The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

The Rubicon
IN IT TO WIN IT. (From left to right) Senior Deling Chen, juniors Maren Overgaard, Huxley Westemeier and Evan Morris pose in front of a Regeneron ISEF poster.
ISEF finalists bring back more than just awards
May 23, 2025
CANCELLED. The 2025 NAIS PoCC/SDLC Conference will not take place this December.
NAIS cancels conferences that centered students of color
May 20, 2025
[NEWS IN BRIEF] Jill Romans accepts Head of School position at Pine Cobble School
[NEWS IN BRIEF] Jill Romans accepts Head of School position at Pine Cobble School
May 19, 2025
CONTRIBUTING TO THE AMERICAN TAPESTRY. APAICS holds a convention every year during May, AANHPI Heritage Month. This year, the conference name is Woven Together: Strength in Community.
APAICS empowers AANHPI civic engagement
May 17, 2025
TALENTED TRIO. Juniors Roman Farley and Johann DeVriese entertain the crowd with a short podcast while junior Ethan He draws up a caricature of Farley.
Talent show brings in oohs and aahs
May 16, 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
LET IT GROW. Social media can be used healthily, like creative platforms like Substack and Pinterest. These platforms encourage community and connection.
Let it go or let it grow?: The complexity of healthy social media
May 21, 2025
START EARLY. Learning about money (and putting it in the right places) early is a game-changer for financial success.
SPA doesn’t teach financial literacy, but your future won’t wait for a lesson plan
May 20, 2025
Pollution seeks into the ecosystem, staining the clear lakes and drinkable waters.
Protect the boundary waters from drilling
May 19, 2025
NEVER ENOUGH. Grades create a toxic cycle that detract from the whole purpose of education: learning. (Image made on Canva using Realistic Flying Pages by klyaksun, and Sleeping Student while Studying by Headeartands)
Pervasive toxicity: today’s grading system undermines learning
May 15, 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
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
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
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
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
TRANSATLANTIC FRIENDSHIP. Sophomore Elliot Pierach and his exchange partner from Heisenberg Gymnasium, Samuel Becker, pose at an event at the U of M in the fall. (Photo submitted by Elliot Pierach)
The German exchange: part two
May 23, 2025
Junior Privileges: How off-campus privileges create a sense of freedom
Junior Privileges: How off-campus privileges create a sense of freedom
May 22, 2025
PRESS CONFERENCE. U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. discusses the findings of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) latest Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network survey, during a press conference at the Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 16, 2025. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz
Disproving RFK’s rhetoric: Perry explains their lived experiences with autism
May 21, 2025
TACO 'BOUT DELICIOUS. El Coronel serving up food for locals in Stillwater last summer. (Photo submitted by Emilio Candia)
Taco ’bout this: Inside Taher chef Emilio Candia’s food truck
May 19, 2025
THE USUALS. Aldegundo Brenneman, Anneli Wilson, Gavin Luethold, and Emma Tan enjoy nice warm cups of coffee. This group is part of 6-7 people who consistenly participate in the clubs.
Coffee and Conversations fosters discussion and camaraderie
May 14, 2025
BODY SWAP. When a woman at a Chinese restaurant gives Anna and Tess a magical fortune cookie, they wake up and realize Anna is now in her mom’s body, while Tess is stuck as a teenager. (Screen capture: Freaky Friday (2003) trailer)
[MOVIE REVIEW] Freakier Friday is coming: get ready with Freaky Friday now
May 23, 2025
TEA TIME. Hoping to incorporate elements of both functionality and design, as well as to study how those two themes interact, Evy Sachs’s “Teapot Sets” were crafted with deliberate attention to detail in each one. Sachs experimented with size, shape, color and style through different glazes, sculpting techniques and lid sizes. Sophomore Eva Johnson, after viewing the gallery, was impressed: “Teapots are kind of known as one of the hardest things to make in ceramics, so I think that the construction is really impressive as well as the attention to detail,” Johnson said.
[DRAKE GALLERY] “Junior Tycoon: Build and Art Gallery” closes out the year
May 22, 2025
Health 101: Netflix offers a variety of shows focused on physical and mental well-being
Health 101: Netflix offers a variety of shows focused on physical and mental well-being
May 21, 2025
THE KING JAMES VERSION. Jim Gruidl and the King James Version group played at 12:15 at Art-A-Whirl.
Minneapolis in color: Art-A-Whirl turns 30 with a roar of radical creativity
May 20, 2025
STAR PERFORMANCE. Wilson's role as one of the play's main characters was a standout of the show.
[THEATER REVIEW] Captivating performances and a Grecian tale make Hadestown unforgettable
May 20, 2025
BODY SWAP. When a woman at a Chinese restaurant gives Anna and Tess a magical fortune cookie, they wake up and realize Anna is now in her mom’s body, while Tess is stuck as a teenager. (Screen capture: Freaky Friday (2003) trailer)
[MOVIE REVIEW] Freakier Friday is coming: get ready with Freaky Friday now
May 23, 2025
Health 101: Netflix offers a variety of shows focused on physical and mental well-being
Health 101: Netflix offers a variety of shows focused on physical and mental well-being
May 21, 2025
STAR PERFORMANCE. Wilson's role as one of the play's main characters was a standout of the show.
[THEATER REVIEW] Captivating performances and a Grecian tale make Hadestown unforgettable
May 20, 2025
STARRING IN "SINNERS." Michael B. Jordan stars in dual roles in his fifth project with writer-director Ryan Coogler. (Fair use image from Warner Bros. Press Release).
[OFF-SCREEN WITH OSTREM] Sinners revives original genre filmmaking in a barren movie landscape
May 15, 2025
QUICK AND EASY: Due Focacceria is quick casual cafe that is only a minute walk from school.
Must-go’s: the best walkable bites from school
May 14, 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
ROW, ROW, ROW. Junior Carsten Bauer rows in the doubles race at last year's USA U-17 Nationals in Sarasota, Florida. (Submitted Photo: Carsten Bauer)
Row to the occasion: Bauer finds community, accomplishment in competitive rowing
May 12, 2025
FIRE FENCING. Junior Howard Huelster talks to his teammates before he competes. Photo from SPA SmugMug.
Howard Huelster inspires the next generation of fencers by volunteering
May 11, 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
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
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
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
Behind the scenes: the road to Hadestown
Behind the scenes: the road to Hadestown
May 23, 2025
Huxley Westemeier wrangles AI, wins $10,250 in cash and a full trip to Taiwan at ISEF
Huxley Westemeier wrangles AI, wins $10,250 in cash and a full trip to Taiwan at ISEF
May 22, 2025
Sophie Ferrer talks about the different math classes.
[SPARTAN TAKES] Episode #2: Discussing Math with Sophie Ferrer
May 21, 2025
Soren Johnson shares his hot take.
[SPARTAN TAKES] Episode #1: Talking Chicken with Soren
May 17, 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
MAKE IT COUNT. Spending money when out with friends is not a requirement, though it can seem like the easiest option. However, there are a variety of ways. One can participate in meaningful activities with friends without taking out the wallet. (Made with Canva elements: Movie Clapperboard Vector by pixabay, Walking by Icons8, Skateboard Icon by ahmadwil, Volleyball by grmarc)
Without the wallet: Spending time with friends does not always require money
May 12, 2025
[STORY BEHIND THE STORY] Leading with laughter and late nights: Managing Editor Juan Miguel Adams explains how to maintain positive staff culture
[STORY BEHIND THE STORY] Leading with laughter and late nights: Managing Editor Juan Miguel Adams explains how to maintain positive staff culture
May 8, 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
Behind the scenes: the road to Hadestown
Behind the scenes: the road to Hadestown
May 23, 2025
Huxley Westemeier wrangles AI, wins $10,250 in cash and a full trip to Taiwan at ISEF
Huxley Westemeier wrangles AI, wins $10,250 in cash and a full trip to Taiwan at ISEF
May 22, 2025
Soren Johnson shares his hot take.
[SPARTAN TAKES] Episode #1: Talking Chicken with Soren
May 17, 2025
Shifting spaces: how common areas, and the changing of them, affect our community
Shifting spaces: how common areas, and the changing of them, affect our community
May 11, 2025
Charlie Zakaib covers all bases at Target Field
Charlie Zakaib covers all bases at Target Field
April 29, 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
WILD LIFE. Senior Griffin Schwab-Mahoney saw species of setaria viridis along the tracks of the farm.

History and science classes take their learning off campus

Rita Li, Creative Design Manager • October 4, 2023
History of Refugees Communities and Environmental Science classes took a field trip to the Hmong American Farmers Association (HAFA).
TABLE TALK. Students from the class of 2019 sit around a Harkness table during their World History II class. Nowadays, history classes arrange single desks in a circle.

Harkness tables: necessary or no big deal?

Catherine Hooley, The Rubicon • October 26, 2022
As we slowly transition back to pre-COVID classrooms, should we bring the Harkness tables back? Does the school still need them in order to have productive in-class discussions?
A meeting with Committee took place today during the asychorous Wednesday flex day.

USC and C3’s joint proposal for Committee on Racism passes and are set to work

Alexandra Cardwell, RubicOnline • March 10, 2021
A Committee on Racism was recently proposed to explore how racism impacts the SPA community
[WHAT'S ON MY DESK?] Ward shows off art and mugs

[WHAT’S ON MY DESK?] Ward shows off art and mugs

Eloise Duncan, The Rubicon Editor • March 12, 2019
Take a look at the various items displayed on US History teacher Mollie Ward's desk.
CAS president and senior Ellie Nowakowski cuts pieces of fleece blanket with help of CAS members.

Community Action Service changes holiday giving format

Isabel Saavedra-Weis, RubicOnline Editor • December 7, 2018
Advisories no longer will be donating to Support-A-Family, but CAS has made new plans.
Working where they grew up: Daniels, Ward pay homage to SPA

Working where they grew up: Daniels, Ward pay homage to SPA

Tristan Hitchens-Brookins, Interactive Storytelling Team Lead • November 20, 2018
Mollie Ward and Peter Daniels talk about why they came to teach at their old high school.
On Sept. 10, students from the History of Refugee Communities in Minnesota class took a field trip to the Forced From Home Exhibit in Minneapolis which puts visitors in the shoes of global refugees. “It was hard to only pick five things. I thought it was an informative experience to be able to engage in the journey many refugees undertake,” senior Kenzie Giese said. The exhibit is open through the Sept. 16.

Interactive exhibit illuminates challenges faced by global refugees

Mimi Geller, Director of RubicOnline • September 11, 2018
The History of Refugees Communities took a class field trip on Sept. 10 to the Forced From Home pop-up exhibit in Minneapolis.
9th grader Jack Biggs with US History teacher Andrea Moerer. “I really appreciate Dr. Moerer because she helps me study for my tests when I’m stressed and always makes sure I thoroughly understand the things we’re learning in history.” Biggs said.

Students express gratitude towards teachers

Liv Larsen, Staff Writer • May 17, 2018

Teachers should always be appreciated, and National Teacher Day on May 8th gave students a reason to convey their thanks to their teachers. 9th graders Lara Cayci, Jackson Biggs, and junior Max Moen expressed...

Senior Rahul Dev passes the disc to senior Larry Chen while US History teacher Ryan Oto guards on May 4 on Lang field.

[PHOTO GALLERY] Faculty overpowers seniors at ultimate

Mimi Geller, Director of RubicOnline • May 5, 2018
Faculty participants defeated senior students in an organized game of ultimate frisbee on May 4.

Portables (ep. 5): Mollie Ward

Noah Raaum, Videographer • March 26, 2018
The fifth episode in a twelve part series detailing the unique aspects of each teacher's portable classroom.
A view of some of the panels that make up the exhibit.

History exhibit tells the tale of Nazi rebels

Kelby Wittenberg, Chief Visual Editor • November 15, 2017
Temporary Huss Center showcase tells the tale of a Nazi rebellion.
Following the SADD assembly on creating a culture of consent, faculty and students wore ribbons to voice their support for a positive culture on Oct 12.

Faculty and students support message of consent through ribbons

Emma Sampson, RubicOnline Editor • October 16, 2017
Following the SADD assembly on creating a culture of consent, faculty and students wore ribbons to voice their support for a positive culture on Oct 12.
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