The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

The Rubicon
MEMORY LANE. Junior Jack Bettenburg reflect on some of his favorite parts of the boundary waters. “If the mining starts to happen in the Boundary Waters, water purification and swimming would be so different and may lead to trips being canceled,” he said. (Photo submitted by Jack Bettenburg)
Boundary Waters protections reversed, those who utilize the BWCA express concern
November 11, 2025
[The 5] RV's set on fire, MLB pitchers getting prosecuted, and more
[The 5] RV’s set on fire, MLB pitchers getting prosecuted, and more
November 10, 2025
Mayor-elect Kaohly Her speaks at a debate hosted on Oct. 7. She will be both the first woman and first Hmong American to serve as St. Paul mayor.
Kaohly Her wins St. Paul mayoral office in historic upset
November 7, 2025
Sophomores Fiona Lambert and Naomi Zins attracted sheep during their trip to Dodge Nature Center. On October 15th, groups of sophomores left campus to do various tasks like pulling weeds and meeting farm animals. (Photo submitted by Stacy Tepp.)
Where sophomores are putting their volunteer hours
November 6, 2025
Lime scooters make it easier during the fall season to go from store to store on Randolph Avenue. Freshman, Maizy Henretta said "Having good and easy transportation makes people want to use it more," This form of transportation has many great features which is good for people all over the city to get these flexible bikes and scooters.
Scooters and bike programs are back: popularity and safety of the programs in St. Paul
November 5, 2025
When Washington D.C. fails, the states step up
When Washington D.C. fails, the states step up
November 17, 2025
FINDING FORGIVENESS. Like an umbrella, forgiveness provides a shield against constant feelings of anger and shame. It is important to see forgiveness as a personal choice, rather than absolving the offender or forgetting the incident.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Forgive on your own time to find growth, peace
November 16, 2025
“The Sift” is a weekly opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
What’s missing from your home? A $20k invasive robot.
November 14, 2025
SPECIALIZED SPORTS. Should athletes focus on one sport, or stay neutral and try them all? This choice shaped the skills, mindset and future potential. Ultimately, it’s about staying healthy, being challenged and remaining passionate (Image created via Canva, including items from NNSHOP and Kmg Design).
[2 SIDES, 1 ISSUE] Should athletes quickly specialize in one sport?
November 6, 2025
MOTORIZED. What classifies something as a motorized vehicle. Certain motorized Ebikes can surpass speeds of over 28 mph.
The E-bike dilemma
November 3, 2025
FINDING FORGIVENESS. Like an umbrella, forgiveness provides a shield against constant feelings of anger and shame. It is important to see forgiveness as a personal choice, rather than absolving the offender or forgetting the incident.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Forgive on your own time to find growth, peace
November 16, 2025
DUST TO DUST. Since 2005, 40% of all newspapers have closed according to Northwestern University's 2025 report “The State of Local News Project." Plus, online visits to websites of the 100 largest local newspapers have decreased, on average, by more than 40%.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] As news deserts expand, local publications offer oasis
October 31, 2025
SCHOOL SWIMMING. Amid immense pressure to thrive academically, it can be difficult to stay afloat. It’s time for the college prep school environment to be reconsidered. Students themselves are the key to promoting healthy competition.
[STAFF EDITORIAL] Recognize the problems with academic exceptionalism
October 21, 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
September 25, 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
“The Sift” is a weekly opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
What’s missing from your home? A $20k invasive robot.
November 14, 2025
The Sift is a weekly The Rubicon opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
The Witching Hour? More like the Watching Hour.
October 30, 2025
“The Sift” is a weekly opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
What happens when the Cloud falls?
October 24, 2025
“The Sift” is a weekly opinions column focused on the impacts and implications of new technologies.
OpenAI Sora’s 2: The Future of AI Video?
October 10, 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
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
Addressing the digital divide: ensuring equality in technology
Addressing the digital divide: ensuring equality in technology
November 18, 2025
BEFORE BED. An important impact of reading is how useful a habit reading can be before bed. Incorporating reading for fun into the nighttime routine helps to fall asleep faster.
[GOOD FOR YOU] Why you should read for enjoyment
November 12, 2025
INTERVIEWS. Junior Adi Narayan and senior Miles Atkinson interviewed their family members about their migration stories for the final project of their semester long class. (Submitted by Adi Narayan and Miles Atkinson)
Literature of Migration project connects students to their family histories
November 10, 2025
ROOTED ABROAD. Olivia Irwin as a child with her family in Germany, where living abroad first immersed her in language and culture, shaping how she sees connection across borders. (Photo submitted by Olivia Irwin)
[BEYOND WORDS] How language became Olivia Irwin’s compass
November 2, 2025
SHOTS. From flu shots to COVID-19 boosters, every generation has its own story of vaccine trust and doubt.
Why do vaccines garner controversy?
November 2, 2025
BEFORE BED. An important impact of reading is how useful a habit reading can be before bed. Incorporating reading for fun into the nighttime routine helps to fall asleep faster.
[GOOD FOR YOU] Why you should read for enjoyment
November 12, 2025
TURNING IT DOWN. When someone has their phone in bed, the blue light suppresses melatonin production. This means it makes it very difficult to fall asleep, so ditching screens before sleeping improves sleep significantly.
[GOOD FOR YOU] How turning off screens before bedtime benefits sleep
October 29, 2025
BURNT OUT A student lays on his computer in exhaustion, unable to write anything. Feeling unmotivated is a good reason to have a reset.
[GOOD FOR YOU] Restful reset: the best ways to reboot
October 26, 2025
MUSIC AND NO MELTDOWN. While studying can be a pain, music can definitely help work move by faster. Listening to loved music is certainly a way to improve mental health.
[GOOD FOR YOU] Utilizing music as a means of productivity
October 21, 2025
WAYS TO SHOW IT. Showing gratitude can come from a simple thank you card. Not only does writing things down give the recipient a good feeling, but writing gratitude notes is a way to be kind to yourself.
[GOOD FOR YOU] How to show gratitude and why it’s important
October 14, 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
Addressing the digital divide: ensuring equality in technology
Addressing the digital divide: ensuring equality in technology
November 18, 2025
COMPLICATED COMMENTS. Does nature or nurture shape who we are?Senior Lam Le believes the question cannot be answered by one or the other; both genes and environmental factors impact the expression of traits.
Does nature or nurture define us?
October 27, 2025
ONE YEAR LATER. At the beginning of the 2024 school year, the upper school introduced a new phone policy. Then came No-Phone November, which was a test month that led to the permanent policy.
One year into the phone ban: what’s changed and what hasn’t?
October 20, 2025
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
TERRIFYING TELEVISION. Ed Gein, one of the most infamous killers in U.S. history, is the focus of the third season of Netflix’s “Monster" (Fair use image: Screenshot from Netflix Trailer).
“Monster” toes the line between acceptable and appalling
November 17, 2025
MUSIC CONNECTIONS. Student choirs take a trip to Carondelet Village to perform songs and spread joy within the St. Paul Community.
Academy Chorale and Summit Singers share music and smiles with retirement residents at Carondelet Village
November 16, 2025
WATCHOUT FOR WATCHES. Junior Eleanor Mody and sophomore Sophie Karmaliani wear watches to express themselves through accessories.
Wristwatch Wave: students and their trusty timekeepers
November 15, 2025
BOOKLOVERS UNITE. Thousands of people attended the Twin Cities Book Festival at the historic St. Paul Union Depot to celebrate literature, local authors, publishers and stores.
Celebrating literature: highlights from the Twin Cities Book Festival
November 14, 2025
MERCY. The album cover for "Mercy" was designed by Brooklyn artist M. Musgrove, who has previously collaborated with woods (Fair use image from Backwoodz Studioz).
[ALBUM REVIEW] The world is burning and Armand Hammer is ok with that
November 13, 2025
MERCY. The album cover for "Mercy" was designed by Brooklyn artist M. Musgrove, who has previously collaborated with woods (Fair use image from Backwoodz Studioz).
[ALBUM REVIEW] The world is burning and Armand Hammer is ok with that
November 13, 2025
RANGE. A variety of genres defined October's music releases (Fair use images from (left to right): Neighbourhood Recordings, Stones Throw, Alta Music Group).
The best songs released in October: Dave, Sudan Archives and more
November 8, 2025
SHINE. Ethan Hawke shines in his second feature film of the year, playing the sexually questioning Lorenz Hart with complex morality (Fair use image from Sony Pictures Classics).
[OFF-SCREEN WITH OSTREM] Catch-up on movies released in October 2025
November 7, 2025
EXCEL. Josh O'Connor excels as the titular character in the film, mastering the likability yet displaying a great amount of dissatisfaction written into the character (Free use image from MUBI).
[OFF-SCREEN WITH OSTREM] “The Mastermind”: Reichardt’s most American film
October 31, 2025
1. LAUFEY LOVE. A graduate of the Berklee College of Music, Laufey’s popularity has risen exponentially in the past few years.
[CONCERT REVIEW] Laufey stuns in a sold out show at Target Center
October 21, 2025
ROW, ROW, ROW YOUR BOAT. Rowers in the Minneapolis Rowing Club work together to compete a 5k race in practice on the Mississippi River.
Wilson and Bauer find an unexpected love for rowing
November 18, 2025
ON THE BOARDS. A Mustang pins a Bear against the boards looking to intercept the puck. The players often found themselves at that exact spot in front of the Bears' bench.
Ella Bond scores and shines against Breck Mustangs
November 17, 2025
TOGETHER. Captain Mehmet Arey and the cross-country team running together. (Photo reprinted with permission from SPA Smugmug)
Full circle: from inexperienced to captain
November 8, 2025
READY TO RACE. Cross country runner Paloma Good and the varsity girls cross country team wait at the starting line at a meet in Farmington Sept. 25.
The game, the grind, the goal: all work leads up to this moment
November 1, 2025
PUBLIC POST. The girls varsity volleyball team has a public Instagram updated with live game points, events and the season schedule. Many other fall sports use their Instagram accounts to highlight upcoming games and behind-the-scenes team content.
Teams highlight unity, success on social media accounts
October 31, 2025
ROW, ROW, ROW YOUR BOAT. Rowers in the Minneapolis Rowing Club work together to compete a 5k race in practice on the Mississippi River.
Wilson and Bauer find an unexpected love for rowing
November 18, 2025
READY TO RACE. Cross country runner Paloma Good and the varsity girls cross country team wait at the starting line at a meet in Farmington Sept. 25.
The game, the grind, the goal: all work leads up to this moment
November 1, 2025
PUBLIC POST. The girls varsity volleyball team has a public Instagram updated with live game points, events and the season schedule. Many other fall sports use their Instagram accounts to highlight upcoming games and behind-the-scenes team content.
Teams highlight unity, success on social media accounts
October 31, 2025
ON DECK. Swimmers cheer on their teamates on the pool deck
Sparks defeat St. Paul rivals in conference meet
October 28, 2025
WINDUP: Senior Nellie Larson draws her racket back for an aggressive backhand. (Photo submitted by Annalise Atkinson)
Larson takes third at state individuals tennis
October 26, 2025
ON THE BOARDS. A Mustang pins a Bear against the boards looking to intercept the puck. The players often found themselves at that exact spot in front of the Bears' bench.
Ella Bond scores and shines against Breck Mustangs
November 17, 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
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
FIND A BOOK. The school's library offers a wide variety of books to choose from (Created in Canva).
Rediscovering reading: students reflect on their reading habits
November 14, 2025
[HWDYK] Advanced research classes allows students to specialize and dive deep
[HWDYK] Advanced research classes allows students to specialize and dive deep
November 10, 2025
Trunk or Treat unites all ages
Trunk or Treat unites all ages
October 31, 2025
TRY NEXT. If you are looking for something to fill your time this winter, consider trying out a new sport. (made by Audrey Jansen)
What winter sport should you try?
October 27, 2025
NEW TO SCHOOL. Sylvester Cutler, the Director of Enrollment Management, sits at his desk in the Admissions offices. Although he's new to the office he already knows a lot and our interview really showed how caring he is. He said, “Students that traditionally have fallen through the cracks of public school, find that when you come to a school like this, there's it's more nurturing environment.”
Behind the scenes: how well do you know admin offices?
October 23, 2025
FIND A BOOK. The school's library offers a wide variety of books to choose from (Created in Canva).
Rediscovering reading: students reflect on their reading habits
November 14, 2025
NO MORE SOCCER. Ninth grader Keisha Fowowe learned firsthand the drawbacks of a bad coach - so much so that it lead her to quit the sport entirely.
[NEVER AGAIN WITH NABEEHA] Ep. 2: Keisha Fowowe’s soccer experience
October 26, 2025
MASTERING MUSIC. RubicOnline A&E editor Yassin Mokbel has been writing music related stories for his beat since his sophomore year. In this episode, he explains the thought process and effort it takes to master his music writing craft.
[STORY BEHIND THE STORY] Exploring music and morality with Yassin Mokbel
October 21, 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
[HWDYK] Advanced research classes allows students to specialize and dive deep
[HWDYK] Advanced research classes allows students to specialize and dive deep
November 10, 2025
Trunk or Treat unites all ages
Trunk or Treat unites all ages
October 31, 2025
[SPARTAN TAKES] Coffee and Labubus: overhyped?
[SPARTAN TAKES] Coffee and Labubus: overhyped?
October 22, 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
TRY NEXT. If you are looking for something to fill your time this winter, consider trying out a new sport. (made by Audrey Jansen)
What winter sport should you try?
October 27, 2025
NEW TO SCHOOL. Sylvester Cutler, the Director of Enrollment Management, sits at his desk in the Admissions offices. Although he's new to the office he already knows a lot and our interview really showed how caring he is. He said, “Students that traditionally have fallen through the cracks of public school, find that when you come to a school like this, there's it's more nurturing environment.”
Behind the scenes: how well do you know admin offices?
October 23, 2025
HAPPY HOBBIES. What hobbies should you try in the future?
What hobbies should you try next?
October 12, 2025
DESIGN. HerSpace members use their computers to create stickers.
Would you rather… school edition
September 12, 2025
WAY DOWN. The cast is journeying underground this weekend. Submitted image: poster by Anneli Wilson
[QUIZ] Which Hadestown character are you?
May 16, 2025
November 2025 Issue
November 18, 2025
October 2025 Issue
October 21, 2025
September 2025 Issue
September 23, 2025
May 2025 Issue
May 28, 2025
April 2025 Issue
April 22, 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
BRILLIANT BLOCKING. The Our Town cast demonstrates their blocking process early in the first act to the onlooking SPA donors.

Donor event invites theater fans to behind the scenes experience

Lina Abid, The Rubicon • November 21, 2024
Our Town is playing tomorrow and Saturday at 7 p.m in the Huss Auditorium
Students may feel anxious about the quality of their speech by the audience's reaction.

Standing ovations should not define the quality of speeches

Hazel Waltenbaugh, The Rubicon • October 27, 2021
While it’s important to have compassion for these speakers, we shouldn’t justify their hardships over others.
The upper school gathers in the Huss auditorium before a senior speech assembly. There are usually four senior speakers per assembly, which happens once or twice a week.

Draft-by-draft preparation goes into senior speeches

Hazel Waltenbaugh, The Rubicon • October 26, 2021
Senior speech advisor Andrew Inchiosa and members of the class of 2022 reflect on how they turn their ideas, beliefs, and experiences into meaningful speeches.
The 2020 Commencement moved inside the Huss Auditorium due to bad weather. Their families were situated across campus at various spaces were set up to live stream the ceremony.

Commencement takes on a new look as COVID-19 protocols shift

Elizabeth Trevathan, RubicOnline • June 1, 2021
Graduation will happen on June 6 at 4 p.m. on the North Lawn.
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