UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL • UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO LABORATORY SCHOOLS

1362 EAST 59TH STREET,U-High CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60637 MAY Midway17, 2017 VOLUME 93, NUMBER 9 May Project rules enforced more strictly for seniors by Emma Trone However, seniors’ ability to the start of May A source of contention among signed to. So most of them would assistant editor leave school for a month has also Project, rather students is the fulfillment of grad- make you do, say, a project worth Rules dictating participation in necessitated rules dictating poli- than letting indi- uation requirements, including as many hours as you would be the annual tradition of May Proj- cies about attendance and credits, vidual teachers art, music and P.E. credits, which missing, or some wouldn’t make ect, where seniors spend several especially credits needed to grad- make the deci- would necessitate attending those you do anything at all,” Brian said. weeks in May off campus creating uate, since the inception of May sion to continue classes during May Project. Ac- “So I had assumed going through experiential projects, have been Project. These policies are cre- the class or not, cording to senior Jonathan Lip- freshman, sophomore and junior streamlined among departments. ated in tandem by the Curriculum she said. These man, many seniors were under year that I wouldn’t have to stay for Despite protests from seniors, ex- Committee, the dean of students, courses will still the impression that arrangements May Project.” isting rules also have been rein- the May Project coordinator, the continue for ju- Dinah could be made separately with the May Project Coordinator Dinah forced. principal and the chairs of each niors. D’Antoni teachers of those classes, and so D’Antoni believes that despite May Project has been a fixture department. Previously, planned their high school sched- the inconvenience of attending of the U-High experience for over According to Principal Weber, students who had a disciplinary ules accordingly. just one or two classes during 40 years. Although few students many of the rules regarding May infraction or were on academic Brian Brady, who plans to build May Project, May Project is still a opted to leave their classes to par- Project have been clarified, not probation were barred from par- an amphibious car for his project, choice, not a right. ticipate at May Project’s inception, created, for this year’s May Project. ticipating in May Project. Howev- held off on taking an art class until “It’s not a vacation. It’s a lot of gradually it became an expecta- “There seemed to be rules that er, those rules have been loosened senior year because he participat- work. They don’t have to go on May tion that most, if not all seniors were saying the same things for this year, according to Ms. Weber. ed in Jazz Band as an underclass- Project if they don’t want to. That’s would participate and complete a different academic disciplines, so “If you were a student and you man. life,” Ms. D’Antoni said. “When project of their choosing. we consolidated them,” Ms. Weber were struggling academically in Brian said he wasn’t aware until they go to college, they’ll be grum- On May 10, Principal Stepha- said. The only official change made the fall quarter, say, and you were winter quarter that he would be bling about things they have to do nie Weber posted a message on to the May Project rule book was placed on academic probation, required to attend his Sculpture and when they work, there are still Schoology to deny rumors spread a decision by the history and sci- clearly something was preventing class during May Project. going to be deadlines they have to among the student body that May ence departments to officially end you from doing your best,” Ms. “It used to be that it depended complete. They have to observe all Project was being canceled. AT class curricula for seniors by Weber said. on the art teacher that you were as- of their deadlines. It is what it is.” THE ‘JAZZICAL’ EXPERIENCE Election brings more diverse leadership by Talia Goerge-Karron news editor Election winners For the first time in eight years, U-High students have elected a All-School President: female all-school president. Junior Elizabeth Van Ha Elizabeth Van Ha will lead the Stu- All-School Vice President: dent Council next year. Four of the Rachel Schonbaum other five all-school officers are All-School Treasurer: female. Otto Brown In the April 28 election, 136 All-School Secretary: freshmen voted, along with 103 Teresa Xie sophomores and 110 juniors. Elizabeth said that it is interest- All-School Cultural Union ing that most of the incoming of- President: Florence Almeda ficers are female, but she didn’t All-School Cultural Union Vice credit gender for the success of the President: Megan Moran Student Council. Senior Class President: Gender diversity is important Ayaan Asthana for the Student Council to be suc- Senior Class Vice President: cessful, but the student body is Cole Summerfelt capable of electing the best can- Senior Class Cultural Union : didate, Elizabeth said. “Not that Nicole Horio and Michael Rubin midway photo by sam fleming it changes what Student Council Junior Class President: JAZZ IT UP. Playing Kapustin’s “Trio for Piano, Flute and Cello,” Teresa Xie, Jenny Wang and does because I really think that Shiva Menta it just depends person by person Junior Class Vice President: Giacomo Glotzer participate in the Jazzical Experience in Gordon Parks Assembly Hall on how much Student Council ac- Emma Trone May 10. This concert was the live version of an album recorded by Mia Waggoner, a senior. complishes a year,” Elizabeth said. Junior Class Cultural Union: Elizabeth has been on Student Council as the Class of 2018’s pres- Aly Latherow and Mitch Walker ident for three years. She views her Sophomore Class President: experience as a positive. Ben Cifu Nature museum will be Prom site “I also have familiarity with Sophomore Class Vice President: how the system works like what Nolan Issa by Michael Rubin vide an atmosphere that is perfect “We went back and forth with the best way to approach certain Sophomore Cultural Union: assistant editor for Prom. about five places but ultimately things is instead of going through Kepler Boonstra and Yuyu Katahira The Peggy Notebaert Nature “If you’ve ever been to the Na- ended up landing on the Nature buffers,” Elizabeth said. Museum will come to life on June ture Museum, you’d know that Museum because we get access to She also recognizes that she has 3 for Prom. there is a butterfly room, a garden the entire museum for the night a limited perspective. dent as a write-in candidate. No As a way for seniors to have their filled with hundreds of butterflies. and it stayed within our budget of “One of the cons is that I have candidates filed by the April 20 last celebration before graduation, We will be able to take pictures about $6,000,” Taylor said. been in the same leadership po- deadline. they will gather to dance, listen to in there as well as view all of the With Prom in less than a month, sition for so long that I am not fa- For Cultural Union next year, speeches and make lasting mem- exhibits during the beginning of Prom Committee is swamped miliar with the other student per- Florence wants to implement a ories together. the night,” Taylor said. “After din- with last-minute details and orga- spectives,” Elizabeth said. “I know combined dance or carnival with Prom tickets were sold in the ner we will having dancing, and nizational tasks including royalty we can get X, Y, Z done, but what if another school and a fundraising cafeteria from May 1-5 for $120 weather permitting, we can end nominations. we tried it this way? That may not dance marathon. each. According to Dean of Stu- the night with dessert on the ter- “Right now, we’re in the process be as apparent to me. One of the “Being a write-in definitely mo- dents Ana Campos, prom tickets race outside.” of taking ticket orders, seating re- things that I can work on is keep- tivated me to do a lot more cam- have ranged from $101 to $120 In preparation for the event, the quests, royalty nominations and ing an open mind even though I paigning and it made me scared over the past four years. Prom Committee, a group of stu- chaperone requests,” Taylor said. know that things in the past have that I would not win,” Florence While there is no official theme dents in the Senior Class, has been “So we’re camped out in the café worked successfully, there’s differ- said. “Being a Cultural Union rep- or unique decor, Prom Committee planning key pieces, including the for the next week with an exces- ent routes that we can take.” resentative has always been a part member Taylor Thompson is con- venue and catering for more than sive amount of forms for people Florence Almeda, a junior, won of my life in high school, and it is fident that the museum will pro- a year. attending Prom to fill out.” all-school Cultural Union presi- super important to me.” inside 5 • ARTS 6-7 • IN-DEPTH 10 • SPORTS With refugees at the Going against the status Students turn to yoga to forefront of news, quo, members of the de-stress and exercise. “Objects in the Mirror,” U-High community are Starting yoga last year, an original play, tells the able to break societal senior Genevieve Liu story of one refugee’s norms through their became a certified yoga escape from Liberia. passions, classes or work. instructor to alleviate her anxiety. NEWS • WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 2017 2 U-HIGH MIDWAY • UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL, CHICAGO Peer leading program will be limited to 24 students by Dheven Unni teacher in order to avoid cutting not understand why the changes peer leadership program. I don’t sports editor students who had already been ac- were made. One specific concern know how many advisories we’ll Peer Leading Program The number of students in cepted into the program. they cited was the one-to-one ra- have for next year, but we’re trying 2016-17 peer leaders: 30 with the peer leadership program will But that was a one-year solu- tio between peer leaders and advi- to decide in order to maximize the Meghan Janda and Hannah Roche as be reduced to tion. sories. potential of that program.” teachers. 24 beginning “Ms. Janda is the peer leading “I feel that through the loss of According to Cole, current ju- next year, and coordinator and Ms. Roche’s job this one-to-one ratio, we could al- nior peer leaders have been prom- Next year: Service learning will Meghan Janda is to be the service learning coor- most go back in time and lose the ised that none of them will be cut require Ms. Roche’s full attention. will be the sole dinator,” Ms. Weber said, “and it’s sense of community the peer lead- next year, though that would mean teacher. The important that they can dedicate ers have provided for freshmen only eight new peer leaders. Ms. change is due themselves fully to their jobs.” and sophomores,” Cole said. Weber noted that there is not an 2017-18 peer leaders: 24 with to the collec- Ms. Weber said Ms. Roche has This year’s Freshman Class was even split of juniors and seniors Ms. Janda as sole teacher, with at least tive bargaining done a lot of work for the middle divided to 13 advisories, and the this year and said the decision on 8 new peer leaders selected, fewer agreement with and high schools as the service same number of freshman stu- how many of each per grade in the than in years past. Stephanie the teachers’ learning coordinator, and it’s im- dents is expected next year. Ms. future would be determined with Weber union, which portant for her to have the time to Weber said she does not know Ms. Janda. limits the num- do that work. whether a one-to-one ratio will be “The question will be what’s best ber of students per teacher to 24. “Doing more than the service possible. for the program,” Ms. Weber said. Ms. Janda said. “Previously, we There were 30 peer leaders this learning job is more than we can “I think peer leadership has done According to Ms. Janda, it could had a one-to-one relationship be- year. Last summer, new princi- ask her to do and continue to have a lot of work through the advisory prove difficult to uphold the pro- tween peer leaders and advisories, pal Stephanie Weber learned that that program thrive,” Ms. Weber program,” Ms. Weber said. “I think gram’s previous standards with so with the new parameters we peer leadership was overenrolled said. the roles of peer leadership and fewer people. just want to make sure that peer for the 2016-17 school year, but According to peer leader Cole advisory have changed over the “A challenge will be to restruc- leaders, advisers and students allowed Service Learning Coor- Summerfelt, a junior, many peer course of the last few years. We’re ture the program to make sure it’s continue to have the same strong dinator Hannah Roche to act as a leaders feel discontented and do still looking to have a very strong just as impactful as it has been,” connection.” Labbies inspired by Obama speech senior panel on political and social engagement by Michael Rubin ment to leadership, kindness and assistant editor service,” Ms. Weber wrote in an “ The room was buzzing On April 24, five U-High stu- email. with energy, and everyone dents attended the first speech Olivia said Obama’s main focus seemed to excited and given by former President Barack was engaging young people in pol- Obama since he left office, which itics and current events. honored to see the former was at the Logan Center for the “I really loved how he got all of president.” Arts on the U. of C. campus and these thoughtful young people to — Mohammed Alausa, sophomore intended to address the role young come together for his panel,” she leaders have in civic engagement said, “and then really listened to and community organization. them and how they and their peers very difficult and how it is not for Principal Stephanie Weber se- engaged with politics and how we, everyone.” lected freshman Franziska Wild, as a society, can improve that en- After attending the speech, stu- sophomores Mohammad Alausa gagement.” dents believed the lessons and and Jordyn Mahome, and juniors With the former president back topics that Mr. Obama addressed Olivia Issa and Elizabeth Van Ha on University of Chicago campus, would have a lasting impact on based on their engagement and the atmosphere at the speech their identities as community leadership within areas of social was a culmination of excitement, leaders. justice, cultural clubs, Student nerves and passion from youth “I believe my biggest takeaway Council, athletics and community leaders. from this is something that Obama engagement. “The environment was amaz- said when he talked about one of “The hope was that they would ing. The room was buzzing with the ways that social media is det- share President Obama’s message energy, and everyone seemed so rimental to the legislative process with their peers, gain inspiration excited and honored to see the for- and how it divides people as a to continue their work both at mer president,” Mohammad said. whole,” Jordyn said. “And so for my midway photo by sophie hinerfeld U-High and within the broader “My main takeaways were the dif- takeaway, I’m going to start follow- ON THE ROAD TO COLLEGE. Seniors share college applica- community and work with other ferent views people had on why ing both media outlets that agree tion advice with the current juniors on May 4. student leaders and the admin- the youth choose not to vote and with my opinions and media out- istration to forward our commit- how having a public life can be lets that oppose my opinions.” News in Brief here and not just the youngest instead. ness office for for 29 years. The The board is also looking into Rites of May returns children. It’s also a way of celebrat- Wesley is most widely known change of jobs will be somewhat making a website where people after a one-year hiatus ing the end of the year,” Mrs. Coe for the sermon, “When the Verdict significant, but Ms. Howell said can submit their music, poems said. Hurts,” which he delivered on the she is excited to take on this new and other non visual arts, accord- To establish a sense of commu- High school students are en- Sunday after George Zimmerman role. ing to Rachel. The website is not nity between older and younger couraged to volunteer to set a role was found not guilty of murdering “I look forward to being a help to likely to come out this year, but students, the Parents Association model for younger kids. Mrs. Coe Trayvon Martin. Time Magazine Ms. Campos and to the students,” they are planning on implement- has brought back Rites of May, said that if older kids go, it will set called it, “The Best Sermon About Ms. Howell said. “I think I will re- ing it in the future. which is in its 48th year. Rites of an example and make younger Trayvon That You Will Hear.” ally enjoy working with the stu- — max garfinkel May will be held on Kenwood kids want to follow their lead. According to Benji Wittenbrink, dents.” Mall on Saturday, May 20, from — katerina lopez senior vice president and a mem- — iván beck 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Students in all ber of the graduation committee, Midway editors selected grades are invited. Howard-John Wesley the group originally pitched Wes- Renaissance hopes The new Midway editors have The activities will include boun- ley to the Senior Class because the been chosen: Talia Goerge-Karron cy houses, sports games, water will speak at graduation high school students enjoyed his to publish at year’s end and Dheven Unni will lead the slides, human football, food trucks speech at the October assembly. newspaper as editors-in-chief for and other all-age activities. Howard-John Wesley’s captivat- Another member of the gradu- U-High’s annual arts and lit- 2017-18. “I’m excited that it’s back be- ing voice filled the Gordon Parks ation committee, senior Taylor erature magazine, Renaissance, is Natalie Glick and Sonny Lee will cause it was always so fun and it Auditorium at the October alumni Thompson, said “for a lot of the scheduled to to be distributed to be deputy editors, and Michael was also refreshing to know that assembly — his powerful words student body, especially the se- students at the beginning of the Rubin will serve as managing edi- summer was near,” sophomore completely occupied the atten- niors, Wesley had been the first 2017-18 school year, but its board tor. Aly Latherow said. tion of U-High students. This is alumni speaker that resonated wants to make it available by the Other editors include Samira The event is a sign the school one of the most important reasons with us.” end of this school year. Glaeser-Khan, news; Jacob Posner, year is coming to a close, and it why the graduation committee — jacob posner “We finish the book at the end features; Emma Trone, sports and provides a chance to hang out with chose Wesley to speak at this year’s of the year, which means that we recreation; Priyanka Shrijay, opin- friends. graduation ceremony on June 8 at New secretary hired for distribute it at the beginning of ions; Leah Emanuel, arts; and Sam “We want to see all of the school Rockefeller Chapel. the next year, but this is something Fleming, Chicago Life. reflected, we want to see every- A 1990 U-High graduate, Wes- dean of students office that we are looking to change, be- body engaged in fun activities, ley is the pastor of the Alfred cause similar to the yearbook, we connections made across the dif- Street Baptist Church in Virginia, a Candy Howell has been hired as want students who are leaving to ferent grades. The whole thing is church frequented by the Obama the secretary in Dean of Students have the book before they go to about one big Lab school com- family. He has a doctorate in min- Ana Campos’ office. She takes college,” Rachel Schonbaum, a munity,” Tracy Coe, Middle School istry from the Northern Baptist over for temporary secretary Anya member of the Renaissance Arts Council co-chair, said. Theological Seminary. Drew, who had been in the posi- Board, said. The Parents Association espe- He attended Duke University tion since November. Ms. Drew’s The art that will be in the maga- cially encourages high school stu- and double majored in biomedical last day was April 19. zine is submitted, and the board dents to go to Rites of May. and electrical engineering, but af- Ms. Howell began working for is currently in the process of de- “We feel that the richness of Lab ter his first year of medical school the high school April 21, but has ciding what artwork is going to be Talia Dheven is reflected in all of the students decided to pursue biblical studies worked in the Lab Schools busi- featured. Goerge-Karron Unni WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 2017 • NEWS U-HIGH MIDWAY • UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL, CHICAGO 3 New café opens to foster social justice Teachers Sanctuary Café share Lab’s brings art to philosophy Hyde Park by Samira Glaeser-Khan in China assistant editor by Abby Slimmon midway reporter If you want your coffee and muf- Science teacher Sharon Hous- fin with a side of social awareness, inger and math teacher Shelby just head to the Sanctuary Café. Lunte traveled to Jian Ping High In early April, a new café opened School in Shanghai April 22-25 to in the University Church, 5655 S. give a presentation about educa- University Ave., with the mission tion and Lab’s philosophy. to foster art, social justice and Representatives from Jian Ping unity. High School were interested in The cafe is sponsored by the Lab’s method of education. They nonprofit organizations Stories invited Lab to send one science Connect and Blue Gargoyle, both teacher and one math teacher to of which promote art from people Shanghai, so Ms. Housinger and of color and LGBTQ people. Ms. Lunte were It took five weeks, from start to selected. The finish, for the café to open. trip involved a In accordance with the mission’s long flight each of these organizations, food art- way, and the ist and head chef Edward Cabral teachers spent hired his kitchen staff mainly from two days at the the art industry. forum. “Coming from the art world as a “We toured queer Latinx person, I saw a lot of the school, we my brown and black brothers and Sharon had meetings sisters leave because they couldn’t Housinger with students afford to maintain their careers in and talked to these white-supremacist indus- midway photo by elena liao them a little bit,” tries,” Mr. Cabral said. “So with this PROMOTING ARTS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE. Artist Charlie Harris paints one of his installation pait- Ms. Housinger space we are trying to give them ings for the café. Mr. Harris’ installation is the first exhibit of many at the newly opened café. said. a chance to earn a living wage so Many of the they can continue their work.” students at the Currently, Mr. Cabral and his tinction of honey-bees all over the like a child,” Mr. Harris said. “I “ I don’t want to shut anyone high school were staff are planning and making world.” don’t want to shut anyone out or out or offend anyone, and interested in go- food creations that deal with a po- Not only is the kitchen staff offend anyone, and I’m thinking ing to college in litical mantra. I’m thinking that everyone composed mainly of artists, but that everyone can relate to this America so Ms. They use all locally-sourced in- can relate to this style of the café also displays the work of style of art with bright colors and Lunte and Ms. Shelby gredients for their creations, with a featured artist each month. The bold shapes.” art with bright colors and Housinger an- Lunte eggs and butter from Wisconsin artist receives a base salary from In addition to having a perma- bold shapes,” swered a lot of and American-grown, vegan flour the café and also earns additional nent gallery, the café also hosts art — Charlie Harris, artist their questions. and sugar. revenue from sales of their pieces. and social justice-based events. “Both Ms. Lunte and I gave “Right now, we have a vanilla This month’s feature artist, wall- They will be having an all-female speeches to principals from local cake with whipped fresh straw- said. “For next month, we have a muralist Charlie Harris, hopes to illustrator show on May 12, and schools about hands-on expe- berry buttercream saying ‘the fu- skull-shaped honey cake planned, unify people through his work. will host a photo shoot with Pilsen riential education, basically the ture is female’ on top,” Mr. Cabral which will represent the mass ex- “As you can see, I paint kind of drag queens. philosophy at Lab,” Ms. Hous- inger said. “Then, we gave a more detailed talk to just their teachers about what Model UN team victorious Club news we do in our “ My biggest Math Team takes third Science Team places first classes.” take away The teach- from the trip in year’s final contests ers observed place at state contest at state Envirothon and the stu- was seeing by Talia Goerge-Karron mores elected On May 6, the Math Team The Science Team kept up its dents got to that their news editor to the board are earned third place overall at the strong work ethic to dominate re- experience culture is The Model UN team wrapped Shiva Menta, Ja- state contest at the University of cent competitions, earning high what a class up the year with small delegation mal Nimer and completely Illinois Urbana-Champaign, ex- honors in several regional events would be like awards at the Cornell and North- Alexis Tyndall. ceeding expectations for this year’s and statewide competitions, in- if they were a different western conferences. Looking for- competition. cluding Envirothon. student at Lab. than ours,” Cornell was the most challeng- ward to next year, Due to an increase in the The team took eighth in the “My big- — Shelby Lunte, ing conference of the year, but Alexis wants to school’s size, this year U-High’s state ISO Competition April 29 in gest take away math teacher it was also a surprise to win best improve on how Teresa math team has been competing in Urbana-Champaign. from the trip small delegation, according to preparation is Xie the 3AA division, which consists of The team’s placement is better was seeing board member Teresa Xie. run for fresh- schools with a student body from than several previous years, ac- that their culture is completely dif- Teresa said U-High won the men. 500 to 2,000 students. cording to junior Aden Goolsbee, ferent than ours,” Ms. Lunte said, award due to a mixup in the del- “I want to “We were up against some who competed in the event this “but it was really interesting to egation size guidelines. move away from schools that because of their year. see that when asked, they had the At the Northwestern University focusing mainly sheer size we didn’t have a realis- In this competition, a team of same fears about going to college Model UN conference, junior Nikki on speaking, and tic chance of beating as we are on 15-20 students travels to the com- as all the students here.” Han helped lead the Lab delegation instead use more the low end of our divisions size petition site, where each person to winning the best small delega- simulation activ- range,” Shaunak Puri, a senior competes in at least two partner tion award there, too. ities to strength- leader, said. events focused on a range of scien- “Our success at NUMUN was en other skills According to Shaunak, the Math tific topics. the result of a combination of hard such as caucus- Team’s success at State is unparal- The ISO competition has the work and rigorous preparation,” Alexis ing, clause writ- leled to results in past years. greatest range of topics compared Nikki said. “For many weeks, our Tyndall ing and Q&As,” He said students at all grade to other science competitions. team members worked hard to Alexis said. “Also, levels performed well, but praised On April 26-27, the team won gather research and improve upon in prep settings I freshmen and juniors in particular. the Envirothon, where teams of their skills in prep. Many of those want to teach more about reading He also singled out oralists Emma five work together on five different who went to NUMUN were unfa- the chair to see what they are look- Mueller and Jeremy Chizewer, who tests, as well as create and format a miliar with the setting we put them ing for in a winner and the commit- placed third. 15-minute presentation. in. For example, a General Assem- tee to see what they are looking for The competition came down to It was the first time U-High won bly delegate was experiencing a in a collaborator.” only four points, leaving the Math statewide in this competition and crisis committee for the first time, The next plan for the MUN team Team in third place rather than will represent Illinois this sum- and he was going in alone. In order is the annual banquet, which rec- second. mer at the national Envirothon in to make up for the unfamiliarity of ognizes the achievements of the “Perhaps what I am most proud Maryland. the situation, I know that our del- team, with special regard to the se- of is that the Junior-Senior eight The team placed first in its divi- egates worked extremely hard to niors. person team placed first in the sion at the State WYSE competi- gather additional information and “The new board plans an an- State,” Shaunak said. “The even tion during the week of April 16-22 reach out for help and advice from nual banquet, which is a time to more exciting thing is that John in Urbana-Champaign. more seasoned members.” honor the outgoing seniors, and McKee actually resolved and cor- In early March the varsity team The team elected a new board our chaperones, and then we will midway photo provided by rected an incorrect answer that we placed first in the TEAMS state May 3. proceed to the next year,” Alexan- TEACHING SCIENCE ABROAD. had in the last 15 seconds of the competition and also took first Four rising seniors will share der Azar, 2016-17 secretary general Science teacher Susan Hous- contest, boosting our score to 19 place at the ISO regional compe- the secretary general role: Ayaan member, said. inger gives a presentation additional reporting contributed out of 20. The second place team tition, hosted by Nequah Valley Asthana, Michael Rubin, Harrison during her trip to China. by max garfinkel had 18. High School. Shapiro and Teresa Xie. Sopho- — michael rubin — iván beck ARTS • WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 2017 4 U-HIGH MIDWAY • UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL, CHICAGO Music defines generations, encapsulating crucial moments in history and making them relevant to SAY. IT. listeners anywhere at any time. As we experience a new political climate, a new wave of protest music is rising. Politically centered music is moving back into the mainstream and as a result artists have become more willing to make their voices heard. LOUD Check out our Spotify playlist at tinyurl.com/m6b3c9x Rappers like Tupac Mos Def Pop is supposed to appeal Prince RAP.Shakur, Nas, Public “Mathematics” POP.to the greatest amount “Song Title” Enemy, N.W.A. made politically Black on Both Sides, of people possible, which has given Sign ‘O’ the Times, conscious songs well into the late 1999 it a complicated history with pro- 1987 1990s, often influenced by music test music. Many pop musicians from earlier movements in the ’60s exist on the edges of popularity, and ’70s. While there was a shift Joey Bada$$ but few artists like Beyonce´ are ANOHNI in rap toward party content in the “Land of the Free” popular enough to get away with “Drone Bomb Me” 2000s, artists continued to speak All-Amerikkkan saying whatever they want in their Hopelessness, 2016 about political issues such as living Badass, 2017 music. Pop music throughout the in crime-infested neighborhoods, ‘90s strayed away from any poignant problems with violence and political messages, however, artists government failures. As the political like Prince unashamedly challenged climate changed, rappers began the norm with their music. to produce more conscious music again.

Since the 1970s, punk The Clash Jazz was birthed by Max Roach ROCK.and rock have been “Straight to Hell” JAZZ.black oppression. “We Insist!” associated with anti-establishment Combat Rock, 1982 Jazz greats have always demanded Studio Album, 1960 sentiments, including left-wing freedom through their music, but viewpoints, socialism, and anar- it came to a head in the late ‘50s to chism. While the authenticity of early ‘60s; from Nina Simone, to some punk rock music was debated Radiohead John Coltrane to Ornette Coleman, Vijay Lyer (deciding whether it was for show or “Idioteque” jazz and protest went hand in hand. “Suite for Trayvon” just provocative), punk rock lyrics Kid A, 2000 Songs like “Strange Fruit” by Bil- Suite for Trayvon, 2014 contained criticisms of governments. lie Holiday and “Alabama” by John Bands from the United States and Coltrane have become relics of their the United Kingdom covered top- time, reminding listners how real the ics such as sexism, capitalism and oppression they felt was. Artists like colonialism. Vijay Iyer and Christian Scott con- tinue this tradition today.

The Civil Rights Move- Marvin Gaye Folk music, an over- Woody Guthrie R&B.ment of the 1960s and “What’s Going On” FOLK.looked genre of music, “This Land Is Your 70s lived through R&B. Artists like What’s Going On, 1971 plays a large role in social move- Land” Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, and ments like the civil rights era or dur- This Land Is Your Land, James Brown spread support for the ing the Vietnam War. Due to their as- 1963 movement and actively participated sociation with working-class issues, in protests and rallies. So many R&B D’Angelo and The folk music captured the need for po- Jill Sobule and gospel classics are rooted in the Vanguard litical reform in terms of social status. “Monster Protest civil rights movement. Today, artists “The Charade” The genre is characterized by artists Jamz ” like D’Angelo, Solange and Janelle Black Messiah, 2014 who reinvented traditional folk songs Our America Back , 201 Monae continue the tradition but and made them fit to contemporary have adopted their poignant mes- issues, growing popular on college sage to fit today’s themes. All three campuses and with younger genera- artists have found a way to slip mes- tions. sages of black acceptance into their catchy and soulful music. Kendrick Lamar’s DAMN shines light on childhood by Sam Fleming “Good Kid M.A.A.D. City” and finally at 27 fearing “losing it all.” It mar chants, “If somebody kill my midway reporter 2015’s “To Pimp A Butterfly,” were is one of the best songs he has ever son, that mean somebody gettin’ A good story usually has a meticulously constructed concep- released and a clear standout on killed,” before going to speak to a clear beginning, middle and end. tual albums, which showed Lamar the album. class of children about gun con- Kendrick Lamar’s newest album struggling to figure out his place in His thoughts are contradictory trol. These contradictions are what “DAMN.” has none of those, but it the world. and disorganized, but the disor- make “DAMN.” shine. They add still manages to be one of his most “DAMN.” is a departure from ganization only makes the proj- a powerful human element to an enthralling projects yet. It cycles this. On“DAMN.,” Lamar looks in- ect more organic. Standout track album, playing perfectly into the through emotions while Lamar side himself and explores his own “DNA” shows him struggling to theme of self-reflection. desperately tries to get a grasp of positive and destructive qualities. reconcile the royalty he feels in his Lamar has reached the point himself through music. While pop- The album exists somewhere be- DNA with the violence that he is where he has no contemporaries. ular hip-hop is continually moving tween pop and hip-hop, features told lies there also. He spent years trying to claim the away from lyricism, Lamar has unconventional guests, and has billboard “Got war and peace inside my top spot in hip-hop, but in the pro- become a shining example of the no clear-cut concept which all BLESS UP. “DAMN is Kendrick DNA,” he raps over a hard, head- cess has dealt with a spiral of emo- power of storytelling. On “DAMN.” contributes to “DAMN.” being Lamar’s newest album that knocking beat. Samples of Fox tions, ranging from fear to love, he weaves his most complex tale Kendrick Lamar’s most beautiful News hosts play throughout the bringing him back down to earth. was released on April 14. yet. album yet. song, saying “hip-hop has done He has begun to see past the fa- Kendrick Lamar has become a Fan theories go on for days “FEAR,” the listener follows La- more damage to black people than çade of his own public image and staple in hip-hop over the course about what narrative runs through mar’s anxieties from the age of 7 racism in recent years.” It is an as- “DAMN.” is a daring and confus- of the last decade. He burst on “DAMN.,” but ultimately what through 27. He brings the listener sault on the senses, a perfect song ing self-reflection of his struggle to the scene with his debut “Sec- makes the album incredible is that into the growing complexity of his to dance to or to get lost trying to with popularity. “DAMN.” reaf- tion.80” in 2011, where he dis- Lamar gives listeners a glimpse fears as he ages: at 7 only fearing decode. firms why his voice is so essential played intense lyrical ability and into his personal struggle with the possibility of a beating, at 17 The contradictions on “DAMN.” in music and is the best hip-hop knack for concepts. Both 2012’s identity. On the 7-minute epic the fear of imminent death, and do not stop there. On “XXX,” La- album of 2017, hands-down. WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 2017 • ARTS U-HIGH MIDWAY • UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL, CHICAGO 5 Light heart, heavy topics LabArts ‘It’s All Absolutely Fine’ takes on mental illness with brutally honest essays and humorous cartoons by Emma Trone assistant editor The bright, sunny yellow cover of “It’s All Absolutely Fine” seems to both mock author and cartoon- ist Ruby Elliot’s volatile emotional state and to illuminate it with a sense of Book Info hope. Al- Author: Ruby Elliot though there Tumblr: rubyetc is no color Cost: $11.55 on in between amazon.com the covers, the looming Length: 2 5 1 p a g e s mood of self- deprecation and the tiniest grain of happi- ness shines through the black and white words and drawings. Not quite a graphic novel and not quite the typical memoir, “It’s All Absolutely Fine,” a collection of essays and cartoons by Ruby Elliot, dismantles preconceptions about mental illness with a light heart and a skilled hand. used with permission ‘it’s all absolutely fine’ Elliot, 22, is more commonly TURN THAT FROWN UPSIDE DOWN. Ruby Elliot depicts her midway photo by alec wyers known under her Tumblr user- often-frustrating mental state with her signature sarcasm and THE WORLD IS YOUR STAGE. Acting Studio students Nikhil name rubyetc. Both on her Tum- self-deprecation. Elliot writes and draws at length about her past Patel, Jenna Dreixler, Zach Leslie and Henrik Nielsen per- blr account and in this book she struggles with bipolar disorder, eating disorders and self-harm. draws her struggle with depres- form for primary school students during Lab’s annual Lab- sion, anxiety and bulimia with hu- endears herself to her audience Arts event, a two-week celebration of performance and fine morous simplicity, wisdom, and “ The weight of Elliot’s with her sharp wit and admirable arts. Members of the Acting Studio class had spent several in her own words, “one very tiny experience would be humility. weeks preparing to present eight fairytales in small groups. tentative pinch of happiness and The pacing and distribution of hope (or however much you can unbearably somber in the cartoons and essays throughout Artwork created by Lab students across the schools was dis- tolerate).” hands of another author the book occasionally makes for played from April 27-May 12 in Gordon Parks Arts Hall. And, in spite of her bleakest de- or artist, but her humor uneven reading, particularly in the pictions of her illness, hope under is one book’s greatest first third. Many of the pages in the guise of self-deprecating but this section are her cartoons, but universal humor reigns over the strengths, second only to very few of them have any connec- darkness. The weight of Elliot’s her honesty.” tion to each other, which is prob- Film fest offers diversity experience would be unbearably ably better suited for the Tumblr by Dheven Unni we sometimes do group projects.” somber in the hands of another format, where she has gained her sports editor He said each student select- author or artist, but her humor is measured out in that one weird modest following. Last week the Gordon Parks Art ed what they enjoyed doing or one book’s greatest strengths, sec- spoon everyone has that doesn’t Overall, “It’s All Absolutely Fine” Hall hosted the second annual Lab thought was their best film. ond only to her honesty. match the rest of the cutlery,” or bursts with authenticity and the Film Festival, where students of all Junior Oran Lazar presented The book is not a long one, and alternative self-care that involves charm of the author. Elliot never grades presented short films they a short film at the festival titled could easily be read cover-to-cover smashing a croissant into a wall. attempts to make her book about created to parents, students and “Stain.” in one sitting, although that’s not But Elliot also draws inspiration much more than her own personal faculty. From comedies to docu- Oran said. “I’m pretty excited necessarily recommended. Most from more universal situations, experience, and it fits her medium mentaries to social commentaries, to be in it because you just want of the 251 pages are filled with El- from smudging your nails to the squarely. This book is probably a diverse array of topics was cov- people to see your work, and it’s a liot’s signature, simplistic render- difficulties of bra shopping. best enjoyed by someone who has ered at the festival. big accomplishment for the end of ings of herself and the occasional However, she refuses to mince similarly experienced the crushing The festival was organized by the year.” bird or “jazzy lizard.” Her drawings words (or drawings) when it weight of mental illness, but any- film teacher Benjamin Jaffe, as the Sophomore Derek de Jong was mostly feature her dealing with the comes to the often taboo realities one who both has a sense of hu- films were mostly produced in his featured in a film made by sopho- darkest aspects of her mental ill- of therapy, self-harm and bipo- mor and an open mind will likely class. more Nick Merchant. ness in hilariously sad fashion, like lar disorder, and makes a point to enjoy flipping through this book “They made the movies, they “It went very well, and a lot of making “emotional smoothies” present her more structured feel- as well, “taking jazzy lizard steps” chose which movies to share,” Mr. the stuff I saw was very cool,” Der- out of “a good wok’s worth of fear ings with essays, rather than draw- right along with Elliot as she tells Jaffe said. “Some of them are group ek said. “It was nice to see the work and confusion” and “loneliness ings. In every situation, she quickly her story. movies, because in the film class I did with Nick on the big screen.” New Goodman play explores a refugee’s resettlement by Sonny Lee kidnapping, to the moment She- features editor Play Information drick recalls being called a racial More than 65 million indi- Location: The Goodman Theatre, slur by a bus driver in Australia, viduals were forced to leave their 170 N. Dearborn St. Mr. Kyri presents an astounding homes worldwide in 2015, accord- Cost: Mezzanine Level tickets $20-45; performance as he shifts through ing to the United Nations Refugee Main Floor tickets $20-60 the multiple timelines, changing Agency. For many of these refu- Runtime: 2 hours and 15 minutes his emotions and easily keeping gees, displacement and relocation including one intermission true to how his character should is just the beginning of the story. Open until: June 4 be portrayed in each specific time- The rest follows with sacrifices for Website: www.goodmantheatre.org line. assimilation and restarting lives, The almost unnoticeable Phone: 312-443-3800 while they cope with leaving their changes from past to present dem- Written by: Charles Smith past behind them. Some of those onstrate not only great acting and stories are told in “Objects in the Directed by: Chuck Smith directing but also one of the play’s Mirror,” a play which had its world core messages: You cannot es- premiere at Chicago’s Goodman cape the past, and no matter how Theatre April 29. and battle with his identity as his far you try to push it behind you, Inspired by a true story, the play new life is constantly haunted by the past will always find a way to follows the story of Shedrick Yark- a lie that carries from his escape wedge itself in the present. This pai (Daniel Kyri) as he sacrifices from Liberia. gives clarity to the title, “Objects everything in the name of survival The play does an exceptional job in the Mirror,” a play on the words during his escape from war-torn of storytelling through flashbacks, “objects in the mirror are closer Liberia, leaving everything he including seamless set changes than they appear.” knows for the possibility of safety and incredible acting that creates Long after the cameras and news and refuge. sharp distinctions in character’s crews pack up and leave each refu- Though many news outlets past and present as they move gee’s story continues, but few are cover the travels of refugees flee- through multiple timelines while ever told in the live-action experi- photo provided by the goodman theatre ing from countries ridden with Shedrick recalls his travels to Aus- ence of a stage production. “Ob- SHATTERING TST. Allen Gilmore, who plays John Workolo and violence, hunger and chaos, they tralia, his new home. jects in the Mirror” tells a common Lily Mojekwu, who plays Luopu Workolo, rehearse for the Good- rarely follow the refugees once From his initial decision to leave story of identity, survival and sac- man Theatre play, “Objects in the Mirror” by Charles Smith, di- they relocate and the many diffi- his mother, played by Lily Mojeku, rifice, and although the play runs rected by Chuck Smith. “Objects in the Mirror” follows the story culties refugees face when assimi- in an attempt to flee with his cous- until June 4, the stories of refugees of a Liberian refugee who settles in Australia with his uncle and lating to new cultures. “Objects in in, played by Breon Arzell, and un- struggling to find new homes will the Mirror” offers a rarely seen in- cle, played by Allen Gilmore, from continue beyond the production’s cousin, while leaving his mother behind. sight into one refugee’s experience the violence and possibility of last performance. IN-DEPTH • WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 2017 WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 2017 • IN-DEPTH 6 U-HIGH MIDWAY • UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL, CHICAGO U-HIGH MIDWAY • UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL, CHICAGO 7 Faculty take on challenge of class diversity to the in their educational experience. “ We’re not doing that by, the biggest challenge she faces Exceptions rule Students need to be able to identify While computer science has his- was making sure students were What role does a school have in torically dealt with gender disparity, well in regards to getting able to see themselves in “each with curriculum, teachers say the computer science department faculty of color in math other and in their teachers,” a con- by Clyde Schwab According to history teacher has progressed in terms of diversity and science, just flat out. versation she said was addressed steering stduents of different editor-in-chief Christy Gerst, who worked as a according to Mr. Wheadon. less frequently in terms of race and “It is unfortunately the case that lawyer and then a teacher in the “When I was in college at Uni- If you don’t see yourself, if ethnicity at Lab. genders and races to subjects and the picture of the computer scien- Chicago Public School system be- versity of Illinois, we had a stan- you’re not identified, it’s a “We’re not doing that well in re- tist is this nerdy white guy who’s fore teaching at U-High, much of dard lecture course, a requirement tougher thing to get into.” gards to getting faculty of color in never played sports in his life, an- the issue has to do with making for the major, with 300 people in — Sandra Bixby, math and science, just flat out,” classes that defy stereotypes? tisocial, and that’s not attractive to students feel like their experiences the lecture hall and only two girls,” middle school principal Ms. Bixby said. “If you don’t see a lot of people,” computer science count in the classroom. Mr. Wheadon said. “It’s hard to say yourself, if you’re not identified, it’s teacher Daniel Wheadon said. “An educational experience if there was an achievement gap top concern for a field continually a tougher thing to get into. I also What it is like for students and In computer science, a field that needs to be multifaceted and because there weren’t any girls in need of more talent. Mr. Whead- think that we don’t have enough has historically struggled with di- brings in multiple perspectives,” to compare. It’s generally been a on said the image of a typical com- students of color, particularly teachers who pursue their passion versity, Mr. Wheadon ascribed a Ms. Gerst said. “My mother is problem in the industry for what- puter scientist is part of the reason African-American, in the middle significant portion of the problem from Iran, she’s Assyrian. When I ever reason.” few women go into the field. He school.” to what people picture as a com- was growing up, we discussed a While the computer science said part of the solution simply Mr. Bixby continued, saying that while being exceptions to the rule? puter scientist. And computer sci- lot about whether the Assyrians field still suffers in terms of diversi- was time. at Lab, people are far more com- ence is hardly the exception to the worked with the British during ty, Mr. Wheadon said that U-High’s “There are a lot of things that fortable discussing issues of gender Across the country and at U-High, rule — as the issue of women and World War I … so that when I was a required introductory course need to change to destroy that diversity than racial diversity. people of color in advanced aca- student, I would expect to be able helps make the school’s advanced image, and it takes time,” Mr. “There’s a traditional push of, demic and career fields have come to participate in a larger conversa- courses more diverse. According Wheadon said. “By changing these ‘are girls involved in math and sci- whether it’s women in STEM or to the forefront of discussions sur- tion about my origins … If it’s not to him, much of the problem has other things, by exposing girls to ence,’ and in middle school we can rounding diversity, such issues in the book, I’m going to go out to do with getting girls exposed to computer science earlier, that will feel pretty successful and say, ‘Yes being the only black student in an have also become essential to the and find it.” computer science earlier, where eventually go away.” we are.’ … we don’t have some- experience of U-High students Ms. Gerst also described her ex- boys might take up interest earlier. Middle School Principal Sandy thing comparable that says, ‘Here’s and faculty. perience teaching in CPS, where CPS recently added an introduc- Bixby describes her job as trying a science fair for African-American advanced English course, sticking Several department heads de- broader social issues such as the tory computer science require- to bring in a diverse group of stu- kids,’” Ms. Bixby said. “That gets scribed the importance of creating stability of a child’s family and ment. This, alongside computer dents that enrich the community, you into a different realm where I out isn’t always easy. a balanced, diverse group at the living situation or their socioeco- science initiatives geared towards a group which sets the foundation don’t think we’re that comfortable artwork by amber huo highest level. nomic status played a larger part girls, has solidified diversity as a for U-High. According to Ms. Bix- talking about things openly.” Tomohiro Sawada finds passion Math teacher Shauna Anderson Helena Abney-McPeek pursues STEM Making a statement: Robert Coates Teachers need to reach in predominently female art class reflects on race, gender in career studies despite gender disparities in field finds acceptance in U-High sports

Well you mentioned this is your second time tak- How did you get interested in math? How did you initially get interested in math and computer What has been your experience on the swim team? out to students of color ing the class, so what got you interested in art and in When I was really young, I heard my kindergarten science? The swim team is very accepting. I’ve never had any on: in 2015, black doctoral stu- this course? teacher tell her assistant that, “She’s really smart and My mom said I was good at it for a long time, but I really noticed problems with them. One of the first people I came by Marissa Martinez editor-in-chief dents only made up 4.1 percent This year, having taken the class last year, I already considering accelerating her.” As a 5 year-old, it had a it in fourth grade when we did these timed tests that were two out to at Lab was on the swim team. I’ve just felt like Excellent writer. Leader in group of all American Ph.D. candidates, had a sense of how the whole year is structured, so really big impact on me for the rest of my life. To have minutes of basic multiplication on a piece of paper, and you just I’ve had a mostly positive experience at Lab. I’ve heard discussions. Has a good sense of according to the National Sci- I thought it would make it easier for me to plan out an adult believe in me gave me some self-confidence had to do as many as you could in two minutes. I was always really a some slurs a few times they weren’t directed at me humor. ence Foundation. Only 2 percent the whole year and be more productive. As the only I might not have otherwise had. Later, when I started really good at those, and I would finish them then just sit there but I just happened to be around to hear them, and These are all of physical science, engineering male, it’s really interesting because a lot of my peers taking math classes, I was put into the gifted and the rest of the time. That’s what I thought math was at the time. I sometimes it bothers me but it happens it has been Analysis descriptors I’ve and mathematics doctorates were are really expressive in both their art and their life in talented program and always found the math to be remember I came home and I told my mom, “Mommy I want to happening for a long time, and no matter how hard Tomohiro Shauna Helena Robert received on my earned by African-Americans. 23 general, and I really feel like it’s a good influence for very easy. be a mathematician when I grow up.” In fourth grade my mom we try it probably won’t stop. It’s just something that Sawata Anderson Abney-McPeek Coates midterm reports scientific doctoral fields had no me to be in this class because it’s not the normal group started teaching me math outside of school. Interesting, new types you’re aware of but you’re also sort of desensitized to. throughout high black scholars that year at all. of people I interact with. A lot of them are a part of the What role does diversity play in your job as a teacher? of math that you don’t learn in school, or at least not for a long school. The one By not proactively reaching out LGBTQ community or big in social justice issues, and while we’re mak- Sometimes people’s attitude when it comes to issues of diversity is, time. Then in fifth grade I learned pre-algebra and algebra at home, so I could go Why did you initially join the swim team? phrase I never to all types of students, high school ing art we usually talk about that sort of stuff, so it’s really nice to hear like, “Ugh, we have to do it again. Why are we talking about this? This into geometry in sixth grade. I play tennis also and Horace he played at the same place I did. I saw? “Good at teachers potentially miss dozens their opinions. isn’t really important.” It exhausts me to try to convince them that it’s noticed that he started coming late to practices and I was like where math.” of capable kids every year who important. So first I’ll have to convince you, then I’ll have to educate What math course are you in right now? have you been? And he said oh I was swimming, so I was like maybe I’ll I arrived here could pursue a subject in college What’s that environment like? you? So it’s very rare that I bring up issues of diversity because I am sen- Now I’m the Calculus 160 at the University of Chicago. It’s a three-quarter series. join swimming. I like swimming so it just seemed like it’d be a fun thing in sixth grade or later in life, and eventually con- I was also the only boy in my section last year. I know there was an- sitive to it, it is my life every day, and if there are people who aren’t open Most of it is the same material as BC calculus except proving everything and basi- to do. and started tak- Marissa tributeing amazing innovations to other boy in the other section, but that’s only two boys out of the about to the possibility that I have a different experience because I’m black, cally building it all from the ground up the foundations. It’s like a totally different ing eighth grade Martinez the STEM community from dif- 30 or so Advanced Drawing and Painting students, so we’re always the then I will not spend my energy trying to convince them otherwise. I’m approach, so it doesn’t really feel like the same thing at all. Do you feel more attached to swimming and tennis in an attempt to geometry, two ferent perspectives. They may not minority. also very careful to not be a victim, which is another reason I don’t talk make a statement? grade levels ahead of the Lab be noticed for a variety of reasons, about it a lot — I do my job, I teach my math, I think I get along with Do you notice that you are in the minority within your classes? Yes and no. I feel an attachment in general to just trying to do my best norm, yet no teachers specifically such as grades or difficulties with How has it influenced how you think? all students regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender. I will say that I I took a robotics class at a summer camp this summer. There were 18 kids in the not just as a gay man but as a black man as well because sometimes you reached out to me and encouraged the technical aspects of a class. I guess it made me more aware of feminism because a lot of the have had black parents say to me, “We are happy our child gets to see class and there was only one other girl. It didn’t bother me too much but I know the feel like you get that mentality that people don’t want you to succeed me to pursue math after, or even Faculty members should ap- people in my class are big into social justice, and that really influences someone who looks like them, and that it does a lot for them, for their other girl just felt really isolated. She said she wanted to do robotics as a career, but and at some points that is true. I’m just showing people that black men during, high school. Some even proach anyone who shows merit their art. I am also taking Mixed Media with Ms. Neater. We talk a lot belief that they can be successful in math.” I can really appreciate and she wasn’t sure she actually would because she didn’t like being the only woman, can be educated and gay men can be athletes and that’s really impor- wanted me to go back to learning in their class about future options, about putting a message into our art and trying to express mainly social understand that. If everybody who is successful in a particular subject and she didn’t want to be the only in her field … I guess in the courses I’m less tant to me. with students in my grade. instead of speaking to only stu- justice issues but other issues, expressing that in our art. Having been looks different than you, then you may not see yourself in them. strong in I’m not the only girl. I don’t think there’s much of a difference except for Despite my capabilities, they dents who demonstrate immense influenced by Neater and them in mixed media and coming back to some girls if it is a discussion course it might affect their willingness to participate There is somewhat a stigma around gay men in locker rooms. Have may have assumed I wasn’t inter- interest. advanced drawing and painting where all my peers are oriented in that What does your identity as a woman of color mean to you? in discussion. Even if it were a discussion class I don’t think it would stop me. I don’t you ever felt this? ested because I wasn’t a straight-A As high schoolers, we may not direction, it really makes me think about what I can put into my art. The Because of [various societal issues], a lot of black women have to be pay a lot of attention, and if I have something to say I’ll say it. Definitely. It was more in middle school before I was out. Sometimes student, or simply because teach- realize our own talent or poten- works I have always made have always been more in the technical di- strong. They have to provide for their families, some of them are single My experience consistently being one of the only girls in these STEM classes in- I would be like do people know, do I act a certain way that would let ers thought I didn’t fit the stereo- tials in certain areas, and getting rection like I’m more into making more detailed stuff or making things mothers … Moreover, because I grew up on welfare, I saw the only way spired me to start a Lab school chapter of Codergals, a national organization started people know, and that was kind of uncomfortable. Now that I’m out type of a potential math genius. By a recommendation from an expe- that are more intricate. I’m more focused on the craft, but being in the out as going to college and getting my degree. And there’s this thing of a by a girl I went to summer camp with. It’s a program where high school female it makes it a lot easier just to exist for the most part. Coming to Lab I sophomore year, I had completely rienced teacher or administrator advanced drawings and paintings class it makes me more aware of the strong black woman, and a lot of my friends would call themselves that. mentors teach interested third to fifth grade girls to code through free afterschool found a lot of friends and I had some before that were part of the LGBT given up on math and told my- could change everything. messages behind the art. For instance like feminism. This class has let We just have to do it, because if we don’t do it, our culture, our race and workshops. community and through spectrum and there are a lot of kids in my self I couldn’t succeed in it, even Reaching out doesn’t stop at an me appreciate that art and really think about it, so I think that’s the big- our community is gonna fall by the wayside if we don’t step up. grade. if I tried harder, because I wasn’t individual level. Inviting class and gest influence that this class has had on me. — leah emanuel — clyde schwab — leah emanuel — leah emanuel “good enough.” school-wide speakers from a vari- While I’m happy with my deci- ety of backgrounds accomplishes At a glance: National AP course participation sion to study journalism and po- two things: we gain valuable in- Faculty hiring process includes qualifications, diversity litical science in college, I wonder sight from professionals, but we if the lack of direct encouragement also see a wide range of people by Priyanka Shrijay other aspects of a person’s back- the importance of the capability shows trend of women in art, men in STEM from my teachers pushed me away who look like us doing important assistant editor ground and experiences,” Ms. of a potential candidate to work “ Much of it has to do with Five Advanced Placement subjects with the lowest female Five Advanced Placement subjects with the lowest male from STEM fields — most of which things in their field. At the time, it Diversity has always been at the Ahmed said. with students from diverse back- the way people deliver are dominated by white men — may not seem significant to hear participation: participation: and toward writing instead. Could black chemists or female political forefront of what the Lab com- Experience and qualitative cri- grounds in terms of race, ethnicity, their information and munity holds as important, and a teria for the department in which sexual orientation, learning ability, COMPUTER SCIENCE A STUDIO ART — DRAWING I have gone into mathematics? scientists speak about their work, survey a year ago showed current one applies to is the first priority, class, language and nationality is engage students, but we of 23.3% 21.2% How much did my teacher’s com- but it subconsciously helps us fix students would like to see a more according to English Department also of concern to the Lab com- course take into account ments end up affecting me? our biases and undergo essential Adults should actively try to paradigm shifts. diverse faculty and staff. This can Head Colin Rennert-May. munity. many other aspects of a PHYSICS C — ELECTRICITY STUDIO ART — 2D DESIGN be a challenge with only a few new “Obviously we’re looking for When looking to attract diverse overcome their inherent biases It’s hard to predict an individu- person’s background and Asra Colin 24.6% 25.3% hires each year. people who are passionate about candidates for positions at Lab, AND MAGNETISM about what an ideal student in al’s future — I could have been a Ahmed Rennert-May According to Assistant Principal teaching who like to collaborate one of the school’s methods is for experiences.” their field looks or acts like. Un- math major, or I might have ended Asra Ahmed, the ability to connect with other people,” he said. “Again, representatives to attend diver- — Asra Ahmed, assistant principal 27.8% PHYSICS C — MECHANICS 26.3% STUDIO ART — 3D DESIGN consciously, they may talk to and up a writer anyway. There will be with students is of utmost impor- we’re an English department — sity hiring fairs. According to Ms. various committees throughout recruit more “stereotypical stu- more people like me who sit in a tance after meeting the qualifica- we’re looking for people who are Ahmed, those who attend the fairs sentation of their diverse back- the high school, according to Ms. dents,” which leads to an uneven classroom every year, unaware of tions for the position. passionate about reading and learn about the potential employ- grounds in faculty and staff. Prior- Ahmed. 28.8% PHYSICS 2 FRENCH LANGUAGE AND ratio of women in English fields their options because they haven’t She said it is important that stu- writing and really invested in that.” ment opportunities that may exist ity concerns were for diversity in Ms. Ahmed also explicated her 31.8% CULTURE or white and Asian students in been offered different opportuni- dents see themselves reflected in In addition to the ability to en- in the future. faculty and staff as well as the inte- opinion on students speaking out STEM. Black and Latino students ties. are half as likely to be included in Whether spoken in passing or the adult community in the school. gross students, Ms. Ahmed noted A survey U-High students took gration of multiculturalism into all about topics such as diversity in CALCULUS BC ART HISTORY “Much of it has to do with the that diversity carries impact with during the 2015-16 school year aspects of the curriculum. faculty and staff, saying that she 42% 33.4% gifted student programs, accord- during a long conversation, a few way people deliver their informa- relation to the student body. regarding diversity, equity and in- The Lab administration has be- encourages students to produc- ing to the American Educational encouraging words from a faculty tion and engage students, but we Teaching job postings for the clusion showed the student body gun to take steps toward bridging tively engage in discussions and Research Association. member or speaker may have last- of course take into account many University of Chicago suggest would like to see a greater repre- this gap by starting to discuss it in express themselves. This becomes a problem later ing effects on a student’s future. — source: college board, compiled by samira glaeser-khan OPINION • WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 2017 8 U-HIGH MIDWAY • UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL, CHICAGO U-High Midway

Published 10 times during the school year by journalism and photojournalism stu- dents of University High School, University of Chicago Laboratory Schools. 1362 East 59th Street Chicago, Illinois 60637 Phone 773-702-0591 FAX 773-702-7455 Email [email protected] Copyright 2017, Journalism Department, University High School Printed by FGS, Broadview, Illinois EDITORS-IN-CHIEF*....Marissa Martinez, Clyde Schwab NEWS EDITOR*...... Talia Goerge-Karron OPINION EDITOR*...... Alex Abbey FEATURES EDITOR*...... Sonny Lee ARTS EDITOR*...... Natalie Glick SPORTS EDITOR*...... Dheven Unni ASSISTANT EDITORS...... Jacob Posner, Samira Glaeser-Khan, Michael Rubin, Emma Trone, Priyanka Shrijay REPORTERS...... Iván Beck, artwork by amber huo Liza Edwards-Levin, Leah Emanuel, Sam Fleming, Max Garfinkel, As the seniors see it… Katerina Lopez, Abby Slimmon, Grace Zhang PHOTO EDITORS...... Paige Fishman, Be genuine in high school: colleges notice Sam Fleming, Teresa Xie PHOTOGRAPHERS...... Kara Coleman, Gabby Conforti, Bailey Garb, by Alex Abbey, opinion editor rather, than try- senior year. As academic and so- Sophie Hinerfeld, Chavon Hussey, Marissa Martinez, editor-in-chief ing to pack our cial identities shift throughout Clyde Schwab, editor-in-chief Janie Ingrassia, Elena Liao, Lillian resumes without four years of high school, inter- Nemeth, Alexis Porter, Emerson Wright, o what you love. You’ve true intentions ests will change as well. But be- Benji Wittenbrink, Alec Wyers heard it from your ad- helped us find ing consistent with a few things ministrators and college amazing success. — whether it’s your involvement ARTISTS...... Amber Huo counselors — now it’s D For this reason, in a specific organization, a sport, ADVISERS...... Logan Aimone, editorial time to take this advice to heart. we hope to pass an instrument, an after-school job Benjamin Jaffe, photography With increasingly competitive on this lesson to or even an obscure hobby — dem- * Members of the Editorial Board include college admission standards and future genera- activities, but ultimately, our suc- onstrates character. This process the editors-in-chief, news editor, more students applying to selec- tions of Lab. We are confident in cess, or lack thereof, rested in one is not one that needs to be forced. tive schools in recent years than thing: focus. It is more powerful opinion editor, features editor, saying that this path does in fact Recognize your interests naturally: arts editor and sports editor. ever before, students may feel reap the benefits we all desired as to have a few consistent things on allow yourself to try new things, pressure to overload their sched- underclassmen. If you don’t be- your résumé at which you have ex- allow yourself to drop others and ules with as many clubs and ac- celled to your fullest potential than lieve the adults in your life when keep a thing or two that you con- Corrections • Issue 8, April 25, 2017: tivities as they can even without they say that you don’t need to be to engage in an abundance of ac- tinue to develop in your back genuine interest. This is a shallow superficial to reach your ultimate tivities with shallow intentions. It pocket. • Page 4: Derek De Jong’s name was effort to appear more attractive to goals in high school, then maybe is more fulfilling to feel ownership While it’s important to do what misspelled. college admissions committees as you’ll believe us. over a few activities than thinly you can to stand out to the colleg- • Page 6: Sahar Siddiqui’s name was a well-rounded candidate. It may Each of us started high school spread over many. We focused es you think you might or are ap- misspelled. seem impressive to have an exten- excited for new adventures — ea- on journalism, sports and music. plying to, it’s even more important sive, hearty résumé, but it is more ger to try activities that pushed These things served us well. to leave high school with a strong essential and far more impactful to us to new heights, searching for Padding your résumé with sense of self and a developing idea be genuine. friend groups and vying to find the meaningless positions and titles of what you like and dislike. There Having realized the importance right path to get into the colleges is a transparent and insincere ex- is no clear path for getting into the Quick Q of staying true to ourselves and of our dreams. What we found on ploit. Invest yourself in what you college of your dreams, but we What advice do you have pursuing our genuine interests this journey, eventually, was our- enjoy. Your commitment will shine hope that you’ll keep these things for Lab’s underclassmen? throughout the course of our high selves. through your essays and applica- in mind throughout your own high school careers, each of us has re- tion if you are honest with yourself Colleges look for talented, capa- school careers. Daniela Garcia, senior: spectively earned admission to ble students who excel in unique, and others. Colleges notice. Be dynamic for colleges by be- and plan on attending New York specific ways. Even more, they Figuring out what you enjoy and ing genuine. More importantly, be “I would say stay University, Northwestern Uni- look for students who are con- finding your passions may take that for yourself. You will turn out focused and don’t versity and the University of Chi- fident in who they are and what longer than expected. It’s impor- ok in the end. freak out. Junior and cago next fall. Our commitment they bring to the table. Each of tant to keep in mind that you don’t This editorial represents the senior year appear to investing ourselves in a select us went through high school and need to know exactly what your opinion of the senior members of to be hectic years, amount of activities in high school, experienced a range of clubs and plans are, even as you approach the Midway’s Editorial Board. but life goes on, and you will realize that there are more important things Privilege must be recognized and used for good than freaking out about grades.” Nikki Kuper, senior: by Talia Goerge-Karron graphically and socioeconomical- pare our experiences, Sarah got has been ingrained in me? “Don’t get caught up news editor ly the distance felt much greater. upset and cursed me out. I have long understood that in seeing where other In summer 2016, I went to In my dialogue group’s sessions, After a few days, the situation people have a right to consent to people are going to Maine as part of the Chicago Del- we talked mainly about race. It with Sarah resolved itself and the their own bodies, but I learned college. Also, don’t get egation to Seeds was clear that I have had very dif- dialogue group grew closer, but that this also manifests itself in the obsessed with going of Peace. The ferent experiences than many of the white people in the room, decision to call 911. People may somewhere camp split the my less privileged peers. including me, shared that they be undocumented immigrants, prestigious — find delegations from In one particular dialogue ses- still felt guilty about the lack of have prior infractions or just not the best fit for you.” Chicago, Los An- sion, Sarah (not her real name), awareness they previously had want emergency help (due to ex- geles, New York an African-American girl from about their privileges. The people penses or other reasons), and it Nigel Telman, senior: City and Syra- Chicago, talked about an experi- of color in the room responded to is their choice to determine their “I’d say always start cuse into two ence she had a few days before the white people in the room by own fate. early. Always. Time dialogue groups. camp, where she had to call 911 saying, “Use your privilege. Don’t My privilege protects me from management is an Through Seeds for a man who ran into her house be ashamed of it.” So that's what I having to worry about whether extremely crucial of Peace, I am trying to under- after having been shot. As she am trying to do. an ambulance will come to my skill in all aspects of stand consequences and ben- struggled dealing with a gunshot- When I returned home from neighborhood or whether calling life.” efits of having privilege and how wounded man in her home, she camp, I went to a gunshot wound 911 will lead to repercussions. For identities affect privilege. Going said she could not get an ambu- first aid training at UMedics, a now, I am trying to understand the to school in the Lab community, lance to come to Bronzeville. She community organization Sarah disparities with privilege in com- Janine Liu, senior: I am sheltered from the economic presumed that emergency medi- organized. Looking around, I no- munities around me. Privileges “Whatever and educational disparities that cal services did not want to come ticed that I was, again, one of only differ from person to person. My passions you occur on the South Side of Chi- to the South Side. I talked about three white people in the room. friends from Seeds of Peace have have, pursue them cago every day. my own experiences with ambu- One of the guidelines of the train- greater resilience than I do. Every wholeheartedly! Even Of my eight-person delega- lances, as I had once had to call ing was to ask the victim for con- person’s identities will likely expe- if you don’t think you tion from Chicago, I was the only one for a close family member sent to call 911. I was shocked: rience privilege in some context, have passions, don’t white person. While I live just out- who became unconscious. Al- How could I not call 911 imme- What matters is using privilege be afraid to explore side the city’s border, racially, geo- though I was not trying to com- diately in a dangerous situation it for good. and find them.” WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 2017 • FEATURES U-HIGH MIDWAY • UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL, CHICAGO 9 Tackling life transitions As seniors close COUNSELORS GIVE their final year ADVICE ON STRESS MANAGEMENT of high school, “Find someone students discuss to talk to about it, and have a sense how they handle of ‘well, how am I going to manage major transitions it?’ Have an idea of ‘how am I go- by Priyanka Shrijay assistant editor ing to reach out to people? How am I retting over a test score. going to put myself in a position Worrying about college. for people to reach out to me?’” Grappling with impend- — camille baughn-cunningham, ing adulthood. High artwork by neena dhanoa counselor school students face anxi- Fety on a daily basis from a number who graduated from U-High in swer is no,” she said. “If you are “I’m thinking of different sources, one of which “ So in September, 2016, moved to California for col- really worried, just focus on your everything is going to stop about the com- is facing unfamiliar territory. lege. breathing.” munication that As the school year comes to a and change at the exact “It was really sad when she Saige Porter, a sophomore, has can happen with- close, seniors prepare to transition same time, which is kind left because it was right when we developed lasting friendships with in a family and I from high school to post-gradu- were getting really close,” she said. upperclassmen. She recalled a guess the healing ation life. Looking to the future, of terrifying. There’s a lot “There were some things that I memory of one particular friend: to be excited about with that can come seniors, their friends and their would normally talk to her about Alex du Buclet. from just talking family get ready for a significant college, but not being able and she would be there for me, and “I was new freshman year and about one’s con- adjustment. to see my family whenever now that she wasn’t there, I didn’t I was walking down the hallway cerns and feelings. Just identifying For senior Shaunak Puri, begin- necessarily have someone to talk with Lauren (Williams), and (Alex) I want to, disconnecting a what their own individual con- ning college in Michigan is going to. Normally we would be talking just hollered at us, but she didn’t cerns and fears might be, and then to be a drastic change. little bit from the friends all the time, but when she left, it know our names, we hadn’t met just talking through those with “I have been at the same school that I’ve had for four years was just me and my parents. But yet,” she said. “And she just came someone.” since I was three. I have been to — that’s what’s kind of we make sure to call every once over and started talking to us, and — abigale wagner, college counselor the same gymnastics gym since I in a while and we text whenever she said ‘If you ever need anything, was five. I’ve been with the same scary.” something happens, so we keep in I’m here for you,’ and she has been. — Shaunak Puri, senior “Mostly what piano teacher since I was five. My contact that way.” She’s always a friendly face.” we try to do is family unit has been the same six To handle anxiety, Alyssa mulls Saige, who saw senior friends help people put people since I was five. Everything “I figured out ways I can come over the rationality behind her leave school last June, emphasized things in per- has been exactly the same,” he home. I plan on staying in con- stress. the importance of keeping in con- spective. Help- said. “So in September, everything tact with a couple of my friends “If you’re really worried about tact with them. She noted that if a ing them to take is going to stop and change at the at least. I’ve already planned to something, if you’re really wor- friend who was supportive or close stock of strengths exact same time, which is kind of go to a movie with my best friend ried about someone leaving for is gone, communication can keep and areas of skills terrifying. There’s a lot to be excit- in December when ‘The Last Jedi’ example, you just kind of have one from feeling disconnected that they’ve mas- ed about with college, but not be- comes out,” he said. to think through the situation. Is and uneasy. tered and realize that those have ing able to see my family whenever Families of seniors also experi- what you’re worrying about worth Anxiety in high school is not gotten them this far and certainly I want to, disconnecting a little bit ence substantial adjustments as your time to worry about? If you uncommon, but it is manageable. they will be great foundations to from the friends that I’ve had for their loved ones take their next worry about someone leaving, Realistically assessing a stressful start their college experience.” four years — that’s what’s kind of steps after high school. that’s inevitably going to happen, situation, keeping in contact with — kevin van eron, learning scary.” Sophomore Alyssa Russell has and you’re just going to end up friends and family and speaking coordinator Shaunak also noted that leaving spent this school year living away being sad when you’re spending with a counselor, family member high school is not equivalent to from her sister for the first time in time with them. You need to think or someone who has gone through entirely losing his current sense of her life. Alyssa considered how her ‘Is this worth my time to worry similar experiences can help ease TIPS FOR DEALING normalcy. life has changed since her sister, about?’ Most of the time, the an- anxiety. WITH ANXIETY Speak with a counselor, parent, MEDITATION AND PRODUCTIVITY APPS REDUCE STRESS trusted adult, friend, sibling, or Headspace offers personalized Pacifica provides audio Feeling organized and thorough physician. guided meditation and mindfulness lessons and activities related to with scheduling can significantly Strictly set aside time to unwind sessions that combat anxiety and cognitive behavioral therapy and ease stress. iStudiez Pro offers a and take a break from stressors. manage stress. It also teaches mindfulness. It also has a feature to dashboard with an overview of the Push yourself to socialize meditation techniques for self- set daily goal-reaching challenges day’s assignments and schedule, a Indulge in hobbies and outlets Headspace guided meditation and mindfulness Pacifica and track progress over time as well iStudiez Pro grade tracker and planner for each (sports, music, etc.) Free trial techniques. Free as relaxation techniques. $2.99 class and a GPA tracker. — camille baughn-cunningham Michael Autrey teaches, writes, encourages hard work by Liza Edwards-Levin and they’re always talking to each midway reporter other: “Paradise Lost,” Nathan- College essays, English papers, Behind iel Mackey’s poetry, Christopher creative writing portfolios…you Ricks’ criticism. “Sleepless Nights,” name it. For four years, Michael the scenes a novel by Elizabeth Hardwick, is Autrey has helped students grow blowing my mind right now. I live as writers through individual con- with my Post-It notes — my com- ferences in the Writer’s Center, “ We’re trying to make puter at home is just covered with located in Judd C307. Currently ourselves understood and phrases for stuff I’m working on, pursuing a master of fine arts de- to understand others, page numbers, etc. gree in poetry, Mr. Autrey spends and we need words to do I think about words so much 25 hours a week at U-High and will of the time, but you cook with all be working full time in the Writer’s that.” your senses, not words. When I Center next year. cook I’m doing something with my Previously, Mr. Autrey worked hands, for somebody else. as an English and history teacher. What’s your favorite part of the What advice do you have for stu- Over the past five years, Mr. Autrey job? dents our age? has also written more than 150 Working with the students, try- Learn to write with no distrac- freelance literature reviews, and ing to figure out what they are try- tions. My computer at home can- a book of his poems entitled “Our ing to say with language. We’re try- not connect to the internet: It’s Fear” was published in 2013. ing to make ourselves understood what they call a vintage machine What do you wish people knew and to understand others, and we even though it’s from like 2009. No about your position? need words to do that. People re- phone calls, internet, text messag- That it’s not remedial. Writing veal a little more individually. I can ing. The easiest way to stop writing is hard for everybody, even pro- ask different questions of a person is to distract oneself. fessionals. Everybody can use the than I can of a group. If a paper is assigned for the midway photo by elena liao help. The people who use the How do you like to spend your free fourth week of the quarter, write Writer’s Center the most are mo- time? a first draft the second week. Writ- WORDS OF WISDOM. Writing specialist Michael Autrey edits tivated students who realize that Bird-watching, cooking, and a ing is rewriting. Get it drafted early and talks through a paper with sophomore Mia Palmer. Mr. Au- getting help is a good and useful lot of reading and writing. I’m read- so that you can write it again! Dis- trey helps students refine their writings skills and inspires them thing. ing all kinds of different things, tance is essential. to express themselves. RECREATION • WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 2017 10 U-HIGH MIDWAY • UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL, CHICAGO Yoga provides outlet for stressed students Enthusiasts combine intense workouts with meditative yoga

by Samira Glaeser-Khan assistant editor enior Genevieve Liu settles down on her rubber yoga mat. SShe crosses her legs, closes her eyes and be- gins to breathe. It seems that with each ex- hale, she releases some of her anx- iety. Outside of the yoga studio, Amanda she is tenacious Levitt and ambitious, but right now the only thing that exists is her breath- ing. “My yoga mat is my rubber lane midway photo by janie ingrassia of control,” Genevieve said. STRIKE A POSE. Senior Genevieve Liu practices the side crow yoga pose on her mat in front of Gordon Parks Art Hall. Although Gen- The yoga community provides evieve started yoga less than two years ago, she became a certified yoga instructor over the course of her senior year, which helped a safe and accepting environment her deal with college concerns. While yoga is often practiced for health benefits, Genevive prefers calm-oriented Vinyasa yoga. where Genevieve, as well as junior Amanda Levitt, can release their school stress. portive atmosphere of the yoga dhism, the religion from which tive, for example non-stealing, it’s break and forget what’s going on.” Genevieve and Amanda both community motivated her to con- yoga originated. also important to find your own For Genevieve, yoga not only practice yoga at CorePower in tinue training and finish her hours. “There are a lot of aspects of the meaning.” offered a release from external Hyde Park, where Genevieve re- “The cohort that I trained with yoga philosophy which are about Genevieve hopes to share not pressures, but it helped her put cently received certification as a was the most anti-competitive being a good person and instill- only what she has learned about less pressure on herself. While she yoga instructor. and supportive environment I’ve ing kindness and respect for other the physical aspect of yoga, but started by taking high-intensity During her senior year, Gene- ever been in,” Genevieve said. “Ev- people,” Genevieve said. “There’s also her interpretation of yoga phi- yoga classes, Genevieve ultimately vieve said she spent over 10 hours ery moment I felt welcomed, every is this idea of the eight-limbed losophy through teaching. focused on Vinyasa yoga for its in the yoga studio each week in moment I felt challenged.” yoga path, and each path is a mor- “A lot of religions are very defini- mental release. This style focuses order to complete the 200 hours Amanda also appreciates how al observance.” tive, but in Buddhism, I’m able to on breath, flowing movement, and necessary to get certified. She says caring her yoga instructors are. Genevieve likes to use the eight- draw my own conclusions about meditation as opposed to provid- that while getting her license, she “In class, I really like how they limbed yoga path as a foundation yoga and life and hopefully pass ing a cardiovascular workout. became very connected with the talk about themselves and relate for morality, but she says that find- that on through teaching,” she “When I do yoga, I just breathe yoga community. yoga to their lives,” Amanda said. ing her own interpretation of yoga said. through the space and am focused “The yoga community is just “They really make an effort to calm philosophy is the most important In this atmosphere of kindness, on my mind,” Genevieve said. “I very non-judgmental,” Genevieve us down and care about us.” hing. Amanda has been able to find a think I just really needed that ju- said. “I think that comes from yoga The accepting nature of the “The idea is that there are niya- mental release through yoga. nior year because I was just so in itself being a very personal and in- yoga community has spilled over mas and yama, moral wrongdo- “It gives me an escape from all my own head with the college pro- dividual journey. It’s not defined into a newfound spirituality for ings and moral observances. Some the pressures that I have around cess. It wasn’t even familial pres- by benchmarks or metrics of suc- Genevieve. While she isn’t strictly are rudimentary and some are me. I like that it’s a mix between sure or peer pressure for me, but cess.” religious, Genevieve says that she more sophisticated. It’s all really exercising and relaxing,” Amanda thoughts about college were just Genevieve says that the sup- can relate to many aspects of Bud- interpretive, so beyond the objec- said. “Yoga allows me to take a constantly in my head.” Equestrians learn discipline, responsibility in saddle

Horses offer both calming influence “ With riding it’s an animal, and they have emotions and thrill of winning the race too. For me, I really like by Sonny Lee rider in order for the work to get the process of learning features editor done. how to communicate to the Alicia Haydon grips the reins on “Horses are giant dogs that don’t animal what you want it to her horse. As she recalls the mo- judge you,” Jackie said. “You learn ments before entering the arena, to trust them, do.” Alicia describes the anticipation, they learn to — Alicia Haydon, junior yet burden of the possibility of trust you and messing up. She patiently waits for you create a re- the bell to indicate the start of her lationship with benefits of riding and caring for routine. them, especially horses. Jackie explained that from As she waits, Alicia’s head clears once you work her riding experience, she gained on many of the specifics of the with them a lot. self-control as well as other impor- course — the jumps, the strides And that was tant skills. in between, the flow of the course. Jackie something that “Discipline, responsibility and Relying on muscle memory and Walker I really enjoyed a sense of good form,” Jackie said. practice, she focuses her attention doing. It was just “With discipline, you have to do to the first jump and the last jump, having a giant things on time because the horse the jumps in between blurring be- dog who was always there for you relies on you when you’re actually fore her eyes. and would always listen to you riding and you have to follow the Alicia, a junior who has been vent. You could relax and it was rhythm. With responsibility, you’re riding horses competitively for 10 just really soothing.” caring for this animal that is rely- years, finds the process of building With horses being able to move ing on you to do that. This animal a relationship with the horse to be rhythmically at a slow gait, shifting will help you get over the jump or one of her favorite parts of eques- rider’s hips and mimicking a nor- get what you need done, but you trianism. mal walk, horses have also proven also need to care for it in the same “For me, it’s different that any to be useful in therapy for people way.” other sport. Obviously, with soc- with mobility disorders, cerebral As Alicia described the move- cer you have a soccer ball, but with palsy and other neurological dis- ments of the horse and rider, she riding it’s an animal, and they have eases. noted the feeling of weightless- emotions too,” Alicia said. “For me, Alicia explained that her barn, ness, the feeling of flying. This I really like the process of learning Littlewood Farm, offers programs feeling of weightlessness and brief midway photo by janie ingrassia how to communicate to the ani- promoting equine therapy and flight, along with the relationship NOT JUST HORSING AROUND. Junior Alicia Haydon sits atop mal what you want it to do.” helping children with autism built between rider and horse, dis- her horse, McLain, at her barn, Littlewood Farm. Alicia has been Senior Jackie Walker, who rode through horseback riding, which cipline and responsibility are only riding horses competitively for over 10 years and feels a special competitively from ages 9 to 13, calls for skills like coordination some of the benefits of equestrian- explained the trust needed from and focus. ism that riders have been able to connection to both her horse and equestrianism as a whole. not only the horse, but also the However, these aren’t the only experience. WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 2017 • SPORTS U-HIGH MIDWAY • UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL, CHICAGO 11 Talent. Devotion. Community. Three freshman athletes stand out among other varsity teammates by Natalie Glick arts editor Arjun Asokumar Whether it’s moving toward Achievements: Undefeated in all home plate to take a swing at a singles and doubles matches pitch, hitting a ball across the ten- nis courts, or getting ready for a Ismael Figueroa race on the field, varsity athletics Achievements: 100-meter: 11.75 sec. can be a challenge. 200-meter: 23.24 sec. As hard as it is for any athlete, 400-meter: 52.40 sec. however, freshmen often have their own unique challenges when joining high-performance teams. Zach Leslie Daunting as it may seem, fresh- Achievements: .401 batting average; men Zach Leslie, Arjun Asokumar 14 hits, 6 doubles, 1 triple, 1 homerun, and Ismael Figueroa all handle the 13 runs batted in. many obstacles with ease. On or off the field, the boys don’t let the game’s pressure get to pressure he feels. them. Each of the boys bring their “The homer was great. I’m hop- own sense of intense knowledge ing that as a team we can just keep and greatness within each of their hitting the ball hard and maybe sports. someone else can hit one as well,” Playing tennis since he was four, Zach said. “I have to play well to midway photo by alec wyers Arjun is well versed in his sport. get in games no matter what. So I REPPIN' U-HIGH. Freshmen Ismael Figeuroa, Arjun Asokumar and Zach Leslie are on varsity This experience helps him get rid don’t feel any more pressure then I sports teams — Ismael on track, Arjun on tennis and Zach on baseball. They all excel in their re- of the pressure many feel and face would in any other situation.” spective sports, bringing U-High teams to another level of talent and expertise while contributing his challenges. Ismael has run for the track to and expanding the strong bonds between teammates. “Being on varsity has been a team since middle school and is lot of fun. We have a great group part of an independent competi- munity with the group.” Arjun said. “And we do have tons of as I’d hoped at some of my meets,” of guys and they were extreme- tive track team. While in some cases freshmen problems. But working together to Ismael said. “But my main goal is ly inclusive when I joined the Being a part of these teams and may not see value in speaking up fix problems helps us in the long to try and get as fast as I physically team,”Arjun said. “It also helped their communal nature has helped within the complex team dynamic run. It makes us better teammates can and hopefully get a record be- that I was friends with many of him during his transition to his and contributing their ideas to and better friends.” fore I graduate.” them prior to season. We are a first year of high school competi- help solve the many problems that While his personal goals remain Zach felt the same sense of com- solid group of tennis players and tion. could arise on team sports, Arjun unclear, Ismael hopes that he can munity during his transition to be- we strive to make each other bet- “The Lab high school team is a feels comfortable within the team improve his performance in the ing the catcher on both varsity and ter every day.” really friendly group of people,” dynamic and sharing his own coming years. junior varsity baseball. Even though Zach hit the first Ismael said. “They did a really job ideas to solve team issues. “Some of the practices are tough, “Being in Florida as a team dur- homerun of the season for the var- of welcoming me. I’ve been able “We all help each other out. If but that’s how track is, which is ing spring break really helped,” sity baseball team, he just wants to to become good friends with all of anyone has problems, we work to- causing me to have to deal with Zach said. “All the freshmen got at work harder, and didn’t change the the team because of the tight com- gether to come up with a solution,” the frustration of not doing as well least a few plays with varsity.” Teams gain players, requiring expanded coaching and resources by Leah Emanuel from 20 students uniforms, more coaches, more lectively for the school, when 65% midway reporter to 33 students. buses,” Mr. Ribbens said. “ If you win that’s just the of our students play a sport, I think With the expansion of the school Regardless One of the biggest growths in gravy, and if you lose then that’s just great for the school en- as well as the continuation of the of the growth a sports team was the increase in we learn from that and we vironment.” no-cut policy, the number of stu- in student par- number of students on the girls’ Coach Talib stressed that that dents participating in Lab’s sports ticipation, Lab’s tennis team. Coach Dawuad Talib move forward. So that’s he doesn’t care if the team wins or teams is growing. To accommo- no-cut policy re- said that with more students the success for me, getting loses. His central focus is the effort date for the increase in numbers, mains strong and pool of talent is bigger which leads better day by day, match the team puts in. in place. to a better team. Talib always tells the team, Lab is hiring more coaches and David by match. Not necessarily Athletic Direc- “We have so many good girls “smarter is better than better.” He adding more contests when need- Ribbens ed. The athletic department is tor David Rib- that make the team work cohesive- winning every match.” wants the girls to always think first hiring 8 new coaches, six for high bens said the ly,” Mr. Talib said. “On the whole —Dawuad Talib, tennis coach then apply what they is correct. teams and two for middle school no-cut policy is a philosophical we have some fantastic leadership He said, “If you win that’s just teams. Specific sports teams that approach, and it is really at the among them which forms great team because that depends on the gravy, and if you lose then we have grown substantially include base of Lab’s athletic department. camaraderie.” how you define success. learn from that and we move for- the girls’ swim team, which in- “I firmly believes it’s a very posi- Though there are many more “When you have kids that want ward. So that’s success for me, get- creased from 19 girls last school tive thing to encourage all kids to students participating, Mr. Rib- to compete and want to be on a ting better day by day, match by year to 25 this school year, and participate, and at the end of the bens said he can’t specify how this team I think that’s always a posi- match. Not necessarily winning the coed squash team, which grew day the reality of that is just more has affected the success of the tive thing,” Mr. Ribbens said. “Col- every match.” Team Results BASEBALL, VARSITY May 2, 1-1; tied Grayslake Central High April BOYS TENNIS, JUNIOR VARSITY Notable: Zach Leslie hit a homerun to take the 29, 0-0; tied Regina Dominican High April 29, Notable: Lab doubles team featuring Tian- lead in extra innings against North Shore College 0-0; lost to Glenbrook North April 28, 0-6; lost gang Huang and Seamus Flannery won their Prep on April 15, and Owen Lasko hit four RBIs to Willows Academy April 25, 0-1; beat DePaul game with a thrilling tie break, according to ju- against Jones College Prep on April 18. College Prep April 22, 6-0; lost to Walter Payton nior varsity coach Asa Townsend. Recent Results: Beat Latin School of Chicago College Prep April 21, 0-1; lost to St. Ignatius Recent Results: Lost to Latin School of Chi- May 13, 15-0; beat Latin School of Chicago May College Prep April 18, 0-1. cago May 2, 0-5; lost to St. Ignatius College Prep 13, 12-0; beat St. Ignatius College Prep May 12, April 28, 2-3; lost to Whitney Young April 24, 2-3; 7-2; lost to Elgin Academy May 6, 4-8; beat Elgin GIRLS SOCCER, JUNIOR VARSITY lost to Fenwick High School April 20, 1-4; beat Academy May 6, 2-0; lost to Northridge College Recent Results: Beat Morgan Park Academy North Shore Country Day School April 18, 3-2. Prep May 3, 1-2; beat F.W. Parker April 24, 5-3; May 5, 2-1; lost to Latin School of Chicago May beat Leo High School April 21, 11-1; beat Jones 2, 0-2; beat DeLaSalle Institute April 27, 4-1; lost TRACK AND FIELD College Prep April 18, 7-3. to UNO Charter April 25, 0-1; lost to Willows Notable: Seven girls qualified for the state Academy April 19, 0-4. meet May 18-20 at Eastern Illinois University: BASEBALL, JUNIOR VARSITY 4x400 relay team of Sophie Hood, Chavon Recent Results: Lost to Chicago Christian BOYS TENNIS, VARSITY Hussey, Taylor Thompson, Adria Wilson; Cha- High School May 10, 5-9; beat F.W. Parker April Notable: Sam Fleming and Arjun Asokumar von Hussey, long jump, high jump; Elsa Erling, 24, 6-4; beat Leo High School April 21, 16-2. placed first in doubles at the ISL Champion- 3,200m and 1,600m; Franzie Wild, 3,200m; and ship May 13. They have also been sponsored by Lilia Wilson, 200m. GIRLS SOCCER, VARSITY Ming Wah Chinese Restaurant. Recent Results: placed 2nd at IHSA 2A Girls Notable: At the 1A Regional Championship Recent Results: placed 2nd at ISL Confer- Sectional May 11; boys and girls placed 2nd May 12, Anna Kenig-Ziesler and Tia Polite each ence Championship; placed 2nd at Moline at ISL Track and Field Championship May midway photo by janie ingrassia scored two goals, and Grace Watson recorded a High School Invitational May 5-6; lost to Latin 6; competed at Chicago Christian Track and RELAYING TO VICTORY. Ju- shutout. School of Chicago May 2, 2-3; beat St. Ignatius Field Invitational April 28; boys placed 3rd and nior Nathan Blevins and Taylor Recent Results: Beat Marine Leadership College Prep April 28, 4-1; beat Whitney Young girls placed 1st at Ray Kroc “Friday Under The Bogert practice relays at Jack- Academy May 12, 8-0; beat Phoenix Military April 24, 5-0; beat Fenwick High School April Lights” April 21. 20, 3-2; beat North Shore Country Day School Scores complete through May 13. son Park on May 3. Academy May 10, 4-0; beat Woodlands Acad- emy May 3, 4-1; tied Latin School of Chicago April 18, 5-0. — compiled by jacob posner and michael rubin FEATURES • WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 2017 12 U-HIGH MIDWAY • UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL, CHICAGO Cast votes for Mangia! Mangia! Chicago’s best Little Italy offers culture, food, history food, festivals, by Grace Zhang desserts, more midway reporter Pompei A waitress masterfully balances 1531 W. Taylor St. four plates of pizza and pasta as Hours: Mon.-Sat.: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. she weaves through pillars, setting Sun: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. them down in front of a family. Terra cotta, parchment and olive green- Shrine of Our Lady colored walls covered in photos of Pompei the Pompei restaurant’s extraor- 1224 W. Lexington St. dinary history replicate Italian ar- Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. chitecture. The smell of marinara Sunday mass: 8:30 and 11 a.m. sauce wafts through the restaurant as customers gaze at a display of 20 Wednesday mass: 6 p.m. pizzas and sandwiches. Mario’s Italian Lemonade With only a few school Pompei is just one of the wonders weeks left, it’s time to start in Chicago’s Little Italy neighbor- 1066 W. Taylor St. hood. Little Italy, today surrounded Hours: Mon.-Sun.: 10 a.m.-12 a.m. planning all the date-nights, by University Village, is bordered walks, shopping, festival-going by scattered University of Illinois Italian architecture is present, with and more for this year’s epic at Chicago facilities just west of the arches standing on gilded pillars. summer. Chicago summers are downtown and the Chicago River. After eating at Pompei, stop at filled with beautiful, long warm Pompei, an Italian restaurant, Mario’s Italian Lemonade and get holds a lot of history in its food a punch of fruity Italian ice in dif- days and in the words of the and its connection to Little Italy. ferent flavors, such as lime, choco- Disney Channel show “Phineas Established by the Davino Fam- late, watermelon and more. A sign and Ferb,” “The annual problem ily in 1909, Pompei is still a fam- reading “Mario’s Italian Lemon- for our generation is finding a ily business, now owned by one ade” in green and red stretches good way to spend it.” of the sons, Ralph Davino. They across a small white stand while With categories in burgers, have a variety of handmade pas- decorated bottles and string lights tas, salads, “pizza strudels,” and hang above. Established in 1954, ice cream, coffee, barbecue, sandwiches. You can enjoy popu- Mario’s Italian Lemonade offers food trucks, recreational spots, lar selections such as the baked soft, snow-like shaved ice, blended festivals, museums, tourist midway photos by grace zhang mostaccioli pasta, all-veggie pizza with tiny pieces of lemon. You can sites and best date spots, there PIZZA PIZZAZZ. and chicken-parmesan strudel. even combine two or three flavors From pizza is a broad range of options to “There’s definitely a lot of fami- in a medium size or larger. Mario’s and pasta to ornate shrines, nominate your favorite sites of lies and regulars who’ve lived in is open now until September. Littly Italy offers culture and Chicago. Tomorrow, a Google the area for years and still come,” Little Italy has been home to cuisine, with a little history Tony, a worker at Pompei, said. “I many Italian family businesses, form will be posted on the as well. Pictured above is all- Midway’s Facebook page for grew up eating the food, as well. many of which still stand on Taylor veggie pizza, with a chicken- It’s sort of been a staple for the Street, Little Italy’s downtown. voting, where you can help neighborhood.” “I think that there’s been a pretty parmesan pizza strudel from decide the “Best of Chicago.” After a fill on Italian cuisine, specific attitude or feeling, like it’s Pompei. On the right is a cold Staff members will also be walk six blocks southwest to arrive sort of a community feeling,” Tony cup of shaved ice from Mario’s walking around during lunch at Our Lady of Pompeii Church. said of the neighborhood. “Espe- Italian Lemonade, quick and A big circular window graces the cially with all the owners, it’s like May 22 and 23, to conduct easy for a warm summer day. voting which will close May 24. church exterior over heavy bronze you’re at a family-owned place. Whether in search of food or doors carved with biblical depic- A lot of the businesses on Taylor — sonny lee tions. Inside the church, murals Street have known each other for history, Little Italy has a variety adorn the ceilings and signature years. It feels very close.” of activites and sites to visit. ‘Tasty’ cooking videos don’t quite live up to the hype by Emma Trone assistant editor EXPECTATION REALITY Tasty, Buzzfeed’s cooking series, shares This is basically a quiche. Despite how comfort-food recipes and short, aesthetical- long it took to make, it’s still pretty hands- ly-pleasing instructional videos to match. off, and more waiting for the eggs to set in From pancakes to cookies and cream ice the crust. However, after the hour in total cream cones, Tasty’s videos cover all palates, that it took to cook, it was really delicious. cultures and cravings. But are Tasty’s videos The crust was flaky, the eggs were fluffy and just pretty production, or do the recipes flavorful, and the bacon provided a nice match up to the hype? In honor of the warm crunch and richness on the top, not to men- weather, here are three recipes for a perfect tion looking pretty impressive with the lat- brunch to accompany a beautiful day. tice top. This is the type of recipe that could BACON LATTICE BREAKFAST PIE easily be adapted to one’s particular tastes, 5 eggs so the cheese, onions and amounts of salt 1 cup whole milk and pepper could be altered without much 1 tsp salt of an effect on how the quiche cooks. ¼ tsp pepper buzzfeed, used with permission midway photos by emma trone ¼ cup green onions, chopped Separating eggs and whipping the whites ½ cup cheddar cheese separately made these pancakes super fluffy. 1 pie crust But the ricotta also made the pancakes a 10 slices bacon little more hearty, and the centers were al- LEMON RICOTTA PANCAKES most custard-like after cooking. The pan- Pancakes cakes were also well flavored with the lemon 1 cup ricotta cheese but not particularly sweet. The blueberry 2 egg yolks compote is a necessary complement to the ¾ cup milk pancakes, adding sweetness and texture to ½ tsp vanilla extract the dish. Like most pancakes, there is some 2 Tbsp lemon zest difficulty in keeping them warm. While the 1 cup flour video depicts making the compote after 1½ tsp baking powder the pancakes, it makes more sense to make 2 Tbsp them simultaneously. Blueberry Compote 2 cups blueberries This was easy and quick to make, and it ½ cup sugar was easy to clean up afterward. It smells in- ½ cup water credible, and overall it’s not bad. One big de- 1 Tbsp lemon juice traction, however, is the egginess of the dish. CINNAMON ROLL FRENCH TOAST BAKE The eggs ended up pooling underneath and 2 tubes refrigerated cinnamon rolls with seeping through the cinnamon roll dough, icing which created two separate layers — one, of 4 Tbsp butter, melted what tasted like sweet scrambled eggs, and 6 eggs the top layer, which was slightly dried out, ½ cup milk cinnamony bread. Instead, the number of 2 tsp cinnamon eggs could probably be halved, and to soak 2 tsp vanilla the egg mixture better, it probably makes 1 cup maple syrup sense to let the pan sit for about 10 minutes before putting it in the oven.