March 2024 Issue

The Rubicon student newspaper of St. Paul Academy and Summit School 1712 Randolph Ave

St. Paul, MN 55105

Volume 49, Issue 6 - Mar. 5, 2024

Having tested the test, colleges reach different verdicts

CLAIRE KIM co-EDITOR IN CHIEF

Following the Supreme Court ruling Jun. 29, 2023 prohibiting the use of affirmative action policies in college admissions, some colleges have turned their attention to another hotly debated subject: standardized testing policies.

On Feb. 5, Dartmouth College released a statement regarding its renewed standardized testing requirement for the Class of 2029. Based on results from a study commissioned by Dartmouth about the role of standardized test scores in undergraduate admissions, Dartmouth concluded that SAT and ACT scores are valuable tools for predicting candidates’ academic achievement in college, especially in comparison to other measures such as high school GPA.

The historical inequalities associated with standardized testing have long been a focal point for opponents of testing requirements, such as The National Education Association, the largest labor union in the U.S. However, Dartmouth stated that test scores are especially useful in identifying high-achieving applicants from low and middle-income backgrounds, as well as first-generation college applicants and students from urban and rural backgrounds. Over the past few years and under a test-optional policy, many low-income applicants to selective schools have withheld test scores below the mid-50% range that may have actually boosted their chances for admission. With the fear of seemingly low test scores creating a disadvantage, low-income applicants did not realize their scores would actually be compared to applicants of similar economic demographics.

Director of College Counseling and Academic Planning Mary Hill described standardized testing policies as “institution-specific,” emphasizing the different aspects of colleges that can be aided by considering scores, like professionalized programs and liberal arts curriculums. Story continued on pg. 8

INITIATIVE IN LEADING

Once a parent and teacher commitment, but now a student-led endeavor. Students have mixed reviews of the new conference style. Read more in NEWS.

8-9 IN DEPTH

TESTING TRIUMPH.

The affirmative action ruling in June placed new weight on standardized testing, leaving students and admissions offices to question how the scores represent themselves and their institutions as a whole.

WHO SHOULD PAY?

RIVALS ON ICE

After

REMEMBERING JENN FARNHAM

Beloved educator leaves legacy of belonging and compassion

THE RUBICON STAFF positive spirit, a sincere belief in her students’ abilities, a strong determination to make everyone feel as if they belonged, and the knowledge that relationships and community were the foundation of student growth to her work,” Grewe said.

Jennifer Farnham brought the best out of everyone around her. Known as Ms. Jenn in the Lower School, she was a selfless person who meant the world to her students and colleagues. Ask any of the children who have spent time in her classroom, and they can attest to the fact that she made learning fun.

One of her students recalled struggling in math before joining Ms. Jenn’s after-school math classes: “As soon as I joined Ms. Jenn’s class, everything changed. Her voracious passion for not only the subject but teaching imprinted on me. She is the reason why math soon became my favorite class,” they said.

Eleven-year teaching partner and dear friend Alisa Grewe also described Ms. Jenn’s boundless passion for making students feel that they were a part of something greater than themselves. “She brought a genuine

Farnham joined the SPA community in 1998 and quickly assumed a leading role within the school. She believed in equal opportunity and advocated for a learning environment that allowed all of her students to grow as both learners and people.

Eliana Mann, a former student in 3/4D, recalled the Student of The Week presentations that allowed each student to bring their families to school and talk about themselves in front of the class: “Ms. Jenn had a way of making everyone feel seen and appreciated for the person they were,” Mann said.

During her sabbatical in 2016, Ms. Jenn used the time off to focus on

culturally responsive teaching. After returning, she made it her mission to not just make every student feel like they were included, but that they belonged.

“

MS. JENN HAD A WAY OF MAKING EVERYONE FEEL SEEN AND APPRECIATED FOR THE PERSON THEY WERE.

senior Eliana Mann

Beyond Ms. Jenn’s immeasurable influence at SPA, she was an adored mother, daughter, and sister, with the remarkable ability to spread endless joy and compassion.

provide families with financial assistance. Even after Ms. Jenn’s passing, her legacy will continue to improve the lives of students.

Ms. Jenn believed in more than herself, and her trust in others will

be greatly missed. As a testament to her 25-year teaching career, countless colleagues, loved ones, and former students gathered at the Lumen Christi Catholic Church on Feb. 15 to mourn her passing and celebrate her life.

Written sincerely by one of Ms. Jenn’s students in a touching letter, their gratitude serves as a mouthpiece for the entire community: “Thank you, Ms. Jenn. You reached out to me. And you got me.”

Sofia Rivera competes at state poetry competition

JUAN MIGUEL ADAMS THE RUBICON

Concentrate. Say every word. Express emotion. Articulate every phrase. Don’t mess up.

Poetry Out Loud is an arts education program that aims to encourage the study of poetry by providing students with a unique platform to recite their favorite poems in a personalized and expressive manner. The South Central Service Cooperative facilitates programs and services for school districts across central Minnesota and holds Minnesota’s Poetry Out Loud competitions.

At Minnesota’s regional competition on Feb. 16, freshman Sofia Rivera placed first, and senior Amalia Laguna finished fourth. The top three placements moved on to the state competition on Mar. 1, and if they qualify, nationals.

Poetry Out Loud competitions are judged on five criteria: articulation, accuracy, overall performance, understanding, and physical presence.

Rivera chose the poem “Acquainted with the Night” by Robert Frost. “I picked it because it’s really melodic and beautiful,” Rivera said. “I didn’t even need to memorize it based on words because, in my head, it flowed.”

For Rivera’s second poem, she chose “Cartoon Physics” by Nick Flynn, a poem known for its message. “It is about coming of age and includes all these juxtapositions that I thought were so fascinating,” Rivera said. “I picked them together because they showcase my different sides of reading.”

Laguna chose the poems “Movement Song” by Audre Lorde and “How to Break a Curse” by Danielle

THE RUBICON PHOTO: Juan Miguel Adams

In honor of her life and commitment to the school community and her family, the Jennifer Farnham Lower School Scholarship Fund will Boodoo-Fortuné. “I really enjoyed reading them and thought they were really pretty and resonated with me,” she said.

This year was Rivera’s first experience participating in Poetry Out Loud, though she has been involved in stage work since elementary school and always enjoyed writing poetry. Meanwhile, Laguna competed in Poetry Out Loud during her junior year at US English teacher Evan Klavon’s encouragement. Both Rivera and Laguna prepared for the competitions through repetition, including practicing their poems in the car. “[The poems] would always be running through my head,” Rivera said.

and, if the story is also published online, will update following the online corrections policy.

The process of understanding a poem can take days. Wording and emphasizing phrases can influence how the audience perceives a performance. “I always read first and make sure I understand the meaning, then I start to play with intonation, volume, and hand gestures,” Rivera said.

“

[POETRY OUT LOUD IS] REALLY FANTASTIC, THERE IS NOT A LOT OF STRESS BECAUSE IT’S AN ART FORM.

freshman Sofia Rivera

Laguna chose to incorporate personal experiences into her performance. “I try to think about [experiences in my life] and relate them to what I am reading and that can help me channel the emotion I want to present,” Laguna said.

For Rivera, the road to her success was not without challenges—specifically, memorization: “One issue for me is when a mistake becomes muscle memory, it takes a while to fix it,” Rivera said.

In the future, Rivera hopes to compete at Nationals and eventually publish her own poetry.

Rivera recommends Poetry Out Loud: “It’s really fantastic, there is not a lot of stress because it is an art form,” she said. “Anyone who is interested should express themselves and join the stage.”

Rivera competed in the state tournament on Mar. 1 at Mankato State University.

REMEMBERING MS. JENN. Jennifer Farnham, known as Ms. Jenn, inspired generations of students with her dedication to education and inclusivity. She joined the SPA community in 1998 and taught for over 25 years. “Her voracious passion for not only the subject but teaching imprinted on me,” a former student of Ms. Jenn’s math class said.

SUBMITTED PHOTO: Charlie Farnham

SPEAK UP. Freshman Sofia Rivera recites a poem at a regional Poetry Out Loud competition on Feb. 16. Rivera practiced for the weeks leading up to the competition, spending time to fix habitual mistakes. “It’s a lot of fun especially if you find a friend to do it with,” Rivera said.

SPA THINKS

What did you hope to bring to student-directed conferences?

“

I am hoping that I get to lead where it goes to [and] I get to talk about what I would like to talk about.”

freshman Isla Collins

“

I’ll just read off my teachers’ comments ... let the writing do the talking.”

junior P.J. Bohjanen

“

I’m not showing up. I graduate in three months.

Why would I want to talk to my advisor now?

senior Henry Whelan

Students lead spring conferences

Administration asks families to adapt and learn with new format

PREP TIME. Advisor Kristen Piehl helps students plan for their conferences. The conferences included time to discuss mid-semester comments and goals for the rest of the year. “It’ll be good to speak to my parents and my advisor at the same time,” junior Harper Glass said.

ANNIE ZHANG THE RUBICON

As the mid-semester checkpoint approaches, a day off for students was converted into an opportunity to continue developing skills in an unconventional way. For the first time, students took charge of leading advisor conferences. The shift aimed to help students grow leadership skills by taking initiative in their academics.

The change to student-led conferences re-

ceived mixed reactions. This style of conferences can help students bridge the gap between home and school life, but in return, students lost their day off.

Junior Harper Glass saw the new policy as a positive change.

“I think it’ll be good to be able to speak to my parents and my advisor at the same time and for them to be on the same page and know all about my school and just how I’m doing,” she said.

However, for seniors preparing for their high school departure, the new policy may have a smaller effect than intended.

“I don’t see myself getting a whole lot out of it because I’m basically already done,” senior Elijah Peres said. “Conferences at this point don’t really matter to me.”

Among younger students, the initial change sparked questions and concerns, as they did not know what to expect.

“I kind of freaked out… I was a little bit upset because there [are] no more teachers to say anything nice,” sophomore Fletcher Coblentz said. “I want to represent [myself] well.”

Though challenging, the change was an opportunity for younger students. Coblentz acknowledged the benefits of the new conferences: “I’ll probably pay better attention to my teacher’s comments ... It’ll probably force me to be a little

more organized,” he said. As a part of the conferences, students worked with their advisories to prepare for their new role. Advisories engaged in group conversation rather than working alone with advisors to lessen students’ concerns. During two Wednesday advisories, students received a “script” with topics to cover during parent-teacher conferences and set goals for themselves.

Ultimately, students’ views varied, with some embracing the opportunity and others dreading it. Conferences took place on Mar. 1. Scan this QR code

Students and faculty donate in annual blood drive

Every spring, the small gym is occupied by Red Cross workers and hospital beds for blood donors.

The Upper School Council (USC) plans and hosts the annual blood drive, giving students, faculty and staff the chance to donate blood.

The Red Cross ships blood to approximately 2,500 hospitals and medical facilities daily or stores it for future use. Hospitals and treatment centers will then use the blood for a transfusion given to patients in need.

USC sophomore representative Evan Morris explained how blood collection works: “The

“ librarian Cat Mullen

[GIVING BLOOD] IS AN EASY WAY TO GIVE BACK TO HELP PEOPLE OUT.

donated blood, which is about one pint, is kept on ice and transported to a Red Cross center lab for processing. At the same time, small test tubes of blood are also collected and taken to the lab, where they are tested for type and infectious disease,” he said.

“If any samples test positive, they are safely discarded, and that infor-

mation is returned to us.”

In order to donate, students had to be at least 16 years old to be able to give blood.

Students 16-yearsold needed permission from their parents, while 17-year-olds and older did not require parental consent.

Middle and Upper School Librarian Cat Mullen has donated blood since high school and donated this March.

“[Giving blood] is something that, if you’re able to, is an easy way to give back to help people out. And then you might need it one day too,” Mullen said.

Freshman Ann Li, who has turned 16, also planned to give blood.

Like Mullen, she emphasized that the blood drive is an opportunity to help others who will benefit from the blood.

“If [students] have the mindset of ‘someone else will do it,’ I would remind them that many people think that too. So, they need to make the difference,” Li said.

“It might be scary at first or just unknown if you’ve never done it before, but it really isn’t, it’s not painful,” Mullen said. “Try it once, or maybe go and see if you have a friend who would let you watch the process.”

The blood drive took place in the small gym on Mar. 5 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

TAKING CHARGE. Students prepare for student-led advisor conferences on Mar. 1 by identifying areas to improve and setting goals. The conference style was changed to give students more initiative in the conversation. “I’ll probably pay better attention to my teacher’s comments,” sophomore Fletcher Coblentz said.

LANI NGONETHONG RUBICONLINE

US(SEES) BLOOD. USC sophomore representative Evan Morris looks over discussion notes about blood drive plans. Run by USC and Red Cross, the blood drive will take place in the small gym on Mar. 5 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Since it’s an annual event, the specifics stay pretty textbook,” Morris said.

RUBICONLINE PHOTO: Lani Ngonethong

THE RUBICON PHOTOS: Annie Zhang

THE RUBICON - MARCH 2024

Students travel to Sioux Falls for Junior Science and Humanities Symposium

CLARA ANN BAGNOLI

THE RUBICON After working for a semester on a specific facet of STEM, ASR students finished by writing a cumulative paper of their findings and methodology of research.

Thirteen Advanced Scientific Research (ASR) and Topics in Engineering students ventured to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on Feb. 23 to present their projects at Augustana University for the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS). Program advisors Karissa Baker (ASR), Kate Lockwood (Topics in Engineering), and chaperone Colton Werner traveled with the students.

This is the first time the science students have attended the conference in person since 2019. Augustana University is taking over the competition from the Minnesota Academy of Sciences.

“In person is always better,” Baker said. “The students are going to listen to other presentations and we’re going to get a campus tour.”

ASR RESULTS

Bora Mandic took first place, winning $2,000 in scholarship money. He will advance to the national competition Albuquerque, New Mexico.

David Schumacher won seventh place, and is the second alternate to attend the national competition.

Senior Sam Gilats preferred the research to the writing.

“It’s a full paper with an abstract, intro, methods, results, [and] discussion. Mine ended up being about 18 pages,” they said.

Presentations include a 12-minute slideshow and six to eight minutes of judges’ questions. The U.S. Department of Defense sponsored the event and organized a panel of judges from the university who are experts in each category.

Gilats worked on bromine, a compound found in cacao, and its regeneration capabilities. This was the first time presenting for many ASR students: “It’s definitely a little bit stressful, not the stakes necessarily, but presenting in front of a bunch of professionals,” Gilats said.

Junior Talia Cairns focused her project on the plant Elodea Canadensis, which can soak up excess nutrients in water. In her

Albuquerque, New Mexico

research, the plant absorbed runoff phosphate and nitrate in lakes and rivers. After working for a semester, Cairns looked forward to ending on a high note with the trip: “It’s nice wrapping everything up and seeing how this work is actually impactful,” she said.

To qualify for the symposium, students had to

submit their papers, and 12 out of the 13 ASR students and one Tech Topic student’s papers were selected to present at the official weekend.

Gilats appreciated the experience. “Getting practice conducting and designing an experiment, writing the paper, and then being able to communicate my research in

the national

general [is important],” they said.

The top five finalists moved on to an all-expenses paid trip to the National JSHS Symposium in Albuquerque, New Mexico on May 1-4 to present their research. Bora Mandic won first place, and David Schumacher took seventh place.

Communal project sheds light on Black History Month through numbers

AARUSHI BAHADUR RUBICONLINE

Telling stories through numbers is a new project hosted in the math wing during February and serves as a way for students and faculty to help tell the story of Black history and cultural achievements. The communal project is simple: students use a shared Google spreadsheet to submit a statistic, fact, or figure pertinent to Black history. Then, posters are added to a number line in Schilling. The timeline provides a welcome addition to the math wing’s starkly blank walls — and, most importantly, a way for students and adults alike to educate themselves on important but often overlooked accomplishments by Black and African-American individuals.

The idea sprung from a collaboration between math teacher Ethan Somes and freshman Luka Cook, who named the project. “I was just thinking about the entirety of like Lower Schilling, and how it all kind of revolves around math. And so Black History Counts just seemed a little bit obvious,” Cook said.

Cook wanted to bring the discussion of Black history to the STEM field, and with Somes organizing the project, it felt like an ideal opportunity. “In STEM subjects…we don’t talk about Black people

or systemic racism ever, [but] there’s a reason why there are almost no Black people in the Science Olympiad. It comes out of systemic oppression and fear, because…I know that I don’t want to be the only Black kid in a room,” Cook said.

“

MAKE SPACE FOR BLACK PEOPLE TO TALK ABOUT [RACISM] BUT... PARTICIPATE AS WELL.

Somes hoped to bring Cook’s vision to life. “The Black Student Union wanted there to be something for Black History Month but didn’t want to have to do the work of putting it on. So I just sort of took it on because

I…didn’t want to have the extra burden on them to do it,” he said.

Drawing from Somes’s work as a math teacher, it felt effective to focus the stories that were being told through numbers.

“When we’re reading through stories in history, it’s easy to get lost in the details and pulling out these statistics was the way to focus these stories,” said Somes.

“The goal for me is that we as a school can show up for our black students more and show them that like we it is not your job to educate us [the rest of the school]… and to celebrate the amazing things that are part of history and also acknowledge the things that are less amazing but still need to be acknowledged…Hopefully, [it] gives us a concrete way to show up as a school for our peers,” Somes said.

The number line is still a work in progress. When Somes last updat-

ed the wall, there were 112 posters, and he estimates that number will rise to 300 near the end of the month once he’s updated it.

Though the project is a great first step, that’s not where Cook wants Black History celebration at SPA to end. “The thing I think of when I see these projects is that I don’t think enough is done throughout the year to highlight black culture or culture of anyone who’s not like a white student. And I would love to see something like this, like throughout the year,” Cook said.

Cook hopes students continue having conversations about Black history and race year-round. “White students, don’t you leave your Black classmates to be the only person talking about racism, because the spirit of Black History Counts is highlighting Black voices…make space for us to talk about issues that pertain to us. But if racism is mentioned in something, then don’t immediately look to the only black person. Make space for Black people to talk about [racism], but… participate as well,” Cook said.

Both Cook and Somes hope to see the project return again next year.

READ AT RUBICONLINE

Swap & sustain: HerSpace dress exchange promotes connection

Many students feel pressured to buy new outfits for school dances. Purchases of new dresses can be costly for students and environments, so HerSpace group leaders started a dress swap.

Three first responders killed in Burnsville shooting

On Feb. 18, two police officers and a firefighter were shot and killed in Burnsville after a domestic situation turned violent. “[Gun violence is] something that’s always on my mind no matter where I am, unfortunately,” senior Ian Grewe said.

SUBMITTED PHOTO: Karissa Baker

SIGNAL GRAB. Junior Bora Mandic won first place at the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium with a machine learning software aimed at helping color blind drivers. He will advance to

and present his project in

competition.

RUBICONLINE PHOTO: Thomas Kovarik STORIES THROUGH NUMBERS. The slogan of the art project, “Telling stories through numbers,” refers to telling stories of figures in black history through statistics.

freshman Luka Cook

OUR MISSION

We strive to capture the spirit of the community through its stories while inspiring deeper conversations.

Above all, we stand for integrity in our pursuit to inform and engage our readers.

THE RUBICON

St. Paul Academy and Summit School 1712 Randolph Ave • St. Paul, MN 55105 rubicon.spa@gmail.com www.rubiconline.com

@TheRubiconSPA

23-24 STAFF

THE RUBICON

CO-EDITORS-IN-CHIEF

CHIEF VISUAL EDITOR NEWS EDITORS

OPINIONS EDITOR

IN DEPTH EDITOR FEATURE EDITORS SPORTS EDITORS A&E EDITORS

SERVICE JOURN. EDITOR

DIRECTOR OF RUBICONLINE PRODUCTION MANAGER

CREATIVE DESIGN MANAGER

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER NEWS EDITORS OPINIONS EDITORS FEATURE EDITORS A&E EDITORS

Claire Kim

Orion Kim

Georgia Ross

Sonia Kharbanda

Olympia Wolff

Eliza Farley

Johanna Pierach

Annie Zhang

Amanda Hsu

Clara Ann Bagnoli

Juan Miguel Adams

Peter Ostrem

Annika Kim

McKinley Garner

Clara McKoy

Eliana Mann

Rita Li

Mariam Malik

Lani Ngonethong

Greyson Sale

Siri Pattison

Lucy Thomas

Zadie Martin

Zimo Xie

Andrew Lipinsky

Nora McKoy

Thomas Chen

Davan Rosen

Aarushi Bahadur

Thomas Kovarik

Lina Abid, Tamari Christopher, Sam Galarneault, Mati Halloran, Audrey Jansen, Soren Johnson, Gavin Leuthold, Peter Lipinsky, Murphy Miltner, Yassin Mokbel, Audrey Peltier, Nabeeha Qadri, Elizabeth Tuttle

CONTRIBUTORS

Carys Hsiung

ADVISER

Kathryn Campbell, CJE

PUBLICATIONS ASSISTANT

Meghan Joyce

EDITORIAL CARTOON: Annika Kim MISSING IN ACTION. Nowadays, disengaging from social obligations is easier than ever before. Societal norms in the post-pandemic era have shifted, and for many, socialization is no longer an easy, casual routine. Reengagement, both in and outside of school, is crucial to rebuliding a sense of community.

of the staff agree 100%

Made plans? Be there.

EDITORIAL THE RUBICON STAFF

It is no secret that in recent years, the way we socialize has been altered to make it easier to opt out of seeing people. Take back control over social well-being and opt in, even when it is uncomfortable or hard.

As high schoolers lost key moments of childhood and social development stages in lieu of protecting loved ones and themselves, they had to put their mental and social well-being on the back burner. But as the lockdown and many restrictions have been lifted, society resists returning to the pre-pandemic normal. It has become so easy to opt out of a social or school function with the easy excuse of illness or just “not feeling it.”

WHILE MANY PEOPLE SEEM TO BE ABLE TO SHOW UP FOR CLASSES, WHEN IT IS TIME TO SHOW UP AND BE A PART OF THE GREATER SCHOOL COMMUNITY, THERE ARE EMPTY SEATS.

SPA specifically is not a stranger to this issue. According to a Community Day feedback poll sent by Dean of Students Stacy Tepp, almost 25% of the student body was absent on the most recent Community Day. While many attendance notes marked illness as a cause for truancy, many of these people were present the days before and after. While many people seem to be able to show up for classes, when it is time to show up and be a part of the greater school community, there are empty seats.

While not showing up to school may only put one person behind in class, not showing up in social settings is causing societal damage. According to a report in the Psychological Bulletin, the lack of social attachment leads to adverse psychological effects and results in fatigue, increased drowsiness, and impaired cognitive function. On a larger scale, the prevalence of acute and chronic anxiety and depression spiked during the pandemic, and numbers are stubborn to go down. The World Health Organization reports a 25% increase in the prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide.

The issue is not that people no longer want to socialize, but more that after the pandemic, it has become that much harder to socialize and infinitely easier to send a “hey, not feeling well” text to get out of a hangout. And, with the loss of third spaces such as cafes, libraries, and community centers, most of Gen Z’s socializing is done online. A survey done by Common Sense Census found that the average screen time has increased from 5 hours a day to 8 hours a day from 2015 to 2021, respectively.

The best way to repel people from opting out is to opt in. According to a 2022 study published in Frontiers in Psychology, the gold standard for treating social anxiety is exposure therapy. In other words, the best way to make socializing easier is to socialize. Show up when people expect you to and when they rely on you. For school events like Community Day, do not assume your presence will not be missing or go unnoticed. For family and friends, put in the effort they deserve. Next time someone asks you to hang out, opt in.

Want to go green? Think smaller.

OLYMPIA WOLFF THE RUBICON

Sustainability can be found everywhere — it adorns everything from product labels to corporate mission statements and political speeches. Amidst the enthusiasm surrounding sustainability, there is a pressing need to discern between genuine efforts and greenwashing, an approach of many companies that aims to claim they’re sustainable when they are not.

Realistic sustainability demands more than token gestures such as eco-friendly branding without implementing sustainable practices or donating a small percentage of profits to environmental causes without making changes to business operations that could reduce environmental impact; we must take a holistic approach that acknowledges the complexity of the ecolog-

ical challenges we face. All factors must be considered, leading to a more sustainable outcome that benefits current and future generations.

Sustainability efforts should embody a commitment to long-term viability without compromising the needs of future generations. It transcends the superficial allure of eco-friendly branding and dives into systemic changes we must take to foster genuine environmental stewardship. Addressing climate change and resource depletion demands more than sporadic initiatives – it requires a fundamental shift in our collective mindset and actionable changes.

Individuals who take small actions can make big differences. Whether using a water bottle, bringing a reusable cup to a coffee shop, supporting local farms, or even walking to nearby destinations, sustainabili-

BY THE NUMBERS:

GLOBAL CO2 EMISSIONS BY VEHICLE TYPE

10% 3% 2.5% PLANES

CARS

SHIPS

SOURCE: Statista. Transportation Environment, Sustainability by Numbers

PLAYING WITH THE EARTH. When thinking about climate change, it sometimes seems like individuals can’t do anything because of the large impact of large corporations. However, personal decisions add up. Choosing not to drive a car, for example, can make a dent in the 10% of CO2 emissions they’re responsible for.

ty does not have to be a burden. Instead, it can be incorporated into everyday life in manageable amounts. Individual actions can add up to make a big difference in the long run. For example, using a refillable water

bottle can save hundreds of plastic bottles from being thrown away each year. Supporting local farms can reduce the carbon footprint of food transportation and boost your local economy.

As a collective, it is

important to not shame others for their lack of sustainability or sustainable practices but rather celebrate those who try to live more sustainably. Celebrating and acknowledging those people can inspire others to do the

same. But, it is essential to hold the government accountable – the U.S. transportation sector is responsible for onethird of the country’s climate-damaging emissions.

As a school community, we have the unique opportunity to foster distinct values, one of which should be the promotion of sustainability and the practice of environmental consciousness.

Individuals can also take many manageable and realistic actions regarding systemic changes, whether writing to state senators to support a bill or vocally supporting policy or nonprofits.

Scan this QR code to read more about how to change climate change at the source online.

To break habits, dare to fail at something new

GEORGIA ROSS CHIEF VISUAL EDITOR

Bad at something? Do it anyway. At first glance, that may seem counterintuitive — it’s human nature to do things because we benefit financially or because they bring us joy. When the decision is big, we often weigh consequences to determine which path is better. We may ask a trusted friend to offer their thoughts.

But aside from these monumental decisions, the rest fall to minor choices we often give lit-

tle thought to: hot lunch or cold lunch? Make or avoid eye-contact? Go to the gym or hang out with a friend? Brains overwhelmed from countless little choices retreat to a habitual routine. Habits are secure and safe. But why not try something different? According to a study at the University of Southern California, 47 percent of human behaviors are of this habitual variety. Subconsciously, these decisions build up and begin to make a sizable impact in life. Habits

PUBLICATIONS POLICIES

PUBLICATION INFO The Rubicon is published eight times a year. We distribute 450 copies of each issue to the Upper School which are available for free.

ADVERTISING The Rubicon does not accept advertisements.

ANONYMOUS SOURCES Although it is always preferable to use names when reporting, there are times when it is necessary to protect those we report on. In the case of a student, the use of grade level as a name designation will be the preferred method of anonymity.

BY LINES credit the individual who conducted interviews, drafted, revised and fact-checked an assigned story. Shared bylines are given to joint effort

LIKE WITH ANY BIG DECISION, THINK CRITICALLY ABOUT YOUR HABITS AND PUSH BEYOND THEM.

junior Georgia Ross

turn into lifestyles interfering with ideals and can become harmful when left unchecked.

assignments. Stories that include supplemental materials include a credit at the bottom that states “Additional reporting by” followed by the name of the reporter.

EDITORIALS articulate the collective opinion of The Rubicon staff, while mini-editorials, opinions pieces, arts reviews, and columns belong to the author.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Opinions are welcomed as Letters to the Editor or Submitted Opinions and may be published in the print or edition. Letters to the Editor should not exceed 400 words and Submitted Opinions should not exceed 650 words. Both may be edited for length and style. All pieces must be submitted and

Like with any big decision, think critically about your habits and push beyond them. Columbia University science students controlled a lab investigating mice success navigating a maze under two conditions: some mice had the opportunity to explore unknown areas before completing the maze, and others did not get the opportunity. Those who gained the additional experience of trying something new had more success navigating the maze. These mice were more flexible in the

will be published with a full name.

UPDATES AND CORRECTIONS

During the post-critique process, staff members identify inaccuracies and report feedback from readers. The staff publishes corrections when an error is discovered during critique or reported to a staff member. Corrections should be directed to the Editor in Chief or appropriate section editor.

IN PRINT: Corrections are printed at the bottom of News p. 2. Corrections will be printed in the month following the error and, if the story is also published online, will be corrected following the online corrections policy.

PHOTO CREDITS Photos taken by staff members are labeled with their

face of challenge and adapted.

Pushing into uncharted territory leads to character growth. Confronting challenges, whether or not “success” is attained, make for immeasurable valuable lessons. We can find new things about ourselves that we never would have known had we not tried. An open mind and consistency opens the door to meeting new friends who share similar interests and community forms. Resistance, strength, and courage are qualities that

respective staff. Images sourced from outside of the publications staff are credited information pertaining to their origination.

NAME AND PRONOUN USE

The Rubicon uses the name and pronouns reported by the individual source. Each interview and survey begins with a request to say and spell the person’s name and to share the pronouns they would like to see published in the story, and the reporter is transparent about where the story will be published. If a mistake is made in the course of reporting, a correction will be posted per the corrections policy.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST The Rubicon news and Ibid yearbook avoid

have to be earned.

Though mindless reactions can feel easy, the results are more harmful than experimenting down a new road. Meet people and go to intriguing (and slightly nerve-racking) places, and be okay with discomfort. Moments last minutes, but memories last a lifetime. Allow personal growth, only attainable by vulnerability and experimentation.

conflicts of interest while also honoring the fact that our reporters are involved in the school and local community beyond their work on staff. Staff members avoid writing about students, teachers, student clubs, affinity groups, and organizations that they are closely involved with. The reporter is always responsible for disclosing conflicts of interest, and if a conflict of interest comes to light after publication, it does not warrant removal of the story. If it is in the best interest of a source to be interviewed by a close friend in the case of a sensitive topic, the interviewer will not write the story— they will solely conduct the interview. Unavoidable conflicts of interest are specifically mentioned at the top of the story. Photographing news events is never a conflict of interest.

FLICKR CREATIVE COMMONS: Hospital Municipal MY CHOICE. Proponents of physician-assisted death believe that the procedure helps people who are terminally ill have greater choice about how and when they die.

Everyone deserves agency over their death

CLARA MCKOY DIR. OF RUBICONLINE

Death cannot be adequately explained or described to those who have not been on the brink of it. One can only imagine how mentally and physically tolling the final moments of a sick patient’s life is. How can terminally ill patients reclaim their dignity and control over their lives?

Minnesota legislation is currently addressing this question.

The Minnesota House Health Finance and Policy Committee voted in favor of the “End-of-Life Options Act” at the end of January, a bill that would allow terminally ill patients to die by assisted suicide. The bill was initially brought to the legislature in 2021.

For patients with a prognosis of six months or less to live, the bill would harness individuals with the agency to make the choice best for

them in an extremely physically, emotionally and spiritually tumultuous time.

The conversation around medically assisted suicide is not new. Oregon’s Death With Dignity policy has permitted assisted suicide for over 25 years. Ten states andWashington D.C. have medically assisted suicide laws: California, Colorado, Hawaii, Montana, Maine, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont and Washington.

In Minnesota, the End-of-Life Options Act has many regulatory specifications in place that make abuse of the policy extremely unlikely. Patients must self-administer the life-ending drug and be informed of other end-of-life options by their healthcare provider, such as hospice or comfort care. Additionally, at least two medical professionals must verify that a patient has six

months or less to live and is not under coercion.

Patients must be declared mentally stable by a minimum of two physicians and be at least 18 years old.

Many patients on the brink of death experience debilitating pain in sterile, unfamiliar health facility environments.

The End-of-Life Options Act would permit mentally competent adults to administer a life-ending drug to themselves in the peace of their own homes. When dying of natural causes in a hospital or medical facility, patients do not always get to die with the presence of their loved ones or in a comforting location.

The legalization of medically assisted suicide would give patients who choose to do so a final sense of authority over their lives and shorten the suffering for patients and loved ones watching their health deteriorate.

FREE SPIRIT

U.S. should employ harsher online restrictions regarding free speech

ORION KIM co-EDITOR IN CHIEF

According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, almost a third of internet users have reported experiencing hate speech, yet little action has been taken by policymakers and online platforms.

The largest culprits of influencing harmful speech are social media platforms; however, they are private, meaning they aren’t limited by the First Amendment. Essentially, they can monitor content posted on their platform without violating any of the five freedoms, which includes deleting posts or even accounts.

According to the Freedom Forum, through Section 230 social media sites aren’t punishable through the content that their users create. Alongside the First Amendment, these laws give social media sites unchecked power while also protecting them from liability.

The current social media legal system creates a breeding ground for online hate. Especially following largely polarizing issues, such as the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, hate speech skyrockets. Following Oct. 7, the Institute for Strategic Dialogue noted a significant surge, with a 4983% rise in antisemitic comments on YouTube and a 422% increase in language-based anti-Muslim hate on platform X.

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, an Anti-Defamation League study found that 44% of internet users reported online harassment, which particularly affected minority groups. These threats had large influences on victims, who reported changes in their online behavior, and detrimental economic

and physiological impacts.

These instances of online discrimination normalize hateful behavior towards certain minority groups with little repercussion. There’s no concrete barrier between the phone screen and the real world, and online hate speech encourages violence.

According to a Council of Foreign Relations study, online hate speech has led to a global rise in violence towards minorities, including mass shootings, lynchings, and ethnic cleansing.

While social media companies vary in terms of their hate-speech and harassment policies, even the strictest actions have very little impact without legal punishment. A banned account or deleted comment might temporarily remove a hateful remark, but users can easily create another account and continue to inflict harmful behavior.

The U.S. needs more rigid policies that clearly define online hate speech and strategies to help prevent it. In Germany, the government can overturn companies and forcefully remove posts. Countries such as Australia have adopted specific laws to help prevent online harassment, including the recent Online Safety Bill in 2021. The bill introduced a take-down policy that holds service providers accountable for content removal and emphasizes adaptability to emerging online threats. The U.S. needs to follow suit.

Scan this QR code to read more Free Spirit columns from Orion Kim.

Social media trend Kids Getting Older Younger steals childhood joy

AMANDA HSU

THE RUBICON

Twelve-year-olds at Sephora run amok, use Drunk Elephant products to mix questionable concoctions, and buy pricey anti-aging skincare products they don’t need.

While people have noticed the speed at which children are maturing, this new wave of problematic behaviors and rampant consumerism seems to take it to the next level.

This phenomenon, dubbed “kids getting older younger, or KGOY references the sentiment that children are growing up too fast. With the influence of social media and more exposure to online culture, it’s easy for

kids to mature faster than necessary, normalizing a younger age group interacting with more adult topics or products.

Social media is undoubtedly one of the main contributors to this phenomenon.

According to the website Study Breaks, algorithms push popularized content toward younger individuals, leaving an impact on their still-developing minds. Repeatedly following or idolizing an influencer on a platform can also have an effect, convincing kids that everything they see on social media is standard.

This repetition, particularly seen in short-form content on platforms like TikTok, leads kids to imitate what they see on-

ILLUSTRATION: Annika Kim

THIS NEW WAVE OF PROBLEMATIC BEHAVIORS ... SEEMS TO TAKE IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL.

sophomore Amanda Hsu

enabled to spend money on things that have been repeatedly pushed towards them online.

mentators who expose younger audiences to more mature media. The distorted expectations and beauty standards presented impact children’s understanding of society, nudging them to change aspects of themselves or, simply put, grow up faster.

line, which is often content meant for older age groups.

Trends like the popularization of certain brands and fashion styles also correlate with the

rise of consumerist tendencies. Forbes describes how advertisements on these platforms can be customized to target users. Alongside the ease of online shopping, kids are

TV shows and movies also leave a social and cultural impact on younger generations. Shows like Netflix’s “Too Hot to Handle” or Hulu’s “Love Island,” rated TV-MA and intended for older audiences, are popularized by influencers and com-

While this problem may seem deeply rooted in societal issues, one simple first step to tackling this issue would be to limit children’s social media and set some precautions regarding what content children are streaming. Buying fewer products or being more budget-conscious can also help promote habits of sustainable shopping.

Let’s let kids be kids.

PRECOCIOUS PRETEENS. Kids that wander into social media spaces curated for older people may end up imitating the trends they find. But this phenomenon isn’t completely innocent — it often ends up rushing their childhoods.

TESTING ON TRIAL

continued from pg. 1

According to a recent survey of about 200 colleges by Kaplan, 1% of test-optional colleges plan to reinstate testing requirements while 14% are considering it. Yale University announced Feb. 22 that it would reinstate its testing requirement, but would also allow Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) scores instead of the SAT or ACT.

Numerous selective institutions require test scores for reasons similar to Dartmouth. In a 2022 statement, MIT said that standardized tests help admissions officers identify “academically prepared, socioeconomically disadvantaged students who could not otherwise demonstrate readiness,” which could mean attending schools that don’t offer advanced coursework or lacking in-depth letters of recommendation, among other educational inequalities.

STANDARDIZED TESTING IN THE SPA COLLEGE PROCESS

In response to these shifts, Hill emphasized balancing the general parts of the college application process with the needs of individual students.

“We always have to try to give both broad general guidelines on any topic within this process, but then work with students individually to figure out what that means for them,” Hill said. “So we do say as a general guideline, most students

INFORMATION: U.S. News & World Report, College Counseling

INFOGRAPHIC : Orion Kim

U.S. colleges that required standardized test scores

with at least one SPA graduate to enroll between 2020-2023

Purdue University West Lafayette, IN

Georgetown College Washington, D.C.

Dartmouth College Hanover, NH

Yale University New Haven, CT

Florida State University Tallahassee, FL

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Boston, MA

should try practice tests.

But we still have some students who never take a practice test … or who try a lot of tests and decide not to use [their scores].”

Senior Samantha Gilats didn’t feel like testing policies were a major factor in her college applications, describing them simply as another metric to evaluate students.

“I think that I was definitely looking at the scores that tended to be admitted to different schools … but I didn’t necessarily let it dictate where I applied or anything,” Gilats said.

While Gilats would generally prefer test-optional policies, they also understand the reinstitution of required testing if schools believe that test scores accurately predict success at the school.

“I think that’s kind of the only situation where I

“I DO THINK HAVING MOST COLLEGES TEST-

OPTIONAL IS REALLY GOOD.

junior Arlo Zirps

see [standardized testing] being required as a valid motivation … as opposed to just a way to weed out people and make the school look good,” they said. Junior Arlo Zirps agreed, describing the limitations of the SAT and ACT being based on general knowledge and benefiting students who are better at test-taking.

most colleges test-optional is really good, just so … you don’t need to be good at standardized testing,” Zirps said. “I mean, even that’s such a hard thing, because even if it’s optional, people who are good at standardized testing still get an advantage over people who just don’t submit their tests.”

“I do think having

STANDARDIZED TESTING: A BRIEF HISTORY

First examination is administrated by newly founded College Entrance Examination Board with testing for 9 subjects

Harvard University’s president proposes a nation-wide cooperative system of standardized entrance exams for college to accept

However, some colleges are test-blind, meaning test scores are not considered in admissions at all. The University of California dropped its testing requirement in 2021, holding concerns about racial and socioeconomic disparities as well as a lack of value in predicting first-year grades in college.

ALTERNATE APPROACHES TO TESTREQUIRED POLICIES

Overall 85% of the colleges surveyed by Kaplan

are planning to remain test-optional, such as the University of Michigan, which announced its commitment Feb. 21. Michael Bastedo, a professor of education and member of the U-M committee reviewing data for the policy, said that a test-optional approach was “the best reflection of how to ensure access and fairness to a diverse range of U-M applicants.”

“... It’s [about] access and equity not only in a pandemic; there’s tons of research that talks about the bias inherent in just the phrasing of questions, and especially access to test prep,” Hill said.

Although the future of college standardized testing policies remains uncertain, Zirps doesn’t feel like they will majorly affect his junior year preparation.

“I don’t think it’ll

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act offers idea of norm-referenced tests such as the PSAT or AP test, which evaluate specialized programs

Multiple choice answers are introduced in standardized high school testing, open criticism of encouraging guessing on tests rather than efficiency

change that much since … it’s mostly just going back to the way it was before COVID,” Zirps said.

Hill also believes many colleges will continue to prioritize diverse student bodies, and their approaches to standardized testing will work to achieve varied demographics.

“With the Supreme Court decision in mind where evidence of the student’s racial ethnic background isn’t really part of the review … colleges are still desirous of recruiting students from as wide a range of backgrounds as possible,” Hill said. “I think a majority of colleges just come out of this feeling like requiring a test score is more of a deterrent than it is something that opens doors.”

Bowdoin College becomes the first school to announce a test optional admissions policy, influencing institutions nationally

INFORMATION: National Education Association, OnToCollege

TEST OF TIME

Admissions exams then and now

AMANDA HSU THE RUBICON

Essays, extracurriculars, and academic achievements allow students to showcase their unique selves in the college admissions process. But can a uniformly administered test give schools an accurate picture of an individual? Standardized testing has long been a bumpy road: its introduction was met with skepticism, as the aspiration to evaluate students was questioned. Furthermore, the ever-evolving controversy regarding the benefits and inequalities of the exams persists today.

OF TESTING HOLDS DISCRIMINATORY ORIGINS

Horace Mann, secretary of the Massachusetts State Board of Education from 1837-48, pioneered written exams. Mann pushed this new format instead of oral exams because they provided a new lens to evaluate students. Throughout its history, standardized testing has been a significant point of contention. Indeed, after its 1845 debut in Boston public schools, teachers and school board members alike lost their position due to poor scores.

Initially called the Scholastic Aptitude Test, the first SAT exam debuted in 1926 with 315 questions to be taken by 8,000 students in 90 minutes. The ACT followed in 1959, with around 75,000 students paying $3 to sit for the test. Standardized testing soared in popularity after Harvard first used the SAT to determine scholarships in 1935. However, racism has also played a role in the rise and popularity of standardized testing.

Once widely accepted pseudo-scientific ideals pushing the linkage of race and intelligence allowed college admissions were able to justify blocking certain “undesirable” ethnicities from attend-

ing their institution based on their scores. Eugenics and the idea of maintaining “white purity” in educational establishments was one of the significant reasons testing became required for admission to so many prestigious colleges, NEA described.

“

I THINK [TESTS] ARE A REALLY GOOD MEASURE [OF EDUCATIONAL LEVEL] ACTUALLY.

sophomore Franny Wagner

Enacted in 2002, The No Child Left Behind Act expanded standardized testing to all grade levels. Then, in 2015, after the test-optional movement had gained more traction, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was signed by President

Obama, with an emphasis on uniform teaching to academic standards, and removed some of the influence testing had in admissions and highstakes decision-making.

STUDENTS OFFER DIFFERENT VIEWS ON TESTING PROCESS

Sophomore Franny Wagner plans on taking both the practice SAT and ACT and believes that standardized testing accurately portrays academic ability. “I think they are a really good representation [of educational level] actually,” Wagner said.

Junior Natalie Waibel disagrees: “It’s really not about how much you know, it’s about how you’re able to take tests and how well you’re able to deal with pacing time … I don’t think that the amount of questions you’re able to get done in a set amount of time shows your academic capabilities.”

Junior PJ Bohjanen echoed the same time-constraint concerns.

“I think all the problems in [the tests] have a good benchmark of what you need to know for high school. [However], I feel like you just got to give students a little [more time] to really see what they’re capable of,” Bohjanen said.

Arguments that standardized testing doesn’t accurately illustrate a student’s educational achievements also include discussions regarding racial and socioeconomic biases. According to the College Board, correlations have also been found between lower socioeconomic status and lower test scores.

“A lot of people that I know spent a ton of money trying to get tutoring and take all the classes. For people who don’t have access to that, it can really affect the outcome [of their test scores],” Waibel said. Students with a higher socioeconomic status can often afford multiple retakes, giving them a greater chance to improve their

ILLUSTRATION: Orion

scores. Furthermore, economic flexibility allows these students to apply to numerous colleges with different testing policies.

“If you come from a place of privilege, you’re more likely to do better just because of what you have at your disposal,” Bohjanen said. He believes that SPA’s education quality and classroom environment aptly prepare students for standardized testing.

Wagner believes the college admissions process disadvantages students with a lower socioeconomic status, not just the standardized testing system. “If you have teacher recommendations, then that’s also really hard to get if you’re in an impoverished area.

So I think it’s just as biased as other areas that could get you to colleges,” she said.

The debate of whether colleges should continue shifting to test-optional or reinstating their requirements continues, becoming more controversial in recent years after the pandemic created issues with in-person testing. As a result, the number of institutions that don’t require testing rose from 1,075 in 2020 to 1,904 by 2023, according to FairTest.

So how do students believe the testing process should work?

“I think looking at GPA over testing is a way better scale looking at the rigor of classes over standardized testing,” Waibel said.

Bohjanen offered a slightly different perspective. “It just never hurts to, you know, include [your scores] and show colleges what you can do. If you feel confident,” he said. “If you’re not as confident with your score, it’s nice to not have that go against you.”

Regardless of student opinion, continued variation in testing policies continues to stir up controversy.

Testing plays minor role in SPA admissions

PETER OSTREM THE RUBICON

For SPA admissions, testing isn’t a standard for judgment but a tool for learning. Upcoming students are typically given two tests, adjusted to the grade level of the test taker. For admission to sixth grade, the test will consist of questions standard for the fifth-grade level. Likewise, a student applying for ninth-grade admission would receive an eighth-grade-level test, and so on.

One of the tests focuses on reading comprehension, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning. Prospective students take a math test to determine their placement, ranging from fundamentals to accelerated courses. Outside help or additional tests may be recommended based on a student’s performance.

Although these tests are a significant aspect of the admissions process, they are only part of the larger picture.

“The test is always the last thing we look at,” Director of Admissions and Financial Aid Heather Ploen said. “We’re not looking at a test saying ‘Oh, we’re going to cut this person,’... if there’s a lower math score, we’re going to look at the math recommendation from the school, to try to make sure there’s not a disconnect,” she added. The testing process isn’t meant to decide the difference between being admitted and not; it’s merely meant to assist the learning goals provided for that student.

The admissions office also recognizes that testing can be stressful for many students, especially younger ones. “Our job is to make it as not stressful as possible. We want to kind of keep it relaxed and laid back, we don’t want the student’s first impression of SPA to be that of a stressful environment,” Ploen said. Thus, admissions testing should be a manageable ordeal for upcoming students- a relaxed process that assists the admissions office in the placement process.

RISE

French culture grant connects classes

MCKINLEY GARNER THE RUBICON

Parles-tu français?

If you do (speak French) you might be one of the few Advanced French students who enjoy all the benefits of a close relationship with Macalester College.

“

[I THINK IT’S EXCITING TO]

GO ON FIELD TRIPS. [I ENJOYED] VISITING THE HISTORY CENTER.

junior Helen Townley

After Joëlle Vitiello, a French professor at Macalester, had the opportunity to obtain a grant for course development about French culture, language, and history in North America, US French teacher Sophie Kerman jumped at the opportunity to join forc-

es for a collaboration.

Not only was the upper school switching over from French V to a twoyear rotating advanced curriculum, but one of Kerman’s semesters already had similar curriculum.

After being put on hold as a result of the pandemic, the course ran its first iteration in the spring of 2022 – with the second iteration this semester.

Kerman appreciates how the curriculum discusses “How [to] take a decolonial approach to teaching French in North America,” adding that “currently the narrative is very French and eurocentric.”

Besides providing a decolonial approach to French curricula, the curriculum also incorporates many guest speakers.

While there are fewer speakers this year, as the grant was only for the first year, it still remains a core part of the curriculum.

Junior Helen Townley appreciates that she has

SUBMITTED PHOTO: Sophie Kerman

“gotten many chances to learn more about Francophone culture in North America.”

Additionally, Townley thinks that it is exciting that they get to “go on field trips” with a favorite being “visiting the History Center.”

While Kerman feels

the relationship with Macalester has been mostly beneficial, there are still a few wrinkles that need to be ironed out. She highlighted that there are some scheduling difficulties causing students have to skip out on parts of class or free time.

Senior Reilly Ringness

agrees, adding “It can be intimidating to interact with college students, but it is fun to see where we could be in a couple of years.”

The new Advanced French curriculum has taken a step forward in connecting SPA to local colleges. This rela-

tionship has not only worked to develop students’ French-speaking abilities, but also their cultural awareness of French-speaking people’s experiences and histories in North America through a decolonial lens.

Want to go out? Gender may determine who pays

CARYS HSIUNG CONTRIBUTOR

In the spirit of the season of love, a plethora of couples swarm to restaurants, coffee shops and more. As the date comes to a close at the end of the night, the inevitable and (maybe awkward or) contentious discussion over who should take care of the bill follows.

In heterosexual relationships, it’s more conventional for men to pay for dates.

Sophomore James Welsh said that “For a long time, the man was the one who asked the woman on the date, so it was fitting he paid. Now as women start to ask men out, it should be normalized that whoever’s idea it was for the date should pay.”

The men-always-pay norm has become less accepted over time as people fight against patriarchal norms. On the one hand, many female-identifying users deem the social norm of men paying as patriarchal but still joke about making men pay to get things for free.

However, there are also many women still expecting their male dates to pay.

DATING DATA

9-12 STUDENTS WERE SURVEYED ON FACTORS AFFECTING WHO PAYS FOR THE DATE.

61% agree that costs should be split 50/50

87% CHECK

agree that the person who initiated should pay

TOTAL: $$$

65% agree that each person should pay for themselves

52% agree that the older individual should pay

Aside from gender, there are a number of factors that play into who pays for dates, such as age and socioeconomic status. Social norms surrounding those factors usually state that the

INFOGRAPHIC: Annie Zhang

INFORMATION: The Rubicon survey, “Going out on a date? Who Pays?” based on responses from 10% of the upper school student body.

older and richer person should pay out of courtesy, though these norms are also becoming outdated alongside the ones centered around gender.

In a poll that mapped out students’ takes on

how gender, age and socioeconomic status affect who should pay for dates, all of the respondents agree that age shouldn’t be taken into account of who should pay. However, the other factors

“

IT DOES DEPEND ON SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS, BUT YOU SHOULD ALSO KNOW THAT ABOUT YOUR PARTNER

junior

Cerena

Karmaliani

unleashed conflicting opinions that are now seeping through the student body.

In terms of gender, 57% of the respondents believe men should not have to pay just because of their gender. While some students support the social norm of men paying, there are a number of different reasons behind this belief.

Sophomore Frances Conrod-Wovcha believes men shouldn’t be required to pay, but “if a man wishes to pay for the woman, he should be able to, and vice versa. I have grown up with the idea that it is sweet for a man to pay on a date, but I also understand that there are many factors that play into who can pay,” she said.

Socioeconomic status was another area of debate. Just over half (52%) of the respondents believe the person with more money in the relationship shouldn’t be required to pay.

Instead, many support alternative ways of paying, such as splitting the bill in half, paying for themselves, taking turns paying or letting whoever initiated the date pay.

Junior Cerena Karmaliani believes both people should offer to pay, but knowing the socioeconomic status of your partner is also important.

“If a person can’t afford to go to a fancy dinner every single week, then yeah, it does depend on socioeconomic status, but you should also know that about your partner,” she said.

Despite the numerous factors that contribute to who should pay for dates in a relationship, everyone has different takes on this topic, and every couple makes different decisions between themselves, whether they choose to follow or stray away from social norms. These choices are personal and stem from a variety of values, morals, and personal preferences.

LINGUISTIC COLLABORATION. Advanced French students meet with undergrads from Macalester College at the Minnesota History Center for a field trip to learn about French Voyagers and Indigenous People in Minnesota. Their courses share curriculum, learning the same content mostly at the same time, attending the same field trip and sharing speakers.

CHECK CONFUSION. The most popular opinion among students was that the person who initiated the date or invited the other should pay. Traditionally, gender has played a large role in determining who pays, as men are often expected to take the initiative.

Windorski finds belonging in activities

SONIA KHARBANDA THE RUBICON

From Yinghua Academy, a Chinese immersion school for grades K-8, to SPA, freshman Meili Windorski has made a major transition in their academic career. Being a new student at a small school like SPA can be isolating, but for Windorski, it has proved to be an opportunity to form new connections.

Windorski’s experience attending a Chinese immersion school created a special bond with their grandparents, who immigrated from Cambodia to the United States when Windorski’s mother was 12. “The language was one way to preserve [our culture] … I went to Chinese immersion school so I could communicate with [my grandparents],” Windorski said.

After transferring, Windorski found that joining a grade where most students already knew each other was especially difficult because initially many of their classes did not overlap with their friends.

However, joining communities like theater and the cross-country team has helped Windorski to meet new people, and get to know other students. These new activities provided community and “a good way [for them] to express [themself],” Windorski said.

In addition to acting and running, Windorski enjoys crocheting and rock climbing. Art has been a continued source of joy in their life: “I’ve always found fun and freedom in [art] where I had to be academically focused on other stuff,” they said.

Windorski thinks that they can appear as a closed-off person, but hopes that people will get to know them on a more meaningful level. “I do like talking to people and I don’t mind sharing deeper parts of myself,” they said.

Looking ahead to their future, Windorski hopes to take fullest advantage of the opportunities at school, with goals of learning how to use the Design Lab and directing a One Act while still having an influence in others’ lives: “[I want to] leave an impact in a way that people’s lives were better because of me in some aspect,” they said.

SEPTEMBER TO MARCH

Long-term project updates celebrate completion, share progress

ANNIKA KIM THE RUBICON

A theatric composition. A clinical robot. An algae monitor. The year started with project ideas and months of school stretching out before juniors Ellie Putaski, Adam Ebert, and Milan Mishra. Now, these projects are completed or in their final stage. The Rubicon followed up with students featured in the September 2023 issue about their progress.

Putaski directs “Still Here”

Junior Ellie Putaski wrote and directed her original one-act musical, “Still Here,” which follows the story of Evelyn and her childhood friend Charlie whom only she can see, and explores themes of nostalgia and grief. The musical was performed as one of the Winter One Act performances on Jan. 26.

After directing the show, Putaski saw her long-term project at its completion the night it was finally performed, a moment that impacted her greatly: “By the end of it, I was in the back, absolutely just sobbing. Because, one, it’s a sad story, but mainly it’s the beginning of what I want to do with my life, and seeing it come to the stage and be executed so well and meaningfully was such a surreal experience,” Putaski said.

Ebert and Wells finish robot

RUBICON PHOTO: Annika Kim

GEARED UP. Junior Adam Ebert and senior Andy Wells’ robotics project was presented at the Twin Cities Regional Science Fair Mar. 1.

On the technology side, junior Adam Ebert has continued to work on the FollowBot which involves a robotic platform that aims to assist the ongoing staffing crisis in hospitals. Ebert’s robot uses lidar (light detection and ranging), a method for detecting objects in an environment, to track a person and help carry important equipment and objects.

While the idea got on its feet without much planning, the project has stayed relatively consistent in design, as Ebert and his collaborator senior Andy Wells had to keep the constraints in mind. However, their end goal will be determined by the outcome of the Twin Cities Science Fair, which has been their primary focus.

Ebert said, “The project is something that we are probably going to polish... or just have fun with if we don’t.”

Putaski developed her musical with support from the US Theater program and director Eric Severson. Ebert, Wells and Mishra work closely with Director of CSE Kate Lockwood as part of the Advanced Topics in Engineering: Products course.

Q&A

Mishra presents at TC Regional Science Fair

MCKINLEY GARNER THE RUBICON

Q: What has been your greatest success monitoring algae with the drone?

A: My partnership with an agricultural company in Saint Paul gave me access to a multi-spectral drone sensor which would normally cost beyond the budget on this project.

Q: What has been the biggest challenge?

A: Working on a season-dependent project. It’s difficult to collect data in winter and I’m always trying to work around this issue.

Q: What’s next after the science fair?

A: I’m going to try to use the judge feedback to flesh out my project in whatever ways they suggest. As it gets warmer outside, I’m going to collect more data to expand my results.

DRONE DISCOVERY.

Junior Milan Mishra has developed a method to monitor algae bloom using drones and built software that runs a machine learning model. He presented his progress at the TSRSF Mar. 1.

IBID PHOTO: Sofia Rivera SHOWER OF APPLAUSE. Junior Ellie Putaski (center) stands with her cast and crew at curtain call.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: Annika Kim

EVER ACTIVE. Besides rock climbing, Windorski seeks joy in a variety of other activities, such as reading, theater, and crocheting.

THE

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Soloists prepare to shine at jazz cabaret

Oliver Zhu Cerena Karmaliani Serene Kalugdan Georgia Ross

Senior Oliver Zhu will perform “Sway” by Michael Bublé. Zhu has had a long musical journey, transitioning from music lessons to performing roles in musicals and an upcoming performance gracing the stage as a singer for the Jazz Cabaret concert.

Zhu has a very interesting story into singing. “I remember having a lot of fun singing karaoke in the car, and I did a lot of elementary musicals,” he said.

Zhu initially viewed music as another skill to acquire but gradually developed a passion for the art form.

His pursuit of music set as he broke apart compositions, listening to different elements that create a piece. “I listen to a lot of genres and do my best to appreciate the technical aspects of each as if they were [like] films or visual art in noticing details,” Zhu said.

Not securing a spot in the cabaret concert last year didn’t dissuade Zhu from auditioning again. He attended last year’s event and was captivated by the atmosphere.

Navigating the realm of stage fright comes naturally for Zhu, approaching performance with a philosophy of enjoyment. I’ll “have fun with it,” he said. “The vibe is low stakes, low stress but high energy.”

“I hope everyone can make the most of it,” Zhu said.

Junior Cerena Karmaliani is set to perform “The Nearness of You,” composed by Hoagy Carmichael with lyrics by Ned Washington.

Karmaliani’s music journey began at a young age, singing with her father, who shaped her passion.

From a young age, she sang at weddings and family gatherings and continues to. “Singing at weddings and [in] everyday life have shaped how I sing,” Karmaliani said.

Although not cast as a soloist for the cabaret concert during her freshman year, Karmaliani was inspired by the experience. “I absolutely loved the atmosphere. I knew I wanted to do it at some point,” she said.

Collaborating with the band during rehearsal always poses a challenge for singers initially. “The first time I practiced with the band, I was like, what is happening?” Karmaliani said. “Because they are a lot louder than expected.”

Despite the blaring instruments, Karmaliani’s approach to singing remains fluid. “In general, I love the way music feels, especially jazz,” she said. “I don’t usually think much unless when necessary, like going down a half step.”

To create a memorable experience, Karmaliani aims to embody the message of the music. “I am singing a love song, so I guess [evoking] some emotion that way,” she said, “but it is also an ode to music.”

Junior Serene Kalugdan is performing “How High the Moon” by Morgan Lewis with lyrics by Nancy Hamilton.

Kalugdan grew up in a Filipino household where music was prominent. “I grew up singing a lot with my cousins on my mom’s side,” Kalugdan said.

When singing with her cousins, she primarily sings in Korean or Tagalog. Along with singing with her cousins, she takes solos at school and sings at family events, which have shaped her growth in singing. Kaldugan listens to music in different languages, including Korean, Tagalog, and Hmong.

“K-Pop sings high, which has helped me learn techniques,” Kalugdan said.

Like all the singers featured in this year’s concert, Kalugdan originally watched the cabaret concert her freshman year.

Kalugdan’s choice of song stemmed from her Filipino roots. “I was showing my dad some of the songs, and he found out one was sung by Lea Salonga [famous Filipino actress and singer], so I was drawn to sing it,” she said.

“How High the Moon” is typically performed as a sad song; however, Kalugdan wants to put her rendition on the piece. “I just want it to seem like I’m having a good time,” she said.

Junior Georgia Ross will perform “The Girl from Ipanema,” made by Brazilian composer Antonio Carlos Jobim and Portuguese poet Vinicius de Moraes before being recorded by Astrud Gilberto and Stan Getz.

Ross first got into music through a camp called The University Club, where she was taught the ukulele.

“I would get lessons from 15-yearold counselors and learned to noodle around on the ukulele,” Ross said.

A year later, Ross came to SPA and began to take ukulele lessons from a teacher at school. From this, she began to record music herself using digital instrument labs, laying down tracks to create songs.

Her musical talent also extends to piano, violin, and choir. “Anyway I can be involved in music; however I can, I do it,” she said.

In the summer of 2023, Ross participated in art school for an elective on digital music.

“I would sit there for hours on end with a producer to try different things and figure out how they worked,” she said.

“The Girl from Ipanema” is one of the most-played jazz songs. “It is so popular, and my parents know it and liked it, which pushed me to want to perform it,” Ross said.

Kraack brings fresh musical ideas to the Huss stage

This May, the spring musical promises to take its engage its audience in a world of technology, artificial intelligence, and song. Initially written for a summer camp, Choir Director Tim Kraack has spent the past five years working on his first musical, “The Logic Pit.”

“It’s hard to say when the writing actually ended. I even made some edits before I sent it off to Eric Severson for us to do so. I would say that I’m done writing it now, but it probably took two and a half years,” he said. Kraack did most of his writing in 2020 after the pandemic hit.

For Kraack, it was particularly difficult to navigate the editing process, carefully cutting to capture the audience’s attention and giving the musical its final polish.

“So going through every line of dialogue and saying it does this matter for the purpose of the show, and if it doesn’t matter if it doesn’t move the plot along or like advance it in some way it gets cut,” Kraack said. “I cut out a lot of little bits of cleverness that I wanted to include, but cleverness is not worth keeping if it’s just there to be there.”

In the setting of a technology company based in Silicon Valley, the musical explores the complexities of the job market. The audience meets the characters on their first day of work at the company. The characters love their work because of its prestige but also find it grueling.

“It was a reflection of how I was feeling about the job market when I was writing it, and I was working as a contractor, and I had to scrape by for everything that I could, I had like five different jobs throughout the year, including at SPA and other places,” Kraack said. The long but strenuous process has proved fulfilling for not only him but also for its performers.

“As far as what’s rewarding, I mean, seeing this thing that I made on stage and then, people actually like enjoying it and … all the kids are really excited about it,” Kraack said. The students have been able to take liberties and experiment with roles unlike before with other performances.

According to Kraack, this show is a must-see for everyone, regardless of their taste in musicals. “I think it’s also a good show for people who maybe aren’t super into musicals. The music is all upbeat rock songs. I based all the music on pop punk that I listened to

and from when I was a teenager,” he said. Artists today, such as Olivia Rodrigo, have embraced this re-emerging punk pop style.

“I think it’s a good musical. Period,” Kraack said. Rehearsals have begun, and “The Logic Pit” will be showing on the Huss stage May 17-19.

OLYMPIA WOLFF THE RUBICON

THE RUBICON PHOTO: Annika Kim

SINGING FROM THE SOUL. The four jazz cabaret soloists practice their solos to prepare for the upcoming concert on Apr. 17. From left to right: Oliver Zhu performing “Sway” by Michael Bublé, Cerena Karmaliani performing “The Nearness of You” by Hoagy Carmichael and lyrics by Ned Washington, Serene Kalugdan performing “How High the Moon” by Morgan Lewis with lyrics by Nancy Hamilton and Georgia Ross performing “The Girl from Ipanema” by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes.

PREPARING TO PERFORM. The cast of “The Logic Pit” gathers around for the early stages of rehearsal.

THE RUBICON PHOTO: McKinley Garner

JUAN MIGUEL ADAMS THE RUBICON

Caffeine feins: rise of teenage consumption

CLAIRE KIM co-EDITOR IN CHIEF

Whether walking into the building with a homemade coffee, a classic Monster energy drink, or a now-infamous Panera Charged Lemonade, caffeine consumption runs rampant among teenagers. Although caffeinated drinks can temporarily provide a boost of energy, developing a reliance on them comes with a plethora of side effects, from sleep loss to high blood pressure.

University of Texas Physicians recommends up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day for adults, but only up to 100 milligrams for teenagers.

Senior Annie Hlavka typically drinks 70-150 milligrams of caffeine per day, mainly consuming BUBBL’Rs and Panera Charged Lemonades.

“I would say that a lot of people drink caffeine not for the taste, but just because they need to stay awake,” she said.

Research by Allegra Strategies in 2020 found 82% of coffee consumption by teenagers occurs on school days between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., show-

ing that a large percent of high schoolers consume caffeine as a part of their daily school routine.

“

I’LL HAVE CAFFEINE TO HELP ME BE AWAKE DURING MY CLASSES AND BE PRESENT AND FOCUSED.

sophomore Annalise Atkinson

US Counselor Josie Zuniga also noticed a large amount of students consuming caffeine.

I see an influx in the amount of students who consume caffeine, and what really sticks out to me is the level of caffeine that they’re consuming,” Zuniga said. “It’s not just like a soda or a frappuccino, it’s these … drinks with large amounts of caffeine or it’s multiple drinks in a short amount of time with high levels of caffeine.”

Consuming caffeine can have benefits such as improved mood, headache relief, and reduced

risk of strokes and other major medical issues. However, when consumption reaches the point of addiction, which is defined as the excessive and harmful use of caffeine over a period of time, it often affects one’s health and lifestyle negatively.

Regular consumption of caffeine creates a physical dependence on the substance and results in chemical changes in the brain. Because caffeine triggers the release of dopamine, reducing or stopping caffeine intake can lead to tiredness, headaches, and irritability.

Without caffeine, “I wouldn’t quite say [I’m going through] withdrawals, but I’m experiencing some unfortunate symptoms,” Hlavka said. “I’m really tired right now and it’s very hard to focus on my homework.”

Due to the short-term effects of caffeine on daily life and the long-term effects on brain development, Zuniga hopes to see a decrease in teenage consumption.

“...Developing a physical dependency and addiction to caffeine this young is problematic. I

Female-led feature films

SONIA KHARBANDA THE RUBICON

In 95 years of the Academy Awards, eight women have been nominated for Best Director, and only three women have ever won. As awards season rolls around, many on social media highlight another year of unequal representation.

While the argument for more female representation in the film indusry is necessary, it’s equally important to examine the films themselves. The Center for the Study of Women in Television

Director Patricia Cardoso tells the story of Ana, a young Mexican-American woman growing up in Los Angeles, California, navigating the world of her strict immigrant parents and her wealthy school. She dreams of attending Columbia University, but instead spends her summer working in her sister’s small dress factory, faced with constant remarks about her weight and body image from her mother. Still, she finds ways to stand up for her-

and Film (CSWT&F)

compiled a report of the 100 top-grossing films in 2022 and found that only 33% of the films featured female protagonists, compared to 52% with male protagonists.

In contrast, films are more often told from a woman’s perspective on streaming. CSWT&F studied US films released on streaming in 2022 and found that 49% had a female protagonist, compared to 38% with a male protagonist. Still, women made up just 22% of directors and 8% of cinema-

self and her sister, and the film’s progression shows her growing confidence, as well as her respect for her family’s sacrifices. The upbeat Spanish music in between every scene made even quiet moments appealing. Young women can find strength in Ana’s struggle and the complex relationships with her parents. Real Women Have Curves is available on HBO Max or to rent on Amazon Prime and Apple TV.

INFOGRAPHIC: McKinley Garner

INFORMATION: Harvard School of Public Health

CAFFEINE CONSUMPTION. The amount of caffeine in commonly consumed drinks can vary based on processing and production. The recommend amount of caffeine for adults is 400 mg daily, and up to 100 mg daily for teenagers.

don’t think that caffeine intake is bad for teenagers, but I would like to see it be reduced overall,” she said.

Hlavka also notices a general trend of younger students consuming more caffeine. A 2019 survey by Kantar Group that found 74% of American teens (ages 13-17) regularly drink coffee, demonstrating how common the practice is among younger people.

Sophomore Annalise Atkinson is one of these

tographers.

Women must be represented on and off the screen, not only for their perspectives but to create entertainment for all audiences. No single film can encompass the broad experience of womanhood, but the following movies from the early 2000s tell a different story of the female experience. From soccer star Jess to activist Erin Brockovich to strong-willed Ana, these are timeless recommendations that all people can enjoy.

ON THE CASE. Erin Brockovich features a powerful message and a stellar performance by Julia Roberts.

Bend It Like Beckham follows 18-year-old Jess Bhamra, played by Parminder Nagra, the daughter of Indian immigrants living in London, as she rebels against her parents’ rigid expectations so she can explore her passion for soccer. Alongside Nagra, the film stars Keira Knightley as Jess’s best friend and teammate, Jonathan Rhys Meyers as their coach and Jess’s love interest, and David Beckham as Jess’s idol. Soccer enthusiasts and coming-of-age fans alike will

underclassmen, and she mainly consumes caffeine for its effects.

“I really drink more caffeine during a school day, compared to [a] not school day,” she said. “If I’m just going to school I’ll have caffeine to help me be awake during my classes and be present and focused in there.”

Atkinson primarily drinks different types of coffee and energy drinks, which she attributes to easier access as students start high school.

“I guess once you’re older you go to a lot more places with your friends that have drink[s], like coffee shops. And then you always get a caffeine[ated] drink there.”

To regulate caffeine intake, Zuniga recommends limiting consumption to two drinks per day, and trying to ride out a smaller amount from the morning for as long as possible, such as tea or one cup of coffee.

Fans of Legally Blonde and Suits will love director Steven Soderbergh’s mystery thriller Erin Brockovich. Based on the true story of an energy company’s corruption and contamination in a small town, Julia Roberts plays the woman who uncovers the scheme: fiercely independent, strong-willed, witty Erin Brockovich. Erin juggles providing for her three children with a new job and must use unconven-

enjoy the drama and hilarity. While juxtaposing cultural expectations of marriage and education with the beauty of Jess’s Indian culture, director Gurindher Chadha comments on the duality in many children of immigrants’ experiences. Bend It Like Beckham can be viewed on Disney+, Amazon Prime, or Apple TV.

tional methods and interpersonal connections to save lives. Erin’s persuasion and quick thinking are sure to inspire any viewer, and her desire to balance work and family speaks to modern societal expectations of a woman’s role. Erin Brockovich is available to stream on Netflix or rent on Amazon Prime and Apple TV.

LOVE OF THE GAME. Bend It Like Beckham details the heartfelt story of Jess Bharmra’s love for the sport of soccer.

STRUGGLING STUDENT. Real Women Have Curves stars American Ferrera in her feature-length film debut.

OFFICIAL MOVIE POSTER: Columbia Pictures

OFFICIAL MOVIE POSTER: Newmarket Films

OFFICIAL MOVIE POSTER: Roc Media

ORION KIM co-EDITOR IN CHIEF

Four years, 100 points. Feb. 10 marked the career point milestone for Metro-South Phoenix Hockey captain Charlotte Goings in the final game of her high school career.

“I didn’t know beforehand that it was my 100th point, so when I learned after it was exciting,” she said.

Regardless, Goings quickly embraced her teammates after setting up a goal with a landmark assist against Farmington. The goal helped complete a comeback from a three-point deficit to tie the game. Although South eventually lost the game 4-3, the team had a lot to celebrate.

Goings’ achievement came at the perfect time, during one of the last games of the season and on senior night.

Career points for Goings

“We already had a reception after and so it was kind of an added thing to celebrate along with the seniors,” she said.

“

I DIDN’T KNOW BEFOREHAND THAT IT WAS MY 100TH POINT SO WHEN I LEARNED AFTER IT WAS EXCITING

senior Charlotte Goings

Thinking back to her early days playing hockey, Goings still can’t fully comprehend her accomplishment.

“It’s really crazy because I was so little [when I started] and it’s been so long now,” she said.

Like many star high

school athletes, Goings was introduced to the sport at a very young age, when she was only three years old.

“My brother played hockey, and so that’s kind of why I started playing. It was a fun way for us to bond,” Goings said. She quickly developed her passion for the sport and eventually assumed the right-wing position on the rink.

Although Goings’ final high school game was marked by a section loss to Wayzata, she is proud of her achievements and the friendships she’s made. Despite a major team shift between her sophomore and junior years when SPA left United Girls Hockey, she has found a welcoming community on both teams.

“It’s been a really fun four years, all of the teams stand out to me a lot in different ways… At

Softball and girls lacrosse join new co-ops

SPA is no stranger to the co-op sport, as football, softball, hockey, lacrosse and swim and dive teams share teams with outside schools.

The softball team is in the process of undergoing changes to their co-op composition in light of the departure of their head coach. Currently, the team is combined with Great River and Twin Cities Academy (TCA), receiving half of each school’s population in terms of class division.

Although the team

consists of athletes from multiple schools, they compete under the name of SPA. The SPA-centric team dynamic may not exist this season, as the team is in the process of co-oping with Minnehaha.

“Right now… we are finalizing some papers that will confirm that we are co-oping with Minnehaha,” captain Poppy Ploen said.

A shortage of athletes in past seasons put junior varsity athletes in an uncomfortable position, as there were not enough girls for a full roster.

“JV players would just have to come to the varsity games and kind of just sit there, which was weird,” sophomore Helen Frost said. “...it would be cool to have everybody get play time.”

“[A larger roster] is really awesome for our program,” Ploen agreed.

Another team undergoing changes to their coop partnership this season is girls lacrosse. The team is currently a co-op with St. Agnes, and are now anticipating a handful of new athletes from Nova Classical Academy. Captain Charlotte Go -

BEST SNACK FOR SPRING SPORTS? CAPTAINS DIG IN.

ISAK BILDTSEN: BASEBALL

“Sometimes we have Jimmy John’s before games.”

ings, is always looking to expand the team’s roster.

“We’re always looking for more people so that we can have full JV and varsity teams,” she said.

While training and competing amongst athletes from different schools offers a separate team dynamic, for Goings, the experience has always been for the better.

“I honestly kind of love being in co-ops,” she said. “I think at the beginning, it can be harder since you have groups of people that are all close and then you have to

come together. But after a little bit, I think it’s really fun, because I’ve met all these people I would have never [otherwise] met,” Goings added.

Sophomore Kavita Deo likewise enjoys meeting and training with athletes outside of school because there isn’t an issue with getting along.

“It feels like after you meet everyone, [there isn’t] a divide between the schools,” she said.

With captains practices around the corner, girls lacrosse and softball will be training with a few new faces this year.

the beginning, [switching to Metro South] was kind of weird, but I’ve got to meet a lot of really cool people from Burnsville and other schools [who] are now like some of my great friends,” Goings said.

With the shift to a new team came a different level of play. Goings went from playing smaller schools like Blake and Breck to larger and more competitive teams. However, she enjoyed the challenge.

“It’s also been fun [playing] in a better conference and a larger section … [the games] are always really close and are more fun to play,” she said.

Despite the fierce competition, Goings finished this season with an impressive four goals and 16 assists.

CO-OPS BY THE NUMBERS

2 3 3

Fall team co-ops (Girls Swim and Dive, Football)

Winter team co-ops (Girls and boys hockey, Boys Swim and Dive)

Spring team co-ops (Girl lacrosse, softball, boys lacrosse)

ULTIMATE FRISBEE

“The team likes Cheez-Its, Goldfish, and dried fruit.”

JOHANNA PIERACH THE RUBICON

“Sunflower seeds are a staple of baseball.”

CHARLOTTE GOINGS: GIRLS LACROSSE

HENRI PELTIER: BOYS GOLF ‘Von Hanson’s seasoned pretzel.”

AMALIA LAGUNA:

RUBICONLINE PHOTO: Rita Li PASS THE PUCK. Captain Charlotte Goings waits for a teammate to pass to her. Goings scored 20 points this season, counting both goals and assists, and she was the only player on the Metro-South Phoenix Hockey team this year to reach 100 points.

RUBICONLINE PHOTO: Zimo Xie

THOMAS CHEN RUBICONLINE

Hockey is an aggressive sport, so much so that physical fighting is accounted for in the rules. However, the Feb. 22 section quarterfinal match up of the Spartans vs. Highland/Central Scots saw an extreme level of aggressiveness. After two consecutive losses to the Scots, the Spartans were motivated by their thirst for revenge.

The heated match at Aldrich Arena saw the

Spartans walk away victorious, advancing to semifinals with a controversial 2-0 score.

Goalie Isak Bildtsen, a key player responsible for the Spartans’ victory, headed into the game knowing it would be a toss-up: “I feel like with a big rivalry like that our team usually rises to the occasion… you know what they say, it’s hard to beat a team three times in the season.”

The first of three 17-minute periods be-

gan shortly after 7:30 p.m. Spectators were still flowing in slowly as the athletes took their starting positions. The match steadily escalated as players inched closer to the goals on each side.

Just five and a half minutes in, captain Henri Peltier made the fateful pass to Minnehaha teammate Jack De Haven. He shot, and he scored.

By then, the student sections had filled and the Spartan side erupted in cheers, chanting and

waving signs. “There was a ton of energy,” Bildtsen said. “A lot of their players trashtalk me all the time...especially when I’m down by their student section, but it adds to the game’s atmosphere and makes it more competitive.”

After a intermission, the second period took off immediately, only building on the energy from the first. While the Spartans continued to dominate the playing field, the Scots managed

Spartans victorious in section semifinal

to break through a few times, but Bildtsen acted like a wall in front of the goal.

Halfway through the period brought the game-defining moment. After several successful passes, forward Ethan Peltier sent the puck flying through a mass of bodies. The distinct sound of a puck hitting the back post echoed on the ice.

Unbeknownst to the team, the nearest referee had silently waved it off, failing to see a successful goal. While the Spartans celebrated, a Scot seized the puck and took off toward the Spartans’ goal.

Since Bildtsen was alone with no defenders in front of the net, the opposing player scored.

Spartan cheers died down, replaced by yells

and chants of Scots fans.

Meanwhile, athletes looked around, confused.

The match paused momentarily while the referees conferred. Eventually, they agreed that Peltier did, in fact, score a point, and the 1-1 score became 2-0.

“The [goal decision] meant that our season continued on, and it ended their season which felt good, even though we are friends with a lot of those guys,” Peltier said.

The Scots were furious, the Spartans were ecstatic, and the rink’s energy surged as tensions escalated.

During the third and final period, the hostility only built as impenetrable defenders held the line in a final 2-0 Spartan victory.

Nordic glides to state despite poor training conditions all sea son

ANNIKA KIM ILLUSTRATOR

While the ideal temperature for winter sports is seen as being below freezing, the weather this winter—regularly hitting the 50 and 60-degree range—made for a more challenging ski season for the girls Nordic, but ended with a successful result at the state meet for individual qualifiers.

Sophomore Maren Overgaard, who joined the team in 7th grade, did not enjoy the conditions.

“It’s been kind of tricky navigating how much time we get on snow. We’ve done a lot of extra dry land [workouts] and running,” she said.

Freshman Eleanor Mody reflected on the difficulty of finding a place to practice and the

weather that persisted throughout most of the season. “At some points, we weren’t even sure if we were going to have a state meet or even sections, that’s how little snow there was,” Mody said.

At the section meet, the girls’ Nordic team did not qualify for state after losing the tiebreak, but six people were able to qualify individually. Freshman Paloma Good called the journey to state “fun and challenging,” noting how tight-knit the team felt throughout the entire experience. “Our team is very supportive and I enjoyed the time we spent together between races,” she said.

Overgaard said the warmer weather also means unpredictability for snow making, as the temperature has to be

“

IT’S BEEN KIND OF TRICKY NAVIGATING HOW MUCH TIME WE GET ON SNOW.

sophomore Maren Overgaard

under 30 degrees for the machines to create snow overnight. “We’re really limited on where we can go to ski because there’s very few places that make snow, and those places can’t control the temperature,” she said.

Meanwhile, Good found that preparing for races was much easier due to the lack of protection from cold that needed to

be added to her uniform.

“Most years, I wear multiple layers of clothing under my uniform and have to worry about using hand and toe warmers. This year, the cold was not a problem so preparing for races was simpler,” Good said.

Even through the unprecedented heat, the team performed well at the competitive events. After taking all of the individual qualifying spots, Mody, alongside captain Inga Wing, placed second in the state meet held Feb. 14-15.

“We had so much fun, and it made me happy to see the season finally come together,” Mody said. “Overall, I think we were able to make the season work pretty well despite the weather.”

In the event of high-

er temperatures or no snow, the skiers suggest practicing other ways to stay fit, like roller skiing or strength training.

Mody said, “If snow isn’t available, build your endurance ...biking or running, or some other sport.”

“We love strawberry açai and whole Grillo’s pickles.”

LEO BENSON: BOYS TENNIS “Chips or granola bars.”

BRIDGET KEEL: TRACK AND FIELD “Red 40 fruit snacks [and] Goldfish.

PEONY STEELE: GIRLS GOLF “Clif Bars for sure.”

POPPY PLOEN: SOFTBALL

DREAM TEAM. Relay team of junior Inga Wing and freshman Eleanor Mody ski side by side at the state Nordic meet. The team qualified for state with their relay getting first in sections. Mody said, “It made me happy to see the season finally come together.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO: Inga Wing

RUBICONLINE PHOTO: Thomas Chen

REVELING IN RIVALRY. After a series of regular season losses to the Scots, the Spartans won in front of packed stands on Feb. 22. While their season ended Feb. 26 in a loss to reigning state champions Mahtomedi.

SERVICE JOURNALISM

THE RUBICON - MARCH 2024

PROMOTING MARGINALIZED PERSPECTIVES

LEARN: BIPOC voices remain silenced today

ANNIE ZHANG THE RUBICON

In a country where diversity is celebrated as a hallmark of progress, persistent silencing of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) voices stands as a reminder of the unfinished work in equality.

“Silencing BIPOC voices means that white students forget that the BIPOC students have a much different experience than what they experience and won’t notice microaggressions or stereotypes because no one speaks up about it,” freshman Eliza Bray said.

As today’s world has shifted into revolving around technology and the internet, silencing BIPOC voices may look different compared to decades ago. “I have seen BIPOC voices being shut down or deemed not as important as other communities online, specifically in U.S. servers,” sophomore Dia Chaney said.

On social media, reporting a post around BIPOC voices and getting it taken down is as simple as pressing a few buttons. An action so small leads to something so much bigger. Additionally, threats to dox or report work to higher authorities are not uncommon. In a study conducted by the Pew Research Center, results showed that 25% of Black Americans reported experiences with racial harassment, with 74% of surveyors considering online abuse a significant problem.

In a system created by white people for other white people, the main beneficiaries are white individuals. Everyone else is not factored into the equation. Therefore, it is hard to bear the truth of what a large portion of the U.S. population struggles with when the system

already benefits the privileged group of people.

Although SPA, a predominantly white institution, takes diversity, equity, and inclusion seriously, BIPOC students’ voices are still muffled, as seen in small microaggressions in everyday speech. Efforts to ensure that all voices are heard and take place via assemblies or advisory discussion activities, etc. Even with the many opportunities to help students learn about different BIPOC experiences, silencing these voices can continue to prevail within the community.

For the majority of the SPA student population, this topic is not on the forefront of their minds, as many white students take a step out of BIPOC-related issues, feeling that it is not their place.

“I feel like I haven’t really noticed anything crazy but that might be because I’m not involved in a lot of stuff outside of classes and things at SPA,” junior Sam Peterson said.

However, students who aren’t directly affected by BIPOC-related issues make up the majority of SPA and therefore hold a great deal of power in being able to amplify marginalized voices. Although on the surface, opportunities for white students to help ensure that BIPOC voices are heard can seem limited, things such as educating oneself or listening to BIPOC individuals are stepping stones in this issue that everyone can participate in.

The impact of silencing BIPOC voices for students of color is significant.

“I think that silencing BIPOC voices restricts the potential for growth and inclusion within our society

and communities,” junior Julia Taylor said. “When BIPOC people don’t have the opportunity to share their experiences, ideas, and perspective, then they are excluded from the community.”

In combating this issue, BIPOC individuals have taken to social media to share their stories. Social media is easily accessible to both a large and diverse audience range and are generally free to post content on. However, with such accessibility, social media platforms can run the risk of reaching the wrong audience. “I think most social media platforms can work well for sharing BIPOC voices, but I think you still need to be careful [with] what you share about yourself and your family because there are people who won’t react the right way,” Chaney said.

In addition to sharing voices on social media platforms, interacting with BIPOC creators’ content can be just as helpful in promoting for others to see. “I don’t personally post anything but I follow some BIPOC creators and even just liking their posts can go a long way in making those stories heard,” Chaney said.

For many BIPOC creators, content is not limited to only a BIPOC audience. Others are also able to interact and help boost a larger audience.

Despite decades of oppression through a system that benefits one demographic of people, the silencing of BIPOC voices continues to the present. As technology and social media usage become more widespread, opportunities for BIPOC individuals to share their voices to greater audiences also arise, but it is up to the audience to help amplify these stories and ideas.

LISTEN: Students share personal anecdotes

“

SILENCING BIPOC VOICES MEANS THAT WHITE STUDENTS FORGET THAT THE BIPOC STUDENTS HAVE A MUCH DIFFERENT

EXPERIENCE.

freshman Eliza Bray

JOHANNA PIERACH THE RUBICON

Plenty of nonprofits work to serve particular communities, but North News seeks to change the perception of one. North News is a grassroots print and digital community news organization that offers a youth journalism program in North Minneapolis, operating out of Oak Park Community Center. The organization was founded in 1992 by Margo and Kerry Ashmore and bought by Pillsbury United Communities in 2016 when it was relaunched as an independently operated social enterprise. Pillsbury United Communities works to build empathy through storytelling

in Minneapolis, running the Community Media Initiative consisting of North News and KRSM radio station.

The overarching mission of North News is to uplift and amplify marginalized and disengaged voices to change the narrative of the North Minneapolis community, which is “one of crime, poverty, blight, and disparity.” Stories make positive change, with 10,000 issues of the print edition circulating monthly through 400 public bulk drop sites and home subscriptions across 14 neighborhoods.

North News offers a year-round internship program for local high school students and has

“ sophomore Dia Chaney

I HAVE SEEN BIPOC VOICES BEING SHUT DOWN OR DEEMED NOT AS IMPORTANT AS OTHER COMMUNITIES ONLINE.

taught a daily introductory journalism elective at North High School since 2016. Youth journalism is found on the organization’s website under the header “The Tea.”

FAST FACTS

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... SILENCING BIPOC VOICES RESTRICTS THE POTENTIAL FOR GROWTH AND INCLUSION WITHIN OUR SOCIETY AND COMMUNITIES.

junior Julia Taylor

issues being the ones to report on them,” Director of ThreeSixty Journalism Kenzie O’Keefe said.

NORTH NEWS THREESIXTY JOURNALISM

Founded in 1992, North News’ print newspaper has a circulation of 10,000 through the 14 neighborhoods in North Minneapolis.

Launched in 1971 at the University of Minnesota, 76% of program participants (ending in 2022) identified as BIPOC.

ThreeSixty Journalism is a nonprofit program of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of St. Thomas. It empowers a diverse group of youth by helping them tell their stories. Opportunities to work with the organization include multimedia summer journalism camps, school-year programming, and a college essay workshop offered in spring. By enhancing writing and communication skills, ThreeSixty Journalism prepares the next generation of journalists for their futures.

“I believe all communities and people deserve to tell their stories, and I’m particularly passionate about those closest to

The origins of ThreeSixty Journalism lay in the Urban Journalism Workshop, launched at the University of Minnesota in 1971 to provide basic journalism training, particularly to BIPOC and low-income teens.

Student writing and student multimedia - including TV and radio broadcasts - can be found on the ThreeSixty website, in addition to being published in magazine format. O’Keefe hopes that her work helps amplify the narratives the community most needs to hear.