The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

The Rubicon
TRUMP RETURNS. Donald Trump speaks to supporters in a campaign stop in Minnesota in 2019. The violence that ensued after his loss in 2020 had some on edge ahead of his Jan. 20 inauguration.(PHOTO: Nicholas Liepins (taken 2019) NSPA Campaign Photo Exchange)
Peaceful transition of power a key focus ahead of inauguration
January 17, 2025
USC seeks donations for service projects on Service Day
USC seeks donations for service projects on Service Day
January 17, 2025
FIRST-HAND ACCOUNT: Youth in Government conference
FIRST-HAND ACCOUNT: Youth in Government conference
January 14, 2025
[The 5] Bus crash, Los Angeles wildfires, hottest year and more
[The 5] Bus crash, Los Angeles wildfires, hottest year and more
January 12, 2025
Top five news stories of 2024
Top five news stories of 2024
January 7, 2025
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
CES 2025: Recapped
January 17, 2025
Top five opinion stories of 2024
Top five opinion stories of 2024
January 10, 2025
“The Sift” is a weekly opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
Hey Siri. Do you spy on people?
January 9, 2025
Chronically Online is a monthly column to help readers develop media literacy skills. (Image created in Adobe Express)
Don’t fall into the “illusion of choice” trap
December 19, 2024
NEVER ENOUGH. There is enough negativity surrounding body image on social media and societal expectations. Instead, Expressing positive thoughts on your own and the person’s appearance can enforce satisfaction in one’s looks.
Comments can shape body image, so think before speaking
December 15, 2024
GOTCHA. Rage bait content spreads hate and profits off of angry reactions. Understand rage bait so one can recognize and avoid it.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Don’t let rage bait poison your mindset
December 14, 2024
INPUT IGNORED. The implementation of the new phone-free policy, despite overwhelmingly negative feedback from students, has contributed to a loss of trust in the administration. In order to repair this relationship, the administration must show that they value student voices and use the data collected in surveys when considering policies.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Phone policy reveals disregard of student input, lack of trust in admin
November 30, 2024
ANALYSIS WITH AN AGENDA. In the midst of No-phone-vember and following an assembly where students were presented slideshows of data, many feel the graphs misrepresented the student survey responses.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Clear as mud: a call for data transparency
November 16, 2024
LOOK AROUND. Attending cultural events means living the value of community and is an opportunity to learn about your peers.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Create time to show up for cultural events
October 31, 2024
ACCOMMODATIONS, NOT ADVANTAGES. Neurodivergence is often misunderstood in the learning environment. Students may contribute intentionally or unintentionally to this culture by stigmatizing students who use extended time or other arrangements.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Misunderstood, stigmatized: more neurodivergence awareness needed
October 29, 2024
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
CES 2025: Recapped
January 17, 2025
“The Sift” is a weekly opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
Hey Siri. Do you spy on people?
January 9, 2025
Chronically Online is a monthly column to help readers develop media literacy skills. (Image created in Adobe Express)
Don’t fall into the “illusion of choice” trap
December 19, 2024
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
ChatGPT search: the dangers of AI hallucinations
December 13, 2024
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
News from Down Under: Australia’s social media ban
December 5, 2024
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
POWERFUL PERFORMANCE. Sophomore Johnson performs with the choir at the MS and US joint choral performance. Johnson said. “I tried all the activities ... like, every sport under the sun ... theater just stuck out. (SPA Smugmug, Scott Streble)
Johnson maintains childhood passion over the years
January 17, 2025
READING TWIST. US English teacher Akie Kutsunai was assigned to read classic novels a number of times and hated it in high school, but time offered a surprise as rereading offered a deeper understanding that made Kutsunai love literature.
Akie Kutsunai saw reading as a “Crime and Punishment” in school
January 17, 2025
Top five feature stories of 2024
Top five feature stories of 2024
January 13, 2025
INSIDE OUT. Ninth-grader Samuel Krueger is a self-defined introvert. Maybe he’ll open up more in the future. But he’s happy where he is right now.
Samuel Krueger finds comfort in quiet
January 10, 2025
SOCIAL SPORTS. Darien Hull remembers when “...back in seventh-grade year our soccer team won the city championship…it was a community-building experience to win it with some of my peers and classmates. During the season I got to [meet new people] by more than a name and a grade,” he said.
Darien Hull challenges you to join a sport
January 3, 2025
CAUGHT IN THE MIDST. While voting for whether or not to keep playing the deadly games, player 456, Seong Gi-hun, finds himself standing in the midst of his fellow players fighting and arguing for their own decisions. Everyone is trying to convince each other of their own opinions, but Seong, who knows the lethal nature of the game, is lost in his mind thinking of ways to stop the chaos. (Screen capture from “The Red Light Green Light Game Returns | Squid Game: Season 2 | Netflix” by Still Watching Netflix on YouTube.)
[TV REVIEW] New season, new commentary: “Squid Game” continues to impress
January 17, 2025
(Screen capture from “First Love's Name” by Rock Melon on YouTube.)
[WHAT’S IN A NAME] Elzie Bieganek explores the art and emotion behind naming her songs
January 15, 2025
Top five A&E stories of 2024
Top five A&E stories of 2024
January 9, 2025
NEW CINEMA. A wave of movies this fall-winter season hopes to compensate for the disappointing cinema earlier this year. (Press release images from various studios, credited later in each individual chapter)
[OFF-SCREEN WITH OSTREM] The good and not-so-good of recent cinema
December 17, 2024
[IN THE DRAKE] “Grandma’s Attic” evokes nostalgia
December 14, 2024
CAUGHT IN THE MIDST. While voting for whether or not to keep playing the deadly games, player 456, Seong Gi-hun, finds himself standing in the midst of his fellow players fighting and arguing for their own decisions. Everyone is trying to convince each other of their own opinions, but Seong, who knows the lethal nature of the game, is lost in his mind thinking of ways to stop the chaos. (Screen capture from “The Red Light Green Light Game Returns | Squid Game: Season 2 | Netflix” by Still Watching Netflix on YouTube.)
[TV REVIEW] New season, new commentary: “Squid Game” continues to impress
January 17, 2025
NEW CINEMA. A wave of movies this fall-winter season hopes to compensate for the disappointing cinema earlier this year. (Press release images from various studios, credited later in each individual chapter)
[OFF-SCREEN WITH OSTREM] The good and not-so-good of recent cinema
December 17, 2024
FRIENDSHIP: Star player of the Chuska warriors gets in a mental funk when a reporter asked him about his dead family members. Best friend Jimmy Holiday steps in and helps his friend. (Photo taken by Lewis Clark, released by Netflix)
[MOVIE REVIEW] Rez Ball inspirationally melds basketball and Native American representation
December 12, 2024
GRAVY FEST. Yung Gravy sold out The Armory, which has a maximum capacity of of 8,400, for his first Gravy Fest
[CONCERT REVIEW] Yung Gravy’s hometown tour stop disappoints and disgusts
December 10, 2024
MUSICAL HISTORY. The 2025 GRAMMYs will be the 67th ceremony, with the first having been held on May 4, 1959. The first Album of the Year award was given to Henry Mancini for his soundtrack to the TV series "Peter Gunn."
Ranking the 2025 GRAMMY album of the year nominees
December 6, 2024
BRIGHT FUTURE. Drake Arena manager Dave Olund was a rink assistant manager for five years before taking on the role of manager at St. Thomas Academy ice arena. Olund is excited to be apart of the SPA community working with SPA Athletics.
Olund’s hockey roots help in new manager role
January 17, 2025
HUDDLE. The varsity starters gather together before the first whistle of the rematch.
Boys basketball asserts dominance in second consecutive Target Center victory against MPA
January 13, 2025
LUNGES: Zack Berchenko lunges forward for the hit to score a point. Zack used this strategy to advance out of his pool.
Fencing team shines at YELFC Winter Showdown
January 12, 2025
ON THE OFFENSE. Junior Clare Ryan Bradley scans for the court for a passing opportunity.
Girls basketball boasts second consecutive victory against MPA at Target Center
January 11, 2025
Top five sports stories of 2024
Top five sports stories of 2024
January 8, 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
BRIGHT FUTURE. Drake Arena manager Dave Olund was a rink assistant manager for five years before taking on the role of manager at St. Thomas Academy ice arena. Olund is excited to be apart of the SPA community working with SPA Athletics.
Olund’s hockey roots help in new manager role
January 17, 2025
HUDDLE. The varsity starters gather together before the first whistle of the rematch.
Boys basketball asserts dominance in second consecutive Target Center victory against MPA
January 13, 2025
LUNGES: Zack Berchenko lunges forward for the hit to score a point. Zack used this strategy to advance out of his pool.
Fencing team shines at YELFC Winter Showdown
January 12, 2025
ON THE OFFENSE. Junior Clare Ryan Bradley scans for the court for a passing opportunity.
Girls basketball boasts second consecutive victory against MPA at Target Center
January 11, 2025
GOING UP. Senior Nathan Rock rises up for a layup being followed by a Scots defender.
Boys basketball falls to Highland Park despite standout individual performances
December 15, 2024
GAME TIME. The game's first faceoff, with sophomore Dia Chaney, after gaining possession for the Spartans.
Girls lacrosse falls 17-4 to Breck, aims to turn season around
May 20, 2024
Freshman Adem Rivers, practicing his short game at University of Minnesota Driving Range.
Golf Captain Peltier brings leadership, pride to growing team
May 14, 2024
IN PURSUIT. A Roseville player chases after a Blackhawks player trying to get the ball.
JV Blackhawks Lacrosse loses close game to Roseville
May 13, 2024
THE PRESSURE IS ON. Mckinley Garner guards Kieran Monahan, forcing one direction as he counts down the seconds Monahan has left to throw.
Spartan Ultimate glides through season with exceptional spirit
May 7, 2024
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT. Elizabeth Tuttle practices for her next meet by leaping over the hurdles. Last year, Elizabeth qualified for state after she finished in second place in the 100m and the 300m hurdles.
There is no “I” in Track
May 6, 2024
Want to learn more about video games? Tune in to The Game On Podcast.
[GAME ON] Ep. 3 The fall of Fall Guys
January 17, 2025
TAKEN DOWN in this TRENDING podcast we will discuss the potential banning of the platform.
[TRENDING] Ep. 3 Ali Manzoor and Victor Valdez are ready to migrate from TikTok
January 17, 2025
[UNEXPECTED FRIENDSHIPS] Ep. 3 Physics and phriendships
[UNEXPECTED FRIENDSHIPS] Ep. 3 Physics and phriendships
January 16, 2025
Top five multimedia stories of 2024
Top five multimedia stories of 2024
January 14, 2025
[RUNNING ON EMPTY] Ep. 3 The problem with all-nighters
[RUNNING ON EMPTY] Ep. 3 The problem with all-nighters
January 14, 2025
Want to learn more about video games? Tune in to The Game On Podcast.
[GAME ON] Ep. 3 The fall of Fall Guys
January 17, 2025
TAKEN DOWN in this TRENDING podcast we will discuss the potential banning of the platform.
[TRENDING] Ep. 3 Ali Manzoor and Victor Valdez are ready to migrate from TikTok
January 17, 2025
[UNEXPECTED FRIENDSHIPS] Ep. 3 Physics and phriendships
[UNEXPECTED FRIENDSHIPS] Ep. 3 Physics and phriendships
January 16, 2025
[RUNNING ON EMPTY] Ep. 3 The problem with all-nighters
[RUNNING ON EMPTY] Ep. 3 The problem with all-nighters
January 14, 2025
Want to learn more about video games? Tune in to The Game On Podcast.
[GAME ON] Ep. 2 Why are sports games so profitable?
January 10, 2025
[MIC'D UP] Adem Rivers laces up to beat negativity and find comraderie
[MIC’D UP] Adem Rivers laces up to beat negativity and find comraderie
January 13, 2025
Yasmin Khan room tour
Yasmin Khan room tour
December 14, 2024
[MIC'D UP] Adele Gjerde glides through the season
[MIC’D UP] Adele Gjerde glides through the season
November 19, 2024
Girls basketball channels unity and positivity at captains practice
Girls basketball channels unity and positivity at captains practice
November 11, 2024
Lucy Lowman shares her journey on the girls varsity soccer team
Lucy Lowman shares her journey on the girls varsity soccer team
November 2, 2024
January 2025 Issue
January 16, 2025
November 2024 Issue
November 21, 2024
October 2024 Issue
October 29, 2024
September 2024 Issue
September 24, 2024
May 2024 Issue
May 28, 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
WHERE SHOULD OUR MONEY GO? Geoengineering solutions like carbon capture are costly. In 2021, it cost $47.10 per metric ton of CO2 removed through carbon capture systems, according to the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

Stop climate change at the source, reject costly geoengineering solutions

McKinley Garner, The Rubicon • February 26, 2024
Decrease environmentally harmful investments rather than putting money towards a band-aid solution.
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

RubicOnline Staff • November 13, 2023
Institutional climate action becomes more necessary every day, yet SPA makes no commitment to curb school carbon emissions on its website.
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

McKinley Garner and Sonia Kharbanda • October 15, 2023
Looking closely, natural disasters have been on the rise in recent years, and it can be highly attributed to climate change.
WOMEN IN STEM Brokken analyzes water organisms under a microscope. "We did different labs about microplastics," Brokken said.

Brokken explores marine life in the Key West

Ivy Raya, RubicOnline • April 28, 2023
Senior Freya Brokken attended a six-day marine biology camp at the beginning of April.
CLIMATE CRISIS. Deciduous trees encroach into a balsam fir forest in Cloquet, Minnesota while other tree species fail to regenerate. The changing landscape and potential loss of Minnesota's greenery greatly concerns students. “It’s really disappointing, and I want to think about what I can do more to make sure that doesn’t happen,” junior Anisa Deo said.

Rising temperatures threaten Minnesota’s Northwoods

Siri Pattison, RubicOnline • February 10, 2023
Leading climate scientists believe Minnesota will lose its Northwoods within the century if the climate crisis continues to escalate.
LOCAL DROUGHT. As of Nov. 8, 6.54% of Minnesota is experiencing extreme drought, which has caused Minnehaha Falls to dry up for the second year in a row.

From snow to drought, climate change is ever-present in Minnesota

Rita Li, RubicOnline • November 9, 2022
Extreme weather conditions alter how Minnesotans experience fall.
CROSSING CONSUMERISM. With the scale of online shopping constantly increasing, it’s become more and more difficult to avoid making unethical purchases. However, social movements to protest things like fast fashion have also grown, acting to spread awareness of the harmful aspects of consumerism.

Engaging in consumerism requires awareness of its consequences

Orion Kim, Chief Visual Editor • October 29, 2022

Consumerism is a dominant force in daily life and people need to be aware of the psychological influences that materialistic value can have on their mental health. Additionally, consumerism extends beyond...

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT. Droughts in Somalia have had a detrimental effect on the land, people and economy. To provide resources and spread awareness for countries that are particularly affected by issues of climate change, the first step is starting discussions about environmental crises that are outside of the United States.

Environmental crises are global: think outside the United States

Milkii Tigro, The Rubicon • October 26, 2022
Environmental crises are happening everywhere and affecting everyone, yet not many people are aware.
THE VOICE IS OURS. Leatham and her dad hold signs at a protest against climate change.

Activist Leatham sets up a role model for the “problem solvers of the next generation”

Mariam Malik, RubicOnline • October 12, 2022
Junior Audrey Leatham's participation in social justice drives her determination to make change for the next generation.
IT'S TIME FOR A CHANGE: It's no secret our planet is in a climate emergency. Making small, easy changes to your daily routine can bring us one step closer to finally ending this crisis.

Seven easy ways to help protect the environment

Eliana Mann, Rubiconline • May 19, 2022
Any number of small, personal actions can make a positive impact on the environment and are often easy to do.
FIRST SNOWFALL. The first snowfall of the season for St. Paul didn’t happen until Nov. 13 almost a month later than last year.

Warmer fall for ninth year in a row

Eve Sampsell-Jones, The Rubicon • December 4, 2021
Autumn has been getting warmer, and this year fall tied for the warmest in the Metro area.
Locally in Minnesota, which had record-breaking droughts this summer, there have also been many large-scale wildfires around and in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) that left the area closed for the first time in 45 years.

BWCA wildfires intensify through dry summer; closed for the first time in 45 years

Elle Chen, RubicOnline • September 10, 2021
On Aug. 15, the Greenwood Fire in the BWCA area was started by lightning. Since then, fires have continued to spread in the region.
Load More Stories