The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

The Rubicon
LAWN LEGACY. The Class of 2024 Commencement took place June 9 on the front lawn of the Randolph Campus. The stage is set just in front of the original doors of the St. Paul Academy building. (Photo reprinted with permission from SPA Smugmug)
Class of 2024 graduates; summer begins
June 12, 2024
ACTIONS SPEAK. Tents on the Northrop Mall at the University of Minnesota on May 5. Sam Konstan (SPA ‘21), a U of M student, said, How much [the tent encampment] affects somebody’s day-to-day life is a combination of a choice and their schedule.“ However, he added, the discussions around [the protests] were a lot harder to avoid.” (Photo Reprinted with Permission from Winter Keefer, MinnPost)
Nationwide protests bring demands to university campuses
June 7, 2024
In the days preceding the assembly, Moore met with faculty, leadership teams, and intercultural life groups across campuses to discuss the use of prejudicial slurs in the community, review racial harrassment policies, and answer questions. Photo submitted by Eddie Moore, Jr.
Ahead of summer programming, Moore addresses use of slurs within community
June 3, 2024
BAN. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster posts a photo of himself signing the Help Not Harm bill. By signing this, he effectively banned gender-affirming care for minors. (Screen capture from @govhenrymcmaster on Instagram.)
South Carolina becomes 25th state to restrict gender-affirming care
May 31, 2024
THE END OF C3. The Committee for Community Conduct (C3) was a disciplinary committee led by students and assisted by faculty. The new Honors Council aims to do much of what C3 stands for and hopes for more student voices.
Honors Council will replace C3 next year
May 23, 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
[2 SIDES, 1 ISSUE] Are there benefits to academic award ceremonies?
[2 SIDES, 1 ISSUE] Are there benefits to academic award ceremonies?
May 30, 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
JUST IN TIME. Finals season has started, but that does not mean it is too late for an “academic comeback”.
It is not too late to have an academic comeback
May 23, 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
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
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
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 professors disjunction
An adjunct to an adjunct professor’s disjunction
February 18, 2023
PERFORMING From the hawaiian play hlavka is dressed up.
Hlavka‘s journey from K to college
June 4, 2024
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
June 3, 2024
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
June 1, 2024
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
May 27, 2024
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
May 24, 2024
A PERFECT PLACE. Looking for a place to enjoy the summer? Visit Centennial Lakes Park in Edina. With weekly events like concerts and performances and simply enjoying recreational activities, Centennial Lakes Park has something for everyone.
[AROUND TOWN] Centennial Lakes offers nature nestled in skyscrapers
June 6, 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
LIMITED TIME. The Backroads art show hosted a short run in the Drake Gallery from May 14-23.
[DRAKE GALLERY] Junior seminar art show, “Backroads” ends gallery season
May 24, 2024
MISSISSIPPI MARKET CO-OP. The co-op building stands under the bright sun. This location on 7th Street West is the largest of the three locations.
[AROUND TOWN] Looking for high-quality organic goods? Mississippi Market Co-op has got you covered
May 22, 2024
[OPINION] Love books? Shop local.
[OPINION] Love books? Shop local.
May 20, 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
SPEAKING WITH THEIR EYES. Greta Lee (Nora Moon) and Teo Yoo (Hae Sung) do a spectcular job of conveying their emotions from their body language and expressions. (Screenshot from offical Past Lives trailer)
[COUNTDOWN TO OSCARS] Past Lives explores unrequited love in its simple, yet profound plot
March 9, 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
FIGHT ‘TIL VICTORY. The spartans boys tennis team is ready to fight in the state tournament. The boys tennis team have been the reigning state champion for the last two years.
Road to state: can the Boys’ Varsity Tennis team accomplish a three peat?
May 23, 2024
GAME TIME. The games 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
SNOW BOUNDARIES. Nordic skiier Helen Townley believes coed practice offers something unique: “I like that you get to train with everyone, not just one gender.” (Reprinted with permission: Maija Norwood Photography)
The female experience in co-ed sports
May 17, 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
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
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 Mens 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. Im 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 games 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
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
[HOW TO] Got time? Make slime.
[HOW TO] Got time? Make slime.
May 30, 2024
ITS A PROCESS. Liza Thomas said, My work is called Night in the Wildwood. Its eight photos that I took on a film camera and then got developed outside of school because we dont have the chemistry in our photo lab to develop color film.
Thomas and Dalton take the “Backroads” through Advanced Art
May 29, 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
ITS A PROCESS. Liza Thomas said, My work is called Night in the Wildwood. Its eight photos that I took on a film camera and then got developed outside of school because we dont 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
[COFFEE WITH CLARA] Ep. 6 Raven Glaser enjoys sports that decenter competition
[COFFEE WITH CLARA] Ep. 6 Raven Glaser enjoys sports that decenter competition
April 23, 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
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 Germanys capital building, der Reichstag, housing the legislative branch. Wurst means sausage in German and is similar to Americas 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 Clubs 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.
HEALTHY HOUSING. Senior Ayla Rivers builds houses alongside Habitat for Humanity for her senior project. She started volunteering Apr. 26 and completed her 21 hours of service. Typically, alongside seniors capstone projects, they will also be completing community service ... however, my project is completely volunteer work, Rivers said. (Submitted by Ayla Rivers)

Rivers builds community homes by volunteering with Habitat for Humanity

Amanda Hsu, The Rubicon • May 16, 2024
Rivers is set to begin working with her chosen organization, Habitat for Humanity, on April 29th for her senior project. She will be volunteering to build houses alongside the organization.
Connecting to Culture: Duong, Li and Cristobal share how they maintain their heritage in the U.S.

Connecting to Culture: Duong, Li and Cristobal share how they maintain their heritage in the U.S.

Lani Ngonethong, RubicOnline • May 14, 2024
About 57% of Asian Americans were born in a different country, according to a study done by the Pew Research Center in 2021. Does the level of connection to one’s heritage change depending on where they live?
NEW PERSPECTIVE. The view from outside the East Side Freedom Library, where senior Nora Shaughnessy is volunteering.

Don’t just check off the box: Shaughnessy and Lillegard find passion in senior volunteering

Aarushi Bahadur, Director of RubicOnline • May 10, 2024
Nora Shaughnessy will volunteer at East Side Freedom Library to learn more about immigration and rights for her senior project, while Annika Lillegard will work to reduce medical waste for her commmunity service requirment.
TAKE OFF. Sophomore James Welsh watches as his rocket rises into the air. The Aerospace engineering class held their final tests on May 1. Getting to launch the rocket that was fun because it was just like a month of really hard work all coming together, Welsh said. Photo submitted by Maren Overgaard.

Overgaard and Welsh break rocket launch record

Amanda Hsu, The Rubicon • May 9, 2024
Maren Overgaard and James Welsh became the first underclassmen to hit the precise 300 feet height goal in Advanced Aerospace Engineering's highly anticipated rocket launch project.
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