the
RUBICON the student news of St. Paul Academy and Summit School 1712 Randolph Avenue - Saint Paul, MN 55105 Volume 45. Issue 1. September 26, 2017 www.rubiconline.com • Facebook • Instagram • Twitter • Pinterest • YouTube • SoundCloud • @TheRubiconSPA
The Beauty of
Perception
How architecture defines a community
In Depth p.8-9
IN THIS ISSUE: • 2-3 NEWS • 4-6 EDITORIAL/OPINIONS • • 7 SCI/TECH • 8-9 IN DEPTH • 10-11 FEATURE • • 12-13 A&E • 14-15 SPORTS • 16 HOMECOMING •
DESIGN CREDIT: Jonah Harrison
2
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WHAT DOES BEAUTY MEAN? Sophomore Liam Will thinks that “In most of modern society [beauty is] a priority; it’s just the way our society is evolving.” For junior Elise Parsons, “the environment and the people make a community beautiful, not the surroundings.” Read the story on IN-DEPTH 8-9
NEW EXPERIENCES. The Spanish exchange students were at SPA from Sept.15-26 staying with host families, attending classes, and touring the Twin Cities.
Spanish Exchange enjoys 10 years of international friendship
Read the story by RubicOnline Editor Flannery EnnekingNorton in English and Spanish at THE RUBICON PHOTO: Nitya Thakkar
THE RUBICON • SEPTEMBER 2017
SADD Speaker:
Q&A with
Malik Mitchell Spartans Against Destructive Decisions will host speaker Malik Mitchell on Oct. 12. He is from the Aurora Center for Advocacy and Education at the University of Minnesota. Q: How did you first get involved in this work?
THE RUBICON PHOTO: Quinn Christensen
RUBICONLINE PHOTO: Mimi Geller
WORK IN PROGRESS: (above) Construction of the Schilling Center will be completed in Fall 2018. “I hope that it functions well as a new math and science center as well as that it goes with the rest of the school,” senior Sorcha Ashe said. (left) Current seniors were invited to sign the highest beam, which was installed at the ceremony on Sept. 25. Ava Sigg signs the beam with a Sharpie during lunch.
Schilling Center ahead of schedule at groundbreaking ceremony QUINN CHRISTENSEN The Rubicon Editor
Students returned to school this year with construction well underway and progressing rapidly. “Right now what they’re doing is trying to push hard to get the building enclosed before the height of winter because ideally they want to be working inside as much as possible,” Upper School principal Chris Hughes said. The construction has set a new routine for returning students. “It’s been a big disruption on the outside of campus,” Hughes said. “There are spots I used to study where I can’t study anymore,” senior Sorcha Ashe said. Luckily, changes in plans mean that routines will
return to normal sooner than expected. All of the moving in will happen over the upcoming summer, and the new wing will be ready to welcome students for the fall of 2018. “One of the things that shifted from when we first laid out plans was the realization that if they could do a fair amount of construction inside the building this past summer then they could really get a head start on some of the renovations for the rest of the US... all of this internal construction that we didn’t know was necessarily going to happen this summer... that was sort of a later development. But what that will help us do is it’ll let us finish the entire project earlier,” Hughes said. One concern that students had about the new
“Right they’re
now..
trying
to push hard to get the building enclosed before the height of winter.”
— US PRINCIPAL CHRIS HUGHES
addition was how it would blend architecturally with the rest of the building. “I hope that it functions well as a new math and science center as well as that it goes with the rest of the school,” Ashe said. Students will have the opportunity to ensure that the new wing does just that. “I’m going to work with the Upper School Council to figure out a system where students can test things out
FIND MORE COVERAGE OF THE GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY AT
and give input and help us make some decisions about what sorts of equipment and furnishings and things like that that we’re using,” Hughes said. Although many of the aesthetic goals for the Schilling Center have been made clear, Hughes feels as though the ways in which the construction benefits the Humanities and the overall school environment are often overlooked. “There will be a history commons, English commons, language commons, math commons, science commons, as well as a big student commons in what is now the lower Library. That really is going to be a great thing for the overall culture,” Hughes said.
A: I studied public health sciences in my undergraduate career where my program focus was on violence prevention. I saw the opportunity to put my studies into practice when I applied for the position at The Aurora Center. Now I work with both victim/survivors of sexual and relationship violence as well as folks in our community of violence prevention. Q: What is your topic?
A: I’m planning to talk about creating a culture of consent in academic and social settings. It’s important to talk about this topic to have a more holistic view of what healthy communication and relationships can look like. Is a topic of conversation going on across the country right now. Q: What’s something you hope students learn?
A: I want students to take away a sense of agency in initiating and continuing conversations among their peers about topics like consent and healthy relationships. In the United States, we live in a society where it is generally uncomfortable to talk about things like consent, and I want to help you all break down some of that stigma.
Upper School Council sells mugs, bottles to raise Hurricane relief funds, increase sustainability
ISABEL GISSER
RubicOnline Editor
USC has approached the past few school years with the objective of creating a greener campus, and along with water bottle sales has succeeded in other projects such as the addition of compost bins to the dining hall.
USC sold mugs and water bottles for $7 each on Sept. 18-19 during lunch periods to reduce our paper cup waste and raise money for Hurricane relief. Before the sale, she said “We hope a lot of people get [the bottles] and keep them, because it will create a more sustainable environment,” USC Secretary Nora Povejsil said.
“I think it’s important that USC is doing it because it shows that the students are responsible for changing the school environment, not just the administrators and teachers,” Povejsil said. Read the full story at:
RUBICONLINE PHOTO: Isabel Gisser
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THE RUBICON • SEPTEMBER 2017
CIVICALLY ENGAGED. US English teacher Molly Olguin signs a letter addressed to President Trump defending DACA. Junior Isabel Saavedra-Weis, and seniors Eva Garcia and Amina Smaller sit behind the table while Olivia Williams Ridge encourages participation.
LUCY SANDEEN The Rubicon Editor
Intercultural Club, Black and Brown Girls, and Common Ground partnered in a letter writing campaign on Sept. 15-16 outside the lunch room. The Dreamer’s Act gives undocumented immigrants who entered the U.S. as children a renewable two-year period in which they are protected from deportation but can apply for a work permit and pursue an education. Trump plans to end the program. Junior Isabel SaavedraWeiss was infuriated when
Letter campaign protests DACA repeal
Collective of student groups ask for signatures THE RUBICON PHOTO:Nitya Thakkar
she heard the news and immediately looked for ways she could help. “When Trump announced that they were going to end DACA, I started looking around and doing research with one of my friends about ways that we could help... and one of the things we found was a Huffington Post article about letter writing,” Saavedra-Weiss said. She contacted the leaders of student clubs and affinity groups IC, BBG, and Common Ground to let them know that they could help as well, and what started as Saavedra-Weiss’s personal activism quickly
grew into a school-wide initiative. “Next thing I know they had printed out about sixty of the sample letters and set up a table in front of the lunch room for people to sign the letters and send them to the White House,” Saavedra-Weiss said. “We had people sign the letters individually because we really liked the effect it has if you send a whole bulk of 80 letters to one place that all say the same thing but have all different signatures on them. We’re going to put it all in one envelope with a title page over it that says, Dear President Trump, these are
all signatures of people who disagree with you.” Even if the letters themselves don’t inspire policy change, SaavedraWeiss hopes that they make a statement: “We need resilience to make it clear that this isn’t going to be cool with us. DACA is a really important program to many, many people, and the U.S. gains a lot of really important people through DACA, which is a thing that a lot of people don’t understand. I hope that we’re at least showing that we support those students and that we want those students to stay because we realize that we need them,
even if the White House doesn’t.” Saavedra-Weis added: “It [the letter writing] was a really simple thing on our end; we just made a couple signs and printed out a bunch of paper and then sat and talked to people who seemed interested, and there was an overwhelming amount of support streaming through. This makes me motivated to keep taking action in ways that I think will be beneficial to our community, because we do a lot of talking here and we need to start doing more action.”
Infirmary relocates just down the hall, renovated with upgrades CLAIRE HALLWAY The Rubicon Editor
Early construction in the hallway near the administrative offices forced the relocation of the infirmary, but this has made it a more convenient and purposeful space. Originally placed across from US Administrative Assistant Aja Parham’s office, the infirmary has moved to a more central location near US Counselor Susanna Short’s office. “It was a very small room originally. It only had a bed, a box of tissues and then it had one little chair and the rest of it was kinda used for storage,” Parham said.
The new infirmary has changed in scene a bit: the space is well equipped with resting places and supplies for students who aren’t feeling well, along with emergency snack or juice for diabetic students. “And then there are blankets and there’s a nice light in there instead of a big, bright fluorescent light... right now there’s not a window on the door, but they’re going to put a window on the door so it’s a little more friendly,” Parham said. The change in location has made the infirmary more convenient and accessible to students. If Parham is not in her office,
THE RUBICON PHOTO: Kat St. Martin-Norburg NEW SPACES. The infirmary was moved down the hall from Principal Hughes’s office and received new lighting.
students can go to faculty members with offices nearby to be let in. “I think it’s probably more convenient for the students [now]..... It’s a
little more central I guess, because...Ms. Short is right there, Mr. Hughes is over here, I’m over here. And for Dean Delgado I guess it’s more inconvenient for him, but he can come over here and let a student in. We’re all aware at the same time that there’s a student in the infirmary and we can check on them,” Parham said. Parham also talked about the plans for future construction and further changes down the road with the infirmary. With the two-phase plan for construction, the second phase will upgrade the space and make it accessible to more students.
“So right now, it’s only a single bed and room. I think a larger one [infirmary] would be better and that way if there are two kids who aren’t feeling well, they could both go in there, maybe with a privacy wall in between,” Parham said. For further care, students can visit the nurse’s office located in the Middle School, just past MS Administrative Assistant Stephanie HolmanStrafelda’s office. The nurse is there three days a week, but, like Parham, HolmanStrafelda is trained to help students who aren’t feeling well.
4
E ditorial
THE RUBICON • SEPTEMBER 2017
Editorial Cartoon: Melissa Nie
Step toward a brighter future with green choices EDITORIAL
The Rubicon Staff
With so many climate change effects in the world, sustainability should be on everyone’s radar. Each person has the power to do something to be more sustainable and we need to take advantage of those opportunities. There are so many small actions we can take in our day to day lives to be more sustainable, like carpooling, turning off appliances and eating locally grown foods. These small changes add up, but none of that is new information. We hear about turning off the lights, turning off
the tap, or the door from childhood on, and many people are very conscious about doing all these small things. Although these little steps do make a difference, it’s important to always be thinking about more actions to take to help the planet. Just this past month hurricanes Harvey and Irma hit two separate parts of the U.S. leaving many without power, shelter, or food. Currently, updates on the path of Hurricaine Maria dominate the news. Hurricanes don’t occur in Minnesota so it’s easy to think that what we do doesn’t affect them, but it
There
are so many
small and large ways we can be sustainable and what we do will affect people for years and years to come.
does. A major contributor to climate change, according to NPR, is greenhouse gasses because higher greenhouse gas emissions cause the hole in the ozone layer to get bigger, causing the earth to heat up. In short, storms are getting stronger because the
ocean is warmer. Everyone contributes to the emission of greenhouse gases and there are steps we can all take in our everyday lives to lower our carbon footprint. Our school is in the process of building a new building that will have many sustainable features and since it’s still being built, students are invited to voice their ideas on how to make the building more sustainable. People for Environmental Protection provided suggestions last year; students taking Environmental Science will come up with ways to make the school more sustainable for their final project this year, and that should be
taken very seriously not only by the students doing the project, but also by the entire community. With the new service requirement for all students, clubs and sports teams should think about sustainability when planning service projects. Sustainability is an important cause, because it affects everyone. What we do to reduce our carbon footprint will continue to affect the planet long after we’re gone. It’s time to acknowledge our part in climate change and take every step we can to slow its effects at school, in Minnesota, and on the world.
THE RUBICON STAFF St. Paul Academy and Summit School • 1712 Randolph Ave St. Paul, MN 55105 • rubicon.spa@gmail.com • www.RubicOnline.com • @TheRubiconSPA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CHIEF VISUAL EDITOR MANAGING EDITOR COPY EDITOR NEWS EDITOR OPINIONS EDITOR FEATURE EDITORS IN DEPTH EDITOR ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR SPORTS EDITOR SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY ILLUSTRATIONS/INFOGRAPHICS
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Mimi Geller Web Lehmann Ellie Findell Michael Forsgren Nitya Thakkar, Isabel Gisser Peter Blanchfield Flannery Enneking-Norton Emma Sampson Annie Bottern, Jake Adams Kelby Wittenberg Sharee Roman Noah Raaum Ellie Nowakowski Isabel Saavedra-Weis Mira Zelle
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Helen Bartlett, Lucy Benson, Annabelle Bond, Liv Larsen, Evelyn Lillemoe, Meagan Massie, Tana Ososki, Elaina Parsons, Lilly Ramalingam, Jennifer Reis, Martha Sanchez, Will Schavee, Griffin Thissen, Bobby Verhey ADVISER
Kathryn Campbell
O pinions 5
THE RUBICON • SEPTEMBER 2017
Want to overload? Consider Independent Study instead IYA ABDULKARIM Editor-in-Chief
Students arrive on campus hauling books, athletic duffle bags and instruments, each for their respective classes, clubs and ensembles. While such options provide incredible opportunities for students, they make for a busy schedule. Some of these activities occupy one of the eight blocks in the block schedule, while others require time outside of school. Policy limits schedules to seven classes, leaving one free period in which students can work on assignments, meet with teachers and other students for group projects, and taking break from academic demands. With several recently added courses and the desire to carry through with electives students have had prior experience with, the question has emerged: should students be allowed to enroll in eight classes, eliminating the free period? For most students, five core classes and a free period leave them with two blocks left to fill if they wish. It is encouraged that students sign up for one elective, and a student might sign up for one or two depending on their interests or outside of school commitments. If a
ILLUSTRATION: Iya Abdulkarim DOING THE HEAVY-LIFTING. Course overloading can provide opportunities for students, but a full schedule can also be overwhelming. The required free period in the class schedule is thoughtfully designed and should be preserved.
student has great interest in enrolling in eight courses, pursuing an Independent Study is the most realistic option. “We have about 25 students doing Independent Study this fall,” US Principal Chris Hughes said. “Most of those students have 6 other classes; some have 7.” “The vast majority of those are students in the music program, debate, and robotics who have prior experience in the class and want to be able to compete [or perform] with the class but could not fit it into
If
time
management is
a strength, not
being allowed to overload may feel very limiting.
their schedule because of conflicts,” Hughes added. For sophomores, having a required Wellness quarter can make year-long classes especially challenging, and this may be the exception to the overload rule, since it’s only a quarter.
But for most students, Independent Studies are feasible because of the flexibility the block schedule has to offer. It incorporates two times most days in which students can do their work, X-Period and Tutorial, and meet with teachers and other students. During Tutorial, no students or teachers are in classes, creating a great time for any communication, questions, or meetings, including weekly Independent Study check ins.
Classes and electives are wonderful opportunities for students; however, if time management is a strength, not being allowed to overload may feel very limiting. Some students face the question of trying to manage an independent study or to drop one of their electives. Although the Independent Study model may also come with some challenges, it is still the best option that offers the most flexibility for students.
Pull out the swear jar: It’s time for language to be f-bomb free SHAREE ROMAN Photojournalist
Walk through the hallway. Pause for a moment and listen to the number of profane words and slurs casually spoken. It’s time to clean up the language. The use of conversational swearing can achieve many outcomes, from joking or storytelling to a substitute for physical aggression; still profanity is more prevalent than ever among teens. Research shows that an average adolescent swears about 80-90 times a day. Timothy Jay, a psychology professor at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts,
Have
an
OPINION
Fast Fact The average adolescent swears 80-90 times a day, with the F-word being the most commonly used. suggests that the rise in profanity isn’t the result of taboo words in television shows, advertising, professional sports, radio, music, or film, but (in reality) parenting. Approximately twothirds of parents encourage their children to minimize profanity use. However,
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they often break their own rule on a regular basis. This can lead to a situation where kids take after what parents do rather than what they say. According to Psych Central, traditionally, people swear the most during their teenage years, yet over the past few decades children have started swearing more at a younger age. In fact, by the time children enter school, they have an established list of 30-40 swear words in their vocabulary. It has become a common speech pattern in both adults and teenagers making up about 0.3 to Editor
0.7% of words spoken according to Jay. The most common swear word, according to Business Insider, is the F-word. Nowadays, the ‘f-bomb’ is dropped so much it has lost it’s shock. Although among the scientific community there is much debate over whether swearing is cathartic, the aggressive connotations of swearing makes it seem like someone who curses excessively is not a pleasant person. People who swear a lot are assumed to have a lack of vocabulary, and to some people swearing is rude, unpleasant, and irritating.
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So, even if swearing doesn’t bother some people, take the safe side and curb the urge to swear. As written in Health Guidance, “swearing becomes habitual and almost instinctive like a knee jerk reaction.” Even though, the ‘swear jar’ is considered a cliché way to prevent swearing, academic journals have proven that it can actually help. Whatever it takes to fix this epidemic, swearing has become too common in our vocabulary and needs to stop. A walk down the hall should be f-bomb free.
Opinion
form at
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O pinions
THE RUBICON • SEPTEMBER 2017
COLUMN NO RIGHT ANSWER
#Backto School? Or #Let’s Start Fresh?
It seems like every year, all the Targets, clothing stores, YouTube channels and advertisements band together under the same “Back-ToSchool Month!!!!!” banner and juice the life out of phrases like “Make this year your best one yet!” or “New school year means new you!” Like we haven’t all done this whole endthe-summer-and-go-backfor-some-education routine before. And it works. I’m not 100% sure of what it is exactly, but every time the whole #BackToSchool thing happens, I get excited and nervous. Let me start off by saying, I’ve been going back to school for twelve years. It really should be getting old now. And maybe I’m the only one, but new blank planners and clean sneakers and new backpacks really get me going. If you look at the way brands and businesses use #BackToSchool, you can see the underlying string they use to reel us in. It’s not actually about the school part (well, maybe that is the part that gets some people), it’s the whole “fresh start” part. And the advertising world milks it, because I honestly have never gone to school after a summer and have everything go perfectly the first day back because my folders and binders are bedazzled. But the whole point it boils down to, the whole this-could-be-the-year-Imake-varsity or this-yearI-might-take-pottery-because-why-not... That’s what’s exciting.
Read
more all month:
NO RIGHT ANSWER
a questions blog at
USC mug sale misses the mark in environmentalism While the mugs and water bottles are a step towards sustainability, does the math work out? LUCY SANDEEN The Rubicon
Upper School Council sold reusable water bottles and mugs Sept. 18-19 in an attempt to curtail the use of disposable cups in the lunchroom and support environmental sustainability on the SPA campus. The water bottles and mugs went for seven dollars each, and all profits were donated to relief efforts for hurricanes Harvey and Irma. While at first glance the campaign would appear to be a net positive for environmentalism, and it was created with completely good intentions, the results of USC’s efforts are, at best, a net neutral. The disposable cups provided in the cafeteria require little energy to create, they’re lightweight, and they’re compostable—in all, many more compostable cups could be shipped and used using fewer resources per cup than the reusable canteens, according to a
study published by Tufts University. And while the mugs and water bottles, branded with an SPA logo and the widely recognized symbol for sustainability, will undeniably get more than one use, does the math work out?
While I applaud USC for their sustainability
efforts, their initiative is undeniably ironic.
Many of the people who bought the canteens already owned at least one reusable water bottle or mug that would have sufficed for the same purpose. Purchasing a new container, in their case, was unnecessary and only caused more energy and fuel to be consumed—factors that contribute to climate change and tragedies such as hurricanes Harvey and Irma. And let’s face it: we’ve all lost countless water
bottles in our lifetime. The many identical SPA beverage containers now circulating the school will only get confused, lost, thrown away, and/or left at home. After lost water bottles have been left in the security office for long enough, they’re simply thrown away. According to the Tufts study, it takes 39 uses of a reusable mug to reach the “breakeven” point at which the energy per use of a reusable cup becomes less than the energy per use of a paper cup. Will these mugs be used 39 times before they’re lost or forgotten? While I applaud USC for their sustainability efforts and I believe that environmentalism is an important issue to address on the SPA campus, their initiative is undeniably ironic. In the future, clubs should be sure to research their projects to ensure that their efforts aren’t for naught.
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COLUMN THE CURRENT (EVENTS)
We need good news, too What an amazing effect kindness from a world leader has on people. As important as it is to criticize a leader for their bad decisions, it’s even more important to highlight their good ones. A celebrity can raise money for charity, but a leader can change the world. This may sound obvious, but hang on. The positive actions of a leader can send benefits rippling through countries and communities alike. Endless waves of negative news stories come crashing into our lives. North Korean nukes, civil unrest, terror, bombing... sometimes it seems like there is no escape from the evils of others. It doesn’t make me a better person when I hear these stories; it makes me anxious. When I read that most of the things being done by leaders is negative, it makes me think about what the effect of this stuff is on my life. If the world is going down the toilet, then why should I get out of bed? A little depression leaks in with every glance of human ill. This depression is more obvious when the news is terrible. Even when it doesn’t show, negative news leaves an underlying current of sadness. It’s important to recognize negative events are happening but to avoid getting weighed down by them. The solution comes in looking to the good decisions of our leaders and the results of that goodness. In Colombia there has been a conflict tearing at the country for decades, but when the Pope visited this month, they called a ceasefire. The Pope has been a fountain of kindness seeking peace and solutions all over the globe. He is one example of how the positive acts from leaders can provide respite from problems, big and small. Reading more positive news will help take the impact off the more negative stories. An influx of stories praising the good acts from our leaders will also encourage more good behavior in communities.
S cience /T echnology 7 THE RUBICON • SEPTEMBER 2017
Hurricane intensity invigorates climate change debate IYA ABDULKARIM Editor-in-Chief
With the arrival of the hurricane season, a total of seven hurricanes and six other named storms have spun their way into the news. Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Katia and Maria have had significant impact on coastal areas. Hurricane Jose returned after looping further into the Atlantic. Hurricane Irma broke several records according to the National Weather Service, including the most accumulated cyclone energy generated in 24 hours. Hurricane Katia reached eastern Mexico on Sept. 9, only days after an earthquake of 8.1 magnitude, the strongest earthquake to strike Mexico in over a century, devastated the opposite coast in the south, as reported by the New York Times. Most recently, Hurricane Maria was declared a Category 5 storm. It seems that an unnatural number of natural disasters have
Fast Fact Hurricane Irma broke the record of longest time spent as a category 5 storm.
Fair use image from NASA DOUBLE TROUBLE. Hurricanes Jose (top) and Maria (bottom) developed simultaneously in the Atlantic. Hurricanes Irma and Jose were the first instance in history where two hurricanes with winds greater than 150 mph developed concurrently.
developed this year. Despite the fact that the number of disasters is usual for the hurricane season, there is some suspicion that climate change may be increasing the intensity of the natural disasters. To determine if hurricanes are getting more intense, or worse, is a complex and widely
variable task. The data collected on hurricanes historically hasn’t been as plentiful as it is today with myriad technologies to quantify variables that cannot be measured from the ground. Research published in Nature Climate Change suggests a slight trend in the increase of more
Yellowstone supervolcano threatens United States JACK BENSON
INFOGRAPHIC CREDIT: Jasper Green
The Rubicon Editor
SUPERVOLCANO SYSTEM. An explanation of what an eruption of the Yellowstone Supervolcano would entail.
powerful storms. The same review reports less frequent storms, suggesting a “quality over quantity” shift in storms. It is certain that there has been an increase in rainfall. This is attributed to to the greater moisture retention capacities of a warmer climate. At the same time, not everyone agrees that we
should discuss the impact of climate change when our efforts can be focused on help and relief efforts. According to the New York Times, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency claims that it is insensitive to bring up climate change in a time when all efforts should be devoted to help and relief. However, if there is any time to discuss the potential impacts of climate change, it is now. Because hurricane intensity is only expected to worsen over time, then those living in areas should be having this discussion. Additionally, identifying the potential connection between climate change and hurricane intensity could encourage people to participate in sustainability efforts.
Supervolcanoes may sound like something out of a science fiction novel, but scientists have found stunning proof that such eruptions have occurred. There are huge layers of ash that exist within the earth of major sections of continents. According to the BBC, these supervolcanic eruptions have happened repeatedly all over the world, and are on track to continue in places such as Italy, Southeast Asia, and more concerningly in Yellowstone. In the past 2.1 million years there have been three giant eruptions from Yellowstone, with each happening around 600,000 to 800,000 years apart, and because the most recent giant eruption happened 640,000 years ago, a devastating eruption seems
imminent. According to NASA, the next time yellowstone erupts, it will be far more destructive than any modern eruption the world has faced. If Yellowstone releases its full wrath, the United States will be reshaped permanently, possibly sending the world into a volcanic winter. In perspective, while the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption killed over 50 people through asphyxiation from the inhalation of hot ash, the Yellowstone Caldera’s next eruption has the potential to release 10,000 times the amount of ash and magma. NASA has an advisory council on planetary defense which discusses plans for such events, and as of now, their plan is to reduce the temperature of the supervolcano mechanically. The way heat escapes the volcano
naturally is through ground water soaking through the earth to the magma, but this diffusion is not enough to prevent an eruption indefinitely. A direct plan has been developed, but with it comes much risk. By drilling down deep into the supervolcano and pumping high pressure water through a looped hose, NASA would be able to continuously cool the magma and reduce water usage. Furthermore, According to BBC there is also a possibility of turning the supervolcano into a geothermal generator, to enable the the project to pay for itself and entice energy companies to front the bill. If successful, the result is highly sustainable energy and stable prevention against a Yellowstone eruption.
Architecture’s effect on student productivity
8
In De
THE RUBICON • SE
“If
the art
around you
KAT ST. MARTIN-NORBURG
reflects your
The Rubicon Editor
identity then
The completion of the Huss Center brought a modern look to SPA, incorporating huge windows that bring in natural light, open spaces for students to study and socialize, and a streamlined exterior, all qualities that the Schilling Center is expected to have. These updates are sure to benefit the students of SPA in more way than one. According to a research article by Pennsylvania State University, students who were exposed to large amounts of natural light progressed 20% faster in math, and 26% faster in reading compared to students who were exposed to minimal natural light. Also, as Professor Derek Clements-Croome of the University of Reading School of Construction Management and Engineering observed through his research, in order to truly have an impact on those in a space, most buildings need to be a multi-sensory experience. They not only have to look nice, but also be comfortable to work in and appease each the five senses. Not only is there going to be a new building, but the old math and science wings will be renovated. The remodeling of the current math and science wings is much needed. Those areas are arguably the least popular at SPA, primarily because of the lack of windows and natural light, small classrooms, and cement ceilings, all of which contribute to un uncomfortable cave-like atmosphere.
you can feel like you belong.”
— JUNIOR ELISE PARSONS
JENNY SOGIN
The Rubicon Editor
Art and architecture have existed for thousands of years. From Ancient Greek temples to the towering skyscrapers in modern society, each structure having a different effect on the people who interact with it. With the recent addition of the Huss Center and the construction of the Schilling Center, the environment of St. Paul Academy and Summit Schol has changed drastically. Each new change to the school has an impact on the mood, functionality, and tone of the school. Sophomore Liam Will believes beauty is deeply embedded into modern culture. “In most of modern society [beauty is] a priority; it’s just the way society is evolving. If you look at the design
choices made in the Huss Center, the appearance of it was obviously important considering how they built it,” Will said. Will believes that this deep-seeded value within society has the ability to affect communities. “[Being proud of where you live] helps with how you feel about yourself. If you’re content about where you live, where you go to school, then you’ll gain some satisfaction or selfesteem from that,” he said. In addition to art and architecture impacting the moods of the people around them, “[Art] reflects on either the person who created it or the person who’s viewing it. If [someone is] calling it beautiful, that shows what their standards are, what their opinions are, and it reflects on themselves,” Will said.
Conversely, junior Elise Parsons strongly believes the community itself defines the way it functions: “The environment and the people make a community beautiful, not the surroundings. I think of my dance studio, which is a really run down place. But I love it because I enjoy making art in the form of dance with the people I’m around,” she said. However, Parsons does not discredit the impact art in an environment can have on the way people feel. “A lot of culture is found in art. [So] if the art around you reflects your identity then you can feel like you belong,” she said. While Will is drawn to modern style, Parsons likes the spaces at SPA that were designed using classic architecture. “I think some of the English classrooms with the fireplaces in them are really
STUDY SPACE. The art wing showcases student work both in process and on display, while the architecture of the Huss Center for the Performing Arts contains artistic elem
9
epth
EPTEMBER 2017
“[Being
“Being
proud
of where you
well designed
with how you
place, you
live] helps
comfortable feel more
feel about
nice. I’m a fan of historical architecture... I have always felt really comfortable in those classrooms because of the fireplaces,” Parsons said. New student and 9th grader Adrienne Gaylord immediately noticed the SPA community’s emphasis and pride in student artwork. “I love that there’s art hanging almost everywhere on the walls. It does show how people feel and what has been happening in the school. So when you walk in, especially into the Huss Center, you see how the school is and how people in the school feel,” she said. Gaylord believes that displaying and creating artwork connects the community together. “When you live in a community with lots of art, you feel more of a connection to everyone in the community because you can see their opinions and
in a
yourself.”
balanced.”
— SOPHOMORE LIAM WILL
— 9TH GRADER ISOBEL ALM
how they feel. It can evoke change and emotion,” she said. Gaylord is in agreement with Parsons: the environment has an effect on the way people in a community feel and treat each other. “Everything makes people feel different things… just by color, or shapes, or sounds. Your emotions get reflected onto others in the way that you act. So, [looking at]
something that you find beautiful, you feel [happy], and...act the same way that you feel,” she said. Architecture, use of space, and design are instrumental in creating a space to learn and study in, Parsons noted. Lots of thought goes into creating a good learning environment for every school. “My mom’s an architect and she builds schools. A lot of what her focus is is bringing light into
spaces, making welcoming spaces, making spaces in schools that encourage collaboration and interdisciplinary learning... a lot of communal spaces instead of closed classrooms with tiny windows,” Parsons said. 9th grader Isobel Alm can attest to the focuses of architecture in schools and the positive affect they have on students. “Being in a well designed comfortable place, you feel more balanced and more comfortable with the people around you,” she said. While design appears to be a priority at SPA, students are concerned about the future
functionality and tone of the new construction. “I’m a little afraid of [the Schilling Center] being cold and sterile. I really like more cozy spaces to learn in with a lot of light, but not without the harsh colors,” Parsons said. However, Gaylord and Alm disagree. “I really like the big window on the second floor of the middle school. I like the way the light comes in [and] the wood. It’s really cozy,” Alm said. “When you see things that are beautiful, you do perceive [a level of caring about the place and the people],” Gaylord said. While functionality is an important factor in learning spaces, aesthetics play an important role in school pride.
BEA UTY
in our community
THE RUBICON PHOTOS: Quinn Christensen
ments within its design. The study spaces in Old Main are both classic and cozy.
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Different backgrounds Shared love of teaching
UP, UP AND AWAY. Upper School math teacher Olaf Lakin hikes with students in the Andes. “You could tell that you were in a certain
SUBMITTED PHOTO: Olaf Lakin
country based on the students’ interests”
A look into the lives and experiences of our new teachers Lakin brings world of experience to math department
MELISSA NIE
The Rubicon Editor
Traveling abroad is always fun, but teaching in different places provides unique insights. New Upper School math teacher Olaf Lakin has taught in a plethora of countries, including Norway, Switzerland, Taiwan and Chile.
Although the schools he taught at were similar, each had its own unique flavor. For example, in Norway, students were interested in engineering because the school was located on the part of the North Sea where countries would come and drill for oil. In Switzerland, the school had two fulltime economics teachers since the students were into money and finance. “There were some things about all the countries that were the same because the students had the same aspirations and goals, but you could tell that you were in a certain country based
on the students’ interests,” Lakin said.
“What I liked about teaching overseas and living there was that things were always so different.” — US MATH TEACHER OLAF LAKIN
One of the best parts of working abroad was learning how to adjust to distinct cultures. “What I liked about teaching
overseas and living there was that things were always so different,” Lakin said. “[My wife and I] would go out, and we wouldn’t know how to say things, or where we were going. But we got comfortable with the fact that you don’t always know what’s going on and that’s okay.” Lakin came to SPA because it was similar to his experience overseas. “SPA stood out as being special. One of my best friends was an SPA graduate, and she always talked about what an amazing place it was. I like the comfort that students have with one another. I
think it’s a very accepting environment.” He also grew up in Minneapolis and has always wanted to return. “There’s never been a question that Minneapolis is in my heart. It’s an accepting community. I always felt free to be myself.” In his free time, Lakin likes running, hiking, traveling, and camping. He enjoys spending time with his wife and watching Game of Thrones. He plays soccer as well, and he is looking forward to reconnecting with his old soccer friends now that he has moved back to
Moerer thrives in SPA’s communal environment
ANDREW JOHNSON The Rubicon Editor
The newest addition to the history department is Andrea Moerer. She is a
World History I teacher, transitioning from her previous substituting job. While a “Minnesotan through-and-through,” Moerer has very familyfocused interests outside of school. “I have two daughters… [and], six animals. I love spending time with family, and I look to cook, read, spend time relaxing and sitting, and ride horses,” she added.
SPA’s class size is one of its main attractions, and Moerer recognizes this. “I have been very interested in a small school community that values learning and discussion based classes that creates a strong sense of community and belonging. The kids are fun and they want to learn, but they also know how to help each other,” Moerer explained.
“I love the people. The students, the faculty, and the staff.”
— US HISTORY TEACHER ANDREA MOERER
Although she has only worked at the school for less than a month, Moerer already loves the
people she interacts with every day. “I love the people. The students, the faculty, and the staff. Everyone’s excited to be here. It might not be their best day, but there is a real sense of welcoming and support and care that I really appreciate. You don’t always know if you will get it outside of school, but here, you know that you’ll get it.”
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Armstrong performs in a new setting MELISSA NIE
The Rubicon Editor
New Upper School math teacher Amber Armstrong brings with her an array of interesting experiences. One such experience includes being a lifelong dancer. “I was on the dance team at Eden Prairie High School.When I went to Carleton College, I was on a student organization for creating performances and dances. Then after college I [danced] at Zenon Dance School,” Armstrong said. Aside from dancing, she also worked with Upward Bound. “It’s [an organization] for students who are potential first-generation college students,” Armstrong said. “I taught Algebra I and ACT Math. It gives them
“I’ve
so many students that were so
engaged. It’s incredible”
— US MATH TEACHER AMBER ARMSTRONG
SUBMITTED PHOTO: Amber Armstrong REACH AND GLIDE. US math teacher Amber Armstrong dances on stage. “I was on the student organization for creating performances and dances,” Armstrong said.
a preview of the courses that they’ll be taking and provides them with some college prep.” Having attended a big high school in Eden Prairie, Armstrong came to St. Paul Academy because she enjoys the environment of smaller schools.
“Some people love large schools, but I wasn’t a big fan. One thing I really like about SPA so far is that I’ve never had so many students that were so engaged. It’s incredible.” While Armstrong majored in biology, math was her true calling.
“[I
love]
connecting books with readers”
SUBMITTED PHOTO: Claire Hazzard IT’S OUT OF THE PARK. Upper School Librarian Claire Hazzard attends a baseball game with her son. “My favorite part of my job is connecting books with readers
The Rubicon Editor
The library is getting a new face. Claire Hazzard will be the Upper School librarian, transitioning her previous position as a librarian at an all girls school in Toronto, Ontario. For Hazzard, the move from a Canadian school to SPA is quite the change. “I am still getting used to it. Not only is it a change from a Canadian to an American school, but it
is also a change from an all girls school to a co-ed school,” Hazzard said. Hazzard first learned about SPA simply by looking at the school’s goals. “Something that really piqued my interest was the mission statement. When I read it on the website I was really interested in a place that would shape the hearts and the minds [of the people who will change the world]. So often education overlooks both of those,
“I really missed math and I regretted not majoring in it. So I went back and got a degree in math.” Outside of school, she loves to run, watch Netflix, read, and play video games. “I love Skyrim,” Armstrong said. “That’s my favorite game of all time.”
In the coming year, Armstrong hopes to help students accept their mistakes and grow. “Once you go into junior year and you’re studying for the ACT, mistakes are really important. You learn from your mistakes. It helps you become a better math student,” Armstrong said.
Wahmanholm is a Wahmanholm Minnesotan for life and at returns full heart. “I was born in the Cities, time lived in San Francisco
Native Canadian Hazzard adjusts to American school culture
ANDREW JOHNSON
never had
— US LIBRARIAN CLAIRE HAZZARD
and it just seemed like an interesting place to work,” Hazzard said. Hazzard loves her job, and it aligns with her interests as well. “As a librarian, my favorite part of my job is connecting books with readers. I’ve been enjoying doing that so far, and I look forward to finding the right book for every student at the school. I like to read, but that’s probably not a surprise given that I am a librarian. I’ve been enjoying exploring the city with my children,” Hazzard said.
ANDREW JOHNSON The Rubicon Editor
For Claire Wahmanholm, the transition into the SPA environment is nothing new. Last year, she served as a full-time substitute, and this experience has proved valuable in her new role as a full-time teacher. “It feels very comfortable, I think because I wasn’t really part time last year—that is, while I was only here in the fall, I was still teaching full time for that entire semester,” Wahmanholm said. “But this year is different in other ways—I’m working more closely with freshmen, for example, which is lovely,” Wahmanholm explained.
for a handful of years, then moved back here in elementary school. I’m definitely from St. Paul, which is a distinction I’ve found that only St. Paulites tend to care about,” Wahmanholm said. As for time spent outside of the classroom, Wahmanholm is focused on one responsibility. “I have a nine-month old now, so any extra time I do have is spent one, trying not getting barfed on (this has been only a moderately successful enterprise), and, two, trying to keep Frieda from crawling into our (blissfully nonfunctioning) fireplace,” Wahmanholm said. As for advice, Wahmanholm has a clear view for students. “For the students, stay informed. It’s not too early to pay attention. People who deal in darkness rely on the perpetuation of that darkness. Don’t let them,” Wahmanholm explained.
A rts & E ntertainment 12 THE RUBICON • SEPTEMBER 2017
Orchestra ensemble performs at groundbreaking ceremony QUINN CHRISTENSEN The Rubicon Editor
It’s been only a year since the announcement of Hugh K. Schilling’s record breaking financial gift to the school to build the new math and science center, and the building has moved forward at a clip. The anticipation around its completion was captured with the 1986 hit, “The Final Countdown” played by members of the US Orchestra at the groundbreaking ceremony on Sept. 25. Before the event, members of the ensemble talked about their rehearsal process. “We started rehearsing two weeks ago and we’ve been playing during tutorials,” senior Naya Tadavarthy said. Despite the short and sweet rehearsal process, the
REVIEWS
“We
started
rehearsing two weeks ago and
we’ve been playing
during
Tutorials.”
— SENIOR NAYA TADAVARTHY
students felt prepared for the performance. “The song isn’t too hard so we figured it out pretty fast,” junior Lily Nestor said. The music takes some musicians back to earlier times in the program: “Since a lot of us played the song in middle school, the rehearsal process has been pretty casual, and we’ve mostly just run through the piece a few times,” Tadavarthy said. Although this rehearsal process has been more
casual than usual, the are preparing “The same way we would prepare for any other performance,” senior J.J. Wertkin said. “We meet and play together - it’s very similar [to other rehearsal processes].” Although it is Tutorial, the time is structured. “We usually have sectionals… then we have full rehearsals so we can see how [it sounds together.] It’s good to go in sectionals so we can hear our parts individually,” Wertkin said. However, Tadavarthy added that working in an ensemble is different from practicing with the full orchestra. “This performance and rehearsal process is different than our other concerts because we’re playing in a really small group. I think there’s only about twelve or fourteen people total, instead of
THE RUBICON PHOTO: Quinn Christensen FINAL COUNTDOWN. Selected members of the US Orchestra rehearse during Tutorial in the weeks before the groundbreaking ceremony for the Schilling Math and Science Center. “This performance and rehearsal process is different than our other concerts because we’re playing in a really small group,” senior Naya Tadavarthy said.
the entire orchestra,” Tadavarthy said. The number of performers isn’t the only difference from a typical orchestra concert. “We’re playing it outside, and the general feel of this
September’s Top & Trending
is a lot more relaxed than our concerts because it’s a smaller group of people with only one song,” Nestor said.
REVIEWS
JASPER GREEN
The Rubicon Editor
Luv is Rage 2: Worth the hype Golf Clash: Retro play in app form
Fair use: iTunes CATCHY PHRASES SPREADING MEANING. Lil Uzi Vert creates a new album with songs unlike any before, they are quickly brought to top charts.
Lil Uzi Vert does not disappoint with the highly experimental album “Luv is Rage 2,” released Aug. 25. Instead of staying within his comfort zone like too many other artists, Lil Uzi takes risks in both lyrics and subject matter. In a clear standout of the album, “XO TOUR Llif3,” lines like “Push me to the edge/All
In the new arcade-style game by Playdemic, “Golf Clash,” golf has never been more accessible on the mobile device. Set within the basic rules of golf, the mechanics involve swiping back for power as well as a
accuracy gauge, swinging back and forth, which can send the ball anywhere from perfectly down the fairway to curving into bushes and trees if one is not mentally locked in. Complete with upgrades, chests, and a competitive tour system that feels like high stakes gambling, “Golf Clash” brings a whole new world of retro entertainment to the small screen.
Fair use: iTunes
TEST ACCURACY AND POWER. Golf Clash entertains users with the old-school feel of arcade games with a twist.
Smashburger’s cooking technique? Perfection.
my friends are dead” could have easily been tossed aside as cheesy, and created a flop of an otherwise instrumentally excellent song, but the phrase caught on, and the subject matter worked. No matter what life tosses in one’s path, “Luv is Rage 2” depicts the theme of maintaining composure through it all. Fair use: Smashburger.com SMASHED IN FLAVOR. Smashburger may sell burgers on the smaller side, but its incredible flavor and taste will have customers leaving feeling more than satisfied.
The juicy, delectable, greasy goodness of Smashburger distinguishes itself from many other burger chains because of the unique “smash” that the patties receive while being cooked. As described by founder Tom Ryan, the burgers cook similar to pancakes. Starting out as a patty ball, the patent pending smasher locks in the heat for ten seconds, caramelizing the bottom of the burger, which is then left open faced on the grill for around two more minutes. This bottom
side shell that the smash creates prevents the flavorful juices from seeping out. Instead, the juices cook upwards creating a uniformly excellent bite. The plentiful options of burgers: excellent. The rosemary oil lathered smash fries: divine. They even have shakes made from Haagen Dazs ice cream. The portion sizes are on the smaller side, which could easily disappointment hungry customers, but overall, Smashburger is still a must visit burger chain.
A rts & E ntertainment 13 THE RUBICON • SEPTEMBER 2017
ARTIST PROFILE OF THE MONTH: LILLIAN PETTIGREW Pettigrew focuses on symbolic portraits for Senior Art Seminar KAT ST. MARTINNORBURG The Rubicon Editor
It’s common to ignore unsolicited advice, but when senior Lillian Pettigrew came to SPA in 9th grade, taking a piece of advice changed her path. “My mentor recommended that I take one of the painting classes here, so I did and I’ve been doing it ever since,” Pettigrew said. Now, her upper school art career culminates in a final self-directed study in Senior Art Seminar. Each senior in the seminar has to complete 75 minutes of studio time a day, twice as much as a normal class, but it’s something Pettigrew doesn’t mind at all. “I love it. I love being in the studio and being able to produce more work...it’s really nice to have that extra time to pull a portfolio together,” Pettigrew said. As for her project this year, she will be continuing to paint portraits.
“I’m doing a kind of a series of females throughout history, stories, or mythology and using religious and natural symbolism to kind of convey their stories, but also to twist it and make it more modern,” she said. Part of what Pettigrew loves about art is how dynamic it is. “There’s this duality and this tension; it’s so comforting and I love painting and I love the things that I’m able to create but also there’s this constant terror like what if it goes wrong and what if I’ve completely lost my ability to paint and there’s so much not knowing involved, so having both of those things at once really keeps me coming back to it,” Pettigrew said. In regards to her plans for the future, Pettigrew is still unsure, but she said “I know that I’ll keep art with me somehow.” Her advice to other students builds on the
THE RUBICON PHOTO: Kat St. Martin-Norburg BRUSHSTROKES AND STRIPES. Senior Lillian Pettigrew paints during a period of Senior Art Seminar. “I love it. I love being in the studio and being able to produce more work...it’s really nice to have that extra time to pull a portfolio together,” Pettigrew said.
advice she got four years ago: “I would recommend that people take [Senior Art Seminar] and make sure that they have enough
time and are able to put that time and energy into it because it will pay off. It’s such a cool opportunity to not only dive into your own
artwork but also… to look at what the other artists at SPA are doing. It’s a really cool experience,” Pettigrew said.
Short talks CHLOE MORSE The Rubicon Editor
Bundt cake. When you think of the words, they bring to mind church potlucks, neighborhood block parties and community. When I visited Nothing Bundt Cakes, a new bakery on Grand and Snelling, I brought Upper School Counselor Susanna Short along to give a professional opinion. Short has a long and personal history with bundt cakes, from growing up with them being at every event to publishing one of only three existing bundt cake cookbooks: Bundt Cake Bliss. Nothing Bundt Cakes fails to fulfill the bundt cake tradition in every way. The bakery is essentially a catering business, with prepackaged cakes and decorations to take home, as well as a menu to choose what type of cake to get. Full size cakes range from $30-$60, and the lowest price for any array of mini cakes is $19. There are no places to sit in the building, which creates a rushed and unwelcome environment despite a multitude of cute decorations. Short explained that traditionally, bundt cakes are easy recipes that can be baked in a variety of interesting molds, and thus are pretty much within the abilities of anyone who’d want to make one. They have a dense, almost
crumbly texture, with little to no frosting on top of the cake, opting instead for a light dusting of powdered sugar so the taste of the cake hits the taste buds. At Nothing Bundt Cakes, the cakes are covered in thick ribbons of buttercream frosting that cover any shape the cake might have. “Part of what’s fun about bundt cakes for me is there are so many beautiful, elaborate shapes, and you just don’t get to see that because of the petals of icing,” Short said. The frosting also completely overwhelmed the flavor of the cake, leaving an aftertaste of rich frosting and no memory of what the rest of the cake tasted like. At Nothing Bundt Cakes “[the cake’s flavor is] artificial vanilla flavor. It tastes like cake mix,” Short said. The texture was wet and spongy, almost to the point of being soggy. All the bundt cakes I sampled were reminiscent of the sheet-style birthday cakes present at childhood parties. All things considered, Nothing Bundt Cakes is not a neighborhood bakery where you can stop by and enjoy a slice of cake, or a place to stop by in search of a snack to bring to advisory or a club. The cakes are overpriced, and they don’t taste any better than a cake from Target.
THE RUBICON PHOTO: Kat St. Martin-Norburg THE FROSTING ON THE CAKE. Nothing Bundt Cakes offers a nice centerpiece but not good flavor. “[The cake’s flavor is] artificial vanilla flavor. It tastes like cake mix,” Short said.
However, if you’re looking for an interesting food addition to a party, Nothing Bundt Cakes provides cakes that give guests something to look twice at. If you’re looking for a bundt cake that is reminiscent of tradition in both flavor and community, I’d recommend you skip Nothing Bundt Cakes and take a look in your grandma’s recipe box instead.
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Cross Country team runs to improve time, stamina JASPER GREEN
The Rubicon Editor
Spartan Cross Country benefits students physiologically, but beyond that, it provides a welcoming environment for newcomers, as becoming a part of the cross country team is open to everyone, without a tryout. “I’m excited to see some new middle school talent coming out to practice and our returning freshmen and sophomores, because they are the future of the team,”
junior co-captain Jonah Spencer said. The team bonds during their dynamic warmup and as they stretch. The runners continue this laughter and social activity as they jog around campus and the surrounding Highland Park area. “Practices can be difficult, but they’re always enjoyable. It can be a struggle to maintain decent attendance throughout the season because of the physical demands of running daily, but the feeling you get
when you perform well in competition makes all the hard work you’ve done seem worth it,” Spencer said. When the season wraps up, the team hopes to build upon their improvement from last year and send team members to compete at state. They will do this through hard work during each practice. Clearly, the talented cross country team is devoted to working hard to reach their goals.
IBID PHOTO: Dianne Caravela YOUTH MOVEMENT. Junior runner Will Rinkoff paces himself through a forest and ahead of the competition during a September meet. “The feeling you get when you perform well in competition makes all the hard work you’ve done seem worth it,” junior co-captain Jonah Spencer said.
Spartan Boys Soccer aims to win through inclusivity LUCY SANDEEN The Rubicon Editor
SUBMITTED PHOTO: Robin Bartlett CONCENTRATION. Senior co-captain Robin Bartlett dribbles past a group of players during a game against St. Thomas Academy at Historic Lang Field. “My expectations are for us to continue to improve. Like I said, it’s a lot of new people… we’re going to keep playing better together as a team, and hopefully make a deep run in the playoffs,” Bartlett said.
Boys Varsity Soccer is focused on bringing the team closer than ever, ushering in a new era of inclusivity. “We’re trying to give people a lot more of a voice this year,” captain Robin Bartlett said. “We’d like the general, everyday conversation to be one that’s inclusive of everyone,” Bartlett said. To do this, the captains have extended seemingly miniscule traditions, such as the warm-up playlist, team meals, and dressup days. In the past,
“I
would expect
for the culture of the team to stay positive and the style of play to continue to get better.”
— SENIOR ROBIN BARTLETT
upperclassmen often had exclusive authority over those decisions, and team dinners were often limited to players who could drive. This year, due to the equal distribution of players across grade levels, the
captains have made these decisions a democratic process. Looking forward to the rest of the season, Bartlett is optimistic. “My expectations are for us to continue to improve. We’re going to keep playing better together as a team, and hopefully make a deep run in the playoffs, but we don’t like to focus on that—we like to focus on just getting there first, then resetting our season goals once we get there I would expect for the culture of the team to stay very positive and the style of play to continue getting better,” Bartlett said.
SPARKS Swim and Dive plunges into competition season JASPER GREEN
The Rubicon Editor
Halfway through the season, the girls swimming and diving team continues to find success in competition. “Being a part of the girls swimming team is a lot of fun. We all support each other from day to day, we talk about how we’re doing. We have spaghetti dinners to carb load before meets sometimes and those are fun, but besides that we just have a lot of time before and after practice to hang out, like in the locker room or on the bus,” junior Michaela Polley said. The girls diving team practices separately from
the swimmers, and is a much smaller group. “The girls diving team is really small, and since it’s such a small group we’re really tight knit, and we’re all very close,” junior captain Abigail Lanz said. “Each day, we begin by stretching which is mostly arm stretching, and sometimes we have announcements. Everyone knows what they need to do for their warmup, so we do that individually,” Polley said. While St. Paul Academy and Summit School has 10 swimmers and 12 divers, overall as the “Sparks”, they have around 50 to make up a full team. “We have performed
well in competitions so far, winning two and doing well in another competition that wasn’t scored. Our section meet happens in November, and we have prelims one day and finals the next day, and you have to qualify individually for state,” Polley said. The Swim Team hopes to have all team members get 11 dive lists. “As a team we want to get 11 dive lists, which is when you are able to do two dives from each of the five categories: forwards, backs, reverses, inwards, and twists, and a third dive from one of the categories to add up to 11 dives in total,” Lanz said.
THE RUBICON PHOTO: Jonah Harrison: SPLASH. Junior captain Abby Lanz dives backwards into the pool during a recent competition at Humboldt High School. “The girls diving team is really small, and since it’s such a small group we’re really tight knit, and we’re all very close. As a team, we want to get 11 dive lists, which is when you are able to do two dives from each of the five categories: forwards, backs, reverses, inwards, and twists, and a third dive from one of the categories to add up to 11 dives in total,” Lanz said.
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THE RUBICON • SEPTEMBER 2017
Wolfpack football builds on success as a team LUCY SANDEEN
that the upcoming season is full of promise. “I think the team this The Wolfpack, a football year has been one of the team made up of players most talented we’ve had, from Saint Paul Acadeand I would have to say this my and Summit School, year is going to be great for Minnehaha Academy, and us,” Adams said. Blake, is closer and stronTo do so, the boys must ger than ever. The team stay connected, Adams makeup has stayed relasaid. tively consistent, but senior “Really, the team dycaptain Jake Adams believes namic is being a family. The Rubicon Editor
“We’re
keeping
the mentality of staying together as a family and
fighting for it.” — SENIOR JAKE ADAMS
It’s an interesting concept having three different schools being a football
team, and the number one priority is making sure we act as if we’re a family. Any one of those players I would consider my brother.” Despite the players being from three different schools, “there isn’t a divide between any of the schools,” Adams said. “It started back when I was a sophomore, when we
first started the team. The seniors that year did a great job of making sure we were one team.” Adams is continuing that legacy as a captain. “We’re keeping the mentality of staying together as a family and fighting for it,” Adams said. With the help of Adams, the team will go far.
Volleyball grows on success through genuine love for the game MARLEE BARON Managing Editor
The St. Paul Academy and Summit School volleyball team has had a successful season so far, and the players have high hopes going into the home stretch of the season. The team dynamic has been really good this year. “We are a really close team. We only graduated 2 seniors last year, so
we have had basically the same team for two years and it is starting to show on and off the court,” senior captain Sophia Rose said. “One of our main goals is to win our conference. We always strive to go into every game with intensity regardless of the team’s reputation and to always play as one rather than 6 individual players,” Rose said.
The team won a big tournament on Sep. 16 against schools such as Blake and Minnehaha. Rose has been on the team for several years. “I love that [all the players] have a serious love for the sport in common. It’s really fun to play with girls who really care,” Rose said. Clearly, Rose and her team truly love the game.
THE RUBICON PHOTO: Marlee Baron TEAMWORK. Players defend a spike. It’s really fun to play with girls who really care,” senior captain Sophia Rose said.
Girls Tennis fosters growth by focusing on younger players MARLEE BARON Managing Editor
SUBMITTED PHOTO: Tess Hick FOCUS. Senior captain Numi Katz zeros in on ball during a match. Our season has been really successful so far,” said Katz.
The Spartan girls tennis team is off to a great start with a record of 8-5 as of September 20th. Along with having a great record, they also have great team dynamic. “Our season has been really successful so far. We have won a few really difficult matches, and seeing the team rally together was definitely a highlight,”
senior captain Numi Katz said. Since many of the team members are fairly young, the team is working on helping younger players who have time left on the team. “We have a really young team, so we are working on bridging that gap, but practices and matches are still really fun,” Katz said. With sections coming up, the team is hoping to work
together well and go far. “I hope we keep improving as a team and come together. Hopefully, we have a successful run in team and individual sections,” Katz said. With many players on the team being underclassmen at SPA, the emphasis on teaching the youth the culture of the program is essential. Luckily, Katz and other veterans are doing all the right things.
HOMECOMING 16 THE RUBICON • SEPTEMBER 2017
Girls Soccer plays Homecoming game The Rubicon Editor
While the girls soccer team started the season off worried after losing eight seniors, the team managed to reassemble after tryouts seeming better than ever. To kickoff the season, the team traveled to Duluth in order to bond with each other and build moral. During their time up north, they found new ways to laugh with each other. “On our team trip, we were having some grapes as a snack and then B-Dan started throwing them into our mouths from far away, and that was fun,” senior
co-captain Dina Moradian said. Adding to the team chemistry is head coach Ben Bollinger Danielson, or “B-Dan” for short. “B-Dan tries to make our practices really fun by playing his jams and that gets us going,” Moradian said. The team often plays small sided games in which the basics of soccer like touches and quick passing are essential, which allows them to foster good habits for upcoming games. “We have a game called Top Gun because B-dan really likes Top Gun. It’s
2v2 with the rebounders and when you get scored on you go out. You play to ten goals to win a round, with the best of 4 winning, and they are the champions,” Moradian said. Moradian claims that team accountability is essential for success, because without it, a team lacks professionalism and composure. “We hold eachother accountable on and off the field because we are teammates first, and we have to keep each other out of trouble, that’s what it means to be part of a team,” Moradian said.
Senior Ned Laird-Raylor
Senior Turab Naqvi
How will Homecoming be different from previous years? “[We’ve planned] three new additions; quidditch, frisbee and touch football. Normally, pep fest is just 45 minutes to an hour of the school together [...] we think that this year [by] doing all these different activities we can help bring people together and build more friendships.”
What is your favorite part of homecoming? “I really love going down to the lower school because we have a little hype-fest for all the lower schoolers and that is incredibly fun. I’m looking forward to that.”
Mon
“The apparel. We wanted to just have a really simple design that people can wear on a day-to-day basis [and] not only on Homecoming days.”
Tue
Wed
Class Twin Day USA Day color day Ping Pong Quidditch Kickoff Tournament Tournament assembly
CLAIRE HALLAWAY The Rubicon Editor
Lip Sy
What made you first want to participate in the lip sync? The reason why I first wanted to do it was just because I was looking for something fun to do and show off my skills… I don’t necessarily know if lip syncing is a skill but just to Junior Max Moen participate in an event that I thought was really fun and unique. I remember being really anxious about it before [...] but after I performed, I was like ‘I’m so glad I did that, like especially as an incoming freshman, it was such a great way to just be like ‘I’m Max Moen and this is what do.’
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Student Acivities Council co-presidents
“There are going to be between 50 and 150 limited edition Spartan fanny packs this year. [They’re] practical for transportation services and that are therefore incredibly unfashionable but now fhave become very fashionable due to their sheer uncoolness.”
IBID PHOTO: Garrett Small CONTROL. Freshman phenom Olivia Lagos controls the ball despite being surrounded by opposing players during a game against Breck School at Historic Lang Field. “We hold eachother accountable on and off the field because we are teammates first, and we have to keep each other out of trouble, that’s what it means to be part of a team,” senior captain Dina Moradian said.
Homecoming Q&A’s
What would you tell other students considering the lip sync in the future? I just think that honestly it’s such a fun event, that like if you’re wondering about participating, or you’re not really sure, just try it, because nobody’s really gonna judge you, it’s just such a fun event in general.
Fri
Sat
Spirit week fashion show
Senior girls touch football game
Calendar
JASPER GREEN
Thurs
Great Outdoors Day Lip Sync Competition
Fri Blue & gold day Pepfest assembly
Sun
Ultimate Frisbee Tournament
Sat Homecoming Dance