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
Melissa Nie

Melissa Nie, Director of RubicOnline

Melissa Nie is the Director of RubicOnline. This is her fourth year on staff. Melissa believes that everyone has a story to tell, and high school journalism plays an essential role in sharing the experiences of a vibrant community. In addition to Melissa’s role on staff, she serves as a co-captain of Science Alliance and a member of SCLC, conducts advanced scientific research, enjoys reading and drawing in her spare time, and loves to gush about her cat, Coffee. Melissa can be reached at [email protected].

All content by Melissa Nie
There are still a plethora of ways to hang out virtually, including games like Quiplash.

Five ways to reconnect with friends through games

Melissa Nie, Director of RubicOnline
May 2, 2020
Seniors Will Rathmanner and Andy Ellis sit in class back in the fall of 2019. “I have mixed feelings about the school’s response, but overall, it’s just a bummer that COVID-19 has taken over our lives," Rathmanner said.

Seniors reflect on graduating amid COVID-19

Melissa Nie, Director of RubicOnline
April 17, 2020
Zach Dyar

Zach Dyar

Melissa Nie, Director of RubicOnline
April 8, 2020
In the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak, social distancing is an act of love.

[Photo] [STAFF EDITORIAL] Social distancing is essential to combating COVID-19

The Rubicon and RubicOnline Staffs
March 17, 2020
Junior Maya Choi presenting her project at her poster. "“We’re pretty shocked because we didn’t think our projects were up to this caliber. We worked hard on them, obviously, but it’s not what we expected,” Choi said.

Students recognized for research at TCRSF

Melissa Nie, Director of RubicOnline
March 3, 2020
It's Scholastic Journalism Week: What does scholastic journalism mean to me?

What does journalism mean to me?

Melissa Nie, Director of RubicOnline
February 29, 2020
Here is one of the areas in which Schubert and her medical team worked at in the Philippines.

Once in a lifetime: Schubert journeys to the Philippines

Melissa Nie, Director of RubicOnline
February 26, 2020
A Buttigieg campaign precinct member holds up a sign at Decorah High School, the site of a caucus.

Iowa caucus trip offers insights into political process

Melissa Nie, Director of RubicOnline
February 6, 2020
Not everyone can stomach true crime stories, but Therien offers her thoughts. “It’s just so fun, in a weird, grotesque way, to hear about how people are messed up,” Therien said.

True crime: a fascination with psychology

Melissa Nie, Director of RubicOnline
February 3, 2020
Senior Paige Indritz and sophomore Val Chafee talk about the semester away application.

Diving inside the Semester Away application process

Melissa Nie, Director of RubicOnline
January 21, 2020
Team members huddle and get advice from their coach.

Girls hockey beats Minnehaha in Tuesday game

Melissa Nie, Director of RubicOnline
January 16, 2020
Senior Nordic Ski Captains Lauren Dieperink and Maddy Breton and senior Henrik Schleisman pose for a photo.

[Photo] Top five sports stories of 2019

RubicOnline Staff
January 10, 2020
Senior Kathleen Bishop walks readers through her day.

[ILLUSTRATED INTERVIEW] Bishop: a day in the life

Melissa Nie, Director of RubicOnline
December 12, 2019
When given the option, will you shut the laptop screen and open a notebook to take control of your success in school?

[Photo] [STAFF EDITORIAL] Stop allowing (or creating) tech distractions in class

RubicOnline Staff
December 8, 2019
History of Thought is a weekly podcast series.

[Photo] History of Thought (Ep 1): Ethics and Academic Honesty

Sameer Bijwadia, Contributor
December 12, 2019
Captains Maddy Breton and Lauren Dieperink and senior Henrik Schleisman pose for a photo as they wait for their race to start.

Nordic kicks off season with successful meets

Melissa Nie, Director of RubicOnline
December 8, 2019
Disney+ is simply another option in a rapidly-expanding pool of streaming services. Image from "Disney+ contributes to streaming service problem."

Disney+ contributes to streaming service problem

Melissa Nie, Director of RubicOnline
December 8, 2019
US Science teacher Steve Heilig explains Mercury's transit. "If during November or May, Mercury is lined up with us in the sun, then, in fact, it will be right across the face of the sun," he said.

Heilig hosts mid-afternoon star party

Melissa Nie, Director of RubicOnline
November 13, 2019
The gathering occurred on Oct. 26. Families set goals, talked about intercultural books, and shared experiences.

Families of color gathering sets goals for future

Melissa Nie, Director of RubicOnline
October 31, 2019
mxmtoon started off by singing "blame game," a song about reconciling with someone from her past in her dream.

[CONCERT REVIEW] mxmtoon enthralls audience with incredible performance

Melissa Nie, Director of RubicOnline
October 31, 2019
Sophomore Clara Garner and junior Isabelle Wolpert talk at the Grand Opening.

Grand Opening showcases grand achievements

Melissa Nie, Director of RubicOnline
October 14, 2019
Senior Sameer Bijwadia's daily routine follows a few set patterns.

[ILLUSTRATED INTERVIEW] Bijwadia: a day in the life

Melissa Nie, Director of RubicOnline
October 1, 2019
Students must become more proactive about their waste habits and be aware of their impact on the environment.

[Photo] [STAFF EDITORIAL] The trash and recycling system is simple. Use it.

RubicOnline Staff
September 25, 2019
"My friend and I were planning on doing something similar to this for Halloween, but since duo day came up we decided to do it sooner instead," 9th grader Gracie Hedberg said.

[Photo] The school sees double in Tuesday’s homecoming events

Tana Ososki and Lucia Granja
September 25, 2019
Senior Will Rathmanner tosses a ball in the air as he faces his opponents in the dodgeball tournament.

[Photo] A blast from the past: Decades Day revives fashion trends

Zekiah Juliusson, RubicOnline
September 26, 2019
Every year, a senior is selected to be the face of homecoming. Senior Henrik Schleisman celebrates being chosen as the Spartan.

Seniors show off school spirit in Spartan auditions

Melissa Nie, Director of RubicOnline
September 19, 2019
Armed with melancholy but catchy tunes about love, moving on, and loneliness, mxmtoon draws in listeners and is rising through the charts.

[ALBUM REVIEW] mxmtoon captures nostalgic view of love and adolescence

Melissa Nie, Director of RubicOnline
September 18, 2019
The social media posts incited response from the community, but the response may not be what the post creator expected.

Short-lived Twitter account raises questions about diversity

Melissa Nie and Noah Raaum
May 29, 2019
US History teacher Olivia Rodriguez with her dog, Lily.

[PEOPLE AND PETS] Lost and found

Melissa Nie, Director of RubicOnline
May 8, 2019
When candidates are not given enough time to campaign, students often end up not knowing who they are voting for.

Longer campaigns would give students more insights

Tana Ososki and Melissa Nie
May 7, 2019
Alumnus Sam McVeety gives a talk about digital redlining.

Speaker Day educates students about ethics in science

Melissa Nie, RubicOnline Editor
April 24, 2019
IMG_0892 (1)

Lower School Science Night inspires scientific curiosity

Melissa Nie, RubicOnline Editor
April 6, 2019
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