February 2017 Issue

THE

UBICON

the student newspaper of St. Paul Academy and Summit School 1712 Randolph Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55105 Volume 44. Issue 5. February 3, 2017.

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ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: 1 COVER • 2-3 NEWS • 4-5 OPINION • 6-7 FEATURE • 8-9 IN DEPTH • 10-11 AROUND TOWN • 12-13 A&E • 14-15 SPORTS • 16 PHOTO STORY

RUBICON PHOTO: Mari Knudson DESIGN CREDIT: Sophie Jaro

THE

UBICON

the student newspaper of St. Paul Academy and Summit School 1712 Randolph Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55105 Volume 44. Issue 5. February 3, 2017.

MARCH ON WOMEN’S MINNESOTA N WASHINGTO D News 2 DERS RESPON GROUP LEA UGURATION T DEN STU NTIAL INA TO PRESIDE 8-9 In Depth HINGTON WAS ON MARCH WOMEN’S GTON IN WASHIN line.com RubicOn

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ABOUT THE COVER SPEAK OUT. 9th grader Sonja Henze, sophomore Olivia McCauley, and Senior Hannah Stanley hold signs at the Minnesota Women’s March on Washington in downtown St. Paul on Jan. 21. The student group HerSpace took a group of SPA student protesters to participate in the historic march.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: 1 COVER • 2-3 NEWS • 4-5 OPINION • 6-7 FEATURE • 8-9 IN DEPTH • 10-11 AROUND TOWN • 12-13 A&E • 14-15 SPORTS • 16 PHOTO STORY

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Harness retires after 17 years KRISTA SCHLINGER The Rubicon Editor

THE RUBICON PHOTO: Krista Schlinger

PRESENT FOR 17 YEARS. Annie Harness (right) retired on Jan. 13. Aja Parham (left) moved into the role of US Assistant.

Upper School Assistant, Annie Harness, retired after seventeen years on Jan. 13.

“I’m going to miss the people.

SPA has been my family for 17 years,” Harness said.

College Counseling Assistant Aja Parham stepped into the role of US Assistant during transition weeks in January and started her new job Jan. 17.

Read more at

THE RUBICON • FEBRUARY 2017

THE RUBICON PHOTO: Mari Knudson

A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. Students and teachers marched at the Womens March Minnesota on Jan. 21. “There were a lot more people than I thought would come, and seeing everyone come out to support women and equality was very empowering,” senior Meley Akpa said.

Minnesota March on Washington:

Community members march to promote gender equality MARI KNUDSON Graphics Manager

A sea of pink hats and multi-colored signs surrounded the Capitol, as thousands of protesters gathered in downtown St. Paul on Jan. 21 for the Women’s March Minnesota. Crowds were over five times the expected amount, with police confirming the organizer’s estimate of between 90,000 and 100,000. Many of those 90,000+ were members of the St. Paul Academy and Summit School community.

“There were a lot more people than I thought would come, and seeing everyone come out to support women and equality was very empowering,” senior Meley Akpa said.

Akpa, who attended the march with friends, described the emotions of the event as being high, as “everyone in the crowd seemed to be really excited to be there.”

The event took place in response to the inauguration of the 45th President, Donald Trump on Jan. 20. Minneapolis’s march and rally was one of over 370 sister marches across the United States, and over 600 worldwide, with the

“It was just awesome seeing all the little girls, all the older, tough grandmas, all the guys who were there.

It was just amazing, I was tearing up the entire time.”

— SENIOR EMILY DIEPERINK main gathering taking place in Washington D.C. Protesters gathered at St. Paul College at 10 a.m. before making their way down to the St. Paul Capitol for a rally, with crowds stretching all the way from the State Capitol to Cathedral Hill.

“Attending the march was incredibly moving, although I wish

I could have gotten closer to the front because there were a ton of people there,” senior Emily Dieperink said. Dieperink attended the march and rally with both friends and family members.

“It was just awesome seeing all the little girls, all the older, tough grandmas, all the guys who were there. It was just amazing, I was tearing up the entire time,” she said.

At the rally part of the event, crowds were addressed by a variety of speakers, including Minnesota Senator Patricia Torres Ray, Minnesota Senator Sandy Pappus, Minnesota Representative Ilhan Ohmar, President & CEO of Planned Parenthood Minnesota Sarah Stoesz, Ann Bancroft of the Ann Bancroft Foundation, Minnesota House Minority Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman, and Trista Matascastillo of the Minnesota Humanities Center.

Entertainment was provided

by Chastity Brown, Maria Isa, K.Raydio, and the Prairie Fire Lady Choir.

Protesters wore pink, cat eared hats as a statement responding to the resurgence of remarks recorded in 2005 where Trump dis-

cusses grabbing women by their genitalia.

The leaders of the march are advocating for sustained action of resistance against the Trump administration, with the initiative “10 Actions for the first 100 Days.” Starting immediately after the event, the leaders will post a new action in theme with the group’s platform every 10 days.

The first action is for participators to write postcards to their senators about any issue they feel strongly about. “[During Trump’s term] I really want to attend a protest or raise awareness of environmental change,” Akpa said.

While it remains to be seen how the 10 actions/100 days initiative plays out, it is hard to dismiss the bold message of resistance that the protesters sent to the new Trump administration, which was the aim of the event.

“I [marched because I] think we need to show our President that we’re not going to take his actions lying down,” Dieperink said.

Women’s March by the numbers

637 marches occurred worldwide 4,956,422 marchers worldwide 100,000 marched in St. Paul 6 marches occurred across Minnesota 24 speakers at the march in St. Paul Sources: Womens March National website, Women’s March MN website and MPR News.

THE RUBICON PHOTO: Jack Benson

A NEW ROLE. Carey Otto steps in as the New college counseling assistant. “I’m looking forward to getting involved in the community and to help with ushering students toward their goals.”

Otto said.

Otto leaves corporate for college counseling JACK BENSON

The Rubicon Editor Carey Otto joins the college counseling team with high aspirations to help students achieve their dreams. Otto joined partway through the 2016-17 year as a College Counseling assistant.

Before coming to St. Paul Academy and Summit School, Otto gained experience in corporate and educational environments.

“I worked at Hamline University for 8 years as the director of their university center and then spent some time in corporate Target.” Otto said. However, after

working at Target, Otto felt that it was time to find a new job in education.

Read more at

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THE RUBICON • FEBRUARY 2017

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First Chinese exchange visits Minnesota JONAH HARRISON The Rubicon Editor

On Sun. 15 at around 12:00 PM, the Chinese exchange students arrived at the MSP Airport, greeted by their host students. The new exchange program marked the first time St. Paul Academy and Summit School has had students from sister school Mingde in Changsha, China. While in Minnesota, the Mingde students explored the twin cities, ranging from a tour of the University of Minnesota, to sledding and skating.

Junior Ezra Cohen hosted one of the Chinese exchange students, and found it to be a very meaningful and educational experience.

“Breakfast was always really fun because the food between the cultures is so different, so every morning we had to explain each thing we were eating for breakfast. I also liked showing him different things when we drove to school because even the makeup

Published with permission from the SPA Facebook

HUANYING. 15 Chinese students traveled to Minnesota as part of SPA’s first exchange program with their sister school in Changsha, China. The exchange students stayed with their American hosts for six days in January. Junior Ezra Cohen poses with his exchange student (far middle right). of the city is so different from in China, so it was cool to see his reaction to that,” Cohen said.

With after school activities like skiing, finding time to con-

Absent days plague the school SOPHIE JARO

Chief Visual Editor One morning in early January during a senior speech assembly, Upper School Dean Max Delgado looked out over the audience and thought: there have got to be kids not going to assembly! He left the auditorium and did a sweep of the building, looking for the students who usually fill the empty seats. After finding the rest of the school empty too, he concluded that no one was skipping, but people were absent due to illness.

This month, many students have called in sick with painful coughs, high fevers, lethargy, and other common symptoms.

According to attendance records, the number of Upper School students absent for illness in the month of January was 152.

“In addition to this number, there have been a large number of students that went home ill but attended at least part of the school day,” Upper School Administrative Assistant Aja Parham said.

This year’s cold and flu season has been a topic of conversation among Dean Delgado and the administration.

nect with his host student was not as easy.

“Meals were a really good time to connect and talk about the different experiences we all had

throughout the day. Meals are a good time to bond regardless of if it’s with a Chinese exchange student or with a family member.”

Although there was somewhat

Unlike just missing one to two days of school, this year, students were out for more than two days.

“When we had close to twenty [students] that were out for two or more days, we knew that what was going around was really taking people out of commission,” Delgado said.

152 abs

ent

“[Teachers] have said i can always turn in an assignment late or meet outside of class with them.”

— SOPHOMORE ANNIE KRISTAL

The school policy is that students should work with teachers and advisers during tutorial to make a plan to catch up on their work and revise due dates once they return.

“The big thing is that we do not want deadlines to all get dog-

of a language barrier, the students were still able to connect in ways talked about in Chinese classes, for instance.

“Learning about Chinese culture in Chinese class combined with the fact that I’ve been to China in the reciprocal of this situation prepared me for a lot of the cultural parts, because I do know what environment he is coming from. The language part was also obviously important because being able to communicate was crucial and really helped in our connection,” Cohen said.

The exchange students left on Jan. 21 and departed for Washington DC to explore the capitol. After having the exchange student for a week, Cohen reflected on the experience.

“As cheesy as it sounds, everyone is human and we all are not as different as we seem.” Cohen said.

Students from SPA will travel to Changsha during the 2018 spring break.

RUBICON PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: Sophie Jaro

ABSENT. Attendance records for the upper school show 152 student absences in the month of January alone. “In addition to this number, there have been a large number of students that went home ill but attended at least part of the school day,” Upper School Administrative Assistant Aja Parham said. piled onto one day. If the adviser thinks that might be a problem, they will reach out to the teachers to see if they can stagger some of those deadlines,” Delgado said.

The school asks the adviser to be extra supportive of the student.

Teachers are also asked to truncate some minor assignments so that the student can catch up.

“During this recent period of illness, I sent an email to all the advisers with sick students to remind them of our practice and ask them to follow-through with it,” Delgado said.

Sophomore Annie Kristal has not missed any full days of school despite being sick for over a week.

“It is never easy to miss school because it requires a lot of catchup work. In some classes I have been communicating with teachers and they have said I can always turn in an assignment late or meet outside of class with them if needed, which I really appreciate,” Kristal said.

CORRECTIONS POLICY

LAST MONTH’S CORRECTIONS

During the post-critique process, staff members will identify innacuracies and report on feedback from readers. Corrections will be printed in the next edition of the newspaper in the News section.

NEWS 3: Emma Hills was mis-titled as a sophomore in the caption. She is a junior. FEATURE 7: Raffi Toghramadjian’s older brothers attend Boston College, not Boston University. SPORTS 9: Senior Elliott Tong’s name was misspelled.

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E ditorial

THE RUBICON • FEBRUARY 2017

Be responsible and stay home Policies and teacher support encourage health first EDITORIAL

The Rubicon Staff

If students start to feel sick, it is important to keep everyone healthy by staying home.

When students struggle with sickness during the annual flu season, teachers are sure to allow students time to catch up after an absence in order to prioritize the health of students and faculty. However, at the beginning of semester two, many students still chose to come to school despite their illness. The school has taken an initiative and given advice to stay home when sick, but students need to judge whether they should to take the advice and stay home, or come to school and risk making their other classmates sick.

Be involved after school Once the final class is let out for the day it is easy for students to feel compelled to make the transition between their school life and home life immediately. Between 3 p.m. and 3:05 p.m. a surge of students push past the exit doors and remove themselves from the community for the rest of the day.

But for those who do not leave there is more reward than most students realize. School activities do not end at 3 p.m. on most days. Sporting events are among the more obvious late-afternoon events but athletics are not the only activities that students could attend. Film club screens movies regularly on Wednesday nights and often announces the titles in the blue sheet. Iris: Art & Lit hosted another open mic night on Jan 25. This serves as a good example of the lesser known events that are available to students after classes have concluded. Students should be attentive to the blue sheet and other posted information and do not have to cut themselves off from SPA events after the last class of the day.

Phoneless is the opposite of brainless

Put health first If students ever begin to feel sick, it is important to take a day off to keep everyone healthy.

Missing notes from class or having to schedule another time to take a test is better than spreading the sickness to classmates. Students may have concerns to take a day off, but they should realize that by coming to school sick, that they are increasing the time it takes to recover, and that they are risking the health of their peers.

MINI EDITORIALS

EDITORIAL CARTOON: Ellie Nowakowski THERMOMETER DOESN’T LIE. Students should stay home from school if they feel sick. They will recover faster if they stay home and they have the responsibility to protect other members of the community.

Stay caught up

Help is available

Veracross is a great resource for students to stay caught up when they are sick because if students are well enough to get some work done at home, they can see what they have missed in each class, and what is coming up. Besides students, parents and family members also have access to the portal, and can help the student stay organized by staying involved with what is going on at school.

SPA wants all students to feel comfortable with missing some school because the school staff is willing to help out with making up missed work. Upper School Dean Max Delgado and Upper School Guidance Counselor Susana Short can help students make a smooth transition back into school after missing more than two days. They help by creating a manageable schedule with appropriate deadlines

to make up anything that students have missed while absent.

Teachers have many ways for students to make up anything missed in class. For instance, if a student misses a discussion, the student may be able to write a paragraph about the discussion topic or have a one-on-one discussion with a teacher instead.

These accommodations are set in place because students should be able to stay home when they feel sick and still stay caught up with school.

The system which SPA has set up for students who need to recover from sickness is a great way for students to stay on top of their school work while taking care of themselves at the same time. Students must make their health a priority by either staying home and recovering, or by being responsible with their hygiene and making sure not to spread germs at school. With SPA’s policies and the teachers’ caring attitudes, students should stay home when they are not feeling well.

Many students would experience an imbalance, a sense of something missing if they did not carry their cell phone in their pocket. Phones are often considered an indispensable tool, and while there is little doubt that they can be useful, they are not as essential as society has deemed them. What if students left their phones in their lockers between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Instead of checking the time as they walk from class to class, students should use wall clocks in classrooms as a reference. Instead of texting friends during x-period students should talk to people around them and save texting for after school hours. Additionally, leaving phones in lockers would reduce the risk of a phone going off in class and would lower students’ addictive tendencies toward the device. The initial separation will be difficult, but students will see clear benefits once they set their phone aside for the day.

THE RUBICON

St. Paul Academy and Summit School • 1712 Randolph Ave St. Paul, MN 55105 • rubicon.spa@gmail.com • www.RubicOnline.com • @TheRubiconSPA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CHIEF VISUAL EDITOR MANAGING EDITOR GRAPHICS MANAGER NEWS EDITORS OPINIONS EDITORS FEATURE EDITORS IN DEPTH EDITOR ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR SPORTS EDITOR AROUND TOWN EDITOR PHOTO STORY EDITOR

Javier Whitaker-Castañeda Sophie Jaro Noor Qureishy Mari Knudson Andrew Johnson, Ellie Nowakowski Jasper Green, Krista Schlinger Jack Benson, Claire Hallaway Iya Abdulkarim Jonah Harrison Jenny Sogin Marlee Baron Stephanie Li

DIRECTOR OF RUBICONLINE CREATIVE DESIGN MANAGER PRODUCTION MANAGER STORY/ SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR NEWS EDITORS OPINIONS EDITOR FEATURE EDITOR ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR SPORTS EDITORS PHOTOJOURNALIST ILLUSTRATOR/VIDEOGRAPHER COLUMNISTS

Diane Huang Amodhya Samarakoon Clare Tipler Lauren Boettcher Ellie Findell, Peter Blanchfield Emily Thissen Isabel Saavedra-Weis Mimi Geller Breandan Gibbons, Michael Forsgren Kelby Wittenberg Web Lehmann Spencer Allen, Ewan Lang, Peter Schavee

STAFF WRITERS Annie Bottern, Quinn Christensen, Flannery EnnekingNorton, Abby Hedberg, Tristan Hitchens-Brookins, Austin Leiby, Chloe Morse, Noah Raaum, Noah Rice, Sharee Roman , Emma Sampson, Max Soll , Noah Solomon, Nitya Thakkar ADVISER Kathryn Campbell

O pinions

THE RUBICON • FEBRUARY 2017

Stop sharing: see fake news for what it is JACK BENSON

The Rubicon Editor Whether or not the influence of fake news stories affected the outcome of the election, the viral spread of fake news needs to be stopped. Fake news is a serious problem because it misinforms the public and because it brings down the overall quality of internet journalism. Tech companies and news organizations are taking large strides in the battle against fake news, but larger efforts need to be made, and readers need to do their part in order to stop the infection of fake news.

It will take a joint effort between social media and reliable news sources to be able to manage the spread of fake news stories. Facebook, after receiving a lot of criticism surrounding fake news, is now taking steps to raise the standard of internet journalism. The Facebook Journalism Project, announced in January, outlines Facebook’s three part plan to combat the spread

of false stories using the social media platform. Facebook will now work directly with news organizations, including Poynter, to educate journalists on how to use their platform and help teach the public how to detect if a story posted on Facebook is fake.

Facebook is not the only internet giant battling the spread of fake news. Google is attacking the fake news websites where it hurts most: ad revenue. Google recognizes that the motive for most fake news stories is to make money, so according to Reuters they are banning fake news sites from using their ad network. This is a step in the right direction, but Google needs to do more by making it harder for fake news stories to show up in search results.

Some large news organizations, including BBC, have made smaller attempts to check the integrity of news articles and is setting a good example for other organizations. News Chief James Harding announced that the BBC is putting together a permanent

task force to fact check news stories. There are too many stories for the task force to check them all, but this is a valiant step in the right direction towards protecting the public from fake news.

But the most effective way to stop the spread of fake news is discerning, informed readers.

Readers need to do their part in order to stop the infection of fake news.

Readers should never share anything they haven’t read. A splashy headline is not the story.

Neither is a cliffhanger tease. Always check to make sure the article has trustworthy sources before believing it is true. Most fake news stories are shoddily written and contain clear errors in both the stories and in the design of the

websites. One of the most shared fake news stories of 2016 was titled “Obama signs a nationwide order banning The Pledge of Allegiance in Schools.” It appeared on the fake ABC News website ‘abcnews.com.co’. The website abcnews.com.co, is riddled with errors, and all it takes is one look at the fictional reporter biography of Jimmy Rustling, a spin off of the phrase “to rustle one’s jimmies” to see that the website is not real.

Finally, look at more than one website to see how (or if) the story that seems unbelievable is being told anywhere else. If it’s not, it’s probably fake.

Each contribution from tech companies or journalists will help to stop fake news from being so prevalent on the internet, but for the spread of fake news to ever be cured, readers and sharers must change the way they interact with news. Look deeper into the content of a story, and don’t take the headline and the story’s validity for granted.

Increase student involvement in recognition assemblies MARI KNUDSON Graphics Manager Students shuffle reluctantly into the assembly, grumbling about the loss of an hour of work time. The attitude is anything but congratulatory, even though the occasion is a time to honor the achievements of the student body.

This signals that there is a need to reconfigure the way recognition assemblies are run.

The number of award assemblies was recently cut down from three per year to two. There will now be one following the fall semester and one after the spring semester. However, this change is not enough to make them more palatable to students; the actual content of them must be re-imagined.

The purpose of a recognition assembly is to shine a light on the accomplishments of students, rewarding and reinforcing positive student behavior. Students put hard work into these accomplishments, and it is important to take the time to share this hard work with the community in an enjoyable way. Furthermore, a more engaging awards assembly would lead to more audience attention and therefore more respect to student achievement.

In order for the benefits of recognition assemblies to truly take effect, some changes must be made to the way they are run.

Currently, most recognition assemblies consist of little to no student participation; faculty and administration almost exclusively run the show. As a result, these assemblies tend to feel more like a class students didn’t sign up for than a celebratory time.

The antidote to the lecture style of assemblies would be to have more student involvement in the ceremony. Since there are sides of students that teachers may not often see, awards could be given on the basis of typically invisible actions that students nominate their peers for, like a person who goes out of their way to be helpful or one who engages in important discussions away from the Harkness table.

There could even be a recognition assembly run by students.

For instance, student clubs could each have a few minutes to share with the school projects which they have completed recently or ways they have helped the school community. The work of clubs can often go unnoticed and remain in the background of school life to those who are not in the group, and taking time to recog-

ILLUSTRATION: Mari Knudson BE MORE ENGAGED. Student involvement in recognition assemblies would make them something fun to look forward to. Students do a lot that goes unnoticed and these assemblies could be a time to nize what goes on would be an excellent way to involve students in the awards assembly.

Another often cited grief students have with the current awards assemblies is that the same people get recognized time and time again. Though there are efforts to spread out awards, a better way to highlight those students who spend less time in the spotlight would be to have an assembly recognizing work done outside of the school community. Students could submit what they’ve been doing themselves

or their peers and teachers could nominate those students that have completed exceptional activities outside of the regular school community.

Overall, the way to make recognition assemblies fulfill their purpose of celebrating student achievement better is not to compact the current number of assemblies, but to have more frequent, shorter, and more innovative forms of recognition throughout the year with more student involvement.

POLICIES, MEMBERSHIPS, AND AWARDS

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READING RAINBOWS PETER SCHAVEE Columnist

Peaceful protests offer essential views in divided times No one can argue that 2016 was a year of protest; after the election thousands filled the streets in anger, shutting down highways and shouting slogans. How do these reactions and protests influence our society? Do they create a productive environment for America to move forward productively?

Environmentalists and those in solidarity with Dakota Access Pipeline protesters commanded national coverage, and a temporary reprieve when Obama stopped the development in favor of investigating other options, a decision quickly overturned by Trump.

Jan. 21 brought protests on inauguration day followed by the Women’s March on Washington the next day. The March, in particular, showed how several issues could be united under one umbrella.

Colleges also possess valuable voices that protested in 2016 and protests on campuses across the U.S. will likely continue, especially around issues of diversity, curriculum, and safety. Voices emerge within in our society from schools demonstrating the priorities of the next generation of voters. With about 33% of college students reporting they affiliate with the Democratic Party and 13% saying they affiliate with the Republican Party, according to the Association of American Colleges and Universities, political reactions may continue on a bipartisan basis.

Reactions are vital, and protests allow individuals to get their voice out, and embracing these reactions allows for progress to be made in an increasingly polarized nation.

As we look ahead to 2017, it is essential to continue to embrace the message of peaceful protest while maintaining an open mind for the unknown future.

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.

PUBLICATION INFO The Rubicon

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES Opinions

BY LINES credit the individual who

ANONYMOUS SOURCES

MEMBERSHIPS Columbia

is published eight times a year. We distribute 750 copies of each issue to the Upper School which are available for free.

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

conducted interviews, drafted, revised and fact-checked an assigned story. Double bylines are given to joint effort assignments, with reporters listed alphabetically by last name. Stories that include supplemental materials include a credit at the bottom that states “Additional reporting provided by” followed by the name of the reporter.

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.

Scholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association, MN High School Press Association, Quill and Scroll Society

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

ADVERTISING The Rubicon does not accept advertisements.

POLICIES detailed The Rubicon policies are published at RubicOnline.

PUBLICATION AWARDS NSPA All-American, Pacemaker (Online) and Finalist (Print) CSPA Gold Medalist (Hybrid), Silver Crown Award (Hybrid), SNO Distinguished Site JEM All State Gold

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F eature

THE RUBICON • FEBRUARY 2017

Different teachers,

Same name

Smith. Johnson. Williams. These are the top three most common last names in the United States. It’s overwhelming to think about how many people are connected through their last name — a fundamental part of their identity differentiating and grouping people together at the same time. Many teachers at St. Paul Academy and Summit School have similar or the same last names.

Upper School science teacher Scot Hovan is often confused with English teacher Matthew Hoven; science teacher Karissa Baker with English teacher Adrienne Baker; English teacher Emily Anderson with physical education teacher Cari Jo Anderson. These teachers’ last names may confuse younger students, but upperclassmen are easily able to tell them apart by their unique personalities and teaching styles.

BOTH BAKERS. US Science teacher Karissa Baker and English teacher Adrienne Baker can be recognized through their different personalities.

“I have students and advisees who have both of us as teachers and so I imagine it’s more confusing for them,” Adrienne Baker said.

“I HAVE STUDENTS AND ADVISEES WHO HAVE BOTH OF US.” — US ENGLISH TEACHER ADRIENNE BAKER

Anderson and Anderson ANOTHER ANDERSON. US Physical Education teacher Cari Jo Anderson and English teacher Emily Anderson sport items from their departments, “I get asked frequently if I’m related to someone from Andersen Windows or if I know C.J. Anderson the football player,” Cari Jo Anderson said.

It’s Cari Jo Anderson’s second year at SPA and she’s still sometimes confused with English teacher Emily Anderson. Because the two teachers have different name prefixes and work in separate departments, it should be easier for students to differentiate between them. However, students still get them mixed up.

“There was one student last semester who kept saying ‘Dr. Anderson’ and I wasn’t responding and then I realized ‘Oh, he’s probably trying to get my attention in class. I’m flattered but I’m not a doctor,” Cari Jo Anderson said.

Cari Jo Anderson has even faced name confusion outside of school.

“I get asked frequently if I’m related to someone from Andersen Windows or if I know C.J. Anderson the football player. I have the exact same initials as him so people tease me about that. It’s nice having a name people know how to pronounce but it’s very common so when I’m in a large group setting, the chances of someone else being an Anderson is really great,” Cari Jo Anderson said.

Cari Jo Anderson’s maiden name was Hohncke (pronounced hen-key) - a very out of the ordinary last name. Although she enjoyed the unique nicknames that came with Hohncke, she is content with her current last name. “[Anderson as a last name is] kind of nice… but the common question is ‘is it -son or -sen?’ I don’t know, it kind of takes away the feeling of individuality but people usually call me by my first name outside of school,” she said.

Emily Anderson doesn’t mind sharing a last name with another

“It’s nice having a name people know how to pronounce.”

Baker and Baker

Adrienne Baker, a new English teacher this year, and science teacher Karissa Baker haven’t faced many problems getting mixed up with each other since they work in different areas of the school.

“Our interface isn’t quite as much but I have students and advisees who have both of us

— US P.E. TEACHER CARI JO ANDERSON teacher; in fact, she has actually enjoyed it.

“I used to be first on the faculty mailboxes and it was really hard for me to reach my mail and now I’m second down because she’s Cari Jo and I’m Emily so she’s made my mail easier to get,” she said.

Emily Anderson’s knowledge on her descendants has done the opposite of detracting originality from such a common last name.

She learned from her dad, who conducted some genealogical research, that the Anderson her family descended from tried to assassinate the king of Scotland in the 16th century.

“So the plot failed and so he basically jumped on a ship in the middle of the night and that’s how he got [to America]. That’s why I always joke that my distrust of authority goes back a long, long, long way because my relative tried to kill the king,” she said.

With such vibrant surname stories and experiences, Cari Jo Anderson and Emily Anderson are sure to leave an impression on students that will help them better discern between the two teachers.

as teachers and so I imagine it’s more confusing for them,” Adrienne Baker said.

Luckily, the two teaches don’t have the same initials as that would complicate sending emails and other school-related tasks.

“Since she’s been here this year, I think the one confusing thing is that we both teach ninth grade so some students have both of us as teachers. But, I think they’ve figured it out because nobody’s told me there’s

been any issues with it,” Karissa Baker said, when asked about any problems she’s encountered at school.

Adrienne Baker inherited her last name from her father and the surname has been passed down through his family. Karissa Baker received her last name from her paternal grandfather.

The worst that mixing up names has gotten is when students wonder which advisory they’re in. But, it becomes easier to differentiate between the two once they know the Bakers from their department.

SAME PRONUNCIATION, DIFFERENT SPELLING. Upper School Science Teacher Scot Hovan and English Teacher Matthew Hovan can also be identified through the spelling of their names, “I think that it’s cool to have somebody who’s name is so similar because growing up I never had anything like that,” Scot Hovan said.

Hoven and Hovan Scot Hovan and Matthew Hoven have distinct interests and teach very different classes, yet they’re oftentimes confused for the other. Although they’re around students more than parents, it’s more common for adults to mix Hovan up for Hoven.

“Mr. Hoven’s really into biking so [parents] were talking about bikes with me and I’m like ‘Just out of curiosity, why?’ and they were like ‘Aren’t you really into biking?’ and I was like ‘Oh, you’re thinking of Matt,’” Scot Hovan said.

Scot Hovan and Matthew Hoven came to SPA the same year. Both new to the school, they quickly bonded over their similar last names.

“I always enjoy conversations with [Matthew] so we get along really well. I think that it’s cool

“It’s not a super common type of name so there’s always been kind of a neat connection there.”

— US SCIENCE TEACHER SCOT HOVAN to have somebody who’s name is so similar because growing up, I never had anything like that. It’s not a super common type of name so there’s always been kind of a neat connection there,” Scot Hovan said.

Interestingly, Scot Hovan and Matthew Hoven have unique back stories that explain the ori-

gin of their last name. “Hovan” is Hungarian and “Hoven” is —.

Matthew Hoven actually embarked on a journey to countries like Belgium, Netherlands, and Germany during his study abroad year to discover where his last name derived from.

“I learned the origin of my name is a synonym for what we might call “hamlet” which is a large piece of property probably owned by aristocracy. In Dutch there’s a word, hovenier, which is a gardener. So it’s interesting my name is “hamlet”, a large piece of property, a giant farm, which makes me think of my childhood - that piece of property, the Hoven,” Hoven said.

PHOTOS AND STORY BY STEPHANIE LI

Winning Machines:

F eature

THE RUBICON • FEBRUARY 2017

7

new robotics team programs a path to state

JENNY SOGIN

The Rubicon Editor St. Paul Academy’s brand new robotics team had a very successful first semester, qualifying for the state competition as a rookie team. Robotics in the Upper School was a brand new addition this year, with a class offered in first semester and the option to continue robotics in the second semester without a designated class period.

From Legos to robots Past experience in robotics factored into some students’ decision to join the team.

Some members of the robotics team participated in First Lego League, a robotics league offered to students nine to sixteen years old.

“I did the Lego League in middle school and I really like computers and computer science, so [joining the team] was just a natural fit for me,” junior Daniel Ellis said.

Senior Andrew Michel also found his passion for robotics through First Lego League, but joined the team looking forward to his future in robotics.

“I had done Lego league when I was in middle school and I really enjoyed it. I’m also thinking about doing something with robotics in college,” Michel said.

For sophomore Michaela Polley, joining the robotics team was an easy decision for her because of her family’s commitment to robotics.

“I’ve always loved math and engineering, and my entire family does robotics. My dad coaches three teams, my mom coaches one team, [and] all three of us are going to state for robotics,” Polley said.

Joining the robotics team en-

tails a big time commitment in order to build the robot and program it in time for each competition. Even with a designated class period in the first semester, work needed to be done outside of class.

“There’s a specific end result you have to have, and if you don’t achieve that in class, you have to go in and work on it outside of class,” Michel said.

However, the large amount of time spent outside of class also involves a lot of bonding, fun times, and good food.

“The night before our first tournament, we were here until about 9:30 and had started working during tutorial around 1:00.

By the end of it we were all just laughing and working on just pure sugar. We went a little bit crazy at the end of the day,” Polley said with a laugh.

Crash course to coding

This year was the first time for students to be on a high school robotics team, and many had hesitations and expectations going in. For those with past experience in First Lego League, learning a new coding language definitely caused some hesitancy.

“I was expecting something more Lego league-esque, but what I ended up with was something different...With FTC [First Tech Challenge. The robotics league SPA participates in] people specialized a lot. Partially because we were coding in Java, which, if you don’t already know [how to use], is not easy to pick up on the fly, especially if you [also need to] focus on the robot,” Michel said.

“I was a little nervous about starting a new [coding] language because I knew my old language really, really well…. That was a little nerve-wracking, but [it] was

“I really like building. It’s a really good escape just because you have to concentrate on it.”

— JUNIOR DANIEL ELLIS also exciting to learn a new language,” Polley said.

Despite these hesitations, many students enjoyed the new class. For some, it was the work, for others, the community. For Ellis and Michel it was their love to build.

“I really like building. It’s a really good escape just because you have to concentrate on it,” Ellis said.

“My favorite part [of the team] is the construction aspect, like, what we can do mechanically… and how much we can accomplish [with] relatively rudimentary parts,” Michel added.

A welcoming community Polley noted that in addition to her love of coding, she really liked the community.

“I love the community that we have, especially now that we no longer have a class at a specific time. People are just in the lab all the time, I can walk down there and can see one of my friends working on the robot,” Polley said.

It’s a rare phenomenon for a new team to make it to state in their first year, but the SPA Robotics Team defied the odds and qualified for the FTC State Competition. As a senior, Michel is glad to have gone to state in his last year on the robotics team.

REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION: Web Lehmann

LAUNCHING THE COMPETITION. Sophomore Gabriel Konar-Steenberg competes at regionals. “My favorite part [of the team] is the construction aspect, like, what we can do mechanically... and how much we can accomplish [with] relatively rudimentary parts,” senior Andrew Michel said.

“It’s a really cool opportunity.

This is my first year doing FTC [First Tech Challenge], and as a senior it’s my last year to do it, so [I like] being able to go to state and continue doing it even longer,” Michel said.

A bright future Both Ellis and Polley are excited about going as a brand new team.

“I don’t think this is going to happen again, especially for a first-year team… [I think] it’s a great opportunity for me, especially because it’s my first year,” Ellis said.

“It’s really encouraging and fun. It’s amazing because we’re a rookie team and were able to go,” Polley added.

Looking into the future, Michel would like to see a second

team added to the program, even though he knows he will not be there to see it.

“In future years [we should have] an FRC [First Robotics Competition] for people who have FTC experience… but I think it’s more important to establish a strong FTC team and establish the presence of robotics at SPA before we try to create a FRC team,” Michel stated.

Ellis thinks that the addition of the new math and science building will be a great resource for the robotics team.

“For the future we’re going to have the huge science building, which will be great. I’m not going to be here to see it, but I’m sure it’s going to be a huge asset,” Ellis said.

Many seniors choose Early Decision to lower winter stress By the

numbers

33% of the class of 2017 applied using Early Decision

70%

of seniors did some kind of early application.

74%

of the seniors who applied early decision who were accepted

25%

There was a increase of in the number of ED acceptees from last year.

IYA ABDULKARIM The Rubicon Editor

At the same time that most seniors were wrapping up their college applications, a third of the class of 2017 had already heard back from their colleges through early decision (ED) applications.

This record number of ED acceptees amount is up from the usual 25% of the grade, but it’s too early to tell if it is a national trend.

Senior Nora Kempainen, who will be joining the class of 2021 at Colby College, decided to apply ED because her early decision application allowed her to hear back from the school she most wanted to attend several months before regular applicants.

“The application deadline was November 15 and I found out exactly a month later [if I was

accepted] as opposed to regular decision, [for which] you apply beginning or mid-January and don’t find out until March,” Kempainen said. “It was really nice-I sent in my application three weeks early so I had to wait seven weeks, but [it was] still [early].”

Besides being admitted into her preferred school, Kempainen is also relieved of filling out further applications. “[One of the benefits of ED was] knowing that I don’t have to do any more applications, not having to worry about it. People in my grade will be worrying about it in the spring and I’m done now, which is nice.” Kempainen said.

The same is true for senior Ethan Meitz, who was admitted to Washington University in St. Louis through early decision.

“My motivation towards school is about the same, but I definitely care less about grades-there is a lot less stress [around] all of it,” Meitz said. “[I applied early decision] because one, it increases your chances and I really liked that school more than the other ones, so why not give myself a higher chance [of admittance] and [two] you get your decision earlier obviously, which is nice,” Meitz said. “More people are admitted early decision but it is still just as competitive,” he added.

“The only downside [to applying via early decision] would be that you have to go to that school, but if you are applying ED, obviously you want to go to that school so it really shouldn’t [be] have a downside,” he said.

“ED to me seems like a good

idea if you know that ‘I would like to go to this school,’” Meitz added.

For the remaining two thirds of the grade, applications have been submitted and the wait begins.

“I’m done. I feel great. I applied to a lot [of colleges] and submitting the last one [application] was amazing,” senior Sara Bohjanen said.

“Some [applications] I did early action, which is non-binding, so I already know that I am in colleges,” she said.

“It just gives me more of a choice where I go [...] I am hopeful to hear back from my schools but I’m also kind of stressed because I actually have to [make] the decision,” Bohjanen said.

I n -D e

8

THE RUBICON •

STUDENT GROUP LEAD

JAVIER WHITAKER-CASTAÑEDA Editor-in-Chief

Like any inauguration, the ceremony to swear in current President Donald J. Trump on Jan. 20 represented a transfer of power. But it is not a stretch, after a tremendously divisive and irregular campaign season, to say that this election has had a substantial effect on current St. Paul Academy and Summit School students’ lives.

The Trump administration will preside over the remainder of every current SPA upper school students’ high school career, a time when many begin to heighten their political awareness and involvement.

The election and inauguration of Trump has had significance, albeit in many different forms, for everyone throughout the SPA community.

Student groups are community centers for ideas, perspectives, and shared mentalities.

The following are responses from six different student group leaders when asked the questions: “What specific parts of the inauguration ceremony stood out to you? What was memorable?” “What are some hopes or expectations you have for this new administration?” “What are some hopes or expectations you have for SPA students during this administration? How can these be brought into the school?

Through student groups?

Through your student group?”

PRESIDENTIAL I GSA

LEO BUKOVSAN, AARON DATA Gender and Sexuality Acceptance In the next four Hodges. Our years we shall hesitation is not sit idly by. not unfounded.

President Trump But we believe has been elected in our democand we trust in racy, and for our democracy to any democrakeep his power in cy to work we check. That is also must particia responsibility of pate in it. We, us, the people. We the GSA, have must admit that we concluded that — GENDER AND are afraid of what this is the time these next four SEXUALITY ACCEPTANCE for us to stand years entail. We strong in our have a president morals. We will who has gone back and forth in continue our work promoting his support of the LGBTQ+ com- LGBTQ+ rights within our community. We have a vice president munity as well as reaching out to who has, on multiple occasions, Minnesota as a whole to bring an OATH OF OFFICE. President Donald J. Trump takes the oath of office as he is ina denied LGBTQ+ citizens our ba- end to discrimination and hatred. back our jobs. We will bring back our borders. We will bring back our wealth. A sic human rights. We will poten- We will hold Trump to his word tially have supreme court justices of not forgetting any Americans. that will overrule Obergefell v. Because we too, are Americans.

“We will hold Trump to his word of not forgetting any Americans.

Because we, too, are Americans.”

PEP

MARI KNUDSON, People for Environmental Protection

“all mentions of climate change were removed from the White House website.”

First and forethe public by the most, we are conTrump admincerned about the istration; I hope likelihood that that this is not all work done by the case, as hard the Obama addata is one of our ministration in most important terms of climate resources in the change will be fight against cli— PEOPLE FOR undone during mate change.

ENVIRONMENTAL Trump’s presPEP’s plan PROTECTION idency. Within is to continue to hours of Trump’s spread awareinauguration, all mentions of cli- ness about environmental issues mate change were removed from and keep the fight against climate the White House website, except change going in all the big and for those detailing Trump’s prom- little ways we can. I hope that ise to reverse Obama’s climate the larger SPA community will change policies. Furthermore, his be for the most part supportive of appointment as the head of the our mission and even help particEnvironmental Protection Agen- ipate in our initiatives; based on cy, Scott Pruitt, has spent the bulk past responsiveness on the part of his career undermining the of the school, I am confident that EPA’s agenda, the blatant irony will be the case. Student engageof which would be humorous if ment in the sciences will be more not for the direness of this situa- important now than ever before. tion. PEP hopes that these initial Science will be more scrutinized alarming moves by the Trump during this presidency than it has administration are not followed in a while, and the best response through during his term. Many to this will be for the future sciscientists are concerned that the entists in our community to learn mountains of data providing evi- all they can, start participating in dence of climate change gathered research, and stick to the scientifby the U.S. government will be ic method in order to fight ignodeleted or made unavailable to rance and denial with knowledge.

SPU

HENRY ZIEMER, Student Political Union

“What gave me pause was Trump’s call for all Americans to rally behind a shared love of country.”

I was surprised under the banby Trump’s charner of nationacterization of alism. While I patriotism in his agree that the inaugural address. national interThroughout he est lies at the seemed acutely core of any aware of the fact political parthat he was assumty, challenges ing the presidency arise when difin a divided nafering propostion, and to me his als are set forth speech attempted — STUDENT POLITICAL regarding how UNION to foster reconcilbest to secure iation between the the nation’s inbitterly opposed terests. poles of American society. To this In his call to rally behind the end he clung to the rhetoric of the flag Mr. Trump risked equating Washington outsider, claiming his own ideology with that of the that the powerful had continued nation itself, in doing so defining to grow in wealth and influence dissent not merely as a difference while the people of the United of opinion, but assault on the ideStates suffered. This critique has als of the country. Although the been leveled by groups at every reality may be less extreme, such point along the political spectrum an uncompromising outline of paand it was not unsurprising that triotism stood out to me throughMr. Trump would continue to sin- out the duration of Trump’s gle out the establishment as his speech. On January 20th, 2017 target after a campaign that was Donald Trump addressed the nanothing if not anti-establishment. tion with the intent not to bind What gave me pause was his up its wounds, but to eliminate call for all Americans to rally the division which caused them behind a shared love of country. in the first place. The protests Though he gave tacit support for which have characterized his first political discourse and debate, he days as president call into serious rapidly qualified this by stating question whether he can be sucthat everything could be unified cessful in this undertaking.

“I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and

9

epth FEBRUARY 2017

DERS RESPOND TO THE

INAUGURATION YCC RAHUL DEV, WESTON LOMBARD Young Conservatives Club

“Trump demonstrated the necessity for change and made it clear that is exactly what he is going to do.”

Fair Use Image: White House Official Twitter

MSA

augurated as President of the United States on Friday, Jan. 20. “We will bring And we will bring back our dreams,” Trump said during his inaugural address.

NOOR QUREISHY Muslim Student Alliance

Trump’s seven Musinauguration lim-majority speech painted countries and the landscape of making subAmerica in disstantial cuts mal gray shades; to our refugee although I had program — expected him only reinforced to try to unite a the message divided AmeriI got from ca, it seemed to his inaugurame that the ideas tion speech: he presented in that Trump’s his speech were new vision of — MUSLIM STUDENT designed only America at ALLIANCE for the people best ignores that had put him into office in the or erases my community and at first place. As a Muslim-Amer- worst discriminates against it. I ican, I am worried about how hope that SPA students stay polittle he seems to care about the litically active, make a sincere efrole his rhetoric has in increas- fort to be an ally to marginalized ing islamophobia in America. groups, and take advantage of the Trump has promised to combat resources they have at school to terrorism through policies root- educate themselves about social ed in islamophobia since he first issues. I know that at SPA, both started campaigning: the Muslim tolerance and acceptance for othban, proposal to surveil mosques, er groups’ identities is commonand Muslim registry are all sug- place—but taking that supportive gestions that frighten me. Trump mindset and using it in whatever attempted to unify the country way we can to actively particithrough a shared dislike of the pate in our democracy is going to establishment and through our be a skill that we will all need to love for America. Yet, the words learn over the next four years. At he used — “when you open your the Muslims Students Alliance, heart to patriotism, there is no we will continue to do whatever room for prejudice” —were far we can -- through rallies, speaker from reassuring to me. Seeing programs, and other events -- to the policies he’s already put into fight the growing narrative of isplace—halting immigration from lamophobia in America.

“Trump’s new vision of America at best ignores or erases my community and at worst discriminates against it.”

As fiscal conhope he strives servatives, we for gender and were excited to racial equality, see Trump come and does not take out in his speech basic rights that with hope should be asfor economic sumed for womprosperity. He en, LGBTQ+, demonstrated etc. That said, the necessity we are hoping for change, and that the SPA made it clear community will that is exactly openly give him what he is going an opportuni— YOUNG to do. His final CONSERVATIVES CLUB ty for success. line stood out We may not all the most to us. agree on many He embodied many of the ideas of his ideas, but we must unify that many conservatives are hop- as a student body and not allow ing for in the next 4 years, and ourselves to be divided simply finished with his infamous cam- based on assumptions about each paign slogan. Fiscally, we are other. Trump supporters are not hoping for change. We hope he, all racists and sexists, and only and the Republican Congress can conversation will allow that to be find a way to bring jobs back to understood. On behalf of YCC, America, rebuild our military, and we’d be happy to have anyone reduce illegal immigration. How- who would like to come an have ever, we do hope that socially, he this conversation to provide a does not attempt to change every- space, not to debate, but rather to thing that President Obama ac- provide an understanding of the complished during his tenure. We minority side.

BC WEB LEHMANN, BRIAN ORZA Business Club

“It is already clear, based on recent market trends, that investors have confidence that trump’s policies will benefit large corporations.”

Business Club on recent marfeatures a diverse kets trends that political sub-cominvestors have munity with varyconfidence that ing views on last Trump’s policies weeks inaugurawill benefit large tion. One point corporations that struck us through less regfrom a business ulation in Amerstandpoint, was ica. EconomicalTrump’s adamant ly, Trump draws ‘hire and buy a lot of parallels America’ ideoloto Reagan’s ecogy. This may have nomic policy very positive im(Reaganomics). pacts on the UnitRegardless of ed States econopolitical views, — BUSINESS CLUB my, but may have we at Business backlashes from Club, are optia global standpoint. No matter mistic and hopeful about the short what political opinions one may term economic and financial fuhave, it is already clear based ture of the U.S.

Trump’s first week in office: Executive orders and memorandums during the first week of office are common, and Trump’s came right from his campaign platform.

WEEKEND: JAN 21-22

Trump signed an executive order minimizing the burden of the Affordable Care Act before repeal and freezing all new government regulations.

MONDAY, JAN. 23 Trump withdrew from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, instituted an expanded version of the Mexico City policy which denies federal funding to NGOs that perform or support abortions internationally.

TUES-WED, JAN. 24-25 Reinstated the construction of Dakota Access and Keystone Pipelines and called for expedited reviews for companies interested in building new factories in the U.S.

THURSDAY, JAN. 26 Trump’s next orders focused on the construction of the Mexican Border wall and laid out policies on deportation.

FRIDAY, JAN. 27 One Executive order bars citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries (Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen) from entering the United States for the next 90 days and suspends the admission of all refugees for 120 days. A memorandum signed that day called for rebuilding the U.S. military.

INFORMATION COMPILED FROM: The Hill

d will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

— US CONSTITUTION, Article II, Section One, Clause 8

10

A round T own THE RUBICON • FEBRUARY 2017

HOT Chocolate is a HOT Topic JONAH HARRISON The Rubicon Editor

Minnesota winters can be pretty brutal. When the temperature is below zero, it’s a great time to drink something hot... hot chocolate. But then comes the big question: Almost every cafe has a standard take on hot chocolate, but which cafe has the best one?

Caribou is close to school but lacks flavor and visual appeal CLOSE BUT GROSS. Although Caribou Coffee is the closest cafe to school, the hot chocolate does not taste good.

Students should take their business elsewhere.

RATINGS APPEARANCE: 1/5 TASTE: 1.5/5 COST: $$$ ATMOSPHERE: 4/5 TOTAL= 6.5/15

For students hoping to find hot chocolate close to school, Caribou Coffee may be their first thought. Unfortunately for those looking for a good cup of hot cocoa, Caribou falls flat.

First of all, the presentation is somewhat sloppy. The drink is served only in a to go cup, the whipped cream is strewn across the top of the drink in sloppy strokes, and the cream is too sweet. A pile of chocolate chips is also thrown in messily in the middle.

Taste-wise, the drink is so watery that it tastes more like water with chocolate than actual hot chocolate. The consistency is not creamy enough and it is served too hot to drink immediately.

The winter drink is definitely not worth the price of $3.19 for a small size. For the atmosphere, Caribou does a nice job of having a chill vibe with nice coffee shop music playing in the background.

Espresso Royale is local and delicious but noisy Just across the street from Caribou, Espresso Royale provides a nice relaxing vibe with a great cup of hot chocolate. The presentation is pretty average. The cup is served to-go but the whipped cream is perfectly configured on top of the drink.

The taste of this hot chocolate is close to perfect. The whipped cream is fluffy and has a perfect sweet taste. The drink itself is creamy and smooth, heated perfectly as to not burn the tongue.

The only problem with this hot chocolate is that towards the bottom of the cup, the texture gets very chalky, which can be a little off putting.

The cafe itself has many guests, and if a student is looking for somewhere to get work done quietly, they won’t find luck here without a pair of ear buds.

PERFECT TASTE. Espresso Royale is just across the street from school and their hot chocolate is delicious, but the cafe itself is fairly noisy.

RATINGS APPEARANCE: 4/5 TASTE: 5/5 COST: $$$ ATMOSPHERE: 4/5 TOTAL= 13/15

Blue Moon Coffee Cafe offers great atmosphere COOL CAFE. The appearance and atmosphere of the Blue Moon Coffee cafe are almost perfect, but the taste is just okay.

RATINGS APPEARANCE: 4/5 TASTE: 3.5/5 COST: $$$ ATMOSPHERE:5/5 TOTAL= 12.5/15

About ten minutes away from school sits the Blue Moon Coffee Cafe. Of all the cafes that were reviewed, this cafe has the best atmosphere. There is a very relaxed vibe at this coffee shop, and the music is not too loud or overwhelming to get work done.

The hot chocolate itself is served in a simple white mug. The whipped cream is well placed on top of the drink, and there are chocolate shavings which add to a simple but pretty display.

When first taking a sip, the whipped cream is the first to hit the mouth. It has a great sweetness level but the consistency is a little too soft and melts immediately.

The hot chocolate is a little too milky, but has the perfect sweetness.

The texture is very smooth but maybe a bit too watery. The temperature was also perfect. Overall, the hot chocolate here is simple but delicious.

Kopplin’s: the most expensive and the least delicious Only six minutes from school, Kopplin’s is another option. Unfortunately, the hot chocolate offered will disappoint. The specialty hot chocolate offered at Kopplin’s uses Valrhona chocolate.

The presentation is cute, served in a nice ceramic mug on a plate, and the design of the foam is very pretty. However, there is no whipped cream on the hot chocolate which takes away a very crucial element in the drink. The taste is almost more bitter than coffee and leaves a terrible taste in your mouth after having just one sip. The drink has no sweet element to it.

The atmosphere of Kopplin’s is also a little too loud. The shop is almost always crowded with people speaking (or more like shouting to be heard), making it hard to get work done even with ear buds or headphones.

Of all four options, I would recommend this the least to anyone who is hoping to find the perfect cup of hot chocolate.

RATINGS APPEARANCE: 4/5 TASTE: 1/5 COST: $$$ ATMOSPHERE: 1.5/5 TOTAL= 7.5/15

CUTE BUT COSTLY. Kopplin’s has the least delicious hot chocolate of the four cafes, and offers it for the highest price.

A round T own THE RUBICON • FEBRUARY 2017

Cafe Directory

11

To cold to go out?

Make HOT chocolate at home RECIPE SOURCE: Buzzfeed

Ingredients -3 cups milk -½ cup milk powder -1 teaspoon cornstarch -¾ cup 60% dark chocolate chips or chunks from bar -1 cup chilled heavy cream (for whipped topping)

3

1

First pour heavy cream into a medium bowl and whisk vigorously until the cream forms soft peaks. Refrigerate bowl while making hot chocolate.

Next place milk in a saucepan on the stove on medium-high heat until it begins to boil.

After milk begins to boil, turn the heat down to medium-low.

Next add the chocolate to the milk and whisk while pouring. As the chocolate starts to melt, add the milk powder and cornstarch mix.

Stir until all ingredients are well combined and melted. Finally, bring the hot chocolate mixture to a boil for the perfect texture.

While waiting, measure out milk powder and cornstarch into a small bowl, and whisk together until the two ingredients are combined. Then, measure out chocolate in a bowl.

4 Final Result

CARIBOU COFFEE

1817 Randolph Avenue St Paul. MN, 55105 Hours: 5:30AM - 9:00PM, Mon.-Thurs.

5:30AM - 10:00PM, Fri. 6:00AM - 10:00PM, Sat. 6:00AM - 9:00PM, Sat. THE RUBICON PHOTO: Stephanie Li

2

Immediately after it starts boiling, pour hot chocolate into cups and add whipped cream to the top.

THE RUBICON PHOTOS: Jonah Harrison

Dairy Free:

(soy) HOT chocolate at home

ESPRESSO ROYALE

475 Fairview Avenue South St Paul, MN 55105-1712 Hours 6:30AM - 10:00PM, Mon.-Fri. 7:00AM - 10:00PM, Sat.-Sun.

RECIPE: Kathryn Campbell

Ingredients

THE RUBICON PHOTO: Mari Knudson

BLUE MOON COFFEE CAFE 3822 E. Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN. Hours 7:00AM - 10:00PM, Mon.-Fri. 8:00AM - 10:00PM, Sat.-Sun.

-2 1/2 cups soy milk -3 Tablespoons white sugar -3 Tbls. cocoa powder -1/2 teaspoon cinnamon -1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract -1 pinch salt -1 pinch cayenne pepper Tips: -be sparing with the pinch of salt and cayenne... but definitely don’t skip them -for a creamier taste, consider using vanilla soy milk

2 1

This hot chocolate has some serious spice: mix together sugar, cocoa powder, salt, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.

Stir the spices into the soy milk and heat to a simmer in a saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring so the spices blend into the milk.

3 Final Result

Fair use image Longfellow

Remove from the heat and whisk until frothy. Pour into a cup and serve immediately.

PHOTOS: Olivia Campbell

Want something HOT that’s not HOT chocolate?

KOPPLIN’S

2038 Marshall Ave St Paul, MN 55104 6:00AM-8:00PM, Mon.-Fri. 7:00AM-8:00PM. Sat.-Sun. Fair use image from Kopplin’s Facebook

Check out recipes for cider, chai, and more at The Rubicon on Pinterest

Gisselquist loves how musicals combine emotion and theatre in songs

12

JASPER GREEN

at Ru bicOn lin e

Re ad th e entire sto ry

The Rubicon Editor

Junior J.J. Gisselquist listens to music throughout the day whenever they have the chance, “I feel like music is a really good way [for me] to express feelings and emotions, but it’s also just a really enjoyable thing to just sit back and relax to. I find it interesting that through music, someone else is able to make you feel a certain way,” Gisselquist said.

JJ ’s Pl ay list

g-Lo ve Neve r Die s - ʻTi l I He ar Yo u Sin -Out To nig ht-Rent w-In th e Heights -It Wo n’t Be Lo ng No ra ble s ise M s -On my Ow n-Le n lto mi -B ur n-Ha So me ho w He re Ag ain -W ish ing Yo u We re era Ph anto m of th e Op Little Mer ma id he a-T -U nder th e Se rst ar ht-Jes us Ch rist Supe -Eve ry th ing ’s Al rig he M us ic Man -T ill Th ere Wa s Yo u-T Me-Ol ive r! s ed -As Lo ng As He Ne

A rts & E ntertainment

STUDENT PLAYLIST THE RUBICON PHOTO: Jasper Green

THE RUBICON • FEBRUARY 2017

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Winter One Acts, a long-standing tradition at SPA, provide seniors with the ability to step off of the stage as an actor and into the shoes of a Staff Writer director. The winter one acts give seniors the opportunity to choose a play, and have auditions and pick their cast.

Despite the prospect of directing the play however they want to, new rewards and obstacles arise as they try to direct a play in a few short weeks. This year, seniors Leo Bukovsan, Emily Schoonover, and co-directors Mary Grant and Coleman Thompson directed shows in addition to the Upper School theater director Eric Severson. The common theme between all the show this year: you won’t leave without laughing a lot.

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Directors talk about their shows

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flexible, also,” Thompson said.

Aside from the responsibilities faced, though, both Grant and Thompson agree that directing a play has been a lot of fun and rewarding. The interview itself is interspersed with laughter and jokes as Grant and Thompson recall memories and stories from their experience.

“There will be moments when I’m watching the actors perform a scene, even if it’s just their second time doing it, and I get chills watching it because I know this scene is going to be absolutely amazing,” Thompson said.

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don’t often get when acting,” Grant said.

In addition to the new leadership roles that Grant and Thompson have been faced with, they have also been challenged with new hardships “Scheduling is always a challenge. On one hand we want to have rehearsal everyday but then we realize that’s crazy,” Thompson said.

“There are also moments when the full force of everything that has to be done before tech week hits me, but then I just tell myself that it will all get done and be fine,” Grant said.

While co-directing may seem easier, it also has its own challenges: “I get scared that we’ll disagree on something and have conflicts, and if that happens I don’t want it to affect our show,” Grant said.

Grant and Thompson’s advice for first time directors: plan ahead.

“Things will never go exactly as you plan, that’s just impossible. Be

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The Actor’s Nightmare For student directors Mary Grant and Coleman Thompson, the directing process has challenged them to take on more leadership.

Their show, “The Actor’s Nightmare,” is a comedic and lighthearted play.

“When you are acting you don’t really get a sense of how the director views the show, but as a director it’s all very different being able to watch the show, comment on it, and point out things that need to be done differently or the same,” Thompson said.

“I also didn’t realize how directly the director and their ideas and thoughts influence the play and its shape,” Grant said.

Thompson agreed with Grant, adding that, “You get to have more control over the show [as a director]. When you’re an actor, you’re completely at the mercy of the director, but as a director you have all the power.”

“You also get to see the bigger picture, which is something you

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On the hardest part of directing, Bukovsan found it easy to come up with an answer: managing everyone’s schedules.

“Managing all the actors’ different schedules and finding a balance between calling people enough so that the show can be put together, but also making sure I’m not calling people too much and restricting them from the rest of their lives,” Bukovsan said.

Bukovsan’s advice for first time directors: “Make a plan early on, and then do your best to stick to it. It’ll make your life so much easier and make this process a lot n so more fun.” rri

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be extremely specific about what I wanted, but the actors are doing a good job of embodying their characters with little direction,” Bukovsan said.

Bukovsan emphasized the importance that the actors understand where their characters are in the moment and the necessity of focusing on making characters different without relying on physical changes, such as costume and makeup changes.

“Through directing, I realized that I knew more about acting and theater than I thought I did,” Bukovsan said.

Bukovsan’s theater experience has mainly come from work in musicals, so acting wasn’t the focus of his attention. Despite this, he realized he knew a lot more about acting then he realized, while still picking up on new things. Some of these new things included casting, conveying ideas to actors, and having to think of and design every scene and blocking.

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“Being a part of the theater community as an actor is one thing, but then stepping into the shoes of the director completely changes how others see you,” student director Leo Bukovsan said.

The play Bukovsan chose to direct is titled “Thirteen ways to screw up your college interview.”

Bukovsan felt that this play fit perfectly into his life as he was in the midst of senior year and applying to colleges.

“I knew I wanted to do something funny, because while I enjoy doing sad shows and have done a lot of them, funny shows take a lot less out of you. I wanted people to be able to relax and have fun while performing this show,” Bukovsan said.

Describing his experience as a first time director, Bukovsan mentioned that he expected direction to be a lot more challenging that it turned out to be: “I definitely thought that I would have to be more mean and demanding as a director. I thought I would have to

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13 Ways to screw up your college interview

A series of unfortunate episodes: Netflix series less satisfying than the orignal books

ANDREW JOHNSON The Rubicon Editor

When Lemony Snicket set the world on fire with her literary series A Series Of Unfortunate Events, a high bar was set come time for the eventual film adaptation. Unfortunately for Snicket and the countless fans of the series, the newly released Netflix series fell flat.

To be clear, the show wasn’t all bad. The home of Count Olaf,

one of the story’s protagonists, was exactly how the literary series pictured it: As a gray and black pit of darkness, misplaced in a neighborhood of typical suburban houses. Aside from Count Olaf (Neil Patrick Harris), the show was impeccably casted.

Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire were all exactly who they were supposed to be: Gifted, resourceful and innocent children shocked at their “unfortunate” situation at the hands of a dead-

ly fire the resulted in the deaths of their parents. However, the viewer only gets a glimpse of this sorrow, as most of the first book, The Bad Beginning, chronicles the children’s important journey of mentally moving on from the disaster.

Read the entire review at

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THE RUBICON • FEBRUARY 2017

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Schoonover directed A Cold Day in Hell, which is about a group of people in Hell and a guy who believes he doesn’t deserve to be in hell.

“There’s not really a plot to this play...It’s mainly just a lot of bad jokes. I wanted the actors, especially, to have fun,” Schoonover said.

The rehearsal process varies each day, from character workshops to blocking rehearsals.

“During character workshops, I asked actors questions about their character and they answered them as if they were the character. I think it helped the actors to better understand their character so they could fully embody their

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person and let go,” Schoonover said.

Schoonover also came across challenges while directing: “What I see in my head isn’t always what people do, but I’ve learned that that isn’t always a bad thing.”

“It was hard making sure that everything fell into place and accepting that not everything would be perfect or go how you want it to go,” Schoonover said.

Schoonover’s advice for first time directors: “Realistically, the first thing you direct isn’t going to be a big masterpiece so make sure you have fun and that everyone you’re directing and working with is having fun. Also, don’t act like you know everything - no

one knows everything.”

Even though Schoonover faced new challenges, she also had a lot of fun moments with the cast.

“Sometimes I asked the cast what they thought was funny and then I would put that in the play.

It was like our own inside jokes.

Also, once I had all the actors create online dating profiles for their characters because I thought it was a great way for them to get to know their characters and have fun. Someone actually got a reply,” Schoonover said.

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Eiffel Tower Wedding Party

RUBICONLINE PHOTOS: Kelby Wittenberg

Q&A with US Theater Director Eric Severson

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ABSURDLY ABSURDIST. Sophomore Max Moen, Juniors Sylvie Schifsky, Drew Fawcett, Maya Shrestha, Jonah Harrison, and sophomore Elise Parsons pose during the dress rehearsal of their one act, “The Eiffel Tower Wedding Party.”

What is your favorite part about the Student One Acts?

What is your favorite part about the competition One Acts?

I really enjoy seeing the senior directors take a leadership role and see what they create from their vision. I do my best to help them and give them advice, but I want what the audience sees to be a reflection of the student directors and their vision of the show.

I like seeing what other schools are doing, and the comradery that has begun to develop between schools that we see every year at the competition. All the students coming together from different schools to see each other’s work, even though it’s a competition, is really neat. It often feels like a celebration between students as they get to see what other people are doing and form a community by supporting each other.

2 What’s the most challenging part of the competition One Acts? What’s the most challenging part of One Acts?

The competition is always challenging because the judging of theater and art is completely subjective, so no matter how good or bad you are doing it all comes down to what the judges think.

The judges are given a specific criteria of what they are looking for, and they’re not supposed to judge on lighting, costumes, set, or the play choice, but when you’re watching a visual medium like theater it’s hard not to be affected by that and how those elements affect the play. I always tell the actors to go into [the competition] trying to do the best job we can do and to do the show justice.

If we advance and we win that’s great, and if we don’t we’ve still gone out and done our best.

3 What have you learned from it or want the actors/actresses to learn from it?

The biggest thing I want the student directors and actors to gain from the One Acts is to have fun! I want the directors the be challenged and communicate their vision for creating a piece of theater and explain what’s going on in their head and make it a reality. I want everyone to embrace the idea of the ensemble and come together as a group. Each group has to individually work together and create things, but then all the shows have to come together to make the show enjoying and delightful. Another important thing I want the everyone to learn is how to do it all - they have to design and help build their sets. Lastly, I want everyone to support each other and just have a really fun time.

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S ports THE RUBICON • FEBRUARY 2017

Drastically cold temps effect ski teams’ seasons “When it gets too cold and windy, they try and make us be outside for the shortest amount of time possible.”

JASPER GREEN The Rubicon Editor

For student members of the Alpine and Nordic ski teams, the temperature and wind chill are always on the mind.

“It sucks to be wearing race suits because the wind goes right through them when you are on the chairlifts at races,” sophomore Alpine skier Ethan Asis said.

In order to avoid suffering from frozen toes, frostbite, and hypothermia, students must dress properly. Skiers can minimize their exposure to the cold by wearing non-cotton base layers, wool socks, a windproof layer on top, hats, some type of mittens or gloves, and balaclavas.

Many students also use hand and toe warmers to avoid the pain of having them freeze, and put either Dermatome or Warmskin (creams to protect skin from cold temperatures) on their exposed skin to protect themselves from the damaging wind.

“To make sure I don’t freeze I wear lots of warm layers, a buff, and a hat. Hand and toe warmers [are also] a necessity,” junior Nordic skier Dina Moradian said.

Even after putting on all of this winter gear, sometimes it is just too cold to have a competition, or even a practice. According to the MSHSL (Minnesota State High School League) website, at a -15 degree Fahrenheit wind chill, exposed flesh can freeze in one minute, and beyond a -70 degrees

— SENIOR JOHN SORANNO

SUBMITTED PHOTO: Chris Reedy

STAY WARM. The Varsity Nordic ski team bundles up after the rescheduled Mesabi Meet. “To make sure I don’t freeze I wear lots of warm layers, a buff, and a hat. Hand and toe warmers [are also] a necessity,” junior Nordic skier Dina Moradian said.

Fahrenheit wind chill, one’s skin can freeze in 30 seconds.

The regulations around cold temperatures are more rigid for Nordic than Alpine skiing, because while Alpine skiers are out in the cold for a relatively short amount of time, Nordic skiers can be outside racing for up to half an hour. MSHSL states that when

the ambient temperature (air temperature, without wind chill) drops below -4 degrees Fahrenheit Nordic skiing competitions must be either postponed or canceled and Alpine skiing competitions can continue, but modifications to the racing procedure must be made in order to minimize the time skiers spend outside.

“When it gets too cold and windy, they try and make us be outside in the cold for the shortest amount of time that we have to, and you have to be bundled up for safety, no exceptions,” senior Alpine captain John Soranno said.

Furthermore, when the ambient temperature is less than -20 degrees Fahrenheit or if the com-

bined wind temperature drops below -40 degrees Fahrenheit, all outdoor activities, including Alpine competitions and both Nordic and Alpine practices, must be canceled.

Recently, the Mesabi East Invitational Nordic Ski race was postponed from Jan. 7, its original date, and moved to the next weekend, Jan. 14, because the temperature dropped below a -4 degrees, the minimum requirement for Nordic competition.

Junior Nordic skier Emilia Hoppe explains why she was glad when the race was switched.

“I was glad that Mesabi was postponed because it’s really hard to race in cold weather. You can only fit so many layers underneath your uniform, and the weather of the new date was much better.

None of us were even worried about getting frostbite,” Hoppe said.

5 Questions for ice skater junior Emma Hills SOPHIE JARO Chief Visual Editor

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After beginning figure skating to follow in her sister’s footsteps, junior Emma Hills needed only a small push before she too was jumping and spinning on the ice. Hills now competes in both individual and synchro events. Synchro is a form of skating involving groups of ten to 16 skaters all moving in unison. To prepare for competitions, Hills spends time on the ice four to five days per week at the Burnsville Ice Arena.

Q: What is something most people don’t know about figure skating?

A: When people hear figure skating, they might first think “Blades of Glory.” But figure skating requires not just a lot of grace, but also athleticism. It requires a lot of leg strength and coordination. It’s not just about the interpretation and how pretty it is. Figure skating is hard.

Q: What is your favorite figure skating move?

A: Depends on what’s going well. When my jumps aren’t going well, then it’s spins. When jumps are going well, then it’s jumps. Generally I like jumping the most.

Q: Do you have a favorite ice skater?

A: I have a lot. For [female] figure skaters, my top three (in no particular order) are Ashley Wagner, Mirai Nagasu, and Mariah Belle.

Q: What has been your most fun competition?

A: My favorite competition is probably my home club’s competition, which is called Skatefest. I like it most because I participate every year. It has a great atmosphere where everyone comes and supports each other.

SUBMITTED PHOTO: Emma Hills

Q: What do you do at Skatefest?

A: Skatefest is a two-day competition which happens every November. You do your own program, watch everyone else’s program, and cheer everyone on. I also do some volunteering there. This year, I judged some of the little kids. I also did a thing called running, which is where I bring the results from the judges to the accountants, where they are processed. I also got to post and deliver the results.

SKATE AND GLIDE. Junior Emma Hills glides across the ice rink at one of her competitions. “Figure skating requires not just a lot of grace, but also athleticism. It requires a lot of leg strength and coordination,” Hills said.

S ports THE RUBICON • FEBRUARY 2017

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THE RUBICON PHOTO: Amodhya Samarakoon

SWIMMING FAST. Ninth grader Cesar Gallagher races across the pool at the Trojan Boys Swim and Dive meet on Jan. 21. The team received fifth place overall, their A relays finished in 4th place, ninth grader Cesar Gallagher got third in the 100 butterfly, ninth grader Noah Rice got fifth in the 100 freestyle, and senior Matt Suzuki got fifth in the breaststroke. “I hope we keep improving...[I want the team to] make it to state,” Suzuki said.

Boys Swim and Dive gains confidence after big win AMODHYA SAMARAKOON RubicOnline Design Manager

The pool’s otherwise calm surface is broken by several simultaneous dives followed by intermittent splashes. It’s bright, warm, and the sound of water hitting hands and feet is punctuated by the cheers from coaches and teammates. Among the sea of swimmers at the South View Middle School Boys Swim meet, a group of boys wearing swim

caps with yellow lettering, spelling “Trojans,” stand out.

The Trojan Boys Swim team, a combination of St. Paul Academy and Summit School and Highland students, competed on Jan. 21 and received fifth place overall.

“Our A relays all finished fourth out of about 24 relays, and our top swimmers swam well: Cesar Gallagher got third in the 100 butterfly, Noah Rice got fifth in the 100 freestyle, and I got fifth in the breaststroke,” senior and team

“we knew we weren’t going to win everything, but we wanted to do the best we could.”

— SENIOR MATT SUZUKI

captain Matthew Suzuki said.

The small team of two high schools swam against other much larger schools.

“We knew we weren’t going to win everything, but we wanted to do the best we could,” Suzuki said.

And, they succeeded: Suzuki states that many of his teammates dropped time, setting new personal records.

Suzuki has high hopes for the team’s future and the rest of the

swimming season.

“I hope that we keep improving ... I want our team to finish undefeated in our conference, get first every single event at the final conference meet, and then get either first or second in sections evens so we can make it to state,” he said.

Their next meet is at Humboldt at five p.m. and they will be competing against Central High School.

Kuller continues her passion for gymnastics with new co-op team NOAH RAAUM Staff Writer

From beam, to bars, to floor, to vault, senior Mackenzie Kuller is thrilled that gymnastics has become a part of St. Paul Academy and Summit School’s winter sports program. Kuller is representing SPA in a new co-op gymnastics team with two other students from Cretin Derham Hall. This is the first year that SPA has been invited to the co-op team, and the first time that the school has ever been involved in gymnastics. Small but strong, the team is ready to push forward into the new year.

Gymnastics requires strength, flexibility, agility, and balance Some skills can take years to master, and the techniques are incredibly strenuous. Kuller has been doing gymnastics off and on for her entire life.

“When I was little, I was really into gymnastics, but then I stopped [in Upper School] be-

“I kind of enjoy how small it is because you really get to know the people.”

— SENIOR MACKENZIE KULLER

cause SPA didn’t have a team,” Kuller said.

Although she’s the only student from SPA that joined the co-op team, she has been enjoying practicing with the other team members from CDH. “It’s nice to get to know people from another school, and even though it’s small, I kind of enjoy how small it is because you really get to know the people,” Kuller said. “It’s a fun way to get exercise and socialize with people

while also being part of a team.”

The co-op team is planning on attending one meet per week, through mid-February.

“Practice is pretty basic, we’re just trying new things to improve our routines. We don’t have any specific goals like making it to a competition, but just getting it off to a good start,” Kuller said.

“Everyone’s here to learn new things.”

The team is still in its development stage, but it’s slowly coming together.

“We’re a pretty new team so we just want to figure out how to make it work and develop a pattern to start the team off well,” Kuller said. “I hope that the team will continue to be a part of SPA, and that more people will be interested in the future.”

THE RUBICON PHOTO: Claire Hallaway

SETTING A HIGH BAR. Senior Mackenzie Kuller practices her uneven bars routine for the co-op gymnastics team. “We’re a pretty new team so we just want to figure out how to make it work and develop a pattern to start the team off well,” Kuller said.

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P hoto S tory THE RUBICON • february 2017

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The Stillwater Ice Castles are a great place to bring family or friends for an enjoyable winter activity. The project takes over 25,000 tons of ice to create and 10,000 icicles are used everyday during the “growing phase.” The Taste of Love Bakery serves warm treats to guests as they enjoy the ice and fire dancers perform Friday and Saturday nights. The best time to visit is at night when the lights inside are on, making the ice glow and shift colors. This is also a great photography and star viewing destination. Con-

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The Rubicon Editor

stellation viewing times provide high-tech telescopes and are hosted by expert meteorologist Mike Lynch to teach visitors about the different constellations. Online tickets are $9.95 for adults and $6.95 for children (ages 4-11); at the door tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children.

Prices are a bit more expensive on weekends but the beautiful displays are worth the cost. The castles will stay open to the public as long as the weather is cold enough in Stillwater. h e ver y first Ice T

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Child: $10

Friday, 3pm-10pm Saturday, 12pm-10pm Sunday, 12pm-8pm Online Tickets: General Admission: $12.95 Child: $8.95 At-the-Door Tickets: General Admission: $18 Child: $12

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