The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

The Rubicon
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
[The 5] Invasive Earthworms, New York City smoke pollution, Russia assembling troops and more
[The 5] Invasive Earthworms, New York City smoke pollution, Russia assembling troops and more
November 12, 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 11, 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
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 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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
Alison Mitchell

Alison Mitchell, Podcast Editor

Hi! I’m Alison Mitchell (she/her), and this is my second year on staff. I was previously a Staff Writer but am now the Podcast Editor for the Rubiconline. When I’m not working on podcast content I love to act, dance, ski, listen to music, and spend time with my friends and family. A fun fact about me is that I’ve never broken a bone. You can reach me at [email protected].

All content by Alison Mitchell
[THROUGH THEIR EYES] Ep. 7 Does life have to have a specific purpose?

[THROUGH THEIR EYES] Ep. 7 Does life have to have a specific purpose?

Alison Mitchell, RubicOnline
May 30, 2023
From @labrinth on Instagram. The artist posted the album cover to his social media right as the album dropped at midnight.

[ALBUM REVIEW] Labrinth showcases lyrical and sonic storytelling talents on Ends & Begins

Alison Mitchell, RubicOnline
May 2, 2023
GAME DESIGN GURUS. Maryeva Gonzalez discusses her game with fellow senior Roberto Velez. The two of them will finish building the game as part of their senior projects.

Seifert and Gonzalez dive into the world of game design

Alison Mitchell, RubicOnline
April 20, 2023
TWO BIRDS, ONE STONE. Sophomore Lucas Granja uses the language commons as both a study and a social space. "It's usually quiet and...sometimes my friends are here," he said.

Speaking each other’s language in the World Languages commons

Alison Mitchell and Clara McKoy
April 18, 2023
SILENT SOCIALIZING. Senior Andrew Bai appreciates the calm nature of the English hallway commons. "I've kind of always been hanging out here with my friends and it's quieter than Schilling," he said.

Literary leisure take over English Commons

Alison Mitchell, Clara McKoy, and Alexandra Cardwell
April 18, 2023
[THROUGH THEIR EYES] Ep. 6 What's the social justice issue that's most important to you?

[THROUGH THEIR EYES] Ep. 6 What’s the social justice issue that’s most important to you?

Alison Mitchell, RubicOnline
April 4, 2023

What’s it like to be on The Rubicon?

Rita Li, Eliana Mann, and Alison Mitchell
March 16, 2023
Podcasts help students pursue interests

[Video] Podcasts help students pursue interests

Ivy Raya, RubicOnline
March 15, 2023
PLAYING ALONG. Senior Nolan Wagner plays keyboards during rehearsal while the orchestra plays his original composition, "Diomedes."

Nolan Wagner composes a piece for Honors Symphonia

Alison Mitchell, RubicOnline
March 14, 2023
BETTER PRODUCTS, PERIOD. USC member Cerena Karmaliani said, “We had a lot of complaints about the fact that [the current product applicators] are cardboard, there’s not different sizes [of period products], they don’t get re-stocked as frequently, and people don’t feel as comfortable going to the nurse for alternate products.” These complaints are the basis for the new subcommittee's work.

USC launches trial run of new feminine hygiene products

Alison Mitchell, RubicOnline
March 9, 2023
Science Behind Compliments Podcast Thumbnail

[Photo] The science behind giving and receiving compliments

Ali Browne and Zadie Martin
March 6, 2023
Screenshot_20230226_111339

Reflecting on MLK Day of Service

Alison Mitchell, RubicOnline
January 23, 2023

Lower School art teacher’s final exhibit inspires us to examine the interconnectedness of our world

Alison Mitchell, RubicOnline
February 15, 2023
[THROUGH THEIR EYES] Ep. 5 ChatGPT and the rise of AI

[THROUGH THEIR EYES] Ep. 5 ChatGPT and the rise of AI

Alison Mitchell, RubicOnline
February 13, 2023
What song pic 1

[Photo] What song is most meaningful to you?

Zadie Martin
February 6, 2023

First Floor

Nelson Wodarz, Alison Mitchell, and Mariam Malik
February 2, 2023
(SPA SmugMug)

One Acts bring absurdist comedy to the Huss stage

Alison Mitchell, RubicOnline
February 1, 2023
Top 5 Podcasts of 2022 cover image

[Photo] Top 5 podcasts of 2022

RubicOnline Staff
January 14, 2023
[History of SPA] Ep. 2 The evolution of SPA

[Video] [History of SPA] Ep. 2 The evolution of SPA

Alison Mitchell and Rita Li
January 6, 2023
[THROUGH THEIR EYES] Ep. 3: What makes a good friend?

[Video] [THROUGH THEIR EYES] Ep. 3: What makes a good friend?

Clara McKoy, RubicOnline
December 9, 2022
In this standalone podcast episode, Rubiconline reporter Alexandra Cardwell goes behind the scenes of an Upper School Council meeting to uncover how the council manages subcommittees, handles proposals, and plans events.

[Video] Behind the scenes with the Upper School Council

Alexandra Cardwell, RubicOnline
December 6, 2022
Ezra Straub mini feature 2

5 things you may not know about Ezra Straub

Alison Mitchell, RubicOnline
November 22, 2022
FIVE. Colbert loves the seasonal holiday drinks at Starbucks. "The iced sugar cookie lattte with 2% milk" is her favorite. She discovered the drink last winter and it is now her go-to throughout the winter months. She orders it iced despite the frigid Minn. temperatures.

[Photo] 5 things you may not know about Julia Colbert

Clara McKoy, RubicOnline
November 18, 2022
FIVE. Junior Wafa Naqvi is a self-proclaimed bird nerd. "My dad really likes birds and a lot of birds come to our bird feeders," she said. One of Naqvi's favorite feathered friends is the chickadee, and you can often find her with her binoculars, ready to check out the local wildlife.

[Photo] 5 things you may not know about Wafa Naqvi

Eliana Mann, RubicOnline
November 20, 2022
Protestors gather outside of the Supreme Court as the affirmative action cases are being heard.

The Supreme Court and affirmative action: what you need to know

Alison Mitchell, RubicOnline
November 14, 2022
[THROUGH THEIR EYES] Ep. 2: Do you believe in ghosts?

[THROUGH THEIR EYES] Ep. 2: Do you believe in ghosts?

Alison Mitchell, RubicOnline
October 23, 2022
Maya Sachs and Henry Choi (shown with former debate coach Vincent Chen) have been debate partners since the start of the 2020 debate season. "I was watching the final rounds of nationals, and afterwards when they gave awards, there's like two girls standing on the stage of like, 20 people and it and it's a bummer, because, for example, like we are no less capable and no less successful than boys in debate. But there are a lot of biases that prevent success," she said.

[Video] [UP FOR DEBATE] Ep. 2 Gender bias in debate

Ivy Raya, RubicOnline
October 14, 2022
CONFERENCE CHAMPS. The Spartans gave it their all at the conference meet to beat rival Blake by one point, earning them the title of conference champs.

Strong team community and a new coach is the recipe for cross country’s success

Alison Mitchell, RubicOnline
October 13, 2022
[HISTORY OF SPA] Ep. 1 First Impressions of SPA

[Video] [HISTORY OF SPA] Ep. 1 First Impressions of SPA

Rita Li, RubicOnline
October 12, 2022
THE REAL COST. While it may be fun to participate in the latest fashion trends, the current trend cycle, fueled by social media and fast fashion, promotes over-consumption, a practice that's both environmentally and economically harmful.

Staying on trend isn’t worth the economic and environmental damage

Alison Mitchell, Podcast Editor
October 4, 2022
Sophomore Coda Wilson wheeled around school with a recycling bin containing his binders.

WEDNESDAY DRESS UP: Anything but a backpack offers container creativity

Mariam Malik and Alison Mitchell
September 22, 2022
The Yost-Dubrow advisory makes an epic comeback in the competition after guessing the correct answer.

[PHOTO STORY] Advisory Kahoot challenge fosters spirited competition

Alison Mitchell and Mariam Malik
September 21, 2022
Maryeva bucket

BOOKS AND CARDS. Tepp's desk is full of colors and warm messages of supportive quotes she gathered from students.

Stacy Tepp – Dean of Students

Alison Mitchell, RubicOnline
September 16, 2022
Comfort took a walk outside in the Lilly's Courtyard after a long day working in the Athletic Hall.

Randy Comfort – Upper School Athletic Director

Alison Mitchell, RubicOnline
September 16, 2022
Arey's work office is neatly organized with calculators and student assessments from both Physics and Chemistry.

Stuart Arey – Chemistry/Physics

Alison Mitchell, RubicOnline
September 16, 2022
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