• 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
Concerns arise regarding sexual harassment reports; Head of School Luis Ottley responds
Concerns arise regarding sexual harassment reports; Head of School Luis Ottley responds
May 6, 2025
CANDY STRIKE. Junior Otto Rudolf hits off a leg of the pinata in one swing.
Cinco de Mayo celebration offers comunidad
May 6, 2025
[The 5] School funding, obscure laws, tensions in Syria and more
[The 5] School funding, obscure laws, tensions in Syria and more
May 5, 2025
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
BUSINESS, PEOPLE, BOYCOTT. Boycotts have been used as a sign of protest, a shout for corporate change, but could it also be hurting people too?
A question for the ages: to boycott or not to boycott
May 5, 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
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
ON THE STAGE: Anna Klevan, 9th grade, is seen on the stage during a performance of the nutcracker. When Klevan saw the nutcracker, age 4, she fell in love with it. She recalls, “I think I just went to see the Nutcracker and I was like, this is amazing.” (Photo submitted by Anna Klevan)
Spartans on stage: students dancing (through) life
May 6, 2025
A LOCAL FAVORITE. Located in South Minneapolis, Tacos El Kevin serves traditional Mexican food and drinks.
[AROUND TOWN] Tacos El Kevin delivers bold flavors and authentic atmosphere
May 5, 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
A LOCAL FAVORITE. Located in South Minneapolis, Tacos El Kevin serves traditional Mexican food and drinks.
[AROUND TOWN] Tacos El Kevin delivers bold flavors and authentic atmosphere
May 5, 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
READY, STEADY, SWING: Captain Helen Frost went up to bat and swung far. Although she ended up being tagged at first base, she continued to make multiple other impressive swings and defensive plays for the Redhawks.
Redhawks softball co-op stays energetic through a tough season
May 7, 2025
HIGH-FIVES. Captain Ben Macedo and freshmen Luca Kempcke hype each other up after a well-won point. Against Orono, all of the doubles players won, whereas all the singles lost, resulting in a 3-4 loss. “It was the same last year too,” said sophomore Gavin Leuthold.
Boys tennis season underway with eyes on continued success
May 6, 2025
POSTGAME PEP: The team gathers to reflect on the game, come up with plays for next time, and share words of encouragement.
Beyond the field: defining teamwork on girls lacrosse
May 5, 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
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
READY, STEADY, SWING: Captain Helen Frost went up to bat and swung far. Although she ended up being tagged at first base, she continued to make multiple other impressive swings and defensive plays for the Redhawks.
Redhawks softball co-op stays energetic through a tough season
May 7, 2025
HIGH-FIVES. Captain Ben Macedo and freshmen Luca Kempcke hype each other up after a well-won point. Against Orono, all of the doubles players won, whereas all the singles lost, resulting in a 3-4 loss. “It was the same last year too,” said sophomore Gavin Leuthold.
Boys tennis season underway with eyes on continued success
May 6, 2025
POSTGAME PEP: The team gathers to reflect on the game, come up with plays for next time, and share words of encouragement.
Beyond the field: defining teamwork on girls lacrosse
May 5, 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
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
SUBTITUTIONS. The Wolfpack's bench walks up to the line and gets ready to enter the game.

[HOCO Day 5] Intense homecoming football game ends in Wolfpack defeat

Peter Lipinsky, Rubicon Online • September 30, 2024
SMB Wolfpack finished the first half of the homecoming game versus Benilde-St. Margaret's winning 7-3, but unfortunately lost 7-17 after an intense second half.
SPARTAN SPIRIT. Spartan mascot Cassandra Overholt high fives students after defeating the BSM Crusader in a pre-game skit.

[HOCO Day 5] Pepfest pumps up fans before weekend games

Greyson Sale, Amanda Hsu, Lani Ngonethong, John Grimsrud, and Sonia Kharbanda • September 30, 2024
The entire Upper School gathered in the gym on Friday for the annual Pepfest celebration.
THE BOKEH DESIGNS. Freshmen Eva Johnson and Sofia Rivera featured from left to right. One day biology teacher Rachel Yost-Dubrow approached River and freshman Margaret Bonin to come up with a homecoming t-shirt design. "We knew that the shirt was glow-in-the-dark, but we didn't know how else to interpret it. Some teachers gave us ideas like inserting glow-in-the-dark animals like jellyfish, but we wanted it to be more cohesive. So we came up with the idea of embedding bokeh," Rivera said.

FRIDAY DRESS UP: Blue and gold day showcases strong school spirit

Rita Li, Creative Design Manager • October 7, 2023
Students from all grades decorated their face with face paint and dressed up in creative ways. Do you have a pair of Spartan PJ pants?
ANYTHING GOES. From left to right, Seniors Claire Kim, Melina Kannankutty, Eli Peres and Eliza Farley proudly show off their miscellaneous non-backpacks. Peres went all out, bringing a skeleton complete with clothes and its own backpack.

WEDNESDAY DRESS UP: Anything but a backpack shows off creativity

Eliana Mann and Clara McKoy • October 5, 2023
The halls were flooded with laundry baskets, wagons, grocery bags and pet cages yesterday.
[QUIZ] Homecoming through the years

[QUIZ] Homecoming through the years

Eliana Mann, Production Manager • October 4, 2023
Take this quiz to test your knowledge about the history of homecoming at SPA.
FIRST TIME IN A LONG TIME. Upper school students walk towards the bleachers on Lang Field for the all-school assembly. This was the first joint assembly in 30 years.

K-12 student body comes together for joint assembly

Greyson Sale, RubicOnline • October 3, 2023
An all-school assembly was held today on Lang Field.
DOUBLE VICTORY. The Clean-Up crew celebrates after beating junior team The Ballhandlers in the semifinal. Team-member Mia Collins says that she was strategically a sacrificial player. “I think everyone is just really good, besides me, so they wanted me to be the sacrifice kinda. I tried my best." she said.

Spartans bring supportive spirit to Tuesday’s dodgeball tournament

Siri Pattison, RubicOnline • October 3, 2023
Student teams competed to determine who will face the faculty team on Friday.
HERE I COME. Junior Aidan Willams strikes the incoming ball to his opponents.

Ping pong tournament sets up a legendary battle

Thomas Chen, RubicOnline • October 3, 2023
Two time defending champions Maik Nguyen and Baasit Mahmood attempt to become ping pong legends in a battle against passionate ping pong club members Rita Li and Aidan Williams.
SHINING STARS. This year’s homecoming shirt design features a glow-in-the-dark logo with stars and bokeh-inspired circles. “It’s fun to do something kind of artsy, ... but still sticking with the theme,” Sofia Rivera said. Submitted by Sophia Rivera

Got a shirt? Homecoming designers foster creativity

Sonia Kharbanda, The Rubicon • October 1, 2023

Disco, outer space, Western, and now glow: past and current homecoming dance themes have dominated September conversation. As the biggest show of school spirit and the first dance of the year, homecoming...

LET'S GLOW. The Student Activities Committee has selected glow-in-the-dark as this year's homecoming theme, and students are encouraged to dress this way for the homecoming dance. Additionally, SAC created t-shirts that members of the SPA community can buy, which do indeed glow in the dark.

Early peek into homecoming week

Lani Ngonethong, RubicOnline • September 12, 2023
With homecoming just two weeks away, the countdown begins for dress-up days, athletic competitions, the school dance and more.
Homecoming week ends with "disco" dance

Homecoming week ends with “disco” dance

Ivy Raya and Marius Elias Morse • September 25, 2022
Saturday's event included a photo booth and games in Redleaf Commons, and a DJ in the gym.
CLOSE ONE. Captain Yash Kshirsagar anxiously watches his teammates after a failed offensive attack.

BVS ties in a tough Homecoming Game

Ali Browne, RubicOnline • September 25, 2022
After a challenging homecoming game, the boys varsity soccer team is 3-3-3.
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