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
Ali Browne

Ali Browne, Production Manager

Hi! I'm Ali Browne, and I'm the Production Manager for RubicOnline. This is my third year on staff and in the past, I have been the feature editor and a staff writer. I love diving into music and movies for the arts and entertainment section and doing game coverage (especially for the basketball and soccer teams). I am the Co-President of the Student Activities Committee, co-founder of the pickleball club, and also the captain of the tennis team. A fun fact about me is that I have a twin sister. I can be reached at [email protected].

All content by Ali Browne
WHAT MAKES A GOOD FRIEND? Friendships are complex and everyone brings different qualities to a relationship. Despite common misconceptions, friendships of different levels can be very fulfilling.

Can we “settle” in friendships?

Ali Browne, RubicOnline
April 30, 2023
GENDER SPICY. Keynote speaker Shor Ayzik Salkas discusses their gender identity and the various contributing factors that framed the way they think of gender.

Community takes a deep dive into gender on Speaker Day

Ali Browne, RubicOnline
April 27, 2023
My project-3 (7)

[Photo] [PHOTO STORY] ___ vs ___. Who is going to win the debate?

April 25, 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?

Ali Browne, RubicOnline
April 14, 2023
SOCIAL HOUR. The junior class fills Upper Schilling during free periods and in between classes. Students chat, play games together, and utilize the time to take a break from the craziness of the school day.

Seniority dominates Schilling common spaces

Ali Browne, Eliana Mann, and Marius Elias Morse
April 13, 2023
HARD WORK IN HUSS. Sophomores Sawyer Bollinger Danielson and Mason Hang like to use their free periods efficiently and spend time with friends. I like to hang out in Huss because its a safe space where I can spend time with friends and take care of my academic necessities, Hang said.

[Photo] Hanging in the Huss lobby

April 6, 2023

Blood drive donates 32 units of blood to the American Red Cross

Ali Browne, RubicOnline
March 10, 2023
DONATE NOW. USC runs a sign up table in the English Commons on Feb. 20.

USC hosts annual blood drive

Grace Medrano and Ali Browne
March 7, 2023
The science behind giving and receiving compliments

The science behind giving and receiving compliments

Ali Browne and Zadie Martin
March 6, 2023
Behind the books

Behind the books

Ali Browne, RubicOnline
March 5, 2023
SHOWING GRATITUDE. Glaser receives one of many thank yous after his presentation.

Son of two Holocaust survivors, Tom Glaser shared history

Ali Browne and Marius Elias Morse
February 3, 2023

Second Floor

Clara McKoy, Ali Browne, and Siri Pattison
February 2, 2023
QUICK TIPS. When visiting SPA on Jan. 26, Mark Murray led the Rubicon, RubicOnline and Ibid staffs in a photography workshop to teach them simple ways to elevate their skills and capture images that impact their audience.

Mark Murray inspires publications to paint with light

Ali Browne, RubicOnline
January 31, 2023
LEND A HAND. In Minnesota, 7,000 individuals face homelessness, and over 22 million people in the United States face period poverty. HerSpaces focus on outreach made these issues the central focus of their January drive. HerSpace members got together to assemble hygiene care packages during tutorial on Friday.

HerSpace hygiene drive fights period poverty and homelessness

January 17, 2023
TAKE THE SHOT. Captain Ethan Carter sets up for a shot after receiving a pass from Captain Tysen Hayes.

[PHOTO STORY] Spartan basketball beats Roosevelt, continues winning streak

Ali Browne, RubicOnline
January 12, 2023
COFFEE BREAK. Hidden in Cathedral Hills Blair Arcade, Ninas Coffee Café offers many delicious drinks and a great atmosphere for studying.

[MINI REVIEW] Nina’s Coffee Café: the perfect study spot for finals season

Ali Browne, RubicOnline
December 11, 2022
FOR MY FAVORITE TEACHER... While bonding with teachers is important for building a strong school community, students must be wary of crossing the line between being comfortable with teachers and being unintentionally disrespectful. Students must show their appreciation for their teachers through their actions, not only their words.

Find the balance between rapport and respect in the classroom

Ali Browne, RubicOnline
December 9, 2022
DEDICATED DEPARTMENT. The athletic administrative team consists of Interim K-12 Athletic Director Rick Johns, MS Athletic Director Taylor Tvedt, Athletic Administrative Assistant Hope Walcheski and US Athletic Director Randy Comfort.

Athletic department strives to raise school spirit, improve programs

Ali Browne, RubicOnline
December 2, 2022
SPARTAN PRIDE. Captains Maryeva Gonzalez, Heidi Deuel and Lindsay Browne join head coach in Aileen Guiney in displaying the trophy to their fans.

GVS concludes memorable season

Ali Browne, RubicOnline
November 8, 2022
WE ARE THE (STATE) CHAMPIONS. The team celebrates their accomplishment after captains Nathan Cohen, Cooper Bollinger Danielson and Yash Kshirsagar present the plaque to the group.

BVS makes history with fifth state championship title

November 5, 2022
MOMENT IN THE SPOTLIGHT. Captains Maryeva Gonzalez and Lindsay Browne joined head coach Aileen Guiney in the press conference after the game. Captain Heidi Deuel, forward Sawyer Bollinger Danielson and midfielder Andrea Gist also spoke with the press after the game.

It’s not over yet: GVS defeats Breck in state semi-final

November 3, 2022
CHAMPIONSHIP BOUND. Senior Finn Sullivan and captain Nathan Cohen rejoice after a well-deserved win.

Championship bound: BVS advances in state tournament

Ali Browne, RubicOnline
November 2, 2022
Untitled design (1)

We are the champions: soccer teams take Section 3A titles

October 20, 2022
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