south Called “Mount Bridge- of Soldier Field, the hill port,” according to a boasts a 33-foot drop and DNAInfo article, the sled- artificial snow, making for ding hill is relatively long, a wild ride despite Chica- and not particularly steep. go’s temperamental win- Palmisano Park is about a ters and disappointing flatness. It is ranked block from the Bridgeport Coffeehouse and highly by parenting websites, so watch out two blocks from the Jackalope Coffee & Tea for small children. House. It’s also right by the Halsted L stop After a glorious ride — once dragging the on the CTA Orange Line, which runs north sled back up gets boring — store it in the to downtown and southwest to Midway Air- car parked in the nearby South Parking Lot, port. and it’s a quick walk to the Field Museum, The park stretches across 27 acres and Adler Planetarium or Shedd Aquarium for has 1.7 miles of paths. According to the Chi- some reflection after a long day of physical cago Park District website, the hill offers activity. The 18th Street Metra station and “dramatic views.” It’s open from 6 a.m.-11 CTA Red Line L stop at Roosevelt are also p.m. close by, but remember that the Metra usu- ally only stops at 18th if flagged. From Roo- sevelt, take a quick ride on the Red Line to Dan Ryan Woods the Cermak station, and warm up in Chi- The Dan Ryan Woods, natown. which has entranc- The hill is open from 6 a.m.-11 p.m. es along Western Ave- nue between 83rd and Diversey Harbor 87th Streets, has a sizable, The hill is between Can- well-marked sledding hill non Drive and Stockton maintained by the Cook County Forest Pre- Drive, about a two-min- serves. The park is next to the 91st-Bever- ute walk from Diversey ly Hills Metra stop. Signs in the parking area Harbor in Lincoln Park. give directions to the hill. There’s also an Alexan- The immediate area doesn’t offer ma- der Hamilton statue at the top. The near- ny food options, so remember a Thermos by CTA Fullerton L stop, about five blocks of home-brewed hot chocolate. The park from Lincoln Park, offers easy access from is open and staffed Sunday-Thursday, 10 the Brown, Red and Purple lines. A 10-min- a.m.-7:30 p.m., and Friday-Saturday, 10 ute stroll west on Diversey Parkway will re- a.m-8:30 p.m. veal various restaurants and shops, includ- — COMPILED BY JACOB POSNER ing Zizi’s Cafe on the corner of Sheffield -Av enue and Wolfram Street. MIDWAY ILLUSTRATION BY RISA COHEN THURSDAY, DEC. 13, 2018 12 • ARTS U-HIGH MIDWAY • UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL, CHICAGO Seasons Streamings Winter break is the perfect time to catch up on binge-watching. Take this quiz and find out which genre or show may be your next favorite. — COMPILED BY ELLA BEISER. GRAPHICS BY GRACE ZHANG Start: Do you prefer reading young Do you wish you Do you squirm at the sight adult or mystery novels? could time travel? of blood or violence? YA — Mystery No — Yes Yes — No

Would you prefer friends to Do you think you have a more humorous or honest? dry sense of humor? Humorous — Honest Yes — No

Do you prefer watching Do you prefer spontaneity Do you prefer celebrating fiction or non-fiction? or predictability? Thanksgiving or Halloween? Fiction — Non-fiction Spontaneity — Predictability Thanksgiving — Halloween

Comedy Drama Reality Science fiction “Parks and Recreation” “Law and Order: SVU” “The Great British Baking Show” “Black Mirror” “Parks and Recreation” follows the life “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit” is “The Great British Baking Show” tests 12 “Black Mirror” a futuristic science-fic- of Leslie Knope, played by Amy Poehler, an a chilling show focused on and around sex- amateur bakers on their baking skills in cat- tion show based in an alternative present or ambitious employee in the Parks and Recre- ual assault and rape crimes. Olivia Benson, egories such as making cakes, breads, pas- near future, explores the fear of unexpect- ation department in Pawnee, Indiana. Her played by Mariska Hargitay, is a detective at tries and desserts. They are judged by a va- ed consequences of technological advances. bubbly personality is opposite of her distant the NYPD’s Special Victims Unit task force. riety of judges including Mary Berry, Paul The episodes are typically set in a dystopian and staunch libertarian boss, Ron Swanson. This show is plot driven, with half of the epi- Hollywood, Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc. environment and they are stand alone. Be- The show is a political satire mocking the sodes surrounding the crimes and investiga- Set in the countryside of southern England, cause of this, there are no main characters, public’s inability to elect capable officers. tions themselves, and the other half located the reality show ran from 2010-2013 and is a similarly to “The Twilight Zone,” which in- “Parks and Rec” has included politicians, in the courtroom as they follow the prosecu- source of heartwarming comedy suited for spired “Black Mirror” a more recent anthol- such as Joe Biden and Michelle Obama. tion and conviction of the criminals. all audiences. ogy with a similar satirical and dark tone. “New Girl” “Shameless” “Last Chance U” “Dark” “New Girl” is a sitcom featuring Zooey De- “Shameless” follows the lives of a family of “Last Chance U” documents the lives of “Dark” is German science-fiction show. schanel as Jessica Day, a quirky preschool six children living with their intoxicated fa- teens at at two junior colleges as they at- For those who do not speak German, there teacher, who moves into an apartment in ther. Eldest daughter Fiona, played by Em- tempt to make it to Division I football. Play- are subtitles and a dubbed version on Net- Los Angeles with four roommates, Winston, my Rossum, has to take up most of the child ers attend these junior college because they flix. Eerie music and storyline makes the TV Nick, Schmidt and Coach, following a diffi- rearing responsibilities. The show goes in- are either not academically eligible to attend show similar to “Stranger Things.” Begin- cult breakup. She soon become best friends to depth about lives and problems they face Division I schools or because they are trans- ning with the aftermath of Erik Obendorf’s with them. The sitcom follows their friend- while getting by on the south-side of Chi- ferring schools. When transfering, NCAA re- disappearance, it branches into multiple ships, relationships and work-life. Jess strug- cago. While some of the show has a dismal quires them to sit out a season unless they storylines to include events from 1986 and gles through issues such as relationships, tone, the families upbeat and often humor- attend one semester of junior college and 1953. As more children disappear, secrets marriage and careers. ous actions keeps the show lighthearted. maintain a 2.5 grade point average. from the lives of four families are uncovered. Obama’s memoir shows path of a woman to glory by PRIYANKA SHRIJAY academic rigor at Whitney Young hearing a person’s story in their her readers this. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF High School and Princeton own words, wrapped up in what Nostalgia for the Obama family “It’s all a process, steps along a University to using her former they learned and how they felt, and their seamless blend of path. Becoming requires patience position as the nation’s first lady to especially when it’s someone who powerful intelligence and goofy and rigor. Becoming is never improve childrens’ health with the has actively experienced so much. enjoyment of life, but Michelle giving up on the idea that there’s Let’s Move! campaign. If you were to curl up with a cup of Obama’s memoir reads incredibly more growing up to be done.” There’s a beauty in how much coffee and absorb her words, you’d powerfully. Her story is delightful The memoir “Becoming” by emotion Obama evokes. When feel as though you were having a and heartbreaking, inspiring and Chicago native Michelle Obama describing her furiously adorable conversation with a woman who wise. It’s a story so personal to is just that: a story of growth and back-talk to her grandfather as a has lived a million lives in one. her, yet reflective of a simple and of evolution in understanding child who wanted her opinions That of a black child discovering definite facet of each of our lives: the world, herself and America. known, she dazzles you with her racism and intolerance. That of a growth — what we go through to From the moment she entered innate strength. When discussing insecure teenager, wanting simply become the people we are today. this world, Obama was a strong- her father’s stoic attitude to his to feel “good enough.” That of a She tells of lessons that many of headed and determined young multiple sclerosis, she makes your law student, a working mother, a us have learned or will learn but woman. hearts throb. When deliberating first lady, an activist, a woman who haven’t consciously processed, “I spent much of my childhood over her scandalized hug of Queen works to put a smile on every face and she poignantly points that out listening to the sound of striving,” Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace in she meets. to her readers. she writes in reference to her great 2009 and the hug she received in She writes, “There’s power in This holiday season, whether aunt’s piano students who played return, she brings you a touch of allowing yourself to be known you’re looking for a book to keep in the apartment below her own. humanity. and heard, in owning your unique your heart warm in the piercing SOURCE: AMAZON The book takes off, fast-paced, The book’s tone never feels story, in using your authentic cold or you’re looking for a MEMOIR OF CHANGE. as Mrs. Obama describes her stiff or academic. It’s warm and voice. And there’s grace in being thought-provoking memoir to give Michelle Obama’s “Becoming” own striving, from piano lessons casual, like talking to an intelligent willing to know and hear others.” If as a gift to a loved one, “Becoming” was released Nov. 13. at four-years-old to chasing old friend. There’s nothing like anything, Michelle Obama teaches is truly a worthwhile read.