The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

The Rubicon
[The 5] comeback stories, government shutdowns, potentially the first female Japanese prime minister and more
[The 5] comeback stories, government shutdowns, potentially the first female Japanese prime minister and more
October 5, 2025
Mentor program introduces new changes
Mentor program introduces new changes
October 2, 2025
TRUMP TARIFF RATES. Roughly 50% of countries (out of 194) have the base rate of a 10% tariff. 33% of countries have a 15% tariff. 7% and 8% of countries have 15-25% tariffs and 26-50% tariffs, respectively. Canada and Mexico each have a 25% tariff, and China has a 145% tariff, as of Apr. 10.
As international tariffs go into effect, teens’ buying habits change
October 1, 2025
PARTY POSE. A senior advisory gathers in Head of School Luis Ottley’s backyard to eat dinner. Students were served a wide variety of food, ranging from dumplings to chocolate strawberries.
Ottley opens doors, fostering senior connections
September 30, 2025
THE ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL. U.S. president Donald Trump signs an executive order, in Washington D.C. U.S., august 2025.
Student loan caps alter seniors’ college searches
September 29, 2025
SUPPORT EACH OTHER. In times of crises, it is crucial for communities and individuals to be there for each other. Do not be afraid to reach out in times of need as one may not know when someone is struggling.
Supporting each other in times of crisis
October 7, 2025
MEANINGFUL MEMORIALS. Public memorials can be used to cause rememberance of tragic events and unite a community over a single ideal. (Fair use image: Austin Transportation and Public Work’s)
The difference between political messages and memorials
October 6, 2025
National Guard troops wear gas masks during protests against federal immigration sweeps, in Los Angeles, California, U.S., June 12, 2025. (Reuters: David Swanson)
Questioning federal power: national guard deployments
October 5, 2025
UNITY IN DIVERSITY. Differences in gender identity and presentation do not change one’s shared humanity; treat transgender community members with the respect and acceptance they deserve.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] We all belong: show support for transgender peers
October 4, 2025
“The Sift” is a weekly opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
Albania’s “Wizard of Oz” moment
October 3, 2025
DON'T FORGET. Remember the feelings and emotions of this instance and use them to extend your solidarity and participation moving forward.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Direct anger and mourning into action, not hate
September 19, 2025
HUNTING HONORS. Success plays a central role in learning. However, stepping away from the “success above all else” mindset can create new opportunities for development.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Embrace failure and reject achievement culture to grow
May 24, 2025
ACTIVISM. The University of South Carolina’s Mental Illness Needs Discussion club (USC MIND) ignited the “#SpeakYourMIND” Ice Bucket Challenge.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] More than a trend: make change offline
May 13, 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
“The Sift” is a weekly opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
Albania’s “Wizard of Oz” moment
October 3, 2025
“The Sift” is a weekly opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
Meta’s supervillain stage
September 18, 2025
“The Sift” is a weekly opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
Apple’s awe-dropping event better than last year
September 11, 2025
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
Seriously, what benefit does generative AI art offer humanity?
May 23, 2025
“The Sift” is a weekly opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
Dire Wolves, Dodos, and Woolly Mammoths Oh My!
May 9, 2025
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
GUIDED GRATITUDE. Trying meditation is a useful practice.
Mindful reflection: the power of mediation
October 6, 2025
CLASSY COOKIES. Junior Maggie Sampsell-Jones bakes often, almost every week, for herself, friends and family.
Maggie makes cookies: a lifelong passion for baking
October 6, 2025
IMMENSE IMMERSION. Sophmore Pete Hovan dedicated over 50 hours this summer to teaching elementary students Chinese at the We As One Camp (Photo submitted by Pete Hovan).
Summer experience: Pete Hovan participates in Chinese immersion camp
October 2, 2025
CRAFTING CALLIGRAPHY. Senior Trevor Hou focuses while skillfully writing Chinese characters (Photo submitted by Trevor Hou).
[BEYOND WORDS] Through three tongues, Trevor Hou sees the world through multiple lenses
October 2, 2025
Sophomore Gisele Parnell (Far right) stands with her teammates at a DECA club competition. Each eager to win. (Submitted Gisele Parnell)
New club, DECA, joins SPA
September 30, 2025
GUIDED GRATITUDE. Trying meditation is a useful practice.
Mindful reflection: the power of mediation
October 6, 2025
[GOOD FOR YOU] What's up with energy drinks?
[GOOD FOR YOU] What’s up with energy drinks?
September 11, 2025
JAZZY JOURNALING. Filled with vivid colors, Middlebrook finds creative ways to record her day.
[GOOD FOR YOU] Reflective journaling: does it really work?
September 3, 2025
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
CENSORSHIP CHALLENGES. From politics to school, censorship has entered almost every aspect of daily life, affecting students as well.
Censorship affects all of us
September 26, 2025
NEW HOMES. Over a million Southeast Asian refugees were resettled in the U.S., starting in 1975. After 50 years, the communities have grown. New generations look back in order to move forward.
Looking back and moving forward: celebrating 50 years of Southeast Asians in America
May 27, 2025
RELIGIOUS RELICS. The Taj Mahal (left) in India and St. Stephens Basilica (right) in Italy are two iconic religious buildings. (FAIR USE IMAGES: Wikimedia Commons)
Two truths, one world: rethinking the divide between religion and science
May 24, 2025
WILD WONDERINGS. Junior Evan Morris sees conspiracy theories and psychological phenomena appearing in many forms of media and pop culture. For example, Morris knows of the New World Order and frozen Walt Disney head theories from videos on YouTube. However he is heavily skeptical of the accuracy and truthfulness of them. “To be clear, I don’t back any of them, but I think they are interesting.” Morris said.
The psychology behind common mental phenomena
February 25, 2025
Bilingual narratives
December 1, 2021
Bob Ferguson (Leonardo DiCaprio) is now a single parent of a 16-year-old daughter, living in a completely off-the-grid shack in the woods of the fictitious Northern California city of Baktan Cross; he spends his nights drinking with his buddies at the local bar and spends all day smoking his marijuana pen and watching movies on his couch.(Free use image from Warner Bros Pictures).
[OFF-SCREEN WITH OSTREM] “One Battle After Another” discusses underlying power dynamics through action-packed plotline
October 6, 2025
READY TO GO. Breathe Right nose strips are a perfect solution for any nose congestion, making them a perfect companion for sports, sleep, and daily life.
Set for success: Breathe Right nose strips offer a breath of fresh air
October 4, 2025
CARD COLLECTION. Thomas Fergusons collection of rare Pokemon Cards (Submitted by Thomas Ferguson).
Rekindled passion fuels new trading card club
October 2, 2025
COMFY-COZY. Among many seating options, sofas with coffee tables lined the back wall, making a perfect spot to sit in the sun and relax.
Mystical magic: Backstory Coffee provides enchanting environment
October 1, 2025
Fair use images from (left to right): MSP film website, TCAFF press kit, Avatar Films.
[MOVIE REVIEW] Annual Arab Film Festival brings a taste of the Middle East to Minnesota
September 30, 2025
Bob Ferguson (Leonardo DiCaprio) is now a single parent of a 16-year-old daughter, living in a completely off-the-grid shack in the woods of the fictitious Northern California city of Baktan Cross; he spends his nights drinking with his buddies at the local bar and spends all day smoking his marijuana pen and watching movies on his couch.(Free use image from Warner Bros Pictures).
[OFF-SCREEN WITH OSTREM] “One Battle After Another” discusses underlying power dynamics through action-packed plotline
October 6, 2025
READY TO GO. Breathe Right nose strips are a perfect solution for any nose congestion, making them a perfect companion for sports, sleep, and daily life.
Set for success: Breathe Right nose strips offer a breath of fresh air
October 4, 2025
COMFY-COZY. Among many seating options, sofas with coffee tables lined the back wall, making a perfect spot to sit in the sun and relax.
Mystical magic: Backstory Coffee provides enchanting environment
October 1, 2025
COFFEE & PASTRIES. The entrance to Roots Roasting, a coffee shop near SPA, features a large black and white sign. Feiner tried their raspberry scone.
Grab & Go: what is Highland’s best breakfast option?
September 10, 2025
FIRST THOUGHTS. The front of the fro-yo truck is pictured with fro-yo dispensers on the right of the truck and toppings on the left. There is also a table with beverages and pricing info.
Fro Yo Soul offers a great environment, unique yogurt and mediocre results
September 8, 2025
READY. Senior Nellie Larson prepares to serve. Larson is a left-handed player.
Girls tennis falls to first-seeded Breck in section semifinal
October 5, 2025
READY, SET, GO. The girls varsity cross country team lines up to race. Paloma Good, Alyda Overgaard, Sophie Kannipiran, and Maren Overgaard (left to right) are locked in.
Super support: Kannipiran enjoys the encouraging cross country dynamic
October 1, 2025
RECORD SETTERS: The relay team of Oliver Thompson, Langston Thompson, Roman Hozalski, and Nico Martin (left to right) set new school records after winning the 4x400m and the 4x200m at the IMAC Conference Relay Championship. (Photo submitted by Roman Hozalski).
[10 QUESTIONS] Hozalski’s track and field experience
September 30, 2025
VOLLEYBALL IN PAJAMAS. The Volleyball program dresses in pajamas before playing Saint Agnes.
Building community with dress up days
September 29, 2025
GET LOW. The SMB Wolfpack team gets prepared to take on the DeLaSalle football team to solidify their second win in coach Bryan Cupito’s first season back. “He just wants us to win as a team,” sophomore Miles Coates Cush said of the coach.
New football coach makes winning connection
September 25, 2025
READY. Senior Nellie Larson prepares to serve. Larson is a left-handed player.
Girls tennis falls to first-seeded Breck in section semifinal
October 5, 2025
READY, SET, GO. The girls varsity cross country team lines up to race. Paloma Good, Alyda Overgaard, Sophie Kannipiran, and Maren Overgaard (left to right) are locked in.
Super support: Kannipiran enjoys the encouraging cross country dynamic
October 1, 2025
GET LOW. The SMB Wolfpack team gets prepared to take on the DeLaSalle football team to solidify their second win in coach Bryan Cupito’s first season back. “He just wants us to win as a team,” sophomore Miles Coates Cush said of the coach.
New football coach makes winning connection
September 25, 2025
Tvedt talks. Lacrosse coach Taylor Tvedt coaches her team during a time out. Tvedt is known for her support and energetic coaching. (Photo reprinted from SmugMug with permission)
More see you later than goodbye: Tvedt leaves for director job; will remain on coaching staff
September 23, 2025
GOALLLL. Sophomores Darien Hull and Max George celebrate a goal.
[HOCO DAY 6] BVS grinds out hard-fought win over Roosevelt, celebrates Senior Day
September 22, 2025
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
Trap Shooters, practicing at the Minneapolis Gun Club.
Trap shooting team expands, adds fall season
September 10, 2025
SENIOR JACOB COLTON LAUNCHES INTO A SERVE DURING DOUBLES PLAY. Colton, partnering with Ben Macedo , brought focus and finesse to the court as they captured the Section 4A doubles title.
Spartans sweep Section 4A: titles for Arvidson, Wang/Seneratna, Colton/Macedo, Schumacher
May 27, 2025
ALMOST THERE. Sophomore Langston Thompson drives his arm as he aims for the finish line. He finished first in his 200 meter heat.
Cold weather, hot performances: track and field shines at conference championships
May 19, 2025
Coach Pope and junior Josh Melchert discuss how excited they are for the new season
Hole in one: boys golf use competition with some fun as they head into first matches
May 9, 2025
JUMP FOR IT! Captain Jesse Wussler launches into the air, battling gravity for a high-flying disc midair. “Winning the Rookie of the Year Award, freshman year, that's pretty cool,” he said, reflecting on his favorite ultimate frisbee memory.
Catch this: how Spartan Ultimate Frisbee keeps redefining school sports
May 8, 2025
FINDING A BALANCE. Senior Zain Kizilbash and freshman Eugene Gardiner talk about the things that take up their time after school. (Photos submitted by Eugene Gardiner and Zain Kizilbash. Background image reprinted from the Ibid Flickr.)
Learning, leisure, life lessons: students discuss their after-school routines
October 4, 2025
Homecoming game recreated by GVS after a rainy cancellation
Homecoming game recreated by GVS after a rainy cancellation
October 2, 2025
[HWDYK] Art wing inspires and ties community together
[HWDYK] Art wing inspires and ties community together
October 1, 2025
[MIC'D UP] Annalise Atkinson keeps spirits high while playing doubles in tennis
[MIC’D UP] Annalise Atkinson keeps spirits high while playing doubles in tennis
September 25, 2025
[NEVER AGAIN WITH NABEEHA] Ep. 1: Murray Goff's wilderness trip gone wrong
[NEVER AGAIN WITH NABEEHA] Ep. 1: Murray Goff’s wilderness trip gone wrong
September 25, 2025
FINDING A BALANCE. Senior Zain Kizilbash and freshman Eugene Gardiner talk about the things that take up their time after school. (Photos submitted by Eugene Gardiner and Zain Kizilbash. Background image reprinted from the Ibid Flickr.)
Learning, leisure, life lessons: students discuss their after-school routines
October 4, 2025
[NEVER AGAIN WITH NABEEHA] Ep. 1: Murray Goff's wilderness trip gone wrong
[NEVER AGAIN WITH NABEEHA] Ep. 1: Murray Goff’s wilderness trip gone wrong
September 25, 2025
[STORY BEHIND THE STORY] Tuttle power: Beats Manager Elizabeth Tuttle explains the Beat process
[STORY BEHIND THE STORY] Tuttle power: Beats Manager Elizabeth Tuttle explains the Beat process
September 24, 2025
ROSE REFLECTION. Freshmen Andreas Bauer, Lucas Messier and Ellie Whitcomb discuss their hopes and fears for the new school year (Image created using Canva elements Red Roses icon by DRogatnev, Marsala rose bud by kate.galunga.art, Wilted rose by deemakdaksina and pastel pink square by Brace Art Avenue).
New year in bloom: freshmen discuss their roses and thorns
September 7, 2025
OBLIVIOUS OPHELIA. Sophomore Ella Barlow acts out Act Four, Scene Five of Hamlet with her groupmates.
Freshmen and sophomores reimagine ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and ‘Hamlet’
May 26, 2025
Homecoming game recreated by GVS after a rainy cancellation
Homecoming game recreated by GVS after a rainy cancellation
October 2, 2025
[HWDYK] Art wing inspires and ties community together
[HWDYK] Art wing inspires and ties community together
October 1, 2025
[MIC'D UP] Annalise Atkinson keeps spirits high while playing doubles in tennis
[MIC’D UP] Annalise Atkinson keeps spirits high while playing doubles in tennis
September 25, 2025
[SPARTAN TAKES] Beverages and Biology
[SPARTAN TAKES] Beverages and Biology
September 23, 2025
Pregame Rituals with Louise Mahoney
Pregame Rituals with Louise Mahoney
September 14, 2025
September 2025 Issue
September 23, 2025
May 2025 Issue
May 28, 2025
April 2025 Issue
April 22, 2025
March 2025 Issue
March 11, 2025
February 2025 Issue
February 11, 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
ECLIPSE. A solar eclipse is a rare event in which the moon is between Earth and the Sun, blocking the view of the sun. In other parts of the United States, the view of the Sun will be totally blocked, constituting what's called a total eclipse. "A total eclipse is a completely different event that is another level of coolness. So if they [the students] have that chance, they should absolutely take the chance to see a total eclipse if they ever can. The next one in Minnesota will be the year 2099," Astronomy and Planetary Science teacher Joseph Martin said.

Solar eclipse on the horizon: what you need to know

Aarushi Bahadur, RubicOnline • April 7, 2024
Join Mr. Martin on the cafeteria lawn during x-period for a watch party with space-themed snacks. Weather permitting, expect to see a 79-80% partial eclipse from the Twin Cities and surrounding area.
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