The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

The Rubicon
EMAIL SECOND. Principal Minnie Lee sent out a school-wide email detailing pertussis symptoms and encouraging families to stay alert by contacting their health professionals if needed.
Whooping cough outbreak prompts immediate admin action
November 21, 2024
[The 5] Biden's inflation act, Alaskan town with no light, US airplanes shot in Haiti and more
[The 5] Biden’s inflation act, Alaskan town with no light, US airplanes shot in Haiti and more
November 17, 2024
ACKNOWLEDGING THE PAST. President Joe Biden was the first president to offers an apology for the trauma that was caused by the U.S. government abusing Native Americans. (Carter Marks Media Kit)
President Biden apologies for pain and trauma caused by boarding schools
November 17, 2024
CLUB FUN. Ninth grader Louise Mahoney and junior Nora McKoy chat at the Community Action Service club
Club leaders strive to appeal to exploring 9th-graders
November 15, 2024
IN THE SPOTLIGHT. All eight ninth-grade competitors stand on stage, ready to graph match. Former champions form a panel on the right. The reigning champions served to provide “color commentary,” Hovan said.
Greatest graph-matching competition ever: Burns becomes the champion of champions
November 14, 2024
ANALYSIS WITH AN AGENDA. In the midst of No-phone-vember and following an assembly where students were presented slideshows of data, many feel the graphs misrepresented the student survey responses.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Clear as mud: a call for data transparency
November 16, 2024
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
Oasis: AI generated Minecraft?
November 15, 2024
TREASURE TROVE. Ocean exploration has benefited humanity from medicine to predicting severe weather.
From climate change to cures, ocean exploration deserves more investment
November 14, 2024
Cross-cultural connection key to international relations: why panda diplomacy is a good thing
Cross-cultural connection key to international relations: why panda diplomacy is a good thing
November 12, 2024
Mistrust of SCOTUS reflects national trend
Mistrust of SCOTUS reflects national trend
November 5, 2024
ANALYSIS WITH AN AGENDA. In the midst of No-phone-vember and following an assembly where students were presented slideshows of data, many feel the graphs misrepresented the student survey responses.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Clear as mud: a call for data transparency
November 16, 2024
LOOK AROUND. Attending cultural events means living the value of community and is an opportunity to learn about your peers.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Create time to show up for cultural events
October 31, 2024
ACCOMMODATIONS, NOT ADVANTAGES. Neurodivergence is often misunderstood in the learning environment. Students may contribute intentionally or unintentionally to this culture by stigmatizing students who use extended time or other arrangements.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Misunderstood, stigmatized: more neurodivergence awareness needed
October 29, 2024
COMMUNITY VALUES. Administrators, teachers and students should put in the work to reflect the new five school values: community, purpose, kindness, excellence and belonging.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Let the new values shape your heart and mind
September 25, 2024
INSPIRE ACTION. Land Acknowledgments serve to spread awareness about the Indigenous communities that inhabited this land and remind listeners of Indigenous peoples’ ongoing presence. Students have a responsibility to take these Land Acknowledgments seriously and advocate for further restorative actions.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Land Acknowledgments are more than just empty words
September 24, 2024
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
Oasis: AI generated Minecraft?
November 15, 2024
ANXIETY. Many feel anxious about the election because the outcome could impact their lives significantly. However, it is important to remember you can take steps to care for your well-being.
[POLITICAL PULSE] Be mindful of mental health this election season
November 1, 2024
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
Hearing Health: Apple’s AirPods become clinical hearing aids and… concert earplugs?
November 1, 2024
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
Big brother is always watching… your television?
October 25, 2024
Chronically Online is a monthly column to help readers develop media literacy skills. (Image created in Adobe Express)
The shocking way clickbait manipulates you
October 21, 2024
New phone policy ignores student perspectives
New phone policy ignores student perspectives
October 3, 2024
There are healthier ways to find value in life than thinking about death
There are healthier ways to find value in life than thinking about death
December 5, 2023
No longer a bystander
No longer a bystander
November 29, 2023
Bring more awareness to seasonal depression
Bring more awareness to seasonal depression
November 4, 2023
Community time worth more than passing time
Community time worth more than passing time
October 5, 2023
SHARING A SMILE. St.Pierre laughs with his father. Photo submitted by Eugene St. Pierre.
St.Pierre brings craftsmanship to school community
November 21, 2024
GLOBAL RESEARCH. As a part of her research, Boemler visited Cambridge England in 2018 to look at books in the Kings College Library (Submitted photo from Anne Boemler).
[DISCUSSING THE DISSERATION] Ep. 1 Dr. Boemler
November 20, 2024
READY AIM FIRE. Sophomore Charlie Zakaib draws his bow back, getting ready to shoot (Submitted by Charlie Zakaib)
Charlie Zakaib perfects the art of hunting
November 19, 2024
UGGS. Whether one finds their favorite shoes through social media or DSW, every shoe is unique to their owner.
Stepping through memories: the stories our shoes tell
November 18, 2024
Sophomore Audrey Peltier pictured after her accident with her Grandma in 2015.
Whether caretaker or kid, students share adventures in babysitting
November 7, 2024
BRILLIANT BLOCKING. The Our Town cast demonstrates their blocking process early in the first act to the onlooking SPA donors.
Donor event invites theater fans to behind the scenes experience
November 21, 2024
WHERE'S WILLY? Mickey's Diner by Willy, the sister to the well-known downtown St. Paul location, is conveniently situated a mere 6-minute drive from school and right across from Crosby Farm Regional Park.
[AROUND TOWN] Mickey’s Diner by Willy serves up retro food and feels
November 19, 2024
CHRISTMAS SCARES. Art the Clown embraces the Christmas theme of the third Terrifier film, donning a Santa suit and hat for most of the movie. (Screen capture from “TERRIFIER 3 Official Trailer (2024) Red band” by Movie Trailers Source on YouTube.)
[OFF-SCREEN WITH OSTREM] “Terrifier 3:” shocking gore and shockingly bad filmmaking
November 7, 2024
WATER IS LIFE. The audio tour frequently talks about the importance of water and the river to the Dakota. The river is considered a spirit and the falls are sacred. "No one can destroy what is sacred," a narrator says.
New self-guided audio tour brings Dakota presence back to St. Anthony Falls
November 6, 2024
JOIN, OR DIE. Published in 1754, a woodcut by Benjamin Franklin ‘Join or Die’ depicts a snake severed into eight seperate piece each one of the colonies. It pushed the newly formed American colonies to unite during the ongoing French and Indian War.(Public domain)
Political cartoons throughout history
November 5, 2024
CHRISTMAS SCARES. Art the Clown embraces the Christmas theme of the third Terrifier film, donning a Santa suit and hat for most of the movie. (Screen capture from “TERRIFIER 3 Official Trailer (2024) Red band” by Movie Trailers Source on YouTube.)
[OFF-SCREEN WITH OSTREM] “Terrifier 3:” shocking gore and shockingly bad filmmaking
November 7, 2024
ONSTAGE VILLAIN. The creator and star actor of All The Devils are Here, Patrick Page, takes the stage in his exploration of Shakespeares protrayal of the villain. Page monologues in a scene of Hamlet where Claudius griefs that he murders his brother and whether he can be forgiven or not. All the Devils Are Here runs at the Guthrie until Nov. 17. (Press Release Photo: The Guthrie Theater)
[THEATER REVIEW] Devils offers a veracious exploration of villiany
October 31, 2024
EIC'S BIRB. The Rubicon Editor-in-chief Annie Zhang uses Finch daily. Her birb revels in the abundance of accessories Zhang has collected.
[APP REVIEW] Stop scrolling; Finch makes self-care fun, easy and cute
October 27, 2024
WHERE ARE YOU? The climax of Halloween features Michael Myers (Nick Castle) and Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) engaged in a cat-and-mouse chase (image from Compass International Pictures).
[OFF-SCREEN WITH OSTREM] Halloween (1978): The Horror Standard
October 26, 2024
UP FRONT. The "Black on Both Sides" album cover features a portrait of Bey looking into the camera. The direct nature of the cover is reflected in the album's powerful lyrics (photographed by Alvaro Gonzalez-Campo, released by Rawkus Records in 1999).
“Black on Both Sides” remains the pinnacle of hip-hop
October 24, 2024
EN-GARDE. Junior Rowan Moore competes in fencing match and strikes their opponent.
Fencing 101: putting on whites with Rowan Moore
November 19, 2024
WINGS OUT. Gjerde flies through the water, completing the first 25 yards out of 100 in her event.
Adele Gjerde shines at state for her final high school swim meet
November 17, 2024
ITS OFFICIAL. Sawyer Bollinger Danielson signs her National Letter of Intent to play Division One soccer at the University of Minnesota.
Signing Day: Sawyer Bollinger Danielson commits to the University of Minnesota
November 15, 2024
GO LONG. Jesse Wussler throws a side arm throw past the rushing Juan Miguel Adams.
Ultimate Frisbee Club keeps passion alive in the off-season
November 14, 2024
STATE BOUND. Avi Coleman dives into the water and secures her place on and the state competition.
Sparks athletes swim to state in the 6AA section meet
November 10, 2024
WINGS OUT. Gjerde flies through the water, completing the first 25 yards out of 100 in her event.
Adele Gjerde shines at state for her final high school swim meet
November 17, 2024
ITS OFFICIAL. Sawyer Bollinger Danielson signs her National Letter of Intent to play Division One soccer at the University of Minnesota.
Signing Day: Sawyer Bollinger Danielson commits to the University of Minnesota
November 15, 2024
STATE BOUND. Avi Coleman dives into the water and secures her place on and the state competition.
Sparks athletes swim to state in the 6AA section meet
November 10, 2024
KEEP ON GOING. Spark Swimmers compete to beat their competitors.
Sparks swim and dive dominates at final regular season meet
November 7, 2024
SYNC. All of the swimmers dive in sync into the water.
Sparks boast PR bonanza at conference
November 4, 2024
EN-GARDE. Junior Rowan Moore competes in fencing match and strikes their opponent.
Fencing 101: putting on whites with Rowan Moore
November 19, 2024
GOOD JOB. Captain Mikkel Rawdon goes in for a hug after freshman John Grimsrud makes his first basket of the game. “It felt good for this one to go in with everyone cheering” Grimsrud said.
Spartans win section semi final, compete in finals tonight
March 15, 2024
EN GARDE. Senior Maik Nguyen gets into position to fence his first round in Junior Men's Épée in the large gym as his friends watches from the sidelines.
SPA hosts fencing state tournament
March 10, 2024
SHARP SHOOTER. Captain Mikkel Rawdon prepares to pass during a game at the Target Center. Rawdon has tallied a high number of points during his two years playing for varsity.
The “trifecta” is completed: Mikkel Rawdon reaches 1,000 points
March 6, 2024
How do winter athletes stay healthy?
How do winter athletes stay healthy?
March 5, 2024
GAME TIME. The game's first faceoff, with sophomore Dia Chaney, after gaining possession for the Spartans.
Girls lacrosse falls 17-4 to Breck, aims to turn season around
May 20, 2024
Freshman Adem Rivers, practicing his short game at University of Minnesota Driving Range.
Golf Captain Peltier brings leadership, pride to growing team
May 14, 2024
IN PURSUIT. A Roseville player chases after a Blackhawks player trying to get the ball.
JV Blackhawks Lacrosse loses close game to Roseville
May 13, 2024
THE PRESSURE IS ON. Mckinley Garner guards Kieran Monahan, forcing one direction as he counts down the seconds Monahan has left to throw.
Spartan Ultimate glides through season with exceptional spirit
May 7, 2024
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT. Elizabeth Tuttle practices for her next meet by leaping over the hurdles. Last year, Elizabeth qualified for state after she finished in second place in the 100m and the 300m hurdles.
There is no “I” in Track
May 6, 2024
[MIC’D UP] Adele Gjerde glides through the season
November 19, 2024
Winter sports: pumped and ready
Winter sports: pumped and ready
November 13, 2024
Girls basketball channels unity and positivity at captains practice
Girls basketball channels unity and positivity at captains practice
November 11, 2024
[TRENDING] Ep. 2 Students reflect on Trump's victory
[TRENDING] Ep. 2 Students reflect on Trump’s victory
November 6, 2024
Lucy Lowman shares her journey on the girls varsity soccer team
Lucy Lowman shares her journey on the girls varsity soccer team
November 2, 2024
[TRENDING] Ep. 2 Students reflect on Trump's victory
[TRENDING] Ep. 2 Students reflect on Trump’s victory
November 6, 2024
BEHIND THE MOVIES. The Rubicon A&E editor, Peter Ostrem, has been writing monthly movie reviews for his beat since last September. Now, he's leveling up his trademark "Off-screen With Ostrem," expanding from one review per month to two. This year, he’ll dive into both a nostalgic classic and a fresh release each month.
[STORY BEHIND THE STORY] The Off-screen experience of “Off-Screen With Ostrem”
October 22, 2024
SECURITY SEAMUS. Security Account Manager Seamus Glewwe works on his laptop in the Huss security office. This is his sixth year on the job. He believes the community doesn't know how much time security spends protecting people's cars. "We're noticing people parked in a no parking zone and [that] they're going to get towed. We're noticing that on a snow emergency day, they parked on the wrong side of the road, and we're sending emails and letting people know," Glewwe said.
Behind the desks: Glewwe gives a behind-the-scenes look into the security team
October 11, 2024
[TRENDING] Ep. 1 Fantasy football with Jacob Colton
[TRENDING] Ep. 1 Fantasy football with Jacob Colton
October 10, 2024
INVOLVED CITIZEN. Junior William Hanna poses with with their "Vote Betty!" sign. Hanna spent this summer volunteering for the Congresswoman Betty McCollum's campaign.
Students get involved this election season and share their opinions
September 30, 2024
[MIC’D UP] Adele Gjerde glides through the season
November 19, 2024
Girls basketball channels unity and positivity at captains practice
Girls basketball channels unity and positivity at captains practice
November 11, 2024
Lucy Lowman shares her journey on the girls varsity soccer team
Lucy Lowman shares her journey on the girls varsity soccer team
November 2, 2024
Junior Zahra Wiedmann and senior Veronica Dixon share their knowledge and opinions on the Electoral College.
What do students know about the Electoral College?
November 1, 2024
Q&A with German exchange students
Q&A with German exchange students
October 20, 2024
November 2024 Issue
November 21, 2024
October 2024 Issue
October 29, 2024
September 2024 Issue
September 24, 2024
May 2024 Issue
May 28, 2024
April 2024 Issue
April 30, 2024
The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

The Rubicon
The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

The Rubicon
Jack Benson

Jack Benson, Editor-in-Chief

Jack Benson is the current Editor-in-Chief of The Rubicon. This is his fourth year on staff. He sees the Rubicon as an important outlet for sharing student voices and as a great learning opportunity for those interested in journalism. Outside of school, he enjoys reading, writing, and biking. Jack can be reached at [email protected].

All content by Jack Benson
The Current (Events): How memes influence today's journalism

The Current (Events): How memes influence today’s journalism

Jack Benson, Editor in Chief
March 12, 2019
The Current (Events): You can handle the truth

The Current (Events): You can handle the truth

Jack Benson, Editor in Chief
February 14, 2019
The Current (Events): Why does Donald Trump hate giraffes?

The Current (Events): Why does Donald Trump hate giraffes?

Jack Benson, Editor in Chief
January 12, 2019
The smart board in action. Seniors Max Moen and Mimi Geller perform a Queen song as they drive through St. Paul. Many other students were featured in the Carpool Karaoke.

[PHOTO GALLERY] Technology enhances the Pops Concert experience

Jack Benson, Editor-in-Chief
December 9, 2018
Justin Hla and his brother have their heads shaved by Buddhist monks.

Hla experiences Buddhist culture

Jack Benson, Editor-in-Chief
November 23, 2018
The Current (Events): Fighting change does not work

The Current (Events): Fighting change does not work

Jack Benson, Editor-in-Chief
November 19, 2018
The Current (Events): Lawn signs offer more than decoration

The Current (Events): Lawn signs offer more than decoration

Jack Benson, Editor in Chief
October 12, 2018
Edhlund (left) observes the painting of the ice rink.

Eric Edhlund reflects on 14 years as Drake Manager

Jack Benson, The Rubicon Editor In Chief
October 6, 2018
Seniors Maya Shrestha, as Mimi Márquez, and Ned Laird-Raylor, as Roger Davis, perform "Light My Candle."

US Theater takes on Rent

Jack Benson, Editor in Chief
May 21, 2018
The Twin Cities may seem underdeveloped when compared to the expansive systems of New York City and other large metropolitan areas, but at both the city and state level, the government is pushing to implement more public transportation.

Weighing the environmental costs of public transit

Jack Benson, The Rubicon Editor
May 10, 2018
The Current (Events): Senators need a lesson in tech-literacy

The Current (Events): Senators need a lesson in tech-literacy

Jack Benson, The Rubicon Editor
May 1, 2018
Senior Mira Zelle will compete in the state final Poetry Out Loud competition on March 8.

Zelle advances to state Poetry Out Loud competition

Jack Benson and Nitya Thakkar
March 7, 2018
Film Club co-presidents reveal the facets of great film

Film Club co-presidents reveal the facets of great film

Jack Benson, The Rubicon Editor
February 19, 2018
SUSTAINABLE FOOD SOURCING. One of the main advantages of using ocean farms is the ability to source food sustainably. The kelp and shellfish grow naturally with the ocean and do not require any harmful additives to thrive.

Sustainable seafood: ocean farms offer greener food production

Jack Benson, The Rubicon Editor
December 23, 2017
The Current (Events): Take winter break to reflect on the past year

The Current (Events): Take winter break to reflect on the past year

Jack Benson, Rubicon Editor
December 18, 2017
The birth control pill: fighting assumptions against medical prescriptions

The birth control pill: fighting assumptions against medical prescriptions

Jack Benson, The Rubicon Editor
November 24, 2017
The Pops concert is put on by the SPA band, choir and orchestra in the Huss Center every year.

Pops concert centers around musical hits

Jack Benson, The Rubicon Editor
November 20, 2017
The Current (Events): Evaluating Trumps' Swamp

The Current (Events): Evaluating Trumps’ Swamp

Jack Benson, The Rubicon Editor
November 18, 2017
The Mayoral race is a great place to start becoming activists for out own causes.

The Current (Events): Challenge yourself to change the world

Jack Benson, The Rubicon Copy Editor
October 27, 2017
Mayoral race will decide the future vision of St. Paul

Mayoral race will decide the future vision of St. Paul

Jack Benson, The Rubicon Editor
October 25, 2017
Michael Massimino introduces himself to the SPA audience.

Astronaut Michael Massimino lands at SPA to speak

Jack Benson, Copy Editor
October 13, 2017
People believe in museums, they believe in the power they have on lives. According to the American Alliance of Museums, American museums have spent over two billion dollars on education. Here are some popular museums in Minnesota to visit.

Museums provide a new way to learn

Jack Benson, The Rubicon Editor
April 29, 2017
Jill Romans poses in her old office after discussing the new opportunities her new position will offer in the 2017-18 school year.

Romans transitions into new role

Jack Benson, Staff Writer
April 28, 2017
The average ACT scores for each state.

The unfortunate future of privacy on the internet

Jack Benson, The Rubicon Editor
April 14, 2017
Junior Zach White swings on to the wall as he climbs up. I am hoping to make it to nationals, I have been super close before. At divisionals, it’s a two day event, and both times I’ve placed at divisionals, I have placed 11th," White said.

10 questions for junior rock climber Zach White

Jack Benson, The Rubicon Editor
March 10, 2017
Keeping Journalism alive. Fake news stories are becoming more dangerous as false articles quickly fill up the internet.

Fake news and the contamination of legitimate journalism

Jack Benson, The Rubicon Editor
February 24, 2017
Artistic design. A lot of work goes in to the design of an are exhibit. "I hope that the audience will see some connections in my thought processes and idea development." Lower School Art Teacher Joy Liberman said

Q&A with Joy Liberman who reflects on decade of art creation

Jack Benson, The Rubicon Editor
February 17, 2017
To the left, the logo of the true abc news website is shown. However, to the right, the logo of the fake site abcnews.com.co is shown. Pay attention to whether news is real or fake.

Stop sharing: see fake news for what it is

Jack Benson, The Rubicon Editor
February 7, 2017
The newest edition to the college counseling department, Carey Otto, poses at his desk in his new office.

Otto joins College Counseling department

Jack Benson, Staff Writer
January 24, 2017
capture

[Photo] The changing meaning of Thanksgiving

Nitya Thakkar, Staff Writer
November 24, 2016
Author Jack Gantos signs books for seniors Ellie Brass, Andrew Michel, and sophomore Ben Atmore after speaking to Upper School students. Of writing, he said, "It was the hardest task I could think of which would be a challenge every day for my entire writing life.”

Learn more about Book Fest author Jack Gantos

Jack Benson, The Rubicon Editor
November 15, 2016
The theatrical release poster for "The Last Firefly".

Lea Moore learns about professional stage managing on The Last Firefly

Jack Benson, The Rubicon Editor
November 7, 2016
Democracy at work. The two co-leaders of Iris: Arts and Literature ask for funds for open mic night.

USC public forum draws a small crowd

Jack Benson, The Rubicon Editor
November 5, 2016
As You Like It brings up topics like gender identity which are relevant in today's society. The illustration shows a transformation of a shakespearean character from woman to man.

As You Like It offers Shakespearean gender bender

Jack Benson, The Rubicon Editor
September 30, 2016
At Widjiwagen, counselors weigh food to help reduce the waste. SPA should adopt a similar practice in the cafeteria.

Cafeteria should take note from Widji to reduce food waste

Jack Benson, Staff Writer
March 22, 2016
Rocky (played by Sylvester Stallone) trains Adonis(played by Michael B. Jordan. Director Ryan Coogler works hard to create a deep emotional connection between the two characters.

A Rocky idea, Creed proves to be a great success

Jack Benson, Staff Writer
March 16, 2016
Freshmen Gemma Yoo, Riley Tietel, Isaac Fink, and Maggie Hlavka wrap gifts for 4-year-old Jayce. Jayce wanted pajamas and socks, and really likes Spider-Man. "It was sad to see that a kid needed socks for Christmas,” Freshman Riley Tietel said, “It make you realize how privileged you are.”

Advisories wrap gifts for underprivileged families

Jack Benson, Staff Writer
December 9, 2015
Freshman Peter Moore barrels around a track.

Freshman cyclist Peter Moore speeds past adult competitors

Jack Benson, Staff Writer
December 8, 2015
The Laramie Project will be the first Upper School play on the Huss Center stage. "It’s a unique space that we will get to play around with,” freshman Max Moen said.

The Laramie Project cast begins rehearsing

Jack Benson, Staff Writer
November 4, 2015
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