The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

The Rubicon
READY FOR ROBOTICS. On Nov. 10, three robotics teams from SPA competed at the league meet Center Stage on the road to qualifying for tournaments. Before competition, team members add finishing touches to their creation. Freshman Alex Haupt said, “We had to figure out how to innovate all these engineering problems and create this ramp.
Robotics competes in Center Stage meet
November 27, 2023
NO JOKE. Dean Phillips explained his unexpected and controversial bid for president: “I think President Biden has done a spectacular job. But it’s not about the past. This is an election about the future.”
Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips challenges Biden in primary election
November 16, 2023
PHYSICAL IMPACT. Dr. Howard Stevenson prompted students to observe their physical responses to telling their racial stories and experiences. He also presented about the ways racial stress and trauma impact health while discussing ways to treat experiences about race. “The reality is experiences of rejection ... overtax our ability to regulate our feelings, our bodies, our thoughts, and all that affects our voice,” Stevenson said.
Stevenson examines reactions to racial identity narratives
November 15, 2023
ACTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES. The Student Handbook describes four steps of disciplinary action that students may face for community misconduct such as defacing property or leaving messes in school spaces.
Admin calls out rise in community misconduct
November 14, 2023
WHERE DOES THIS GO. After using a tissue to clean up some spilt water, sophomore Carys Hsiung wonders which bin to to throw it in before dropping it into the one that says landfill.
USC takes first steps in recently passed sustainability proposal
November 13, 2023
BIG SWING. Freshman Murphy Miltner goes up for a kill at a volleyball tournament on her Kokoro 14-1 team. “You get to play teams from all over, like Hawaii. It’s fun because I get to meet people I wouldn’t know otherwise,” she said. (Submitted Photo: Murphy Miltner)
Townley and Miltner engage in sports off school grounds
November 27, 2023
FIGHT. Feeling the burn, sophomore Maren Overgaard pushes through, making her way to the finish.
State finals wrap up girls cross country season
November 16, 2023
WALL OF STEEL. Junior Madelyn Moser and sophomore Nora McKoy jump up to block a hit.
Dig Pink game raises $8,400 for the Side-Out Foundation
November 16, 2023
APPRECIATION. Senior Amalia Laguna opens gift bags with her fellow senior Spark swimmers.
Amalia Laguna finds her place on the Sparks
November 10, 2023
HEADS UP. Freshman Murphy Miltner spikes the ball and gains the Spartans a point after adjusting to her new offensive position on the team.
Volleyball crushes the Math and Science Dragons
November 4, 2023
FIGHT. Feeling the burn, sophomore Maren Overgaard pushes through, making her way to the finish.
State finals wrap up girls cross country season
November 16, 2023
WALL OF STEEL. Junior Madelyn Moser and sophomore Nora McKoy jump up to block a hit.
Dig Pink game raises $8,400 for the Side-Out Foundation
November 16, 2023
APPRECIATION. Senior Amalia Laguna opens gift bags with her fellow senior Spark swimmers.
Amalia Laguna finds her place on the Sparks
November 10, 2023
HEADS UP. Freshman Murphy Miltner spikes the ball and gains the Spartans a point after adjusting to her new offensive position on the team.
Volleyball crushes the Math and Science Dragons
November 4, 2023
CELEBRATION. The entire team storms down the field celebrating Ethan Peltiers winning goal.
Boys soccer advances to state finals in an electrifying match against Holy Family
November 3, 2023
LETS GO SPARTANS. Students gather to cheer on the SPA boys hockey team as they face off against Highland Park in the first round of the section tournament. The Spartans went on to win the game 5-2.
Co-op sports provide connectivity, relationships between fans
February 26, 2023
SNOWY SLOPES. Burns has been passionate about alpine skiing from a young age. The sport is very challenging, with steep terrain, sharp turns, injuries, and countless hours of practice. But nevertheless, Burns continues to foster a deep love for the slopes.
Burns dominates on the slopes
February 23, 2023
ICE TIME. Greta Magnuson in goal boasts six wins, and a 0.894 save percentage this season.
Pregame Coverage: Metro-South Phoenix hopes to keep season alive
February 7, 2023
Spartans fail to beat Breck in second match-up, lose in overtime
Spartans fail to beat Breck in second match-up, lose in overtime
January 25, 2023
Metro-South falls to Apple Valley in anticipated rematch
Metro-South falls to Apple Valley in anticipated rematch
January 23, 2023
ONE IN THE CHAMBER. Captain Max Shaffer reloads his shotgun during a weekly practice. A normal round of trapshooting uses 25 shells.
Trap shooting captain Max Shaffer rises under pressure
June 2, 2023
UNEQUAL VISIBILTY. The captains wall is the center of the fight for visibilty. Club captains are currently not recognized on the captains wall. Athletic Director Taylor Tvedt said, “We just want to make sure the leadership that’s up there is all going through the same process.”
MSHSL sports prioritized over clubs
May 31, 2023
ASSEFA ASSISTS, CHEN SCORES. Got my guy Aaron Lindeman throwing it to me, and Ben Chen in the end zone. I know they are two guys I could trust whenever they have the disk, so its great to get some momentum, senior Simon Assefa said.
Spartan ultimate confronts the Edina hornets
May 26, 2023
BE READY. Ezra Cunningham prepares to throw a pitch to Minnehaha at the beginning of the game. He was the Spartan pitcher for a large amount of the game.
Baseball takes a rough loss at CHS Field
May 24, 2023
LOOK OUT. A Mound Westonka player struggles to stay on his feet with the Blackhawks defense applying pressure.
[PHOTO STORY] Boys lacrosse topples Mound Westonka in decisive win
May 14, 2023
QUIET STUDY. It might sound appealing to study with music, podcasts, and videos in the background, but it’s not good for focus. Instead, it’s better to work in a quiet, calm environment. “Humans are inherently horrible multitaskers, so trying to do more than one thing at once will drag down productivity,” Ostrem writes.
Keep your focus on staying focused
November 28, 2023
HOLIDAY TIPS. Prioritizing mental health and well-being this holiday season is crucial in order to avoid falling victim to the stresses of social events, gift-giving, and other expectations.
How to navigate holiday stress and overwhelming expectations
November 25, 2023
THE TIME IS NOW. SPA must create a climate policy that dramatically reduces emissions to meet the urgency of this moment and be an example to students, families, and peer institutions.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] SPA must make climate action a priority
November 13, 2023
LIFE IMITATES ART is a monthly arts opinion column written by The Rubicon opinions editor Eliza Farley. (Illustration created using Adobe Express)
[COLUMN] In the music industry, it seems, it’s the year of the female
November 3, 2023
AGE MATTERS. While legalization in Minnesota does not extend to minors, the national data indicates that some minors use cannabis.
Cannabis addiction must be understood now that it is legalized in Minnesota
November 1, 2023
THE TIME IS NOW. SPA must create a climate policy that dramatically reduces emissions to meet the urgency of this moment and be an example to students, families, and peer institutions.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] SPA must make climate action a priority
November 13, 2023
NO GIRLS INVOLVED. The relative lack of female-identifying students in STEM extracurriculars can make them feel like boys’ clubs. It’s not that girls aren’t interested in these activities; instead, they might not be included to the same degree when they want to participate, or they might be afraid to be the only one.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Girls in STEM deserve our support
October 31, 2023
ASSESSING ACHIEVEMENT. The survey sent to all students, families, and faculty should inspire individuals to define excellence for themselves while respecting how others strive to be excellent.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] What is excellence?
October 13, 2023
FACE TO FACE. Affinity groups are not only a good way to meet people that share the same identity, but also a good way to discover how different those people can be. Additionally, by engaging in a space where it’s not necessary to explain the nuances of identity, it’s possible to make connections based on a deep mutual understanding.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Affinity groups create safe spaces for inclusion and empowerment
September 28, 2023
As the Spanish exchange program resumes for the first time since pre-covid, the SPA community should welcome visiting students with intention and warmth.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Welcome Colegio Malvar students with open hearts and minds
September 14, 2023
LIFE IMITATES ART is a monthly arts opinion column written by The Rubicon opinions editor Eliza Farley. (Illustration created using Adobe Express)
[COLUMN] In the music industry, it seems, it’s the year of the female
November 3, 2023
FIVE FREEDOMS. The First Amendment of the Constitution lays out five essential freedoms for American citizens. Over the summer, co-Editor in Chief Orion Kim dove deep into the nuances of the Amendment. “Reporters might be able to cover content freely, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t respect the people they’re covering,” Kim wrote.
[FREE SPIRIT] First Amendment freedoms let citizens determine morality of their expression
October 6, 2023
[PHILOSOPHICALLY SPEAKING] The benefits of thinking about death
[PHILOSOPHICALLY SPEAKING] The benefits of thinking about death
April 28, 2023
[PHILOSOPHICALLY SPEAKING] What is self-awareness?
[PHILOSOPHICALLY SPEAKING] What is self-awareness?
January 31, 2023
[PHILOSOPHICALLY SPEAKING] What is beauty?
[PHILOSOPHICALLY SPEAKING] What is beauty?
December 5, 2022
Community time worth more than passing time
Community time worth more than passing time
October 5, 2023
An adjunct to an adjunct professors disjunction
An adjunct to an adjunct professor’s disjunction
February 18, 2023
These artists actions are not mistakes that deserve forgiveness
These artist’s actions are not mistakes that deserve forgiveness
December 8, 2022
DEI Plan needs to account for neurodivergent learning
DEI Plan needs to account for neurodivergent learning
May 12, 2022
Feel racial discomfort rather than pushing it away
Feel racial discomfort rather than pushing it away
March 5, 2021
CHRISTMAS NIGHTS. In class, Anderson showed students the Krampus and Nikolaus parade explaining southern Germanys ways of celebrating Christmas. Nikolaus is the Santa that provides gifts to good children, while Krampus is the Christmas Devil who punishes naughty children and kidnaps them on Christmas night.
A faraway visit from Bavaria to German classes by Chantel Anderson to spread culture
November 26, 2023
AMPLIFYING VOICES. Listen Up Youth Radio is committed to bringing radio to the Twin Cites by the hands of the local youth. Freshman January Cook works as a production editor there, helping to train people and make decisions for the radio and website. (Submitted Photo: January Cook)
Cook invites students to work for Listen Up Youth Radio
November 16, 2023
ROSCOE. James Englands German Shepherd smiles for the camera. Roscoe was named after the childhood dog of Englands mother. [His name] makes Roscoe seem more like his own individual and not just like everybody else,” England said. (Submitted Photo: James England)
[WHAT’S IN A NAME?] Students discuss pet names and their importance
November 14, 2023
COMMUNITY SERVICE. Thanksgiving break presents a great opportunity to get involved in the community by volunteering and making thoughtful donations. However, community service is much needed all year long.
Give thanks by giving back
November 11, 2023
HARD AT WORK. Juniors Rohan Kharbanda and Humza Jameel work together to build a concrete mixer during an Advanced Science Research class. (Submitted Photo: Rohan Kharbanda)
Kharbanda puts the planet first in ASR
November 10, 2023
QUALITY WAX. Cheapo Records in Saint Paul has a nice feeling to it, along with a great variety of records.
[AROUND TOWN] Variety is the shopper’s playlist at Cheapo Records
November 27, 2023
TALK WITH THE ROCK. Trevor Noah interviewed The Rock in the first episode of his new podcast. Noah hopes to have meaningful conversations about important topics in society. “We’ll probably fix every single issue humankind has ever faced so you definitely want to join us for every episode,” Noah said in the intro.
[PODCAST REVIEW] He’s back: What Now? with Trevor Noah premieres in fantastic style
November 15, 2023
Crumbl Cookies, a great spot to try some unique types of cookies.
[FOOD REVIEW] Crumbl Cookies offer more than enough to share
November 10, 2023
WOW-WORTHY. Killers of the Flower Moon is the best movie of 2023 so far. The primary actors delivered moving performances, and the soundtrack and cinematography brought the film to the next level. (Image from Apple TV+ Press Kit)
[MOVIE REVIEW] Killers of the Flower Moon: An ugly story told beautifully
November 9, 2023
KNOW THAT TUNE. Music helps us retrieve old memories and create new ones. Memory is not the only brain function affected by sound, many other mental processes are affected by hearing or playing music.
Music? It’s all in the brain
November 8, 2023
TALK WITH THE ROCK. Trevor Noah interviewed The Rock in the first episode of his new podcast. Noah hopes to have meaningful conversations about important topics in society. “We’ll probably fix every single issue humankind has ever faced so you definitely want to join us for every episode,” Noah said in the intro.
[PODCAST REVIEW] He’s back: What Now? with Trevor Noah premieres in fantastic style
November 15, 2023
Crumbl Cookies, a great spot to try some unique types of cookies.
[FOOD REVIEW] Crumbl Cookies offer more than enough to share
November 10, 2023
WOW-WORTHY. Killers of the Flower Moon is the best movie of 2023 so far. The primary actors delivered moving performances, and the soundtrack and cinematography brought the film to the next level. (Image from Apple TV+ Press Kit)
[MOVIE REVIEW] Killers of the Flower Moon: An ugly story told beautifully
November 9, 2023
THE CREATOR. This new sci-fi film echoes clear inspiration from past works like Avatar and the Star Wars franchise. The strongest part of The Creator is the incredible production design and the use of eye-catching CGI.
[MOVIE REVIEW] The Creator: A brutal and brilliant modern masterpiece
October 10, 2023
UNEQUALED DISAPPOINTMENT. Despite its solid box office performance, The Equalizer 3 did not offer much in terms of cinematic quality, and felt as though it was cheaply made. The acting and line delivery were often poor, and the plot was boring and unengaging, leaving much to be desired. (Fair Use Image: Screen capture from Equalizer 3 Official Trailer)
[MOVIE REVIEW] The Equalizer 3: A disappointing end to a great franchise
September 20, 2023
[SPARTANS MICD UP] Girls basketball practice with captain Madelyn Moser
[SPARTANS MIC’D UP] Girls basketball practice with captain Madelyn Moser
November 23, 2023
The science of gratitude
The science of gratitude
November 13, 2023
READING ABOUT PRIDE. There has been a display of LGBT centered book and authors the SPA library.
A breakdown of LGBTQ+ History Month
November 4, 2023
[COFFEE WITH CLARA] Ep. 2 Violet Benson navigates life with an autistic sister
[COFFEE WITH CLARA] Ep. 2 Violet Benson navigates life with an autistic sister
October 25, 2023
[SPARTANS MIC’D UP] Mile-run with cross country captain Ford Reedy
[SPARTANS MIC’D UP] Mile-run with cross country captain Ford Reedy
October 17, 2023
The science of gratitude
The science of gratitude
November 13, 2023
READING ABOUT PRIDE. There has been a display of LGBT centered book and authors the SPA library.
A breakdown of LGBTQ+ History Month
November 4, 2023
[COFFEE WITH CLARA] Ep. 2 Violet Benson navigates life with an autistic sister
[COFFEE WITH CLARA] Ep. 2 Violet Benson navigates life with an autistic sister
October 25, 2023
[COFFEE WITH CLARA] Ep. 1 Atari Ernst is tearing up the dance floor
[COFFEE WITH CLARA] Ep. 1 Atari Ernst is tearing up the dance floor
September 27, 2023
[IN PLAIN SIGHT] Ep.2 The Vending Machines
[IN PLAIN SIGHT] Ep.2 The Vending Machines
June 8, 2023
[SPARTANS MICD UP] Girls basketball practice with captain Madelyn Moser
[SPARTANS MIC’D UP] Girls basketball practice with captain Madelyn Moser
November 23, 2023
[SPARTANS MIC’D UP] Mile-run with cross country captain Ford Reedy
[SPARTANS MIC’D UP] Mile-run with cross country captain Ford Reedy
October 17, 2023
Fall fashion trends emerge in the school community
Fall fashion trends emerge in the school community
October 9, 2023
[SPARTANS MICD UP] Fall scrimmage with girls tennis
[SPARTANS MIC’D UP] Fall scrimmage with girls tennis
September 20, 2023
73 Questions Vogue style Spartan edition: departing faculty Nan Dreher
73 Questions Vogue style Spartan edition: departing faculty Nan Dreher
June 1, 2023
[QUIZ] Homecoming through the years
[QUIZ] Homecoming through the years
October 4, 2023
[QUIZ] Which Urinetown character are you?
[QUIZ] Which Urinetown character are you?
May 23, 2023
LOOK HERE. Creative Design Manager Rita Li knows that the best camera is the one you have with you. Here, she takes a photo after the Latinos Unidos Cinco de Mayo celebration May 5.
[TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE] What do you know about photography?
May 15, 2023
[QUIZ] Let it snow? Maybe tomorrow.
[QUIZ] Let it snow? Maybe tomorrow.
November 28, 2022
SHINING STAR. Swift released the video to Bejeweled Oct. 24 and it has garnered nearly 9 million views. Swift will perform in Minneapolis Aug. 23-24, 2023.
Swift Announces the Eras Tour, new dates in Minneapolis
November 15, 2022
November 23 Issue
November 28, 2023
October 2023 Issue
October 24, 2023
CLIMATE EMERGENCIES. As the years go by, the Earth is affected by climate change, and the natural disasters that have been rising in recent years is proof. From daily weather to extreme climate phenomena, the people inhabiting this planet have had considerable impact on Earth. (Illustration by Annika Kim, Infographic by Johanna Pierach, Orion Kim)
It’s all about the ENVIRONMENT: Natural disaster on the rise
October 15, 2023
September 2023 Issue
September 26, 2023
May 2023 Issue
May 30, 2023
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 Toghramadjian

Thomas Toghramadjian, Columns Editor

Thomas Toghramadjian is a senior at St. Paul Academy and Summit School. He is currently in his fourth year on The Rubicon's staff, in the position of Columns Editor. He has been recognized three times on the NSPA Journalism Honor Roll and twice as North Star Editor. Outside of the newsroom, he serves as President of the Upper School Council, ineptly tries to play baseball, and debates in Public Forum. Toghramadjian also chairs the Minnesota chapter of the Armenian Church Youth Organization of America, where he has worked to to raise funds and public awareness for minorities threatened by the Syrian conflict. He looks forward to a productive and fulfilling year as a columnist.

All content by Thomas Toghramadjian
Protesters outside of the Turkish Embassy in Washington D.C.

On 100th Anniversary of Armenian Genocide, Hrant Dink remembered

Thomas Toghramadjian, Columns Editor
April 24, 2015
Iran accords worth the cost

Iran accords worth the cost

Thomas Toghramadjian, Columns Editor
April 18, 2015
Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem.

Efforts by Israel’s Jewish majority at holy sites build a more inclusive society

Thomas Toghramadjian, Columns Editor
April 2, 2015
Republicans search for candidate to reunite party

Republicans search for candidate to reunite party

Thomas Toghramadjian, Columns Editor
March 20, 2015
Recent U.S.-China climate change accords look towards a long term solution

Recent U.S.-China climate change accords look towards a long term solution

Thomas Toghramadjian, Columns Editor
February 26, 2015
Ending the U.S. presence in Afghanistan should be thorough and responsible

Ending the U.S. presence in Afghanistan should be thorough and responsible

Thomas Toghramadjian, Columns Editor
January 15, 2015

Catholic priest shortage caused by discouragement

Thomas Toghramadjian, Columns Editor
December 16, 2014
Thanksgiving price cuts undermine the holiday spirit as Black Friday creeps backwards

Thanksgiving price cuts undermine the holiday spirit as Black Friday creeps backwards

Thomas Toghramadjian, Columns Editor
December 2, 2014
8th grade students hosted the annual naturalization ceremony in the middle school on Thursday, Nov. 13. Immigration is often discussed topic at SPA. Rapid and bipartisan legislative action could ...lay the groundwork for more comprehensive future reform.

Mid-term elections yield potential for immigration reform

Thomas Toghramadjian, Columns Editor
November 14, 2014
Thomas Frieden, head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, noted that a travel ban would encourage travelers to affected areas to lie to authorities about their itineraries.

Proposed Ebola travel ban would undermine both humanitarian objectives and domestic security

Thomas Toghramadjian, Columns Editor
October 21, 2014
Brittany Maynard , a 29 year old woman with terminal brain cancer, will end her life on Nov. 1 with the help of death and dignity laws.

Legal euthanasia pressures patients and denies hope for recovery

Thomas Toghramadjian, Columns Editor
October 14, 2014
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has continued to predicate the objective of ousting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad over addressing the threat posed by the Islamic State.

Turkish obstructionism in Syrian crisis amounts to criminal neglect

Thomas Toghramadjian, Columns Editor
October 10, 2014
Big Bang Theory lends its name to a television comedy about a virtuosic physicist who cannot be bothered by religious irrationality...

Faith and science are deeply complementary

Thomas Toghramadjian, Columns Editor
September 30, 2014
Fitzgeralds appeal transcends iconic Jazz Age depictions

Fitzgerald’s appeal transcends iconic Jazz Age depictions

Thomas Toghramadjian, Columnist/Columns Editor
September 23, 2014
Mandatory national service unites young people of different backgrounds through a common experience.

COLUMN: The case for forming a National Service Bureau

Thomas Toghramadjian, Columnist
September 9, 2014
Senior Nick Cohen passes through the lower library after a day at the office of First Assistant Public Defender Andrew Mohring. “[My project] really opened my eyes more to criminal public defense. It’s a really tough job,” Cohen said.

[Photo] Senior Nick Cohen finds passion for criminal defense on senior project

May 28, 2014
The teams shake hands after the game. Defensively we were solid all the way through, our pitching couldnt have been better, but we werent hitting the ball as well as we could have, senior captain Nick Hoffman said.

Photo gallery: Boys Varsity Baseball beats Edison 12-0

Thomas Toghramadjian, Columnist Editor
May 26, 2014
Freshman Emerson Egly delivers a pitch in a May 24 section game against Edison High School. there are small things we need to improve on but overall it was a good day for us, Egly said.

Boys Varsity Baseball wins first section game against Edison

Thomas Toghramadjian, Editing Columnist
May 26, 2014
Congressman Oberstar leaves legacy of service, passionate moderacy

Congressman Oberstar leaves legacy of service, passionate moderacy

Thomas Toghramadjian, Columnist Editor
May 22, 2014
Rubicon picture

[Photo] Thomas Toghramadjian

August 29, 2012
Dogmatic libertarianism is a poor replacement for critical evaluation of government policies

Libertarian influence on Republican Party corrodes realism and compassion

Thomas Toghramadjian, Columnist/Columns Editor
May 13, 2014
Six independent schools founded the new Independent Metro Area Conference. “I think we kept our five biggest and most important rivalries,” junior Tyler Seplak said.

School announces new athletic conference

Thomas Toghramadjian, Opinions Editor
May 1, 2014
Former Upper School Chinese teacher Aaron Bohr (middle row, second from left) is pictured with other Jesuit novices from the Twin Cities. He joined the Society of Jesus in 2012. “I’ve been a Jesuit for eighteen months, and have made some of my closest friends here in the Society of Jesus. We share a great bond with one another, and support one another as brothers,” Bohr said.

Former Upper School Chinese teacher Aaron Bohr trains as a Jesuit novice

Thomas Toghramadjian, Opinions Editor
March 31, 2014
Q&A with former Upper School Chinese teacher Aaron Bohr

Q&A with former Upper School Chinese teacher Aaron Bohr

Thomas Toghramadjian, Opinions Editor
March 21, 2014
Students speak up & clarify fallacies about respective religions

Students speak up & clarify fallacies about respective religions

Thomas Toghramadjian, Opinons Editor
March 20, 2014

Quiz Bowl team closes season

Thomas Toghramadjian, Opinions Editor
March 18, 2014
From top left to bottom right, senior Chris Pifer, senior Vittorio Orlandi, senior Philip Swanson, senior Charlie Southwick, junior Amber Skarjune, senior Sam Carlson, junior Carrie Jaeger, junior Kevin Patterson, and junior Thomas Toghramadjian pose for a picture after a hard day of work at one of Habitat for Humanity’s St. Paul homes.

Habitat for Humanity’s Service Day activity provides meaningful challenge

Thomas Toghramadjian, Opinions Editor
March 14, 2014
Senior Girls’ Basketball captain Jonte Claiborne shakes hands with an opponent of Blake prior to the team’s Jan. 30 game. “Nobody wants to lose a conference game-- especially to someone who is as big of a rival as Blake is to us,” junior basketball player Katie Ademite said.

Conference rivalries fuel competition

Thomas Toghramadjian, Opinions Editor
February 25, 2014

Phone policy reflects careful process

Thomas Toghramadjian, Upper School Council Vice President
February 19, 2014
Senior Marcus Alburez (left) regales a disapproving waitress, played by sophomore Maggie Vlietstra (right), with a story about his ex-girlfriend who “went to Italy for a facelift and an abortion.” The Zig-Zag Woman is co-directed by the actors.

Cast self-directs The Zig-Zag Woman

Thomas Toghramadjian, Opinions Editor
February 7, 2014
From left, freshman Isabelle Bukovsan, junior Sonja Mischke, and sophomore Maren Findlay warm up before rehearsing Molières Two Precious Maidens Ridiculed, directed by seniors Kaia Findlay and Helen Derechin.

Gallery: Casts and crews prepare for One Act performances

Thomas Toghramadjian, Opinions Editor
February 7, 2014

Senior Charlotte Hughes shares a director’s insight

Thomas Toghramadjian, Opinions Editor
February 7, 2014
Romans’ and Biggs’ characters talk, while shadow puppets directed by sophomore Netta Kaplan play on the screen behind them.

Gallery: Cast and crew of Metamorphosis rehearse for Upper School One Acts

Thomas Toghramadjian, Opinions Editor
February 1, 2014

Q&A with an anonymous student on the secret life of cheating at SPA

Thomas Toghramadjian, Opinions Editor
December 23, 2013
An intense academic environment may lead to cheating. “It’s my opinion that school has become about passing a test and not about actually learning,” senior Connor Allen said.

Competitive environment fuels the urge to cheat

Thomas Toghramadjian, Opinions Editor
December 20, 2013
Students stand for applause at the end of the Pops Concert on Dec. 7, 2013. “In general, I am very happy with all of my students this year. Everyone is working hard and is doing their very best,” Upper School Orchestra Director Englehardt said.

Pops concert comes together just in time

Thomas Toghramadjian, Opinion Editor
December 12, 2013

Pops Concert Preview: Summit Singers rehearse “Winter Song” by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson

Thomas Toghramadjian, Opinions Editor
December 7, 2013

Pops Concert Preview: Blue Jazz Ensemble plays “Get Back” by The Beatles

Thomas Toghramadjian, Opinions Editor
December 7, 2013
The Academy Symphony and Honors Sinfonia practices a Star Wars medley during Thursday tutorial. “All the pieces sound good [now]. It’s going to go well,” sophomore Will Donaldson said

[Photo] Pops Concert Preview: Academy Symphony and Honors Sinfonia adapt to new schedule in midst of final practices

December 7, 2013
The Blue Band rehearses the week before the Pops Concert. People are really starting to feel the pressure and take rehearsals more seriously,” junior percussion player Jordan Hughes said.

Pops Concert Preview: Blue and Gold Ensembles jazz with the rhythm of Stevie Wonder, Skyfall, and Michael Buble

Thomas Toghramadjian, Opinions Editor
December 6, 2013
Senior Women practice We are young by Fun. From left to right are Charlotte Hughes, Meera Singh, Emma Chang, Sonya Das, and Helen Derechin.

Pops Concert Preview: Summit Singers and Academy Chorale pull music from movies, TV, and recent hits

Thomas Toghramadjian, Opinions Editor
December 6, 2013

Pops Concert Preview: Academy Symphony and Honors Sinfonia practice Star Wars medley

Thomas Toghramadjian, Opinions Editor
December 6, 2013
Sophomore Angel Smaller and senior captain Aidan Arnold hope for a strong season, “We are looking to make one last run in the Tri- Metro, as this is our last year in the conference Smaller said.

Winter Sports Preview: Boy’s Basketball bonds with preseason activities

John Wilhelm and Thomas Toghramadjian
November 29, 2013
Freshman Lauren Boettcher and senior captain Alev Baysoy have high expectations for the season, “I think everyone agrees that we have to go to state this year, Boettcher said.

Winter Sports Preview: Girl’s Hockey unites in preparation for season

John Wilhelm and Thomas Toghramadjian
November 27, 2013
Sophomores Karsten Ruinquist and Sam Matenaer are excited for this season, “we have a small team that is pretty young, but we still have pretty strong swimmers. We have a new coach this year and we’re excited to be able to work with her, Matenaer said.

Winter Sports Preview: Boys Swimming and Diving looks forward to season with good spirits

John Wilhelm and Thomas Toghramadjian
November 22, 2013
Junior Eli Zelle and junior captain Julia Hansen are excited to compete with a growing team this season. This year we are anticipating a few new middle-schoolers and didn’t loose any people last year, Hansen said.

[Photo] Winter Sports Preview: Alpine Skiing starts season with high hopes

November 26, 2013

In the aftermath of a strong season, Math Team rebuilds

Thomas Toghramadjian, Opinions Editor
November 20, 2013
Upper School Choral Activities teacher Anne Klus teaches the Music Seminar class. “Each student brings their own expertise and musical insight into the class,“ Klus said.

Music Seminar offers a unique learning experience

Thomas Toghramadjian, Opinion Editor
October 25, 2013

War hits close to home for sophomore Boraan Abdulkarim

Thomas Toghramadjian, Opinions Editor
October 24, 2013
From left to right, freshman Henry Ziemer, senior Emily Ross, sophomore Anna Biggs, sophomore Maggie Vlietstra and Upper School theater director Eric Severson work on blocking for the fall play. “The play requires a very large cast… Some actors are cast in multiple roles,” Severson said.

Cast of fall play continue rehearsing for The Caucasian Chalk Circle

Thomas Toghramadjian, Opinions Editor
October 23, 2013
String players rehearse for the upcoming Pops Concert. “I like having the second half of sectionals free, so I can practice the oboe or do homework,” junior Kevin Patterson, who plays the oboe in the winds section, said.

Student musicians comment on use of tutorial times for sectionals

Thomas Toghramadjian, Opinions Editor
October 15, 2013
From left: Junior captain and outside hitter Mira Grinsfelder and senior captain and middle hitter Claire Foussard are in the ready stance in a match against Minnehaha Academy on Sept. 16. “I think this season will be a huge improvement over seasons before,” Grinsfelder said.

[Video] Team chemistry drives volleyball team to stay competitive

Laura Slade, A&E Editor
October 1, 2013

Freshmen set record for largest incoming class at 112 students

Thomas Toghramadjian, Opinions Editor
October 1, 2013
Junior Zeeshawn Abid meets regularly with freshmen Emilio Alvaro and Wyatt Bliss, attending extracurriculars and helping them navigate Upper School. “I love being [a mentor]…Freshmen this year have such a great opportunity that none of us had,” Abid said.

[Photo] Mentors, tutors build community ties

October 1, 2013

Zelle to speak at Commencement

Thomas Toghramadjian, Opinion Editor
May 29, 2013
Seniors, staff prepare for graduation

Seniors, staff prepare for graduation

Thomas Toghramadjian, Opinion Editor
May 29, 2013

The Rubicon editor wins Journalist of the Year

Thomas Toghramadjian, News Editor
May 6, 2013

Seeking a balance between safety and schoolwork

Thomas Toghramadjian, News Editor
May 2, 2013

Opinion: Boston Bombings must not damage American morale

Thomas Toghramadjian, News Editor
April 23, 2013
Onlookers shocked by bombing at Boston Marathon

Onlookers shocked by bombing at Boston Marathon

Thomas Toghramadjian, News Editor
April 16, 2013
A love for Columbia and language

A love for Columbia and language

Thomas Toghramadjian, News Editor
March 15, 2013
An in-depth look at Pope Francis I

An in-depth look at Pope Francis I

Thomas Toghramadjian, News Editor
March 15, 2013

Latvian dance preserves sisters’ heritage

Thomas Toghramadjian, News Editor
February 20, 2013

Students react to new schedule

Thomas Toghramadjian, News Editor
February 18, 2013

Al-Qaeda takes control of northern Mali

Thomas Toghramadjian, News Editor
January 22, 2013

School searches for excellent substitutes

Thomas Toghramadjian, News Editor
January 9, 2013

Girls Basketball team young but motivated

Thomas Toghramadjian, News Editor
November 27, 2012
Analysis of debate continues through election day

Analysis of debate continues through election day

Thomas Toghramadjian, News Editor
November 6, 2012

Presidential candidates Mitt Romney and Barack Obama face off in live debates

Thomas Toghramadjian, News Editor
October 30, 2012

Girls Cross Country speeds to strong season

Thomas Toghramadjian, News Editor
October 22, 2012

Girls Varsity Soccer plays with a leg up on the competition

Thomas Toghramadjian, News Editor
October 4, 2012
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