The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

The Rubicon
CLUB FUN. Ninth grader Louise Mahoney and Junior Nora McKoy chat at Youth in Government Club
How club leaders keep new members
November 14, 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 13, 2024
The different types of ways that AI can be integrated into school life.
As schools develop policy, AI evolves quickly
November 13, 2024
CLEANED UP COMMONS. The English Commons, which is the designated ninth-grade space, has trash on all tables by the end of the day, including drinks, paper and clothing.
Trash in the English Commons reaches a breaking point
November 12, 2024
STUDENT VOICE. The Upper School Council presidents share the agenda at a recent bi-weekly meeting. Elected councils meet on Mondays, but USC subcommittees may meet more frequently to achieve their goals.
Upper School Council sets priorities for the year
November 11, 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
POLITICAL RELATIONS. Politics is dividing the nation, but should it divide friendships?
[2 SIDES, 1 ISSUE] Are politics a dealbreaker in friendships?
November 2, 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
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
VALUES REIMAGINED. The school’s six core values are: achievement, accountability, community, resilience, inventiveness, and passion. These can remain important guiding principles for current students and alumni/ae of the school; they take on new meaning but are still applicable for graduates’ next journeys.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Packing up the school’s greatest gifts doesn’t require a backpack
May 28, 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
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
AI’s latest target: Cinema?
October 11, 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
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
SAFE STREETS. Lake Street was greatly impacted by protests in 2020, but has not been an area of serious concern for some time. Sophomore Adi Narayan, who lives near Uptown, said, "It’s not all just shootings and rough neighborhoods and stuff like that. It’s a mix of places, and it’s not just one thing.” (Flickr CC license 2.0 Chad Davis)
Is Minneapolis as dangerous as it is portrayed?
November 5, 2024
The metamorphosis of style
The metamorphosis of style
November 4, 2024
HARD AT WORK. Ninth grader Hank Harp works on fixing a train. Harp utilizes mechanical tools that require skill to handle.
From trains to tanks: Hank Harp’s hands-on journey in mechanics
November 3, 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 6, 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
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
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 6, 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
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
PRE-SEASON HYPE: Junior Ella Bond glides onto the ice at a captains practice in the Blake Bears Arena. Excitement is in the air as players prepare for the upcoming tryouts.
A new co-op rises from Phoenix ashes
November 5, 2024
Class of 2024 committed athletes. (left to right) Ethan Carter (Occidental College), Tysen Hayes (Carleton College), Griffin Schwab Mahoney (St. Olaf), Cooper Olson (Gustavus), Will Black (St. Olaf), Naomi Kempcke (St. Olaf). All of these athletes have completed the process of recruitment with the help of SPA's athletic programs.
Navigating the journey from high school to college athletics
November 5, 2024
SYNC. All of the swimmers dive in sync into the water.
Sparks boast PR bonanza at conference
November 4, 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
TRIPLE CROWN. BVS celebrates their third consecutive state tournament win. Some players hold up three fingers and bite their medals in celebration.
BVS completes ‘three-peat’ after decisive victory over Lourdes High School
November 3, 2024
BVS advances to state final after defeating Pine Island/Zumbrota-Mazeppa in penalty kicks
BVS advances to state final after defeating Pine Island/Zumbrota-Mazeppa in penalty kicks
October 31, 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
RELAY. Senior Connor Overgaard begins the first leg of the 200 medley relay with backstroke. "I'm proud of this relay," he said.
Bhargava and Overgaard compete at state following a record-breaking performance at sections
March 3, 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
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
VARIATION. “DRIP” numbers 6-8 focus on shades and hues rather than patterns, as in the earlier works of the series.
[DRAKE GALLERY] hosts new alumni exhibit “Spreading Ashes”
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
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
Senior superlatives for the Class of 2024
Senior superlatives for the Class of 2024
June 9, 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
Nora McKoy

Nora McKoy, Rubicon TV Producer

Nora McKoy (she/her) loves spending her free time with friends or testing out a new recipe for Starbucks cake pops she found online. She also enjoys exploring her different passions from volleyball to baking to making slime. At school, McKoy is involved in the Junior Class Student Council (JCLC), Community Action Service Club (CAS), and is on the varsity volleyball team. McKoy works as Rubicon TV Producer on RubicOnline and can be reached at [email protected].

All content by Nora McKoy
READY TO GO. Seconds before the girls race begins, the team gets in position to race.

Focus and unity fuel cross country team’s strong showing at IMAC Championships

Yassin Mokbel and Nora McKoy
October 12, 2024

Senior superlatives for the Class of 2024

Nora McKoy, RubicOnline
June 9, 2024
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[Photo] [HOW TO] Got time? Make slime.

Audrey Jansen, RubicOnline
May 30, 2024
HERSPACE VOLUNTEERS. HerSpace facilitated a volunteering event with Girls on the Run Minnesota May 16. The volunteers packed bags, made team signs and more. "It was such a cool experience getting to see the headquarters and it was so fun to see everyone there," said Junior Sydney Zimmerman.

HerSpace members volunteer at Girls on the Run Minnesota

Nora McKoy, RubicOnline
May 22, 2024
EMPOWERING TOGETHER. Freshman Tallulah Dogwell and Via Campbell as well as HerSpace advisor Kathryn Campbell worked on putting together school signs for runners.

ATHENA. Meza's teammates commend her leadership and passion on the field and ice. "She is so hardworking and encouraging and you can tell she loves whatever sport she's playing and all of her teammates,” sophomore Lucia Gonzalez said.

Aurelia Meza named 2024 Athena

Nora McKoy, RubicOnline
April 24, 2024
DEBATED DOLLAR. Individual buying power can help enact corporate and political change. Make consumer decisions based on personal values. "It's up to the consumer whether their money goes towards the sustainable or unsustainable," McKoy writes.

Reclaim power as a consumer, hold companies accountable

Nora McKoy, RubicOnline
April 24, 2024
In this podcast, Nora McKoy talks with Opinion Editor Siri Pattison to discuss the story behind creating "Now, that's a Wrapped" A&E story.

[STORY BEHIND THE STORY] “Now, that’s a Wrapped” with Siri Pattison

Nora McKoy, RubicOnline
April 18, 2024
WALK THE LINE. Senior Audrey Senaratna gets ready for her second try at mtaching the graph. The crowd laughs as Upper School science teacher Scot Hovan jokes about a sibling rivalry between Senaratna and her younger brother and 2024 freshman graph matching champion Isaak Senaratna.

[Video] Seniors walk the line (and lean) in graph matching reclaimed

Nora McKoy, RubicOnline
March 15, 2024
GOOD OR BAD which couple is put on which pedestal?

Obsessing over celebrities is unhealthy

Nora McKoy, RubicOnline
March 4, 2024

Join the 24-25 Rubicon or RubicOnline staff

Clara McKoy, Nora McKoy, and Mariam Malik
February 28, 2024
SPEAK OUT. Student journalists and their supporters across the U.S. spend this day "raising awareness of the challenges they face, celebrating their contributions to their schools and communities, and taking actions to protect and restore their First Amendment freedoms." (image and text reprinted with permission from studentpressfreedom.org)

Reflecting on Student Press Freedom Day

RubicOnline Staff
February 22, 2024

Swap & sustain: HerSpace dress exchange promotes connection

Nora McKoy, RubicOnline
February 9, 2024
Start your public transit journey today

Start your public transit journey today

Nora McKoy, RubicOnline
December 22, 2023
EASY TO PLAY. A large reason why pickleball has grown so quickly is accessibility. One doesn't need great athletic abilities or large sums of money to get started.

Pickleball provides fun for casuals and competitive alike

Nora McKoy, RubicOnline
December 15, 2023
Believing, thinking, feeling, doing

Believing, thinking, feeling, doing

Nora McKoy, RubicOnline
December 12, 2023
SAFE TRAVELS. French IV students chose a city in France for their recent project, where they developed a two-week itinerary.

Want to know more about France? In French IV, that means plan a trip

Nora McKoy, RubicOnline
December 1, 2023
OPINIONATED VOICES. The RubicOnline Staff wrote flash opinion as part of an editing workshop taught by Production Manager Eliana Mann.

Speaking our minds

RubicOnline Staff
November 30, 2023
LOCKED IN. German teacher Rachel Ruddick talks to her German II students in her class of 6 on Wednesday.

Small class sizes create unique learning opportunities for German students

Nora McKoy, RubicOnline
November 1, 2023
SHARING CULTURE. Latinos Unidos provided Conchas, Mexican sweetbreads, for students at their May Cinco De Mayo celebration. "[Cinco de Mayo] is a very Americanized holiday, and that is really the only community outreach type thing we do,” Latinos Unidos member Amalia Laguna said. She wishes there was more school-wide recognition for Hispanic Heritage Month.

[Photo] Reflecting on Hispanic Heritage Month through food and celebration

Siri Pattison, RubicOnline
October 18, 2023
LEARNING. Spanish teacher Pam Starkey said, “We're all always on the lookout for ways that we can use technology to improve our speaking skills, our writing skills, reading, etc.” With so many options, though, it can be hard to know which platform is right for each individual's learning goals.

Study Spanish outside of class with online learning platforms

Nora McKoy, RubicOnline
October 11, 2023
SEE THE RAINBOW. Layers of blue, red, yellow and green began to form as the K-12 assembly started 9:30 Tuesday.

[PHOTO GALLERY] Spartans from every campus sport their class colors

Nora McKoy, A&E Editor
October 3, 2023
A tense game against Rochester Lourdes ends in stalemate for boys soccer

A tense game against Rochester Lourdes ends in stalemate for boys soccer

Nora McKoy, RubicOnline
September 20, 2023
NEW YEAR NEW US. Annie Bai and Amalia Laguna walk past the blank college counseling board. The board brimmed with personality in the spring. Now, bare of colorful posters and college pennants, it begs to be filled for the new year.

[Photo] [PHOTO STORY] First day photo breakdown

RubicOnline Staff
August 25, 2023
CLUB FAIR At the beginning of the year all the clubs advertise their group to boost recruitment and gain members.

Club engagement thrives: everyone benefits

Nora McKoy
May 26, 2023
BLINDFOLDED. Junior Arden Lillemoe takes his turn to swing at the piñata.

Latinos Unidos hosts Cinco de Mayo celebration

Nora McKoy, RubicOnline
May 7, 2023
WHOOPS. Junior Carys Hardy broke the piñata buster after misaiming and hitting the ground. Students in the courtyard laughed with surprise.

CONCHA TREAT. Students try Mexican sweet bread during the Cinco de Mayo celebration in the Lilly Courtyard. The food was accompanied by a colorful piñata filled with Mexican candy and music.

STAYING WARM Spartans Softball team jogs to the fence and back between innings in their game against Breck Apr. 14. This was the team's second game of the season putting them at a record of 2-1-0 Junior Poppy Ploen says “I'm really looking forward to seeing how our team performs because we are significantly stronger than we have been in some of our past years”

Softball thrives under second-year co-op

Nora McKoy, Staff Writer
April 29, 2023
OUTSTANDING ACTING: Angela Bassett successfully portrays the internal conflicts of her character. (Screen capture from "Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever | Official Trailer" by Marvel Entertainment on YouTube.)

Bassett dazzles in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Nora McKoy, Staff Writer
March 12, 2023

This green issue is black and white

Nora McKoy, Staff Writer
March 6, 2023

1964: New York Times vs. Sullivan

Sonia Kharbanda and Nora McKoy
February 23, 2023
STOLPERSTEINE at SPA: how German 4 students are honoring Holocaust victims. SPA’s version of the Stolpersteine is on display in the World Language hallway on Feb. 3. The German 4 students worked on these throughout January in honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Junior Luca Endorf said, “It’s nice to know that [the victims] are getting at least some recognition when they’d otherwise be forgotten about.”

German 4 Stolpersteine project offers remembrance

Sonia Kharbanda and Nora McKoy
February 7, 2023
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