The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

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GATEWAYS TO FREEDOM. A group of SPA students and faculty traveled to St. Louis, MO, for the Student Diversity Leadership Conference. The conference lasted two days, from Nov. 29-Dec. 2. Every year, the conference has a different theme. This years theme was Bending the Arc Toward Justice: Optimism, Transformational Joy, Resilience, and Brilliance. (Submitted Photo: Naomi Taylor)
SILC to host local SDLC with hopes of making change ‘interconnected’
December 7, 2023
SIGN OF THE TIMES. GDS attendees hold up pro-consent signs they made at the summit.
GDS summit attendees learn how to encourage consent and reduce assault
December 4, 2023
Bruce Taher explained he chose to prepare paella because it is a comfort food of his. Where does paella originate? Check out the graphic.
Taher CEO Bruce Taher brings Paella Day to Randolph Campus
December 1, 2023
LOW NUMBERS. Rates of COVID remain low in Minnesota, as do booster vaccination rates. INFORMATION: Minnesota Department of Heath
Low COVID-19 vaccination participation aligns with low infection rates
November 30, 2023
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
Image generated by Canva AI.
Gun violence awareness is everyone’s responsibility
December 7, 2023
Time off for mental health as important as physical illness
Time off for mental health as important as physical illness
December 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
MORE SPEECH NOT LESS. It is necessary to discuss political and global events at school to promote peaceful and understanding dialogue. Without school-sanctioned time for conversation, students do not have a safe space to process current events.
Avoiding difficult conversations harms everyone
December 4, 2023
ASL at SPA? Signs point to “yes”
ASL at SPA? Signs point to “yes”
December 3, 2023
THINK TWICE. Although it might sound smart to experiment with drugs and alcohol, the data suggest otherwise.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Experimenting? Reconsider.
November 30, 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
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
[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
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
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
I was the set designer, I was the sound designer, I was the lighting designer...I was everything said Rucker.
Rucker explores internet fame through cosplay
December 5, 2023
FAMILY FESTIVITES. Junior Serene Kalugdan poses with her family at Hmong New Year. Apart from celebrating with her family, Hmong New Year is a chance for the community to connect as a whole. When my mom went to Hmong New Year it was a huge thing because that was the only way they could meet people from around the world, Kalugdan said. (Submitted Photo: Serene Kalugdan)
Unwrapping the significance of gift-giving in different cultural celebrations
December 4, 2023
SAFE TRAVELS. French IV students chose a city in France for their recent project, where they developed a two-week itinerary.
Want to know more about France? In French IV, that means plan a trip
December 1, 2023
GET TO CRAFTING. Freshman Elizabeth Mena-Larsen and sophomore Maeve Duncan sit across from each other in the art wing as they work on their appliqué projects during the Fashion Club meeting. The two work together while chatting over the art project featured at the bottom of the photo. Mena-Larsen lays out her appliqué pieces while Duncan is busy threading a needle to sew her appliqué onto a bag.
Fashion Club reopens a space to craft imagination and creativity into reality
November 30, 2023
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
UP CLOSE. Punk shows are often in smaller, more intimate venues. They are a great opportunity to meet other teens in the Twin Cities,” senior Reilly Ringness said. Image submitted by Reilly Ringness.
Seniors explore the Twin Cities punk scene
December 7, 2023
LAYERING. Layering allows for warmth and versatility, as you can shed layers but also add more. On a basic level, it consists of a base layer (left), a mid-layer (middle), and an insulating layer (right). “[In the winter], layering becomes a very crucial part of any outfit. Youre putting coats on. Youre putting sweaters on. Some people wear sweatpants and then skirts over it, Ive seen that on TikTok,” said Donahue.
Warmth before fashion this winter
December 7, 2023
SCREENSHOT AND SHARE. Many students post pictures of their Spotify Wrapped on social media. Seeing other people’s was interesting. Music tells a lot about a person,” senior Awaale Osman said.
Now, that’s a Wrapped
December 6, 2023
PINK EVERYTHING. The Malibu Barbie café, with a similar intention as the movie, guides visitors into a Barbie dollhouse.
A Pink Paradise: Exploring the Malibu Barbie Cafe at the Mall of America
December 5, 2023
MARRY ME? Edward (Bri Rucker) proposes to Eleanor (Savannah Switzer).
[PLAY REVIEW] Reputation is everything in Sense and Sensibility
November 30, 2023
MARRY ME? Edward (Bri Rucker) proposes to Eleanor (Savannah Switzer).
[PLAY REVIEW] Reputation is everything in Sense and Sensibility
November 30, 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
RACING DOWN THE MOUNTAIN. Ella England makes her way through the race. She persevered and passed the competitors to beat them to the bottom. Reflecting on her biking experience, England said, you can make friends and learn fun tricks. Submitted by Ella England
Ella England flies down mountains
December 6, 2023
TROJAN. Senior Rishi Bhargava prepares to dive in a race from last season. For the first time this year, Bhargava became a captain of the Trojan swim team. I really want to share my passion for swimming with the rest of the team and help out by being a leader and doing my part, he said.
Captains Rishi Bhargava and Evy Sachs lead from the heart
December 5, 2023
OVERCOMING OBSTACLES. Senior Isak Bildtsen now plays as the starting varsity goaltender for the boys hockey team. However, he has battled for this position since sophomore year: “I couldn’t actually play in a game [that year] for like two and a half months. [But] I was able to actually play in the last varsity game of the season before sections against Highland,” he said.
Bildtsen reflects on fighting through adversity on and off the ice
December 4, 2023
GETTING PHYSICAL. Captain Henri Peltier tries to fight off physical play from an opposing Eagle skater.
Boys hockey outlasts Rochester Lourdes for first victory of the season
December 4, 2023
PRACTICE PERFECTION. Adele Gjerde and water skiing club team the Twin Cities River Rats preform. During the colder months practices for Gjerde change dramatically. SUBMITTED PHOTO: Adele Gjerde
Water sports head ashore for the winter
December 3, 2023
STRONG FINISH. Freshman Audrey Peltier sprints to the end of the lane in the 200 freestyle relay. Peltier has been dealing with shoulder pain this season. “Going into sections we’re not super confident with our ability,” she said.
Sections ends tumultuous Sparks season
November 29, 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
GETTING PHYSICAL. Captain Henri Peltier tries to fight off physical play from an opposing Eagle skater.
Boys hockey outlasts Rochester Lourdes for first victory of the season
December 4, 2023
Favorite sports team tradition? Winter captains weigh in
Favorite sports team tradition? Winter captains weigh in
December 2, 2023
JUMPER. Eighth-grader Clara Lovelace swishes a three-pointer over the opposing Highland Park player.
JV girls basketball delivers dominant first performance
November 30, 2023
DEFENDING HOME ICE. Forward Ella Berthiaume defends a Breck skater as they move across the ice.
Metro-South Phoenix fall short in first game at Drake
November 18, 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
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
Athletes voices amplified in professional athletics survey
Athletes’ voices amplified in professional athletics survey
December 1, 2023
[COFFEE WITH CLARA] Ep. 3 Mehmet Arey reflects on immigrating from Turkey
[COFFEE WITH CLARA] Ep. 3 Mehmet Arey reflects on immigrating from Turkey
November 30, 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
Athletes voices amplified in professional athletics survey
Athletes’ voices amplified in professional athletics survey
December 1, 2023
[COFFEE WITH CLARA] Ep. 3 Mehmet Arey reflects on immigrating from Turkey
[COFFEE WITH CLARA] Ep. 3 Mehmet Arey reflects on immigrating from Turkey
November 30, 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 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
November 23 Issue
November 28, 2023
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
The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

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

The Rubicon
THINK TWICE. Although it might sound smart to experiment with drugs and alcohol, the data suggest otherwise.

[STAFF EDITORIAL] Experimenting? Reconsider.

The Rubicon Staff • November 30, 2023
Experimenting with drugs and alcohol is risky and unnecessary.
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

RubicOnline Staff • November 13, 2023
Institutional climate action becomes more necessary every day, yet SPA makes no commitment to curb school carbon emissions on its website.
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

The Rubicon Staff • October 31, 2023
While teachers can encourage and educate, students need to take action: invite each other to participate in teams, make space for female-identifying leadership and voice.
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?

RubicOnline Staff • October 13, 2023
SPA is examining its community values, but words such as "excellence" and "success" don't have meaning until they are defined.
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

The Rubicon Staff • September 28, 2023
Celebrate a schedule that makes time for affinity group meetings.
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

RubicOnline Staff • September 14, 2023
Everyone in the SPA community is called on to be welcoming hosts for the Spanish exchange students.
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

The Rubicon Staff • May 30, 2023
Government leaders must hold their positions with integrity and honesty. Citizens must hold them accountable.
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

RubicOnline Staff • May 19, 2023
Celebrate and learn about the diverse AANHPI community within the United States.
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

The Rubicon Staff • April 28, 2023
Regardless of how the conversation plays out, it is essential to have difficult discussions.
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

RubicOnline Staff • March 17, 2023
Casual misogyny impacts all genders and degrades school culture.
OUTSIDE THE BOX. Engaging in classroom activities that aren’t static doesn’t automatically mean students will be distracted or unproductive. Using the opportunity to expand learning content outside the classroom has many benefits that can improve engagement, focus, and health.

[STAFF EDITORIAL] Promote healthy habits by incorporating movement in class

The Rubicon Staff • March 7, 2023
Students and teachers alike can struggle to balance workload with healthy habits.
DO I BELONG? Along with the strategic action plan to improve DEIB at SPA, there has been a significant increase in community-wide surveys based around safety and belonging in the community.

[STAFF EDITORIAL] Promote a culture of acceptance and belonging

RubicOnline Staff • February 15, 2023
Additional steps can be taken individually and school-wide on a daily basis to foster a stronger sense of belonging.
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