The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

The Rubicon
WELCOME SUMMER. The St. Paul Academy and Summit School campus on May 29, the final day of classes for the 2025-26 school year. The Rubicon will resume publication in August after a year that included 655 online stories, 132 print pages and nearly half a million readers.
655 stories, 132 print pages and 481,888 readers later, The Rubicon signs off for summer
May 30, 2026
CANOE. A beautiful canoe in front of the sunrise.
Mining legalized, Boundary Waters threatened
May 29, 2026
Demonstrators gather for a rally in support of trans youth athletes, following U.S. President Donald Trump's action to sue Minnesota of their transgender student-athlete policy Washington, U.S. April 8, 2026. REUTERS/David Ryder
Trump sues Minnesota over transgender student-athlete policy
May 29, 2026
SUIT UP. The Quiz Bowl team wore vintage Spartan football jerseys on the second day of competition. The NAQT team consists of Murray Goff, William Hanna, Louis Fratzke, and De-An Chen. (Photo submitted by Kate Lockwood)
Quiz Bowl travels to Atlanta for two days of NAQT
May 29, 2026
JUSTICE STRIKES. Minnesota legislators meet at the State Capitol to pass landmark legislation targeting AI-generated deepfakes and “nudification” technology
New Minnesota law targets harmful AI deepfakes
May 26, 2026
Instagram app icon is seen on a smartphone in this illustration taken October 27, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration
Big Tech exploits vulnerable young users
May 29, 2026
LEARN NOW. Students should learn basic saving strategies sooner rather than later to help better prepare them for the future.
Saving: what students should learn sooner rather than later
May 29, 2026
BALACING LIFE. Filling your cup with family, friends, school, and activities helps maintain a healthy and happy life.
Why should you fill your cup?
May 29, 2026
“The Sift” is a weekly opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
The Sift: signing off
May 29, 2026
DAUNTING DECISIONS. Making significant life decisions can feel incredibly daunting for young people trying to navigate life's uncertainty. However, shifting interests, changing goals or completely backtracking should be viewed as necessary steps in identity development rather than failures. Accepting that mistakes are an inevitable part of the journey allows for people to continue growing and adapting to new environments.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] The freedom to change: Embrace life’s pivots for growth
May 27, 2026
DAUNTING DECISIONS. Making significant life decisions can feel incredibly daunting for young people trying to navigate life's uncertainty. However, shifting interests, changing goals or completely backtracking should be viewed as necessary steps in identity development rather than failures. Accepting that mistakes are an inevitable part of the journey allows for people to continue growing and adapting to new environments.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] The freedom to change: Embrace life’s pivots for growth
May 27, 2026
(GIF by Marijana Jakelich from Pixabay and Border with Flowers by goodstudio; design created in Canva)
[STAFF EDITORIAL] The labor we praise but fail to protect
May 13, 2026
SURVEY SUSPENSE. Every year, students answer an in-depth survey through Authentic Connections, with questions pertaining to details of their personal and academic lives. While students dedicate their time to filling out this long survey, data from it has never been disclosed, which would be instrumental in finding areas of growth in school culture.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Clarity needed on survey for school culture reset
April 30, 2026
NATION ON FIRE. Immigrants make up for a significant portion of every state's population and economy. According to Bloomberg, without people who gained citizenship by place of birth, $7.7 trillion would disappear from the American economy.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Abolishing birthright citizenship disrespects the nation’s foundation
April 15, 2026
DANGEROUS OPERATION. The Trump administration's restriction of funds from states that did not vote for him or with DFL leadership cheats the nation.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Politicizing healthcare needs to stop
March 10, 2026
“The Sift” is a weekly opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
The Sift: signing off
May 29, 2026
“The Sift” is a weekly opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
I let a robot drive me to In-N-Out at 10 p.m.
May 22, 2026
“The Sift” is a weekly opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
Microsoft’s Recall is unfixable spyware
May 11, 2026
“The Sift” is a weekly opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
South Africa’s hand is in the (AI) cookie jar
May 4, 2026
“The Sift” is a weekly opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
The robots ate our world record
April 23, 2026
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
CAPTURING THE SPIRIT. Community Engagement Manager Audrey Peltier takes photos at the MSHSL Boys Soccer playoffs at U.S. Bank Stadium in November of 2024. She hopes to major in sports media or journalism in college
Audrey Peltier named Free Spirit Scholar
May 29, 2026
UPTOWN THROUGH THE YEARS. To understand why Uptown needs community ambassadors, it is helpful to know more about Uptown’s evolution over time from the 1960s.
[SOLUTIONS] Uptown works with community groups to revitalize neighborhood
May 29, 2026
BEING GREEN OR SEEING GREEN?
being green or seeing green?
May 27, 2026
CALCULATING THE CHANGES. As study habits have changed, the materials used have changed too. "I remember the day when [my brother] came home with his graphing calculator, [which] had Mario. And I was blown away," Spanish teacher Peter Daniels said. (Photos: Fair Use; Wikimedia Commons)
Study habits evolve with new technology
May 26, 2026
PART OF YOUR WORLD. History teacher Sushmita Hodges teaches a section of World History II on the last week of classes May 19. Sophomore Oakley Schonwald said Hodges is "very passionate about teaching" and loves hearing stories about her grandchildren.
Departing teachers Koenig, van Vliet, Wriedt and Hodges appreciated
May 23, 2026
PURPOSEFUL PLANS. When preparing for finals, the first step is to come up with a plan. Whether it be extremely detailed or very simple, establishing when to focus on what is a beneficial way to succeed.
[GOOD FOR YOU] Tips for early cumulative exam preparation
April 22, 2026
POWERFUL PREP. Preparing for the morning, either by setting out clothes or packing a bag, is a great way to streamline the morning routine. Not only does this preparation free up time in the morning, but it also prevents forgetting items while in a rush.
[GOOD FOR YOU] How to have an efficient morning routine
April 15, 2026
JOURNALING JOY. Journaling is extremely helpful for those practicing gratitude. Using prompts like “What are three things you are looking forward to?” keeps you in the moment and reminds you of the small joys in life that are easily forgettable.
[GOOD FOR YOU] Journaling with a purpose
April 8, 2026
Yoga is a form of meditation and stability that is present not only in the body, but the mind. Yoga enhances strength and flexibility and can improve relaxation. (Created with Adobe Express)
[GOOD FOR YOU] Try yoga for a relaxed body and mind
February 25, 2026
FIRST STEPS. Often, the hardest part of spending time outdoors is just taking that first step. Remember, when trying to spend time outdoors, the benefits of being outside. Spending time outdoors reduces stress, improves mood and increases vitamin D.
[GOOD FOR YOU] Five ways to get more vitamin D
February 18, 2026
ROOM LOVE. Schonwald loves their room for multiple reasons. Between doing homework and just hanging out, shay enjoys all the time shay spends there.
Humans of SPA: Oakley Schonwald
September 8, 2025
“Do what you want to do, not what people tell you to do,” Kovarik said.
Humans of SPA: Chloe Kovarik
September 3, 2025
Bilingual narratives
December 1, 2021
“With my daughter right now, I’m reading her Calvin and Hobbes — the whole series — so we’re having a good time with that, she likes that a lot… I take her at least twice a year to comic book conventions. And she’s bored, when she goes. My hopes is that in time, she’ll get exposed to it. She went through the rebellious phase where she didn’t like superheros, but when pressed, she will watch Justice League with me. I would like her to at least know a lot about comic books, if not enjoy them,” Dean of Students Max Delgado said.
Humans of SPA: Max Delgado
November 18, 2015
“When I was teaching in San Francisco, one of my students who was not passing my class - a kid named Miguel - came up to me one time, and he wanted to give me a letter. And the letter thanked me for not giving him a passing grade, because he for the first time took it seriously that he needed to work hard. So we’re talking about what he could do to improve, and we just had one of these sort of random conversations, and he said ‘what do you do when you’re not here?’ and I said ‘well I build boats, and I bind books, and occasionally I make beer.’ He goes, ‘oh, you make beer? My dad does that sometimes, cool.’ And he begins talking about his favorite beer. Now, this is a junior, and he’s not old enough to drink beer. So I’m in a classroom after school, having a conversation with an underage kid about his favorite beer, explaining why while he should not be drinking any beer, the beer he has chosen is probably not worth it," Upper School English teacher Randall Findlay said.
Humans of SPA: Randall Findlay
November 10, 2015
BEING GREEN OR SEEING GREEN?
being green or seeing green?
May 27, 2026
COMEDIC TIMING. Political satire has long served as a safeguard of democracy, using humor to challenge those in power and encourage civic engagement. But as politicians and corporations increasingly pressure media platforms and comedians through financial and political means, the future of satire — and the public’s ability to openly critique authority — faces growing threats. (Image created using Canva elements)
How comedians became unexpected guardians of democracy
May 22, 2026
SPEAK UP. Reflecting on a school year full of activism, ninth grader Siri Holden said it can feel frustrating that so many crises have occurred so close to home: “It’s obviously disappointing that these things are happening, but I feel like the more stuff happens, the more people should be trying to speak up.”
All eyes on us: the power of civic action in Minnesota
April 27, 2026
NATURE ON SALE. As private tech firms and mining interests lay claim to shared resources, local communities face the environmental and economic costs of a disappearing public trust. (Photo Illustration made by Lani Ngonethong)
The quiet privatization of America’s shared water and energy
April 23, 2026
EXCELLENT EXPANSION. In 1976, the Randolph campus expanded once again, providing major additions to administrator’s offices and the middle school. (Photo Illustration: Amanda Hsu)
The spaces that shape us: the intersection of architecture and psychology
March 11, 2026
AFTER BLOOM. The Tulip House's flowers are beginning to die, signifying the end of the spring tulip season.
‘The Tulip House’ – finding urban beauty in nature and simplicity
May 26, 2026
RISING PRICES. Over time, artists have grown increasingly expensive to see live, with some paying hundreds of dollars or more to see their favorite artists in concert. (Information: Background Animal)
Rising prices, Live Nation case decrease concert accessibility
May 24, 2026
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT. The cast of 'The Music Man' rehearses before opening night.
Behind the scenes of ‘The Music Man’
May 24, 2026
SCREEN CAPTURE. @RottenTomatoesINDIE on Youtube
Four films to watch during AAPI heritage month
May 22, 2026
Paramount and Warner Bros logos are seen in this illustration taken December 8, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration
[OFF-SCREEN WITH OSTREM] Warner Bros, AI and the future of film
May 22, 2026
SINGING AWAY. The cast of "The Music Man" passionately singing during the middle of the play. The group spent months rehearsing together and put their hard work to show over three performances
‘The Music Man,’ a Broadway classic in the Huss Theater
May 19, 2026
IN THE DARK. Hokum's greatest success comes from a curated atmosphere that is genuinely scary, alongside many effective jump scares. (NEON Studios. Screenshot from the Official "Hokum" Trailer)
[OFF-SCREEN WITH OSTREM] “Hokum” jump-scares from plot hole to plot hole
May 14, 2026
FRENEMIES. Heartfelt moments between Close's Miranda Priestly, Hathaway’s Andie Sachs and Tucci’s Nigel Kipling don’t only feel out of place, they’re astonishingly fake and forced. That’s not who Priestley is; it’s not what the films are about. Trying to establish this peer-like emotional connection between Priestley and the rest of the leads is one of many major missteps that “The Devil Wears Prada 2” makes. (Fair Use image 20th Century Fox)
[OFF SCREEN WITH OSTREM] The devil should’ve only worn Prada once
May 8, 2026
Listening party: Yassin Mokbel has a few (final) music recommendations
Listening party: Yassin Mokbel has a few (final) music recommendations
May 6, 2026
MEGASTAR MOMENT. Anne Hathaway performs in "Mother Mary." The concert scenes are astonishing, shot on location at a massive arena in Western Germany, and the scale is tremendous. Christ-like images are littered throughout the performance scenes, and Lowery used Taylor Swift’s “Reputation” Stadium Tour as a key visual guide. (Fair Use: A24 movie trailer)
[OFF SCREEN WITH OSTREM] “Mother Mary’s” phenomenal acting makes up for the off-note pacing of the script
April 30, 2026
TIME OUT TIMBERWOLVES. The Target Center is the home court for the popular NBA basketball team the Minnesota Timberwolves (Photo Submitted by Juan Miguel Adams).
Minnesota professional sports cater to every season
May 29, 2026
SECTIONS SQUAD. Boys varsity tennis qualified for state, with participants to be determined by performance in individual sections. Individual sections is different than team sections and allows athletes to qualify by themselves in both single or double matches. Sophomores Luca Kempcke and Lucas Laguna qualified for individual sections. Doubles partners senior Allan Wang and junior Isaak Senaratna and sophomore Winston Arvidson with sophomore Henry Cammack also qualified. (Photo Submitted by Winston Arvidson)
Boys tennis faces pressure to win state
May 29, 2026
JOCELYN JUMPS. Hurdler Jocelyn Rog placed fifth in 100m hurdles at the Independent Metro Athletic Conference Championship May 14 with a time of 16:43. “If my stride gets messed up mid-race, I sometimes just have to embrace it and keep going,” Rog said.
Calculated Precision: the scientific art of hurdles
May 23, 2026
SEEK SHELTER. Junior Lachlan Gaspard gathers his equipment halfway through the game as thunder and lighting strike nearby. The game undergoes a 30 minute break to wait out the lighting for safety concerns.
Boys lacrosse perseveres through thunderstorm
May 22, 2026
CONCENTRATION. Boys gold captain, junior Quentin Sentz, squats and watches the ball attentively.
Boys golf finishes their season strong at conference meet
May 22, 2026
SPRINT. Junior Lucia Gonzalez races across the field toward the ball. As a first-time girls' soccer captain, Gonzalez believes that by supporting and connecting with her teammates, she can be a leader and role model. “Being a captain to me means having a genuine connection with all your teammates and helping bring people together to play and love soccer,” Gonzalez said. Photo submitted by Lucia Gonzalez
[10 QUESTIONS] Gonzalez’s soccer experience
February 27, 2026
ROW, ROW, ROW YOUR BOAT. Rowers in the Minneapolis Rowing Club work together to compete a 5k race in practice on the Mississippi River.
Wilson and Bauer find an unexpected love for rowing
November 18, 2025
READY TO RACE. Cross country runner Paloma Good and the varsity girls cross country team wait at the starting line at a meet in Farmington Sept. 25.
The game, the grind, the goal: all work leads up to this moment
November 1, 2025
PUBLIC POST. The girls varsity volleyball team has a public Instagram updated with live game points, events and the season schedule. Many other fall sports use their Instagram accounts to highlight upcoming games and behind-the-scenes team content.
Teams highlight unity, success on social media accounts
October 31, 2025
ON DECK. Swimmers cheer on their teamates on the pool deck
Sparks defeat St. Paul rivals in conference meet
October 28, 2025
Boys hockey game.
Winter sports wrap up with high hopes
March 22, 2026
Girls Nordic completes trifecta in historic season
Girls Nordic completes trifecta in historic season
March 10, 2026
SENIOR SMILES. For the final free throw, senior Will Bogdan joins the game. Cunningham and Sieben cheer on and applaud Bogdan before he shoots successfully.
More than a game as Spartans honor players and managers
March 2, 2026
STATE WIN. Maren and Alyda Overgaard stand at the top of the stairs after receiving their first place medals. (Photo summitted by Maren Overgaard)
Outstanding Nordic state performance results in many medals
February 25, 2026
BODY BARRICADE. A Blake player gets pinned to the wall by an opposing player.
After winning sections, Blake hockey places fourth in state
February 23, 2026
CONCENTRATION. Boys gold captain, junior Quentin Sentz, squats and watches the ball attentively.
Boys golf finishes their season strong at conference meet
May 22, 2026
TEAMWORK. Juniors Adi Narayan and Leif Rush walk with their teammates to get ready for the race.
Adi Narayan battles the wind for supremacy at the Lake Minnetonka Regatta
May 13, 2026
POWER DRIVE: Captain Peony Steele completes a powerful driver swing during a match this season as the team adjusts to a changing course schedule.
Finding rhythm: girls golf builds team culture in an individual sport
May 11, 2026
STICKING TOGETHER. The girls lacrosse team practices using drills to get control of the ball.
Co-op connections: girls lacrosse team builds sisterhood through unique drills
May 11, 2026
BRINGING IT HOME. Seventh grader Sabina Good slides into home base as tenth grader Zoe Wagner runs to first. The two Spartans were major contributors to the teams success in Wednesday's game.
High fives and higher scores — Redhawks softball starts its spring season
May 10, 2026
LAKEHOUSE LESSONS. Sophomore Gwen Uhlhorn enjoys a boat ride on the lake with her dog, Cedric. (Photo submitted by Gwen Uhlhorn)
Where family grew closer: Gwen Uhlhorn’s memories of Serpent Lake
May 25, 2026
Sejong Academy showcases culture through drumming
Sejong Academy showcases culture through drumming
May 22, 2026
Wellness Day offers students a break to focus on wellbeing
Wellness Day offers students a break to focus on wellbeing
May 18, 2026
Students utilize their free time with tutorial basketball
Students utilize their free time with tutorial basketball
May 14, 2026
Daily sunrises with Ava Mays
Daily sunrises with Ava Mays
May 11, 2026
LAKEHOUSE LESSONS. Sophomore Gwen Uhlhorn enjoys a boat ride on the lake with her dog, Cedric. (Photo submitted by Gwen Uhlhorn)
Where family grew closer: Gwen Uhlhorn’s memories of Serpent Lake
May 25, 2026
BEWARE. Junior Maisy Torres was expecting a Nickelodeon ride when she entered the haunted house at the State Fair. What she encountered was much more horrifying. "There's not enough money in the world to pay me to do [it again]," Torres said.
[NEVER AGAIN WITH NABEEHA] Ep. 7: Maisy Torres’ haunted house escape
May 9, 2026
12 YEARS AGO. Senior Johnny Rog and his sister, sophomore Jocelyn Rog, recreate an old photo of them when they were six and four, respectively. (Photos submitted by Jocelyn Rog; design created in Canva with elements by Sketchify, Orathai and Yulia Zelinskaya)
More than a goodbye: how daily routines shift when a sibling goes to college
April 26, 2026
SENIOR SIGNOFF. Listen as Rubicon Print seniors recap lessons learned from their time on staff.
[STORY BEHIND THE STORY] The Rubicon seniors submit their last print issue
April 24, 2026
BACK TO THE FUTURE. Eight years ago, Hugh Adams wrote a story about his predictions for the future, and some of them were not far off.
Drone deliveries and space elevators: Hugh Adams revisits his elementary school predictions for the future
April 15, 2026
Sejong Academy showcases culture through drumming
Sejong Academy showcases culture through drumming
May 22, 2026
Wellness Day offers students a break to focus on wellbeing
Wellness Day offers students a break to focus on wellbeing
May 18, 2026
Students utilize their free time with tutorial basketball
Students utilize their free time with tutorial basketball
May 14, 2026
All school assembly: a full circle farewell for the seniors
All school assembly: a full circle farewell for the seniors
May 2, 2026
SPA hosts home game for new co-op boys volleyball team
SPA hosts home game for new co-op boys volleyball team
May 1, 2026
[QUIZ] What famous scientist are you?
[QUIZ] What famous scientist are you?
January 25, 2026
WINTER SPORTS. On the left Maren Overgaard prepares for Nordic ski race and on right, SPA Hockey goalie makes a save. (Photos from Ibid Flickr)
[QUIZ] How well do you know winter sports?
January 16, 2026
BAND TOGETHER. A demonstrator waves a flag of Somalia as a vehicle passes by a rally in protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), amid a reported federal immigration operation targeting the Somali community, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. December 8, 2025. REUTERS/Tim Evans
[HUMANITY UNDER SIEGE] Recognize and appreciate Minnesota’s Somali community through awareness and education
December 20, 2025
SCI FAB. Women excel in STEM fields historically and today.
QUIZ: Do you know these women in STEM?
December 11, 2025
TRY NEXT. If you are looking for something to fill your time this winter, consider trying out a new sport. (made by Audrey Jansen)
What winter sport should you try?
October 27, 2025
May 2026 Issue
May 26, 2026
April 2026 Issue
April 28, 2026
March 2026 Issue
March 3, 2026
February 2026 Issue
February 3, 2026
December 2025 Issue
December 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
Thomas Kovarik

Thomas Kovarik, Photojournalist

Hi, my name is Thomas Kovarik(he/him). I am a photojournalist for RubicOnline. I am involved in skiing and tennis at school. I like camping and staying active. I can be reached at [email protected].

All content by Thomas Kovarik
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