The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

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Class representatives elected for 2022-2023 school year
Class representatives elected for 2022-2023 school year
May 13, 2022
WE HAVE ARRIVED. Alex Moore and Ruth Mellin stand in front of the exhibit hall for the 2022 ISEF in Atlanta.
Mellin and Moore make sign language even smarter
May 11, 2022
USC President-elect Maryeva Gonzalez and a stand in for co-President Tenzin Bawa deliver vision (and humor) in the Huss assembly May 6.
Elected leader results announced
May 6, 2022
Senior students at North High School celebrate their scholarship.
North High School Scholarship that changed lives
May 1, 2022
On Apr. 11, President Joe Biden made an official ruling on ghost guns across the U.S. Biden stated that commercial manufacturers must incorporate licenses and serial numbers, run background checks, and reserialize formerly sold firearms.
Federal government cracks down on ghost guns, continues battle on gun control
April 30, 2022
Reedy uses the internet to further his understanding of various topics.
[2 SIDES 1 ISSUE] Is the internet disadvantageous for education?
May 15, 2022
Chen plays the piano to keep herself busy and still have fun.
[2 SIDES 1 ISSUE] Should students be busying themselves over the summer?
May 15, 2022
It’s okay to take a break from the news: how to stay informed while being mindful of mental health
It’s okay to take a break from the news: how to stay informed while being mindful of mental health
May 13, 2022
FOR SHOW OR FOR THE BETTER? SPA announced to set goals in order to establish a more diverse and inclusive community in terms of race, sexuality, religion and more.
Is the call for improving diversity performative or productive?
May 10, 2022
As the school recovers from COVID-19, its important to increase engagement in student government.
This student election cycle, strengthen student governments
April 29, 2022
PICK IT UP. Most students will effortlessly offer a “thank you, “ to lunch staff every day while still neglecting to keep the areas the lunch staff works in clean. Picking up trash requires little more effort than this simple expression of gratitude in the lunchroom, but in the case of trash, students are not confronted directly with the person who is responsible for cleaning up after them. If you really want to show gratitude, show your appreciation verbally but also through recognizing the effects of your actions.
[STAFF EDITORIAL]: One student’s trash is no one’s treasure
April 22, 2022
YES WE CAN. Student activism and voluneering will help close the achievement gap, but only if there are structures put in place at a legislative level by voting adults that create the conditions for success.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Work to close the achievement gap
March 9, 2022
TRIPLE SELF-PORTRAIT. Art is an essential part of life. Take the time to support local arts and keep your community vibrant.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Engage with your community: support local artists
February 26, 2022
Believing that Black lives matter means keeping the conversation in the forefront, taking positive action, and advocating for change.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Advocate for black lives. It matters.
February 9, 2022
The information regarding sex and gender have been washed together and interchanged. This mix is harmful to everyone, including people who identify with traditional binary genders.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] School policy and practice on gender creates a strong model for the broader world
December 14, 2021
The fallacy of finding yourself
The fallacy of finding yourself
November 4, 2021
Minnesota Matters is a monthly column written by Colin Will about political issues that impact the state.
Eviction or aid? Congress must find the compromise.
June 2, 2021
Minnesota Matters is a monthly column written by Colin Will about political issues that impact the state.
Senators, don’t close parks
May 26, 2021
Thinking Out Loud is a monthly column by Opinions Editor Jenny Ries.
[COLUMN] Thinking Out Loud: Find your shoes
April 27, 2021
Thinking Out Loud is a monthly column by Opinions Editor Jenny Ries.
[COLUMN] Thinking Out Loud: Redefine what art means to you
March 8, 2021
[LETTER] Feel racial discomfort rather than pushing it away
[LETTER] 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
Letter to the Editor: Reasons for Service Day truncation
March 2, 2016
Letter to the Editor: Sports coverage should include all teams
September 16, 2015
Girl’s teams find a lack of support from the student body
May 8, 2014
The week in sports
The week in sports
May 13, 2022
LEADING LACROSSE. MS Athletic Director Taylor Tvedt is the head coach of Spartan Lacrosse, the girls co-op team.
Teammates become coaches for Spartan Lacrosse
May 13, 2022
Ibid archive photo of Sarah Oppenheim playing during the Fall 2021 soccer season.
Guiney appointed Head Coach for girls Spartan Soccer
May 12, 2022
The week in sports
The week in sports
May 6, 2022
Sophomore Baasit Mahmood serves the ball to an opponent in a very close match.
Boys tennis battles cold and wet conditions, cancellations
May 1, 2022
SPARTANS ON TWO. With a narrow lead at the beginning of the second set, the team gathered for a short pep talk after Saint Agnes called a timeout. Positivity and confidence radiate off the team following excellent communication, player-to-player connection, and composure during the first few minutes of the set.
Girls varsity volleyball falls to Saint Agnes, concludes season
October 30, 2021
Wolfpack blocks Province academy from gaining ground in the 3rd quarter soon after they score a touchdown and field goal.
Wolfpack defeated in heated game against Providence Academy
October 25, 2021
Senior Naci Konar-Steenberg finished in 35th place. He said, It was a breakthrough race for the team: we had five people on varsity under twenty minutes (four boys and one girl), and six out of the seven people on boys varsity got a personal best time. Thats significant because the course we ran on, which was at Battle Creek, is generally considered to be rather difficult, but we had plenty of personal and season bests.
[PHOTO STORY] Varsity Cross Country crosses the finish line for the IMAC Conference Championship
October 18, 2021
SPA Senior Charlie Johnson under center before an important snap.
Wolfpack dominate Bloomington Kennedy, improve to 5-2 on season
October 17, 2021
Defender Aurelia Meza prepares to send a ball into the box, hoping to inspire an offensive attack towards the goal.
GVS falls to Minnehaha in section semi-finals
October 17, 2021
SWISH. Captain Naomi Straub shoots two free throws after being fouled by an opposing player.
Girls basketball gains traction, advances to second round of section playoffs
March 2, 2022
TEAM HUDDLE. Spartans huddled around the bench as they prepare for their first regular-season game against Simley on Nov. 30. The final score was 0-2.
[PHOTO STORY] Spartan hockey season at a glance
February 17, 2022
FOIL, SABER, EPEE. Sophomore Nora Shaughnessy competes in a saber bout, beating Blake in two out the three rounds she participated in. Saber is considered the most aggressive out of the three weapons used in fencing due to the increased amount of slashing involved, and the fact that the target area is anywhere above players’ waists.
Varsity Spartan fencing falls to Blake in hard-fought dual meet
February 14, 2022
ALWAYS BE BETTER THAN THE BOYS. Junior NIkola Barkwell exchanges her United jersey for a Spartan one this season.
Barkwell offers inspiration as a Spartan hockey goaltender
February 11, 2022
PROTECTIVE POSSESSION. Captain Lindsay Browne gets in her protective stance as she waits for the right opportunity to pass the ball to one of her teammates. Browne finds that the key to running a successful play is being patient when the team has possession and making sure to communicate.
Girls basketball falls to Blake, focuses on progress
February 2, 2022
The week in sports
The week in sports
May 13, 2022
LEADING LACROSSE. MS Athletic Director Taylor Tvedt is the head coach of Spartan Lacrosse, the girls co-op team.
Teammates become coaches for Spartan Lacrosse
May 13, 2022
The week in sports
The week in sports
May 6, 2022
Sophomore Baasit Mahmood serves the ball to an opponent in a very close match.
Boys tennis battles cold and wet conditions, cancellations
May 1, 2022
WATER BREAK, SWITCH SIDES. Freshman David Schumacher discusses the match with one of the Lions.
Spartans boys tennis finishes strong with 7-0 against the Lions
April 30, 2022
After years of working a corporate job, Philip Skulte left to start his own business in film.
Combining skills with passion: how Philip Skulte established Visual Captive
May 13, 2022
JUMPING INTO ACTION. Masumi Kouakou jumps into the air as the crowd watches in awe. “I feel like they think its different,” Kouakou said of how his peers at school react to his dancing.
Kouakou spreads his passion of dance as he explores his new comfort zone
May 11, 2022
Linnea Cooleys promposal to Will Sedo that was set up in Lower Schilling.
Will you prom(posal) this spring?
May 10, 2022
WORKING HARD. McKinnon used wood and duct tape to place the battery, motor, and motor controller onto the bike. He also placed switches on the motor controller to turn the motor off or on and the throttle on the handlebars, to simplify construction.
[SCHILLING SCOOP] Cooper McKinnon creates a new ride
May 2, 2022
SWEET TREATS. Senior Zelda explains why she revels in the simple delight of the muddy buddy gas station snack: “its like, kind of something you dont have all the time but you know its gonna be at a gas station. Its not something you would walk into a grocery store for,” said Zelda. The chocolate and peanut butter in the snack is a much-appreciated bonus.
What is your go-to gas station snack?
April 29, 2022
Its Scholastic Journalism Week: What does scholastic journalism mean to me?
QUIZ: [HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW]… the RubicOnline?
March 11, 2020
Members hop over the bench to get on the ice and play.
QUIZ: Have you been paying attention to the sports section?
January 16, 2020
Take this quiz to see some study tips just for you.
QUIZ: Which study tip should you try this Midterm?
December 9, 2019
Turkey is a traditional Thanksgiving food. But was it at the first Thanksgiving celebration?
QUIZ: Do you know Thanksgiving?
November 25, 2019
QUIZ: Which song from Kanyes Jesus is King should you be listening to?
QUIZ: Which song from Kanye’s “Jesus is King” should you be listening to?
November 11, 2019
Social media platforms are a highlight reel, and Instagram is the most performative of them all. Yes, casual Instagram is good in theory. But its not really possible.
[ARTS OPINION] Instagram can’t ever be casual
May 12, 2022
SEARCHING. Thrift shopping is a fun yet difficult task. Finding clothes that fit an individuals style can be very time consuming.
Thrifting provides eco-friendly and cost effective alternative to buying new
May 10, 2022
CRIMINALLY ENTERTAINING. True crime media has been on the rise in popularity, taking many forms such as videos, documentaries, and podcasts. For example, YouTuber Bailey Sarian is known for her videos discussing true crime murder cases while doing her makeup.
[ARTS OPINION] Is true crime in the media ethical?
May 5, 2022
PROMINENT PERCUSSION. Sophomore Sam Murphy plays several instruments in the percussion section throughout the ensembles performance.
[PHOTO STORY] Jazz Cabaret shines in front of a full house
May 4, 2022
ON MY MIND. Popular lifestyle YouTuber Ava Jules recently started a podcast, which has been a dream of hers. As the title suggests, Jules discusses anything and everything that is on her mind in each episode. There are currently five episodes released.
[PODCAST REVIEW] Ava Jules shows candid side in On My Mind
May 2, 2022
ON MY MIND. Popular lifestyle YouTuber Ava Jules recently started a podcast, which has been a dream of hers. As the title suggests, Jules discusses anything and everything that is on her mind in each episode. There are currently five episodes released.
[PODCAST REVIEW] Ava Jules shows candid side in On My Mind
May 2, 2022
Animals square off for battle in Super Auto Pets.
[GAME REVIEW] Super Auto Pets: a wildly fun time
April 17, 2022
CONTENT CREATOR. Derulo creates a milli-meal in one of his TikTok videos, marking the addition of another million followers.
[INFLUENCER REVIEW] Jason Derulo: bringing 2000s fame to TikTok
April 14, 2022
Air Jordan 1 Mid University in Black and White.
[PRODUCT REVIEW] Air Jordans: are all-star shoes worth the all-star price?
April 11, 2022
THE MOTH. In this episode of The Moth Radio Hour, Janet Clarke talked about her experience as a mime at a St. Paul Saints game.
[PODCAST REVIEW] The Moth Radio Hour soars above other podcasts
April 8, 2022
Henry on the Street
Henry on the Street
April 29, 2022
[FILTERED] Whats your favorite horror movie?
[FILTERED] What’s your favorite horror movie?
April 16, 2022
[FILTERED] What is your favorite song?
[FILTERED] What is your favorite song?
April 14, 2022
Stading highlights the importance of prioritizing interests for senior projects
Stading highlights the importance of prioritizing interests for senior projects
April 13, 2022
[STYLE EDIT] Morse praises streetwear for the students
[STYLE EDIT] Morse praises streetwear for the students
April 11, 2022
[PODCAST] Healthy relationships and how to cultivate them
[PODCAST] Healthy relationships and how to cultivate them
May 13, 2022
NEW BEGINNINGS. Upper School counselor Susanna Short has been working at SPA since 2010. As her 12th year at SPA comes to an end, Ms. Short will be moving to New Mexico with her wife and starting a private practice. There, she hopes to work with adolescents and adults from across the country.
Words of wisdom: to and from Susanna Short
April 29, 2022
In this episode, junior Ali Browne talks to upper school Spanish teacher Christine Pinero, juniors Freya Brokken and Simon Assefa about their experience with burnout and how they deal with them.
Feeling tired, forgetful and stressed? You might be experiencing a burnout.
April 16, 2022
In this episode, senior Elle Chen interviews senior Pah Na about his language learning experience of Karen as his first language.
The Language Learning Process: Ep. 5 Language Spoken at Home – Karen
April 4, 2022
In this Episode, sophomore Zadie Martin interviews interviewing sophomore Arden Lillemo, history teacher Andrea Moerer and sophomore Delaney Devine on their experiences with deja vu.
[SUPERSTITIONS] Ep.2: Deja Vu
March 16, 2022
April 2022 Issue
April 26, 2022
March 2022 Issue
March 8, 2022
February 2022 Issue
February 8, 2022
January 2022 Winter Sports Special Edition
January 18, 2022
November 2021 Issue
November 19, 2021
The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

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

The Rubicon
Ali Browne

Ali Browne, Feature Editor

Ali Browne (she/her) is the Feature Editor for RubicOnline. She loves feature stories because they show how different people, places and experiences are unique in their own way. Something interesting about her is that she has a twin sister. In her free time, Ali loves to read, play tennis, travel, listen to music and watch Rom-Coms.

Ali can be reached at [email protected]

All content by Ali Browne
ACCESSIBLE EDUCATION. In addition to the countless documentaries, videos, and articles out there for public awareness and education, interfaith dialogue can help increase general understanding of other religions. Reaching out to a friend, peer, or even affinity group leader about a religion they practice is an incredibly easy way to connect with others and learn about religious traditions.

Everyone should learn about world religions

April 29, 2022
In this episode, junior Ali Browne talks to upper school Spanish teacher Christine Pinero, juniors Freya Brokken and Simon Assefa about their experience with burnout and how they deal with them.

Feeling tired, forgetful and stressed? You might be experiencing a burnout.

April 16, 2022
SPARTANS ON THREE. After a post-game pep talk, the Spartans finish off with their cheer.

Spartan Lacrosse falls to Visitation, shows heart and effort

April 14, 2022
Plaques and trophies containing the MSHSL logo line the walls of athletic hallway in the upper school. With SPA having an MSHSL membership, the athletic department is hopeful for the future of Minnesota athletics following the initiative.

MSHSL fights racism with new initiative

March 14, 2022
SWISH. Captain Naomi Straub shoots two free throws after being fouled by an opposing player.

Girls basketball gains traction, advances to second round of section playoffs

March 2, 2022
ANGELIC ART. Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze’s “Angel on the Battlefield” draws the eye with deeply contrasting highlights and shadows.

Supernatural America unearths the paranormal

February 28, 2022

[TIKTOK] What do you love?

February 14, 2022
ALWAYS BE BETTER THAN THE BOYS. Junior NIkola Barkwell exchanges her United jersey for a Spartan one this season.

Barkwell offers inspiration as a Spartan hockey goaltender

February 11, 2022
PROTECTIVE POSSESSION. Captain Lindsay Browne gets in her protective stance as she waits for the right opportunity to pass the ball to one of her teammates. Browne finds that the key to running a successful play is being patient when the team has possession and making sure to communicate.

Girls basketball falls to Blake, focuses on progress

February 2, 2022
INKED. Any given tattoo may hide a special meaning or personal story behind it. For senior Jamuna Corsaro, her tattoo (her name written in Nepali) pays homage to her birth country across the world.

Under the skin: the meaning behind students’ tattoos

January 22, 2022
Nathan Mann delivers his speech in front of a crowd comprised of the senior class, a handful of mixed advisories, and selected visitors. Students in grades 9-11 watched a livestream in their advisories to reduce the number of people gathered in the Huss.

Senior speeches move to hybrid

January 10, 2022

Reflecting on the insurrection

January 6, 2022
PASS, SHOOT, SCORE. Sophomore Tysen Hayes aims a pass to fellow teammate Brandt Baskerville.

Boys basketball tips off season with explosive win

December 3, 2021
FAMILY FEUD. Senior James Montague and upper school history teacher Nan Dreher work against each other to get the correct answer. This mother-son competition added an extra layer of fun to the activity.

In House Cup Jeopardy, faculty comes out on top

December 3, 2021
SHOW TIME. Peter (Sam Zelazo), Prentiss (Gray Whitaker-Castaneda), Ted (Davyd Barchuk), and Molly (Val Chafee) let deep emotions shine through to make their performance even more captivating.

Live theater returns to Huss stage with Peter and the Starcatcher

December 1, 2021
In this episode, junior Ali Browne leads us through SPAs Spanish V class and their unit on reducing environmental impacts. Browne interviewed junior Naysa Kalugdan, junior Anna Nowakowski, Sr. Castellanos, and Sr. Daniels. Topics regarding the language learning process and global impacts were both applied in students studies. (Made via Canva)

The Language Learning Process: Ep.2 Spanish – Reducing Environmental Impacts

November 29, 2021
SPARTANS ON TWO. With a narrow lead at the beginning of the second set, the team gathered for a short pep talk after Saint Agnes called a timeout. Positivity and confidence radiate off the team following excellent communication, player-to-player connection, and composure during the first few minutes of the set.

Girls varsity volleyball falls to Saint Agnes, concludes season

October 30, 2021
EMBRACE CREATIVITY. Fine arts department chair and ceramics teacher Daryn Lowman works with a piece of pottery in preparation for one of his classes. Lowmans core teaching philosophy includes ideas like this one: it is important to be open-minded when entering the stage or studio because that is when you truly get the most out of an elective.

Lowman and art department implement supportive teaching philosophy

October 26, 2021
Defender Aurelia Meza prepares to send a ball into the box, hoping to inspire an offensive attack towards the goal.

GVS falls to Minnehaha in section semi-finals

October 17, 2021
The stand shows off the snacks and posters the seniors received after the game.

Girls soccer has an impressive performance on senior night

October 4, 2021
Upper school science and history teachers Christine Schwichtenberg and Andrea Moerer take center stage to show off their dance moves.

Faculty surprises students with a flash mob at assembly

October 1, 2021
Captain Solvej Eversoll uses her height to her advantage as she makes a successful block.

[Photo]

Both teams reconvene after the Spartans win a crucial point.

[Photo]

Lilith Greene-Friedman goes for a sporty 90s-inspired look. My inspiration was Olivia Newton John form the Lets Get Physical music video. I just felt that as a dodgeball ref, it would really fit well, she said.

Fourth day of Homecoming brings enthusiasm and endless surprises

October 1, 2021
The Untoucha-balls rush to the center of the gym as their first round begins.

[Photo] Annual dodgeball tournament amplifies Spartan spirit

October 1, 2021
Day in the life of a student athlete

Day in the life of a student athlete

September 26, 2021
Remembering the 20th anniversary of 9/11 with SPA families, faculty and students.

Remembering 9/11 with SPA families

September 11, 2021
SING IT OUT LOUD. While maintaining social distancing, Summit Singers warms up their voices. Summit Singers returned to their 4 day a week 7:30 a.m. practices this fall. “We are distanced from each other and sing with our masks on, which can be challenging at times, but the benefits definitely outweigh the drawbacks,” Clea Gaitas Sur, a member of Summit Singers, said.

No more click tracks: music ensembles return in person

September 10, 2021
Midfielder Clare Ryan Bradley fights for possession against a Providence defender.

Girls Varsity Soccer dominates Providence to continue winning streak

September 7, 2021
Ruddick takes every opportunity she can to get outside and enjoy the fresh air.

German teacher Rachel Ruddick shares her enjoyment of outdoor activities

August 30, 2021
In her new album, Sour, Olivia Rodrigo details the painful stages of a breakup through her songs.

[ALBUM REVIEW] Olivia Rodrigo expresses teenage heartbreak in debut album “Sour”

May 25, 2021
Senior Erin Magnuson cradles the ball during an away game. “I got into both [sports] because my parents played. My mom played lacrosse and suggested [that I] try it, and my dad played hockey, so both my sister and I tried it [too]. I love the intensity of sports and the feeling of accomplishment when I do something well or reach a goal I have set for myself, which is why I really enjoy playing,” Magnuson said.

Senior Erin Magnuson named 2021 Athena award winner

May 17, 2021
Extracurricular activities cannot be placed on a level of comparison with topics like racial injustice, climate change, women’s rights issues, and equality for the LGBTQ+ community, but that does not mean that they do not matter to the student body.

Protest-related school policies need to change

April 29, 2021
The Highland Park Library is a staple in the Highland Park community. The staff has been working hard to ensure that all book-related needs can be met during the pandemic while still enforcing COVID-19 precautions.

[PHOTO STORY] Saint Paul Public Libraries develop new safety precautions

April 19, 2021
Sophomore Lindsay Browne sets a screen to create an open shot for fellow teammate Naomi Kempcke.

Girls basketball starts season with less players, more challenges

February 23, 2021
Valentines themed treats are available through Feb. 23, but dont go in expecting to fall in love with the seasonal offerings.

[FOOD REVIEW] Dunkin’s Valentine’s Day specials will leave you heartbroken

February 21, 2021
Miley Cyrus new album includes throwback tracks and collaborations that exude her confident and experimental approach to music.

[ALBUM REVIEW] Cyrus sings about maturing female empowerment in Plastic Hearts

December 11, 2020
Regardless of color or ability, all eligible voters should be able to walk into a polling place and cast a ballot.

Voting should be simple for all those eligible to cast a ballot

November 3, 2020
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