The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

The Rubicon
FIRST MEETING. The newly named Honors Council starts the year off by hosting its first meeting.
Honors Council holds student body to a higher standard
September 16, 2024
NATIONAL NEWS. Senior Belle Weng reviewed the headlines Tim Walz made when he was announced as Harris's choice for running mate.
Almost “untouchable”: how Tim Walz has reinvigorated Minnesota voters
September 14, 2024
PHONE-FREE. The new phone-free policy specifies spaces that phones are allowed and not allowed. Posters reading “you are entering a phone-free zone” like those on the library doors are plastered in those spaces.
New phone-free policy calls for fostering community
September 13, 2024
EXPLORE SOMETHING WILD. Seniors Ada LaTarte and Ava Schluender talk to Cassandra Overholt about their Art in Nature Club. “It’s a relaxing space for people to express their creativity and share their appreciation for the great outdoors,” says Schluender about her club.
[PHOTO STORY] Student groups fair draws a crowd
September 9, 2024
Vice President Kamala Harris took her official portrait as VP Thursday, March 4, 2021, in the South Court Auditorium in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building at the White House.
As Biden drops from presidential campaign, all eyes turn to Harris
July 27, 2024
SHOW THE PEOPLE. The purpose of presidential debates are for candidates to share their standing on issues concerning the nations and is a chance for citizens to align themselves with a candidate. However, the quality presidential debates in recent years has declined and it's purpose lost.
The deterioration of presidential debates
September 15, 2024
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
[THE SIFT] Apple’s Glowtime event didn’t shine
September 13, 2024
RED WHITE AND BLUE. Kamala Harris is using TikTok to engage young voters by blending campaign messages with popular trends, making politics more approachable and relevant to a younger demographic.
How Kamala Harris is Engaging Gen Z: A Gen Z Perspective
September 10, 2024
CLASS RETREATS. Students from different grades share what are the benefits of having class retreats.
Take advantage of retreats to build community
August 20, 2024
CONFLICT ON CAMPUS. Student protests on college campuses have filled the news recently, though student demonstrations at universities are nothing new. Free speech, including the right to protest, is one of the core values of American democracy and must be upheld on its college campuses.
Campus protests highlight importance of free speech protections
June 1, 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
PROTESTING FOR GENERATIONS. Protests are disrupting and attention catching. That is why it is a powerful tool for change that can be used by everyone, including students.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Bring back student led protests
May 23, 2024
DIVERSE DIRECTIONS. Students are given a wide range of opportunities to engage in diversity-related programming at school. Now, to combat complaints that diversity training isn’t engaging enough, it’s time to apply what they’ve learned.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] To make diversity training meaningful, engage when it’s hard
April 30, 2024
Smartphones as useful tools, not addictive menaces
Smartphones as useful tools, not addictive menaces
April 16, 2024
BREAK FREE from your devices and cut your screen time down to better engage with your surroundings.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Put down the phone
April 16, 2024
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
[THE SIFT] Apple’s Glowtime event didn’t shine
September 13, 2024
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.
[FREE SPIRIT] U.S. should employ harsher online restrictions regarding free speech
March 12, 2024
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.
[FREE SPIRIT] Claudine Gay’s controversy pits free speech against morality
February 12, 2024
POWER WITH PARAMETERS. Students should exercise their right to assemble while understanding the boundaries of what is protected by the Constitution.
[FREE SPIRIT] Diving deep into the right to assemble
December 1, 2023
LIFE IMITATES ART is a monthly arts opinion column written by The Rubicon opinions editor Eliza Farley. (Illustration created using Adobe Express)
[LIFE/ART] In the music industry, it seems, it’s the year of the female
November 3, 2023
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
An adjunct to an adjunct professor's disjunction
An adjunct to an adjunct professor’s disjunction
February 18, 2023
PIZZA PREPARATION. Junior Bokii Mullataa is a pizza professional after working at Domino's this summer.
[FEATURE] Summer fun, summer productivity: Students gain job experience
September 16, 2024
FROM WOODCUTTERS TO PLANKS. Campers of Herzl pose for the picture after participating in community service. Evie Gardner is in the middle, and Eli Sanders and Isaac Broderius are in the upper right corner; they were chopping wood for a project to build homes for people who are disabled or are having financial problems.
[FEATURE] Camp Herzl provides a second home for returning campers
September 15, 2024
AN INSPIRATION. “It was inspiring to see Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone reset the world record in the 400 hurdles because she already established herself as the greatest 400-meter hurdles runner ever.” Ryan Bradley said.
Spartans take on the Paris Olympics this summer
September 14, 2024
CHOOSE TO VOTE: Secretary of State Steve Simon spoke during X-period to the SPA student body about voter registration and the election process. Photo taken on Oct. 27 2023.
[ADULTING 101] Save some fuss; learn how to pre-register this election
September 6, 2024
PERFORMING From the hawaiian play hlavka is dressed up.
Hlavka‘s journey from K to college
June 4, 2024
COFFEE, PIE AND BISCUITS. Hot Hands provides a variety of different drinks, pie and biscuit dishes ranging from cinnamon rolls to maple fried chicken.
[AROUND TOWN] Hot Hands Pie & Biscuit delivers delicious pastries and biscuit meals
September 16, 2024
MORE THAN MUSIC. Music videos and social media helped spread Brat culture past just the music scene.(Screenshot from "Charli xcx -360 Official Video" by Charli xcx on YouTube.)
Charli XCX’s Brat offers a way to embrace imperfections
September 15, 2024
COLORFUL COVER. The book's cover art features popping bright colors, mimicking the novels child-like creativity.
[BOOK REVIEW] Van Pelts fantastical “Remarkably Bright Creatures” teaches important lessons
September 14, 2024
A busy afternoon at the fair.
Food features heavily in State Fair memories
September 3, 2024
BLUE OUT. Sophomores Aldegundo Brenneman, Ann Li and Caden Deardurff posed in their dark blue outfits. "This is my dad's shirt," Brenneman said of the shirt, which is from Mexico. Li and Deardurff instead opted for casual clothes near the top of their wardrobes, choosing new accessories rather than clothes. "I got my earrings at American Eagle," said Li, who chose a pair shaped like butterflies. Deardurff described his favorite part of his outfit as his new shoes.
Fit check: first day of classes
August 24, 2024
COLORFUL COVER. The book's cover art features popping bright colors, mimicking the novels child-like creativity.
[BOOK REVIEW] Van Pelts fantastical “Remarkably Bright Creatures” teaches important lessons
September 14, 2024
ORIGIN STORY. One day, after a traumatic incident on the job Cassie discovers she can sense what is about to happen in the future. (Screenshot from Madame Web Official trailer)
[MOVIE REVIEW] Madame Web spins a mediocre tale
May 24, 2024
ACTRESS. Zendaya is outstanding in her leading role, embodying the films messages and themes in one character.
[OFF-SCREEN WITH OSTREM] Challengers’ excellent acting and cinematography provides intense viewer experience
May 9, 2024
DAUGHTERS. Directors Angela Patton and Natalie Rae created a beautiful film centered around the Date Your Daughter program. (Fair Use Image: MSPIFF Website)
[OFF-SCREEN WITH OSTREM] Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Film Festival highlights new filmmakers
April 22, 2024
STOIC AND MYSTERIOUS. Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy) pushes his hat over his face in an intense monochromatic scene.
[COUNTDOWN TO OSCARS] Oppenheimer features impeccable cinematography, world-class direction, award-worthy acting
March 10, 2024
PASSION. Junior Johnny Rog has played football since elementary school and continues to love the sport. “I really enjoy the sport; playing in [football] games against other people. I don’t need any other motivation other than just Friday night," Rog said.
[DAY IN THE LIFE] Wolfpack player Johnny Rog revs up for game day
September 13, 2024
SERVE. Larson prepares to serve the ball against her opponent from Hill-Murray.
Nellie Larson balances mind and body in pursuit of tennis success
September 11, 2024
CHEER. Benched players and Spartan audience members roar in celebration of a goal.
Boys Soccer rallies to win season opener agaisnt rival Scots
September 3, 2024
FOCUS. Hazel McCarthy plays as a defender during the fall soccer season. "Playing club soccer over the summer helps prepare [me] for school soccer,” she said.
What do student-athletes do during the summer to prepare for school sports?
June 10, 2024
SHOW SKIING. Adele Gjerde started show skiing practices on Monday. Show skiing is a competitive water sport with jumps, pyramids, and other impressive stunts. “I really like how team-building it is because [for] our pyramids, I have to trust everybody beneath me and they have to trust everybody above them,” Gjerde said. Photo submitted by Adele Gjerde.
River Rat: Adele Gjerde gears up for the waterskiing season
May 31, 2024
SERVE. Larson prepares to serve the ball against her opponent from Hill-Murray.
Nellie Larson balances mind and body in pursuit of tennis success
September 11, 2024
CHEER. Benched players and Spartan audience members roar in celebration of a goal.
Boys Soccer rallies to win season opener agaisnt rival Scots
September 3, 2024
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
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 Blake, 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
[QUIZ] What are the most common names of SPA students?
[QUIZ] What are the most common names of SPA students?
September 8, 2024
[TRENDING] Intro with Lucy Thomas
[TRENDING] Intro with Lucy Thomas
September 4, 2024
EXCITING EXCHANGE. Read about the daily experiences, from attending school at Colegio Malvar to excursions in Spain.
[BLOG] Adventuras y Aviones
June 24, 2024
Senior superlatives for the Class of 2024
Senior superlatives for the Class of 2024
June 9, 2024
BEHIND THE STORY. Writers Lani Ngonethong, Tamari Christopher and Elizabeth Tuttle put together a three-part story tracking student elections.
[STORY BEHIND THE STORY]: Election continuous coverage
May 31, 2024
[TRENDING] Intro with Lucy Thomas
[TRENDING] Intro with Lucy Thomas
September 4, 2024
BEHIND THE STORY. Writers Lani Ngonethong, Tamari Christopher and Elizabeth Tuttle put together a three-part story tracking student elections.
[STORY BEHIND THE STORY]: Election continuous coverage
May 31, 2024
IT'S A PROCESS. Liza Thomas said, "My work is called 'Night in the Wildwood.' It's eight photos that I took on a film camera and then got developed outside of school because we don't have the chemistry in our photo lab to develop color film."
Thomas and Dalton take the “Backroads” through Advanced Art
May 29, 2024
BOOKS UNITE. Book Club members come together in the math classroom to celebrate the class of 2024 before senior projects. Junior Grace Medrano said, "We [Medrano and Raven Glaser] took over last month [as the new leaders], so we’ll be running it next year." (Submitted photo by Grace Medrano)
[PODCAST] Book Club plans for next year
May 22, 2024
READY, SET, DANCE. Sofia Rivera is dancing in her repertoire show. She has never performed in an repertoire show before but was excited for the chance to. (Submitted by Sofia Rivera)
Leap into end of year dance showcases with Sofia Rivera
May 13, 2024
Senior superlatives for the Class of 2024
Senior superlatives for the Class of 2024
June 9, 2024
[HOW TO] Got time? Make slime.
[HOW TO] Got time? Make slime.
May 30, 2024
Out on the road: life as a student driver
Out on the road: life as a student driver
May 24, 2024
[SPARTANS MIC’D UP] Triple Jump with junior Julia Taylor
[SPARTANS MIC’D UP] Triple Jump with junior Julia Taylor
April 25, 2024
DIY: Vision Board
DIY: Vision Board
March 13, 2024
May 2024 Issue
May 28, 2024
April 2024 Issue
April 30, 2024
March 2024 Issue
March 5, 2024
February 2024 Issue
February 9, 2024
December 2023 Issue
December 19, 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
PIZZA PREPARATION. Junior Bokii Mullataa is a pizza professional after working at Domino's this summer.

[FEATURE] Summer fun, summer productivity: Students gain job experience

Andrew Lipinsky, RubicOnline • September 16, 2024
Summer jobs are a great opportunity to earn cash and gain professional and social skills. Check out what jobs students have done this summer.
FROM WOODCUTTERS TO PLANKS. Campers of Herzl pose for the picture after participating in community service. Evie Gardner is in the middle, and Eli Sanders and Isaac Broderius are in the upper right corner; they were chopping wood for a project to build homes for people who are disabled or are having financial problems.

[FEATURE] Camp Herzl provides a second home for returning campers

Peter Lipinsky, RubicOnline • September 15, 2024
Summer camps offer great life skills to campers like independence, friendship and teamwork.
AN INSPIRATION. “It was inspiring to see Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone reset the world record in the 400 hurdles because she already established herself as the greatest 400-meter hurdles runner ever.” Ryan Bradley said.

Spartans take on the Paris Olympics this summer

Mariam Malik, Social Media Manager • September 14, 2024
This summer, SPA students went to the 2024 Paris Olympics, witnessing record-breaking moments, fierce competition and discovering new sports.
CHOOSE TO VOTE: Secretary of State Steve Simon spoke during X-period to the SPA student body about voter registration and the election process. Photo taken on Oct. 27 2023.

[ADULTING 101] Save some fuss; learn how to pre-register this election

Juan Miguel Adams, Managing Editor • September 6, 2024
With the presidential election just 60 days away on Nov. 5, now is prime time for highschool students to pre-register to vote.
PERFORMING From the hawaiian play hlavka is dressed up.

Hlavka‘s journey from K to college

Lucy Thomas, RubicOnline • June 4, 2024
Annie Hlavka shares her journey through SPA as a graduating senior.
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT. Ali Manzoor playing ping-pong in his house. When it comes to his strategy, “I prefer my backhand for sure, which is different than most people who play," he said.

Ali Manzoor plays pingpong with passion

Andrew Lipinsky, RubicOnline • June 3, 2024
What started as a way to fight isolation during the pandemic has become a sport that connects him to others.
ENDORSEMENT SECURED. Sophomore Carys Hsiung attended the Senate District 64 convention, held at Highland High School, in which Rep. Dave Pinto (DFL-64B) won the House DFL endorsement. Hsiung is working on Pinto’s re-election campaign this summer, in which he is running unopposed. Photo submitted by Carys Hsiung.

Hsiung and Karmaliani get involved with political campaigns this summer

Sonia Kharbanda, The Rubicon • June 1, 2024
Fueled by curiosity, Carys Hsiung will be interning with Rep. Dave Pinto this summer, while Cerena Karmaliani will be working on a bill to improve support systems in early childhood education.
DIVERSE CULTURES. Although the Hmong community originate from many places in Asia, junior Serene Kalugdan’s family is from Laos.

Hmong students sustain traditional values

Juan Miguel Adams, Managing Editor • May 27, 2024
(part 2 of 2 in a "Global Perspectives" series) Sophomore Lani Ngonethong and junior Serene Kalugdan discuss the importance of Hmong language and culture.
SINCE DAY ONE. Sofia Rivera and Margaret Bonin pose in front of the lower school building on the first day of kindergarten.

How well do you know your childhood friend? Featuring Margaret Bonin and Sofia Rivera

Murphy Miltner, Rubiconline • May 24, 2024
How well do you know your oldest friends? Let's quiz two friends who've known each other since before they could walk.
WURST. Students taking German visited Berlin and Hamburg in 2015, posing in front of Germany's capital building, der Reichstag, housing the legislative branch. Wurst means sausage in German and is similar to America's "say cheese" when taking photos. Middle school German teacher Madeleine Flom-Staab said, "While in Hamburg, we stayed with our exchange partners who had come to visit us in Minnesota in October of 2014." (Submitted photo by Madeleine Flom-Staab)

German exchange program back up and running for 2024-25 school year

Zimo Xie, Creative Design Manager • May 23, 2024
After tons of work behind the scenes by German teacher Rachel Ruddick, upper school german students are excited to welcome exchange students from Hamburg.
RISING STOCKS. Sophomore Trevor Hou draws out how the Stock Market Club's stock simulator works on the white board. "This club is a really immersive experience for you to truly understand the ins and outs of the stock market. It is a low-stakes kind of educational experience," Hou said.

Stock Market Club utilizes stock simulator to educate students

Zimo Xie, Creative Design Manager • May 22, 2024
The club uses the Investopedia stock simulator to help teach students about investing and also spark friendly competition.
COLLECTION OF COUNTRIES. The Arab League consists of 22 different nations across the Middle East and Northern Africa and is represented by a green flag with a 22-link chain, representing each of the countries.

Students find identity by connecting with Arab culture

Sonia Kharbanda, The Rubicon • May 20, 2024
(part 1 of 2 in a "Global Perspectives" series) Freshman Lina Abid and sophomore Ella Judeh discuss the struggles and pride in their Arab identities.
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