• Class of 2025 begin senior projects on Apr. 28.
  • Sonia Kharbanda named Free Spirit Scholar. She will represent Minnesota at a Freedom Forum conference in Washington D.C. this summer.
  • Congratulations to Annie Zhang, the MN Journalist of the Year runner-up.
  • The Rubicon is named NSPA Pacemaker finalist. Winners will be announced Apr. 28.
  • Want more photos? Find them in the yearbook galleries on the Ibid Flickr.
The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

The Rubicon
Election Results: elected / selected groups
Election Results: elected / selected groups
May 9, 2025
Concerns arise regarding sexual harassment reports; Head of School Luis Ottley responds
Concerns arise regarding sexual harassment reports; Head of School Luis Ottley responds
May 6, 2025
CANDY STRIKE. Junior Otto Rudolf hits off a leg of the pinata in one swing.
Cinco de Mayo celebration offers comunidad
May 6, 2025
[The 5] School funding, obscure laws, tensions in Syria and more
[The 5] School funding, obscure laws, tensions in Syria and more
May 5, 2025
AWARENESS. Erik Williams informed the audience about seizures and how to recognize them.
Students learn seizure safety skills in epilepsy awareness assembly
May 1, 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
BUSINESS, PEOPLE, BOYCOTT. Boycotts have been used as a sign of protest, a shout for corporate change, but could it also be hurting people too?
A question for the ages: to boycott or not to boycott
May 5, 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
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER. Knowing your body, rights and health leads to a more secure and healthy future. (Illustration by Audrey Jansen using Canva elements)
Why knowledge is crucial to personal health
April 29, 2025
BLAME IT ON DEI. Falsely linking diversity with incompetence, Trump’s rhetoric reveals an agenda rooted in division. (Illustration by Lani Ngonethong with elements from Canva).
Scapegoats and stereotypes: the danger of dismissing diversity
April 28, 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
SEEKING A STATEMENT. The SPA administration has not yet addressed President Donald Trump’s series of anti-DEI executive orders, leaving the community uncertain about the school’s stance. A transparent statement from the school would clarify that diversity remains a value of the community and will be protected at SPA.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Reaffirm commitment to diversity to uphold values
March 9, 2025
TIME FOR COMMUNITY. Community building happens in clubs. Yet, clubs have met only once in two months. Clubs have been tossed aside due to constant schedule changes when clubs should be prioritized more.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Prioritizing clubs will build community
February 28, 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
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
The Nintendo Switch 2: Worth the Wait?
April 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
Community time worth more than passing time
Community time worth more than passing time
October 5, 2023
BUNNY PICS. The spirit of Easter in full display as a child poses with the Easter bunny.
Egg-speriencing Easter in different households
April 29, 2025
READ-ALOUD. Librarian Cat Mullen's talent would encourage listeners to share her passion. "I feel like my greatest skill is reading. So maybe I would read a dramatic rendition of something...like the book I'm reading now, the new Hunger Games book. I'd make a BookTok and read a very dramatic part but leave it on a cliffhanger so then people would come [to the library]."
[SPA THINKS] What’s your talent?
April 28, 2025
SNAZZY SHOES. College Counseling Administrative Assistant Carey Otto's passion for sneaker-collecting began when rising star Michael Jordan dropped the Air Jordan 1s in 1985. (Photo submitted by Carey Otto)
Otto shares lifelong love for sneakers of all shapes and colors
April 28, 2025
ACQUAINTANCE THROUGH BASEBALL. Sophomore Eddie Sofen and junior Cutler Crook met while playing on the Minneapolis Millers Youth Baseball team. Sofen and Crook are the only two not wearing hats in the top-middle row of the photo. (Photo submitted by Cutler Crook)
From teammates to best friends: Eddie Sofen and Cutler Crook’s bond beyond the field
April 27, 2025
BUG APPRECIATION LaTarte reflects that her experience with the critters has evolved but followed her in her life and art. Beetle flickr Creative Commons: GREGORIUZ
Birds and bugs drive student curiosity
April 24, 2025
Three albums I'm loving 1/3 of the way into 2025
Three albums I’m loving 1/3 of the way into 2025
May 9, 2025
ON THE STAGE: Anna Klevan, 9th grade, is seen on the stage during a performance of the nutcracker. When Klevan saw the nutcracker, age 4, she fell in love with it. She recalls, “I think I just went to see the Nutcracker and I was like, this is amazing.” (Photo submitted by Anna Klevan)
Spartans on stage: students dancing (through) life
May 6, 2025
A LOCAL FAVORITE. Located in South Minneapolis, Tacos El Kevin serves traditional Mexican food and drinks.
[AROUND TOWN] Tacos El Kevin delivers bold flavors and authentic atmosphere
May 5, 2025
Living in Minnesota, the age-old debate of Caribou vs. Starbucks remains alive. So, I decided to compare two identical orders from the two coffee shops and determine which is better.
Spilling the tea: Starbucks’ and Caribou’s chai and matcha lattes go head to head
April 30, 2025
LOCAL LOCATIONS. 36 Hours in the Twin Cities visits several destinations in Minneapolis and St. Paul, including the Walker Art Center, a contemporary art center alongside a sculpture garden and restaurant.
[AROUND TOWN] 36 Hours in the Twin Cities
April 28, 2025
A LOCAL FAVORITE. Located in South Minneapolis, Tacos El Kevin serves traditional Mexican food and drinks.
[AROUND TOWN] Tacos El Kevin delivers bold flavors and authentic atmosphere
May 5, 2025
NEW BUSINESS. Recently opened at the end of 2024, Big Island Poke lies at 74 Snelling Avenue, just minutes from SPA's Randolph campus.
[FOOD REVIEW] Big Island Poke offers a casual eating experience while maintaining quality
April 27, 2025
DAUNTLESS DIRECTOR. Alfred Hitchcock’s 1954 film “Rear Window” is regarded by many as the best film from the greatest director of all time (Fair use image from Paramount Pictures).
[MOVIE REVIEW] Film club submitted reviews cover one classic, one new release
April 26, 2025
A MUST WATCH. "Warfare" is not an easy watch, and it is not meant to be (Fair use image from A24 official website).
[MOVIE REVIEW] “Warfare” burns patriotism to the ground
April 25, 2025
lifeofpibway.com
[THEATER REVIEW] Faith, fear and ferocity: “Life of Pi” brings a mesmerizing tale of survival and storytelling to Orpheum
April 18, 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 club 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
HIGH-FIVES. Captain Ben Macedo and freshmen Luca Kempcke hype each other up after a well-won point. Against Orono, all of the doubles players won, whereas all the singles lost, resulting in a 3-4 loss. “It was the same last year too,” said sophomore Gavin Leuthold.
Boys tennis season underway with eyes on continued success
May 6, 2025
POSTGAME PEP: The team gathers to reflect on the game, come up with plays for next time, and share words of encouragement.
Beyond the field: defining teamwork on girls lacrosse
May 5, 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
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 club 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
HIGH-FIVES. Captain Ben Macedo and freshmen Luca Kempcke hype each other up after a well-won point. Against Orono, all of the doubles players won, whereas all the singles lost, resulting in a 3-4 loss. “It was the same last year too,” said sophomore Gavin Leuthold.
Boys tennis season underway with eyes on continued success
May 6, 2025
POSTGAME PEP: The team gathers to reflect on the game, come up with plays for next time, and share words of encouragement.
Beyond the field: defining teamwork on girls lacrosse
May 5, 2025
Charlie Zakaib covers all bases at Target Field
Charlie Zakaib covers all bases at Target Field
April 29, 2025
Spring sports have sprung
Spring sports have sprung
April 28, 2025
Athletes build strength in the weight room
Athletes build strength in the weight room
April 24, 2025
Spring showers bring ribbon roses: DIY with Salma Blagui
Spring showers bring ribbon roses: DIY with Salma Blagui
April 21, 2025
HISTORIC SPOTS. Cheapo Records, First Avenue, Sound 80 Studios and The Armory remain some of Minnesota's most historic musical locations (Fair use images from Orfield Labs (bottom left), First Avenue X account (top right), The Armory official website (bottom right)).
Mapping Minnesota music
April 18, 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
[TRENDING] Ep. 5 Influenced or influencer? Students respond
[TRENDING] Ep. 5 Influenced or influencer? Students respond
March 14, 2025
LUNCH TIME PONDERS. In her senior speech, senior Belle Weng spoke about asking random questions to her friends to get to know them better at lunch. Listen in to hear more about the random questions she's asked in the past. (Made from Canva elements Comic Script Bubble Illustration Sketchify and Red Question Marks Icons 8)
Breaking the ice through random questions with Belle Weng
March 10, 2025
Charlie Zakaib covers all bases at Target Field
Charlie Zakaib covers all bases at Target Field
April 29, 2025
Athletes build strength in the weight room
Athletes build strength in the weight room
April 24, 2025
Spring showers bring ribbon roses: DIY with Salma Blagui
Spring showers bring ribbon roses: DIY with Salma Blagui
April 21, 2025
Local concert scene bonds communities and relieves stress through music
Local concert scene bonds communities and relieves stress through music
April 16, 2025
The launch of a new club sport: rugby welcomes players into its first season
The launch of a new club sport: rugby welcomes players into its first season
April 14, 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
November 2024 Issue
November 21, 2024
The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

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

The Rubicon
Murphy Miltner

Murphy Miltner, Photojournalist / Photo Editor

Murphy Miltner  (she/her) is the photo editor on the RubicOnline. This is her second year on staff. In addition to Murphy’s role on staff, she is a captain of the varsity volleyball team and a player at Kokoro Volleyball. Murphy can be reached at rubiconstaff@spa.edu.

All content by Murphy Miltner
Concerns arise regarding sexual harassment reports; Head of School Luis Ottley responds

Concerns arise regarding sexual harassment reports; Head of School Luis Ottley responds

Thomas Chen, Yassin Mokbel, Murphy Miltner, Nabeeha Qadri, and Elizabeth Tuttle
May 6, 2025
VOLUNTEER. Fashion Club members Jack Bettenburg and Rowan Moore fold clothes during their free period.

Fashion Club gives back through hosting a clothing swap

Murphy Miltner, RubicOnline
April 15, 2025
DESIGN. HerSpace members use their computers to create stickers.

Celebrating International Women’s day with HerSpace

Murphy Miltner, RubicOnline
March 11, 2025

Students’ advice to their younger selves

Murphy Miltner, Elizabeth Tuttle, Ike Obi-Walker, and Peter Lipinsky
March 6, 2025
BATTLE. Liam Huddleston battles a Highland Player for the puck.

Spartan hockey defeats chief rival Scots yet again

Murphy Miltner, RubicOnline
February 6, 2025
TOGETHER. The girls lacrosse team meets in the middle of practice to discuss drills.

Girls lacrosse hosts pre-season practices to foster team culture

Murphy Miltner, RubicOnline
February 10, 2025
SHINE BRIGHT. Seniors Theo Su and Caden Burns measure twine and wrapped sticks to create ornaments for STAR HOUSE.

So much to offer: Service Day focuses on access and action

RubicOnline Staff
February 3, 2025
HUDDLE. The varsity starters gather together before the first whistle of the rematch.

Boys basketball asserts dominance in second consecutive Target Center victory against MPA

Murphy Miltner, RubicOnline
January 13, 2025
ON THE OFFENSE. Junior Clare Ryan Bradley scans for the court for a passing opportunity.

[Photo] Girls basketball boasts second consecutive victory against MPA at Target Center

Juan Miguel Adams, Managing Editor
January 11, 2025
TEACHING. The basketball coaches sit and discuss the game.

FULL SPEED AHEAD. Bokii Mullataa runs forward against the MPA defense.

LOCKED IN. Junior Bokii Mullataa prepares for his free throw.

INVESTED. The bench watches as a one of the players has a fast break.

STRONG FINISH. Sophomore Miles Vogenthaler holds his finish after shooting a free throw.

PREPARE. The starters huddle up on the court in preparation of the game.

Upper School implements a phone-free policy in January

Upper School implements a phone-free policy in January

Murphy Miltner, RubicOnline
January 7, 2025
FOCUS. Ninth grader Magarsaa Mullatta swiftly dribbles the ball between his legs while focusing on what his next move will be. (photo submitted by Magarsaa Mullatta)

More than a sport: how basketball has shaped the Mullataa family

Murphy Miltner, RubicOnline
December 12, 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

Murphy Miltner, RubicOnline
November 15, 2024
Sophomore Audrey Peltier pictured after her accident with her Grandma in 2015.

Whether caretaker or kid, students share adventures in babysitting

Murphy Miltner, RubicOnline
November 7, 2024
Sean 'Diddy' Combs has been arrested on Monday, Sept. 16th. (Photo by Frazer Harrison, Getty Images.)

[TIMELINE] From Icon to Inmate: P-Diddy’s fall from grace

Murphy Miltner, Photo Editor
October 23, 2024
SERVE. Sophomore Tallulah Dogwill gets prepared to serve the ball.

Finding new passions: Hannah Sanders and Tallulah Dogwill embrace their new sports

Murphy Miltner, RubicOnline
October 16, 2024
MEET THE SPARTAN. The class of 2027 welcomes the lower school to the assembly.

[HOCO Day 2] K-12 assembly encourages all to stand up and celebrate

Murphy Miltner, RubicOnline
September 25, 2024
FIRST MEETING. The newly named Honors Council starts the year off by hosting its first meeting.

Honors Council holds student body to a higher standard

Murphy Miltner, RubicOnline
September 16, 2024
SINCE DAY ONE. Sofia Rivera and Margaret Bonin pose in front of the lower school building on the first day of kindergarten.

How well do you know your childhood friend? Featuring Margaret Bonin and Sofia Rivera

Murphy Miltner, Rubiconline
May 24, 2024
CELEBRATION. Freshman Erik Bjorgvinsson hypes up his teammate, senior Orion Kim, to celebrate. Photo submitted by Erik Bjorgvinsson

The influence of club sports in student athletics

Murphy Miltner, RubicOnline
May 15, 2024
Captain Charlotte Goings, Taylor Tvedt, and Anna Boeser discuss practice plans.

Consistent coaching and welcoming athletes boost girls lacrosse community

Murphy Miltner, Staff Writer
May 3, 2024
ROMAN HOZALSKI, 9. "I guess like a time where I don't have to focus on like schoolwork and I can talk with friends. like I said I talk with my friends or, find somewhere to like relax like a beanbag or like a chair or anything else."

JULIA TAYLOR, 11. "So for me break means taking a break. like taking a synonym for a break away from like the things that I normally do and kind of like doing things that I wouldn't normally do going places kind of getting out of the house, going to different settings, whether it's on a trip or vacation going to the park."

MILLIE FARRINGTON, 10. " It means that, like a new hockey season starts and a bunch of tryouts', I clean out my backpack, and I get sleep."

INGRID JOHNSON, 12. "I think it's a great time to like relax and like spend time on like things I like to do outside of school and I like enjoy seeing my brother and his friends while they're home from college."

UNEXPECTED REALITY TRIP. The movie follows Barbie (Margot Robbie) and Ken (Ryan Gosling) on their journey to the real world from Barbie Land. (Screenshot from Barbie Movie official trailer)

[COUNTDOWN TO THE OSCARS] Barbie movie questions what being a woman truly means

Murphy Miltner, Staff Writer
February 29, 2024
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