The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

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JOINED BY JEANS. Juniors Ada LaTarte, Sophia Bietz, Ava Schluender, Cassandra Overholt, and Scarlett Gibson (left to right) wear matching jeans to celebrate Denim Day.
Denim Day: joining hands through jeans
April 26, 2024
GO FAR. Head of School Luis Ottley speaks to the entire school. If you want to go fast, go alone, but travel together if you want to go far, Ottley said during his speech.
K-12 student body comes together for second all-school assembly
April 25, 2024
DRAW A HEART. The Pink Heart Project, created by sophomores Beatrix Rhone and Elzie Bieganek, hopes to build visible solidarity and support for survivors of sexual assault.
[Q&A] Pink Hearts founders seek support for survivors
April 24, 2024
PROTEST. Advocates for abortion rights protest in nearby Reno, Nevada in 2021. The response to the reinstated Arizona ban from pro-choice politicians has been strong, and there have been multiple attempts in the last few days to repeal the ban, primarily led by the minority democratic party of the Arizona House. However, these attempts have been unsuccessful. (Public Domain Image)
Arizona Supreme Court reinstates 1864 abortion ban
April 18, 2024
IN CELEBRATION. Intricate henna designs are on the hands of Amir Dahm’s family. “Henna (Mehndi) is done commonly for big events like weddings or Eid,” Dahm said. (Submitted Photo: Amir Dahm)
Muslim students share the meaning of Eid al-Fitr
April 10, 2024
TYPE 1. Type 1 diabetes requires lifelong insulin injections and blood glucose monitoring, setting it apart from the more common type 2.
Don’t overgeneralize when talking about health conditions
April 25, 2024
DEBATED DOLLAR. Individual buying power can help enact corporate and political change. Make consumer decisions based on personal values. Its up to the consumer whether their money goes towards the sustainable or unsustainable, McKoy writes.
Reclaim power as a consumer, hold companies accountable
April 24, 2024
IMBALANCE. In SPAs class discussions, the excessive participation of some individuals makes it harder for others to contribute. Often, when strong voices dont leave room for others in discussions, some students give up trying to participate and zone out.
Make space for everyone in classroom discussions
April 23, 2024
SAYING GOODBYE. The senior-decorated stairway wall in Lower Schilling displays a college rejection board, a hand drawn image of the common area and a countdown of the days left of school, among other things. With one week left, leaving well means focusing on gratitude and joy.
How to leave well
April 22, 2024
Smartphones as useful tools, not addictive menaces
Smartphones as useful tools, not addictive menaces
April 16, 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
START CLEANING using different important aspects of relationships to properly evaluate connections.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Spring clean your relationships
March 14, 2024
MISSING IN ACTION. Nowadays, disengaging from social obligations is easier than ever before. Societal norms in the post-pandemic era have shifted, and for many, socialization is no longer an easy, casual routine. Reengagement, both in and outside of school, is crucial to rebuilding a sense of community.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Made plans? Be there.
March 13, 2024
EXPLORE BLACK HISTORY MONTH and discover different paths to take for community engagement.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Black History Month: go beyond history
February 27, 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
Ringness seeking new experiences and exploration through cross-country road trip
Ringness seeking new experiences and exploration through cross-country road trip
April 26, 2024
UNIQUELY DIFFERENT. The Grewe twins have been growing up together for eighteen years. And in these eighteen years, they were at most separated for one month. On the left features senior Lucas Grewe, and right is senior Ian Grewe.
Growing up Grewe: seniors Lucas and Ian Grewe talk about the twin life
April 25, 2024
TASTE TEST. Junior Talia Cairns is working on a food-related topic with her classmates, junior Deling Chen and senior Annika Lillegard. (Submitted Photo: Karissa Baker)
ASR and ATP come together for final projects
April 24, 2024
MONEY MONEY MONEY. Senior Theo Bonin wishes for a more transparent and understanding discussion of financial diversity at SPA. Despite nearly one-third of the student body receiving financial assistance to attend SPA, Bonin feels that the school culture makes false assumptions about family wealth.
Bonin breaks down barriers to financial conversations at SPA
April 23, 2024
POP PRODUCTION. Gunther works on a track during her free time at school. The back of her laptop is decorated with stickers of artists she admires, such as Charli XCX and Shygirl.
Gunther goes for pop precision
April 22, 2024
THE PRINCESS AND THE QUEEN. Then eight year old Taryn Karasti spends her brunch with drag queens and amazing food at Lush. Karasti poses for a photo with drag queen Kamari Williams. (Submitted Photo: Taryn Karasti)
An uplifting art form: drag performances foster positivity in the queer community
April 26, 2024
CONGRATS GRAD. Grad parties require lots of planning, but they are a fun and lively way to recognize the accomplishments of high school graduates.
Glitter, gifts and guestbooks: A guide to grad parties
April 24, 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
COWBOY CARTER. With the release of her latest album on March 29, Beyoncé has demonstrated that she can produce music across genres and proved that Black artists belong in country music just as much as white artists. (Fair use image: @beyonce on Instagram)
Beyoncé shows that Black artists can be cowboys, too
April 11, 2024
PLAYING WITH TEXTURE. Hejny demonstrates the rough texture on her 18-foot-tall commissioned painting from the salt added to the paint.
Local artist Annie Irene Hejny finds inspiration in nature
April 3, 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
REALISTIC VILLAINY. The Zone of Interest follows the Höss families day-to-day lives living in a house directly bordering the Auschwitz concentration camp. (Screenshot from The Zone of Interest official trailer)
[COUNTDOWN TO OSCARS] The Zone of Interest shocks with uniquely nuanced approach to the war film
March 8, 2024
HOLIDAY SURPRISE. “I dont think Ive ever had a real family Christmas like this before,” says Angus Tully, a flawed but promising student at Barton Preparatory School in Massachusetts. Ironically, Angus says this as a Holdover—a student with nowhere to go for winter break. In the scene, Angus is celebrating Christmas with a flawed family—Mary, the Barton cafeteria manager, and Paul Hunham, the history teacher with a checkered past. (Screen capture Holdovers Official Trailer, Focus Films)
[COUNTDOWN TO THE OSCARS] The Holdovers brings unlikely trio together for the holidays
March 8, 2024
BEHIND THE PLATE. Schwab-Mahoney snatches the ball mid-air.
Mind over matter: Boys baseball braves mental game despite tough loss to Kenyon-Wanamingo
April 25, 2024
ATHENA. Mezas teammates commend her leadership and passion on the field and ice. She is so hardworking and encouraging and you can tell she loves whatever sport shes playing and all of her teammates,” sophomore Lucia Gonzalez said.
Aurelia Meza named 2024 Athena
April 24, 2024
Volleyball was initially created as a game geared towards men due to societal attitudes about gender and athletics. It was called “mintonette” and was designed to offer a game less strenuous than basketball.
Volleyball? It’s for everyone
April 23, 2024
BACKHAND. Senior Baasit Mahmood hits a backhand stroke against the Mahtomedi Zephyrs towards the beginning of the game. The second match went on for more than two hours, with the Spartans losing 3-4.
Boys tennis kicks off season fiercely with three matches in one day
April 17, 2024
LUNGE. Lower school students practice lunging.
Fencing fosters new generation of athletes at lower school
April 12, 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
BEHIND THE PLATE. Schwab-Mahoney snatches the ball mid-air.
Mind over matter: Boys baseball braves mental game despite tough loss to Kenyon-Wanamingo
April 25, 2024
BACKHAND. Senior Baasit Mahmood hits a backhand stroke against the Mahtomedi Zephyrs towards the beginning of the game. The second match went on for more than two hours, with the Spartans losing 3-4.
Boys tennis kicks off season fiercely with three matches in one day
April 17, 2024
SUPERSONIC. Tamari Christopher pitches during a softball game last year. She was a 8th grader.
Softball and girls lacrosse join new co-ops
April 11, 2024
LOCKED IN. Senior Theo Zimmerman, a more experienced player, springs up off the grass with the frisbee in hand after taking a fall.
First Ultimate game unites new and returning players
April 10, 2024
YOUNG LEADER. Freshman Peony Steele is the only Spartan captain from her grade, stepping up as a leader due to the lack of upperclassmen on the girls golf team. (Submitted Photo: Peony Steele)
Steele leads through passion and purpose
April 9, 2024
[SPARTANS MIC’D UP] Triple Jump with junior Julia Taylor
[SPARTANS MIC’D UP] Triple Jump with junior Julia Taylor
April 25, 2024
CARBON FOOTPRINTS. In order to protect the Earth, people need to always think about their carbon emission and how they can limit their footprints.
[QUIZ] Celebrate Earth Week by testing your knowledge on carbon emissions
April 24, 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
In this podcast, host Greyson Sale discusses sophomores Hazel McCarthy, Annalise Atkinson, and Evan Morris about their thought on the potential TikTok ban.
Student Reacts: The Potential TikTok Ban
April 22, 2024
In this podcast, Nora McKoy talks with Opinion Editor Siri Pattison to discuss the story behind creating Now, thats a Wrapped A&E story.
[STORY BEHIND THE STORIES]: Now, that’s a Wrapped” with Siri Pattison
April 18, 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
In this podcast, host Greyson Sale discusses sophomores Hazel McCarthy, Annalise Atkinson, and Evan Morris about their thought on the potential TikTok ban.
Student Reacts: The Potential TikTok Ban
April 22, 2024
In this podcast, Nora McKoy talks with Opinion Editor Siri Pattison to discuss the story behind creating Now, thats a Wrapped A&E story.
[STORY BEHIND THE STORIES]: Now, that’s a Wrapped” with Siri Pattison
April 18, 2024
[COFFEE WITH CLARA] Ep. 5 Sydney Zimmerman recalls freshman year at boarding school
[COFFEE WITH CLARA] Ep. 5 Sydney Zimmerman recalls freshman year at boarding school
March 11, 2024
SING YOUR HEART OUT. Seifert and Kannankutty are part of two seperate choirs under the organization. Both seniors have found joy singing alongside individuals who share the same passion for choral music as them. Its just really beautiful to see so many people dedicated to something that they love, Kannankutty said. (Image via @angelicachoirs on Instagram)
Seifert and Kannankutty find community in Angelica Cantanti Youth Choirs
March 2, 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
Connection with family and culture through food: Lunar New Year
Connection with family and culture through food: Lunar New Year
March 5, 2024
Join the 24-25 Rubicon or RubicOnline staff
Join the 24-25 Rubicon or RubicOnline staff
February 28, 2024
[SPARTANS MIC’D UP] Swim with Trojans captain Rishi Bhargava
[SPARTANS MIC’D UP] Swim with Trojans captain Rishi Bhargava
February 15, 2024
March 2024 Issue
March 5, 2024
February 2024 Issue
February 9, 2024
December 2023 Issue
December 19, 2023
November 23 Issue
November 28, 2023
October 2023 Issue
October 24, 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
DO GOOD. 32 participants supported the American Red Crosss cause of giving blood to cancer patients, accident victims, and others in need.

Students and faculty encouraged to donate in upcoming blood drive

Lani Ngonethong, RubicOnline • February 24, 2024
USC's annual blood drive will occur Mar. 5 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
COMMUNITY SOUP. Quiz bowl connects students through a cheerful, competitive nature. The team has changed in recent years as the current members are generally STEM-focused. Senior Bridget Keel said that they aim to “try their best and have fun.”

Quiz bowl builds community with expertise

Olympia Wolff, The Rubicon • February 23, 2024
Quiz Bowl veterans and rookies reflect on the season so far.
NAMECOACH IN ACTION. US Technology Coordinator Angie Kritta displays the Namecoach software that teachers began using this January. This software was tested out a few years ago by seniors. “Namecoach is a huge step in making the community more inclusive,” Kritta said.

Namecoach launch promotes correct name pronunciation

Johanna Pierach, The Rubicon • February 22, 2024
Set to roll out this spring, learn about the software Namecoach, which provides students and teachers with audio recordings of everybody's correct name pronunciation.
NEIGHBORHOOD CLASH. Incidents of bikers and pedestrians being hit by cars are among the city’s top considerations regarding this proposal. Initially proposed in 2021, backlash from neighbos pushed back the approval until October of 2023. “In reality, it’s just safer bike lanes,” said sophomore Roman Farley.

Residents resist council-approved Summit Ave. reconstruction

Amanda Hsu, The Rubicon • February 21, 2024
Residents of Summit Ave. formed an organization called Save Our Summit (SOS). It aims to legally fight a Summit Avenue reconstruction plan recently approved by the Metropolitan Council.
AT THE END OF THE LINE. Lunch lines are especially long this year. In attempts to shorten the line, modifications are made, occasionally switching between two lunch lines or one line. Not many differences are noticable. C3 member Andy Allen marks it up to miscommunication. The US (Upper School) administration is not entirely aware of there only being one lunch line, instead of the two that we have been accustomed to, Allen said.

C3 seeks to address lunch line budging

Zadie Martin, RubicOnline • February 20, 2024
The length of the lunch line has been a topic of debate, and mostly complaints, since the beginning of the school year, C3 works on finding solutions.
PRIMARY ELIGIBILITY. So far, 35 states have contested Donald Trump’s appearance on a state primary ballot, but only two states—Colorado and Maine—have succeeded in actually removing him.

Colorado and Maine remove Trump from primary ballots; Supreme Court has not yet ruled

Sonia Kharbanda, The Rubicon • February 19, 2024
Some states have used the 14th Amendment (involvement in an insurrection) to justify Trump's removal.
Dress up days announced for Winter Week

Dress up days announced for Winter Week

February 18, 2024

Student Activities Committee has set four days to show Spartan Spirit that will culminate in the dance Feb. 24. Tuesday - Y2K Wednesday - Pink Thursday - PJs Friday - Boots Saturday's dance...

COUCH CONNECTIONS. A group of students talk after school at the new tables and chairs in Red Leaf Commons. The Huss couches were removed after winter break to create a more formal space. “We did not do the work to keep [the couches there,” said senior Poppy Ploen.

Huss couches removed due to informality

Juan Miguel Adams, The Rubicon • February 13, 2024
Couches in Huss recently taken away. Students voice complaints and support, administration shares reasons.
Dean emphasizes importance of lunch remaining in lunch room

Dean emphasizes importance of lunch remaining in lunch room

February 12, 2024
Lunch needs to be eaten in the lunch room or just outside at the English Commons tables.
AI USAGE. With the increased popularity of AI after the release of ChatGPT, other AI softwares such as the writing assistant Notion AI became more well known. This graph shows the distribution of AI programs used by SPA students.

AI platforms infiltrate learning environments

Georgia Ross, The Rubicon • February 12, 2024
As AI usage grows in academic environments, it stands on the line between helpful and dishonest.
TRUMP AHEAD. Former President Donald Trump won 51% of the votes in the Iowa caucus, and 54% of the votes in New Hampshire. Following Trump’s early primary victories, several candidates dropped out of the presidential race. Former UN ambassador Nikki Haley captured 43% of votes in New Hampshire, though junior Nicholas McCarthy says “she doesn’t have a chance” of defeating Trump.

Low voter turnout a tenuous predictor of a Biden and Trump ballot in 2024

McKinley Garner, The Rubicon • February 11, 2024
Voter turnout was lower than expected after first Republican primary in Iowa, leading to predictions about future primaries and the election.
SILVER MEDALISTS. Sophomore Zain Kizilbash and freshman Nabeeha Qadri pose with the University of Wisconsin River Falls mascot after placing second in the Fossils event. (Submitted Photo: Nabeeha Qadri)

Science Olympiad competes fiercely at UW River Falls invitational

Amanda Hsu, The Rubicon • January 29, 2024
In the small school division, SPA finished eighth out of 29 schools.
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