The student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School

The Rubicon
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
FREE SPIRIT. Rising Editor in Chief Sonia Kharbanda (center) works with incoming editors in the publications room.
Sonia Kharbanda named Free Spirit Scholar, will travel to D.C. for journalism conference
May 14, 2025
Election Results: elected / selected groups
Election Results: elected / selected groups
May 14, 2025
Junior Fletcher Coblentz prepares to dump the freezing water onto his younger brothers head.
Revamped Ice Bucket Challenge makes headlines
May 12, 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
NATURES BENEFIT. Spending time outdoors this spring will greatly benefit overall mood. (Illustration by Audrey Jansen using Canva elements)
Spending time outdoors boosts mental well-being
May 12, 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 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
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
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
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
PERFECT HOLE IN ONE. Sophomore Stella Hunter enjoyed this trip in many ways from being surrounded by Indigenous culture to enjoying the beautiful weather of Albuquerque at Arroyo del Oak Golf Course. When describing what experiencing a powwow is like Hunter commented: “It's probably like any other, theater event. You have your spectators, and then you have like the main act, which is the dancing. Just be respectful, don't judge, because this is something that's very important to us. If you ever want to go to a powwow, you totally should. It doesn't matter if you're Native or not.” (Photo submitted by Stella Hunter)
Hunter travels to North America’s largest powwow
May 13, 2025
ALL SMILES FOR SCIENCE. Junior Shefali Meagher poses in front of a JSHS banner in her presentation attire. (Photo submitted by Shefali Meagher)
STEM standout: Shefali Meagher attends JSHS
May 12, 2025
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
DIFFERENT COLORS. In Kim's short film, she explores the pressure to only show aspects of ones personality that will "fit in". She breaks down this mindset in "A Different Frame of Mind". (Submitted by Annika Kim)
A Different Frame of Mind: Kim’s short film stuns
May 19, 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
CLASS BOND. A group of juniors in the same Human Physiology class pose together in their prom outfits (Submitted photo from Luwam Mebrahtu).
Prom fashion sees new trends and old norms
May 13, 2025
STUDY IN BLUE. The transitioning artwork behind Dacus is a strengthening supplement to the music. At one point, six individual portraits, each depicting a different member of the band, project brightly in the dim background.
Dacus takes the audience from darkness to light
May 12, 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
STUDY IN BLUE. The transitioning artwork behind Dacus is a strengthening supplement to the music. At one point, six individual portraits, each depicting a different member of the band, project brightly in the dim background.
Dacus takes the audience from darkness to light
May 12, 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Naomi Glozman reignites musical passion with Minnesota Youth Symphonies

Naomi Glozman reignites musical passion with Minnesota Youth Symphonies

Thomas Chen, Beats Manager • January 26, 2025
Her experience playing in the highest level of the orchestra has inspired her to find meaning in her violin journey.
PLAYING ALONG. Senior Nolan Wagner plays keyboards during rehearsal while the orchestra plays his original composition, "Diomedes."

Nolan Wagner composes a piece for Honors Symphonia

Alison Mitchell, RubicOnline • March 14, 2023
Senior Nolan Wagner showcases his passion for composition through his piece titled “Diomedes."
IN HARMONY. Sophomore Millicent Benson sings her solo in Cornerstone, a piece set to biblical verses sung by student choirs and Community Chorale. "I usually feel pretty nervous on stage, but I feel better when I start singing," Benson said.

Vocal and Orchestral Concert honors traditions and transitions

Siri Pattison, RubicOnline • April 28, 2022
A bittersweet night included beautiful music and a farewell to Anne Klus.
MEANINGFUL MUSIC. Ninth-grader Ellie Putaski has found comfort in music since she first learned to play at six years old. “I’d say music is probably the main way I express myself,” she said.

Putaski finds joy in creative outlets

Eliana Mann, RubicOnline • April 13, 2022
Ninth-grader Ellie Putaski shares her love for music and the meaningful role it plays in her life.
The first and second violins played fiercely with passion as the concert went on.

Pops Concert excites audiences with lively performance

Rita Li, RubicOnline • December 9, 2021
From senior emcees to snowball fights, the 2021 Pops Concert was one to remember.
[MUSIC PODCAST] Sih plays the Baroque-n strings of the violin

[MUSIC PODCAST] Sih plays the Baroque-n strings of the violin

Elle Chen, RubicOnline • September 25, 2021
Senior Kai Sih has been playing the violin for over a decade. During this period of time, they have mastered many of the different styles.
SING IT OUT LOUD. While maintaining social distancing, Summit Singers warms up their voices. Summit Singers returned to their 4 day a week 7:30 a.m. practices this fall. “We are distanced from each other and sing with our masks on, which can be challenging at times, but the benefits definitely outweigh the drawbacks,” Clea Gaitas Sur, a member of Summit Singers, said.

No more click tracks: music ensembles return in person

Ali Browne, RubicOnline • September 10, 2021
The student musicians and singers of the Upper School are finally back in person to rehearse and perform together.
SPA's 2019 Pops Concert in the Huss Center.

How COVID-19 will change music classes

Alexandra Cardwell, RubicOnline • October 2, 2020

It is undoubtedly true that SPA’s return to school will be significantly different from those in the past. It is difficult for students to truly know what changes lie ahead since the year has just started,...

Instead of a Spring Concert, the SPA Orchestra recorded a virtual performance of Nessun Dorma. This photo was taken at the 2019 Pops Concert.

The show must go on: virtual orchestra performance brings home the music

Elle Chen, Production Manager • May 14, 2020
In light of the cancellation of their 2020 Spring Concert, Orchestra Director Almut Engelhardt came up with a high-risk high-reward plan: virtual recording.
9th grader Kai Sih spends hours with his violin playing with a traveling orchestra in addition to SPA's orchestra.

[PODCAST] Combining senses: Sih talks synesthesia and violin

Harper Lux, Staff Writer • May 8, 2019
9th grader Kai Sih spends hours with his violin playing with a traveling orchestra in addition to SPA's orchestra.
Orchestra Director Almut Engelhardt instructs the Honors Sinfonia.

28 years of music: rise of the orchestra

Evelyn Lillemoe, The Rubicon Editor • January 15, 2019
In her time here, Orchestra Director Almut Engelhardt has seen the orchestra improve and gain many more members along the way.

[SNEAK PEAK] A Preview of Pops 2018

Mimi Geller, Director of RubicOnline • December 7, 2018
The annual Pops Concert will take place Dec. 7-8 at 7 p.m. on the Huss stage featuring almost 250 student musicians.
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