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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Sam Hanson

Sam Hanson, Aureus AEIC

Sam Hanson is the Assistant Editor-in-Chief of Aureus magazine and a writer on RubicOnline. This is his third year on staff. Sam enjoys using multimedia and descriptive language to make journalism come alive. In addition to his role on staff, Sam composes music and plays the violin and piano. Sam can be reached at [email protected].

All content by Sam Hanson

Protesters are disobeying civil order

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline
May 8, 2020
Many protesters have been showing their adversity towards the quarantine, but does this bring more harm than good?

Protests at the governor’s residence: free speech or civil disobedience?

Martha Sanchez and Sam Hanson
May 4, 2020
Edvard Munch, the Norwegian painter, contracted the Spanish Flu in 1919, used this experience as creative inspiration for a painting titled Self-Portrait with the Spanish Flu.

Pandemics and creativity: a blessing or curse?

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline
April 21, 2020
Tanner Zeise in a graceful dive: he moves on to the state meet in only his second year on the team.

Boys Swim & Dive shave seconds, perfect form in section finals

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline
February 24, 2020
Otis stands with his long-time friend Eric (Ncuti Gatwa).

[TV REVIEW] Sex Education puts modern twists on coming-of-age cliches

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline
February 5, 2020
Tina WIlkens showcases a ready-made cup of Sencha tea.

Tea barista Tina Wilkens adds spice to the job

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline
December 23, 2019
Adapted from Charles Forsman's graphic novel, the show has an otherworldly feel.

[TV REVIEW] Season two of “End of the F***ing World” offers a thrilling but repetitive watch

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline
November 20, 2019
Domestic “gag rule” threatens our social safety net

Domestic “gag rule” threatens our social safety net

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline
November 14, 2019
“[SPA prepares me differently] because I get to go to college in the U.S. The Danish degree would have been really difficult to apply to the U.S. with. It’s a lot easier here," McGlynn said.

Christian McGlynn talks about why he’s here at his “new” (circa 1900) school

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline
September 20, 2019
The Upper school's first "Lockdown discussion" took place May 8, the day after the Colorado STEM shooting.

Are we becoming numb to school shootings?

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline Editor
May 28, 2019
Goodwill, the original "thrift" store before it became a trend, features rows upon rows of sustainable clothing.

Thrifting has momentum as sustainable trend

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline Editor
May 7, 2019
If utopia is a paradise, then dystopia is a paradise lost. We read dystopia as a kind of manual of warnings, but can these warnings lead to progressive change, or do they only mire us in more fear and despair?

The appeal of dystopia

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline Editor
May 6, 2019
The Loft Literary Center hosts a fellowship program each year, drawing acclaimed local and national writers as mentors.

Olguin experiments with cross-genre in the Loft Mentor Series

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline Editor
March 27, 2019
Fargo represents an exaggerated Minnesotan accent, but our way of speaking (even if imperfect) represents a significant part of our identity.

[PODCAST] “Yah, you bet” it’s time to listen for the “Minesooota” accent

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline Editor
March 20, 2019
The power of questions: Ryan Strobel

The power of questions: Ryan Strobel

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline Editor
February 27, 2019
Junior Maddy Breton's zebrafish setup. Breton is among the many students who take ASR to further their passion for science.

[Photo] Advanced Science Research encourages variety in experiments

Martha Sanchez, RubicOnline Editor
February 24, 2019
Mayor of Minneapolis Jacob Frey and Mayor of St. Paul Melvin Carter--both of whom sworn into office last January--represent vanguards for social change in the Twin Cities.

Twin Cities mayors tackle entrenched social problems

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline Editor
February 19, 2019
The Winter One Acts captivate with the hilarious but strange

The Winter One Acts captivate with the hilarious but strange

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline Editor
February 1, 2019
Golden age of group exercise boosts faculty and student fitness

Golden age of group exercise boosts faculty and student fitness

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline Editor
January 18, 2019

The lucrative hype market

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline Editor
January 18, 2019
“It’s not just Supreme, there’s lots of other hype brands” Ketema said. Murakami's "hyped" poster is an example of this off-the-beaten-path hype.

What’s all the hype?

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline Editor
December 21, 2018
Wahmanholm book of poetry, Wilder, was published last November by Milkweed Editions press.

[Q&A] The poet’s mind: Inside the writing process

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline Editor
December 19, 2018
Top left: an extravagant party hosted by the fictional character Jay Gatsby. Bottom right: Protesters carry a sign reading "Justice for E.J." after a recent police shooting in Alabama.

Hollywood, we are ready for realistic portrayals of race

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline Editor
December 2, 2018
[INFOGRAPHIC] Do movie adaptations of books convince?

[INFOGRAPHIC] Do movie adaptations of books convince?

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline Editor
November 20, 2018
Gemma Yoo and Lily Nestor watch the short video on Bach's organ music.

Music Seminar offers a dive into music history and composition

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline Editor
November 16, 2018
Hanson Infographic

Sophomore Raffi Barocas stands in front of the library's LGBTQ+ book display.

Library showcases LGBTQ+ history month through diverse literature

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline Editor
October 31, 2018
[INFOGRAPHIC] History and fiction unmask LGBTQ+ stories

[INFOGRAPHIC] History and fiction unmask LGBTQ+ stories

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline Editor
October 18, 2018
Seniors rise on their feet, in a show of Spartan Spirit.

Pep Fest 2018 redefines “Spartan spirit”

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline Editor
September 29, 2018
Growing alternative reading options are available to students.

[INFOGRAPHIC] Is listening the new reading?

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline Editor
September 18, 2018
Feeling burned out? Ignite your inner self with a road trip

Feeling burned out? Ignite your inner self with a road trip

Sam Hanson, Staff Writer
May 18, 2017
The team listens to strategy from the coach.

Boys Lacrosse kicks off the season with team spirit

Noah Raaum and Sam Hanson
April 24, 2017
Contagious behaviors are an unavoidable part of the human experience, but even some control over negative emotions can lead others to have a better and more positive day.

Behaviors spread like the common cold

Sam Hanson, Staff Writer
March 9, 2017
Junior Tucker Waltenbaugh performed stand up at Iris: Art and Literature's Winter Open Mic night on Jan. 25. “Comedy goes both ways: you get to learn about your audience and your audience gets to learn about the comedian."

Stand up: Michel, Waltenbaugh lightens things up with Comedy

Sam Hanson, Staff Writer
January 30, 2017
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