The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

The Rubicon
CLUB FUN. Ninth grader Louise Mahoney and Junior Nora McKoy chat at Youth in Government 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
STUDENT VOICE. The Upper School Council presidents share the agenda at a recent bi-weekly meeting. Elected councils meet on Mondays, but USC subcommittees may meet more frequently to achieve their goals.
Upper School Council sets priorities for the year
November 11, 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
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
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
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
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
Class of 2024 committed athletes. (left to right) Ethan Carter (Occidental College), Tysen Hayes (Carleton College), Griffin Schwab Mahoney (St. Olaf), Cooper Olson (Gustavus), Will Black (St. Olaf), Naomi Kempcke (St. Olaf). All of these athletes have completed the process of recruitment with the help of SPA's athletic programs.
Navigating the journey from high school to college athletics
November 5, 2024
SYNC. All of the swimmers dive in sync into the water.
Sparks boast PR bonanza at conference
November 4, 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
BVS advances to state final after defeating Pine Island/Zumbrota-Mazeppa in penalty kicks
BVS advances to state final after defeating Pine Island/Zumbrota-Mazeppa in penalty kicks
October 31, 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
ON THE WATER. There are many ways to spend time outdoors, including waterskiing and other water sports that are perfect for the spring and summer. (Submitted Photo: Adele Gjerde)

Spending time outdoors is linked to improved wellness

Olympia Wolff, The Rubicon • March 11, 2024
Being in nature improves cognitive performance, creativity, attentional control and much more.
This summer, junior Anisa Deo will spend four weeks working as a camp counselor and dish washer at Camp Olson, a YMCA camp located on Little Boy Lake near Brainerd, Minnesota. "I'm gonna just get to spend time with my friends, basically, and I get paid to be there," she said.

Deo anticipates a summer working at Camp Olson

Clara McKoy, RubicOnline • May 26, 2023
Junior Anisa Deo gives the lowdown on working at Camp Olson after attending as a camper for three years.
Podcasts help students pursue interests

Podcasts help students pursue interests

Ivy Raya, RubicOnline • March 15, 2023
Listen to Rubiconline reporter Ivy Raya interview senior Becca Richman about all of her favorite podcasts, from The Financial Feminist to The Dirtbag Diaries.
NATURAL FIT. US Assistant Claire Rohweder loves outdoor activities and service: "“I’m also a Minnesota Master Naturalist, which basically means I am certified through the University of Minnesota to volunteer at nature centers."

Rohweder joins administrative staff as upper school assistant

Salah Abdulkarim, Editor in Chief • February 9, 2022
Stop by the upper school office and meet Claire Rohweder.
Ruddick takes every opportunity she can to get outside and enjoy the fresh air.

German teacher Rachel Ruddick shares her enjoyment of outdoor activities

Ali Browne and Milkii Tigro • August 30, 2021
“I like going biking, and I biked along the Mississippi River when I [first] came here. I [also] swam across the river, and I just think it’s cool that there [are also] so many lakes around. I’m not a great swimmer or biker, actually, but I like to find a bunch of different ways to do these things for fun,” Ruddick said.
Skiiers take the lift up to the top of the hill at Buck Hill ski area in Burnsville during the meet.

Culture of Alpine Ski built on co-ed community

Arden Lillemoe, Staff Writer • March 9, 2021
Each season is made up of different team members, so each season has its own life of its own. The most common thing I see is first-year members are usually quiet and nearly always come out of their shell by the second season.
At the sculpture garden, this is one of the sculptures that will capture your eye.

[TOP PICKS] Scenic spots around the Twin Cities

Zekiah Juliusson and Henry Burkhardt • January 21, 2021
An interactive map shows the best places to spend some time in nature around the cities.

Upper school band adjusts to new regulations

Elle Chen, RubicOnline • October 9, 2020
Band director Reid touches on the changes made to band program.
Two people wearing face masks, a worker cleaning the Mary Tyler Moore statue and someone passing by, glance at each other in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Doctor explains how outside affects social distancing

Elizabeth Trevathan, Director of RubicOnline • May 17, 2020
Dr. John Hick, medical director for disaster preparedness at Hennepin Healthcare, said wearing masks is a crucial step to limiting the spread of coronavirus.
Ice sculptors work on their pieces during the carnival, allowing anyone to watch the progress of the sculpting.

Winter Carnival provides opportunity to enjoy the (very cold) outdoors

Claire Hallaway, The Rubicon Editor • January 24, 2019
The Saint Paul Winter Carnival runs from Jan. 24-Feb. 3 at locations across the city.
There are many benefits to spending more time outdoors, such as lowering stress and increasing energy.

Students need more outdoor social spaces

Nitya Thakkar, Aureus EIC • October 30, 2018
Students need more outdoor social spaces, since the outdoors can provide numerous benefits such as lower stress and improve focus.
Minnesotans are fortunate to have these seasonal bursts of color, but it seems that many people, especially teenagers, take this for granted and fail to stop for even a minute to admire the natural beauty of autumn. Taking a short break from the stress of schoolwork to go outside for a fall stroll around the neighborhood has many benefits.

Teenagers should learn to appreciate the outdoors by getting outside

Krista Schlinger, The Rubicon Editor • October 25, 2016
With the fall leaves and great weather, it is important for teenagers to get outside and experience the season.
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