May 2016 Issue

May 31, 2016

THE RUBICON the student newspaper of St. Paul Academy and Summit School 1712 Randolph Ave St. Paul, MN 55105 Volume 43. Issue 8. www.RubicOnline.com • Facebook • Instagram • Twitter • Pinterest • YouTube • @TheRubiconSPA

A year in review...

Huss Center has set the stage as a heart of academics, arts, and community When students leave St. Paul Academy and Summit School, they’ll remember the smooth, charcoal floors, the white walls, and the transparent orbs hanging from the ceiling. They’ll recall the Friday assemblies sitting in comfortable cushioned chairs looking up at the looming stage. They’ll relive the harmonious sounds of voices and instruments elegantly echoing off the walls. The Huss Center for the Performing Arts has become an integral part of the SPA community. As the school year comes to an end, faculty, students, and the Head of School reflect on the first of many years with the latest addition to the campus.

The Huss Center has offered plenty to student life, ranging from theater and musical performances to guest speakers to college information sessions. The building has become a place for students to come together and connect with the rest of the school.

Although the transition from the gym to the auditorium as the main gathering space was expected, the community swiftly adjusted to the plush cushions, the formal atmosphere of senior speeches, and the expansive windows that welcomed sunlight.

Freshman Roan Chafee was surprised by the Huss Center’s architecture.

“I had expected [the Huss Center] to be like O’Shaughnessy, like a big gray concrete building, but it actually turned out really well. There’s a lot of really good architecture that I enjoy looking at,” Chafee said.

“STUDENTS HAVE ABSORBED [THE HUSS CENTER] SEAMLESSLY INTO THEIR ACADEMIC AND SOCIAL LIVES.” — HEAD OF SCHOOL BRYN ROBERTS Sophomore Nolan Smith enjoys the atmosphere of the Huss Center. “[It’s a] great space, calm, quiet, [and] colder than all of the rest of the school which is nice because it gets pretty hot on sunny days!” he said.

Junior Henry Ziemer believes the Huss Center has undergone many developments throughout the school year and is looking forward to next year and what it brings.

“The Huss center has experienced some dramatic changes even in its first year, there is still a great deal

of potential for it to become a major and beneficial communal space,” he said.

Upon talking to the Head of School, Bryn Roberts, the first thing he was surprised by was what visitors had to say upon touring the Huss Center.

“When I talk to folks who are coming in for the first time, you get a sense of their amazement and their wonder that this is what the school’s done, it’s easy for us sometimes to forget how magnificent it is, how beautiful it is. Visitors remind us constantly that it’s really quite a remarkable building if you ever forget that,” Roberts said.

The Huss Center has provided a space for students to convene, advisories to meet, student group events to be hosted, theatrical performances, and speech experiences. Students have grown into it because it has become a place for almost anything.

“Students have absorbed it seamlessly into their academic and social lives here at school and that’s on a daily basis,” Roberts said.

READ THE FULL STORY IN IN-DEPTH, p.8-9

Inside the May issue...

Opinions p.4 Editorial: Celebratory or bittersweet, change impacts everyone News p.2 Class of 2016 graduates Apr. 12

Back Cover p. 16 Where is the Class of 2016 heading next?

Around Town p.6 Summer festivals provide opportunity for new encounters

Feature p.10-12 Farewell to retiring and departing faculty and staff

COVER DESIGN/PHOTO Sophie Jaro Iya Abdulkarim

2

FROM THE COVER May 31, 2016

THE RUBICON the student newspaper of St. Paul Academy and Summit School 1712 Randolph Ave St. Paul, MN 55105 Volume 43. Issue 8. www.RubicOnline.com • Facebook • Instagram • Twitter • Pinterest • YouTube • @TheRubiconSPA

A year in review...

Huss Center has set the stage as a heart of academics, arts, and community When students leave St. Paul Academy and Summit School, they’ll remember the smooth, charcoal floors, the white walls, and the transparent orbs hanging from the ceiling. They’ll recall the Friday assemblies sitting in comfortable cushioned chairs looking up at the looming stage. They’ll relive the harmonious sounds of voices and instruments elegantly echoing off the walls. The Huss Center for the Performing Arts has become an integral part of the SPA community. As the school year comes to an end, faculty, students, and the Head of School reflect on the first of many years with the latest addition to the campus.

The Huss Center has offered plenty to student life, ranging from theater and musical performances to guest speakers to college information sessions. The building has become a place for students to come together and connect with the rest of the school.

Although the transition from the gym to the auditorium as the main gathering space was expected, the community swiftly adjusted to the plush cushions, the formal atmosphere of senior speeches, and the expansive windows that welcomed sunlight.

Freshman Roan Chafee was surprised by the Huss Center’s architecture.

“I had expected [the Huss Center] to be like O’Shaughnessy, like a big gray concrete building, but it actually turned out really well. There’s a lot of really good architecture that I enjoy looking at,” Chafee said.

“STUDENTS HAVE ABSORBED [THE HUSS CENTER] SEAMLESSLY INTO THEIR ACADEMIC AND SOCIAL LIVES.” — HEAD OF SCHOOL BRYN ROBERTS Sophomore Nolan Smith enjoys the atmosphere of the Huss Center. “[It’s a] great space, calm, quiet, [and] colder than all of the rest of the school which is nice because it gets pretty hot on sunny days!” he said.

Junior Henry Ziemer believes the Huss Center has undergone many developments throughout the school year and is looking forward to next year and what it brings.

“The Huss center has experienced some dramatic changes even in its first year, there is still a great deal

of potential for it to become a major and beneficial communal space,” he said.

Upon talking to the Head of School, Bryn Roberts, the first thing he was surprised by was what visitors had to say upon touring the Huss Center.

“When I talk to folks who are coming in for the first time, you get a sense of their amazement and their wonder that this is what the school’s done, it’s easy for us sometimes to forget how magnificent it is, how beautiful it is. Visitors remind us constantly that it’s really quite a remarkable building if you ever forget that,” Roberts said.

The Huss Center has provided a space for students to convene, advisories to meet, student group events to be hosted, theatrical performances, and speech experiences. Students have grown into it because it has become a place for almost anything.

“Students have absorbed it seamlessly into their academic and social lives here at school and that’s on a daily basis,” Roberts said.

READ THE FULL STORY IN IN-DEPTH, p.8-9

This issue closes the coverage of the first year of the Huss Center for the Performing Arts.

IN DEPTH p.8-9

Inside the May issue...

Opinions p.4 Editorial: Celebratory or bittersweet, change impacts everyone News p.2 Class of 2016 graduates Apr. 12

USC, SAC, DC, and Class Leaders announced for 2016-17

SOPHOMORE ELI STRIKER was elected as a class representative for SAC. “I’m pumped,” Striker said.

Representatives were elected after seniors began their off-campus projects.

Read more at

Back Cover p. 16 Where is the Class of 2016 heading next?

Around Town p.6 Summer festivals provide opportunity for new encounters

News Feature p.10-12 Farewell to retiring and departing faculty and staff

PHOTO CREDIT: Clare Tipler

THE RUBICON • MAY 2016

ubicOnline.com

Wright will speak to graduates about continuing to engage with important issues SOPHIE JARO

Chief Visual Editor

PHOTO: SPA Communications THE RANDOLPH CAMPUS NORTH LAWN, the entrance to the original St. Paul Academy, serves as the setting for the 2016 Commencement. Pictured above is the commencement for the Class of 2015.

2016 commencement plans set SOPHIE JARO

Chief Visual Editor Ninety-six students dressed in blue and white gather on the green grass of the St. Paul Academy’s North lawn, appearing as high schoolers for the last time.

The commencement ceremony takes place June 12 at 4 p.m. on the north lawn of the Randolph Campus.

If the weather is clear, all are invited. If raining, graduating families with tickets will congregate in the Huss Center.

This is the first year that the Huss Center will be the alternate location for the ceremony, with overflow seating in Driscoll Commons and the Small Gym

“I WANT TO ADDRESS THE WAYS THE SPA CURRICULUM AND COMMUNITY HAVE PREPARED STUDENTS.” — U.S. DISTRICT JUDGE WILHELMINA M. WRIGHT where family and friends can watch a live feed.

Except for the emergency rain venue, this is not a year of many changes to the tradition. Last year’s changes will remain intact: students will be introduced in alphabetical order, rather than paired by gender, and girls may

choose to wear pants rather than the traditional white dress or skirt.

The senior speakers at commencement, chosen early in the spring through an audition process by the Senior Class Leadership Council and administration, will be seniors Boraan Abdulkarim and Jack Romans.

“My speech is meant to be a semi-candid, honest and insightful moment in which I address myself and my classmates. The takeaway is one that I find essential to pursuing and launching our professional and career ambitions,” Abdulkarim said.

The commencement speaker is Honorable Wilhelmina M. Wright, U.S. District Judge, District of Minnesota.

On Feb. 18, Wright was appointed by President Barack Obama and took the oath of office as a federal judge for the U.S. District Court of Minnesota. Two months ago, Head of School Bryn Roberts asked Wright to be the commencement speaker.

“I responded with an enthusiastic “yes,” she said.

Since the commencement speaker assignment, Wright said she has been thinking about speech ideas.

“I want to address the ways the SPA curriculum and community have prepared students for the next chapter of their educational lives,” Wright said. “St. Paul Academy is a wonderful and unique school. From its Harkness discussions to its thoughtful community engagement, SPA trains students to consider and discuss important issues.”

Wright plans to urge students to continue this respectful discourse across the differences they encounter in their new environments.

“I will talk about how students should continue their thoughtful engagement in important issues, even when people might not necessarily agree with them,” Wright said.

Submitted by: Wilhelmina Wright THE HONORABLE WILHELMINA M. WRIGHT will speak to the Class of 2016 at Commencement on June 4. “St. Paul Academy is a wonderful and unique school,” Wright said.

Wright believes that SPA students are educated, responsible, and generous members of their communities. For these reasons, this accomplished District Court Judge said she finds speaking to the Class of 2016 a little intimidating.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to address such gifted communicators and thoughtful leaders. These terrific qualities in the student body make them critical thinkers and critical listeners.

These qualities make me proud to address the graduates, as well as add a greater responsibility to my speech,” she said.

In addition to her current appointment to the District Court, Wright has served on all three levels of the state courts. She is the parent of a current student and a member of the SPA Board of Trustees.

Five debate finalists will participate in World Schools Debate invitational NOOR QUREISHY Managing Editor

Armed with only an almanac, half an hour, and the collective might of four other debaters, students race to create a speech for a debate round that they would usually have hours to prepare for.

Participating in parliamentary debate—a type of debate that involves a significant amount of improvisation and reliance on general world knowledge—is enough of a challenge.

However, four debaters from St. Paul Academy and Summit School will not only be participating in parliamentary debate rounds, they will be trying this type format of debate for the first time at the 2016 World Schools

CORRECTIONS POLICY

Debate Invitational in Salt Lake City from June 11-15.

The competition will challenge debaters to compete in both planned and impromptu motions, or rounds.

The real challenge for SPA debaters will lie in the rounds that require improvisation. “[Preliminary debate is] very different from the format I’m used to; I don’t know how well my skills are going to translate into it,” junior Raffi Toghramadjian said.

Toghramadjian’s favorite part of debate is gathering research and preparing for the arguments, because improvisation isn’t really his style.

“The part of debate I like a lot…[is] the preparation. I’m not

During the critique process, staff members identify inaccuracies and report on feedback from readers. Corrections are printed in the next edition of the newspaper in the News section.

APRIL CORRECTIONS

the best at coming up with a new argument; it takes me a while to come up with my ideas,” he said.

The students who compete in the World Schools Debate Invitational are chosen by a committee that looks at nominated students from each district in central Minnesota. Each debate coach can nominate up to five students, and the committee chooses based on the number of NSDA (National Speech and Debate Association) points they have.

Read the full story at

ubicOnline

Submitted by: Tom Fones FIVE DEBATERS will compete in the 2016 USA World Schools Debate Invitational. Juniors Sarah Wheaton (far left), Shefali Bijwadia (far right), Kathryn Schmechel (right center), Raffi Toghramadjian (top right), and INSERT NAME (not pictured) will make up the team. “This has traditionally been something that seniors get to do ... [Debate Teacher Tom] Fones really wanted this to be an experience that made us a more cohesive team for next year,” Wheaton said.

NEWS: Hunter von Tersch Pohrer’s name was spelled wrong in the Day of Silence story. COVER/COVER STORY: the cover blurb stated that SPA has the highest diversity (at 28%) of independent K-12 schools in the Twin Cities, but Breck has higher diversity percentages. US census numbers for Twin Cities diversity are at 44%. The quote attributed to Cole Fawcett was actually a quote from Drew Fawcett. Madeeha Rizvi is spelled with a z. SPORTS: Blackhawks was misspelled in the Boys Lacrosse story. Olivia Williams-Ridge is a sophomore, not a junior.

Finals Schedule includes flexibility for those celebrating Ramadan on the first day of exams

The Monday of exams coincides with the first day of Ramadan.

Students who observe are permitted to take one exam the Friday before. Conflicts can addressed with Dean Delgado. Thursday: History (8:30), Language (12:30) Friday: Math (8:30) Monday: Science (8:30), English (12:30).

Common Ground monologues offer interactive engagement with diversity

Common Ground, a student group at Saint Paul Academy performed a series of monologues during assembly on May 16. They focused on the lack of diversity and ignorance toward minorities at SPA. To watch the full video visit The Rubicon on YouTube

News 3

MAY 2016 • THE RUBICON

JCLC members plan Prom as a parting gift to senior class Minnesota History Center event will include dinner, dancing, and high ceilings MARI KNUDSON

Cover Story Editor Whether one has spent their whole life dreaming of the perfect prom experience or decided to attend only after being urged by their friends, prom can be a memory that a high school student retains for a lifetime. With months of planning, members of the St. Paul Academy and Summit School Junior Class Leadership Council have done their best to make that memory a positive one.

“AFTER HEARING MY FRIENDS PLAN WHAT THEY’RE GOING TO WEAR AND SEEING SOME OF THEIR DRESSES, I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE EVERYBODY ALL GLAMMED UP.” — JUNIOR MAYA KACHIAN SPA’s 2016 prom will be held on June 8 at the Minnesota History Center in downtown St. Paul.

All SPA Juniors and Seniors are invited to attend, as well as those freshman and sophomores invited by an upperclassman. Although prom is typically seen as an event one must have a date to, students are encouraged to come and enjoy themselves however they want: be that with a date, a group of friends, or alone.

Members of JCLC have worked hard planning prom as a parting gift to the senior class, which is an SPA tradition. Although it was a lot of work, most members would agree it was a rewarding experience.

“The way people had talked about it in earlier years made planning prom seem like a marathon just looming throughout the year,” JCLC member Maya Kachian said. However, she maintained that “Planning prom is fun.”

JCLC had a lot of control over how this year’s prom would look; they decided on the venue, the food, and made invitations, among other duties.

“We went through the checklist of the location, price range, and availability [of possible prom venues]. This ultimately left the science museum and history center as the only two options,” JCLC member Drew O’Hern said.

“Some people in JCLC thought that the history center would look super nice, so we leaned towards that one.”

Kachian elaborates on what JCLC members found aesthetically pleasing about the History Center.

“JCLC picked the History Center for its cavernous spaces with high ceilings and beautiful natural lighting. It’s those details that give the event an air of class,” Kachian said.

The logistics of feeding around 200 people also proved a difficult task for JCLC. “One of the biggest changes this year to prom was food,”

PHOTO CREDIT: Mari Knudson THE MINNESOTA HISTORY CENTER in downtown St. Paul is the location of the 2016 prom planned by the Junior Class Leadership Council members. “JCLC picked the History Center for its cavernous spaces with high ceilings and beautiful natural lighting. It’s those details that give the event an air of class,” Junior Class Leadership member Maya Kachian said.

JCLC member Ella Matticks said. “Last year there was a lot of food waste, that could have been possibly donated to food shelves if we had used a better system of serving. So for this year we have considered other options for serving food like a buffet or possibly something similar to family style.”

After all the planning, JCLC members have become increasingly excited for the big day in June.

“I’m beyond excited to see my classmates formally dressed up

for the event,” Kachian said. “ After hearing my friends plan what they’re going to wear and seeing some of their dresses, I can’t wait to see everyone glammed up.”

Much of the SPA community has had a chance to preview the outfits attendees are planning on wearing to the event, on account of a Facebook group created to prevent the faux paus of two people showing up in the same dress.

The group has had the unintended benefit of being an outlet for SPA members to share positive comments with each other.

Matticks, who attended prom the previous year, has some advice for her fellow classmates planning to attend prom for the first time.

“Prom can seem intimidating but it is a really great time,” Matticks said. “No matter if you go alone, in a group, or with a date, prom is a fun time to dress up and hang out with your peers.”

Tickets were $60 before May 27 and $70 thereafter. Doors open at 7:00 and close at 8:00. Attendees have a choice between a vegetarian or non-vegetarian meal.

Noor Qureishy named 2016 Al Neuharth Free Spirit scholar MARLEE BARON

Arts & Entertainment Editor

PHOTO CREDIT: Dianne Caravela NOOR QUREISHY holds the list of scholars selected as Al Neuharth Free Spirits. “The point of the conference is to provide resources for students who want to go into a journalism career in the future,” she said.

Junior Noor Qureishy had an early start in journalism. She produced a family newspaper which included a news section as well as a comic each month. Today, Qureishy’s journalism spirit continues to flourish as part of The Rubicon Staff.

“Back then I didn’t understand the impact that journalism could make on what was going on in the world. I just thought it was a really flashy job… you would get to travel and meet important people all over the world. For me It was the equivalent of being an actress or a detective.” Qureishy said.

Qureishy was selected to be Minnesota’s representative at the Al Neuharth Free Spirit Journal-

“I HAD BROKEN MY NOSE, AND I WAS SITTING IN MY CRASHED CAR...I DECIDED TO READ MY EMAIL, AND THAT’S WHEN I SAW IT. IT WAS SURREAL FOR ME.” — JUNIOR NOOR QURIESHY ism conference, among other rising twelfth grade representatives from each state across the nation.

She will attend an all expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. where she will attend the confer-

ence from June 18-25. At the conference she will attend sessions with experienced journalists, who will give lectures on all aspects of journalism. As Minnesota’s representative, Qureishy will receive a $1,000 scholarship to a college of her choice.

“Being a journalist is definitely one of the things that I’m considering to do in my future.”

Qureishy said.

The Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference recognizes high school juniors who clearly demonstrate qualities of a “free spirit” through their journalism. The free spirit program began in 1999 in honor of the founder of USA Today, Al Neuharth. Being able to express feelings and thoughts freely meant a lot to Neuharth, and his legacy

continues today through this program.

“The point of the conference is to provide resources for students who want to go into a journalism career in the future, and to help and inspire them.” Qureishy said.

Qureishy had just gotten into a car accident when she found out that she was Minnesota’s “free spirit” representative.

“I had broken my nose, and I was sitting in my crashed car where I was waiting to get picked up. I decided to read my email, and that’s when I saw it. It was so surreal for me.” Qureishy said.

Qureishy wants to make a difference in the world, whether it be through her journalism or another portion of her life, the Al Neuharth Free Spirit conference will help her to do just that.

4

Editorials

THE RUBICON • MAY 2016

MINI EDITORIALS

Transparency necessary for all aspects of student committees

EDITORIAL CARTOON: Sophie Jaro EVOLUTION OCCURS as one adapts to his or her environment. Students should adapt to the changes made this year and look forward to the progress that they prompt.

Whether celebratory or bittersweet, embrace change EDITORIAL The Rubicon Staff Students pick up their slightly scattered belongings and make their way to the door, soon followed by their teacher. The each go in their own way, and their empty seats leave the classroom more spacious, more expansive.

If any of those students are seniors, or the teacher one of the six leaving this year, they will not be walking into that room again; their spot will remain vacant until someone else is invited into the class.

That process takes time, as the empty chair is saddening, perhaps even frightening. But it is necessary to be able to adjust to changes smoothly, to invite someone in quickly to avoid getting drawn into the void of the empty chair.

Experiencing change is a vital part of education that isn’t fully acknowledged. Having change in school benefits the students by providing them with an opportunity to learn how to adapt to it. There is no better strategy or method to learn about going through change than experiencing it.

EVERYTHING IS CONSTANTLY CHANGING. AT SOME POINT, IT WILL BE SOMETHING THAT DIRECTLY INFLUENCES STUDENTS. The most recurring example of change at SPA is the annual graduation of the senior class. For this group of students who have made numerous memories and inside jokes within their classes, to no longer make a daily appearance in the building is rather drastic.

Similarly with the overturn of staff, whose vacant desks will soon be occupied by other people. The absence of a quarter of the Upper School students may feel melancholy to students and teachers, but it allows students to get used to the idea that people come and go.

A substantial number of faculty members will be leaving this year, but it provides an opportunity for further development in educational structure. New

teachers bring new ideas, techniques, games, potential clubs and more. The same goes for any new students, be them freshmen or seniors.

Technically, everything is constantly changing. At some point, it will be something that directly influences students, and they will have to make the most of it. Take, for example, the peanut free campus or the removal of the hallway benches. Although the peanuts and benches are both things the many students wished they could have, their presence would lead to a harm greater than the benefit of enjoyment.

More drastic examples of change within the SPA community would include the switch from eight-class days to a six-day block rotation 2014. This has allowed students to focus on each class individually, to get work done, to participate in sports and theatrical productions. The addition of the Huss Center/science curriculum are other examples of the big changes SPA has experienced over the past year.

The net effect from these changes has been positive overall and although it may have been (and still is) a little difficult

to get used to, the community as a whole has felt the difference.

If they haven’t already, students should try to embrace and accept the change as soon as they feel its impact.

Another huge change was the addition of the Huss Center for the Performing Arts; the building, and thus community, expanded.

There is no longer any need to use the gym, O’Shaugnessy or Sarah Converse Auditoriums.

An additional relevant example is the shift of the science curriculum. Freshmen now take Physics 9, and some may enroll in biology and chemistry classes simultaneously. Furthermore, the introduction of several new science courses for the 2016-2017 school year will allow any students with an interest in the sciences to further their understanding of genes, computers or stars.

Regardless of what is actually changing, experiencing it allows an individual, and even a community, to be more attuned to the wide variety of things which may benefit them.

One point which was stressed during student elections this May is that student committees like Upper School Council and Discipline Committee need more transparency. While it is great that potential candidates brought this issue up during their speeches, there still needs to be a genuine effort to bring this change into fruition.

A lack of transparency in the day to day actions of student committees allows these groups complete control over their image, allowing them to potentially only show only what went well.

On the other side, when students are left in the blank about what their student committees are accomplishing, they can jump to the conclusion that the groups are not getting anything done.

Student committees should distrubute minutes from each meeting, either as a mass e-mail or via their group board so everyone can read them.

Make an effort to maintain friendships outside of school Students often use school as an easy way to make friends but once the day ends or the year enda, excuse themselves from any social interaction with their school peers. Although socia interaction within the classroom is a good thing, students should extend it outside of school to make the most of their free time and to strengthen their friendship bonds in a less formal atmosphere.

Spending time with classmates on weekends or breaks has the potential to introduce whole new interests as the dimensions of your friendship expand.

As school winds down, make plans with friends for June, July, and August. Create some memories outside these walls together.

THE RUBICON • St. Paul Academy and Summit School • 1712 Randolph Ave St. Paul, MN 55105 • rubicon.spa@gmail.com www.RubicOnline.com • Facebook • Twitter • Pinterest • YouTube • @TheRubiconSPA 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.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CHIEF VISUAL EDITOR MANAGING EDITOR NEWS EDITORS OPINIONS EDITORS FEATURE EDITORS INDEPTH EDITOR ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR SPORTS EDITOR AROUND TOWN EDITOR PHOTO STORY EDITOR COLUMNIST ADVISER

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

STAFF WRITERS Diane Caravela, Ellie Findell, Ethan Less,, Kaia Larsen, A.M. Roberts

BY LINES Authors of full story content are credited in by lines.

PUBLICATION INFO The Rubicon is published eight times a school year.

We distribute 750 copies of each issue which are available for free.

EDITORIALS Editorials articulate the collective opinion of The Rubicon staff, while mini-editorials, opinion pieces, and columns belong to the author of those works.

PUBLICATION AWARDS JEM All-State Gold, MHSPA Best of Show, (Print and Online), NSPA All American (Print) and First Class (Online), Best of SNO Distinguished Site (Online), CSPA Gold Medal w/ All Columbian Honors, CSPA Silver Crown Award, Pacemaker Finalist (Print) Pacemaker (Online)

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES Opinions are welcomed as Letters to the Editor or submitted opinions and may be published in print or online. 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.

MEMBERSHIPS Columbia Scholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association, Minnesota High School Press Association, Quill and Scroll Society

POLICIES Detailed policies are published in the “About” tab at RubicOnline: www.rubiconline.com

Opinions 5 MAY 2016 • THE RUBICON

RUBI PERSPECTIVES

WORK

It’s nearly summer. What should students do (or not do) with their time?

JENNY SOGIN The Rubicon Editor As kids go off on summer vacation, they finally have the time to see, do, and spend their money on many fun activities with friends and family. However, those activity costs add up, and many students are forced to rely on their parents for money to be able to do the activities they want to. Getting a job that can help them make the money themselves is a timely investment. Having a job over the summer not only allows students to make their own money, giving them independence, but it also gives them a sense of responsibility and real world experience.

SUMMER CAMP

Staff Writer The daily grind of heavy workloads and rigorous after school activities lifts in the snap of the finger over the summer. Students are often left to ponder how their time should time be spent to its fullest during this time. Going to a summer camp is a great way to have fun, be in nature, relax, and create relationships with new people.

At first, the most visible difference felt when leaving home during the summer is the sudden change of physical landscape, because, for the majority of the year, students live in one place totally different from the environment of a camp. Also, being in the natural landscape of a summer camp allows one to relax. Students

should get away from the stress of daily civilization. Whether it be canoeing and camping in the Boundary Waters or hiking through the mountains of Colorado, the beauty of nature is a true gift that students should take advantage of during the summer.

The lack of technology at most summer camps causes people to focus on real human interaction, something that is often hard to accomplish during the school year, with the time strain of homework and after school activities.

More important than the change in physical landscape is the change in social atmosphere. In a camp environment, there are many different types of people, most of them new faces. This allows one to form relationships and make new friends. Taking a break is not only important but necessary for students to take advantage of their summer breaks.

The best way to do so is to sign up for a summer camp and go have fun.

READINGRAINBOWS From songs to commonplace For inclusivity, words need to be understood beyond their definition PETER SCHAVEE Columnist

expressions, people find new meaning in the words that we use everyday. Whether or not the interpretation of our words appears hostile or harmless is another matter completely. Today, certain words and expressions are removed from our vernacular in an effort to respect individuals around us. Some say that the “censorship” of speech is done to achieve unnecessary safety, claiming that it is just politically correct nonsense. While it may appear to certain individuals that society is asking for the removal

of different ages, ethnicities, and economic statuses.

Finally, kids experience more independence as a result of making their own money, rather than relying on their parents. This is especially important for teenagers who strive for some freedom.

Getting a summer job not only benefits students short-term by earning money to spend, but it also helps prepare students for college and beyond by boosting their social skills and giving them real world experiences.

Students should try to find a job that works with their summer schedules because of the many benefits (and paychecks) they’ll receive.

TRAVEL

ETHAN LESS

Students who earn their own checks are able to recognize the hours it takes to earn a certain amount of money. This makes them value how they spend it.

Instead of spending their hardearned money the minute they earn it, they learn to spend more responsibly because they know how hard they worked to get it.

Not only does work help students learn to manage their money, but they also learn how to manage busy schedules. They need to make sure that their work schedules don’t consistently overlap with sports, camps, or other activity schedules. This newfound time management skill will benefit them in future years when they are completely in charge of managing and scheduling all of their activities.

Students receive their real world experience from interacting with a variety of different people and, at a school as little like SPA, students often miss out on interacting with people outside of their small community. Getting a summer job forces kids to interact with a variety of people

VOLUNTEER

ANDREW JOHNSON The Rubicon Editor As students across Minnesota close out their school years, the pressure of having an active summer looms. One way to fulfill this goal is by volunteering around the community. Not only is volunteering personally fulfilling, it is an enjoyable use of one’s time, whether one fund-raises, packs food or clothing, or even picks up trash.

Spending time with new people, and engaging in meaningful work is always a good idea. Participating in active activities is often far more productive and enjoyable than lounging around one’s house.

Although volunteering is rewarding, it isn’t always easy for the average teenager. Organizations are not always accessible for students. Taking a bus or a car can be a hassle, and manual transportation such as biking isn’t always possible. Any type of volunteer-

Summer is the perfect time to do new things, especially things that are difficult to do during the school year, like traveling.

However, during the summer, students have three whole months that can be used to travel, with family or individually through a summer program.

If traveling with family is too difficult to plan because of a parent’s work schedule, there are a wide variety of

summer travel programs for high school students that can be explored, including programs for volunteering, and language immersion. These programs can often be very expensive but many offer scholarships.

There is no better way to learn a language than to be immersed in it while living with a host family. There are also language learning programs for students that aren’t ready to fully immerse themselves in a family. In these programs students stay in dorms with other students from all over the world.

It can be less expensive and sometimes more fun to travel with family, and it can be easier to plan. The downside to summer

of too many words, we need to consider what is truly at stake.

Consider a word like “crazy,” the meaning of which does not disrespect any group in particular but its use in society has caused certain connotations to be associated with the word, giving it disrespectful implications. The connotations around the word “crazy” now imply that women are more emotional, or that an entire way of life is strange in the eyes of the criticizer. Regardless of the implications behind the word “crazy,” if someone asks you to remove it from your speech because it may

be offensive, it is respectful to appreciate their wishes, not to criticize them for being too sensitive.

When addressing the claim that we are over sensitive, an interesting question emerges regarding the overall status of specific communities in today’s society. Have all the big battles already been fought and now we are just fixating on small insignificant issues? While many of the big social and civil issues are over, adversity still occurs daily to particular communities. By ignoring offensive speech and actions, we are only disrespect-

MARLEE BARON The Rubicon Editor

ing, whether it is devoting time to picking up trash off the curb or packaging food can be difficult to arrange.

However, volunteering can have the added benefit of strengthening one’s neighborhood, which outweighs the possible organizational drawbacks. The simplest act of service during one’s summer goes a long way to improving one’s community. Every teen has a spare day or two to make the drive and give back to the community that they belong to. When volunteering, keep in mind that it will truly making a difference in the lives of those who are in need of help. Many people in the United States experience daily hardships that can only be solved with a helping hand, and volunteers are that hand. In the neighborhood, it takes initiative to volunteer.

There are numerous non-profits and organizations in the Twin Cities, such as Feed My Starving Children. While volunteering in these organizations, one is presented with a common cause and purpose. One can volunteer for as much time as they like, whether that be for half and hour or even an entire day. However, the most important thing to keep in mind is that volunteering betters the lives of community members. Needless to say, summer is the perfect time to get up and give back.

travel programs is that an individual participating in one has very little say in what they do. When traveling with family everyone gets a say in what a student does.

Another upside about traveling with family is learning about and experiencing a different culture firsthand.

Traveling during the summer is a great way to meet new people and have once in a lifetime experience. Most high school students don’t get the opportunity to become certified scuba divers in Australia but there are summer travel programs like that one that exist. Overall, traveling over the summer in high school is an enriching experience and something that everyone should do if they have the opportunity to. ing former civil rights activists and the struggle they endured to create the more accepting modern day world we live in.

In the sensitive culture that surrounds our society today, it is essential to remember that the meaning of words change, public opinions change, and we change.

The most important thing to remember is to keep fighting for what you believe in and change will ensue, so the misinterpretation of words occurs less frequently.

6

Around Town

THE RUBICON • may 2016

Festivals offer Minnesota fun Renaissance Festival

Javier Whitaker-Castañeda Editor-in-Chief

Though Minnesota is often characterized as a dreary, polar flatland, its summers are warm havens of sun and outdoor activity, perfect conditions for summer festivals to take place. Minnesota is home to numerous parks and performance spaces that can

host events galore. Though some summer festivals take advantage of spacious suburbs, St. Paul Academy and Summit School sits very near many such gatherings, with the closest just a few blocks away. Events like HighlandFest and Grand Ole Days will brighten up summer in St. Paul neighborhoods while festivals nearby in downtown Minneapolis, the

Stone Arch Bridge Jun. 17 Festival

Aug.-Oct. Weekends

Submitted by: Alex Duval SOPHOMORE ALEX DUVAL attends the Renaissance Festival almost very year. “Don’t be embarrassed to dress up because everyone there will think you’re cooler,” Duval said.

If you want to be transported to a land of magic, medieval costumes, and mermaids, all while remaining in the state of Minnesota, then the Renaissance Festival is the place for you. The festival is an annual, multi-week event that will take place this year every weekend from Aug. 20. through Oct. 2.

Festival-goers can dress as a wizard, knight, or peasant and enjoy the great food, carnival games, and live performances.

Sophomore Alex Duval enjoys attending the Renaissance Festival almost every year.

“We try and get there fairly early so we can get in because there are a lot of people,” he said.

Not unfamiliar with the traditions of the festival, Duval sometimes goes in character, costume and all.

“Don’t be embarrassed to dress up because everyone there will think you’re cooler,” Duval said.

Duval also reminds future festival goers to enjoy the food and to bring a lot of money.

Located in Shakopee Minnesota, the Renaissance Festival is the closest, most popular time portal around.

Northern Spark and the Stone Arch Bridge Festival, will be open for students to enjoy a little further away. Other events, like the Renaissance Festival, are more extravagant and need room to spread out. If anything, the Minnesota State Fair stands as proof that Minnesotans have a rich tradition of large scale summer gatherings.

Fair use image from: The Stone Arch Bridge Festival Official Facebook The Stone Arch Bridge Festival is a huge congregation of 250 artists that meet on the weekend of June 17. The festival takes place in the heart of downtown

Highland Fest

Minneapolis, centered around the Stone Arch Bridge.

There will be multiple sound stages that will host the incredible number of artists present. The event happens over Father’s Day Weekend so many family based art activities and performances will be available. The scope of the festival expands even past just these events as there will also be an antique car show.

Jul. 15-17

Highland Fest will host its 33rd event in 2016. The days include an art show, live entertainment, and a 5K run. All proceeds from Highland Fest benefit the Highland neighborhood in the form of street improvements and funding for operations so attending is a great way to give back to the community.

This year the music lineup includes Chris Hawkey, Apollo Cobra, and Orange Whip.

Fair use image from: Highland Fest Event Page The festival will run from July 15. through July 17.

Grand Ole Days

Jun. 4-5

Jul. 15-17

Fair use image: Grand Ole Days Facebook

Jun. 11

Fair use image from: Northern.lights.mn

Northern Spark Festival The Northern Spark Festival is a one night, extravagantly planned event in June that is made up of multiple interactive events, programs, and workshops around downtown Minneapolis. The festival is always free and hosts events that take place in locations such as the Mill City Museum, the Minneapolis Institute of Art,

and the Minneapolis Convention Center.

In addition to an art event, Northern Spark is also a culinary adventure. 10 downtown Minneapolis restaurants will create specialty dishes and cocktails for the event. Among these restaurants is Black Sheep Pizza, Wise Acre, and The Third Bird.

The 2016 Northern Spark will be inspired by the theme “Climate Chaos/Climate Rising,” a theme which will span through 2017. Though individual events are not yet scheduled, the overall event will take place June 11 from 9 p.m. to 5:26 a.m.

Just a dozen or so blocks from St. Paul Academy and Summit School sits Grand Avenue, the home of Grand Ole Days, a festival that will take place June 4-5.

This festival divides Grand Avenue into four unique sections: the Entertainment district, the Sports and Wellness district, the Family district, and the Arts and Culture

district. Traditionally this event has been held over one day but in response to increased participation a second day was added this year.

Grand Ole Days is a place to see live performances, eat food, and be exposed to an assortment of activities, all on a central street of residential St. Paul.

Read more at

Vans Warped Tour is coming to Shakopee, Minnesota July 24 and RubicOnline previewed the event.

ubicOnline.com @TheRubiconSPA

Photo Story 7 MAY 2016 • THE RUBICON

St. Paul’s many scenic spots offer breathtaking experiences PHOTO CREDIT: Scott Schiller from Flickr

A.M. ROBERTS Staff Writer

As the weather warms up, students are excited to get outside.

While Minnesota is full of beautiful places, St. Paul specifically offers a multitude of scenic spots.

From pretty beaches and bridges

along the Mississippi to intriguing streets like Summit Avenue, St. Paul’s beauty is endless.

Students who enjoy water activities, biking, hiking, or learning about St. Paul’s history can appreciate the landmarks and landscape scattered throughout the city.

Summit Avenue While there is an endless amount of natural beauty in St. Paul, there is something to be said about picturesque streets such as Summit Avenue. The Victorian style mansions are unique and gorgeous; simply driving or walking down Summit Avenue is an adventure.

Mississippi River

Hidden Falls

The beauty of the Mississippi River can be enjoyed in a lot of different places, but one great viewing spot is the roof of the 740 apartment building on highland and Mississippi River Blvd. Not only does the river create pretty scenery, but many people use it to kayak, jet ski, or to go for a boat ride.

Hidden Falls can be found off Mississippi River Blvd, and has a nice park and beach along the river. Some people bring their boats, kayaks, or simply just a picnic to enjoy this scenic spot.

Como Zoo Conservatory

Minnehaha Falls

Right next to the Como Zoo is a beautiful conservatory. Inside, there is a variety of ecosystems with plants and animals such as the tropical area with palm trees and turtles. The conservatory is free to enter and a great place to explore.

Located close to St. Paul in Minneapolis is Minnehaha Falls, right across the Ford Parkway bridge. There are trails for walking and hiking, and a breathtaking waterfall. The vast park includes a restaurant, merchandise tents in the summer, pretty landscaping, grills for picnics, and lots of places to explore.

InDe

8

THE RUBICON

Huss Center has set the stage as a heart of academ

STEPHANIE LI

The Rubicon Editor Roberts believes that the Huss Center has given the SPA community a sense of pride because of its elegance and modern architecture, something that stands out compared to the rest of the school’s twentieth century building.

“Because of the exquisite architecture and the acoustics, [the Huss Center has] inspired students to reach, if anything, improve their performance, to really put a distinctive stamp on it. I think students like the fact that it’s theirs. It’s convenient. But most importantly it’s this magnificent place where they can be the very

best they can possibly be,” Roberts said.

The Huss Center has inspired students to play instruments, sing, and act more passionately in a refreshing new setting because it has become the face of SPA. Junior Lea Moore believes the Huss Center has offered another level of maturity compared to the Sarah Converse auditorium.

“Our shows, both with theater and with choir, have that extra level of professionalism. Even with things backstage, everything’s just amped up a level. It’s more realistic and more [like a] real-world application,” Moore said.

Moore takes part in both musical and theater performances.

This year, she participated in The

Laramie Project as well as Les Mis, which demanded students to spend a lot of time in the Huss Center.

“I spend most of my day in Huss working on the show just because we don’t have a ton of rehearsal time and so it’s really nice to have Huss right there instead of driving all the way to the Lower School,” Moore said.

Furthermore, the Huss Center has helped student actors and singers to dedicate more time to extracurricular activities such as musicals because of its convenience.

Moore recalls the lip sync that was held in the Huss Center auditorium. The experience was enhanced by the Huss Center’s enormous stage, acoustics, and lighting.

“I think it’s very adaptable and very realistic, [because] that’s

what most stages are like,” she said.

It’s apparent that students are a ttracted to the space because of its location on the school grounds.

But, the building has also opened up new Fine Arts classes such as Introduction to Theatrical Arts and Honors Music Seminar.

What surprised Moore the most was the level of security around Huss. At the beginning of the year, the building had lots of areas that were prohibited and the general atmosphere of the Huss Center seemed inflexible.

“I’ve been very surprised at how easy it is to get around those restrictive problems,” Moore said. Moore, only one of the many involved students, has been able to work on props and costumes during her free period thanks to the help of the security department.

Upper School Choir Director Anne Klus appreciates the Huss

Center for its new stage and acoustics.

“We now have a concert grand steinway that is designated for the space specifically which is really nice to have,” Klus said, “I can’t think of one negative thing about [the Huss Center].”

With the Huss Center, it’s been easier for faculty to schedule rehearsals and prepare for concerts. Such a commonly used space calls for the community to designate, reserve, and ensure everyone gets the time they need. It has transformed the relationships surrounding the building.

The Huss Center’s success leads back to donors John and Ruth Huss who are constantly impressed by the performances and the recognition the building is receiving.

“It gives a nice place for the students to perform in that is somewhat equal to their talent…

With that kind of talent, they deserve a good hall to play in. I’m glad it seems to be working,” John Huss said, “It’s a win.”

epth • MAY 2016

May Lee Yang, the performer at the Book Fest Assembly, was voted favorite speaker

mics, arts, and community

9

The Laramie Project was voted the favorite performance in the Huss Center Poetry Out Loud was voted favorite event in Driscoll Family commons

Information collected from an online poll sent out by Ellie Nowakowski, The Rubicon Editor, to 418 students, grades 9-12 on May 10, of which16% responded.

See the Huss Center news unfold at RubicOnline: Huss Center plans announced (May 1, 2014)

Students tour Huss Center, last opportunity before building opening in August (March 4, 2015) Welcoming assembly introduces new school year, new building, new culture (September 1, 2015)

The Laramie Project was performed at the Huss Center for Performing Arts (November 20-21, 2015)

Dizzy Fantastic, first play in the Huss Center, is also a world premiere (October 23-24, 2015)

Les MisĂŠrables (photo gallery May 20, 2016)

Feature 10 THE RUBICON • MAY 2016

Submitted by: Scott Streble MIKE BROWN BRINGS the Varsity Baseball team in for a huddle during a game. “The best part of my job are the students, that is absolutely why I’ve been here as long as I have,” Brown said. Playing the role of student, grounds worker, teacher, and Assistant Director of Athletics, Brown has played a role in the SPA community for 56 years.

Brown to step out of last of many roles on campus NOOR QUREISHY Managing Editor

Fifty six years ago, Upper School Assistant Director of Athletics Mike Brown first stepped on campus. Since then, he’s been a student, teacher, coach, athletic director, and a fixture of the St. Paul Academy and Summit School community. Brown first started out at SPA as a seventh-grade student; at the time, SPA was an all-male military school.

“My first impression of SPA was a very positive one...I was very fascinated with the military, that I would be able to march around and carry a rifle with me during drill period every day,” he said.

After Brown’s junior year, SPA stopped being a military school. He remembers the uniforms changing from military uniforms to clothing better suited for an informal dance. “[My junior year] was the last year with the Battalion parade, which we held out in the front yard and all the military marched around…[wearing the new uniform] was like going to an informal dance everyday,” he said.

After six years of school at SPA, Brown graduated in 1966 and went off to college. After just a year, he got a part-time job working with an assistant cage manager back at SPA while he was still in college. Over the summer, he worked as part of the maintenance crew, cutting grass and raking leaves at SPA. Brown applied for some of the open teaching positions at SPA that were being offered, and to his surprise, the principal of the Lower School at the time decided to hire him as a Physical Education teacher.

“The thing that’s interesting about that is that I had never taught physical education before, in my life..so I went back to school and learned about P.E.,” Brown said.

Although it wasn’t what he had expected, Brown enjoyed teaching P.E. After six years, Brown decided that he wanted to do something different, so he went to the Lower School Principal and asked if there were any other jobs for him. After about a week, Brown was offered a job as a second and third grade teacher.

“I remember I said ‘Mr. Shumaker [the Lower School Princi-

pal] what do I know about second and third grade teaching?’ and he said ‘you’ll do just fine’...those kids were absolutely a joy. I loved that experience,” he said.

“THERE’S SO MUCH GOOD THAT’S HERE...

LEAVING THAT BEHIND IS GOING TO BE SAD, AND NOT SEEING KIDS EVERYDAY, I’LL MISS THAT IMMENSELY. — ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS MIKE BROWN After working as a second and third grade teacher for eight years, Brown switched to teaching fifth and sixth graders. In 1999, a year before the sixth graders were moved to the Randolph Campus, Brown came to teach seventh and eighth graders math for a year and a half.

Around that time, a need for an athletics coordinator arose at the Randolph Campus.

“They wanted to have a middle school athletic coordinator because [the athletics were] all under one umbrella and the program was getting bigger so they asked me to do the middle school athletic coordinating,” Brown said.

However, Brown still hadn’t reached the end of his journey at SPA. A job opening as an athletic director had recently been offered. Later, Brown was asked if he could stay in the position as a co-athletic director. Five years later, he switched jobs again to become an associate athletic director, which is the job that he currently has.

“The best part of my job are the students, that is absolutely why I’ve been here as long as I have… my office is kind of collection of people and the other thing is that I absolutely love athletics and I love to watch kids grow athletically on the fields, but then [also] what can they take from the fields to the classroom,” he said.

Since Brown first came to SPA, the school has changed drastically both in terms of the atmosphere and the education offered.

“The education here has changed and the students are giv-

en the opportunity to think for [themselves] as long as [they] defend [their] point of view...It’s a much more gentler place, probably a more human place than it was,” he said.

During his retirement, Brown looks forward to spending time with family and having more time to do the things that he loves. He plans on volunteering and teaching at some point in the future, but is still figuring out what he wants his retirement to look like.

“I’m going to just enjoy looking forward to the next chapter of my life, whatever that’s going to be,” he said.

Brown believes that his career has been “blessed and I don’t know how to say that any differently.” He’s ready for a change, but he’s definitely going to miss SPA. “There’s so much good that’s here...Leaving that behind is going to be sad, and not seeing kids everyday, I’ll miss that immensely...I’ll definitely miss my teaching colleagues and the coaches that I’ve worked with over the years that are still here...But one has to move on,” he said.

Athletic trainer Holly Gaudreau will miss making connections with athletes MARI KNUDSON

The Rubicon Editor Although not in the spotlight, an athletic trainer plays an integral role in a sport team’s success by keeping them healthy and in good shape. For the past three years, St. Paul Academy and Summit School’s Athletic Trainer Holly Gaudreau has contributed significantly to the success of each athletic team. However, someone else will have to fill that role, as Gaudreau retires at the conclusion of the 2015-2016 school year.

Known as “Holly” by athletes, Gaudreau has forged connections with the students at SPA, making her retirement emotional for both students and herself. “[Leaving SPA] is very bitter-

sweet,” Gaudreau said. “My decision was not easy at all, I cried upon making it.”

However, with the birth of her son last year, the unpredictable hours of her job at SPA became too much to handle.

“I need to find a better work/ life balance and see my one little kid a little more than what I get to see him right now,” Gaudreau said.

“I don’t know any athletic trainer that can say that in such a short time period that they’ve got to go to four state tournaments,” Gaudreau said.

Gaudreau believes that “State tournaments are fun and all, but it really comes down to getting to work with each kid individually.”

According to her, the best

parts of her job were the day to day interactions with athletes.

“Each kid is different and special in their own unique way and getting to see kids come back from an initial injury to getting back to whatever playing field they’re supposed to be on is the highlight of my job right there,” Gaudreau said.

She plans to continue with her career as an athletic trainer in a different setting.

“My short term plans for the future are transitioning to the clinic full time,” Gaudreau said.

“I’ll still work as an athletic trainer, just in a clinical setting instead of being at a school, which will give me better, more consistent hours instead of being here late at night.”

PHOTO CREDIT: Mari Knudson HOLLY GAUDREAU bandages junior Weston Lombard’s arm. “Each kid is different and special in their own unique way,” Graudreau said.

Feature 11

MAY 2016 • THE RUBICON

Math faculty value department colleagues as they say farewell Corcoran departs math classroom with objective of earning his doctorate DIANE CARAVELA Staff Writer

After spending the past four years teaching Upper School Mathematics, Carl Corcoran is headed west to pursue a Ph.D. in applied mathematics at the University of California, Davis.

Corcoran came to St. Paul Academy and Summit School after finishing his bachelor’s degree at Macalester College in Saint Paul.

“As soon as I graduated, I applied for and got the math teaching job. I’ve been here ever since,” he said. “Once I got the job, I never really looked back.”

When he looks back now, Corcoran has a good feeling about his time at SPA. “It was a really good place for me to learn and develop as a

teacher,” he said.

The list of things he will miss about the school includes teaching Honors Precalc, the fantastic school lunches, and most of all, his colleagues. “[My colleagues] have taught me a lot about teaching, and it’s a very open and social atmosphere in the math department,” Corcoran said. “I’m going to miss being able to just walk over to a colleague’s desk and strike up a conversation about math.”

Although Corcoran feels that SPA was a good place for him, he is ready to begin an exciting new chapter of his life, or repeat an old one, by returning to the role of a student.

“I’m looking forward to looking forward to learning new mathematics and being a student

again. Having taught for four years since I was last a student in college, I think I am going to come into the experience with a totally different attitude and outlook,” Corcoran said.

Corcoran will not be giving up teaching entirely though, as he plans on being a teacher’s assistant, most likely for a first-year calculus class while he pursues his own studies, which he feels will likely be reminiscent of what he’s doing now.

After finishing his Ph.D., Corcoran has no idea what life will bring next, although he says he would definitely consider returning to teaching in some capacity.

“I know what I’m doing for the next five years, and after that, who knows? Corcoran said.

PHOTO CREDIT: Dianne Caravela UPPER SCHOOL MATHEMATICS TEACHER CARL CORCORAN works at his desk in the math wing. “It was a really good place for me to learn and develop as a teacher,” Corcoran said.

White will miss tracking the leaning journey of math students grades 8-12

PHOTO CREDIT: Dianne Caravela UPPER SCHOOL MATHEMATICS TEACHER BEATRICE WHITE sits at her desk in the math wing. “I’m looking forward to taking on new ideas but also sharing them with people who I’ve worked with here and hearing what they’re working on as well,” White said.

DIANE CARAVELA Staff Writer

For MS/US mathematics teacher Beatrice White, the end of this school year will be somewhat bittersweet. White taught for two

years at SPA. White grew up in Highland Park, coming to SPA from a New York charter school gave her a chance to work in a familiar place with family close by.

“It was a great opportunity to be at a school that I thought

would be a good fit for me and to be really near my grandparents and sister,” White said.

In her time at SPA, White has had a chance to work with a wide range of students at many different levels of mathematics, from eighth grade Algebra II students to seniors taking Precalculus.

“One of my favorite things about teaching at SPA was getting to teach math from the middle school level up through Precalculus and to get to see how the ideas we build in Algebra II come up again in Geometry, and then again in Precalc. It’s been fun to track that journey across the math department with eighth to eleventh grade students,” White said.

In addition to teaching the material, White has enjoyed working with the students themselves, who she hopes to have made math a little less daunting.

“I hope that the students that I’ve worked with will leave my

“I THINK IT’S FUN TO BUILD A NETWORK OF EDUCATORS THAT CAN CONTINUE TO SHARE IDEAS.” — LOWER AND UPPER SCHOOL MATH TEACHER BEATRICE WHITE classes liking math a little bit more than when they started, or feeling more confident in their ability to work with a range of skills that they’ve been developing,” she said.

One of the ways that White has improved her students’ understanding of mathematics is through the use of tutorial, a structure that she will miss when she leaves.

I really like how students use [tutorial], and not just in the mo-

ments when they’re told they have to.” White said. “I like having that space to interact with students.”

As well as forming connections with students, White has formed relationships with her co-workers. She hopes to stay in touch with the other members of the math department after she leaves for New York this summer.

“I think it’s fun to build a network of educators that can continue to share ideas. I’m looking forward to taking on new ideas but also sharing them with people who I’ve worked with here and hearing what they’re working on as well,” she said.

As the year comes to a close, and White looks to the future, she feels a mix of emotions.

“I’ve really liked it here. I’m excited for what’s next, but it’s sad to leave,” White said.

Receptionist Bonnie Edhlund looks forward to spending time with family KRISTA SCHLINGER The Rubicon Editor

With family time in mind, school receptionist, Bonnie Edhlund, has made the decision to retire after a dedicated eleven and a half years of working for St. Paul Academy.

Known better as, “Bonnie at the front desk”, Edhlund has enjoyed her time here as an administrative assistant.

“I help the parents, I help the students, and I help the teachers,” she said.

When she is gone, Edhlund will miss the SPA community and getting to help people out.

“I have several parents that will truly rely on me, and I know that, and I really enjoy that,” she said. Along with missing the faculty and co-workers, Edhlund

will also really miss the maintenance staff whom she wants to commend for all of the hard work they put in to make SPA the best place it can be.

Her greatest motive for retirement is to spend more time with her family, including her husband and four grandchildren. “I’m retiring because it’s time.” Edhlund said, “My husband has been retired for eight years and it’s time that we do things together.”

Edhlund has already made plans to carry on her tradition of traveling to a Pequot Lakes resort with her family in July.

“We’ve been going up to the resort since my husband was a toddler.” Edhlund said, “We’ve carried on that tradition with our kids, so that’s something we look forward to.”

PHOTO CREDIT: KRISTA SCHLINGER SCHOOL RECEPTIONIST BONNIE EDHLUND stands by the Davern entrance where she’s known as “Bonnie at the front desk”. “My husband has been retired for eight years and it’s time that we do things together,” Edhlund said.

Feature 12 THE RUBICON • MAY 2016

Science faculty finish doctoral studies, will move on to new endeavors Andrea Bailey relocates to Massachusetts school

“I LIKE WORKING WITH STUDENTS AND SEEING STUDENTS GROW, WATCHING THINGS THEY COULDN’T DO VERSUS COULD DO AT THE END.”

PHOTO CREDIT: Iya Abdulkarim US ART TEACHER LINDA BROOKS loves watching students grow as artists. “There is recognition and a support of the arts here that you don’t see elsewhere; that’s really what makes the school so special,” she said.

Linda Brooks retires to focus on her personal art career

— UPPER SCHOOL BIOLOGY TEACHER ANDREA BAILEY

KRISTA SCHLINGER The Rubicon Editor

PHOTO CREDIT: Javier Whitaker-Castañeda US BIOLOGY TEACHER ANDREA BAILEY talks with students in preparation for the Tanzania trip. “[We will be] doing things we do in class in a much more exotic locale,” she said.

JAVIER WHITAKER-CASTAÑEDA cludes a large marine biology ing things they couldn’t do verManaging Editor

US Biology teacher Andrea Bailey was a new faculty member just two years ago, yet that has not prevented her from actively engaging in the school community. In addition to being a biology teacher, Bailey is a sophomore class advisor, Quiz Bowl advisor, and a proponent of SPA’s school sponsored Tanzania trip.

The trip to Tanzania will take place during summer and in-

component. Students participating in the trip will design their own experiments then collect and compile data. “[We will be] doing things we do in [biology] class in a much more exotic locale,” Bailey said.

Not just a biology nerd, Bailey has built upon her enthusiasm towards teaching with an appreciation of the learning environment and student culture here.

“I like working with students and seeing students grow, watch-

sus could do at the end. [At other schools] you don’t have quite as many contact points [with students],” Bailey said, citing her advisory as something she’ll remember for a long time.

Next year Bailey will continue pursuing her teaching career at a school in Massachusetts. She will teach biology and potentially some electives in animal behavior.

Jim Tisel will miss the enthusiasm of students “I’VE REALLY ENJOYED WATCHING SENIORS TACKLE THEIR END OF YEAR INVESTIGATIONS. IT’S BEEN REWARDING TO CHART THEIR GROWTH FROM EIGHTH TO TWELFTH GRADE.” — UPPER SCHOOL PHYSICS TEACHER JIM TISEL

A devoted photography teacher and yearbook advisor, Linda Brooks is retiring to have more time to work on personal art projects. After 27 years of teaching at St. Paul Academy and Summit School, Brooks feels lucky to have worked here and will leave with numerous good memories from her time.

“I HAVE BEEN AND ALWAYS WILL BE AN ARTIST, AND ONE DOES NOT RETIRE FROM BEING AN ARTIST.” — UPPER SCHOOL ART TEACHER LINDA BROOKS “It has been just a wonderful pleasure. I’ve enjoyed every day that I’ve been here working with the students,” Brooks said.

Brooks teaches all photography classes—beginning levels through advanced, independent study, students, and honors senior art seminar classes—and she also instructs and advises Graphic Design and Publications, the class that produces the Ibid yearbook and Art & Literature magazine.

Throughout her years of teaching middle school art all the way

up to graduate school photography at the University of Minnesota, Brooks has discovered an interest in teaching teenagers.

“They learn to trust their own responses to the world rather than mimic what art is supposed to be,” she said.

“It has also been fun to learn from the changing technology and grow with the students,” Brooks said.

She feels that SPA is unique because there is an exceptional interest in art: “I feel that the arts are very valued and supported.

There is a recognition and a support of the arts here that you don’t see elsewhere; that’s really what makes the school so special,” she said. “Everyone here acknowledges the important role that art plays in students’ lives, and it’s a privilege to have been a part of that,” she said.

Brooks’ dedication to her own art has been demonstrated through her many completed and ongoing projects. She has had multiple solo exhibitions, her latest in the Drake Gallery called, “sky.water. food.nourish” in April 2016.

Brooks has enjoyed the hard work she has put into her job as an instructor, and she is excited to be able to focus on her photography post retirement. “I have been and always will be an artist, and one does not retire from being an artist,” Brooks said.

Peggy Holzem retires from Taher

PHOTO CREDIT: Javier Whitaker-Castañeda US PHYSICS TEACHER JIM TISEL stands in the physics room next to the “flying pig.” “I’ll miss the enthusiasm of the students and the wonderful connections with teaching colleagues,” he said.

JAVIER WHITAKER-CASTAÑEDA Managing Editor

As both a teacher and a coach, Jim Tisel has worked with students in the classroom, on the basketball court, and on the golf course. Most recently Tisel taught US physics and coached boys basketball and girls golf, though he has also spent a decade teaching in the Middle School during his eleven years at SPA. “Watching students successfully identify their unknown [solutions] during the [eighth

grade] sludge investigation has been inspiring,” Tisel said. “I’ve really enjoyed watching seniors tackle their end of year investigations [in physics class]. It has been rewarding to chart their growth from eighth grade to twelfth grade.”

Tisel also recounts events from athletic seasons as significant moments for him as a coach. “It’s a magical moment when players can suddenly learn a golf shot or a how a jump shot in basketball. Suddenly they’ve mastered a physical skill,” Tisel said.

As he departs from teaching at SPA Tisel will miss the positive environment. “[I’ll miss] the enthusiasm of the students and the wonderful connections with teaching colleagues,” he said.

In both academics and athletics, Tisel treasures the moments when students overcome adversity to become a stronger student or athlete. Tisel has enjoyed the opportunity to help and watch students challenge their barriers on the court, on the course, and in the classroom.

PHOTO CREDIT: Javier Whitaker-Castañeda PEGGY HOLZEM poses with a card signed by the students and faculty. “It was hanging up when I came into work; it made me want to cry,” she said. She has worked here 29 years.

Read more at

ubicOnline.com

Arts & Entertainment 13 MAY 2016 • THE RUBICON

Senior Art Seminar displays work in Drake Gallery

Final show includes painting, pottery, photo, multimedia works JACK BENSON

The Rubicon Editor The art gallery is now filled with the vibrant and creative work of Saint Paul Academy and Summit School’s seniors. The Senior Art Show opened on May 6 and is the culmination of completed work in multiple disciplines from 11 seniors artists.

Each senior took different perspectives with their art in the show. For senior Jane Jackson, the show helped her improve her art.

“Senior Art Seminar pushed me to produce more work than I have since I first started drawing,” Jackson said. Jackson had her portrait-focused paintings featured in the show.

“For the paintings, I started by taking pictures of my classmates on my cellphone, mostly hoping I’d snap an interesting pose or angle. Then I’d print the pictures I’d taken, trim them down, and start arranging different people together,” Jackson said.

Her favorite part of being featured was the process of painting.

“When I’m painting, I lose track. I’m lost in the almost grueling swipes and aches of my wrist and the paintbrush,” Jackson said.

Senior Karsten Runquist had his photography of everyday objects featured in the show. Preparing for the Senior Art Show helped his work improve.

“Senior Art Seminar shaped my work...it made everything more focused. Before, I was just taking random photos and videos and editing them without a clear understanding about what they all had in common,” Runquist said.

Senior Nina Zietlow had her surrealist portraits featured in the show. She enjoys painting pictures of people acting naturally.

“I like to paint photos that were taken very unexpectedly, so the people are caught off guard in a unique post or interaction,” Zietlow said Senior Ingrid Topp-Johnson designed clothing and clothing sketches featured in the show.

She explained how her work changed over each semester.

“The first semester my work

“WHEN I’M PAINTING [...] I’M LOST IN THE ALMOST GRUELING SWIPES AND ACHES OF MY WRIST AND THE PAINTBRUSH.” — SENIOR JANE JACKSON was both inadvertently and intentionally centered around the idea of coming of age,” Topp-Johnson said.

In her second semester Topp-Johnson focused more on textile art, but still followed the theme of moving on.

Senior Ora Hammel’s photographs of objects from a variety of perspectives were also featured in the show. She focused primarily on different types of lighting.

“Often light helps highlight the main subject or structure in a photo,” she said. Hammel used a nontraditional photography style in her photos.

“I work to create abstract im-

ages that do not simply capture the subject, but create something new,” she said.

Senior Ella Hommeyer focused her analog photography on natural elements. She tried to make people take a second to appreciate an image with her art.

“Rarely does anyone take the time to actually look at an image and think about what it makes them think and feel. I want to change that,” Hommeyer said.

Senior Caroline Montague featured colorful paintings of people. Montague used the Senior Art Show to experiment and develop her art style.

“This semester, I experimented with doing a concept drawing before starting a painting, which helped me to vet ideas and figure out proportions,” she said.

Senior Lauren Woessner painted portraits of people she knows to help her build stronger bonds with them.

“The further I get into the painting process, [the more] my ideas change...this allows me to have a deeper connection with these people,” she said.

Senior Isabelle Saul-Hughes focused on femininity in her art.

“I’m really engaged by fertility and physical femininity and I like to process the way I express traditional forms of femininity through my pieces,” she said.

Senior Calla Saunders had a film featured in the show. She experimented with different techniques to make it more relatable. “[My goal was to] create a scenario that people recognize themselves in,” she said.

PHOTO CREDIT: Jack Benson SENIOR ART SEMINAR STUDENTS displayed their work on May. 6 in the Drake Gallery for the Senior Art Show; Celestial by Ingrid Topp-Johnson is featured above. “The first semester my work was both inadvertently and intentionally centered around the idea of coming of age.” Topp-Johnson said.

See more photos from the Senior Art Show online at

ubicOnline.com

Harrison rocks it in musical production of Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Fair use image from: Children’s Theatre Company SOPHOMORE JONAH HARRISON performs in the Children’s Theater Company’s stage adaptation of Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney.

“It’s really cool to be part of a world premier show that’s never been done before,” Harrison said.

MARLEE BARON

The Rubicon Editor Middle school: an awkward period of time that almost nobody wants to relive. Sophomore Jonah Harrison, however, may be an exception to this rule. Harrison is a member of the cast of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical which is playing now at the Children’s Theater Company. It is a musical based off the young adult book series Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney.

Harrison is a part of the world premiere show.

“It’s really cool to be part of a world premier show that’s never been done before, and being able to be a part of the creating process of a new show,” Harrison said. Because this was a world premiere show, the script, music and choreography was being reworked up until the show premiered.

“Since this is a new show it was changing up until opening night. We got a set script at the

beginning but then every day we would get new pages. We would also be changing the music every day,” Harrison said.

The audition process was very long, Harrison auditioned in September 2015 and the cast started rehearsing in March.

“First I auditioned in September of 2015, that was just a regular audition. I heard back about a week later that I got a call back the next day. I went to the call back and then I didn’t hear back for about two months. Two months later they called and said that I got another call back and so I went to the second call back. I didn’t hear back about that until February. It was a long process,” Harrison said.

Even though the rehearsal process was very long, the cast only rehearsed for about six and a half weeks. Being in the play is a big commitment, especially for a student actor, regular rehearsals can be six hours long.

“They send us the schedule for rehearsals the night before.

They try to only have us there for what we are called for. They call certain scenes and numbers just like any other theater. If a big musical number is called then we

probably work that for an entire rehearsal. We rehearse anywhere from 4 pm to 10 pm for regular rehearsals. So they can be really long,” Harrison said.

Regular rehearsals are a big commitment, but during tech that commitment gets a lot bigger.

“IT’S DEFINITELY REALLY DIFFICULT ESPECIALLY BECAUSE WE DO TEN SHOWS A WEEK.” — SOPHOMORE JONAH HARRISON “After about five weeks of regular rehearsal we went into tech. That was where we started rehearsing in the actual theater on the stage. Those are the longest days because we can be there from 11 am to 11 pm,” Harrison said.

Having this big of an outside of school time commitment is very hard and requires a lot of hard work.

“It’s definitely really difficult especially because we do ten

shows a week. I miss one class every day except for Mondays.

It’s difficult managing homework because I’m at the theater so much. I have to focus really hard when I’m not doing the show,” Harrison said.

Because the play is about middle school and Harrison is not a middle school student, he is a member of the teen ensemble.

“I’m in the teen ensemble so I play a bunch of different roles throughout. I’m one of the middle school bullies and I’m in the older brother Rodrick’s band; Loded Diper. I’m also in ensemble numbers,” Harrison said.

Although many of the other cast members are younger than Harrison, they get along very well.

“Most of other kids in the play are younger than me because it’s a play about middle school. But all the kids are super sweet and I love hanging out with them. [...]

They are both super talented and sweet. We’ve all gotten super close and we’ve become like a family. We’ve had a lot of fun together,” Harrison said.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid opened on April 12. and will run through June 12.

Boys Varsity Tennis advances to State Read it @

ubicOnline

14

First annual SPA 5K starts cold but ends with gold (medals) Submitted by: Jeffrey Huang

Sports

Despite the 36 degree weather on May 14, the Fun Run drew approximately 120 racers. The top three male racers ages 14-19 were freshmen Jack Benson (1), Zach Tipler (2), and Ben Carlson (3). The top three female racers ages 1419 were freshmen Maggie Hvalka (1), Muriel Lang (2), and Adelia Bergner (3). “It was pretty fun. I ran alone, so it was pretty relaxing,” Benson said. therubiconspa on Instagram

THE RUBICON • MAY 2016

On your mark... get set...

Students get a shirt, give to a cause, and have fun in races Verhey runs with friends for first time in Color Run

RUBI REVIEWS Superman app maximizes results in minimal time ETHAN LESS Staff Writer

Submitted by: Jennie Verhey FRESHMAN JENNIE VERHEY poses with friends at the end of the race as they get blasted with color dust. “I don’t usually like to run by myself, so running with friends and at such a cool event was fun,” Verhey said.

ELLIE NOWAKOWSKI The Rubicon Editor

Q: What is your fondest memory of running?

A: The Color Run that I did last summer with my friends was so much fun. I don’t usually like to run by myself, so running with friends and at such a cool event was fun.

Q: Why did you choose to participate in this run?

A: I thought it would be fun and my friends would want to participate with me.

Q: What kind of run is this?

A: It’s a 5k and it’s through Minneapolis, and there are checkpoints every so often with a specific color being thrown in the air as you run.

“I WAS A LITTLE NERVOUS, BUT ALSO REALLY EXCITED TO BE DOING SOMETHING NEW AND COOL.” — FRESHMAN JENNIE VERHEY Q: What makes the race fun?

A: All of the color, because without it, it would just be a regular run, and at the end there’s a big celebration where they throw a bunch of color in the air and you can’t breathe there’s a ton of dust for five minutes, but it’s really cool.

Q: How did you feel before the run?

A: It was my first run, so I was a little nervous, but also really excited to be doing something new.

Q: Are you doing any runs in the future?

A: I will definitely do the color run again, and other than that I would be open to trying another type of run to branch out, and maybe do something more serious.

Q: Do you have any advice for people considering doing a run for the first time?

A: If you’ve never done a run, then I would recommend the color run, it was really fun and exciting and not a lot of pressure. I would also say to not be nervous or overwhelmed, because runs are really just about having fun, so there’s no need to stress.

Schedules are always loaded, and it seems like there is never enough time for a decent workout. However, there are holes in schedules; empty space. Why not take 6 minutes to get in shape, no equipment or money needed?

On a mundane morning, after school, during a quiet weekend, there is time, and there is a free app for the iPhone. It’s called Superman Workout. It was designed by Fei Yang, and the name describes it perfectly. The workout consists of ten 30 second exercises, with ten second breaks in between each one. The exercises include high knees, jumping squats, push ups, planks, and other more exotic exercises such as the superman position and mountain climbers. The app has a timer which allows the user to focus on technique instead of time management.

That’s the best part about the app. Any level of fitness can perform each exercise. The goal should be quality of technique, and then if the user continuously uses the app, they will eventually increase their repetitions.

It can be difficult to find time to work with a professional trainer, and this app does a good job of compensating. It plays videos of what the workout should look like. The videos help the user stay on track with the technique. However, what could be even more helpful is if the workout instructed the user verbally, instead of just assuming that the user will see the video and know exactly how to perform the workout.

It’s not a perfect app. It only has one workout set, so there is a possibility of the exercises becoming tedious. However, if a user becomes bored with the specific exercises, don’t worry. Fei Yang has also created Batman Workout, Flash Workout and many other workouts tailored similarly to the Superman Workout, styled with high intensity workouts with different exercises.

Plus, they are all free. Finally, like any personal workout, there is no proctor telling the user whether they are doing the workout correctly. Nevertheless, the exercises themselves are completely beneficial to the well-being of the body. They improve upper body, lower body, and core muscles, along with endurance skills.

Overall, the workout is about high intensity for short bursts of time. It is not beneficial if the user does not put forth full intensity.

Like all workouts, the user gets out what he or she puts in. Use it anytime to work up a nice sweat. The best part about Superman Workout? It’s quick. That’s really nice, because like everyone at this school has a busy life.

Wake up early before school, or find a few minutes during a free period or after school, this workout offers 400 seconds of pure intensity.

Rucker runs to honor her grandfather’s cancer recovery Q: How did you get started with running?

A: When my grandfather recovered from lymphoma, he began to do long distance runs. He’s been running marathons every few years, and now every time we see him, it’s a family tradition that we go on at least a 5K.

“IT WAS KIND OF ‘PUT ONE FOOT IN FRONT OF THE OTHER’ AND IT WILL BE OVER SOON.”

Q: What is your fondest memory of running?

A: Some of the runs that we do are really cool. One of my favorites ever was the Groundhog Run and it was completely underground.

Q: Why do you run?

A: It’s a really good way for me to unwind, when you’re running you’re focused completely on what you’re doing, and it’s nice to finish and feel like I’ve both cleared my mind and exercised.

— SOPHOMORE SABRINA RUCKER

Q: What runs are you participating in this summer?

A: I’m going to be doing a run in Australia that is a half marathon.

Q: How do you feel before a race? During? After?

A: Excited, determined, relieved.

Q: What drives you to finish a race?

A: I don’t know; I never thought about it. It was just kind of ‘put one foot in front of the other’ and it will be over soon.

Submitted by: Sabrina Rucker SOPHOMORE SABRINA RUCKER poses with her family after one of the many races they’ve competed in with her grandfather. Rucker said that races make her feel “Excited, determined, [and] relieved.”

Sophomore Dev McCabe commits to UMD to play hockey in 2018

Sophomore Dev McCabe ‘18 has verbally committed to play collegiate Division I hockey for the University of Minnesota, Duluth. The Bulldogs have sent dozens of players to the NHL. Dev has played BVS since 8th grade. During the Spartans’ 201516 season, he had 16 goals and 25 assists in 27 games.

Follow us @TheRubiconSPA on Twitter

Sports 15

PHOTO: SPA Communications

MAY 2016 • THE RUBICON

Soccer players bring love of the game to coaching, reffing IYA ABDULKARIM The Rubicon Editor

For a portion of their year when soccer on the fields of St. Paul Academy and Summit School is on hiatus, a couple of students find themselves on fields a few blocks away surrounded by five year olds.

Under what circumstances?

These students work as soccer coaches through the Highland Groveland Recreation Association (HGRA), and meet on a weekly basis with a group of fiveyear-old children.

“I ENJOY WORKING WITH THE CHILDREN AND I ENJOY WATCHING THE PASSION IN THEIR EYES.” — SOPHOMORE ELI STRIKER Sophomore Maya Shrestha, starting her third year of coaching, wanted to do something along these lines a while back.

“My dad used to be the soccer commissioner for HGRA, so he ran the entire soccer program and so I have always helped him coach my brother’s team,” Shrestha said. She told him that she wanted to coach her own soccer team, and he proposed that she helped out with the younger kids.

And so she began.

“It’s a different experience every year and every week with the kids,” Shrestha said, “It’s always fun to have new kids, and then to

Submitted by: Maya Shrestha SOPHOMORE MAYA SHRESTHA officiates and coaches a five year old soccer game at Highland Groveland Recreation Association.

“It’s a great first job. A way to make money if you want to, and it gives you really good skills with kids,” Shrestha said. have some kids that you’ve had every week who you bond with,” Shrestha said “You never know if you’re going to have a kid who will just cry and roll around on the grass,” she added.

Newly on the fields as a coach is sophomore Eli Striker, also working through HGRA. “This is the first time I have ever coached,” Striker said.

Given this, he has only attended a handful of sessions, but has

been looking forward to it.

“I enjoy working with the children and I enjoy watching the passion in their eyes,” he said.

But not every five year old becomes a future soccer player.

“I had this one girl who you could tell her parents wanted her to play and she just really, really didn’t want to play,” Shrestha said. “Every week she would just stand there—I had her in the same group for a couple of weeks and I would always try to get her to

play. And then finally, one week she started playing, but she had to hold my hand the whole time,” Shrestha said.

Freshman Husaam Qureishy plays soccer during the season but referees for age groups under 13 years old. “[Reffing] helps me make better decisions on the field on how to deal with the game itself,” Qureishy said.

So far, Qureishy has reffed three games and has learned the

ins and outs of the game in order to improve his own performance on the field.

Striker, Shrestha and Qureishy suggest the coaching opportunity to other students based on their early and extensive experiences.

“It’s a good first job, [and] a way to make money if you want to, and just gives you really good skills with kids, which are very helpful in life,” Shrestha said.

Blackhawks teammates travel to Sweden to play in youth tournament CLAIRE HALLAWAY The Rubicon Editor

The U15 St. Paul Blackhawks Soccer Club takes an annual trip to Sweden to play in a youth soccer tournament. Freshmen Tessah Green, Jasper Green, Michael Forsgren, Micah Gwin and Ben Carlson will attend this year, as well as sophomore Terry Cheney.

The trip will take the players to the Gothia Cup for two weeks.

Before the trip, the players continually train and practice hard.

“We practice and have games on Mondays, Tuesdays and Sundays. During the summer, there will be more league games, and there will be a tournament this weekend, and a state cup next weekend,” Tessah Green said.

Students are motivated to prepare for the upcoming season and take advantage of the great opportunity of the soccer cup.

“Playing in the league games will also be a big part of training

for school soccer in the fall and varsity tryouts,” Tessah Green said.

“WE ALL WORKED TOGETHER TO HELP FUND THE TRIP AND MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR EVERYONE.” — FRESHMAN TESSAH GREEN “Playing in an out of country tournament can help me prepare for the SPA soccer season as I will see many different styles of play,” Cheney said.

The trip will expose the team to new culture as well as give them many opportunities for leadership.

“We’ll stay with Swedish or Danish soccer families and in a High School during our time in Sweden, and I’m excited to ex-

perience the new country,” Green said.

Throughout the year, Green’s team has helped each other raise money for the trip by selling pizzas, bagging foods at grocery stores and selling concessions.

“We all worked together to help fund the trip and make it possible for everyone” Green said.

“I’ve heard of the trip from older girls in my club and it sounds like a lot of fun and a great way to train together” Green added.

The two weeks will also be filled with chances to explore Sweden and constantly play soccer even if the team doesn’t win the tournament.

“The trip is for the tournament, but even if we get out at first, we will continue to scrimmage while we’re there.” Green said.

The Sweden trip is an amazing opportunity for participants at Blackhawks Soccer Club, but there are also many sports opportunities in closer reach. This year,

Submitted by: Jasper Green FRESHMAN JASPER GREEN plays offense at one of his club games.

“We’ll stay with Swedish or Danish soccer families and in a High School during our time in Sweden, and I’m excited to experience the new country,” Green said. there will be a girl’s powerhouse class available to SPA students along with different summer camps and training right at SPA. The summer is a great time to work hard and enjoy different

sports while improving for the following seasons through many different opportunities.

This is the 20th year Blackhawks soccer athletes have attended the tournament in Sweden.

Class of 2016 16 THE RUBICON • may 2016

Where in the world are our seniors?

Abdulkarim, Boraan - St. Olaf College

Goldman, Nadia - University of Pennsylvania

Arnold, Minnie - Syracuse University

Grinsfelder, Willa - Johns Hopkins University

Baker, Peter - Colgate University

Hammel, Ora - Oberlin College

Bemel, Blaire - University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

Hanson, Kent - Carleton College

Biggs, Anna - Harvard University

Hanson, Sena - Brown University

Bottern, Lexi - Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Heilig, Michelle - University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

Braman, Katie - St. Olaf College

Hilton, Alexis - University of Wisconsin, Madison

Brattland, Sami - Miami University, Oxford

Hoeschen, Oliver - St. Olaf College

Brown, Sabrina - University of Puget Sound

Hoffmann, Bridget - Boston College

Buettner-Salido, Rafa University of Iowa

Hommeyer, Ella - Colby College

Bukingolts, Elizabeth Barnard College

Hooley, Charles - Santa Clara University

Burr, Caswell - Lawrence University

Hotvedt, Rachel - Wake Forest University

Chen, Max - Carnegie Mellon University

Jackson, Jane - Cornell University

Commers, Patrick - Bates College

Jallen, Justin - University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Fall ‘17 - Interim Junior Hockey Program

Dahlseide, Evan - University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Fall ‘17 - Interim Junior Hockey Program Donaldson, Will - Bowdoin College Fawcett, Cole - Worcester Polytechnic Institute Findlay, Maren - Goucher College Gibbons, Cait - University of Wisconsin, Madison

Johnson, Catherine University of Minnesota, Duluth Johnson, Lucas - University of Wisconsin, Madison Johnson, Solomon Undecided Joyce, Meghan - Goucher College Kaplan, Netta - Pomona College Kelsey-Friedemann, Lukas -

Santa Clara University Lam, Christine - University of Pennsylvania Mahmood, Danish University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Matenaer, Samuel University of Minnesota, Twin Cities McCabe, Cullen - Junior Hockey Program McGlincey, Brendan University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Miller, Vanessa - Hamilton College Monserud, Tommy - Coe College Montague, Caroline Barnard College O’Brien, Shay - University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Olson, Emily - Beloit College Orey, Lia - University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire Orza, Christopher University of Minnesota, Twin Cities O’Shea, Michael - Grinnell College Parkhurst, Samuel Lawrence University Peacock, Ryan - University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Peyton, Dalante - Winona State University Porter, Alena - Northeastern University Qin, Alex - University of California, Berkeley

Raman, Gita - University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

Solomon, Matti - University of Wisconsin, Parkside

Rauch, Tessa - University of Oregon

Stiffman, George - University of Southern California

Rients, Taylor - Southern Methodist University

Taussig, Emma - Smith College

Riley, Jonathan - Texas Christian University

Thomas, Jonathan - St. Olaf College

Ristau, Claire - Cornell University

Tibbetts, Alice - St. Olaf College

Rizvi, Madeeha - University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

Tibbetts, Joel - Grinnell College

Rolf, Nissa - California Lutheran University

Tibbetts, Miriam - Grinnell College

Romans, Jack - Williams College

Tipler, Sam - Grinnell College

Runquist, Karsten - DePaul University

Topp-Johnson, Ingrid Pitzer College

Salverda, Kyle - Saint John’s University

Vlietstra, Margaret Barnard College

Samarakoon, Navodhya George Washington University

Walsh, Claire - Oberlin College

Saul-Hughes, Isabelle - St. Catherine University - St. Paul

Ward, Charles - Montana State University, Bozeman

Saunders, Calla - Sarah Lawrence College

Wheaton, Riley - Haverford College

Shaheen, Liz - Tufts University

Wilkens, Chloe - University of Washington

Singh, Dhara - Claremont McKenna College

Wittenberg, Milo - Cornell University

Skadron, Emilee - University of Wisconsin, Madison

Woessner, Lauren - Skidmore College

Smaller, Angel - Marquette University

Youngdale, Elena Macalester College

Smith, Maya - Swarthmore College

Zanaska, Justin - Ithaca College

Smith, Quinn - College of Wooster

Zietlow, Nina - Scripps College

Sogin, Hallie - Lawrence University