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
ROSCOE. James England's German Shepherd smiles for the camera. Roscoe was named after the childhood dog of England's mother. "[His name] makes Roscoe seem more like his own individual and not just like everybody else,” England said. (Submitted Photo: James England)

[WHAT’S IN A NAME?] Students discuss pet names and their importance

Greyson Sale, RubicOnline • November 14, 2023
Naming pets is crucial to a strong pet-owner relationship.
Humans of SPA...plus their dogs

Humans of SPA…plus their dogs

Taryn Karasti, Staff Writer • December 8, 2022
Dogs have a certain (bow) wow factor for the people who love them.
Having a gerbil as a important family member can change one's own experience about owning a pet.

The beauty of uniqueness: the cool pets at SPA

August Gaspard, Staff Writer • May 17, 2022
Idioms can stretch further than "raining dogs and cats" and common pets only. Freshman Bobby Peres has showcased that owning a pet gerbil can also be an incredible experience.
Animals square off for battle in Super Auto Pets.

[GAME REVIEW] Super Auto Pets: a wildly fun time

PJ Bohjanen, Staff Writer • April 17, 2022
Need a little distraction over Spring Break? Try Super Auto Pets. It is a refreshing and relaxing game that can be enjoyed by practically anyone.
"She's still a puppy, so she's super energetic. It can be a lot to deal with sometimes, but I can tell we've built a bond already."

Dogs + Snow: We Know

Jonas Bray, Photojournalist • February 6, 2021
A small gallery of dogs in snow, a combination that either gets people laughing or weirded out.
Junior Henry Cheney holds his dog.

Cheney describes his Pavlovian dog

Melissa Nie, RubicOnline Editor • February 13, 2019
Monty, a medium-sized Cavachon dog, has brought interesting experiences to junior Henry Cheney’s life.
Sophomore Adeline DeHarpporte with her cat Fen.

[PEOPLE AND PETS] DeHarpporte recounts misguided cat lady

Melissa Nie, RubicOnline Editor • January 11, 2019
The world of stray cats can be messy, especially when humans get involved.
One of Snider's cats. Duppy. "Pets just make everything better. If you can get a pet, you should get a pet because they’re just always there,” she said.

[PEOPLE AND PETS] Snider shows fondness for animals through numbers

Melissa Nie, RubicOnline Editor • November 15, 2018
Most people have around one to five pets. Junior Anna Snider has eight: one bunny, two dogs, and five cats.
Junior Savita Yopp pets her dog, Lily. “Lily is such a lemon. Anything and everything will make her sick. It is ridiculous. I totally love her though,” Yopp says.

[PEOPLE AND PETS] Loud but lovable: Yopp talks about her dogs

Melissa Nie, RubicOnline Editor • September 12, 2018
Junior Savita Yopp has cared for her two dogs, Jake and Lily, since elementary school.
Emilia (11) and Ellie (9) Hoppe's puppy, Wally. Dogs were the most common pet according to poll results.

Infographic: Does SPA have more cat or dog people?

Melissa Nie, Illustrator • May 9, 2017
Students and faculty responded to questions about their four-legged (or no-legged) friends: what type of pet do you have? How many pets do you have?

Freshman Ewan Lang owns uncommon Tibetan terrier

Noor Qureishy, Staff Writer • February 24, 2014

Not many can boast of a foreign, relatively uncommon pet; freshman Ewan Lang is one of a select few with his outlandish canine, a Tibetan terrier, hailing from Nepal. “[They] were used as companion...

“I loved him right away, he was the prettiest horse. He needed a lot of training but I knew he had the potential to be really competitive," Olson said.

Sophomore Andrea Olson expresses affection for pet horse

Noor Qureishy, Staff Writer • February 21, 2014

Every little girl dreams of having her very own stallion, straight from the pages of Black Beauty; riding horses through glimmering, dew-covered grass, feeding little cubes of sugar to long-legged colts. For...

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