The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

The Rubicon
[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
The different types of ways that AI can be integrated into school life.
As schools develop policy, AI evolves quickly
November 13, 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
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
270 TO WIN. States that are solidly blue are predicted to vote democrat, while states solidly red vote republican. The yellow states are the ones up for grabs.
How does an age-old system hold up in a modern election?
November 6, 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
WELCOME TO OUR TOWN. Coda Wilson reads a piece of his Stage Manager narration at an Our Town practice in Redleaf Commons. The show includes a minimalist set and no props, so much of what the audience will visualize comes from Wilson's lines.
Our Town focuses on old times while speaking to modern times
November 4, 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
October 2024 Issue
October 29, 2024
September 2024 Issue
September 24, 2024
May 2024 Issue
May 28, 2024
April 2024 Issue
April 30, 2024
March 2024 Issue
March 5, 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
McKinley Garner

McKinley Garner, A&E Editor, Service Journalism

My name is McKinley Garner (He/Him). I work as the Arts and Entertainment editor for The Rubicon. At school I am involved in a wide array of activities like Science Alliance, Ultimate Frisbee, and the Alpine ski team. I can be reached at [email protected].

All content by McKinley Garner
Committed to a cause, but not a candidate

Committed to a cause, but not a candidate

McKinley Garner, The Rubicon
May 2, 2024
DJing, rapping, dancing bashing, and graffiting are all art forms that originated from HipHop.

LET'S GROW. The Gardening Club has been flying under the radar since it's founding last year, but the leaders hope to make the club more active with new initiatives like a campus garden.

Gardening Club hopes for growth this spring

McKinley Garner, The Rubicon
April 3, 2024
PLAYING WITH TEXTURE. Hejny demonstrates the rough texture on her 18-foot-tall commissioned painting from the salt added to the paint.

Local artist Annie Irene Hejny finds inspiration in nature

McKinley Garner, The Rubicon
April 3, 2024
WHERE SHOULD OUR MONEY GO? Geoengineering solutions like carbon capture are costly. In 2021, it cost $47.10 per metric ton of CO2 removed through carbon capture systems, according to the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

Stop climate change at the source, reject costly geoengineering solutions

McKinley Garner, The Rubicon
February 26, 2024
DIAGNOSIS DELUGE. TikTok mental health creators have undoubtedly helped to reduce the stigma around having mental health conditions. However, the resulting wave of self-diagnoses has been harmful for many others.

TikTok as therapy? No thanks.

McKinley Garner, The Rubicon
February 14, 2024
TRUMP AHEAD. Former President Donald Trump won 51% of the votes in the Iowa caucus, and 54% of the votes in New Hampshire. Following Trump’s early primary victories, several candidates dropped out of the presidential race. Former UN ambassador Nikki Haley captured 43% of votes in New Hampshire, though junior Nicholas McCarthy says “she doesn’t have a chance” of defeating Trump.

Low voter turnout a tenuous predictor of a Biden and Trump ballot in 2024

McKinley Garner, The Rubicon
February 11, 2024
GRACIOUS GREETINGS. Senior Sam Murphy waves at junior Julia Taylor from across the hallway. Part of their job as a tour guide requires them to put on a professional front, welcoming all prospective families into the building to show them around. (Cutout images by McKinley Garner, graphic by Zimo Xie)

Tour guides stay professional on the job

McKinley Garner, The Rubicon
December 29, 2023
PROJECT IN ACTION. Murad and Bhargava turned their small self-sustaining plant pot into a much larger scale project involving a greenhouse.

Murad and Bhargava cultivate sustainability through a greenhouse

McKinley Garner, The Rubicon
December 21, 2023
FROSTY FALLOUT. With the first winter season snows, icy sidewalks are imminent. However, their typical remedy creates a challenge between safety and our environment.

[Photo] Melting away: the ecological downfalls of road deicing

December 20, 2023
INDIGENOUS LAND. Fighting and air attacks have been centered on the border between Israel and the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7.

The Israel-Hamas war today

December 14, 2023
PHYSICAL IMPACT. Dr. Howard Stevenson prompted students to observe their physical responses to telling their racial stories and experiences. He also presented about the ways racial stress and trauma impact health while discussing ways to treat experiences about race. “The reality is experiences of rejection ... overtax our ability to regulate our feelings, our bodies, our thoughts, and all that affects our voice,” Stevenson said.

Stevenson examines reactions to racial identity narratives

McKinley Garner, The Rubicon
November 15, 2023
LIGHT LESSON. Photography and video arts teacher Kate Clark preps the darkroom for an upcoming class. "I have students in the darkroom working with film," she said. "It's been interesting, because I've never had to manage a darkroom before. I'm feeling pretty comfortable about mixing chemistry myself." Clark noted how supportive the environment has been whole also giving her autonomy with her classes.

[Photo] Classroom time shapes pedagogy

Aldegundo Brenneman, Staff Writer
November 1, 2023
CLIMATE EMERGENCIES. As the years go by, the Earth is affected by climate change, and the natural disasters that have been rising in recent years is proof. From daily weather to extreme climate phenomena, the people inhabiting this planet have had considerable impact on Earth. (Illustration by Annika Kim, Infographic by Johanna Pierach, Orion Kim)

It’s all about the ENVIRONMENT: Natural disaster on the rise

McKinley Garner and Sonia Kharbanda
October 15, 2023
PAY ATTENTION. US Spanish teachers present information about next year’s exchange program in an info session May. 9. The program was stopped for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Info meeting launches Spanish exchange; travel resumes next year

McKinley Garner, The Rubicon
May 28, 2023
CULTURAL CONTEXT. While the mechanics of a language are the foundation of learning it, understanding the cultural background is also crucial to utilizing it fully.

Culture-based language learning opens doors

McKinley Garner, The Rubicon
May 2, 2023
CREATIVE MINDS. The middle sculpture, made by Wyatt Tait, is about spring and community. The other sculptures are made by local sculpture artists.

[Photo] Tait brings artistic talent outside

Clara Ann Bagnoli, The Rubicon
May 3, 2023
LEGALITIES. The issue of legalizing marijuana is on the table once again for the Minnesota midterm election on Nov. 8. “It is necessary to legalize [cannabis] because probation has never worked,” Minnesota State House Majority Leader Jamie Long said in an interview with The Rubicon.

Legislature discusses legalization of recreational marijuana early in session

McKinley Garner, The Rubicon
February 9, 2023
SUPER COOL(ED). Viking Lakes in Eagan features the largest ice maze in Minnesota history, made of over one million pounds of ice.

WINTER FESTIVITIES. This long exposure image shows the people that enter the MN Ice Maze in Viking Lakes, eager to explore the colorful lights, and icy fun.

PHOTO SPOT. The space surrounding the maze offers great photo spots and other attractions like ice sculptures and fire pits; visiting at night ensures that the colorful lights placed virtually everywhere will make photo subjects look their best.

HOT SPOT. Hot chocolate was for sale near the entrance, with many fire pit stops to stay warm along the way.

What should schools really be doing to have racial equality?

[PODCAST REVIEW] Nice White Parents brings light to school system issues

McKinley Garner, Staff Writer
December 17, 2020
The main goal of this new task force and the existing affinity groups is to create racial equality within the SPA community. “Although I do believe things will continue to get better, our society will always have some sort of bias and some sort of problem," Reedy said.

Task force will examine racial justice on campus

McKinley Garner, Staff Writer
November 6, 2020
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