• 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
[The 5] Wildfires, potential of easing tariffs, a new pope, and more
[The 5] Wildfires, potential of easing tariffs, a new pope, and more
May 11, 2025
The highlighted runway 30L is currently under construction. It cuts through runway 4 and will be reopening on May 23.
MSP runway construction sends more planes over Highland Bridge and SPA
May 11, 2025
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
Equality and equity in sports for trans athletes
Equality and equity in sports for trans athletes
May 11, 2025
CURIOUSITY: The leader factor in the progression of De-Extinction is human amusement and enjoyment.
De-Extinction dilemmas: weighing the risks and consequences
May 10, 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
[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
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
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
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
Sam Hanson

Sam Hanson, Aureus AEIC

Sam Hanson is the Assistant Editor-in-Chief of Aureus magazine and a writer on RubicOnline. This is his third year on staff. Sam enjoys using multimedia and descriptive language to make journalism come alive. In addition to his role on staff, Sam composes music and plays the violin and piano. Sam can be reached at rubicon.spa@gmail.com.

All content by Sam Hanson

Protesters are disobeying civil order

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline
May 8, 2020
Many protesters have been showing their adversity towards the quarantine, but does this bring more harm than good?

Protests at the governor’s residence: free speech or civil disobedience?

Martha Sanchez and Sam Hanson
May 4, 2020
Edvard Munch, the Norwegian painter, contracted the Spanish Flu in 1919, used this experience as creative inspiration for a painting titled Self-Portrait with the Spanish Flu.

Pandemics and creativity: a blessing or curse?

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline
April 21, 2020
Tanner Zeise in a graceful dive: he moves on to the state meet in only his second year on the team.

Boys Swim & Dive shave seconds, perfect form in section finals

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline
February 24, 2020
Otis stands with his long-time friend Eric (Ncuti Gatwa).

[TV REVIEW] Sex Education puts modern twists on coming-of-age cliches

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline
February 5, 2020
Tina WIlkens showcases a ready-made cup of Sencha tea.

Tea barista Tina Wilkens adds spice to the job

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline
December 23, 2019
Adapted from Charles Forsman's graphic novel, the show has an otherworldly feel.

[TV REVIEW] Season two of “End of the F***ing World” offers a thrilling but repetitive watch

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline
November 20, 2019
Domestic “gag rule” threatens our social safety net

Domestic “gag rule” threatens our social safety net

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline
November 14, 2019
“[SPA prepares me differently] because I get to go to college in the U.S. The Danish degree would have been really difficult to apply to the U.S. with. It’s a lot easier here," McGlynn said.

Christian McGlynn talks about why he’s here at his “new” (circa 1900) school

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline
September 20, 2019
The Upper school's first "Lockdown discussion" took place May 8, the day after the Colorado STEM shooting.

Are we becoming numb to school shootings?

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline Editor
May 28, 2019
Goodwill, the original "thrift" store before it became a trend, features rows upon rows of sustainable clothing.

Thrifting has momentum as sustainable trend

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline Editor
May 7, 2019
If utopia is a paradise, then dystopia is a paradise lost. We read dystopia as a kind of manual of warnings, but can these warnings lead to progressive change, or do they only mire us in more fear and despair?

The appeal of dystopia

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline Editor
May 6, 2019
The Loft Literary Center hosts a fellowship program each year, drawing acclaimed local and national writers as mentors.

Olguin experiments with cross-genre in the Loft Mentor Series

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline Editor
March 27, 2019
Fargo represents an exaggerated Minnesotan accent, but our way of speaking (even if imperfect) represents a significant part of our identity.

[PODCAST] “Yah, you bet” it’s time to listen for the “Minesooota” accent

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline Editor
March 20, 2019
The power of questions: Ryan Strobel

The power of questions: Ryan Strobel

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline Editor
February 27, 2019
Junior Maddy Breton's zebrafish setup. Breton is among the many students who take ASR to further their passion for science.

[Photo] Advanced Science Research encourages variety in experiments

Martha Sanchez, RubicOnline Editor
February 24, 2019
Mayor of Minneapolis Jacob Frey and Mayor of St. Paul Melvin Carter--both of whom sworn into office last January--represent vanguards for social change in the Twin Cities.

Twin Cities mayors tackle entrenched social problems

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline Editor
February 19, 2019
The Winter One Acts captivate with the hilarious but strange

The Winter One Acts captivate with the hilarious but strange

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline Editor
February 1, 2019
Golden age of group exercise boosts faculty and student fitness

Golden age of group exercise boosts faculty and student fitness

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline Editor
January 18, 2019

The lucrative hype market

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline Editor
January 18, 2019
“It’s not just Supreme, there’s lots of other hype brands” Ketema said. Murakami's "hyped" poster is an example of this off-the-beaten-path hype.

What’s all the hype?

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline Editor
December 21, 2018
Wahmanholm book of poetry, Wilder, was published last November by Milkweed Editions press.

[Q&A] The poet’s mind: Inside the writing process

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline Editor
December 19, 2018
Top left: an extravagant party hosted by the fictional character Jay Gatsby. Bottom right: Protesters carry a sign reading "Justice for E.J." after a recent police shooting in Alabama.

Hollywood, we are ready for realistic portrayals of race

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline Editor
December 2, 2018
[INFOGRAPHIC] Do movie adaptations of books convince?

[INFOGRAPHIC] Do movie adaptations of books convince?

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline Editor
November 20, 2018
Gemma Yoo and Lily Nestor watch the short video on Bach's organ music.

Music Seminar offers a dive into music history and composition

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline Editor
November 16, 2018
Hanson Infographic

Sophomore Raffi Barocas stands in front of the library's LGBTQ+ book display.

Library showcases LGBTQ+ history month through diverse literature

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline Editor
October 31, 2018
[INFOGRAPHIC] History and fiction unmask LGBTQ+ stories

[INFOGRAPHIC] History and fiction unmask LGBTQ+ stories

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline Editor
October 18, 2018
Seniors rise on their feet, in a show of Spartan Spirit.

Pep Fest 2018 redefines “Spartan spirit”

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline Editor
September 29, 2018
Growing alternative reading options are available to students.

[INFOGRAPHIC] Is listening the new reading?

Sam Hanson, RubicOnline Editor
September 18, 2018
Feeling burned out? Ignite your inner self with a road trip

Feeling burned out? Ignite your inner self with a road trip

Sam Hanson, Staff Writer
May 18, 2017
The team listens to strategy from the coach.

Boys Lacrosse kicks off the season with team spirit

Noah Raaum and Sam Hanson
April 24, 2017
Contagious behaviors are an unavoidable part of the human experience, but even some control over negative emotions can lead others to have a better and more positive day.

Behaviors spread like the common cold

Sam Hanson, Staff Writer
March 9, 2017
Junior Tucker Waltenbaugh performed stand up at Iris: Art and Literature's Winter Open Mic night on Jan. 25. “Comedy goes both ways: you get to learn about your audience and your audience gets to learn about the comedian."

Stand up: Michel, Waltenbaugh lightens things up with Comedy

Sam Hanson, Staff Writer
January 30, 2017
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