The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

The Rubicon
WINTER BREAK. Check back in late January for regular reporting. (Ibid Photo: Ellie Camp)
Students on winter break until January, regular reporting to continue in 2025
December 19, 2024
Midterm exams begin, while teachers plan for student illness
Midterm exams begin, while teachers plan for student illness
December 16, 2024
STUDYING STUDENTS. In Red Leaf Commons Sophomore Erik Bjorgvinsson works on his final English essay.
How are students and teachers preparing for midterms week?
December 13, 2024
THE DESIGNER. Kalugdan holds the first printout of the poster she designed for the conference.
Admin, students organize 2025 SDLC conference
December 11, 2024
[The 5] Whooping cough, Topgun flight school, Syrian Assad and more
[The 5] Whooping cough, Topgun flight school, Syrian Assad and more
December 8, 2024
Chronically Online is a monthly column to help readers develop media literacy skills. (Image created in Adobe Express)
Don’t fall into the “illusion of choice” trap
December 19, 2024
NEVER ENOUGH. There is enough negativity surrounding body image on social media and societal expectations. Instead, Expressing positive thoughts on your own and the person’s appearance can enforce satisfaction in one’s looks.
Comments can shape body image, so think before speaking
December 15, 2024
GOTCHA. Rage bait content spreads hate and profits off of angry reactions. Understand rage bait so one can recognize and avoid it.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Don’t let rage bait poison your mindset
December 14, 2024
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
ChatGPT search: the dangers of AI hallucinations
December 13, 2024
NOT JUST FOR POPULARITY POINTS. Teenagers should explore relationships, but also understand what it comes with what a healthy one looks like.
Pucker up for popularity
December 12, 2024
GOTCHA. Rage bait content spreads hate and profits off of angry reactions. Understand rage bait so one can recognize and avoid it.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Don’t let rage bait poison your mindset
December 14, 2024
INPUT IGNORED. The implementation of the new phone-free policy, despite overwhelmingly negative feedback from students, has contributed to a loss of trust in the administration. In order to repair this relationship, the administration must show that they value student voices and use the data collected in surveys when considering policies.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Phone policy reveals disregard of student input, lack of trust in admin
November 30, 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
Chronically Online is a monthly column to help readers develop media literacy skills. (Image created in Adobe Express)
Don’t fall into the “illusion of choice” trap
December 19, 2024
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
ChatGPT search: the dangers of AI hallucinations
December 13, 2024
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
News from Down Under: Australia’s social media ban
December 5, 2024
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
Elon Musk wants your health data. Seriously.
November 22, 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
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
SNOW POWERED. Miles Coates Cush feels at home as his board slashes through powder. He is descending with increasing velocity. The jump is of paramount importance.
Coates Cush defies gravity on his snowboard
December 20, 2024
BACK ON THE SELF. At Hosmer library in Hennepin County, Campbell volunteers weekly and keeps the books in circulation, keeping them ready for people to check out. (Submitted by Via Campbell).
From patron to volunteer: Via Campbell gives back to her neighborhood library
December 16, 2024
LENIN SMILES. During a trip to Prague in 2018 for a post-Cold War gender and sexuality conference, Gokhberg stopped to take a picture at the memorial museum of Cold War statues. Submitted by Gokhberg.
[DISCUSSING THE DISSERTATION] Gokhberg’s journey to Doctor Zhivago
December 13, 2024
UP NORTH. Ninth-grader Henry Cammack makes fishing a lifestyle. “It’s a tradition of ours every year to go to Canada and bet money on who can catch the biggest Northern and Walleye,” he said.
Henry Cammack casts a line in search of a great fish tale
December 13, 2024
SENIOR SZN. Senior Scarlett Gibson films a video with Sophia Bietz, Ada LaTarte and Dia Chaney during homecoming week. (Screen capture submitted by Scarlett Gibson)
Scarlett Gibson captures senior year on video
December 12, 2024
NEW CINEMA. A wave of movies this fall-winter season hopes to compensate for the disappointing cinema earlier this year. (Press release images from various studios, credited later in each individual chapter)
[OFF-SCREEN WITH OSTREM] The good and not-so-good of recent cinema
December 17, 2024
FRIENDSHIP: Star player of the Chuska warriors gets in a mental funk when a reporter asked him about his dead family members. Best friend Jimmy Holiday steps in and helps his friend. (Photo taken by Lewis Clark, released by Netflix)
[MOVIE REVIEW] Rez Ball inspirationally melds basketball and Native American representation
December 12, 2024
GRAVY FEST. Yung Gravy sold out The Armory, which has a maximum capacity of of 8,400, for his first Gravy Fest
[CONCERT REVIEW] Yung Gravy’s hometown tour stop disappoints and disgusts
December 10, 2024
Since 2016, the Swedish music streaming platform Spotify has created a personalized recap of users’ listening habits. It calculates each user’s top songs, artists and listening minutes, presenting the results in a distinct and uniquely recognizable format.
It’s time to unwrap Wrapped
December 9, 2024
(TABLETOP) GAME ON. The club plays Dungeons and Dragons most Tuesday after school. “Their characters are going on an adventure,” club leader Jack Hickman said, “and I'm kind of running it for them.”
Tabletop role play club takes on Dungeons and Dragons
December 9, 2024
NEW CINEMA. A wave of movies this fall-winter season hopes to compensate for the disappointing cinema earlier this year. (Press release images from various studios, credited later in each individual chapter)
[OFF-SCREEN WITH OSTREM] The good and not-so-good of recent cinema
December 17, 2024
FRIENDSHIP: Star player of the Chuska warriors gets in a mental funk when a reporter asked him about his dead family members. Best friend Jimmy Holiday steps in and helps his friend. (Photo taken by Lewis Clark, released by Netflix)
[MOVIE REVIEW] Rez Ball inspirationally melds basketball and Native American representation
December 12, 2024
GRAVY FEST. Yung Gravy sold out The Armory, which has a maximum capacity of of 8,400, for his first Gravy Fest
[CONCERT REVIEW] Yung Gravy’s hometown tour stop disappoints and disgusts
December 10, 2024
MUSICAL HISTORY. The 2025 GRAMMYs will be the 67th ceremony, with the first having been held on May 4, 1959. The first Album of the Year award was given to Henry Mancini for his soundtrack to the TV series "Peter Gunn."
Ranking the 2025 GRAMMY album of the year nominees
December 6, 2024
ICE CREAM SODA. After a misunderstanding between Emily Webb and George Gibbs, George takes her out for some ice cream soda.
[PLAY REVIEW] Finding life, love and grief in Our Town
November 25, 2024
GOING UP. Senior Nathan Rock rises up for a layup being followed by a Scots defender.
Boys basketball falls to Highland Park despite standout individual performances
December 15, 2024
FOCUS. Ninth grader Magarsaa Mullatta swiftly dribbles the ball between his legs while focusing on what his next move will be. (photo submitted by Magarsaa Mullatta)
More than a sport: how basketball has shaped the Mullataa family
December 12, 2024
SPARTANS CELEBRATE. Spartan fans up against the glass to cheer on the team as they just got a goal.
Boys’ hockey beats Simley in home opener
December 8, 2024
TWO WORLDS. Erik Bjorgvinsson has been balancing club soccer and high school soccer since his freshman year. Before he joined the Spartans, he had already been playing with the St. Paul Blackhawks for seven years. (LEFT Audrey Peltier, RIGHT submitted by Erik Bjorgvinsson)
High school or club soccer? Bjorgvinsson finds passion in both
December 7, 2024
LIMITS. Clare Roney Pushes herself to reach her goals during her OrangeTheory workout session ( Photo Submitted by Clare Roney)
Ms. Roney pushes herself in Orange Theory through friendly competition
December 4, 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
GOING UP. Senior Nathan Rock rises up for a layup being followed by a Scots defender.
Boys basketball falls to Highland Park despite standout individual performances
December 15, 2024
SPARTANS CELEBRATE. Spartan fans up against the glass to cheer on the team as they just got a goal.
Boys’ hockey beats Simley in home opener
December 8, 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
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
Want to learn more about video games? Tune in to The Game On Podcast.
[GAME ON] Ep. 1 Are video games too violent?
December 20, 2024
[UNEXPECTED FRIENDSHIP] Ep. 1 Online friendship goes IRL
[UNEXPECTED FRIENDSHIP] Ep. 1 Online friendship goes IRL
December 19, 2024
SPAtify explores a different genre of music in each episode.
[SPAtify] Ep. 1 Classical music with Winston Arvidson
December 18, 2024
[RUNNING ON EMPTY] Ep. 1 The importance of good sleep
[RUNNING ON EMPTY] Ep. 1 The importance of good sleep
December 17, 2024
Yasmin Khan room tour
Yasmin Khan room tour
December 14, 2024
Want to learn more about video games? Tune in to The Game On Podcast.
[GAME ON] Ep. 1 Are video games too violent?
December 20, 2024
[UNEXPECTED FRIENDSHIP] Ep. 1 Online friendship goes IRL
[UNEXPECTED FRIENDSHIP] Ep. 1 Online friendship goes IRL
December 19, 2024
SPAtify explores a different genre of music in each episode.
[SPAtify] Ep. 1 Classical music with Winston Arvidson
December 18, 2024
[RUNNING ON EMPTY] Ep. 1 The importance of good sleep
[RUNNING ON EMPTY] Ep. 1 The importance of good sleep
December 17, 2024
[STORY BEHIND THE STORY] How does CVE Georgia Ross design The Rubicon?
[STORY BEHIND THE STORY] How does CVE Georgia Ross design The Rubicon?
December 8, 2024
Yasmin Khan room tour
Yasmin Khan room tour
December 14, 2024
[MIC'D UP] Adele Gjerde glides through the season
[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
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
Eliza Farley

Eliza Farley, Opinions Editor, Iris EIC

My name is Eliza Farley (she/her). I work as the Opinions Editor for The Rubicon and as the Editor-in-Chief of Iris: Art + Lit. At school, I play tennis and softball, and I also play the oboe in the school orchestra. I love to shop for cute stationery and make paper airplanes. I can be reached at [email protected].

All content by Eliza Farley
According to CBS News, 20% of the votes in the Minnesota Democratic primary voted "uncommitted" as a result of Biden's continue aid to Israel.

[Photo] Committed to a cause, but not a candidate

McKinley Garner, The Rubicon
May 2, 2024
LONG TIME NO SEE. Michael Bazzett explains the basics of poetry during the last Book Fest in 2017.

Organizers hope to revive US Book Fest

Eliza Farley, The Rubicon
May 1, 2024
EGG-CELLENT COLLECTION. Collections can be made up of anything, not just stereotypical items like stamps or figurines. These stuffed eggs are a cute example.

[Photo] Collecting soothes the soul and brings people together

Annika Kim, The Rubicon
February 29, 2024
COLLECTION DETAILS. While many recently minted coins share inscriptions and denominations, rarer coins have unique difference that make then highly sought after. (Photo illustration: Annie Zhang, graphic: Zimo Xie)

Fratzke unearths hidden treasures in coins

Eliza Farley, The Rubicon
February 26, 2024
DOOM GIRL. The play’s story intended to make the audience confused by posing a number of unanswered questions, like who the DoomGirl really was, if any of the characters were telling the truth, and if the Shadows were anything more than anonymous enemies. However, it never convinces us that the creator of the game knows what the answers are, either, which leads to a feeling of aimlessness.

[THEATER REVIEW] Evening in Huss celebrated student created one acts

Eliza Farley, The Rubicon
January 28, 2024
BE ME. May December tells the story of an actress, Elizabeth Berry (Natalie Portman), and her research into a controversial former tabloid star, Gracie Atherton-Yoo (Julianne Moore). Elizabeth is playing Gracie in an upcoming movie that will depict the beginning of the latter’s scandalous relationship with husband Joe Yoo (Charles Melton), which started when Joe was 13 and Gracie was 36. (Screenshot from May December Official Trailer)

[MOVIE REVIEW] May December poses questions about ethics and entertainment

Eliza Farley, The Rubicon
January 8, 2024
WINTER BLUES. Sophomore Nijah Johnson experiences periods of sadness throughout the winter season. Although this can be a symptom of seasonal depression, it is advised to get medically diagnosed before making assumptions. “Winter is dark, and so it tends to change the whole mood up,” Johnson said.

Seasonal depression isolates

Eliza Farley, The Rubicon
December 18, 2023
"I was the set designer, I was the sound designer, I was the lighting designer...I was everything" said Rucker.

Rucker explores internet fame through cosplay

Eliza Farley, The Rubicon
December 5, 2023
COMMUNICATING FOR CONNECTION. The SPA community shows interest in learning ASL at school, with the majority of students wanting it available as a multi-year language progression.

[Photo] ASL at SPA? Signs point to “yes”

Clara Ann Bagnoli, The Rubicon
December 3, 2023
VOTE HERE. Across the state, Minnesotans casted their ballots at open polling places on election day Nov. 7.

Government and Citizenship follows election; seniors vote

Eliza Farley, The Rubicon
November 9, 2023
LIFE IMITATES ART is a monthly arts opinion column written by The Rubicon opinions editor Eliza Farley. (Illustration created using Adobe Express)

[LIFE/ART] In the music industry, it seems, it’s the year of the female

Eliza Farley, The Rubicon
November 3, 2023
NO GIRLS INVOLVED. The relative lack of female-identifying students in STEM extracurriculars can make them feel like boys’ clubs. It’s not that girls aren’t interested in these activities; instead, they might not be included to the same degree when they want to participate, or they might be afraid to be the only one.

[Photo] [STAFF EDITORIAL] Girls in STEM deserve our support

The Rubicon Staff
October 31, 2023
senior speech advisors. Among many changes this year, seniors are able to discuss their ideas and writing with fellow cohort members, which is meant to create a stronger network and provide support from classmates.

The Class of ’24 will deliver shorter speeches written with cohort support

Eliza Farley, The Rubicon
October 1, 2023
FILM FESTIVITIES. After the two films including “The Lovely Mundane” were shown at EDUFF, both filmmakers celebrated by snapping a photo together.

Three films, one film festival: EDUFF inspires cinematic magic

Eliza Farley, The Rubicon
May 22, 2023
BIG HENRY. Juniors Orion Kim and Henry Hilton took stage in an unusual manner. Hilton, who was in D.C. for a semester away program, wasn’t able to make an in-person appearance. Instead, two volunteers walked on stage with large cardboard cutouts.

Candidates find creative ways to reach voters during elections

Eliza Farley, The Rubicon
May 10, 2023

What are eating disorders? What misconceptions exist?

Eliza Farley, The Rubicon
May 2, 2023
PATH TO HEALING. There are a number of diagnosable conditions known as Eating Disorders that are unique from disordered eating behaviors.

Eating Disorders: diagnosis, process, and healing

Maddy Fisher, Eliza Farley, and Claire Kim
May 2, 2023
DRAKE GALLERY. A number of pieces by Joy Lieberman are on display from Feb. 10-Mar. 13.

Liberman inspires wonder in final gallery show as faculty

Eliza Farley, The Rubicon
March 7, 2023
TAKE A SHOT. Ibid Yearbook Editor in Chief Leona Barocas frames a portrait as The Rubicon Feature editor Eliza Farley snaps a portrait of her at a photo workshop on campus this winter.

[Photo] Student Press Freedom Day: Know your rights

Writing for Publication, Staff Writers
February 23, 2023
HERSPACE. Freshmen Raina Heidkamp, Charlotte Talbot, Lilly Spurgeon and Laura Kimmel cut out paper hearts during a HerSpace meeting to plan for Love Your Body Day. "We were making decorations for the HerSpace board," Heidkamp said. "It was really fun and it was chill."

[Photo] Gender-based groups get active in social change

Taryn Karasti, Staff Writer
October 29, 2022
POST IT. Clara Bagnoli hosted the table on Sept. 26 where students stopped to write a note of body positivity.

LET's RECAP. With the conclusion of most fall sports, with the exception of teams currently in section or state tournaments, the highlights (and lowlights) of each team are shared with the community.

2022 Fall sports recap: Wins, losses, and teamwork

Orion Kim, Eliza Farley, Maddy Fisher, and Claire Kim
October 27, 2022
SIGN HERE. HerSpace co-leader Clara Bagnoli hosts the LYBD table in lower Schilling on Sept. 26.

HerSpace hosts annual Love Your Body Day

Eliza Farley, The Rubicon
September 27, 2022
INTO POSITION. SMB Wolfpack takes on North St. Paul on Sept. 23 for the Homecoming game.

SMB Wolfpack finds camaraderie with rival schools

Eliza Farley, The Rubicon
October 24, 2022
SAILORS ASSEMBLE. The sailing club line up during their regatta before the race starts.

Fall sailing club wins regattas through communication

Eliza Farley, The Rubicon
October 24, 2022
SCHOOL OF LIFE. Rather than choosing classes to perfect a college resume, it would be more beneficial for students to put more thought into exploring their passions and interests. There needs to be a change in how academic pressure is enforced by the community.

Make the shift from pressure to exploration

Eliza Farley, The Rubicon
October 23, 2022
SPEAK UP. Junior Oliver Zhu started the petition that was circulated around the student body regarding the dress code. For the crop top signatures, everyone was pretty unanimous... The only reason that people wouldn’t sign it is because they wouldn’t wear crop tops, so it wouldn’t apply to them,” Zhu said.

Zhu starts petition after dress code policy reminder

Eliza Farley, The Rubicon
October 4, 2022
Students reflect on movies they watch, focusing on technique and certain aspects of film.

Visual Narrative course teaches critical thinking via movies

Eliza Farley, The Rubicon
May 17, 2022
The five states with the highest level of student debt are, in order: Washington D.C., Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, and Ohio.

With student loan debt in the trillions, paying for college can be its own challenge

Eliza Farley, The Rubicon
April 26, 2022
ONLINE STARDOM. Many chart-toppers blow up on TikTok before official release, showing the power of media presence. For example, Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” entered Billboard charts in 2019 after going viral, and PinkPantheress’ “Pain” similarly brought fame to the artist in 2021. Although TikTok songs like Dixie D’Amelio’s “Be Happy,” released in 2020, often receive criticism, negative attention can still contribute to a song becoming popular or receiving recognition.

TikTok advances consumption of the music industry

Eliza Farley, The Rubicon
March 12, 2022
The Robotics team starts off their round.

Robotics advances to state, wins awards

Eliza Farley, The Rubicon
February 23, 2022
COLOR THEORY. Colors add aesthetic and make notes more efficient to read. Color coding is a popular way to organize content.

Note-taking promotes productivity and creativity

Eliza Farley, The Rubicon
February 22, 2022
INTERNATIONAL SENSATION. Sawyer Bollinger Danielson is one of 10 athletes selected to play on the US Youth Futsal National team, which will travel to Spain over Winter Break.

Futsal or soccer, Sawyer Bollinger Danielson has a foot on the ball

Eliza Farley, Staff Writer
December 17, 2021
Sophomore Eli Peres said, "How have I come to own these sick cakes? (as the kids would call them)

Besse's shoes are the opposite of fance. She has had them since sixth grade: "So they are extremely worn, as you can tell. I can literally see my socks with these. But it's kind of like the idea that you wear shoes until they fall apart."

It is healthier to relax away from screens

It is healthier to relax away from screens

Eliza Farley, Staff Writer
December 13, 2021
MIDWEEK MADNESS. Sophomore Annika Lillegard completes a project as scholarly pressure ramps up at the end of Q1. “We’ve really crammed in a lot of learning in the past week,” freshman Ava Schluender said. Many classes have projects due in the final days of the quarter.

Q1 ends, conferences coming up

Eliza Farley, Staff Writer
October 18, 2021
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