The semester ends with final exam preparation and celebration.  During X-period on December 7, St. Paul Academy and Summit School held its annual fall recognition assembly, honoring and celebrating student accomplishments throughout the previous semester. The awards and commendations were given for Debate, Athletics, Yearbook and Art & Literature Magazine, The Rubicon, and for Cum Laude and National Merit scholars.

Sophomore Erik Quillopa said “I like that they honor people for academics, athletics and art, not just one or two of them.”

Awards were announced for  SPA debate teams which placed 1st, 3rd, and 5th in the December 5 tournament. Also every fall sport’s season was summarized and commendations were given to multiple athletes including Michael O’Shea, Maddy Breton, and Eli Goldman. The Yearbook and Art & Literature magazine were given awards by the Minnesota High School Press Association.

“My favorite part of the Assembly was that it informed the school about unique athletic and academic accomplishments,” freshman Andrew Johnson said.

The assembly was quick, but it covered everything from the Pops Concert to the number of bus trips SPA athletes took. The award recipients were honored in groups that stood up and were applauded.

“I wish they would have the kids come on stage, so they could be recognized better,” Johnson said.

With exams just one week away, students were worried about giving up an entire X-period of studying time.

“If I could change anything it would be the week it is on. It is too close to exams,” sophomore Emma Truman said.

The fall recognition assembly is a tradition at SPA, and though some changes can be a good thing, there is no doubt that it is a great opportunity for students to learn about their peer’s accomplishements