The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

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MY UNCLE. Audrey Senaratna gets emotional while telling the tragic and unjust story of her uncle’s passing. She wanted to remember him happily and allow him to be the main character of his story. “I am lucky to have had an uncle like Eric Rivers,” she said.
First day of speeches bring senior voice to the stage
September 24, 2023
QEUES OF CONES: traffic builds up ahead of the intersection of Randolph and Davern.
Challenges arise due to the road closures surrounding Randolph campus
September 15, 2023
I AM. Freshman Sam Galarneault signs up for the affinity group Latinos Unidos.
Club Fair continues old traditions while nurturing new communities
September 12, 2023
LETS GLOW. The Student Activities Committee has selected glow-in-the-dark as this years homecoming theme, and students are encouraged to dress this way for the homecoming dance. Additionally, SAC created t-shirts that members of the SPA community can buy, which do indeed glow in the dark.
Early peek into homecoming week
September 12, 2023
BIENVENIDOS. Upper School Spanish teacher Christine Piñero kicks off the school year with pair discussions in her Advanced Spanish class. Students discussed the stories behind their names using Spanish vocabulary while sitting at a Harkness table for the first time since pre-COVID times.
[PHOTO STORY] First day photo breakdown
August 25, 2023
STREAMLINED. Coleman soars into the water with her technical reverse dive tuck. Her inward dive pike earned the highest score of the six she competed, with a net score of 18.5. She left the meet reminding herself that “I’ll have on and off days,” she said.
Coleman battles through Laker Invitational, determined to turn the season around
September 21, 2023
A tense game against Rochester Lourdes ends in stalemate for boys soccer
A tense game against Rochester Lourdes ends in stalemate for boys soccer
September 20, 2023
COACH TO COACH. Schmitz converses with fellow coach Robert Donnelly. Submitted by Sophie Schmitz
Cross country coach Sophie Schmitz finds new ways to love running through coaching
September 18, 2023
HERE WE COME. Both teams charge at each other either trying to make their way through or stop the other team from moving forward.
SMB Wolfpack comes up short to South St. Paul’s comeback win
September 11, 2023
RACKET FIVE. Junior Liza Thomas and Senior Lucy Shaffer bump rackets to congratulate each other after scoring a point.
Girls tennis battles rival Providence in neck to neck showdown
September 10, 2023
STREAMLINED. Coleman soars into the water with her technical reverse dive tuck. Her inward dive pike earned the highest score of the six she competed, with a net score of 18.5. She left the meet reminding herself that “I’ll have on and off days,” she said.
Coleman battles through Laker Invitational, determined to turn the season around
September 21, 2023
A tense game against Rochester Lourdes ends in stalemate for boys soccer
A tense game against Rochester Lourdes ends in stalemate for boys soccer
September 20, 2023
HERE WE COME. Both teams charge at each other either trying to make their way through or stop the other team from moving forward.
SMB Wolfpack comes up short to South St. Paul’s comeback win
September 11, 2023
RACKET FIVE. Junior Liza Thomas and Senior Lucy Shaffer bump rackets to congratulate each other after scoring a point.
Girls tennis battles rival Providence in neck to neck showdown
September 10, 2023
OVERCOME. Junior Dylan Bump has faced many mental obstacles as the backup goalkeeper for the boys varsity soccer team. “One of the hardest things I faced was thinking I wasnt able to compete on a varsity team or at that level,” he said.
Bump beats mental barriers to help Spartan soccer beat opponents
September 6, 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
ESSENTIAL TO UNDERSTAND. Take time to recognize other religious beliefs and celebrate a culture of religious diversity.
Religious days off for some are days on for others
September 25, 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
Journalism Blitz ran from Jul. 31-Aug. 4. Students explored mini-feature, photo story, news and opinion writing, and arts review.
We have opinions…
August 4, 2023
FILM CLUB. Check out recommendations at sites like IMDB to build a movie list.
Summertime offers a great rainy-day escape: let’s go to the movies
June 4, 2023
MAKING IDENTITY VISIBLE. Group labels can also be used to unite communities and create progress.
Asian or AAPI? Jew or Jewish? Queer or LGBTQIA+?
June 3, 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
LIAR LIAR. Politicians need to be held to a higher standard. They currently take advantage of the political system by flaunting their money and power. This shouldn’t be the basis of our democracy; instead, it’s crucial for politicians to take accountability for their actions in order to make the United States a safer place to live in.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Hold the privileged accountable for an ethical political environment
May 30, 2023
Break the stereotypes dictating how all Asians should behave and appear. Its important to recognize diverse Asian cultures and celebrate all AANHPI members.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Include all Asian Americans in the nation’s story
May 19, 2023
FACE TO FACE. Although it can be easier to tell uninvolved people about a hurtful situation, discussing the issue directly with the person involved will help resolve the issue in a more timely manner. Communication is a crucial part of both maintaing relationships and educating others about their actions, even if they’re aren’t a close friend.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Embracing confrontation leads to positive change and growth
April 28, 2023
LET HER LEARN. The discussion and pursuit of romantic and sexual relationships at SPA is littered with casual misogyny.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Do your part for gender equity
March 17, 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
[PHILOSOPHICALLY SPEAKING] Is life easy or hard?
[PHILOSOPHICALLY SPEAKING] Is life easy or hard?
October 18, 2022
Some believers in this theory think that reality is only simulated where humans are looking. This would mean that reality would cease to exist anywhere humans were not perceiving.
Play or be played: are humans living in a simulation?
May 21, 2022
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
LETTER TO THE COMMUNITY: Aaron Datta
LETTER TO THE COMMUNITY: Aaron Datta
November 26, 2017
COACHING CONNECTIONS. Emily King works in the hub for academic coaching on the fourth floor. “The Center for Learning and Teaching (CLT) is available for all students with documented learning disabilities or concussions which in turn prevent them from accessing materials the same way other students do,” King said.
Fourth floor houses space that welcomes all learners
September 26, 2023
COMPETITION & CONNECTION. Pickleball Club leader Hazel McCarthy said, “[Our goal this year is] just to create a fun environment where people can just come and hang out, play pickleball, and just talk with their friends.” Club meetings are an opportunity to let loose and enjoy some friendly competition.
Pickleball Club takes a shot at boosting student engagement
September 21, 2023
HELPING HAND. Junior Cerena Karmaliani was assigned to Port Reitz school in Mombasa, Kenya during her service trip. The school needed the help of volunteers to make their community more inclusive for disabled students. Karmaliani said, “So my job was to work specifically in a third-grade classroom with a teacher…for a total of two weeks, approximately three hours a day… And for those two weeks, we refined the curriculum to make it more inclusive.”
Voyages and volunteering: Karmaliani makes connections abroad
September 16, 2023
BE YOURSELF. Senior Oliver Zhu believes that it is important to go by the name that feels most comfortable and the most like you: Live life the way you want to. If you’re planning on changing your name in the first place, that means there’s definitely some parts that you’re not happy with.
[WHAT’S IN A NAME?] Oliver Zhu talks about the joys and challenges of changing his name
September 14, 2023
STRATEGIC THINKING. Shiroma ponders his next move before deciding on moving the rook, a piece that can only be moved in a straight line either vertically or horizontally. In addition, the rook is able to support pawns and cut off the opponent’s king’s routes effectively.
CHESS QUEST: Ryan Shiroma’s rise to the top
June 3, 2023
Pho Mai : The Dinkytown resturant features a wide array of menu options
Around Town: Pho Mai
September 22, 2023
Sense & Sensibility cast announced
Sense & Sensibility cast announced
September 22, 2023
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.
[MOVIE REVIEW] The Equalizer 3: A disappointing end to a great franchise
September 20, 2023
MAKING USE OF DEAD SPACE. The Greenway in Minneapolis runs on an old train track. Opened in the year 2000, the path is now a bike highway for thousands of commuters each day.
Seeing the city on two wheels
September 18, 2023
2023’s Reunion Weekend introduced a new exhibit in the Drake Gallery featuring five talented alumni artists in diverse mediums.
Alumni/ae opening celebrates artistry of traditional and modern forms
September 15, 2023
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.
[MOVIE REVIEW] The Equalizer 3: A disappointing end to a great franchise
September 20, 2023
YOU CAN WEAR THE MASK. Miles always believed that there was only ONE Spider-Man, but it turned out that there were 5 other Spider-People from 5 other universes; and now they have ended up in Miles’s universe. (Screencapture from Sony Pictures Official Trailer)
[MOVIE REVIEW] Crawling “Into the Spider-Verse” is spectacular
August 25, 2023
START WITH A BANG. In the opening musical number of Urinetown, everyone sings in different tones and timings, creating a chaotic tone from the start of the show.
[THEATER REVIEW] Urinetown pays homage to classic musical theater
May 30, 2023
ORDER UP: The pickup counter at SimpliciTea gives customers a sneak peak into the tea-making process.
[FOOD REVIEW] Try out boba tea for a refreshing spring drink
May 19, 2023
DEADLY DENMARK. Hamlet takes place on a bare, gray stage with three levels and a balcony, and the actors occasionally appear at floor level with the audience. The blandness of the backdrops allowed for complete focus on the acting and costume design, which were far more interesting.
Guthrie’s 60 years started with Hamlet. Revival continues that success.
May 12, 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
Its Scholastic Journalism Week: What does scholastic journalism mean to me?
QUIZ: [HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW]… the RubicOnline?
March 11, 2020
[SPARTANS MICD UP] Fall scrimmage with girls tennis
[SPARTANS MIC’D UP] Fall scrimmage with girls tennis
September 20, 2023
History teacher Ben Bollinger Danielson teaches around a Harkness table in 2020, the last time they were in classrooms before this year.
More than a piece of furniture
September 15, 2023
Introducing upper school principal Minnie Lee
Introducing upper school principal Minnie Lee
September 14, 2023
[IN PLAIN SIGHT] Ep.2 The Vending Machines
[IN PLAIN SIGHT] Ep.2 The Vending Machines
June 8, 2023
[IN PLAIN SIGHT] Ep.1 Language Wing Display
[IN PLAIN SIGHT] Ep.1 Language Wing Display
June 1, 2023
[IN PLAIN SIGHT] Ep.2 The Vending Machines
[IN PLAIN SIGHT] Ep.2 The Vending Machines
June 8, 2023
[IN PLAIN SIGHT] Ep.1 Language Wing Display
[IN PLAIN SIGHT] Ep.1 Language Wing Display
June 1, 2023
[THROUGH THEIR EYES] Ep. 7 Does life have to have a specific purpose?
[THROUGH THEIR EYES] Ep. 7 Does life have to have a specific purpose?
May 30, 2023
EXPECTING INAUTHENTICITY. England and Liljedhal argue that social media users must understand the inauthentic nature of the apps.
Liljedahl and England discuss how social media impacts their authenticity and risk-taking
May 1, 2023
THE FINAL COUNTDOWN. As the May 1 college decision deadline approaches, seniors Heidi Deuel and Jack OBrien discuss their decisions and how they chose to share the news.
How do we announce college decisions?
April 14, 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
Freedom of speech, press, religion, and...pee? Welcome to URINETOWN
Freedom of speech, press, religion, and…pee? Welcome to URINETOWN
May 24, 2023
Senior Tommy Verhey gives an update on this week’s current events.
[60 SECOND NEWS] Joe Biden, MN sports, SPA spring sports
April 25, 2023
Seniors leave a legacy with their art
Seniors leave a legacy with their art
April 25, 2023
May 2023 Issue
May 30, 2023
April 2023 Issue
April 25, 2023
March 2023 Issue
March 7, 2023
January 2023 Issue
January 31, 2023
December 2022 Issue
December 6, 2022
The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

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

The Rubicon
[SPARTANS MICD UP] Fall scrimmage with girls tennis

[SPARTANS MIC’D UP] Fall scrimmage with girls tennis

Rita Li, RubicOnline • September 20, 2023
Take in the sights and sounds of a practice doubles match on the tennis courts.
History teacher Ben Bollinger Danielson teaches around a Harkness table in 2020, the last time they were in classrooms before this year.

More than a piece of furniture

Zadie Martin, RubicOnline • September 15, 2023
History teacher Ben Bollinger Danielson and senior Rishi Bhargava reflect on how the return of Harkness tables have influenced classroom dynamics.
Introducing upper school principal Minnie Lee

Introducing upper school principal Minnie Lee

Clara McKoy, RubicOnline • September 14, 2023
Learn more about upper school principal Minnie Lee.
[IN PLAIN SIGHT] Ep.2 The Vending Machines

[IN PLAIN SIGHT] Ep.2 The Vending Machines

Taryn Karasti, RubicOnline • June 8, 2023
We all know that there are vending machines at SPA, but do we know what others think of them? In the second episode of In Plain Sight, freshmen Yassin Mokbel and Malcolm Adams voice their opinions on the vending machines.
[IN PLAIN SIGHT] Ep.1 Language Wing Display

[IN PLAIN SIGHT] Ep.1 Language Wing Display

Taryn Karasti and Rita Li • June 1, 2023
There is a marvelous display in the language wing, but how did it come to be? Rolando Castellanos and Sophie Kerman have all the answers regarding this little-known history.
73 Questions Vogue style Spartan edition: departing faculty Nan Dreher

73 Questions Vogue style Spartan edition: departing faculty Nan Dreher

Zimo Xie, RubicOnline • June 1, 2023
After 13 years of teaching at SPA, history teacher Nan Dreher will be leaving US and venture into the next journey of her life. This video features Nan Dreher using the 73 Questions Vogue style format for the school to get to know her again from a different lens.
[THROUGH THEIR EYES] Ep. 7 Does life have to have a specific purpose?

[THROUGH THEIR EYES] Ep. 7 Does life have to have a specific purpose?

Alison Mitchell, RubicOnline • May 30, 2023
Listen to Veronica Dixon and Eli Peres about whether or not they think that human life has to have a specific purpose.
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. Im 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.
Freedom of speech, press, religion, and...pee? Welcome to URINETOWN

Freedom of speech, press, religion, and…pee? Welcome to URINETOWN

Lani Ngonethong, RubicOnline • May 24, 2023
Due to water shortage, people now have to pay to pee. Bobby Strong starts a petition for freedom: the right to pee.
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY. In honor of Mothers Day, RubicOnline staff asked US students and faculty to share a fond memory with a mother in their life or a tradition they have for Mothers Day.

US students and faculty celebrate their mothers and share memories

RubicOnline Staff • May 14, 2023
In honor of Mother's Day, RubicOnline staff asked US students and faculty to share a fond memory with a mother in their life.
EXPECTING INAUTHENTICITY. England and Liljedhal argue that social media users must understand the inauthentic nature of the apps.

Liljedahl and England discuss how social media impacts their authenticity and risk-taking

Clara McKoy, RubicOnline • May 1, 2023
Senior Sila Liljedahl and freshman James England discuss the impact of social media on their ability to take risks and be authentic.
Senior Tommy Verhey gives an update on this week’s current events.

[60 SECOND NEWS] Joe Biden, MN sports, SPA spring sports

Tommy Verhey, Director of RubicOnline • April 25, 2023
Senior Tommy Verhey gives an update on this week’s current events.
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