The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

The Rubicon
WINTER BREAK. Check back in late January for regular reporting. (Ibid Photo: Ellie Camp)
Students on winter break until January, regular reporting to continue in 2025
December 19, 2024
Midterm exams begin, while teachers plan for student illness
Midterm exams begin, while teachers plan for student illness
December 16, 2024
STUDYING STUDENTS. In Red Leaf Commons Sophomore Erik Bjorgvinsson works on his final English essay.
How are students and teachers preparing for midterms week?
December 13, 2024
THE DESIGNER. Kalugdan holds the first printout of the poster she designed for the conference.
Admin, students organize 2025 SDLC conference
December 11, 2024
[The 5] Whooping cough, Topgun flight school, Syrian Assad and more
[The 5] Whooping cough, Topgun flight school, Syrian Assad and more
December 8, 2024
Chronically Online is a monthly column to help readers develop media literacy skills. (Image created in Adobe Express)
Don’t fall into the “illusion of choice” trap
December 19, 2024
NEVER ENOUGH. There is enough negativity surrounding body image on social media and societal expectations. Instead, Expressing positive thoughts on your own and the person’s appearance can enforce satisfaction in one’s looks.
Comments can shape body image, so think before speaking
December 15, 2024
GOTCHA. Rage bait content spreads hate and profits off of angry reactions. Understand rage bait so one can recognize and avoid it.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Don’t let rage bait poison your mindset
December 14, 2024
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
ChatGPT search: the dangers of AI hallucinations
December 13, 2024
NOT JUST FOR POPULARITY POINTS. Teenagers should explore relationships, but also understand what it comes with what a healthy one looks like.
Pucker up for popularity
December 12, 2024
GOTCHA. Rage bait content spreads hate and profits off of angry reactions. Understand rage bait so one can recognize and avoid it.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Don’t let rage bait poison your mindset
December 14, 2024
INPUT IGNORED. The implementation of the new phone-free policy, despite overwhelmingly negative feedback from students, has contributed to a loss of trust in the administration. In order to repair this relationship, the administration must show that they value student voices and use the data collected in surveys when considering policies.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Phone policy reveals disregard of student input, lack of trust in admin
November 30, 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
Chronically Online is a monthly column to help readers develop media literacy skills. (Image created in Adobe Express)
Don’t fall into the “illusion of choice” trap
December 19, 2024
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
ChatGPT search: the dangers of AI hallucinations
December 13, 2024
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
News from Down Under: Australia’s social media ban
December 5, 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
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
SNOW POWERED. Miles Coates Cush feels at home as his board slashes through powder. He is descending with increasing velocity. The jump is of paramount importance.
Coates Cush defies gravity on his snowboard
December 20, 2024
BACK ON THE SELF. At Hosmer library in Hennepin County, Campbell volunteers weekly and keeps the books in circulation, keeping them ready for people to check out. (Submitted by Via Campbell).
From patron to volunteer: Via Campbell gives back to her neighborhood library
December 16, 2024
LENIN SMILES. During a trip to Prague in 2018 for a post-Cold War gender and sexuality conference, Gokhberg stopped to take a picture at the memorial museum of Cold War statues. Submitted by Gokhberg.
[DISCUSSING THE DISSERTATION] Gokhberg’s journey to Doctor Zhivago
December 13, 2024
UP NORTH. Ninth-grader Henry Cammack makes fishing a lifestyle. “It’s a tradition of ours every year to go to Canada and bet money on who can catch the biggest Northern and Walleye,” he said.
Henry Cammack casts a line in search of a great fish tale
December 13, 2024
SENIOR SZN. Senior Scarlett Gibson films a video with Sophia Bietz, Ada LaTarte and Dia Chaney during homecoming week. (Screen capture submitted by Scarlett Gibson)
Scarlett Gibson captures senior year on video
December 12, 2024
NEW CINEMA. A wave of movies this fall-winter season hopes to compensate for the disappointing cinema earlier this year. (Press release images from various studios, credited later in each individual chapter)
[OFF-SCREEN WITH OSTREM] The good and not-so-good of recent cinema
December 17, 2024
FRIENDSHIP: Star player of the Chuska warriors gets in a mental funk when a reporter asked him about his dead family members. Best friend Jimmy Holiday steps in and helps his friend. (Photo taken by Lewis Clark, released by Netflix)
[MOVIE REVIEW] Rez Ball inspirationally melds basketball and Native American representation
December 12, 2024
GRAVY FEST. Yung Gravy sold out The Armory, which has a maximum capacity of of 8,400, for his first Gravy Fest
[CONCERT REVIEW] Yung Gravy’s hometown tour stop disappoints and disgusts
December 10, 2024
Since 2016, the Swedish music streaming platform Spotify has created a personalized recap of users’ listening habits. It calculates each user’s top songs, artists and listening minutes, presenting the results in a distinct and uniquely recognizable format.
It’s time to unwrap Wrapped
December 9, 2024
(TABLETOP) GAME ON. The club plays Dungeons and Dragons most Tuesday after school. “Their characters are going on an adventure,” club leader Jack Hickman said, “and I'm kind of running it for them.”
Tabletop role play club takes on Dungeons and Dragons
December 9, 2024
NEW CINEMA. A wave of movies this fall-winter season hopes to compensate for the disappointing cinema earlier this year. (Press release images from various studios, credited later in each individual chapter)
[OFF-SCREEN WITH OSTREM] The good and not-so-good of recent cinema
December 17, 2024
FRIENDSHIP: Star player of the Chuska warriors gets in a mental funk when a reporter asked him about his dead family members. Best friend Jimmy Holiday steps in and helps his friend. (Photo taken by Lewis Clark, released by Netflix)
[MOVIE REVIEW] Rez Ball inspirationally melds basketball and Native American representation
December 12, 2024
GRAVY FEST. Yung Gravy sold out The Armory, which has a maximum capacity of of 8,400, for his first Gravy Fest
[CONCERT REVIEW] Yung Gravy’s hometown tour stop disappoints and disgusts
December 10, 2024
MUSICAL HISTORY. The 2025 GRAMMYs will be the 67th ceremony, with the first having been held on May 4, 1959. The first Album of the Year award was given to Henry Mancini for his soundtrack to the TV series "Peter Gunn."
Ranking the 2025 GRAMMY album of the year nominees
December 6, 2024
ICE CREAM SODA. After a misunderstanding between Emily Webb and George Gibbs, George takes her out for some ice cream soda.
[PLAY REVIEW] Finding life, love and grief in Our Town
November 25, 2024
GOING UP. Senior Nathan Rock rises up for a layup being followed by a Scots defender.
Boys basketball falls to Highland Park despite standout individual performances
December 15, 2024
FOCUS. Ninth grader Magarsaa Mullatta swiftly dribbles the ball between his legs while focusing on what his next move will be. (photo submitted by Magarsaa Mullatta)
More than a sport: how basketball has shaped the Mullataa family
December 12, 2024
SPARTANS CELEBRATE. Spartan fans up against the glass to cheer on the team as they just got a goal.
Boys’ hockey beats Simley in home opener
December 8, 2024
TWO WORLDS. Erik Bjorgvinsson has been balancing club soccer and high school soccer since his freshman year. Before he joined the Spartans, he had already been playing with the St. Paul Blackhawks for seven years. (LEFT Audrey Peltier, RIGHT submitted by Erik Bjorgvinsson)
High school or club soccer? Bjorgvinsson finds passion in both
December 7, 2024
LIMITS. Clare Roney Pushes herself to reach her goals during her OrangeTheory workout session ( Photo Submitted by Clare Roney)
Ms. Roney pushes herself in Orange Theory through friendly competition
December 4, 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
GOING UP. Senior Nathan Rock rises up for a layup being followed by a Scots defender.
Boys basketball falls to Highland Park despite standout individual performances
December 15, 2024
SPARTANS CELEBRATE. Spartan fans up against the glass to cheer on the team as they just got a goal.
Boys’ hockey beats Simley in home opener
December 8, 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
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
Want to learn more about video games? Tune in to The Game On Podcast.
[GAME ON] Ep. 1 Are video games too violent?
December 20, 2024
[UNEXPECTED FRIENDSHIP] Ep. 1 Online friendship goes IRL
[UNEXPECTED FRIENDSHIP] Ep. 1 Online friendship goes IRL
December 19, 2024
SPAtify explores a different genre of music in each episode.
[SPAtify] Ep. 1 Classical music with Winston Arvidson
December 18, 2024
[RUNNING ON EMPTY] Ep. 1 The importance of good sleep
[RUNNING ON EMPTY] Ep. 1 The importance of good sleep
December 17, 2024
Yasmin Khan room tour
Yasmin Khan room tour
December 14, 2024
Want to learn more about video games? Tune in to The Game On Podcast.
[GAME ON] Ep. 1 Are video games too violent?
December 20, 2024
[UNEXPECTED FRIENDSHIP] Ep. 1 Online friendship goes IRL
[UNEXPECTED FRIENDSHIP] Ep. 1 Online friendship goes IRL
December 19, 2024
SPAtify explores a different genre of music in each episode.
[SPAtify] Ep. 1 Classical music with Winston Arvidson
December 18, 2024
[RUNNING ON EMPTY] Ep. 1 The importance of good sleep
[RUNNING ON EMPTY] Ep. 1 The importance of good sleep
December 17, 2024
[STORY BEHIND THE STORY] How does CVE Georgia Ross design The Rubicon?
[STORY BEHIND THE STORY] How does CVE Georgia Ross design The Rubicon?
December 8, 2024
Yasmin Khan room tour
Yasmin Khan room tour
December 14, 2024
[MIC'D UP] Adele Gjerde glides through the season
[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
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
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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