The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

The Rubicon
EMAIL SECOND. Principal Minnie Lee sent out a school-wide email detailing pertussis symptoms and encouraging families to stay alert by contacting their health professionals if needed.
Whooping cough outbreak prompts immediate admin action
November 21, 2024
[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 via NSPA Campaign Photo Exchange)
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
SALUTE OUR TROOPS. Celebrate the Veterans of SPA and beyond.
Never Forget: A Call to Honor Our Veterans
November 22, 2024
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
Elon Musk wants your health data. Seriously.
November 22, 2024
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
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.
Elon Musk wants your health data. Seriously.
November 22, 2024
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
Oasis: AI generated Minecraft?
November 15, 2024
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
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
SHARING A SMILE. St.Pierre laughs with his father. Photo submitted by Eugene St. Pierre.
St.Pierre brings craftsmanship to school community
November 21, 2024
GLOBAL RESEARCH. As a part of her research, Boemler visited Cambridge England in 2018 to look at books in the Kings College Library (Submitted photo from Anne Boemler).
[DISCUSSING THE DISSERATION] Ep. 1 Dr. Boemler
November 20, 2024
READY AIM FIRE. Sophomore Charlie Zakaib draws his bow back, getting ready to shoot (Submitted by Charlie Zakaib)
Charlie Zakaib perfects the art of hunting
November 19, 2024
UGGS. Whether one finds their favorite shoes through social media or DSW, every shoe is unique to their owner.
Stepping through memories: the stories our shoes tell
November 18, 2024
Sophomore Audrey Peltier pictured after her accident with her Grandma in 2015.
Whether caretaker or kid, students share adventures in babysitting
November 7, 2024
Listeners swim through the tumultuous waves of adulthood with Tyler on his eighth studio album. Fair use image by Colombia Records.
[ALBUM REVIEW] Top tracks from Tyler, The Creator’s ‘Chromakopia’
November 22, 2024
BRILLIANT BLOCKING. The Our Town cast demonstrates their blocking process early in the first act to the onlooking SPA donors.
Donor event invites theater fans to behind the scenes experience
November 21, 2024
WHERE'S WILLY? Mickey's Diner by Willy, the sister to the well-known downtown St. Paul location, is conveniently situated a mere 6-minute drive from school and right across from Crosby Farm Regional Park.
[AROUND TOWN] Mickey’s Diner by Willy serves up retro food and feels
November 19, 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
Listeners swim through the tumultuous waves of adulthood with Tyler on his eighth studio album. Fair use image by Colombia Records.
[ALBUM REVIEW] Top tracks from Tyler, The Creator’s ‘Chromakopia’
November 22, 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
EN-GARDE. Junior Rowan Moore competes in fencing match and strikes their opponent.
Fencing 101: putting on whites with Rowan Moore
November 19, 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
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
EN-GARDE. Junior Rowan Moore competes in fencing match and strikes their opponent.
Fencing 101: putting on whites with Rowan Moore
November 19, 2024
GOOD JOB. Captain Mikkel Rawdon goes in for a hug after freshman John Grimsrud makes his first basket of the game. “It felt good for this one to go in with everyone cheering” Grimsrud said.
Spartans win section semi final, compete in finals tonight
March 15, 2024
EN GARDE. Senior Maik Nguyen gets into position to fence his first round in Junior Men's Épée in the large gym as his friends watches from the sidelines.
SPA hosts fencing state tournament
March 10, 2024
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
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
[MIC’D UP] Adele Gjerde glides through the season
November 19, 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
[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
[MIC’D UP] Adele Gjerde glides through the season
November 19, 2024
Girls basketball channels unity and positivity at captains practice
Girls basketball channels unity and positivity at captains practice
November 11, 2024
Lucy Lowman shares her journey on the girls varsity soccer team
Lucy Lowman shares her journey on the girls varsity soccer team
November 2, 2024
Junior Zahra Wiedmann and senior Veronica Dixon share their knowledge and opinions on the Electoral College.
What do students know about the Electoral College?
November 1, 2024
Q&A with German exchange students
Q&A with German exchange students
October 20, 2024
November 2024 Issue
November 21, 2024
October 2024 Issue
October 29, 2024
September 2024 Issue
September 24, 2024
May 2024 Issue
May 28, 2024
April 2024 Issue
April 30, 2024
The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

The Rubicon
The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

The Rubicon
Salah Abdulkarim

Salah Abdulkarim, Editor in Chief

Salah Abdulkarim is the Editor in Chief of The Rubicon. This is his fourth year on staff. Over the summer, Salah was an intern at the National Scholastic Press Association, helping compile a book and yearbooks. In his free time, Salah enjoys driving around, spending time with friends, and selling shoes. Salah can be reached at [email protected].

All content by Salah Abdulkarim
NATURAL FIT. US Assistant Claire Rohweder loves outdoor activities and service: "“I’m also a Minnesota Master Naturalist, which basically means I am certified through the University of Minnesota to volunteer at nature centers."

Rohweder joins administrative staff as upper school assistant

Salah Abdulkarim, Editor in Chief
February 9, 2022
Senior Pah Na leaps into the pool.

[Photo] Trojans swim through adversity

Annie Bai, The Rubicon
January 25, 2022
The team circles up before the conclusion of halftime, going over their game plan for one last time before the half resumes.

The importance of stats to athletes

Salah Abdulkarim, The Rubicon
January 4, 2022
Race, vision, morals and gender all shape one's political beliefs.

How political views shape personal opinions

Salah Abdulkarim, Editor in Chief
January 4, 2022
Student athletes tell us about the professionals they emulate

Student athletes tell us about the professionals they emulate

Salah Abdulkarim, The Rubicon
December 17, 2021
The Maple Grove Shake Shack location is one of four in Minnesota. States like California, New York, and Illinois all have upwards of 15 Shake Shacks.

[FOOD REVIEW] Shake Shack opens drive-through, keeps consistency

Salah Abdulkarim, The Rubicon
December 7, 2021
WELCOME TO MY HOUSE. Student tour guides, faculty, and guest families gather in The Huss Center Nov. 14 for the fall open house.

Student tour guides welcome prospective families with insider experience

Salah Abdulkarim, The Rubicon
December 1, 2021
REST UP. Sleep and time alone can help students recover from the stress induced by the demands on time when school and activities fill each day.

[Photo] Unscheduled time supports health

Annie Bai, The Rubicon
December 13, 2021
MOVIE NIGHT. Breaks provide more free time to spend time with friends and family. Doing a fun activity can help students de-compress and have a good time.

[Photo] Use time to socialize and reconnect

Milkii Tigro, The Rubicon
December 13, 2021
THE BIG SCREEN. Netflix's large array of movies allows for a large number of poorly produced movies, like "Lethal Love" and "He's All That."

Unbearable fun: get into the best bad movies

Salah Abdulkarim, The Rubicon
October 31, 2021
EYE ON CHANGE. Days of awareness bring attention to social inequities and provides people with resources to understand the issue and actions they can take to make a difference.

[Photo] Days of awareness kickstart meaningful change

Claire Kim, The Rubicon
October 18, 2021
Students may feel anxious about the quality of their speech by the audience's reaction.

[Photo] Standing ovations should not define the quality of speeches

Hazel Waltenbaugh, The Rubicon
October 27, 2021
Dancing with the Star(chook)s: the return to the ballroom

Dancing with the Star(chook)s: the return to the ballroom

Salah Abdulkarim, The Rubicon
October 5, 2021
Students choose to dress up by wearing a jersey for their favorite hockey team, the Minnesota Wild. Senior Naomi Straub, "I love dressing up with my soccer team."

Second day of Homecoming sparks excitement in students with fan day, lip sync

Tommy Verhey, Ivy Raya, Salah Abdulkarim, Leona Barocas, and Orion Kim
September 28, 2021
Senior Griffin Moore uses lip syncing abilities to hype up the crowd.

[Photo] Lip sync contest brings out competitive spirit in students

Tommy Verhey, RubicOnline
September 28, 2021
In his free time, Joe Martin loves to play different types of board games.

New Physics teacher Joe Martin brings love of science, board games and acro yoga to SPA

Salah Abdulkarim and Tommy Verhey
August 30, 2021
This image shows one of the first stages of making pasta. Eventually, these eggs and flower will create tasty pasta!

[FOOD REVIEW] Simple and delicious homemade pasta recipe hits the spot

Salah Abdulkarim, The Rubicon
May 29, 2021
Mi-Sant Kitchen and Bakery currently has one Roseville location, but plans to open another restaurant in the Brooklyn Park Area.

[FOOD REVIEW] Mi-Sant showcases Vietnamese cuisine in the Twin Cities

Salah Abdulkarim, The Rubicon
May 27, 2021
Based on the South-Korean TV show 굿 닥터 (Good Doctor), The Good Doctor’s main character Shaun Murphy, portrayed by Freddie Highmore, is an autistic medical resident who works at a hospital in San Jose.

[TV REVIEW] The Good Doctor draws new audiences to medical drama

Salah Abdulkarim, Editor in Cheif
May 18, 2021
Guacamole is a classic topping, snack or even breakfast item.

[FOOD REVIEW] Look easy? Think again if you’re looking for the perfect guacamole

Salah Abdulkarim, Editor in Cheif
May 12, 2021
Just shy of one year ago, juniors Mac Brown and Leo Larson decided to try their hand at online media.

Larson and Brown kick off Class on Grass Media

Salah Abdulkarim, The Rubicon
May 2, 2021
The #7 Fresh Prince Cheesesteak was "one of the best cheesesteaks I’ve ever tasted."

[FOOD REVIEW] Tono’s Pizzeria & Cheeseteaks well worth the wait

Salah Abdulkarim, The Rubicon
March 4, 2021
Salah Abdulkarim explains an easy crepe recipe.

Crêpes can be topped with different types of fruit, nutella, butter, powdered sugar, or whatever your heart desires.

Difficult but delicious crêpe recipe hits the spot

Salah Abdulkarim, The Rubicon
December 4, 2020
My quarantine essentials are my computer; a wireless mouse, because I can’t stand my trackpad; a mini basketball hoop, to entertain myself; and a mask so I can go out because I can’t stay inside all day.

[Photo] [PHOTO GALLERY] Stay at home order essentials

The Rubicon Staff
April 30, 2020

[Video] [SPARTAN ON THE STREET] What’s the first thing you are going to do after the snow melts?

Salah Abdulkarim, Rubicon
March 31, 2020

[Video] [SPARTAN ON THE STREET] What are you going to do over spring break?

Salah Abdulkarim, Rubicon
March 13, 2020
Junior Stella McKoy started baking after getting multiple concussions.

A piece of cake: McKoy’s sweet stress reliever

Salah Abdulkarim, The Rubicon
March 10, 2020
Zelda Harmoning sits in the lunch room while journaling about her day.

Journaling benefits mind and body

Salah Abdulkarim, The Rubicon
March 9, 2020

[Video] [SPARTAN ON THE STREET] What is your favorite seasonal drink or food?

Salah Abdulkarim, The Rubicon
December 21, 2019

[Video] [SPARTAN ON THE STREET] What is your favorite activity to do over break?

Salah Abdulkarim, The Rubicon
December 21, 2019

[SPARTAN ON THE STREET] What character from a TV show/movie would you meet?

Salah Abdulkarim, The Rubicon
October 21, 2019
spartan on the street1

[SPARTAN ON THE STREET] How do you prepare for games?

Salah Abdulkarim, The Rubicon
September 21, 2019
St. Thomas University receives bomb threat

St. Thomas University receives bomb threat

Salah Abdulkarim, Staff Writer
April 17, 2019
On the Instagram post, one attended wrote, "Great time! Thanks for the mini sesh."

[EVENT REVIEW] Jibba’s House Fashion Swap worth the price of admission

Salah Abdulkarim, Staff Writer
April 15, 2019
A student waits in a lunch line then rushes to finish some last minute work but ends up being late to class due to short lunch periods.

Lunch periods are too short; it’s not healthy

Salah Abdulkarim, Staff Writer
March 16, 2019
Children play on the border fence in Tijuana, Mexico.

Violence at U. S. / Mexico border spurs debate

Elizabeth Trevathan and Salah Abdulkarim
December 18, 2018
Visual comparison of $15 (the newly proposed minimum) to $7.87 (the old minimum wage).

Mayor Melvin Carter announces $15 minimum wage ordinance

Salah Abdulkarim, Staff Writer
November 5, 2018
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