The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

The Rubicon
SCHOOL COMMUNITY. Students from K to 12 come together for the all school assembly on April 22. (Photo reprinted with permission from SPA Smugmug)
Students off to summer break, regular reporting to return in August
June 9, 2025
DESERVED DIPLOMA: US principal Minnie Lee announces Henry Giles ('24) just before he receives his diploma from Head of School Luis Ottley. USC presidents organize diplomas, with 24-25 co-presidents Annie Zhang pictured.
With levity and love, class of ’25 will graduate June 8
June 2, 2025
IN IT TO WIN IT. (From left to right) Senior Deling Chen, juniors Maren Overgaard, Huxley Westemeier and Evan Morris pose in front of a Regeneron ISEF poster.
ISEF finalists bring back more than just awards
May 23, 2025
CANCELLED. The 2025 NAIS PoCC/SDLC Conference will not take place this December.
NAIS cancels conferences that centered students of color
May 20, 2025
Jill Romans accepts Head of School position at Pine Cobble School
Jill Romans accepts Head of School position at Pine Cobble School
May 19, 2025
DEBATABLE DOLLARS. While these top Minnesota nonprofits operate to serve the public good, the high salaries or their CEOs call into question whether donations to the organization are funding the mission or the executive. (Infographic made by Amanda Hsu and Sonia Kharbanda)
High nonprofit CEO salaries damage integrity
May 28, 2025
(Wikimedia Commons)
Restorative conversations: helpful or ineffective?
May 27, 2025
DIVERSITY WITHIN THE NAME. "Asian American" encompasses 19.4 million people and hundreds of ethnicities. Data disaggregation shines a spotlight in these ethnicities, ensuring that Asian American is not a monolith.
The myth in the median: what data disaggregation can reveal about Asian Americans
May 26, 2025
HUNTING HONORS. Success plays a central role in learning. However, stepping away from the “success above all else” mindset can create new opportunities for development.
Embrace failure and reject achievement culture to grow
May 24, 2025
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
Seriously, what benefit does generative AI art offer humanity?
May 23, 2025
HUNTING HONORS. Success plays a central role in learning. However, stepping away from the “success above all else” mindset can create new opportunities for development.
Embrace failure and reject achievement culture to grow
May 24, 2025
ACTIVISM. The University of South Carolina’s Mental Illness Needs Discussion club (USC MIND) ignited the “#SpeakYourMIND” Ice Bucket Challenge.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] More than a trend: make change offline
May 13, 2025
PASSIONATE PROTESTING. A child participates in the “Hands Off” protest at the State Capitol Apr. 5. Protests allow one to move from talking about an issue to acting on it; protesting can also combat isolation and hopelessness.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Take action: attend a protest, leave empowered
April 22, 2025
EVERYONE HAS A RIGHT. Whether you are a citizen or not, these recent ICE arrests of international university students show that this is an attack on citizens' rights as well.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] ICE entering universities affects everyone
April 12, 2025
MAKE A CHANGE. There is so much to be thankful for and so many people to thank, so let’s replace complaining with thankfulness.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Drop the attitude for gratitude
March 18, 2025
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
Seriously, what benefit does generative AI art offer humanity?
May 23, 2025
“The Sift” is a weekly opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
Dire Wolves, Dodos, and Woolly Mammoths Oh My!
May 9, 2025
Chronically Online is a monthly column to help readers develop media literacy skills. (Image created in Adobe Express)
When satire becomes misinformation, it’s not funny
May 1, 2025
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
It’s time: Let’s talk about social media.
April 24, 2025
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
Earth Day, 2025: What are tech companies doing for the environment?
April 19, 2025
Equality and equity in sports for trans athletes
Equality and equity in sports for trans athletes
May 11, 2025
New phone policy ignores student perspectives
New phone policy ignores student perspectives
October 3, 2024
There are healthier ways to find value in life than thinking about death
There are healthier ways to find value in life than thinking about death
December 5, 2023
No longer a bystander
No longer a bystander
November 29, 2023
Bring more awareness to seasonal depression
Bring more awareness to seasonal depression
November 4, 2023
[GOOD QUESTION] How do you start great conversations?
[GOOD QUESTION] How do you start great conversations?
May 31, 2025
Sanneh Foundation founder, Toney Sanneh
AmeriCorps cuts hit close to home at Sanneh Foundation
May 30, 2025
Food dyes: a rainbow of health risks
Food dyes: a rainbow of health risks
May 29, 2025
EXTRA ENJOYMENT. Summer camps, such as the French program at Concordia Language Villages that sophomore Asha Peckosh took part in last year, offer social connections and engagement during the break. “I made some really good friends, I’m still super close with all of them,” Peckosh said. (Reprinted with permission: Concordia College)
Summer programs bring curiosity, connection
May 28, 2025
NEW HOMES. Over a million Southeast Asian refugees were resettled in the U.S., starting in 1975. After 50 years, the communities have grown. New generations look back in order to move forward.
Looking back and moving forward: celebrating 50 years of Southeast Asians in America
May 27, 2025
GOLDEN HOUR. Henry is pictured in Canada fishing in the sunrise.
Hook. Line. Sinker. Let’s talk fishing 101
June 2, 2025
Blind Havoc: a clothing brand made to spread positivity
Blind Havoc: a clothing brand made to spread positivity
May 30, 2025
COLD BUT DELICIOUS. As summer nears, it is time to relieve stress with a frozen treat. But where to go? Here are some St. Paul favorites.
St. Paul scoops: ice cream picks to sweeten the summer
May 30, 2025
DOUBLE TROUBLE: Robert Pattison stars in twin roles in "Mickey 17", a choice that has polarized viewers.
[OFF-SCREEN WITH OSTREM] ‘Mickey 17’ splits audiences with blunt politics and bold direction
May 29, 2025
GRAND GUITAR. Junior Josh Melchert plays the guitar as part of the Juan-Miguel Quartet’s performance at the cabaret concert April 16.
Melchert speaks fluent guitar
May 28, 2025
DOUBLE TROUBLE: Robert Pattison stars in twin roles in "Mickey 17", a choice that has polarized viewers.
[OFF-SCREEN WITH OSTREM] ‘Mickey 17’ splits audiences with blunt politics and bold direction
May 29, 2025
BODY SWAP. When a woman at a Chinese restaurant gives Anna and Tess a magical fortune cookie, they wake up and realize Anna is now in her mom’s body, while Tess is stuck as a teenager. (Screen capture: Freaky Friday (2003) trailer)
[MOVIE REVIEW] Freakier Friday is coming: get ready with Freaky Friday now
May 23, 2025
Health 101: Netflix offers a variety of shows focused on physical and mental well-being
Health 101: Netflix offers a variety of shows focused on physical and mental well-being
May 21, 2025
STAR PERFORMANCE. Wilson's role as one of the play's main characters was a standout of the show.
[THEATER REVIEW] Captivating performances and a Grecian tale make Hadestown unforgettable
May 20, 2025
STARRING IN "SINNERS." Michael B. Jordan stars in dual roles in his fifth project with writer-director Ryan Coogler. (Fair use image from Warner Bros. Press Release).
[OFF-SCREEN WITH OSTREM] Sinners revives original genre filmmaking in a barren movie landscape
May 15, 2025
SENIOR JACOB COLTON LAUNCHES INTO A SERVE DURING DOUBLES PLAY. Colton, partnering with Ben Macedo , brought focus and finesse to the court as they captured the Section 4A doubles title.
Spartans sweep Section 4A: titles for Arvidson, Wang/Seneratna, Colton/Macedo, Schumacher
May 27, 2025
OFF-SEASON, ON POINT. Athletes at SPA train in the off-season by participating in camps around MN. (Illustration by Naomi Zins using Canva Elements)
Game Prep: Students who do training camps in the off-season
May 23, 2025
ALMOST THERE. Sophomore Langston Thompson drives his arm as he aims for the finish line. He finished first in his 200 meter heat.
Cold weather, hot performances: track and field shines at conference championships
May 19, 2025
ROW, ROW, ROW. Junior Carsten Bauer rows in the doubles race at last year's USA U-17 Nationals in Sarasota, Florida. (Submitted Photo: Carsten Bauer)
Row to the occasion: Bauer finds community, accomplishment in competitive rowing
May 12, 2025
FIRE FENCING. Junior Howard Huelster talks to his teammates before he competes. Photo from SPA SmugMug.
Howard Huelster inspires the next generation of fencers by volunteering
May 11, 2025
WINGS OUT. Gjerde flies through the water, completing the first 25 yards out of 100 in her event.
Adele Gjerde shines at state for her final high school swim meet
November 17, 2024
ITS OFFICIAL. Sawyer Bollinger Danielson signs her National Letter of Intent to play Division One soccer at the University of Minnesota.
Signing Day: Sawyer Bollinger Danielson commits to the University of Minnesota
November 15, 2024
STATE BOUND. Avi Coleman dives into the water and secures her place on and the state competition.
Sparks athletes swim to state in the 6AA section meet
November 10, 2024
KEEP ON GOING. Spark Swimmers compete to beat their competitors.
Sparks swim and dive dominates at final regular season meet
November 7, 2024
SYNC. All of the swimmers dive in sync into the water.
Sparks boast PR bonanza at conference
November 4, 2024
TIP-IN. Sophomore Miles Vogenthaler tips the ball while jumping up.
Boys basketball emerges victorious over Nova in evenly-matched section quarterfinal
March 9, 2025
CONGRATS. Senior Inga Wing and Junior Maren Overgaard are congratulated after they finish their race. (Photo submitted by Maren Overgaard)
Champions. Overgaard and Wing win Nordic relay at state meet
March 4, 2025
GLIDE. Townley tucks to gain speed on a downhill portion of the course. Photo submitted by Helen Townley.
Dartmouth commit Helen Townley reflects on a childhood shaped by Nordic skiing
March 3, 2025
DANGLES. Freshman Max George takes the puck down the ice around a Johnson player.
Spartan hockey and St. Paul Johnson Governors collaborate to support leukemia patient
February 19, 2025
WALK. Spectators walking through the park trying to find the perfect spot to watch the racers.
Nordic slides from sections to state
February 13, 2025
SENIOR JACOB COLTON LAUNCHES INTO A SERVE DURING DOUBLES PLAY. Colton, partnering with Ben Macedo , brought focus and finesse to the court as they captured the Section 4A doubles title.
Spartans sweep Section 4A: titles for Arvidson, Wang/Seneratna, Colton/Macedo, Schumacher
May 27, 2025
ALMOST THERE. Sophomore Langston Thompson drives his arm as he aims for the finish line. He finished first in his 200 meter heat.
Cold weather, hot performances: track and field shines at conference championships
May 19, 2025
Coach Pope and junior Josh Melchert discuss how excited they are for the new season
Hole in one: boys golf use competition with some fun as they head into first matches
May 9, 2025
JUMP FOR IT! Captain Jesse Wussler launches into the air, battling gravity for a high-flying disc midair. “Winning the Rookie of the Year Award, freshman year, that's pretty cool,” he said, reflecting on his favorite ultimate frisbee memory.
Catch this: how Spartan Ultimate Frisbee keeps redefining school sports
May 8, 2025
READY, STEADY, SWING: Captain Helen Frost went up to bat and swung far. Although she ended up being tagged at first base, she continued to make multiple other impressive swings and defensive plays for the Redhawks.
Redhawks softball co-op stays energetic through a tough season
May 7, 2025
OBLIVIOUS OPHELIA. Sophomore Ella Barlow acts out Act Four, Scene Five of Hamlet with her groupmates.
Freshmen and sophomores reimagine ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and ‘Hamlet’
May 26, 2025
Behind the scenes: the road to Hadestown
Behind the scenes: the road to Hadestown
May 23, 2025
Huxley Westemeier wrangles AI, wins $10,250 in cash and a full trip to Taiwan at ISEF
Huxley Westemeier wrangles AI, wins $10,250 in cash and a full trip to Taiwan at ISEF
May 22, 2025
Sophie Ferrer talks about the different math classes.
[SPARTAN TAKES] Episode #2: Discussing Math with Sophie Ferrer
May 21, 2025
Soren Johnson shares his hot take.
[SPARTAN TAKES] Episode #1: Talking Chicken with Soren
May 17, 2025
OBLIVIOUS OPHELIA. Sophomore Ella Barlow acts out Act Four, Scene Five of Hamlet with her groupmates.
Freshmen and sophomores reimagine ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and ‘Hamlet’
May 26, 2025
MAKE IT COUNT. Spending money when out with friends is not a requirement, though it can seem like the easiest option. However, there are a variety of ways. One can participate in meaningful activities with friends without taking out the wallet. (Made with Canva elements: Movie Clapperboard Vector by pixabay, Walking by Icons8, Skateboard Icon by ahmadwil, Volleyball by grmarc)
Without the wallet: Spending time with friends does not always require money
May 12, 2025
[STORY BEHIND THE STORY] Leading with laughter and late nights: Managing Editor Juan Miguel Adams explains how to maintain positive staff culture
[STORY BEHIND THE STORY] Leading with laughter and late nights: Managing Editor Juan Miguel Adams explains how to maintain positive staff culture
May 8, 2025
PRECIOUS MEMORIES. Junior Leah Passe reflects on her earliest childhood memories. "I think I remember feeling excited to start actually learning in school and not just in preschool anymore. And I don't think it has a very like, necessarily positive or negative connotation to it. I think I just remember it happening, and I remember being excited," said Passe. (Photos submitted by Leah Passe, graphic made by Thomas Chen)
How childhood memories shape who we are
April 15, 2025
[STORY BEHIND THE STORY] Social Media Manager Mariam Malik stops those Spartans
[STORY BEHIND THE STORY] Social Media Manager Mariam Malik stops those Spartans
April 13, 2025
Behind the scenes: the road to Hadestown
Behind the scenes: the road to Hadestown
May 23, 2025
Huxley Westemeier wrangles AI, wins $10,250 in cash and a full trip to Taiwan at ISEF
Huxley Westemeier wrangles AI, wins $10,250 in cash and a full trip to Taiwan at ISEF
May 22, 2025
Soren Johnson shares his hot take.
[SPARTAN TAKES] Episode #1: Talking Chicken with Soren
May 17, 2025
Shifting spaces: how common areas, and the changing of them, affect our community
Shifting spaces: how common areas, and the changing of them, affect our community
May 11, 2025
Charlie Zakaib covers all bases at Target Field
Charlie Zakaib covers all bases at Target Field
April 29, 2025
May 2025 Issue
May 28, 2025
April 2025 Issue
April 22, 2025
March 2025 Issue
March 11, 2025
February 2025 Issue
February 11, 2025
January 2025 Issue
January 16, 2025
The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

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

The Rubicon
Maddy Fisher

Maddy Fisher, Editor in Chief

Hi! I’m Maddy Fisher, the Editor-in-Chief of The Rubicon. This is my fourth year on staff, though I missed the fall of my junior year to attend a semester-away program. I’ve previously worked as the Opinions Editor, the InDepth Editor, and as a Staff Writer. In my free time, I love to travel, read, watch Batman movies, and play soccer and volleyball. One fun fact about me is that I am genetically unable to swim. You can reach me at [email protected].

All content by Maddy Fisher
FRESHMAN TREK. Maddy Fisher settles into her new life at Dartmouth with high hopes. She began the school year with a hiking trip with other first-year students. “It was super chaotic and incredibly difficult but really fun,” Fisher said.

[Photo] Charting the college journey: ’23 alumni pursue next paths

Olympia Wolff, Rubicon
October 7, 2023
A MAGICAL READ. The Magic Fish uses color to differentiate between time and reality. FAIR USE: Random House Graphic

EIC Maddy Fish(er) reviews (The Magic) Fish

Maddy Fisher, The Rubicon
May 9, 2023
PATH TO HEALING. There are a number of diagnosable conditions known as Eating Disorders that are unique from disordered eating behaviors.

Eating Disorders: diagnosis, process, and healing

Maddy Fisher, Eliza Farley, and Claire Kim
May 2, 2023

Road to recovery requires support

Maddy Fisher, Editor in Chief
May 2, 2023

From the EIC: an apology to our readers

Maddy Fisher, Editor in Chief
April 27, 2023
WOMEN'S DAY. “I feel like if I talk about my experience as a woman too much, I brand myself as too much of a feminist and then no one listens, because they just assume that I'm angry and bitter,” Solvej Eversoll said. “I’m not afraid to call myself a feminist, but I do feel the need to pick and choose my battles because I want people to take me seriously.”

Factions of feminism (and the responses to the movement) have shaped history

Maddy Fisher, Editor in Chief
March 8, 2023
VALUES. As the search for a new principal is underway, one of the most important questions is: what is important to SPA community members in the search process?

Fourth principal search in five years begins

Maddy Fisher, Editor in Chief
February 5, 2023
ROYAL COUNSEL. Savannah Switzer and Aarushi Bahadur play King Claudius and Polonius, the two sharing a moment of concern over the future of the kingdom due to the actions of prince Hamlet.

“I definitely was not expecting to enjoy it as much as I did.”

Maddy Fisher, The Rubicon
February 1, 2023
CAMPAIGN CALAMITY. During election season, political campaigning runs rampant as candidates work to garner interest for their causes. Lawn signs with colorful logos are not an uncommon sighting.

What goes into a political campaign?

Maddy Fisher, Editor in Chief
November 8, 2022
LET's RECAP. With the conclusion of most fall sports, with the exception of teams currently in section or state tournaments, the highlights (and lowlights) of each team are shared with the community.

2022 Fall sports recap: Wins, losses, and teamwork

Orion Kim, Eliza Farley, Maddy Fisher, and Claire Kim
October 27, 2022
DRIBBLE TO THE GOAL. Sophomore Ezra Straub dribbles the ball up the field in BVS’ game against Minnehaha Academy.

Soccer sees no “I” in “team”

Maddy Fisher, Editor in Cheif
October 24, 2022
BREAKING THE SURFACE. After streamlining underwater, a backstroker breaks the surface and begins her strokes.

Sparks Swim and Dive captains focused on support

Maddy Fisher, Editor-In-Chief
October 24, 2022
FIELD FANS. Leo Sampsell-Jones leads the traditional storming of the field.

Seniors carry on the tradition of Spartan spirit

Maddy Fisher, Editor in Chief
October 17, 2022
FAIR GAME. Student Activities Committee leaders Mimi Huelster and Autumn Spaulding consult with SAC advisor Mallory Schmidt to make an announcement at the ping-pong tournament Sep. 19. SAC planned a variety of activities for each day of homecoming week. “Organizing ping pong was super fun,” Huelster said. “It was a pain to only have one table but it was still really awesome.” SAC did a great job of setting a tone of keeping tradition while adding new opportunities for student participation.

[Photo] Mutual engagement is essential for student voice

Orion Kim, The Rubicon
October 18, 2022
[BOOK REVIEW] In Two Nurses, Smoking: Stories, Means touches the heart

[BOOK REVIEW] In Two Nurses, Smoking: Stories, Means touches the heart

Maddy Fisher, The Rubicon
October 4, 2022
WRITING ON THE WALL. Every day, dozens of students walk past the mission statement on the wall outside Head of School Luis Ottley’s office. Ottley spoke about the significance of the statement at assembly on the first day of school. Ottley said, “...I thought it might be sort of good for people to know why I’m here.”

[Photo] [GOOD QUESTION] How did SPA choose its mission statement?

October 3, 2022
THROUGH THE FOG. Similar to navigating through the fog, Ziemer has learned to overcome the challenges of rowing in the frigid cold winters of Minnesota. “We’re off the water half of the year...It’s pretty hard to stay in competition,” he said. Despite the challenges Ziemer will be competing at a final in nationals. SUBMITTED PHOTO: Griffin Ziemer

Navigating adversity with grit

Maddy Fisher, The Rubicon
May 17, 2022
In this photo, I’m asking a guest speaker a question about their work. Typically, each week is dedicated to a case study regarding a certain topic. Each case study has an average of three guest speaker sessions, in which students can ask any questions they have.

A day in the life: my time in the capital city

Maddy Fisher, The Rubicon
January 10, 2022
Urban camping options and park districts just outside of the Twin Cities provide a number of ways to leave screens and schedules behind. See more details about each campsite in the StoryMap at the bottom of the story.

Pitch a tent. Escape at a nearby campsite.

Maddy Fisher, The Rubicon
June 7, 2021
Medical diagnoses are useful when it comes to treatment, but can often lead to a binary view of whether or not someone has a condition.

[Photo] Diagnosis does not equal destiny

Hazel Waltenbaugh, The Rubicon
June 1, 2021
[CROSSING THE RUBICON] Ep.7: Whoso List to Hunt, I Know Where is an Hind with Maddy Fisher

[CROSSING THE RUBICON] Ep.7: Whoso List to Hunt, I Know Where is an Hind with Maddy Fisher

Maddy Fisher, The Rubicon
May 30, 2021
Crossing the Rubicon is a monthly podcast where Maddy Fisher interviews people about their poetry related interests and projects.

[CROSSING THE RUBICON] Ep. 6: Sidewalk Poetry with Jordy Breslau

Maddy Fisher, The Rubicon
May 16, 2021
Crossing the Rubicon is a monthly podcast where Maddy Fisher interviews people about their poetry related interests and projects.

[CROSSING THE RUBICON] Ep. 5: Poetry with Philip de Sa e Silva

Maddy Fisher, The Rubicon
March 22, 2021
Crossing the Rubicon is a monthly podcast where Maddy Fisher interviews people about their poetry related interests and projects.

[CROSSING THE RUBICON] Ep. 4: Poetry with Andrew Inchiosa

Maddy Fisher, The Rubicon
February 22, 2021
Crossing the Rubicon is a monthly podcast where Maddy Fisher interviews people about their poetry related interests and projects.

[CROSSING THE RUBICON] Ep. 3: A Noiseless Patient Spider with Michael Moran

Maddy Fisher, The Rubicon
January 21, 2021
Crossing the Rubicon is a monthly podcast where Maddy Fisher interviews people about their poetry related interests and projects.

[CROSSING THE RUBICON] Ep. 2: The Lockless Door with Valerie Wick

Maddy Fisher, The Rubicon
December 1, 2020
Spaulding showcases the sika stag she shot this season.

Autumn Spalding learns life lessons from hunting

Maddy Fisher, The Rubicon
November 30, 2020
Crossing the Rubicon is a monthly podcast where Maddy Fisher interviews people about their poetry related interests and projects.

[CROSSING THE RUBICON] Ep. 1: Poetry with Bev O’Malley

Maddy Fisher, The Rubicon
October 31, 2020
Senior Aman Rahman's set-up for mentoring.

Mentor Program adjusts to pandemic

Maddy Fisher, The Rubicon
September 29, 2020
Departing teachers reflect on time at SPA

Departing teachers reflect on time at SPA

Maddy Fisher, RubicOnline
May 29, 2020
[OUTSIDE THE BOX] Ep. 3: Becca's baking business

[OUTSIDE THE BOX] Ep. 3: Becca’s baking business

Maddy Fisher, Staff Writer
March 27, 2020
Head of Debate, Tom Fones, teaches one of his many debate classes this semester.

Debate balance: success & “awesome”

Maddy Fisher, Staff Writer
November 4, 2019
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