The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

The Rubicon
[The 5] Biden's inflation act, Alaskan town with no light, US airplanes shot in Haiti and more
[The 5] Biden’s inflation act, Alaskan town with no light, US airplanes shot in Haiti and more
November 17, 2024
ACKNOWLEDGING THE PAST. President Joe Biden was the first president to offers an apology for the trauma that was caused by the U.S. government abusing Native Americans. (Carter Marks Media Kit)
President Biden apologies for pain and trauma caused by boarding schools
November 17, 2024
CLUB FUN. Ninth grader Louise Mahoney and junior Nora McKoy chat at the Community Action Service club
Club leaders strive to appeal to exploring 9th-graders
November 15, 2024
IN THE SPOTLIGHT. All eight ninth-grade competitors stand on stage, ready to graph match. Former champions form a panel on the right. The reigning champions served to provide “color commentary,” Hovan said.
Greatest graph-matching competition ever: Burns becomes the champion of champions
November 14, 2024
The different types of ways that AI can be integrated into school life.
As schools develop policy, AI evolves quickly
November 13, 2024
ANALYSIS WITH AN AGENDA. In the midst of No-phone-vember and following an assembly where students were presented slideshows of data, many feel the graphs misrepresented the student survey responses.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Clear as mud: a call for data transparency
November 16, 2024
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
Oasis: AI generated Minecraft?
November 15, 2024
TREASURE TROVE. Ocean exploration has benefited humanity from medicine to predicting severe weather.
From climate change to cures, ocean exploration deserves more investment
November 14, 2024
Cross-cultural connection key to international relations: why panda diplomacy is a good thing
Cross-cultural connection key to international relations: why panda diplomacy is a good thing
November 12, 2024
Mistrust of SCOTUS reflects national trend
Mistrust of SCOTUS reflects national trend
November 5, 2024
ANALYSIS WITH AN AGENDA. In the midst of No-phone-vember and following an assembly where students were presented slideshows of data, many feel the graphs misrepresented the student survey responses.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Clear as mud: a call for data transparency
November 16, 2024
LOOK AROUND. Attending cultural events means living the value of community and is an opportunity to learn about your peers.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Create time to show up for cultural events
October 31, 2024
ACCOMMODATIONS, NOT ADVANTAGES. Neurodivergence is often misunderstood in the learning environment. Students may contribute intentionally or unintentionally to this culture by stigmatizing students who use extended time or other arrangements.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Misunderstood, stigmatized: more neurodivergence awareness needed
October 29, 2024
COMMUNITY VALUES. Administrators, teachers and students should put in the work to reflect the new five school values: community, purpose, kindness, excellence and belonging.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Let the new values shape your heart and mind
September 25, 2024
INSPIRE ACTION. Land Acknowledgments serve to spread awareness about the Indigenous communities that inhabited this land and remind listeners of Indigenous peoples’ ongoing presence. Students have a responsibility to take these Land Acknowledgments seriously and advocate for further restorative actions.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Land Acknowledgments are more than just empty words
September 24, 2024
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
Oasis: AI generated Minecraft?
November 15, 2024
ANXIETY. Many feel anxious about the election because the outcome could impact their lives significantly. However, it is important to remember you can take steps to care for your well-being.
[POLITICAL PULSE] Be mindful of mental health this election season
November 1, 2024
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
Hearing Health: Apple’s AirPods become clinical hearing aids and… concert earplugs?
November 1, 2024
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
Big brother is always watching… your television?
October 25, 2024
Chronically Online is a monthly column to help readers develop media literacy skills. (Image created in Adobe Express)
The shocking way clickbait manipulates you
October 21, 2024
New phone policy ignores student perspectives
New phone policy ignores student perspectives
October 3, 2024
There are healthier ways to find value in life than thinking about death
There are healthier ways to find value in life than thinking about death
December 5, 2023
No longer a bystander
No longer a bystander
November 29, 2023
Bring more awareness to seasonal depression
Bring more awareness to seasonal depression
November 4, 2023
Community time worth more than passing time
Community time worth more than passing time
October 5, 2023
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
WINGS OUT. Gjerde flies through the water, completing the first 25 yards out of 100 in her event.
Adele Gjerde shines at state for her final high school swim meet
November 17, 2024
ITS OFFICIAL. Sawyer Bollinger Danielson signs her National Letter of Intent to play Division One soccer at the University of Minnesota.
Signing Day: Sawyer Bollinger Danielson commits to the University of Minnesota
November 15, 2024
GO LONG. Jesse Wussler throws a side arm throw past the rushing Juan Miguel Adams.
Ultimate Frisbee Club keeps passion alive in the off-season
November 14, 2024
STATE BOUND. Avi Coleman dives into the water and secures her place on and the state competition.
Sparks athletes swim to state in the 6AA section meet
November 10, 2024
KEEP ON GOING. Spark Swimmers compete to beat their competitors.
Sparks swim and dive dominates at final regular season meet
November 7, 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
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
Maddy Fisher

Maddy Fisher, Editor in Chief

Hi! I’m Maddy Fisher, the Editor-in-Chief of The Rubicon. This is my fourth year on staff, though I missed the fall of my junior year to attend a semester-away program. I’ve previously worked as the Opinions Editor, the InDepth Editor, and as a Staff Writer. In my free time, I love to travel, read, watch Batman movies, and play soccer and volleyball. One fun fact about me is that I am genetically unable to swim. You can reach me at [email protected].

All content by Maddy Fisher
FRESHMAN TREK. Maddy Fisher settles into her new life at Dartmouth with high hopes. She began the school year with a hiking trip with other first-year students. “It was super chaotic and incredibly difficult but really fun,” Fisher said.

[Photo] Charting the college journey: ’23 alumni pursue next paths

Olympia Wolff, Rubicon
October 7, 2023
A MAGICAL READ. The Magic Fish uses color to differentiate between time and reality. FAIR USE: Random House Graphic

EIC Maddy Fish(er) reviews (The Magic) Fish

Maddy Fisher, The Rubicon
May 9, 2023
PATH TO HEALING. There are a number of diagnosable conditions known as Eating Disorders that are unique from disordered eating behaviors.

Eating Disorders: diagnosis, process, and healing

Maddy Fisher, Eliza Farley, and Claire Kim
May 2, 2023

Road to recovery requires support

Maddy Fisher, Editor in Chief
May 2, 2023

From the EIC: an apology to our readers

Maddy Fisher, Editor in Chief
April 27, 2023
WOMEN'S DAY. “I feel like if I talk about my experience as a woman too much, I brand myself as too much of a feminist and then no one listens, because they just assume that I'm angry and bitter,” Solvej Eversoll said. “I’m not afraid to call myself a feminist, but I do feel the need to pick and choose my battles because I want people to take me seriously.”

Factions of feminism (and the responses to the movement) have shaped history

Maddy Fisher, Editor in Chief
March 8, 2023
VALUES. As the search for a new principal is underway, one of the most important questions is: what is important to SPA community members in the search process?

Fourth principal search in five years begins

Maddy Fisher, Editor in Chief
February 5, 2023
ROYAL COUNSEL. Savannah Switzer and Aarushi Bahadur play King Claudius and Polonius, the two sharing a moment of concern over the future of the kingdom due to the actions of prince Hamlet.

“I definitely was not expecting to enjoy it as much as I did.”

Maddy Fisher, The Rubicon
February 1, 2023
CAMPAIGN CALAMITY. During election season, political campaigning runs rampant as candidates work to garner interest for their causes. Lawn signs with colorful logos are not an uncommon sighting.

What goes into a political campaign?

Maddy Fisher, Editor in Chief
November 8, 2022
LET's RECAP. With the conclusion of most fall sports, with the exception of teams currently in section or state tournaments, the highlights (and lowlights) of each team are shared with the community.

2022 Fall sports recap: Wins, losses, and teamwork

Orion Kim, Eliza Farley, Maddy Fisher, and Claire Kim
October 27, 2022
DRIBBLE TO THE GOAL. Sophomore Ezra Straub dribbles the ball up the field in BVS’ game against Minnehaha Academy.

Soccer sees no “I” in “team”

Maddy Fisher, Editor in Cheif
October 24, 2022
BREAKING THE SURFACE. After streamlining underwater, a backstroker breaks the surface and begins her strokes.

Sparks Swim and Dive captains focused on support

Maddy Fisher, Editor-In-Chief
October 24, 2022
FIELD FANS. Leo Sampsell-Jones leads the traditional storming of the field.

Seniors carry on the tradition of Spartan spirit

Maddy Fisher, Editor in Chief
October 17, 2022
FAIR GAME. Student Activities Committee leaders Mimi Huelster and Autumn Spaulding consult with SAC advisor Mallory Schmidt to make an announcement at the ping-pong tournament Sep. 19. SAC planned a variety of activities for each day of homecoming week. “Organizing ping pong was super fun,” Huelster said. “It was a pain to only have one table but it was still really awesome.” SAC did a great job of setting a tone of keeping tradition while adding new opportunities for student participation.

[Photo] Mutual engagement is essential for student voice

Orion Kim, The Rubicon
October 18, 2022
[BOOK REVIEW] In Two Nurses, Smoking: Stories, Means touches the heart

[BOOK REVIEW] In Two Nurses, Smoking: Stories, Means touches the heart

Maddy Fisher, The Rubicon
October 4, 2022
WRITING ON THE WALL. Every day, dozens of students walk past the mission statement on the wall outside Head of School Luis Ottley’s office. Ottley spoke about the significance of the statement at assembly on the first day of school. Ottley said, “...I thought it might be sort of good for people to know why I’m here.”

[Photo] [GOOD QUESTION] How did SPA choose its mission statement?

October 3, 2022
THROUGH THE FOG. Similar to navigating through the fog, Ziemer has learned to overcome the challenges of rowing in the frigid cold winters of Minnesota. “We’re off the water half of the year...It’s pretty hard to stay in competition,” he said. Despite the challenges Ziemer will be competing at a final in nationals. SUBMITTED PHOTO: Griffin Ziemer

Navigating adversity with grit

Maddy Fisher, The Rubicon
May 17, 2022
In this photo, I’m asking a guest speaker a question about their work. Typically, each week is dedicated to a case study regarding a certain topic. Each case study has an average of three guest speaker sessions, in which students can ask any questions they have.

A day in the life: my time in the capital city

Maddy Fisher, The Rubicon
January 10, 2022
Urban camping options and park districts just outside of the Twin Cities provide a number of ways to leave screens and schedules behind. See more details about each campsite in the StoryMap at the bottom of the story.

Pitch a tent. Escape at a nearby campsite.

Maddy Fisher, The Rubicon
June 7, 2021
Medical diagnoses are useful when it comes to treatment, but can often lead to a binary view of whether or not someone has a condition.

[Photo] Diagnosis does not equal destiny

Hazel Waltenbaugh, The Rubicon
June 1, 2021
[CROSSING THE RUBICON] Ep.7: Whoso List to Hunt, I Know Where is an Hind with Maddy Fisher

[CROSSING THE RUBICON] Ep.7: Whoso List to Hunt, I Know Where is an Hind with Maddy Fisher

Maddy Fisher, The Rubicon
May 30, 2021
Crossing the Rubicon is a monthly podcast where Maddy Fisher interviews people about their poetry related interests and projects.

[CROSSING THE RUBICON] Ep. 6: Sidewalk Poetry with Jordy Breslau

Maddy Fisher, The Rubicon
May 16, 2021
Crossing the Rubicon is a monthly podcast where Maddy Fisher interviews people about their poetry related interests and projects.

[CROSSING THE RUBICON] Ep. 5: Poetry with Philip de Sa e Silva

Maddy Fisher, The Rubicon
March 22, 2021
Crossing the Rubicon is a monthly podcast where Maddy Fisher interviews people about their poetry related interests and projects.

[CROSSING THE RUBICON] Ep. 4: Poetry with Andrew Inchiosa

Maddy Fisher, The Rubicon
February 22, 2021
Crossing the Rubicon is a monthly podcast where Maddy Fisher interviews people about their poetry related interests and projects.

[CROSSING THE RUBICON] Ep. 3: A Noiseless Patient Spider with Michael Moran

Maddy Fisher, The Rubicon
January 21, 2021
Crossing the Rubicon is a monthly podcast where Maddy Fisher interviews people about their poetry related interests and projects.

[CROSSING THE RUBICON] Ep. 2: The Lockless Door with Valerie Wick

Maddy Fisher, The Rubicon
December 1, 2020
Spaulding showcases the sika stag she shot this season.

Autumn Spalding learns life lessons from hunting

Maddy Fisher, The Rubicon
November 30, 2020
Crossing the Rubicon is a monthly podcast where Maddy Fisher interviews people about their poetry related interests and projects.

[CROSSING THE RUBICON] Ep. 1: Poetry with Bev O’Malley

Maddy Fisher, The Rubicon
October 31, 2020
Senior Aman Rahman's set-up for mentoring.

Mentor Program adjusts to pandemic

Maddy Fisher, The Rubicon
September 29, 2020
Departing teachers reflect on time at SPA

Departing teachers reflect on time at SPA

Maddy Fisher, RubicOnline
May 29, 2020
[OUTSIDE THE BOX] Ep. 3: Becca's baking business

[OUTSIDE THE BOX] Ep. 3: Becca’s baking business

Maddy Fisher, Staff Writer
March 27, 2020
Head of Debate, Tom Fones, teaches one of his many debate classes this semester.

Debate balance: success & “awesome”

Maddy Fisher, Staff Writer
November 4, 2019
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