The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

The Rubicon
Embracing Indigenous culture: a month of learning
Embracing Indigenous culture: a month of learning
November 1, 2024
[NEWS IN BRIEF] USC's annual blood drive cancelled
[NEWS IN BRIEF] USC’s annual blood drive cancelled
October 31, 2024
FIREWORKS. Traditional Diwali fireworks explode at night to honor light over darkness as the celebration commences.
Asian Student Alliance hosts inaugural Diwali celebration in the Upper School
October 30, 2024
HOMEWORK. Zack Berchenko does Adv. Mechanics with Calculus homework in his living room. Submitted photo: Tara Berchenko
Student perspectives on mid-semester academics
October 30, 2024
ELEVATING EDUCATION. Clinical Director Brian Yanagita talks about his work at The Bridge Autism Clinic. “There is a wonderful emphasis in our field on dignity and respect … There’s a lot of interaction with one-on-one therapy and we really want to help our children feel like they have a say, they have a voice,” Yanagita said to the attendees. Neurodiversity Group hosted Yanagita as a guest speaker Oct. 10.
Guest speaker Yanagita brings neurodiversity awareness to campus
October 29, 2024
ANXIETY. Many feel anxious about the election because the outcome could impact their lives significantly. However, it is important to remember you can take steps to care for your well-being.
[POLITICAL PULSE] Be mindful of mental health this election season
November 1, 2024
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
Hearing Health: Apple’s AirPods become clinical hearing aids and… concert earplugs?
November 1, 2024
LOOK AROUND. Attending cultural events means living the value of community and is an opportunity to learn about your peers.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Create time to show up for cultural events
October 31, 2024
IN PERSON, TELEHEALTH. The Planned Parenthood clinic on Vandalia Ave. in Saint Paul offers a number of low to no cost services. PP is the largest provider of sex education, according to their website
Election threatens teens access to reproductive healthcare
October 30, 2024
ACCOMMODATIONS, NOT ADVANTAGES. Neurodivergence is often misunderstood in the learning environment. Students may contribute intentionally or unintentionally to this culture by stigmatizing students who use extended time or other arrangements.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Misunderstood, stigmatized: more neurodivergence awareness needed
October 29, 2024
LOOK AROUND. Attending cultural events means living the value of community and is an opportunity to learn about your peers.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Create time to show up for cultural events
October 31, 2024
ACCOMMODATIONS, NOT ADVANTAGES. Neurodivergence is often misunderstood in the learning environment. Students may contribute intentionally or unintentionally to this culture by stigmatizing students who use extended time or other arrangements.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Misunderstood, stigmatized: more neurodivergence awareness needed
October 29, 2024
COMMUNITY VALUES. Administrators, teachers and students should put in the work to reflect the new five school values: community, purpose, kindness, excellence and belonging.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Let the new values shape your heart and mind
September 25, 2024
INSPIRE ACTION. Land Acknowledgments serve to spread awareness about the Indigenous communities that inhabited this land and remind listeners of Indigenous peoples’ ongoing presence. Students have a responsibility to take these Land Acknowledgments seriously and advocate for further restorative actions.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Land Acknowledgments are more than just empty words
September 24, 2024
VALUES REIMAGINED. The school’s six core values are: achievement, accountability, community, resilience, inventiveness, and passion. These can remain important guiding principles for current students and alumni/ae of the school; they take on new meaning but are still applicable for graduates’ next journeys.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Packing up the school’s greatest gifts doesn’t require a backpack
May 28, 2024
ANXIETY. Many feel anxious about the election because the outcome could impact their lives significantly. However, it is important to remember you can take steps to care for your well-being.
[POLITICAL PULSE] Be mindful of mental health this election season
November 1, 2024
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
Hearing Health: Apple’s AirPods become clinical hearing aids and… concert earplugs?
November 1, 2024
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
Big brother is always watching… your television?
October 25, 2024
Chronically Online is a monthly column to help readers develop media literacy skills. (Image created in Adobe Express)
The shocking way clickbait manipulates you
October 21, 2024
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
AI’s latest target: Cinema?
October 11, 2024
New phone policy ignores student perspectives
New phone policy ignores student perspectives
October 3, 2024
There are healthier ways to find value in life than thinking about death
There are healthier ways to find value in life than thinking about death
December 5, 2023
No longer a bystander
No longer a bystander
November 29, 2023
Bring more awareness to seasonal depression
Bring more awareness to seasonal depression
November 4, 2023
Community time worth more than passing time
Community time worth more than passing time
October 5, 2023
CARPOOL CONVERSATIONS. Juniors Leah Passe and Nyx Wells commute to school everyday in the morning. Their time carpooling together has lead to many conversations and has fostered their connection. (Photo submitted by Leah Passe)
Nyx Wells and Leah Passe find more than just convenience in carpooling
November 2, 2024
FAMILY FIRST. Reuniting during the holiday season, senior Serene Kalugdan’s extended family gather around a Christmas tree for a photo.
AWAY FROM HOME: Immigration woven into family histories
October 30, 2024
WORK HARD, ACHEIVE GOALS. Ninth-grader Kate Tuttle finds a balance between her social, personal, and academic life, juggling soccer, school, voice lessons, and viola through finding methods that incorporate each aspect. (PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: Annie Zhang)
How do you balance academics, extracurriculars, and a social life?
October 29, 2024
THROUGH THE MAP. Chen's favorite branch of geography is human geography. He finds it as a way to learn about all the different cultures and cuisines of the world.
De-An Chen unlocks the world through geography
October 27, 2024
Ninth graders adjusted to new routines and expectations at the start of the school year. But for some upperclassmen, the time is right to share insight for those who were in their shoes. "…I think it’s important to remember that not everything is that big of a deal," junior Devi Nelson said.
Been there, done that: a little mid-semester advice for ninth graders
October 21, 2024
ONSTAGE VILLAIN. The creator and star actor of All The Devils are Here, Patrick Page, takes the stage in his exploration of Shakespeares protrayal of the villain. Page monologues in a scene of Hamlet where Claudius griefs that he murders his brother and whether he can be forgiven or not. All the Devils Are Here runs at the Guthrie until Nov. 17. (Press Release Photo: The Guthrie Theater)
[THEATER REVIEW] Devils offers a veracious exploration of villiany
October 31, 2024
TIME FOR A THROWBACK. Junior Eli Henretta relaxes at home surrounded by records old and new alike. Submitted photo: Eli Henretta
Beyond streaming: students find new connection in old-school music media
October 30, 2024
CLASSIC. Silence fills the room as students are captivated by the the classic 1960 horror mystery film, Psycho.
Frights and flicks: film club hosts Halloween movie night
October 30, 2024
EIC'S BIRB. The Rubicon Editor-in-chief Annie Zhang uses Finch daily. Her birb revels in the abundance of accessories Zhang has collected.
[APP REVIEW] Stop scrolling; Finch makes self-care fun, easy and cute
October 27, 2024
WHERE ARE YOU? The climax of Halloween features Michael Myers (Nick Castle) and Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) engaged in a cat-and-mouse chase (image from Compass International Pictures).
[OFF-SCREEN WITH OSTREM] Halloween (1978): The Horror Standard
October 26, 2024
ONSTAGE VILLAIN. The creator and star actor of All The Devils are Here, Patrick Page, takes the stage in his exploration of Shakespeares protrayal of the villain. Page monologues in a scene of Hamlet where Claudius griefs that he murders his brother and whether he can be forgiven or not. All the Devils Are Here runs at the Guthrie until Nov. 17. (Press Release Photo: The Guthrie Theater)
[THEATER REVIEW] Devils offers a veracious exploration of villiany
October 31, 2024
EIC'S BIRB. The Rubicon Editor-in-chief Annie Zhang uses Finch daily. Her birb revels in the abundance of accessories Zhang has collected.
[APP REVIEW] Stop scrolling; Finch makes self-care fun, easy and cute
October 27, 2024
WHERE ARE YOU? The climax of Halloween features Michael Myers (Nick Castle) and Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) engaged in a cat-and-mouse chase (image from Compass International Pictures).
[OFF-SCREEN WITH OSTREM] Halloween (1978): The Horror Standard
October 26, 2024
UP FRONT. The "Black on Both Sides" album cover features a portrait of Bey looking into the camera. The direct nature of the cover is reflected in the album's powerful lyrics (photographed by Alvaro Gonzalez-Campo, released by Rawkus Records in 1999).
“Black on Both Sides” remains the pinnacle of hip-hop
October 24, 2024
WELCOME BACK. English alt-rock group, bôa, releases their first album in twenty years. The album, titled "Whiplash," features incredible instrumentals and highlights Jasmine Rodgers' unique vocals (Screenshot from "Bôa - Whiplash (Official Music Video)" by Bôa on YouTube).
[ALBUM REVIEW] Two decades later, bôa’s still got it on Whiplash
October 21, 2024
BVS headed to US Bank after penalty shootout drama
Spartan boys soccer headed to US Bank after penalty shootout drama
October 30, 2024
IN POSITION. The Wolfpack puts the ball back in play after halftime.
SMB falls to Delano in last regular-season game
October 28, 2024
RACE READY. Junior Maren Overgaard uses mantras or little phrases to keep her going when running. "I like to repeat little things in my head, because I get really focused on splits, where I am in the race and who's next to me and all that stuff," she said. The term "splits" refers to the time it takes a runner to complete a specific distance within a race. (SPA SmugMug).
Maren Overgaard uses mantras to gain a mental edge in cross country
October 28, 2024
GVS ADVANCES TO STATE. Captain Annie Zhang holds the section win trophy high as the team cheers.
Twice as sweet: GVS advances to state
October 22, 2024
#WINNING. Spartan Varsity Soccer pose with their Section Winner trophy.
BVS ready to threepeat, headed to state tournament
October 22, 2024
BVS headed to US Bank after penalty shootout drama
Spartan boys soccer headed to US Bank after penalty shootout drama
October 30, 2024
IN POSITION. The Wolfpack puts the ball back in play after halftime.
SMB falls to Delano in last regular-season game
October 28, 2024
GVS ADVANCES TO STATE. Captain Annie Zhang holds the section win trophy high as the team cheers.
Twice as sweet: GVS advances to state
October 22, 2024
#WINNING. Spartan Varsity Soccer pose with their Section Winner trophy.
BVS ready to threepeat, headed to state tournament
October 22, 2024
Dramatic overtime win sends BVS to the Section 3A final
Dramatic overtime win sends BVS to the Section 3A final
October 17, 2024
GOOD JOB. Captain Mikkel Rawdon goes in for a hug after freshman John Grimsrud makes his first basket of the game. “It felt good for this one to go in with everyone cheering” Grimsrud said.
Spartans win section semi final, compete in finals tonight
March 15, 2024
EN GARDE. Senior Maik Nguyen gets into position to fence his first round in Junior Men's Épée in the large gym as his friends watches from the sidelines.
SPA hosts fencing state tournament
March 10, 2024
SHARP SHOOTER. Captain Mikkel Rawdon prepares to pass during a game at the Target Center. Rawdon has tallied a high number of points during his two years playing for varsity.
The “trifecta” is completed: Mikkel Rawdon reaches 1,000 points
March 6, 2024
How do winter athletes stay healthy?
How do winter athletes stay healthy?
March 5, 2024
RELAY. Senior Connor Overgaard begins the first leg of the 200 medley relay with backstroke. "I'm proud of this relay," he said.
Bhargava and Overgaard compete at state following a record-breaking performance at sections
March 3, 2024
GAME TIME. The game's first faceoff, with sophomore Dia Chaney, after gaining possession for the Spartans.
Girls lacrosse falls 17-4 to Breck, aims to turn season around
May 20, 2024
Freshman Adem Rivers, practicing his short game at University of Minnesota Driving Range.
Golf Captain Peltier brings leadership, pride to growing team
May 14, 2024
IN PURSUIT. A Roseville player chases after a Blackhawks player trying to get the ball.
JV Blackhawks Lacrosse loses close game to Roseville
May 13, 2024
THE PRESSURE IS ON. Mckinley Garner guards Kieran Monahan, forcing one direction as he counts down the seconds Monahan has left to throw.
Spartan Ultimate glides through season with exceptional spirit
May 7, 2024
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT. Elizabeth Tuttle practices for her next meet by leaping over the hurdles. Last year, Elizabeth qualified for state after she finished in second place in the 100m and the 300m hurdles.
There is no “I” in Track
May 6, 2024
Junior Zahra Wiedmann and senior Veronica Dixon share their knowledge and opinions on the Electoral College.
What do students know about the Electoral College?
November 1, 2024
Life expectancy around the world
Life expectancy around the world
October 29, 2024
BEHIND THE MOVIES. The Rubicon A&E editor, Peter Ostrem, has been writing monthly movie reviews for his beat since last September. Now, he's leveling up his trademark "Off-screen With Ostrem," expanding from one review per month to two. This year, he’ll dive into both a nostalgic classic and a fresh release each month.
[STORY BEHIND THE STORY] The Off-screen experience of “Off-Screen With Ostrem”
October 22, 2024
(created in Adobe Express)
[RUBIPOLL] Cast your vote
October 22, 2024
Q&A with German exchange students
Q&A with German exchange students
October 20, 2024
BEHIND THE MOVIES. The Rubicon A&E editor, Peter Ostrem, has been writing monthly movie reviews for his beat since last September. Now, he's leveling up his trademark "Off-screen With Ostrem," expanding from one review per month to two. This year, he’ll dive into both a nostalgic classic and a fresh release each month.
[STORY BEHIND THE STORY] The Off-screen experience of “Off-Screen With Ostrem”
October 22, 2024
SECURITY SEAMUS. Security Account Manager Seamus Glewwe works on his laptop in the Huss security office. This is his sixth year on the job. He believes the community doesn't know how much time security spends protecting people's cars. "We're noticing people parked in a no parking zone and [that] they're going to get towed. We're noticing that on a snow emergency day, they parked on the wrong side of the road, and we're sending emails and letting people know," Glewwe said.
Behind the desks: Glewwe gives a behind-the-scenes look into the security team
October 11, 2024
[TRENDING] Ep. 1 Fantasy football with Jacob Colton
[TRENDING] Ep. 1 Fantasy football with Jacob Colton
October 10, 2024
INVOLVED CITIZEN. Junior William Hanna poses with with their "Vote Betty!" sign. Hanna spent this summer volunteering for the Congresswoman Betty McCollum's campaign.
Students get involved this election season and share their opinions
September 30, 2024
BEHIND THE SCENES. Sonia Kharbanda interviewed five new teachers: Librarian assistant, Tina Tsui; math teacher, Jack Kinseth; english teacher, Meghan Joyce; councelor, Jake Turnbloom; and math teacher Rane Bice.
[STORY BEHIND THE STORY] Sonia Kharbanda’s “Two truths and one lie,” teachers edition
September 18, 2024
Junior Zahra Wiedmann and senior Veronica Dixon share their knowledge and opinions on the Electoral College.
What do students know about the Electoral College?
November 1, 2024
Q&A with German exchange students
Q&A with German exchange students
October 20, 2024
Senior superlatives for the Class of 2024
Senior superlatives for the Class of 2024
June 9, 2024
[HOW TO] Got time? Make slime.
[HOW TO] Got time? Make slime.
May 30, 2024
Out on the road: life as a student driver
Out on the road: life as a student driver
May 24, 2024
October 2024 Issue
October 29, 2024
September 2024 Issue
September 24, 2024
May 2024 Issue
May 28, 2024
April 2024 Issue
April 30, 2024
March 2024 Issue
March 5, 2024
The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

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

The Rubicon
Tristan Hitchens-Brookins

Tristan Hitchens-Brookins, Podcast Editor

Tristan Hitchens-Brookins is one of the members of the Interactive Storytelling Team at RubicOnline. This is his third year on staff. Tristan's philosophy on journalism is to find the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. In addition to Tristan's role on the staff, he works at the Twin Cities Premium Outlets. Tristan can be reached at [email protected].

All content by Tristan Hitchens-Brookins
Senior Riley Tietel holds his five pound largemouth bass.

[MORE TO ME]: Tietel anticipates the upcoming fishing season

Tristan Hitchens-Brookins, RubicOnline Editor
April 30, 2019
Joe Kase's basketball jersey.

[MORE TO ME]: Kase enjoys Jewish basketball league

Tristan Hitchens-Brookins, RubicOnline Editor
April 15, 2019
Senior Matt Pauley runs to catch a pass.

Boys ultimate wins first game of the season

Tristan Hitchens-Brookins, RubicOnline Editor
April 9, 2019
The track team practices inside the gym while they still aren't able to get outside.

Spring sports captains look forward to oncoming season

Tristan Hitchens-Brookins, RubicOnline Editor
March 18, 2019
Reuben Vizelman and his sister pose in the Huss Center after his senior speech.

[MORE TO ME]: Vizelman reflects on sister

Tristan Hitchens-Brookins, RubicOnline Editor
March 13, 2019
Students leave trash, often plastic and wrappers, in the Huss Center on a daily basis.

SPA isn’t ready for the zero waste movement… yet

Tristan Hitchens-Brookins, RubicOnline Editor
March 5, 2019
On Feb 18, Keith Ellison sent out a series of tweets, alerting that he would be fighting the Trump administration for Minnesota.

MN joins 15 other states in lawsuit against Trump administration

Tristan Hitchens-Brookins, RubicOnline Editor
February 23, 2019

The Power of Questions: Preston Fares

Tristan Hitchens-Brookins, RubicOnline Editor
February 19, 2019
Senior Ryan Moore and senior Shane Litman dress as ping pong players for twin day.

[MORE TO ME] Ping pong sharpens Moore’s skills

Tristan Hitchens-Brookins, RubicOnline Editor
February 17, 2019
SAC created a poster that outlined all the information about the Dance and posted it on their board space.

Winter dance promises to excite with fire and ice theme

Tristan Hitchens-Brookins, RubicOnline Editor
January 29, 2019
“I wanted to work on something I haven’t made before, so I incorporated wheel-thrown pieces with hand made ones to create a new piece,” Hoeachen said.

Winter student art gallery displays mid-year work

Tristan Hitchens-Brookins, RubicOnline Editor
January 17, 2019
“I’ve been working on burning my 35mm negatives in photography. I’m investigating the concept of home and connecting it to my middle eastern heritage. It’s been an interesting process because I never thought burning my photos would turn out so well,” senior Ethan Dincer said.

[PHOTO GALLERY] A look into student art work

Tristan Hitchens-Brookins, Interactive Storytelling Team Lead
December 21, 2018
Sophomore Lucie Hoeschen spent her time helping children through the Jeremiah Program. “It’s fun to hang out and watch cute toddlers,” Hoeschen said.

[MORE TO ME] Hoeschen helps children grow through Jeremiah Program

Tristan Hitchens-Brookins, Interactive Storytelling Team Lead
December 13, 2018
Sophomore Adam Holod secures his possession of the ball.

Boys basketball loses to Como Park at home

Tristan Hitchens-Brookins, Interactive Storytelling Team Lead
December 6, 2018
Juniors Lath Apka and Yona Ketema utilize their phones during free time.

Students should use their phones less

Tristan Hitchens-Brookins, Interactive Storytelling Team Lead
November 30, 2018
Juniors Lath Apka and Yona Ketema utilize their phones during free time.

Senior Jenny Sogin signs in at the US office.

USC provides a new take on attendance

Tristan Hitchens-Brookins, Interactive Storytelling Team Lead
November 28, 2018
Matt Pauley skis across the course during a meet.

[MORE TO ME] Pauley sets clear goals for skiing

Tristan Hitchens-Brookins, Interactive Storytelling Team Lead
November 25, 2018
Working where they grew up: Daniels, Ward pay homage to SPA

Working where they grew up: Daniels, Ward pay homage to SPA

Tristan Hitchens-Brookins, Interactive Storytelling Team Lead
November 20, 2018
[MORE TO ME] Spencer's interest in disassembling things turns to automotives

[MORE TO ME] Spencer’s interest in disassembling things turns to automotives

Tristan Hitchens-Brookins, Interactive Storytelling Team Lead
October 31, 2018
Upper School practices songs for the Pops Concert

Sounds of SPA: music coming from performance spaces inspires instrumentalists

Tristan Hitchens-Brookins, Interactive Storytelling Team Lead
October 12, 2018
Sophomore Jackson Biggs sends the ball towards the opponents goal on a free kick.

BVS game ends early due to inclement weather

Tristan Hitchens-Brookins, Interactive Storytelling Team Lead
October 4, 2018
Anna Perleberg runs to return the ball.

Girls Tennis shuts out Washburn

Tristan Hitchens-Brookins, Interactive Storytelling Team Lead
September 24, 2018
Lauren Osteraas painting churches as missionary work.

[MORE TO ME] Osteraas treasures missionary experience

Tristan Hitchens-Brookins, Interactive Storytelling Team Lead
September 20, 2018
Senior Muriel Lang carries everything she needs down a halway formerly filled with lockers.

Students don’t need lockers

Tristan Hitchens-Brookins, RubicOnline IST Lead
September 12, 2018
Scott leaves behind teaching and coaching legacy after 25 years

Scott leaves behind teaching and coaching legacy after 25 years

Tristan Hitchens-Brookins and Annie Bottern
May 28, 2018
SADD co-president Jane Brunell takes money from junior Jasper Green for a baked good.

SADD’s bake sale donates to nursery

Tristan Hitchens-Brookins, Staff Writer
May 24, 2018
Senior Jake Adams signs his commitment form to play college sports.

Future college athletes celebrated in final senior class meeting

Tristan Hitchens-Brookins, RubicOnline Editor
May 15, 2018
Director of Computer Science and Engineering Kate Lockwood teaching a student how to use the 3D printer.

Student-teacher relationships enrich student experience

Tristan Hitchens-Brookins, Staff Writer
May 14, 2018
Junior Bailey Donovan skiing downhill at Junior Nationals. "I placed fourth at the Central Championship and beat about 80 people to secure a spot,” Donovan said.

Bailey Donovan takes nationals by storm

Tristan Hitchens-Brookins, Staff Writer
April 12, 2018
US Chemistry teaccher Mallory Schmidt draws and identifies parts of a Galvanic Cell for the students.

Anticipation of new science electives ignites passion

Tristan Hitchens-Brookins, Staff Writer
April 9, 2018
Because of the large amounts of snow, all after school activities are canceled.

Snow cancels all after school activities

Tristan Hitchens-Brookins, Staff Writer
April 3, 2018
Migos Trio: Who is the best Migos?

Migos Trio: Who is the best Migos?

Breandan Gibbons, Tristan Hitchens-Brookins, and Michael Forsgren
March 9, 2018
Captain Numi Katz lawnmowing with a dumbell for strength training.

Ultimate prepares for new season and vision

Tristan Hitchens-Brookins, Staff Writer
March 5, 2018
Senior Libby Woodson and the children she nannies goofing off and having a good time. “I would totally recommend it if you like kids because it’s super easy, and kids are cute,” Woodson said.

Engaging their inner kid: for nannies, work is fun

Tristan Hitchens-Brookins, Staff Writer
March 2, 2018
Senior Nik Elsasser powers down the court unchallenged by defenders.

Lincoln International loses to Spartans

Tristan Hitchens-Brookins, Staff Writer
February 28, 2018
Grunau drives on a fast break.

Boys basketball wins against Blake in a close game

Tristan Hitchens-Brookins, Staff Writer
January 31, 2018
US history teacher Molly Ward and junior Elea Besse go over her history agenda in a hijab. This is the third annual Hijab Day organized by the Muslim Student Alliance.

MSA hosts third annual Hijab Day

Tristan Hitchens-Brookins, Staff Writer
February 1, 2018
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