• Class of 2025 begin senior projects on Apr. 28.
  • Sonia Kharbanda named Free Spirit Scholar. She will represent Minnesota at a Freedom Forum conference in Washington D.C. this summer.
  • Congratulations to Annie Zhang, the MN Journalist of the Year runner-up.
  • The Rubicon is named NSPA Pacemaker finalist. Winners will be announced Apr. 28.
  • Want more photos? Find them in the yearbook galleries on the Ibid Flickr.
The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

The Rubicon
SCHOOL’S OUT. U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during an event to sign an executive order to shut down the Department of Education, in the East Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., March 20, 2025. (PHOTO: SNO REUTERS/Nathan Howard)
Trump attacks Dept. of Education
April 25, 2025
COMMITTED TO COLLEGE. Seniors can opt in to announce their postsecondary plans @spaclassof2025 on Instagram, which is managed by a classmate. (Screen Capture: @spaclassof2025 on Instagram)
Following record application numbers, seniors announce decisions
April 24, 2025
Saurin Patel left and Humza Jameel right, at plan for their senior project.
Senior projects opens up a whole new world of possibilities for students
April 24, 2025
Solid framework, debated results
Solid framework, debated results
April 23, 2025
OPEN MIC. English teacher Anne Boemler introduced the assembly before launching into a poem of her own.
Upper school assembly celebrates poetry month
April 22, 2025
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
It’s time: Let’s talk about social media.
April 24, 2025
PASSIONATE PROTESTING. A child participates in the “Hands Off” protest at the State Capitol Apr. 5. Protests allow one to move from talking about an issue to acting on it; protesting can also combat isolation and hopelessness.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Take action: attend a protest, leave empowered
April 22, 2025
FREEDOM'S FIST. The op-ed is a living symbol of the freedom of the press—like one finger on the hand of the First Amendment, which itself forms the strong fist of American democracy. What could be more American than that?
Hands off the Op-ed
April 21, 2025
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
Earth Day, 2025: What are tech companies doing for the environment?
April 19, 2025
CHILDHOOD ON CAMERA. From rigorous film schedules to oversharing, family vlogger channels sometimes take it too far when filming children. This calls for more protections for family and child vlogging content and, overall, better parenting.
Monetizing childhood: issues with family vlogging
April 18, 2025
PASSIONATE PROTESTING. A child participates in the “Hands Off” protest at the State Capitol Apr. 5. Protests allow one to move from talking about an issue to acting on it; protesting can also combat isolation and hopelessness.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Take action: attend a protest, leave empowered
April 22, 2025
EVERYONE HAS A RIGHT. Whether you are a citizen or not, these recent ICE arrests of international university students show that this is an attack on citizens' rights as well.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] ICE entering universities affects everyone
April 12, 2025
MAKE A CHANGE. There is so much to be thankful for and so many people to thank, so let’s replace complaining with thankfulness.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Drop the attitude for gratitude
March 18, 2025
SEEKING A STATEMENT. The SPA administration has not yet addressed President Donald Trump’s series of anti-DEI executive orders, leaving the community uncertain about the school’s stance. A transparent statement from the school would clarify that diversity remains a value of the community and will be protected at SPA.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Reaffirm commitment to diversity to uphold values
March 9, 2025
TIME FOR COMMUNITY. Community building happens in clubs. Yet, clubs have met only once in two months. Clubs have been tossed aside due to constant schedule changes when clubs should be prioritized more.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Prioritizing clubs will build community
February 28, 2025
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
It’s time: Let’s talk about social media.
April 24, 2025
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
Earth Day, 2025: What are tech companies doing for the environment?
April 19, 2025
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
The Nintendo Switch 2: Worth the Wait?
April 11, 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump talks to members of the press aboard Air Force One during a flight to Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, U.S., April 6, 2025. REUTERS/Kent Nishimura/File photo
[POLITICAL PULSE] Trump’s war on the free press poses a threat to democracy
April 8, 2025
“The Sift” is a weekly opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
The latest computer: powered by brains?
March 13, 2025
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
BUG APPRECIATION LaTarte reflects that her experience with the critters has evolved but followed her in her life and art. Beetle flickr Creative Commons: GREGORIUZ
Birds and bugs drive student curiosity
April 24, 2025
EAGER ENGAGEMENT. Senior Mason Hang reminisces on his 3/4B teacher Jill Chang, whom he formed a close bond with during his time at the LS. “She was very nice, and I don’t know, I always felt a familial kind of connection to her. She was very helpful and she would laugh at jokes, and she was not afraid to have fun with us,” Hang said. (Photo: SPA Smugmug)
Students reflect on impactful LS teachers that shaped hearts and minds
April 24, 2025
AT WORK Solomon Beardsley crafts drinks for the Cat Cafes customers.
Student employees share familiarity of Catzen Cafe
April 23, 2025
Information from Healthline
[GOOD QUESTION] When is it sound advice to follow a medical myth?
April 22, 2025
Adams (front right) sits with his Troop 9419 after a weekend of service projects and environmental cleanups at Tomahawk, a Boy Scout-run campsite. (Submitted photo by Hugh Adams)
Eagle scout Hugh Adams puts the community in community service
April 16, 2025
A MUST WATCH. "Warfare" is not an easy watch, and it is not meant to be (Fair use image from A24 official website).
[MOVIE REVIEW] “Warfare” burns patriotism to the ground
April 25, 2025
EXCELLENT EXIHIBIT. The Minnesota Historical Society’s “Girlhood (It’s Complicated)” exhibit highlights women in a variety of fields throughout American history.
Girlhood (It’s Complicated) wonderfully explores women throughout history
April 24, 2025
YOUR TURN. Adams cues Melchert into the next part of the song. The group relied on each other, not a conductor, to keep their performance together.
Jazz band puts on stunning performance in cabaret concert
April 23, 2025
FULL HOUSE. Students watch "Mo" in Film Club.
Film Club celebrates culture, hosts showing of comedy-drama series “Mo”
April 21, 2025
Lumpia, a delicious Filipino classic that can be ordered as an appetizer at George and the Dragon.
[Around Town] George and The Dragon offers amazing fusion food
April 21, 2025
A MUST WATCH. "Warfare" is not an easy watch, and it is not meant to be (Fair use image from A24 official website).
[MOVIE REVIEW] “Warfare” burns patriotism to the ground
April 25, 2025
lifeofpibway.com
[THEATER REVIEW] Faith, fear and ferocity: “Life of Pi” brings a mesmerizing tale of survival and storytelling to Orpheum
April 18, 2025
CONNECTED. Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr explores a variety of experiences and time periods while binding all of these perspectives together with a fictional ancient story. This narrative structure allows the award-winning novel to explore themes across generations of struggle and resilience. The end result is a book that is both powerful and intricate (Image from Doerr's website)
[BOOK REVIEW] “Cloud Cuckoo Land” stories and struggles transcend time
April 15, 2025
The single “Good Grief” shows that Jenna Raine is an artist to watch. Its heartfelt lyrics and relatability set the stage for what promises to be an exciting career. (MOXIE Press Kit)
With new EP on the way, Jenna Raine releases empowering single “Good Grief”
April 15, 2025
ROARING 20s. Dominique Kelley’s choreography, particularly the energetic tap number in a party sequence, is a bright spot, as is the set design by Kennedy Center resident designer Paul Tate dePoo III, which is adequately lavish and illustrates life in the lap of luxury with all its glitter and gold. (Fair Use Image: Gatsby Broadway Press, Matthew Murphy)
[THEATER REVIEW] It might be Gatsby, but it’s certainly not great
April 14, 2025
TIMEOUT. The Spartans take a timeout with 19.7 seconds left in the first quarter.
New School, New Connections: Girls Lacrosse Co-Op Grows with Addition of St. Croix Lutheran
April 25, 2025
HOT PURSUIT. Blackhawks players chase after the player with the ball.
Blackhawks lacrosse suffers tough loss against Hermatown/Proctor
April 15, 2025
TIMEOUT. Coach discusses strategy with the players.
Baseball downs Eagle Ridge Academy in season opener
April 12, 2025
UNITY. he volleyball team stands together, hand in hand, embodying the strength and camaraderie of female athletes. Photo taken from SPA SmugMug.
Support female athletes: the continuous fight for recognition
March 31, 2025
INNER PEACE. Junior Eloise Leatham moves through yoga poses as a way to cultivate mindfulness and gratitude. By engaging in these poses, she embraces both strength and stillness, using yoga as a tool to center herself amid daily challenges. Through her practice, she finds balance, focus, and a moment to reconnect with herself, carrying its lessons beyond the mat into her everyday life.
The power of yoga: much more than mindfulness
March 13, 2025
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
TIP-IN. Sophomore Miles Vogenthaler tips the ball while jumping up.
Boys basketball emerges victorious over Nova in evenly-matched section quarterfinal
March 9, 2025
CONGRATS. Senior Inga Wing and Junior Maren Overgaard are congratulated after they finish their race. (Photo submitted by Maren Overgaard)
Champions. Overgaard and Wing win Nordic relay at state meet
March 4, 2025
GLIDE. Townley tucks to gain speed on a downhill portion of the course. Photo submitted by Helen Townley.
Dartmouth commit Helen Townley reflects on a childhood shaped by Nordic skiing
March 3, 2025
DANGLES. Freshman Max George takes the puck down the ice around a Johnson player.
Spartan hockey and St. Paul Johnson Governors collaborate to support leukemia patient
February 19, 2025
WALK. Spectators walking through the park trying to find the perfect spot to watch the racers.
Nordic slides from sections to state
February 13, 2025
TIMEOUT. The Spartans take a timeout with 19.7 seconds left in the first quarter.
New School, New Connections: Girls Lacrosse Co-Op Grows with Addition of St. Croix Lutheran
April 25, 2025
TOGETHER. The girls lacrosse team meets in the middle of practice to discuss drills.
Girls lacrosse hosts pre-season practices to foster team culture
February 10, 2025
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
Athletes build strength in the weight room
Athletes build strength in the weight room
April 24, 2025
Spring showers bring ribbon roses: DIY with Salma Blagui
Spring showers bring ribbon roses: DIY with Salma Blagui
April 21, 2025
HISTORIC SPOTS. Cheapo Records, First Avenue, Sound 80 Studios and The Armory remain some of Minnesota's most historic musical locations (Fair use images from Orfield Labs (bottom left), First Avenue X account (top right), The Armory official website (bottom right)).
Mapping Minnesota music
April 18, 2025
Local concert scene bonds communities and relieves stress through music
Local concert scene bonds communities and relieves stress through music
April 16, 2025
PRECIOUS MEMORIES. Junior Leah Passe reflects on her earliest childhood memories. "I think I remember feeling excited to start actually learning in school and not just in preschool anymore. And I don't think it has a very like, necessarily positive or negative connotation to it. I think I just remember it happening, and I remember being excited," said Passe. (Photos submitted by Leah Passe, graphic made by Thomas Chen)
How childhood memories shape who we are
April 15, 2025
PRECIOUS MEMORIES. Junior Leah Passe reflects on her earliest childhood memories. "I think I remember feeling excited to start actually learning in school and not just in preschool anymore. And I don't think it has a very like, necessarily positive or negative connotation to it. I think I just remember it happening, and I remember being excited," said Passe. (Photos submitted by Leah Passe, graphic made by Thomas Chen)
How childhood memories shape who we are
April 15, 2025
[STORY BEHIND THE STORY] Social Media Manager Mariam Malik stops those Spartans
[STORY BEHIND THE STORY] Social Media Manager Mariam Malik stops those Spartans
April 13, 2025
[TRENDING] Ep. 5 Influenced or influencer? Students respond
[TRENDING] Ep. 5 Influenced or influencer? Students respond
March 14, 2025
LUNCH TIME PONDERS. In her senior speech, senior Belle Weng spoke about asking random questions to her friends to get to know them better at lunch. Listen in to hear more about the random questions she's asked in the past. (Made from Canva elements Comic Script Bubble Illustration Sketchify and Red Question Marks Icons 8)
Breaking the ice through random questions with Belle Weng
March 10, 2025
one of my ideas was to make it My Little Pony themed [because] in beats we have four groups and they all produce work different weeks, so we split them into groups. And last year it was Minion-themed, so in my presentation, I wanted to have a little fun thing, so I was just like, ‘Oh, we should do a My Little Pony theme.’ And then, you know, we turned it into the theme of the year. And now we have four groups. We have team Twilight Sparkle. We have team Princess Cadence– is she a princess? Guys, I need to know my My Little Pony better. And then we have team Princess Celestia and team Princess Luna.
[STORY BEHIND THE STORY] Pony groups. Monthly deadlines. Beat magic with Thomas Chen
February 27, 2025
Athletes build strength in the weight room
Athletes build strength in the weight room
April 24, 2025
Spring showers bring ribbon roses: DIY with Salma Blagui
Spring showers bring ribbon roses: DIY with Salma Blagui
April 21, 2025
Local concert scene bonds communities and relieves stress through music
Local concert scene bonds communities and relieves stress through music
April 16, 2025
The launch of a new club sport: rugby welcomes players into its first season
The launch of a new club sport: rugby welcomes players into its first season
April 14, 2025
[MIC'D UP] Miles Vogenthaler brings the action in section playoffs against Nova
[MIC’D UP] Miles Vogenthaler brings the action in section playoffs against Nova
March 11, 2025
April 2025 Issue
April 22, 2025
March 2025 Issue
March 11, 2025
February 2025 Issue
February 11, 2025
January 2025 Issue
January 16, 2025
November 2024 Issue
November 21, 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
NEWS
SCHOOL’S OUT. U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during an event to sign an executive order to shut down the Department of Education, in the East Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., March 20, 2025. (PHOTO: SNO REUTERS/Nathan Howard)
Trump attacks Dept. of Education
Ivy Evans, The Rubicon • April 25, 2025
Three months into U.S. president Donald Trump’s second term, a conflict has arisen: Trump vs. the Department of Education.
COMMITTED TO COLLEGE. Seniors can opt in to announce their postsecondary plans @spaclassof2025 on Instagram, which is managed by a classmate. (Screen Capture: @spaclassof2025 on Instagram)
Following record application numbers, seniors announce decisions
April 24, 2025
Saurin Patel left and Humza Jameel right, at plan for their senior project.
Senior projects opens up a whole new world of possibilities for students
April 24, 2025
Solid framework, debated results
Solid framework, debated results
April 23, 2025
OPEN MIC. English teacher Anne Boemler introduced the assembly before launching into a poem of her own.
Upper school assembly celebrates poetry month
April 22, 2025
View All
OPINION
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
It’s time: Let’s talk about social media.
Huxley Westemeier, Columnist • April 24, 2025
Don't let social media take over your life. There's other things to do, too.
FREEDOM'S FIST. The op-ed is a living symbol of the freedom of the press—like one finger on the hand of the First Amendment, which itself forms the strong fist of American democracy. What could be more American than that?
Hands off the Op-ed
April 21, 2025
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
Earth Day, 2025: What are tech companies doing for the environment?
April 19, 2025
CHILDHOOD ON CAMERA. From rigorous film schedules to oversharing, family vlogger channels sometimes take it too far when filming children. This calls for more protections for family and child vlogging content and, overall, better parenting.
Monetizing childhood: issues with family vlogging
April 18, 2025
Proposed state budget unfairly threatens private school funding
Proposed state budget unfairly threatens private school funding
April 17, 2025
View All
FEATURE
BUG APPRECIATION LaTarte reflects that her experience with the critters has evolved but followed her in her life and art. Beetle flickr Creative Commons: GREGORIUZ
Birds and bugs drive student curiosity
Ivy Evans, The Rubicon • April 24, 2025
Birds and Bugs are everywhere. Find out how they impact a few students.
EAGER ENGAGEMENT. Senior Mason Hang reminisces on his 3/4B teacher Jill Chang, whom he formed a close bond with during his time at the LS. “She was very nice, and I don’t know, I always felt a familial kind of connection to her. She was very helpful and she would laugh at jokes, and she was not afraid to have fun with us,” Hang said. (Photo: SPA Smugmug)
Students reflect on impactful LS teachers that shaped hearts and minds
April 24, 2025
AT WORK Solomon Beardsley crafts drinks for the Cat Cafes customers.
Student employees share familiarity of Catzen Cafe
April 23, 2025
Information from Healthline
[GOOD QUESTION] When is it sound advice to follow a medical myth?
April 22, 2025
Adams (front right) sits with his Troop 9419 after a weekend of service projects and environmental cleanups at Tomahawk, a Boy Scout-run campsite. (Submitted photo by Hugh Adams)
Eagle scout Hugh Adams puts the community in community service
April 16, 2025
View All
A&E
A MUST WATCH. "Warfare" is not an easy watch, and it is not meant to be (Fair use image from A24 official website).
[MOVIE REVIEW] “Warfare” burns patriotism to the ground
Mariam Malik, Social Media Manager • April 25, 2025
In a time when war films often double as recruitment ads, "Warfare" takes a jarring left turn. This move is not the classic American propaganda piece wrapped in stars and stripes, nor does it seek to glamorize the elite image of Navy SEALS.
EXCELLENT EXIHIBIT. The Minnesota Historical Society’s “Girlhood (It’s Complicated)” exhibit highlights women in a variety of fields throughout American history.
Girlhood (It’s Complicated) wonderfully explores women throughout history
April 24, 2025
YOUR TURN. Adams cues Melchert into the next part of the song. The group relied on each other, not a conductor, to keep their performance together.
Jazz band puts on stunning performance in cabaret concert
April 23, 2025
FULL HOUSE. Students watch "Mo" in Film Club.
Film Club celebrates culture, hosts showing of comedy-drama series “Mo”
April 21, 2025
Lumpia, a delicious Filipino classic that can be ordered as an appetizer at George and the Dragon.
[Around Town] George and The Dragon offers amazing fusion food
April 21, 2025
View All
SPORTS
TIMEOUT. The Spartans take a timeout with 19.7 seconds left in the first quarter.
New School, New Connections: Girls Lacrosse Co-Op Grows with Addition of St. Croix Lutheran
Audrey Jansen, News Editor • April 25, 2025
Starting this spring, the girl's lacrosse team added one new school to their co-op: St. Croix Lutheran.
HOT PURSUIT. Blackhawks players chase after the player with the ball.
Blackhawks lacrosse suffers tough loss against Hermatown/Proctor
April 15, 2025
TIMEOUT. Coach discusses strategy with the players.
Baseball downs Eagle Ridge Academy in season opener
April 12, 2025
UNITY. he volleyball team stands together, hand in hand, embodying the strength and camaraderie of female athletes. Photo taken from SPA SmugMug.
Support female athletes: the continuous fight for recognition
March 31, 2025
INNER PEACE. Junior Eloise Leatham moves through yoga poses as a way to cultivate mindfulness and gratitude. By engaging in these poses, she embraces both strength and stillness, using yoga as a tool to center herself amid daily challenges. Through her practice, she finds balance, focus, and a moment to reconnect with herself, carrying its lessons beyond the mat into her everyday life.
The power of yoga: much more than mindfulness
March 13, 2025
View All
TOP STORIES
MSHSL AND TITLE IX. Following President Trump’s Feb. 5 executive order, the MSHSL released a statement allowing trans athletes to participate in sports that match their gender identity. (Fair use image from MSHSL)
Student-athletes speak out against federal investigation into MSHSL
March 10, 2025
SEEKING A STATEMENT. The SPA administration has not yet addressed President Donald Trump’s series of anti-DEI executive orders, leaving the community uncertain about the school’s stance. A transparent statement from the school would clarify that diversity remains a value of the community and will be protected at SPA.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Reaffirm commitment to diversity to uphold values
March 9, 2025
TIP-IN. Sophomore Miles Vogenthaler tips the ball while jumping up.
Boys basketball emerges victorious over Nova in evenly-matched section quarterfinal
March 9, 2025
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