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
ADVERTISEMENT. USC Co-President Cerena Karmaliani, junior rep. Shefali Meagher and ninth-grade rep. Shrey Nemani (left to right) promote the Blood Drive. They set up a table just outside of the dining hall with flyers and information about donating.

[NEWS IN BRIEF] USC Blood Drive happening on Halloween; sign-ups still open

Audrey Jansen, RubicOnline • October 16, 2024
The USC Blood Drive will take place 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the small gym on Oct. 31.
DO GOOD. 32 participants supported the American Red Cross's cause of giving blood to cancer patients, accident victims, and others in need.

Students and faculty encouraged to donate in upcoming blood drive

Lani Ngonethong, RubicOnline • February 24, 2024
USC's annual blood drive will occur Mar. 5 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
DONATE NOW. USC runs a sign up table in the English Commons on Feb. 20.

Blood drive planned to address nationwide blood shortage

Grace Medrano, The Rubicon • March 7, 2023

The USA is experiencing a blood shortage. In Jan. 2020, Red Cross declared its first-ever national blood crisis, desperate for donations. The Upper School Council collaborates with a representative...

Junior Adeline DeHarpporte accompanies her friend junior Anja Trierweiler who getting her blood drawn for the first time.

American Red Cross comforts first-time blood donors

Elle Chen, RubicOnline • February 11, 2020
Although the process of drawing blood only takes 10-20 minutes, the entire process of donating blood takes about an hour total.
Note: This image was previously published in RubicOnline

USC changes blood drive’s location and information systems to increase participation

Lara Cayci, RubicOnline • November 5, 2019
USC has been working tirelessly to make changes in order to increase participation.
Students getting their blood drawn in the small gym

Blood Drive draws teachers, students

Tana Ososki, Interactive Storytelling Team • February 19, 2019
The yearly SPA blood drive experienced some minor setbacks because of a late start due to snow, but USC ensured everything went smoothly.

The chance to donate blood should not be wasted

Michael Forsgren, Social Media Manager • February 25, 2018
Donating blood is a completely safe and quick process which can save lives, people need to seriously consider it more.
Junior Reuben Vizelman, donates blood at the annual drive.

USC supports Red Cross through annual blood drive

Peter Blanchfield, Opinions Editor • February 22, 2018
USC hosted its annual Red Cross Blood drive on Feb. 22, with over 30 people participating.
Blood Drive speaker Karla Fenstermaker spoke to students Tuesday morning in The Huss Center about donating blood

Blood Drive speaker emphasizes importance of donating

Webster Lehmann, Creative Design Manager • February 6, 2018
In preparation for the annual blood drive, Upper School Student Council hosted American Red Cross representative Karla Fenstermaker to discuss the importance of blood donation.
37 years later, the Blood Drive still thrives

37 years later, the Blood Drive still thrives

Emily Thissen, RubicOnline Editor • February 5, 2017
After starting in 1980, the Red Cross Blood Drive is still being hosted by SPA each year.
Senior Maggie Gallagher gives blood and senior Moira McCarthy supports her at the Jan. 31 Blood Drive. "We organize the blood drive because people need blood and there are so many things that prevent people from donating, we want to make as many donations as possible," McCarthy said.

Annual Blood Drive ends in success, 29 units donated

Emily Thissen, RubicOnline Editor • February 1, 2017
At the annual Red Cross Blood Drive, SPA students, faculty, and staff, donated 29 units of blood.
Red Cross workers collect blood donations in the small gym on Feb. 3. “It felt good, aside from a little wooziness. I’m happy I did it,” sophomore Joel Tibbetts said. The drive collected 31 units of blood.

Blood Drive succeeds, participation from faculty and students

Netta Kaplan, Managing Editor • February 7, 2015
Over 50 students and faculty participated in the annual Blood Drive this year despite an earlier date being a set back for many 15-year old students.
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