The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

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READY FOR ROBOTICS. On Nov. 10, three robotics teams from SPA competed at the league meet Center Stage on the road to qualifying for tournaments. Before competition, team members add finishing touches to their creation. Freshman Alex Haupt said, “We had to figure out how to innovate all these engineering problems and create this ramp.
Robotics competes in Center Stage meet
November 27, 2023
NO JOKE. Dean Phillips explained his unexpected and controversial bid for president: “I think President Biden has done a spectacular job. But it’s not about the past. This is an election about the future.”
Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips challenges Biden in primary election
November 16, 2023
PHYSICAL IMPACT. Dr. Howard Stevenson prompted students to observe their physical responses to telling their racial stories and experiences. He also presented about the ways racial stress and trauma impact health while discussing ways to treat experiences about race. “The reality is experiences of rejection ... overtax our ability to regulate our feelings, our bodies, our thoughts, and all that affects our voice,” Stevenson said.
Stevenson examines reactions to racial identity narratives
November 15, 2023
ACTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES. The Student Handbook describes four steps of disciplinary action that students may face for community misconduct such as defacing property or leaving messes in school spaces.
Admin calls out rise in community misconduct
November 14, 2023
WHERE DOES THIS GO. After using a tissue to clean up some spilt water, sophomore Carys Hsiung wonders which bin to to throw it in before dropping it into the one that says landfill.
USC takes first steps in recently passed sustainability proposal
November 13, 2023
BIG SWING. Freshman Murphy Miltner goes up for a kill at a volleyball tournament on her Kokoro 14-1 team. “You get to play teams from all over, like Hawaii. It’s fun because I get to meet people I wouldn’t know otherwise,” she said. (Submitted Photo: Murphy Miltner)
Townley and Miltner engage in sports off school grounds
November 27, 2023
FIGHT. Feeling the burn, sophomore Maren Overgaard pushes through, making her way to the finish.
State finals wrap up girls cross country season
November 16, 2023
WALL OF STEEL. Junior Madelyn Moser and sophomore Nora McKoy jump up to block a hit.
Dig Pink game raises $8,400 for the Side-Out Foundation
November 16, 2023
APPRECIATION. Senior Amalia Laguna opens gift bags with her fellow senior Spark swimmers.
Amalia Laguna finds her place on the Sparks
November 10, 2023
HEADS UP. Freshman Murphy Miltner spikes the ball and gains the Spartans a point after adjusting to her new offensive position on the team.
Volleyball crushes the Math and Science Dragons
November 4, 2023
FIGHT. Feeling the burn, sophomore Maren Overgaard pushes through, making her way to the finish.
State finals wrap up girls cross country season
November 16, 2023
WALL OF STEEL. Junior Madelyn Moser and sophomore Nora McKoy jump up to block a hit.
Dig Pink game raises $8,400 for the Side-Out Foundation
November 16, 2023
APPRECIATION. Senior Amalia Laguna opens gift bags with her fellow senior Spark swimmers.
Amalia Laguna finds her place on the Sparks
November 10, 2023
HEADS UP. Freshman Murphy Miltner spikes the ball and gains the Spartans a point after adjusting to her new offensive position on the team.
Volleyball crushes the Math and Science Dragons
November 4, 2023
CELEBRATION. The entire team storms down the field celebrating Ethan Peltiers winning goal.
Boys soccer advances to state finals in an electrifying match against Holy Family
November 3, 2023
LETS GO SPARTANS. Students gather to cheer on the SPA boys hockey team as they face off against Highland Park in the first round of the section tournament. The Spartans went on to win the game 5-2.
Co-op sports provide connectivity, relationships between fans
February 26, 2023
SNOWY SLOPES. Burns has been passionate about alpine skiing from a young age. The sport is very challenging, with steep terrain, sharp turns, injuries, and countless hours of practice. But nevertheless, Burns continues to foster a deep love for the slopes.
Burns dominates on the slopes
February 23, 2023
ICE TIME. Greta Magnuson in goal boasts six wins, and a 0.894 save percentage this season.
Pregame Coverage: Metro-South Phoenix hopes to keep season alive
February 7, 2023
Spartans fail to beat Breck in second match-up, lose in overtime
Spartans fail to beat Breck in second match-up, lose in overtime
January 25, 2023
Metro-South falls to Apple Valley in anticipated rematch
Metro-South falls to Apple Valley in anticipated rematch
January 23, 2023
ONE IN THE CHAMBER. Captain Max Shaffer reloads his shotgun during a weekly practice. A normal round of trapshooting uses 25 shells.
Trap shooting captain Max Shaffer rises under pressure
June 2, 2023
UNEQUAL VISIBILTY. The captains wall is the center of the fight for visibilty. Club captains are currently not recognized on the captains wall. Athletic Director Taylor Tvedt said, “We just want to make sure the leadership that’s up there is all going through the same process.”
MSHSL sports prioritized over clubs
May 31, 2023
ASSEFA ASSISTS, CHEN SCORES. Got my guy Aaron Lindeman throwing it to me, and Ben Chen in the end zone. I know they are two guys I could trust whenever they have the disk, so its great to get some momentum, senior Simon Assefa said.
Spartan ultimate confronts the Edina hornets
May 26, 2023
BE READY. Ezra Cunningham prepares to throw a pitch to Minnehaha at the beginning of the game. He was the Spartan pitcher for a large amount of the game.
Baseball takes a rough loss at CHS Field
May 24, 2023
LOOK OUT. A Mound Westonka player struggles to stay on his feet with the Blackhawks defense applying pressure.
[PHOTO STORY] Boys lacrosse topples Mound Westonka in decisive win
May 14, 2023
HOLIDAY TIPS. Prioritizing mental health and well-being this holiday season is crucial in order to avoid falling victim to the stresses of social events, gift-giving, and other expectations.
How to navigate holiday stress and overwhelming expectations
November 25, 2023
THE TIME IS NOW. SPA must create a climate policy that dramatically reduces emissions to meet the urgency of this moment and be an example to students, families, and peer institutions.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] SPA must make climate action a priority
November 13, 2023
LIFE IMITATES ART is a monthly arts opinion column written by The Rubicon opinions editor Eliza Farley. (Illustration created using Adobe Express)
[COLUMN] In the music industry, it seems, it’s the year of the female
November 3, 2023
AGE MATTERS. While legalization in Minnesota does not extend to minors, the national data indicates that some minors use cannabis.
Cannabis addiction must be understood now that it is legalized in Minnesota
November 1, 2023
NO GIRLS INVOLVED. The relative lack of female-identifying students in STEM extracurriculars can make them feel like boys’ clubs. It’s not that girls aren’t interested in these activities; instead, they might not be included to the same degree when they want to participate, or they might be afraid to be the only one.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Girls in STEM deserve our support
October 31, 2023
THE TIME IS NOW. SPA must create a climate policy that dramatically reduces emissions to meet the urgency of this moment and be an example to students, families, and peer institutions.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] SPA must make climate action a priority
November 13, 2023
NO GIRLS INVOLVED. The relative lack of female-identifying students in STEM extracurriculars can make them feel like boys’ clubs. It’s not that girls aren’t interested in these activities; instead, they might not be included to the same degree when they want to participate, or they might be afraid to be the only one.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Girls in STEM deserve our support
October 31, 2023
ASSESSING ACHIEVEMENT. The survey sent to all students, families, and faculty should inspire individuals to define excellence for themselves while respecting how others strive to be excellent.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] What is excellence?
October 13, 2023
FACE TO FACE. Affinity groups are not only a good way to meet people that share the same identity, but also a good way to discover how different those people can be. Additionally, by engaging in a space where it’s not necessary to explain the nuances of identity, it’s possible to make connections based on a deep mutual understanding.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Affinity groups create safe spaces for inclusion and empowerment
September 28, 2023
As the Spanish exchange program resumes for the first time since pre-covid, the SPA community should welcome visiting students with intention and warmth.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Welcome Colegio Malvar students with open hearts and minds
September 14, 2023
LIFE IMITATES ART is a monthly arts opinion column written by The Rubicon opinions editor Eliza Farley. (Illustration created using Adobe Express)
[COLUMN] In the music industry, it seems, it’s the year of the female
November 3, 2023
FIVE FREEDOMS. The First Amendment of the Constitution lays out five essential freedoms for American citizens. Over the summer, co-Editor in Chief Orion Kim dove deep into the nuances of the Amendment. “Reporters might be able to cover content freely, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t respect the people they’re covering,” Kim wrote.
[FREE SPIRIT] First Amendment freedoms let citizens determine morality of their expression
October 6, 2023
[PHILOSOPHICALLY SPEAKING] The benefits of thinking about death
[PHILOSOPHICALLY SPEAKING] The benefits of thinking about death
April 28, 2023
[PHILOSOPHICALLY SPEAKING] What is self-awareness?
[PHILOSOPHICALLY SPEAKING] What is self-awareness?
January 31, 2023
[PHILOSOPHICALLY SPEAKING] What is beauty?
[PHILOSOPHICALLY SPEAKING] What is beauty?
December 5, 2022
Community time worth more than passing time
Community time worth more than passing time
October 5, 2023
An adjunct to an adjunct professors disjunction
An adjunct to an adjunct professor’s disjunction
February 18, 2023
These artists actions are not mistakes that deserve forgiveness
These artist’s actions are not mistakes that deserve forgiveness
December 8, 2022
DEI Plan needs to account for neurodivergent learning
DEI Plan needs to account for neurodivergent learning
May 12, 2022
Feel racial discomfort rather than pushing it away
Feel racial discomfort rather than pushing it away
March 5, 2021
CHRISTMAS NIGHTS. In class, Anderson showed students the Krampus and Nikolaus parade explaining southern Germanys ways of celebrating Christmas. Nikolaus is the Santa that provides gifts to good children, while Krampus is the Christmas Devil who punishes naughty children and kidnaps them on Christmas night.
A faraway visit from Bavaria to German classes by Chantel Anderson to spread culture
November 26, 2023
AMPLIFYING VOICES. Listen Up Youth Radio is committed to bringing radio to the Twin Cites by the hands of the local youth. Freshman January Cook works as a production editor there, helping to train people and make decisions for the radio and website. (Submitted Photo: January Cook)
Cook invites students to work for Listen Up Youth Radio
November 16, 2023
ROSCOE. James Englands German Shepherd smiles for the camera. Roscoe was named after the childhood dog of Englands 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
November 14, 2023
COMMUNITY SERVICE. Thanksgiving break presents a great opportunity to get involved in the community by volunteering and making thoughtful donations. However, community service is much needed all year long.
Give thanks by giving back
November 11, 2023
HARD AT WORK. Juniors Rohan Kharbanda and Humza Jameel work together to build a concrete mixer during an Advanced Science Research class. (Submitted Photo: Rohan Kharbanda)
Kharbanda puts the planet first in ASR
November 10, 2023
QUALITY WAX. Cheapo Records in Saint Paul has a nice feeling to it, along with a great variety of records.
[AROUND TOWN] Variety is the shopper’s playlist at Cheapo Records
November 27, 2023
TALK WITH THE ROCK. Trevor Noah interviewed The Rock in the first episode of his new podcast. Noah hopes to have meaningful conversations about important topics in society. “We’ll probably fix every single issue humankind has ever faced so you definitely want to join us for every episode,” Noah said in the intro.
[PODCAST REVIEW] He’s back: What Now? with Trevor Noah premieres in fantastic style
November 15, 2023
Crumbl Cookies, a great spot to try some unique types of cookies.
[FOOD REVIEW] Crumbl Cookies offer more than enough to share
November 10, 2023
WOW-WORTHY. Killers of the Flower Moon is the best movie of 2023 so far. The primary actors delivered moving performances, and the soundtrack and cinematography brought the film to the next level. (Image from Apple TV+ Press Kit)
[MOVIE REVIEW] Killers of the Flower Moon: An ugly story told beautifully
November 9, 2023
KNOW THAT TUNE. Music helps us retrieve old memories and create new ones. Memory is not the only brain function affected by sound, many other mental processes are affected by hearing or playing music.
Music? It’s all in the brain
November 8, 2023
TALK WITH THE ROCK. Trevor Noah interviewed The Rock in the first episode of his new podcast. Noah hopes to have meaningful conversations about important topics in society. “We’ll probably fix every single issue humankind has ever faced so you definitely want to join us for every episode,” Noah said in the intro.
[PODCAST REVIEW] He’s back: What Now? with Trevor Noah premieres in fantastic style
November 15, 2023
Crumbl Cookies, a great spot to try some unique types of cookies.
[FOOD REVIEW] Crumbl Cookies offer more than enough to share
November 10, 2023
WOW-WORTHY. Killers of the Flower Moon is the best movie of 2023 so far. The primary actors delivered moving performances, and the soundtrack and cinematography brought the film to the next level. (Image from Apple TV+ Press Kit)
[MOVIE REVIEW] Killers of the Flower Moon: An ugly story told beautifully
November 9, 2023
THE CREATOR. This new sci-fi film echoes clear inspiration from past works like Avatar and the Star Wars franchise. The strongest part of The Creator is the incredible production design and the use of eye-catching CGI.
[MOVIE REVIEW] The Creator: A brutal and brilliant modern masterpiece
October 10, 2023
UNEQUALED DISAPPOINTMENT. Despite its solid box office performance, The Equalizer 3 did not offer much in terms of cinematic quality, and felt as though it was cheaply made. The acting and line delivery were often poor, and the plot was boring and unengaging, leaving much to be desired. (Fair Use Image: Screen capture from Equalizer 3 Official Trailer)
[MOVIE REVIEW] The Equalizer 3: A disappointing end to a great franchise
September 20, 2023
[SPARTANS MICD UP] Girls basketball practice with captain Madelyn Moser
[SPARTANS MIC’D UP] Girls basketball practice with captain Madelyn Moser
November 23, 2023
The science of gratitude
The science of gratitude
November 13, 2023
READING ABOUT PRIDE. There has been a display of LGBT centered book and authors the SPA library.
A breakdown of LGBTQ+ History Month
November 4, 2023
[COFFEE WITH CLARA] Ep. 2 Violet Benson navigates life with an autistic sister
[COFFEE WITH CLARA] Ep. 2 Violet Benson navigates life with an autistic sister
October 25, 2023
[SPARTANS MIC’D UP] Mile-run with cross country captain Ford Reedy
[SPARTANS MIC’D UP] Mile-run with cross country captain Ford Reedy
October 17, 2023
The science of gratitude
The science of gratitude
November 13, 2023
READING ABOUT PRIDE. There has been a display of LGBT centered book and authors the SPA library.
A breakdown of LGBTQ+ History Month
November 4, 2023
[COFFEE WITH CLARA] Ep. 2 Violet Benson navigates life with an autistic sister
[COFFEE WITH CLARA] Ep. 2 Violet Benson navigates life with an autistic sister
October 25, 2023
[COFFEE WITH CLARA] Ep. 1 Atari Ernst is tearing up the dance floor
[COFFEE WITH CLARA] Ep. 1 Atari Ernst is tearing up the dance floor
September 27, 2023
[IN PLAIN SIGHT] Ep.2 The Vending Machines
[IN PLAIN SIGHT] Ep.2 The Vending Machines
June 8, 2023
[SPARTANS MICD UP] Girls basketball practice with captain Madelyn Moser
[SPARTANS MIC’D UP] Girls basketball practice with captain Madelyn Moser
November 23, 2023
[SPARTANS MIC’D UP] Mile-run with cross country captain Ford Reedy
[SPARTANS MIC’D UP] Mile-run with cross country captain Ford Reedy
October 17, 2023
Fall fashion trends emerge in the school community
Fall fashion trends emerge in the school community
October 9, 2023
[SPARTANS MICD UP] Fall scrimmage with girls tennis
[SPARTANS MIC’D UP] Fall scrimmage with girls tennis
September 20, 2023
73 Questions Vogue style Spartan edition: departing faculty Nan Dreher
73 Questions Vogue style Spartan edition: departing faculty Nan Dreher
June 1, 2023
[QUIZ] Homecoming through the years
[QUIZ] Homecoming through the years
October 4, 2023
[QUIZ] Which Urinetown character are you?
[QUIZ] Which Urinetown character are you?
May 23, 2023
LOOK HERE. Creative Design Manager Rita Li knows that the best camera is the one you have with you. Here, she takes a photo after the Latinos Unidos Cinco de Mayo celebration May 5.
[TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE] What do you know about photography?
May 15, 2023
[QUIZ] Let it snow? Maybe tomorrow.
[QUIZ] Let it snow? Maybe tomorrow.
November 28, 2022
SHINING STAR. Swift released the video to Bejeweled Oct. 24 and it has garnered nearly 9 million views. Swift will perform in Minneapolis Aug. 23-24, 2023.
Swift Announces the Eras Tour, new dates in Minneapolis
November 15, 2022
October 2023 Issue
October 24, 2023
CLIMATE EMERGENCIES. As the years go by, the Earth is affected by climate change, and the natural disasters that have been rising in recent years is proof. From daily weather to extreme climate phenomena, the people inhabiting this planet have had considerable impact on Earth. (Illustration by Annika Kim, Infographic by Johanna Pierach, Orion Kim)
It’s all about the ENVIRONMENT: Natural disaster on the rise
October 15, 2023
September 2023 Issue
September 26, 2023
May 2023 Issue
May 30, 2023
April 2023 Issue
April 25, 2023
The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

The Rubicon
The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

The Rubicon
QUALITY WAX. Cheapo Records in Saint Paul has a nice feeling to it, along with a great variety of records.

[AROUND TOWN] Variety is the shopper’s playlist at Cheapo Records

Andrew Lipinsky, RubicOnline • November 27, 2023
Cheapo Records, with three Twin Cities locations, offers new and gently used records. Buy or sell.
TALK WITH THE ROCK. Trevor Noah interviewed The Rock in the first episode of his new podcast. Noah hopes to have meaningful conversations about important topics in society. “We’ll probably fix every single issue humankind has ever faced so you definitely want to join us for every episode,” Noah said in the intro.

[PODCAST REVIEW] He’s back: What Now? with Trevor Noah premieres in fantastic style

Greyson Sale, News Editor • November 15, 2023

What Now? with Trevor Noah is the perfect mix of important discussion and entertainment, as Noah’s comedic nature complements his serious side. After his surprise exit from The Daily Show in September...

Crumbl Cookies, a great spot to try some unique types of cookies.

[FOOD REVIEW] Crumbl Cookies offer more than enough to share

Rita Li, Creative Design Manager • November 10, 2023

WOW-WORTHY. Killers of the Flower Moon is the best movie of 2023 so far. The primary actors delivered moving performances, and the soundtrack and cinematography brought the film to the next level. (Image from Apple TV+ Press Kit)

[MOVIE REVIEW] Killers of the Flower Moon: An ugly story told beautifully

Peter Ostrem, The Rubicon • November 9, 2023
Killers of the Flower Moon should win numerous Oscars for its powerful storytelling.
KNOW THAT TUNE. Music helps us retrieve old memories and create new ones. Memory is not the only brain function affected by sound, many other mental processes are affected by hearing or playing music.

Music? It’s all in the brain

Siri Pattison, RubicOnline • November 8, 2023
Music can activate all regions of the brain, aiding memory and shaping mental function.
AUTHENTIC APPEAL. Minimally produced music can feel more natural than overproduced mainstream tracks. This production style is commonly referred to as low-fidelity.

[ARTS OPINION] Dig into low-fidelity music

Andrew Lipinsky, RubicOnline • November 6, 2023
Stripped-back production keeps music unique, raw, and rebellious.
[PHOTO STORY] Need a costume? Make it yourself.

[PHOTO STORY] Need a costume? Make it yourself.

Georgia Ross, Rubicon • November 2, 2023
How students this Halloween used pre-owned items to create unique costumes.
Released Oct. 27, Danse Macabre includes three new tracks, several covers, and reimagined versions of Duran Duran classics. (Fair Use: Duran Duran Official website)

[ALBUM REVIEW] Duran Duran’s Danse Macabre is wicked good fun

Aarushi Bahadur, RubicOnline • October 31, 2023
English band Duran Duran releases a solid, nostalgic album for Halloween.
DIGITAL DOWNLOAD. Best Buy cut off disc sales just weeks after Netflix concluded its DVD by mail program Sept. 29. These paralleled events demonstrate how over the last few decades, movies and TV have shifted to be primarily consumed through online streaming services rather than DVD or Blu-ray discs.

Best Buy to stop selling discs and CDs

Clara McKoy, Director of Rubiconline • October 31, 2023
The company announced mid October it will stop selling discs and CDs by Jan. 2024. What does this say about the future of physical media?
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT. William Hanna and Grace Medrano listen as Director Eric Severson gives instructions.

Sense and Sensibility makes sense of community

Ivy Evans, Staff Writer • October 29, 2023
Take a peek into the production of the upcoming Upper School fall play: Sense and Sensibility.
FUN MATH, DESMOS ART. Senior Rishi Bhargava designed this graph using Desmos 3D during the Multivariable Calculus class. “You can change the color of the graph by playing around with the equations on the right,” Bhargava said.

[SOFTWARE REVIEW] Launch of Desmos 3D brings a new spark to Schilling

Rita Li, RubicOnline • October 23, 2023
Desmos 3D allows students to see graphing in a new light.
The current art in the gallery is a project named the “La.dylike Experimental Art Project” which is a new platform that showcases the talents of female, and queer-identifying local artists (Twin Cities and metro area based)

La.dy.Like Experimental Art Project on display at the Drake Art Gallery

Lucy Thomas and Thomas Kovarik • October 21, 2023
The La.dy.Like Experimental Art project, at SPA Drake Art Gallery, unveils a digitized feminine realm.
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