The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

The Rubicon
Embracing Indigenous culture: a month of learning
Embracing Indigenous culture: a month of learning
November 1, 2024
[NEWS IN BRIEF] USC's annual blood drive cancelled
[NEWS IN BRIEF] USC’s annual blood drive cancelled
October 31, 2024
FIREWORKS. Traditional Diwali fireworks explode at night to honor light over darkness as the celebration commences.
Asian Student Alliance hosts inaugural Diwali celebration in the Upper School
October 30, 2024
HOMEWORK. Zack Berchenko does Adv. Mechanics with Calculus homework in his living room. Submitted photo: Tara Berchenko
Student perspectives on mid-semester academics
October 30, 2024
ELEVATING EDUCATION. Clinical Director Brian Yanagita talks about his work at The Bridge Autism Clinic. “There is a wonderful emphasis in our field on dignity and respect … There’s a lot of interaction with one-on-one therapy and we really want to help our children feel like they have a say, they have a voice,” Yanagita said to the attendees. Neurodiversity Group hosted Yanagita as a guest speaker Oct. 10.
Guest speaker Yanagita brings neurodiversity awareness to campus
October 29, 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
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
IN PERSON, TELEHEALTH. The Planned Parenthood clinic on Vandalia Ave. in Saint Paul offers a number of low to no cost services. PP is the largest provider of sex education, according to their website
Election threatens teens access to reproductive healthcare
October 30, 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
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
CARPOOL CONVERSATIONS. Juniors Leah Passe and Nyx Wells commute to school everyday in the morning. Their time carpooling together has lead to many conversations and has fostered their connection. (Photo submitted by Leah Passe)
Nyx Wells and Leah Passe find more than just convenience in carpooling
November 2, 2024
FAMILY FIRST. Reuniting during the holiday season, senior Serene Kalugdan’s extended family gather around a Christmas tree for a photo.
AWAY FROM HOME: Immigration woven into family histories
October 30, 2024
WORK HARD, ACHEIVE GOALS. Ninth-grader Kate Tuttle finds a balance between her social, personal, and academic life, juggling soccer, school, voice lessons, and viola through finding methods that incorporate each aspect. (PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: Annie Zhang)
How do you balance academics, extracurriculars, and a social life?
October 29, 2024
THROUGH THE MAP. Chen's favorite branch of geography is human geography. He finds it as a way to learn about all the different cultures and cuisines of the world.
De-An Chen unlocks the world through geography
October 27, 2024
Ninth graders adjusted to new routines and expectations at the start of the school year. But for some upperclassmen, the time is right to share insight for those who were in their shoes. "…I think it’s important to remember that not everything is that big of a deal," junior Devi Nelson said.
Been there, done that: a little mid-semester advice for ninth graders
October 21, 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
TIME FOR A THROWBACK. Junior Eli Henretta relaxes at home surrounded by records old and new alike. Submitted photo: Eli Henretta
Beyond streaming: students find new connection in old-school music media
October 30, 2024
CLASSIC. Silence fills the room as students are captivated by the the classic 1960 horror mystery film, Psycho.
Frights and flicks: film club hosts Halloween movie night
October 30, 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
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
WELCOME BACK. English alt-rock group, bôa, releases their first album in twenty years. The album, titled "Whiplash," features incredible instrumentals and highlights Jasmine Rodgers' unique vocals (Screenshot from "Bôa - Whiplash (Official Music Video)" by Bôa on YouTube).
[ALBUM REVIEW] Two decades later, bôa’s still got it on Whiplash
October 21, 2024
BVS headed to US Bank after penalty shootout drama
Spartan boys soccer headed to US Bank after penalty shootout drama
October 30, 2024
IN POSITION. The Wolfpack puts the ball back in play after halftime.
SMB falls to Delano in last regular-season game
October 28, 2024
RACE READY. Junior Maren Overgaard uses mantras or little phrases to keep her going when running. "I like to repeat little things in my head, because I get really focused on splits, where I am in the race and who's next to me and all that stuff," she said. The term "splits" refers to the time it takes a runner to complete a specific distance within a race. (SPA SmugMug).
Maren Overgaard uses mantras to gain a mental edge in cross country
October 28, 2024
GVS ADVANCES TO STATE. Captain Annie Zhang holds the section win trophy high as the team cheers.
Twice as sweet: GVS advances to state
October 22, 2024
#WINNING. Spartan Varsity Soccer pose with their Section Winner trophy.
BVS ready to threepeat, headed to state tournament
October 22, 2024
BVS headed to US Bank after penalty shootout drama
Spartan boys soccer headed to US Bank after penalty shootout drama
October 30, 2024
IN POSITION. The Wolfpack puts the ball back in play after halftime.
SMB falls to Delano in last regular-season game
October 28, 2024
GVS ADVANCES TO STATE. Captain Annie Zhang holds the section win trophy high as the team cheers.
Twice as sweet: GVS advances to state
October 22, 2024
#WINNING. Spartan Varsity Soccer pose with their Section Winner trophy.
BVS ready to threepeat, headed to state tournament
October 22, 2024
Dramatic overtime win sends BVS to the Section 3A final
Dramatic overtime win sends BVS to the Section 3A final
October 17, 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
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
Life expectancy around the world
Life expectancy around the world
October 29, 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
(created in Adobe Express)
[RUBIPOLL] Cast your vote
October 22, 2024
Q&A with German exchange students
Q&A with German exchange students
October 20, 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
BEHIND THE SCENES. Sonia Kharbanda interviewed five new teachers: Librarian assistant, Tina Tsui; math teacher, Jack Kinseth; english teacher, Meghan Joyce; councelor, Jake Turnbloom; and math teacher Rane Bice.
[STORY BEHIND THE STORY] Sonia Kharbanda’s “Two truths and one lie,” teachers edition
September 18, 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
[HOW TO] Got time? Make slime.
[HOW TO] Got time? Make slime.
May 30, 2024
Out on the road: life as a student driver
Out on the road: life as a student driver
May 24, 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
Emma Sampson

Emma Sampson, Sports Editor

Emma Sampson is the Sports Editor at RubicOnline. Going into her third year on staff, she is excited to edit and publish in a section that she is passionate about. Outside of sports reporting she loves photojournalism and capturing memories around the school with HOSPA (Humans of SPA). In addition to Emma’s role on the staff, she is a Girls Varsity Soccer captain and works at Crave American Kitchen and Sushi Bar. Emma can be reached at [email protected].

All content by Emma Sampson
Posted on social media to gain attention for the new app.

Tech Trends: Harry Potter Pokemon Go expected to hit the market

Emma Sampson, RubicOnline Editor
April 30, 2019
Senior Emma Sampson working at CRAVE American Kitchen and Sushi Bar.

Jobs should count towards senior project hours

Emma Sampson, RubicOnline Editor
April 24, 2019
Three SPA ASR students (Ethan Dincer, Nitya Thakkar, and Melissa Nie) qualified for ISEF on Mar. 30-31.

[Photo] Three students named ISEF finalists, many more win individual awards

Emma Sampson, RubicOnline Editor
April 5, 2019

The Power of Questions: Mia Litman

Emma Sampson, RubicOnline Editor
March 16, 2019
Recent tech trends see the purchase of new technology going down.

Tech Trends: the not so plugged in generation

Emma Sampson, RubicOnline Editor
March 13, 2019
Geise stands in net during the quarterfinal round of the 2019 state tournament at the Xcel Energy Center.

Q&A with spartan of the month Kenzie Giese

Emma Sampson, RubicOnline Editor
March 12, 2019
Signs outside the health office advertise the opening of the infirmary.

[Photo] New health office offers a vital resource to community

Emma Sampson, RubicOnline Editor
February 22, 2019
The Plaza Theater in Maplewood as seen from the parking lot.

The Plaza

Emma Sampson, RubicOnline Editor
February 20, 2019
Students hosted a bake sale to prepare for their trip to India.

[Photo] India trip preparation focuses on multicultural experience

Julia Baron, The Rubicon Editor
March 7, 2019
Students often find themselves scrolling between Facebok and Instagram.

Tech Trends: Will Facebook disappear?

Emma Sampson, RubicOnline Editor
March 5, 2019
IMG_6526

[Photo] Throwback Theaters

Emma Sampson, RubicOnline Editor
February 20, 2019
The Riverview as seen from the street.

The Riverview

Emma Sampson, RubicOnline Editor
February 20, 2019
Senior Gabby Harmoning and sophomore Maxanne Millerhaller sell baked goods to the SPA community during lunch.

[Photo] India trip supports global community through bake sale

Nitya Thakkar, Aureus EIC
February 9, 2019
Bottern pursues passion via APB Designed

Bottern pursues passion via APB Designed

Emma Sampson, RubicOnline Editor
February 5, 2019
Bird Box memes created viral interest for the show, even amongst people who haven't seen it.

Twitter memes draws followers to Netflix’s Bird Box

Emma Sampson, RubicOnline Editor
January 24, 2019
Ruth Huss '57 listens to applause from students and faculty before her speech to the school. “I'm standing here today in this beautiful facility and am thankful to this very school which helped me form the foundation of my life,” Huss said.

In address to students, Huss thanks Summit School, inspires generosity

Emma Sampson, RubicOnline Editor
January 17, 2019
Sophomore class leadership council, advised by Ned Heckman, meets to discuss their agenda coming back from winter break.

Class leadership councils offer unique skills

Emma Sampson, RubicOnline Editor
December 14, 2018
The SPA debate team strategies after the first round of eliminations.

SPA competes in debate national qualifier

Emma Sampson, RubicOnline Editor
December 13, 2018
Ninth grader Graciela Whitaker-Castaneda practices her block coding skills during hour of code.

STC hosts first annual Hour of Code

Emma Sampson, RubicOnline Editor
December 10, 2018
Senior Muriel Lang shows senior Janie Brunell Instagram's new secret story feature.

Instagram copies Snapchat, users think it’s old news

Emma Sampson, RubicOnline Editor
December 7, 2018
Junior Celeste Parke-Reimer, along with fellow classmates, share how they celebrate tradition during the holidays.

Apple AirPods punctuate the halls at SPA. “I love the AirPods because it makes listening to music with my friends super easy. We used to have to sit really close together while doing homework if we wanted to listen to music. Now, we can share the headphones super easily; I have one ear while my friend has the other. I love it,” junior Pia Schultz said.

The AirPod takeover

Emma Sampson, RubicOnline Editor
November 21, 2018
Advisor Mary Lincoln and PEP President Iris Shaker-Check holding the invasive buck thorn roots that plague Crosby Farm Park.

PEP pulls invasive species by the Mississippi

Emma Sampson, RubicOnline Editor
November 13, 2018
Lagos attempts to score.

Lagos earns a spot as Mr. Soccer finalist

Emma Sampson, RubicOnline Editor
October 28, 2018
The quick add concept has been uploaded to the top bar of Instagram profiles.

[TECH TRENDS] Instagram pulls Snapchat users with similar features

Emma Sampson, RubicOnline Editor
October 7, 2018
"I like working on the second floor of Schilling by the windows," junior Arie Walker said. "It is really nice to be surrounded by so much light and warmth from the outdoors."

SPA Views: Students find favorite spaces

Emma Sampson, RubicOnline Editor
October 5, 2018
Juniors Helen Bartlett and Martha Sanchez twin in their soccer gear.

Homecoming week’s twin day returns as a creative SPA favorite

Emma Sampson, RubicOnline Editor
September 25, 2018
Lime Scooters seen in Kansas City.

Lime scooters and bikes dot Twin Cities landscape

Emma Sampson, RubicOnline Editor
September 18, 2018
Teacher judges give feedback and asks physics students about their work.

[PHOTO GALLERY] Physics sound sculptures record creativity

Emma Sampson, RubicOnline Editor
May 26, 2018
The speaking order for the class of 2019 was posted outside the dean's office on Monday May 7.

Juniors look ahead to senior speeches

Emma Sampson, RubicOnline Editor
May 12, 2018
[PHOTO GALLERY] Rising seniors don new t-shirts

[PHOTO GALLERY] Rising seniors don new t-shirts

Emma Sampson and
May 7, 2018
Junior Jazz Ward in class at SEGL in Washington D.C.. Ward will spend this spring semester learning about global ethics and politics. "Being nervous never really came to my mind. I knew the academics were going to be really fascinating to me and the people who share my interests," Ward said.

Jazz Ward excels in SEGL semester away

Emma Sampson, RubicOnline Editor
May 7, 2018
RAISE YOUR HAND. On April 17, Common Ground members spoke about their experiences of racism within and outside of SPA to educate the community. “Say who you want to be not who others tell you to be,” the group said. On April 24, Common Ground will be handing out ribbons to promote intersectionality and to echo the messages of their presentation.

Common Ground intimately calls for social change

Emma Sampson, RubicOnline Editor
April 17, 2018
The official Instagram page of the popular spring sport Ultimate Frisbee.

Team Instagramers: Social media keeps fans connected

Emma Sampson, RubicOnline Editor
April 5, 2018
Students for Social Justice hosted a bake sale on Feb. 27 with all proceeds going to World Without Genocide.

Genocide awareness week emphasizes the importance of education

Emma Sampson, RubicOnline Editor
March 3, 2018
Junior Nolan Gifford faces off for the puck.

Boys hockey faces off against section rival Mathomedi

Emma Sampson, RubicOnline Editor
February 1, 2018
The outside of the highland Agraculture location.

[Photo] [FOOD REVIEW] Agra Culture offers healthy options

Ellie Nowakowski, Illustrator/Infographics
February 1, 2018
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