The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

The Rubicon
President Joe Biden speaking to Native American Community about the harm the U.S. government has caused. (Rick scuteri/AP Photo)
President Biden apologies for pain and trauma caused by boarding schools
November 15, 2024
CLUB FUN. Ninth grader Louise Mahoney and junior Nora McKoy chat at the Community Action Service club
How club leaders keep new members
November 14, 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 13, 2024
The different types of ways that AI can be integrated into school life.
As schools develop policy, AI evolves quickly
November 13, 2024
CLEANED UP COMMONS. The English Commons, which is the designated ninth-grade space, has trash on all tables by the end of the day, including drinks, paper and clothing.
Trash in the English Commons reaches a breaking point
November 12, 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
POLITICAL RELATIONS. Politics is dividing the nation, but should it divide friendships?
[2 SIDES, 1 ISSUE] Are politics a dealbreaker in friendships?
November 2, 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
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 6, 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 6, 2024
ONSTAGE VILLAIN. The creator and star actor of All The Devils are Here, Patrick Page, takes the stage in his exploration of Shakespeares protrayal of the villain. Page monologues in a scene of Hamlet where Claudius griefs that he murders his brother and whether he can be forgiven or not. All the Devils Are Here runs at the Guthrie until Nov. 17. (Press Release Photo: The Guthrie Theater)
[THEATER REVIEW] Devils offers a veracious exploration of villiany
October 31, 2024
EIC'S BIRB. The Rubicon Editor-in-chief Annie Zhang uses Finch daily. Her birb revels in the abundance of accessories Zhang has collected.
[APP REVIEW] Stop scrolling; Finch makes self-care fun, easy and cute
October 27, 2024
WHERE ARE YOU? The climax of Halloween features Michael Myers (Nick Castle) and Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) engaged in a cat-and-mouse chase (image from Compass International Pictures).
[OFF-SCREEN WITH OSTREM] Halloween (1978): The Horror Standard
October 26, 2024
UP FRONT. The "Black on Both Sides" album cover features a portrait of Bey looking into the camera. The direct nature of the cover is reflected in the album's powerful lyrics (photographed by Alvaro Gonzalez-Campo, released by Rawkus Records in 1999).
“Black on Both Sides” remains the pinnacle of hip-hop
October 24, 2024
ITS OFFICIAL. Sawyer Bollinger Danielson signs her National Letter of Intent to play Division One soccer at the University of Minnesota.
Signing Day: Sawyer Bollinger Danielson commits to the University of Minnesota
November 15, 2024
GO LONG. Jesse Wussler throws a side arm throw past the rushing Juan Miguel Adams.
Ultimate Frisbee Club keeps passion alive in the off-season
November 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
PRE-SEASON HYPE: Junior Ella Bond glides onto the ice at a captains practice in the Blake Bears Arena. Excitement is in the air as players prepare for the upcoming tryouts.
A new co-op rises from Phoenix ashes
November 5, 2024
ITS OFFICIAL. Sawyer Bollinger Danielson signs her National Letter of Intent to play Division One soccer at the University of Minnesota.
Signing Day: Sawyer Bollinger Danielson commits to the University of Minnesota
November 15, 2024
STATE BOUND. Avi Coleman dives into the water and secures her place on and the state competition.
Sparks athletes swim to state in the 6AA section meet
November 10, 2024
KEEP ON GOING. Spark Swimmers compete to beat their competitors.
Sparks swim and dive dominates at final regular season meet
November 7, 2024
SYNC. All of the swimmers dive in sync into the water.
Sparks boast PR bonanza at conference
November 4, 2024
TRIPLE CROWN. BVS celebrates their third consecutive state tournament win. Some players hold up three fingers and bite their medals in celebration.
BVS completes ‘three-peat’ after decisive victory over Lourdes High School
November 3, 2024
GOOD JOB. Captain Mikkel Rawdon goes in for a hug after freshman John Grimsrud makes his first basket of the game. “It felt good for this one to go in with everyone cheering” Grimsrud said.
Spartans win section semi final, compete in finals tonight
March 15, 2024
EN GARDE. Senior Maik Nguyen gets into position to fence his first round in Junior Men's Épée in the large gym as his friends watches from the sidelines.
SPA hosts fencing state tournament
March 10, 2024
SHARP SHOOTER. Captain Mikkel Rawdon prepares to pass during a game at the Target Center. Rawdon has tallied a high number of points during his two years playing for varsity.
The “trifecta” is completed: Mikkel Rawdon reaches 1,000 points
March 6, 2024
How do winter athletes stay healthy?
How do winter athletes stay healthy?
March 5, 2024
RELAY. Senior Connor Overgaard begins the first leg of the 200 medley relay with backstroke. "I'm proud of this relay," he said.
Bhargava and Overgaard compete at state following a record-breaking performance at sections
March 3, 2024
GAME TIME. The game's first faceoff, with sophomore Dia Chaney, after gaining possession for the Spartans.
Girls lacrosse falls 17-4 to Breck, aims to turn season around
May 20, 2024
Freshman Adem Rivers, practicing his short game at University of Minnesota Driving Range.
Golf Captain Peltier brings leadership, pride to growing team
May 14, 2024
IN PURSUIT. A Roseville player chases after a Blackhawks player trying to get the ball.
JV Blackhawks Lacrosse loses close game to Roseville
May 13, 2024
THE PRESSURE IS ON. Mckinley Garner guards Kieran Monahan, forcing one direction as he counts down the seconds Monahan has left to throw.
Spartan Ultimate glides through season with exceptional spirit
May 7, 2024
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT. Elizabeth Tuttle practices for her next meet by leaping over the hurdles. Last year, Elizabeth qualified for state after she finished in second place in the 100m and the 300m hurdles.
There is no “I” in Track
May 6, 2024
Winter sports: pumped and ready
Winter sports: pumped and ready
November 13, 2024
Girls basketball channels unity and positivity at captains practice.
Girls basketball channels unity and positivity at captains practice.
November 11, 2024
[TRENDING] Ep. 2 Students reflect on Trump's victory
[TRENDING] Ep. 2 Students reflect on Trump’s victory
November 6, 2024
Lucy Lowman shares her journey on the girls varsity soccer team
Lucy Lowman shares her journey on the girls varsity soccer team
November 2, 2024
VARIATION. “DRIP” numbers 6-8 focus on shades and hues rather than patterns, as in the earlier works of the series.
[DRAKE GALLERY] hosts new alumni exhibit “Spreading Ashes”
November 2, 2024
[TRENDING] Ep. 2 Students reflect on Trump's victory
[TRENDING] Ep. 2 Students reflect on Trump’s victory
November 6, 2024
BEHIND THE MOVIES. The Rubicon A&E editor, Peter Ostrem, has been writing monthly movie reviews for his beat since last September. Now, he's leveling up his trademark "Off-screen With Ostrem," expanding from one review per month to two. This year, he’ll dive into both a nostalgic classic and a fresh release each month.
[STORY BEHIND THE STORY] The Off-screen experience of “Off-Screen With Ostrem”
October 22, 2024
SECURITY SEAMUS. Security Account Manager Seamus Glewwe works on his laptop in the Huss security office. This is his sixth year on the job. He believes the community doesn't know how much time security spends protecting people's cars. "We're noticing people parked in a no parking zone and [that] they're going to get towed. We're noticing that on a snow emergency day, they parked on the wrong side of the road, and we're sending emails and letting people know," Glewwe said.
Behind the desks: Glewwe gives a behind-the-scenes look into the security team
October 11, 2024
[TRENDING] Ep. 1 Fantasy football with Jacob Colton
[TRENDING] Ep. 1 Fantasy football with Jacob Colton
October 10, 2024
INVOLVED CITIZEN. Junior William Hanna poses with with their "Vote Betty!" sign. Hanna spent this summer volunteering for the Congresswoman Betty McCollum's campaign.
Students get involved this election season and share their opinions
September 30, 2024
Girls basketball channels unity and positivity at captains practice.
Girls basketball channels unity and positivity at captains practice.
November 11, 2024
Lucy Lowman shares her journey on the girls varsity soccer team
Lucy Lowman shares her journey on the girls varsity soccer team
November 2, 2024
Junior Zahra Wiedmann and senior Veronica Dixon share their knowledge and opinions on the Electoral College.
What do students know about the Electoral College?
November 1, 2024
Q&A with German exchange students
Q&A with German exchange students
October 20, 2024
Senior superlatives for the Class of 2024
Senior superlatives for the Class of 2024
June 9, 2024
October 2024 Issue
October 29, 2024
September 2024 Issue
September 24, 2024
May 2024 Issue
May 28, 2024
April 2024 Issue
April 30, 2024
March 2024 Issue
March 5, 2024
The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

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

The Rubicon
Thomas Chen

Thomas Chen, Beats Manager

Thomas Chen‘s (he/him) likes to fill his life with flavor. He enjoys exploring various local resteraunts and trying new foods from all sorts of countries. His favorites are a variety of asian dishes. He believes that food is the key to happiness and is passionate about exploring different cultures through their cuisine.

Chen works as the Beats Manager for The Rubicon and RubicOnline, and can be reached at [email protected].

All content by Thomas Chen
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

Thomas Chen, Beats Manager
November 2, 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

Thomas Chen, Beats Manager
October 27, 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

Thomas Chen, Beats Manager
October 11, 2024
WILLKOMMEN. Seventeen students from the Heisenberg Gymnasium in Hamburg spent two weeks with host families in the Twin Cities from Sept. 30-Oct. 11. They will host SPA German students in June. (Submitted photo Rachel Ruddick)

Meet the exchange students

The Rubicon Staff and RubicOnline Staff
October 10, 2024
COMING TO AMERICA? "I think about going to college over here, or somewhere that's not Germany," Till said, "because I want to move away from Germany a little bit to see the world."

VARIETY. Juniors Luwam Mebrahtu and Lilly Spurgeon and seniors Lucy Thomas and Olympia Wolff (left to right) display their varying outfits for the day. Mebrahtu went for a simple SPA sweatshirt, Spurgeon chose a flashy yellow skirt, while Thomas and Wolff wore their overalls.

[Photo] [HOCO] Dress up day-by-day

RubicOnline Staff, The Rubicon Staff, and Ibid Staff
September 27, 2024
CHEER. Benched players and Spartan audience members roar in celebration of a goal.

Boys Soccer rallies to win season opener agaisnt rival Scots

Thomas Chen, Beats Manager
September 3, 2024
FLYING. The Scots Goalie drops to the ground, blocking the ball and painfully tripping senior Finn Sullivan by his shins.

CAMARADERIE. Senior Arlo Zirps and Spartan coach helps an injured Rowan McLean off the field.

BLOCKED. Straub's offensive attempt is stopped by a slide tackle from the opposing defense.

OFFENSIVE. Scots defense targets Straub as he attempts to steer past them.

PERSEVERANCE. Sullivan gets up from the ground slowly after getting kicked in the shin.

HUG. Spartans celebrate Ethan Peltier's game defining goal in a group hug.

DODGE. Senior August Gaspard attempts to outmaneuver opposing Scots player.

SECOND HALF. Straub stands on the ball, waiting for the queue to start playing.

PUNT. Goalie Dylan Bump punts the ball after it was hit out of bounds.

MINE. Sophomore Kiki Sullivan clashes over the ball with opposing player

CONTROL. Senior Ezra Straub fights over possesion of the ball, causing a Scots player to trip and fall.

GOAL. Spartans run to celebrate their first goal as the ball hits the back of the net.

HEADER. Both Spartan and Scot players jump into the air, fighting to head the ball.

BLUE OUT. Sophomores Aldegundo Brenneman, Ann Li and Caden Deardurff posed in their dark blue outfits. "This is my dad's shirt," Brenneman said of the shirt, which is from Mexico. Li and Deardurff instead opted for casual clothes near the top of their wardrobes, choosing new accessories rather than clothes. "I got my earrings at American Eagle," said Li, who chose a pair shaped like butterflies. Deardurff described his favorite part of his outfit as his new shoes.

[Photo] Fit check: first day of classes

August 24, 2024
FRESH OFF THE RACK. "I just got this yesterday. My mom just brought me to Kohl's and told me to pick out an outfit," said junior Phillippe Cristobal. The first day of school was a perfect opportunity for Cristobal to find a pair of baggy pants, a style which Cristobal had been hoping to add to his wardrobe.

SIMPLE AND SWEET. Senior Veronica Dixon kept things loose with some casual layering and an assortment of jewelry. "I basically wear all the jewelry that I have, that I wear on a daily basis," Dixon said.

SPEAKERS. Kalugdan and Karmaliani instruct the students while Dean of Students, Stacy Tepp, watches on the side.

New sexual assault policy presented by Karmaliani and Kalugdan

Thomas Chen, Beats Manager
May 16, 2024
KARMA. JoJo Siwa emerges from an ocean in her infamous black face paint and sparkly body suit. The music videos vivid and animated visuals keep up with the fast-paced and dramatic song. (Screen capture from “JoJo Siwa - Karma Official Video” by JoJo Siwa on YouTube.)

JoJo Siwa’s “Karma”: a chaotic rebrand, a cautionary tale for childhood fame

Thomas Chen, Beats Manager
May 15, 2024
DIAGNOSIS. Emily Weinstock-Collins smiles right before undergoing surgery to diagnose endometriosis. “It was very surprising because I always thought, if I got sick, I would always get better…By the time I got my diagnosis, it was not very surprising because I knew something was wrong. I've just been waiting a really long time for [answers],” Weinstock-Collins said. Submitted by Emily Weinstock-Collins

Weinstock-Collins’s journey through chronic illness: from symptoms to diagnosis

Thomas Chen, RubicOnline
April 18, 2024
LOCKED IN. Senior Theo Zimmerman, a more experienced player, springs up off the grass with the frisbee in hand after taking a fall.

First Ultimate game unites new and returning players

Thomas Chen, RubicOnline
April 10, 2024
MONEY. Many aspects of sports are innaccesible without funding. The athletics department takes matters into their own hands, saving time for students and parents.

[Photo] Sports fundraising policy: Moyer shows us the money (plan)

Carys Hsiung, Contributor
March 4, 2024
CHEER SQUAD. The Spartans huddle up, celebrating a point, as classmates cheer on by the side.

Spartans victorious in heated section semifinal against rival Scots

Thomas Chen, RubicOnline
February 29, 2024
OPPORTUNIY. Tian Wang stands in front of the Shanghai skyline while on a trip for an interview with the Confucius Institute. Photo Submitted by Tian Wang.

Tian Wang: China to America

Thomas Chen, RubicOnline
February 28, 2024
SPEAK OUT. Student journalists and their supporters across the U.S. spend this day "raising awareness of the challenges they face, celebrating their contributions to their schools and communities, and taking actions to protect and restore their First Amendment freedoms." (image and text reprinted with permission from studentpressfreedom.org)

Reflecting on Student Press Freedom Day

RubicOnline Staff
February 22, 2024
GASP OF AIR. Freshman Sam Galarneault rises up for a breath during the 100 butterfly. He placed fifth.

Trojan swim and dive falls just short to Hastings squad

Thomas Chen, RubicOnline
January 28, 2024
SMILES. Sophomores Amanda Hsu and Sophie Donahue grin as they have fun skating side by side.

[Photo] Councils plan “day on” for community

RubicOnline Staff
January 28, 2024
PICK US. Various student leaders engage with bystanders in order to attract more potential members at the student clubs fair.

[Photo] Top five photos of 2023

RubicOnline Staff
January 9, 2024
RIVALS. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are often considered to be the greatest soccer players of all time.

[Photo] [SPORTS OPINION] Messi is the Greatest Soccer Player of All Time

Erik Bjorgvinsson, Staff Writer
December 24, 2023
LET’S SIGN. Violet Pitcher, leader of ASL club, converses with interested observers.

Club Fair continues old traditions while nurturing new communities

Thomas Chen, RubicOnline
September 12, 2023
[PODCAST] Exploring our digital footprint

[PODCAST] Exploring our digital footprint

Thomas Chen, RubicOnline
December 16, 2023
LEAP AND PRAY. Rawdon leaps into the air and launches the ball toward the hoop, surrounded by Wildcats looking to block the ball.

Boys basketball looks to move forward after close loss to Chisago Lakes

Thomas Chen, RubicOnline
December 13, 2023
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