The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

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NO JOKE. Dean Phillips explained his unexpected and controversial bid for president: “I think President Biden has done a spectacular job. But it’s not about the past. This is an election about the future.”
Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips challenges Biden in primary election
November 16, 2023
ACTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES. The Student Handbook describes four steps of disciplinary action that students may face for community misconduct such as defacing property or leaving messes in school spaces.
Admin calls out rise in community misconduct
November 14, 2023
WHERE DOES THIS GO. After using a tissue to clean up some spilt water, sophomore Carys Hsiung wonders which bin to to throw it in before dropping it into the one that says landfill.
USC takes first steps in recently passed sustainability proposal
November 13, 2023
GOOD MATCH. Isaak Senaratna and Griffin Roy shaking hands before the big competition.
Senaratna triumphs in annual Graph Matching competition
November 7, 2023
LIGHT LESSON. Photography and video arts teacher Kate Clark preps the darkroom for an upcoming class. I have students in the darkroom working with film, she said. Its been interesting, because Ive never had to manage a darkroom before. Im feeling pretty comfortable about mixing chemistry myself. Clark noted how supportive the environment has been whole also giving her autonomy with her classes.
Classroom time shapes pedagogy
November 1, 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
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
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
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
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
LIFE IMITATES ART is a monthly arts opinion column written by The Rubicon opinions editor Eliza Farley. (Illustration created using Adobe Express)
[COLUMN] In the music industry, it seems, it’s the year of the female
November 3, 2023
AGE MATTERS. While legalization in Minnesota does not extend to minors, the national data indicates that some minors use cannabis.
Cannabis addiction must be understood now that it is legalized in Minnesota
November 1, 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
Embracing eco-friendly Halloween
Embracing eco-friendly Halloween
October 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
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
LIFE IMITATES ART is a monthly arts opinion column written by The Rubicon opinions editor Eliza Farley. (Illustration created using Adobe Express)
[COLUMN] 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
[PHILOSOPHICALLY SPEAKING] What is beauty?
[PHILOSOPHICALLY SPEAKING] What is beauty?
December 5, 2022
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
Feel racial discomfort rather than pushing it away
Feel racial discomfort rather than pushing it away
March 5, 2021
AMPLIFYING VOICES. Listen Up Youth Radio is committed to bringing radio to the Twin Cites by the hands of the local youth. Freshman January Cook works as a production editor there, helping to train people and make decisions for the radio and website. (Submitted Photo: January Cook)
Cook invites students to work for Listen Up Youth Radio
November 16, 2023
ROSCOE. James Englands German Shepherd smiles for the camera. Roscoe was named after the childhood dog of Englands mother. [His name] makes Roscoe seem more like his own individual and not just like everybody else,” England said. (Submitted Photo: James England)
[WHAT’S IN A NAME?] Students discuss pet names and their importance
November 14, 2023
COMMUNITY SERVICE. Thanksgiving break presents a great opportunity to get involved in the community by volunteering and making thoughtful donations. However, community service is much needed all year long.
Give thanks by giving back
November 11, 2023
HARD AT WORK. Juniors Rohan Kharbanda and Humza Jameel work together to build a concrete mixer during an Advanced Science Research class. (Submitted Photo: Rohan Kharbanda)
Kharbanda puts the planet first in ASR
November 10, 2023
BFFS. Friends juniors Serene Kalugdan and Deling Cheng stroll in the lily courtyard.
The power of friendship
November 8, 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
KNOW THAT TUNE. Music helps us retrieve old memories and create new ones. Memory is not the only brain function affected by sound, many other mental processes are affected by hearing or playing music.
Music? It’s all in the brain
November 8, 2023
AUTHENTIC APPEAL. Minimally produced music can feel more natural than overproduced mainstream tracks. This production style is commonly referred to as low-fidelity.
[ARTS OPINION] Dig into low-fidelity music
November 6, 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
UNEQUALED 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. (Fair Use Image: Screen capture from Equalizer 3 Official Trailer)
[MOVIE REVIEW] The Equalizer 3: A disappointing end to a great franchise
September 20, 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 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
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
[COFFEE WITH CLARA] Ep. 1 Atari Ernst is tearing up the dance floor
[COFFEE WITH CLARA] Ep. 1 Atari Ernst is tearing up the dance floor
September 27, 2023
[IN PLAIN SIGHT] Ep.2 The Vending Machines
[IN PLAIN SIGHT] Ep.2 The Vending Machines
June 8, 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
Freedom of speech, press, religion, and...pee? Welcome to URINETOWN
Freedom of speech, press, religion, and…pee? Welcome to URINETOWN
May 24, 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
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
April 2023 Issue
April 25, 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
Lani Ngonethong

Lani Ngonethong, News editor

My name is Lani Ngonethong, she/her. I am a News Editor for the Rubicon Online, and this is my second year on staff. In my free time, I enjoy playing volleyball and badminton with friends and family. I am also learning how to speak Hmong and Lao. I love to play with cats even though I am very allergic to them. I can be reached at [email protected].

All content by Lani Ngonethong
WHERE DOES THIS GO. After using a tissue to clean up some spilt water, sophomore Carys Hsiung wonders which bin to to throw it in before dropping it into the one that says landfill.

USC takes first steps in recently passed sustainability proposal

Lani Ngonethong, RubicOnline
November 13, 2023
RESTOCK. SPA parent and leading co-organizer for the Spirit Store Katie Miltner counts and folds new just-in orders. She shares not just new designs but also near-future goals. I want to start an Instagram for the Spirit Store... so students can see the new products, Miltner said.

Behind the Spirit Store

Lani Ngonethong, RubicOnline
October 31, 2023
TOP SCORER. Bollinger Danielson charges down the field preparing to shoot. “My confidence gets boosted because so many goals are scored in high school, Bollinger Danielson said of the difference between school and club-level soccer games.

[Photo] Bollinger Danielson sets future in D1 soccer at the UMN

October 27, 2023
WOULD NOT SURVIVE. Upper school librarian Cat Mullen thought long and hard about her choices. I would want Jeopordy Morgan [from The Walking Dead] because he has skills beyond [acting] and lived through a fake zombie apacolypse. I probably want my brother because hell be an actual ally [...] I would want someone wealthy, just in case money still matters [...] like Jeff Bezos. Mullen said.

[Photo]

COLLISION. As sophomore Clare Ryan Bradley tries to find an opportunity to shoot, she collides with another player.

Girls soccer ends the season with homecoming game win

Lani Ngonethong, RubicOnline
October 7, 2023
SPREAD LOVE. Senior Arden Lillemoe and the Class of 2024 cheered on their teammates during the relay race.

Pep Fest ignites the Spartan spirit

Rita Li and Lani Ngonethong
October 7, 2023
MAKE A CHANGE. USC sophomore representative Shefali Meagher looks over the SILC and USC liaison proposal she wrote. I think this [liaison] would be a good opportunity [for] USC and SILC, Meagher said.

Proposal for a SILC and USC liaison passed

Lani Ngonethong, RubicOnline
October 5, 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.

[Photo] Pickleball Club takes a shot at boosting student engagement

September 21, 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

Lani Ngonethong, RubicOnline
September 18, 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

Lani Ngonethong, RubicOnline
September 12, 2023
SUMMER DEBRIEF. Sophmores Sophia Donahue and Shefali Meagher argue about movies watched over the summer. 21st Century Girl was worth crying over, Donahue said. The pair will have a lot to catch up on at lunch over the next couple weeks.

[Photo] [PHOTO STORY] First day photo breakdown

August 25, 2023

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

Lani Ngonethong, RubicOnline
May 24, 2023
VARSITY DEBUT. Seventh grader Winston Arvidson starts a new match with a serve. This season is his first on the high school varsity team. “Its really nice to be on the team in seventh grade getting to know the older kids in high school and I think its a privilege to be on the team,” Arvidson said.

Spartans tennis scrimmages against Wayzata Trojans

April 13, 2023
The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and The Horse is a heartwarming story about self-reflection and kindness while friendship develops between the characters.

The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and The Horse reintroduces meaningful life lessons

Lani Ngonethong, Staff Writer
March 10, 2023
LEARNING CURVE. Underfunding education means taking away good teachers, leaving students with fewer resources which decreases the quality of education. The school starts to deteriorate, making classroom environments uncomfortable and hard to learn in.

Inequitable education funding is leaving our generation in the dark

Lani Ngonethong, Staff Writer
February 27, 2023

2008: Nuxoll vs. Indian Prairie School District

Carys Hsiung and Lani Ngonethong
February 23, 2023
OXFORD CENTER. Jimmy Lee Recreation Center remains closed after a 16-year-old St. Paul student was shot in the head by a recreation center employee on Jan. 18. This was the second shooting near or at St. Paul Schools in January. The 26-year-old offender, Exavir Dwayne Binford Jr., was a community recreation specialist at Jimmy Lee and got into a fight with the victim and another student before the shooting.

Central High teen shot at nearby rec center

Carys Hsiung and Lani Ngonethong
January 21, 2023
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