The student news site of Lane Tech College Prep

The Lane Tech Champion
The student news site of Lane Tech College Prep

The Lane Tech Champion
The student news site of Lane Tech College Prep

The Lane Tech Champion
Alex Burstein

Alex Burstein, Editor-in-Chief

Alex is a senior in his fourth year with The Champion. Alex loves covering news and sports in the Lane community and beyond. He also broadcasts for a variety of Lane sports. When not reporting or broadcasting, Alex can be found playing with his two cats or going on runs. He plans on pursuing a career in political or sports journalism.

All content by Alex Burstein

Lane takes home three varsity spring city titles

By Alex Burstein and Charlotte Price
May 23, 2023
State 200 meter qualifier Charlotte Price lines up in race position during practice on May 17.

Girls Track sends five runners to state

By Alex Burstein
May 23, 2023

Meet Tommy Stecz: Track star and Lane’s newest salutatorian

By Alex Burstein
May 23, 2023
Blueprint rendering of Lane’s upcoming parking lot renovations. (Image courtesy of Rene Luis)

Lane to receive $7.5 million from CPS for parking lot renovation

By Alex Burstein
May 23, 2023
Lane Girls Water Polo with their 2023 sectional title plaque. (Photo courtesy of Laura Symons)

Third time’s a charm for Girls Water Polo in 2023

By Alex Burstein
May 23, 2023
Valedictorian Mary Rau helped lead the Lane Tech Girls Soccer Team to an eighth straight city championship May 10.

Meet Mary Rau: Lane’s two-sport valedictorian

By Alex Burstein
May 23, 2023
Alex Burstein conducting one of his first ever newspaper interviews for the Taft Today back in 2018. (Photo courtesy of J.B. Burstein)

A goodbye to the best student paper around

By Alex Burstein
May 23, 2023
LSC Chairperson Laura Symons presents results from a recent parent survey at the March LSC meeting.

LSC March 9: Mostly positive results found in Lane community surveys

By Alex Burstein
March 24, 2023
The proposed location for two new back-to-back turf softball infields at Horner Park. (Image courtesy of Bob Brobson)

Softball Booster Club proposal calls for two new turf infields to increase female athlete opportunities

By Alex Burstein
February 17, 2023
Junior Wren Burke presents her project “Combatting Sexism (Taylor’s Version)”.

[Video] Annual Women in Lit Fest showcases student projects on social issues

By Annie Goode, Reporter
February 6, 2023
Lane Boys Basketball warms up before their first city playoff matchup against Dyett.

[Photo] Boys basketball leads almost entire game in first round city playoff win over Dyett

By Meghan Mansfield, Assistant Editor
February 3, 2023
School safety is an issue that concerns many Lane students, according to a December Champion poll. After a Jan. 15 Mayoral Candidate Forum, mayoral candidate and activist Ja’Mal Green told The Champion he wants to keep police officers out of schools and maintain public safety by addressing certain problems in communities.

Mental health, inclusivity and safety found as top student concerns in new Champion poll

By Alex Burstein and Ruby Thompson
January 25, 2023
LSC Teacher Representative Mario Nunez presents findings from PPLC block scheduling schedules at the January LSC meeting.

PPLC survey shows students hesitant on some aspects of block scheduling

By Alex Burstein, Editor-In-Chief
January 23, 2023
A sign posted on Door M Thursday night.

BREAKING: Lane building evacuated Thursday night after mercury found in bathroom

By Alex Burstein, Editor-in-Chief
January 12, 2023
Paramount Pictures

The Champion’s movie guide for the holiday season

By Nina Figurelli, Oliver Gerharz, Alex Burstein, and Saskia McDonogh Mooney
December 19, 2022
The Lane LSC's Parent Representatives listen as the November resolutions are read.

District to finance $35 million for exhaust system upgrade

By Alex Burstein, Editor-in-Chief
November 17, 2022
Lane lines up for an offensive snap late in the fourth quarter.

Football closes out historic season with 44-0 loss to Taft in city playoffs

By Alex Burstein, Editor-in-Chief
November 7, 2022
Boys Soccer poses with their championship plaque after winning regionals.

Early goals lead Boys Soccer to 2-0 win over Evanston for first regional title since 2016

By Alex Burstein, Editor-in-Chief
October 24, 2022
Loyola attempts a second-half free-kick against Lane.

99th minute goal lifts Boys Soccer to regional final

By Alex Burstein, Editor-in-Chief
October 22, 2022
Lane's Finn Merrill rushes in a second half touchdown against Westinghouse

Football rebounds from first loss of season, defeats Westinghouse 28-24

By Alex Burstein, Editor-In-Chief
October 17, 2022
Lane’s Wilson Smiejek (4) and Brando Diaz (11) react after Smiejek scores Lane’s second goal in the first half.

All-around play advances Boys Soccer to city semifinals with 3-1 win over Young

By Alex Burstein, Editor-in-Chief
October 10, 2022
Lane's captains (#55 James Wynne, #81 Casey Joyce, #9 Yiannis Katsogridakis and #24 Finn Merrill) walk to the coin toss before Lane's matchup with Whitney Young.

Football survives late score from Whitney Young, beat Dolphins 24-15

By Alex Burstein, Editor-in-Chief
September 26, 2022
Lane's Wilson Smiejek and Ethan Peet (7) celebrate after Smiejek's go-ahead goal.

[Photo] Boys Soccer’s defense shines again in a 1-0 win over Senn

By Zach Sharpe, Reporter
September 21, 2022
Lane's Jacobi Thurmond lines up in front of a Taft receiver during Lane's 16-6 week 4 victory.

Rushing and defense shine again as football beats Taft 16-6

By Alex Burstein, Editor-In-Chief
September 19, 2022
Lane’s Casey Joyce tries to rush around the Amundsen defense.

Football rushes to a 1-0 start with 35-26 win over Amundsen

By Alex Burstein, Editor-in-Chief
August 29, 2022
Lane Head of Security Michael Smith watching to make sure everything goes smoothly during Quick Start.

CPS grants Lane request for additional security guards

By Alex Burstein, Editor-in-Chief
August 22, 2022
Junior Amaan Khan pitching for Lane at Kerry Wood Field. (Photo courtesy of Amaan Khan)

Junior Amaan Khan heading to World Baseball Classic Qualifiers as youngest Pakistan National Team player

By Alex Burstein, Editor-in-Chief
August 22, 2022
Evan Stein, a member of the new Sports Leadership Advisory, competing in shot put for the Lane Track and Field team. (Photo courtesy of Stein)

Administration starts up “Sports Leadership Advisory” for student-athletes

By Alex Burstein, Editor-in-Chief
August 22, 2022
The Lane LSC meeting in June 2022, the last meeting with Emily Haite as chairperson.

Lane LSC enters new school year with shift at top of leadership

By Alex Burstein, Editor-in-Chief
August 22, 2022
Sulzer Regional Library children's associate librarian Joseph Burton reshelves books.

[Photo] A love letter to the library

By Saskia McDonogh Mooney, Editor-in-Chief
August 22, 2022
Brent Bradish, above, will take over the athletic director position after Nicholas LoGalbo, who served in the role for five years, stepped down. (Screenshot from lanetech.org)

Brent Bradish, current Lane Teacher, set to take over Athletic Director position

By Alex Burstein, Editor-in-Chief
July 8, 2022
Lane will have a new symbol, "Champions," after a nearly two year wait. (File Photo/December 2021)

BREAKING: Lane announces “Champions” as new symbol

By Alex Burstein, Editor-in-Chief
June 14, 2022
Jonathan Phan works on an art project in Sarah Wain’s class during advisory on June 9. Next year, students will have two advisories per month to go to office hours or do work for a class.

Lane teachers vote to move to weekly advisory in 2022-23

By Alex Burstein, Editor-in-Chief
June 14, 2022
LSC members clap for outgoing LSC Chairperson Emily Haite, as she recieved a resolution for her time with the LSC at the June meeting.

Lane looking to add additional security positions, Thompson announces at LSC meeting

By Alex Burstein, Editor-in-Chief
June 6, 2022
The scoreboard at Evanston Township High School after Lane's 12-2 win on May 24.

Softball starts state run with 12-2 run-rule win over Evanston

By Alex Burstein, Editor-in-Chief
May 27, 2022
LSC Teacher Representative Rebecca Daly speaks during the May LSC meeting.

Weekly advisory recommended, PPLC announces at May LSC meeting

By Alex Burstein, Editor-in-Chief
May 23, 2022
Anthony Joel Quezada, candidate for Cook County Eighth District Commissioner. (Photo courtesy of Quezada)

Anthony Joel Quezada takes lessons learned at Lane into Commissioner election

By Alex Burstein, Editor-in-Chief
May 19, 2022
Mara Mellits reporting on rainy football game against Westinghouse on October 28, 2021

[Photo] An Editor’s Note: thank you and farewell

By Mara Mellits, Editor-in-Chief
May 19, 2022
Lane and Young do a handshake line following the CPL softball city title game.

Lane bats silenced in 4-1 softball city championship loss to Young

By Alex Burstein, Editor-in-Chief
May 11, 2022
Noemi Marchan (far right) stands on the IHSA state podium. (Photo courtesy of Marchan)

History making: Two Lane students compete in first IHSA girls state wrestling championship

By Alex Burstein, Editor-in-Chief
April 3, 2022
The Lane LSC Student Representatives at the March LSC meeting.

First look at Lane’s 2022-23 budget given at LSC meeting

By Alex Burstein, Editor-in-Chief
March 28, 2022
The Lane Boys Track and Field team after winning the indoor city title. (Photo courtesy of Abraham Ailemen)

Lane takes home boys CPL indoor track and field title

By Alex Burstein, Editor-in-Chief
March 28, 2022
Lane students at a girls basketball game on Dec. 14 2021.

Masks to go optional across district starting next Monday

By Alex Burstein and Aidan Sadovi
March 7, 2022
Lane Tech LSC representatives meet during their October meeting.

New teacher representatives confirmed, update on symbol search and more at October LSC meeting

By Alex Burstein, Editor-in-Chief
October 28, 2021
Lane’s Hunter Whitney near mile three in the IHSA 3A Lyons Regional 5k race.

Entire girls team, three boys advance to cross country sectionals

By Alex Burstein, Editor-in-Chief
October 26, 2021
The Lane Tech choir performs at the winter assembly.

[Photo] Annual winter assembly returns, with some changes

By Alex Burstein, Editor-in-chief
January 2, 2022
Cam Shaw (front) and Narcisse Tomboouda watch a teammate practice during indoor practice.

Distance runners to anchor boys track in 2022

By Alex Burstein, Editor-in-Chief
February 21, 2022
Lane's 2021-22 Boys Bowling team, who went on to make it to the first day of state finals. (Photo courtesy of Arielle Gearring)

Boys bowling hungry for more after regional championship, state final appearance

By Alex Burstein, Editor-in-Chief
February 21, 2022
Lane Tech on the morning of Jan. 4, 2022. Classes were canceled across CPS for the next day after a district-wide teacher vote came out in favor of remote work action.

[Photo] Teachers vote to work remotely with 73% vote

By Aidan Sadovi, Managing Editor
January 4, 2022
The Wrestling team poses for a photo at the homecoming pep rally this past September. (Photo courtesy of Noemi Marchan)

Wrestling team dethrones Taft as city champions

By Alex Burstein, Editor-in-Chief
February 7, 2022
Lane’s parking lot sits empty on Thursday afternoon. While usually full on weekdays, with most teachers participating in CTU’s remote work action and students not in attendance, the lot sits mostly empty this week.

Some students set to return to Lane — but not for learning

By Alex Burstein and Aidan Sadovi
January 6, 2022

Freshmen elect student council

By Alex Burstein and Aidan Sadovi
December 14, 2021

Boys swimming gets ready for new season with young roster

By Alex Burstein, Editor-in-Chief
November 30, 2021

Groh, Lessem Elencave win student LSC spots

By Alex Burstein, Editor-in-Chief
November 30, 2021
Demerits return for Lane students

Demerits return for Lane students

By Alex Burstein, Aidan Sadovi, and Ruby Thompson
November 30, 2021
Taft's Isaiah Cruz (#8) puts his hand on the helmet of Lane's Payton Gavaldon (#2)

Taft runs into city semifinals with 33-21 win over Lane

By Alex Burstein and Mara Mellits
November 8, 2021
Lane's Payton Gavaldon (#2) running the ball back after intercepting a pass in the third quarter of Lane’s win against Hubbard.

Football’s striking offense seizes win over Hubbard, sending Lane into next round of playoffs

By Alex Burstein and Mara Mellits
October 26, 2021
Lane's Quarterback Donnell Adams rushes for the first down.

Lane’s receiving corps comes alive in win over Westinghouse to clinch city berth

By Alex Burstein and Mara Mellits
October 18, 2021
Community representative Ana Borja-Scales, Lane Principal Edwina Thompson and LSC Chairperson Emily Haite at September LSC meeting.

LSC meets in-person for first time since spring 2020

By Aidan Sadovi and Alex Burstein
October 4, 2021
Charlie Duncan (#80) motivates Donnell Adams (#8) before he goes on the field.

Football falls 12-15 to Taft, stopping win streak at two

By Alex Burstein and Mara Mellits
October 4, 2021
Cheerleaders cheer at the pep rally, even though they were not able to perform due to not having a permanent coach this year.

Cheer captains take on leading role as team looks for permanent solution to their coaching absence

By Alex Burstein, Editor-in-Chief
October 1, 2021
Quarterback Mark Seward (#12) walking to the sidelines from the field.

Rushing game finds new contribution as Lane runs past Curie for homecoming win

By Alex Burstein
September 27, 2021
Daehyun Kim (#23) runs for a first down.

Offense finally finds footing as football wins first game of season against Lincoln Park

By Alex Burstein and Mara Mellits
September 20, 2021
Students wait in the halls of Lane to pick up football tickets after school on Sept. 17.

[Photo] Big Halls; Small People

By Theo Gary, Managing Editor
September 20, 2021
Lane's Payton Gavaldon (#2) lies on the ground after an incomplete pass.

Football’s offense stifled in rivalry loss to Whitney

By Alex Burstein and Mara Mellits
September 12, 2021
Aleissia Olson readies to return a hit in her singles match against Northside.

Doubles carry girls tennis to conference opener win against Northside

By Alex Burstein, Editor-in-Chief
September 9, 2021
Sophomores walk the halls of Lane on Aug. 24 as part of Myrtle & Gold Week, an event to familiarize sophomores with Lane.

Students swarm back to Lane as COVID-19 cases tick up around city

By Alex Burstein, Editor-in-Chief
August 30, 2021
Two grants Lane received this summer helped ease the tightness of the school's budget, according to Assistant Principal Sarah Hanly. (File photo/Alex Burstein)

Grants fund new Lane programs

By Alex Burstein, Editor-in-Chief
August 29, 2021
The Lane football team huddles during a summer 7 on 7 tournament at Gately Field in July. (Photo courtesy of Anna Szwajos)

The Champion’s fall sports previews

By Alex Burstein, Editor-in-Chief
August 29, 2021
Lane's New Principal, Edwina Thompson. (Source: lanetech.org)

BREAKING: Lane Assistant Principal Edwina Thompson chosen as next principal of Lane

By Alex Burstein and Aidan Sadovi
June 15, 2021
LSC Chairperson Emily Haite speaks during the emergency meeting regarding principal selection on Monday, May 10. (Screenshot from May 10 LSC emergency meeting)

LSC sets June 23 target date to announce new principal

By Alex Burstein, Allegra Coleman, Emily Delgado, and Selena Kuznikov
May 16, 2021
Junior midfielder Scout Murray (#22) receives a pass during Girls Soccer's 4-0 win over Payton on Friday, May 14.

Murray’s hat trick propels Girls Soccer to victory over Payton in regular season finale

By Alex Burstein, Sports Editor
May 15, 2021
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