• 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
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
MINI PROJECTS: Evan Morris and Inga Wing experimenting with slime.
Big win at ISEF sends ASR students to nationals
April 29, 2025
Walz increases in-person expectations for state workers from remote to 50%
Walz increases in-person expectations for state workers from remote to 50%
April 28, 2025
[The 5] U of M rally, zombie buildings, Joe Tay bounty and more
[The 5] U of M rally, zombie buildings, Joe Tay bounty and more
April 27, 2025
A view of the U.S. Department of Education building in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 1, 2025. REUTERS/Annabelle Gordon
Trump attacks Dept. of Education
April 25, 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
DISCUSSING DISCOMFORT. The use of trigger warnings in daily life and media can spur mixed reactions. Some view the warnings as preventing conversations about controversial subjects, while others see them as necessary to promote safety and allow people to choose the content with which they engage.
[2 SIDES, 1 ISSUE] Trigger warnings: stifling or necessary?
April 27, 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
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
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
U.S. President Donald Trump talks to members of the press aboard Air Force One during a flight to Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, U.S., April 6, 2025. REUTERS/Kent Nishimura/File photo
[POLITICAL PULSE] Trump’s war on the free press poses a threat to democracy
April 8, 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
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
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
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
CONNECTED. Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr explores a variety of experiences and time periods while binding all of these perspectives together with a fictional ancient story. This narrative structure allows the award-winning novel to explore themes across generations of struggle and resilience. The end result is a book that is both powerful and intricate (Image from Doerr's website)
[BOOK REVIEW] “Cloud Cuckoo Land” stories and struggles transcend time
April 15, 2025
EYES ON THE PRIZE Captain Peony Steele sets her sights on the next hole, envisioning her shot. “It allows me to get a feel for the shot to visualize my aim and distance with respect to environmental factors,” she commented.
Girls golf feels unified in a game of separation
May 4, 2025
DANGEROUS WATERS. The sailors must learn to navigate all types of obstacles, including difficult weather conditions like harsh wind or waves. This sailing duo stands up, balancing their boat to avoid tipping over.
Finding community on the water: Spartans learn to sail at MPLS Sailing Center
May 3, 2025
STRONG START. Runners from multiple schools kick off their mile run, looking to set personal records and crush the competition.
Expansion and improvement: The track and field community is on track to keep getting better
May 2, 2025
LOCKING IN. The team huddles up before their game at Target Field
A new era is on the horizon for Spartans Baseball
May 1, 2025
TIMEOUT. The Spartans take a timeout with 19.7 seconds left in the first quarter.
New connections: lacrosse co-op grows with addition of St. Croix Lutheran
April 25, 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
EYES ON THE PRIZE Captain Peony Steele sets her sights on the next hole, envisioning her shot. “It allows me to get a feel for the shot to visualize my aim and distance with respect to environmental factors,” she commented.
Girls golf feels unified in a game of separation
May 4, 2025
DANGEROUS WATERS. The sailors must learn to navigate all types of obstacles, including difficult weather conditions like harsh wind or waves. This sailing duo stands up, balancing their boat to avoid tipping over.
Finding community on the water: Spartans learn to sail at MPLS Sailing Center
May 3, 2025
STRONG START. Runners from multiple schools kick off their mile run, looking to set personal records and crush the competition.
Expansion and improvement: The track and field community is on track to keep getting better
May 2, 2025
LOCKING IN. The team huddles up before their game at Target Field
A new era is on the horizon for Spartans Baseball
May 1, 2025
TIMEOUT. The Spartans take a timeout with 19.7 seconds left in the first quarter.
New connections: lacrosse co-op grows with addition of St. Croix Lutheran
April 25, 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
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
one of my ideas was to make it My Little Pony themed [because] in beats we have four groups and they all produce work different weeks, so we split them into groups. And last year it was Minion-themed, so in my presentation, I wanted to have a little fun thing, so I was just like, ‘Oh, we should do a My Little Pony theme.’ And then, you know, we turned it into the theme of the year. And now we have four groups. We have team Twilight Sparkle. We have team Princess Cadence– is she a princess? Guys, I need to know my My Little Pony better. And then we have team Princess Celestia and team Princess Luna.
[STORY BEHIND THE STORY] Pony groups. Monthly deadlines. Beat magic with Thomas Chen
February 27, 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
NEWS
AWARENESS. Erik Williams informed the audience about seizures and how to recognize them.
Students learn seizure safety skills in epilepsy awareness assembly
Lina Abid, The Rubicon • May 1, 2025
On Tuesday, Apr. 29, Erik Williams, the Regional Outreach Manager for the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota (EFMN) gave a presentation to the students that aimed to raise awareness about epilepsy, equip them with the knowledge in case of emergency, and debunk misconceptions about the medical condition.
MINI PROJECTS: Evan Morris and Inga Wing experimenting with slime.
Big win at ISEF sends ASR students to nationals
April 29, 2025
Walz increases in-person expectations for state workers from remote to 50%
Walz increases in-person expectations for state workers from remote to 50%
April 28, 2025
[The 5] U of M rally, zombie buildings, Joe Tay bounty and more
[The 5] U of M rally, zombie buildings, Joe Tay bounty and more
April 27, 2025
A view of the U.S. Department of Education building in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 1, 2025. REUTERS/Annabelle Gordon
Trump attacks Dept. of Education
April 25, 2025
View All
OPINION
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
Johanna Pierach, The Rubicon • May 1, 2025
Satire is not intentionally deceptive, but can be destructive when mistaken for the truth.
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
DISCUSSING DISCOMFORT. The use of trigger warnings in daily life and media can spur mixed reactions. Some view the warnings as preventing conversations about controversial subjects, while others see them as necessary to promote safety and allow people to choose the content with which they engage.
[2 SIDES, 1 ISSUE] Trigger warnings: stifling or necessary?
April 27, 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
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
View All
FEATURE
BUNNY PICS. The spirit of Easter in full display as a child poses with the Easter bunny.
Egg-speriencing Easter in different households
Andrew Lipinsky, RubicOnline • April 29, 2025
Easter celebrated Apr. 20, served as a reminder of joy, renewal and the importance of spending time with loved ones. Whether through food or traditions, the SPA community found its own way to celebrate the season.
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
View All
A&E
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
Senetneb Theba, Staff Writer • April 30, 2025
Starbucks vs Caribou? Where to go for chai and matcha lattes.
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
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
View All
SPORTS
EYES ON THE PRIZE Captain Peony Steele sets her sights on the next hole, envisioning her shot. “It allows me to get a feel for the shot to visualize my aim and distance with respect to environmental factors,” she commented.
Girls golf feels unified in a game of separation
Evie Gardner, The Rubicon • May 4, 2025

As the girls golf program jumps from 10 to 18 players this year, the idea of welcoming and bonding becomes a huge part of the sport....

DANGEROUS WATERS. The sailors must learn to navigate all types of obstacles, including difficult weather conditions like harsh wind or waves. This sailing duo stands up, balancing their boat to avoid tipping over.
Finding community on the water: Spartans learn to sail at MPLS Sailing Center
May 3, 2025
STRONG START. Runners from multiple schools kick off their mile run, looking to set personal records and crush the competition.
Expansion and improvement: The track and field community is on track to keep getting better
May 2, 2025
LOCKING IN. The team huddles up before their game at Target Field
A new era is on the horizon for Spartans Baseball
May 1, 2025
TIMEOUT. The Spartans take a timeout with 19.7 seconds left in the first quarter.
New connections: lacrosse co-op grows with addition of St. Croix Lutheran
April 25, 2025
View All
TOP STORIES
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
DON'T SILENCE SCIENCE. Sophomore Iris Luther-Suhr participated in the Stand Up for Science event at the Minnesota State Capitol Mar. 7. (Photo submitted by Iris Luther-Suhr).
Iris Luther-Suhr protests with a purpose
April 4, 2025
CULTIVATING COMPASSION. SASH co-leader Cerena Karmaliani informs the community on sexual harassment statistics before guiding them through hypothetical reporting scenarios. The resources, acquired through a conference at the Sexual Violence Center, are available to all students.
SASH-led assembly calls attention to harassment culture
March 12, 2025
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