Pamela Ross, (outlined in gold in The Rubicon staff picture
said, “We
PROJECT: SERVICE DAY Hsiung leads effort to reimagine the community initiative
WYNTER FEINER THE RUBICON
Last year’s Community Day included a lineup of speakers and activities, but one component that was absent? Service.
While the school used to set aside a day hosted by a Service Learning Club, making time for service in the school calendar has been gone for years.
Until now.
Carys Hsiung, USC coVice President, led the initiative this fall to bring Service Day to campus.
“Service Day is meant to not only gain traction for not only the sophomores who are currently required to submit service hours... but to serve as a reminder that service is a great way of ... helping communities who receive less resources,” Hsiung said.
The event will take place Jan. 31.
One aspect of last year’s Community Day agenda that has carried into 2025 is hosting a keynote speaker. This year, Tracy Nielson, Executive Director of HandsOn Twin Cities, a nonprofit dedicated to connecting volunteers with a variety of opportunities.
Nielson plans to speak on the importance of volunteerism. She will also lead a panel, consisting of two to four students actively par-
taking in volunteer work outside of school hours.
Additionally, the Culture Fair is returning, because USC felt the student body showed the most active participation in the culture fair last year.
“We’re gonna try to make it longer because I think that’s what most people liked from last year,” Hsiung said.
Many student groups or individuals operating tables use the time to offer informational posters or activities to educate their peers.
SERVICE IS A GREAT WAY OF... HELPING COMMUNITIES WHO RECIEVE LESS RESOURCES. “
USC co-Vice President Carys Hsiung
USC intends to utilize the Driscoll Family Commons, so all booths, including those offering food, can be in the same space. Last year, groups offering food were in the cafeteria, while others were set up in the small gym.
USC hopes to dedicate more time to the fair based on the feedback from the 2024 Community Day.
Sophomore Eliza Bray, who worked at one of the Chinese tables in the Culture Fair last year, believes there is value in making space for these events.
“I think the whole idea is to share more about your culture, especially to people at school who might not know about it, [and] it’s also just … a fun way to get together and participate in activities,” Bray said. “I go to a grocery store to grab snacks, etc., and that’s what I usually contribute.”
Sophomore Sam Hilton appreciated this component of the fair. “The food was probably my favorite,” Hilton said.
During the Service Day planning process, Hsiung contacted various volunteer-based organizations, including Star House, a crisis nursery, and Period Kits MN, a nonprofit dedicated to packing menstrual product kits.
“I first made a list of all of the organizations that SPA has partnered with in the past, either for the Service Night that occurred last year in April [hosted by Community Action and Service] or from the 2016-17 Service Day. We then voted on three organizations in USC, and I sent emails before and during break to see whether organizations wanted to partner with us,” Hsiung said.
“Initially, we did not hear
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Corrections are printed at the bottom of News p. 2. Corrections will be published in the month following the error and,
back from as many organizations as we wanted,” she added, “so we had to try to incorporate some SPA clubs as well.”
Both organizations will host packing-based activities at SPA using materials collected from drives leading up to the event.
For Star House, suitable donations include diapers, winter clothing, children’s clothing, and hygiene products. The organization accepts used calming toys (but not stuffed animals), office supplies, books and pajamas, but all other items must be new.
Period Kits MN, whose primary goal is to provide period kits to those experiencing homelessness and poverty, accepts donations of pads and tampons.
Donation collection wagons are posted in Huss and Davern lobby entrances at the school.
Even as supplies are collected, the planning continues: “I recently reached out to Cards for Hospitalized Kids to see whether they wanted to host a service activity,” Hsiung said. “This was my first time planning an event on this scale, so it was really rewarding for me to receive good news during the outreach process and also gain insight into the planning that goes behind big school-wide events”.
Service Day replaces all classes on Jan 31.
ABOUT THE KEYNOTE: TRACY NEILSON
Keynote Speaker Tracy Neilson attended St. Cloud State University, then got an MBA in Business Administration from Alverno College. She worked in various roles for the United Way for nearly a decade before taking on the role of Executive Director of Hands On Minnesota 8 1/2 years ago.
“ Tracy is a high performer with a heart. She has the integrity to represent highvisibility companies, and the discipline to deliver results during a tough economy. She can engage people from all walks of life to help solve key community issues. - Cindy Butner (United Way of the Wine Country)
SOURCE: LinkedIn
Sami
makes beads with a resident at Lyngblomsten Retirement Community during Service Day in 2016.
What did Service Day look to like in past years? Scan this QR code to learn more:
if the story is also published online, will update following the online corrections policy. Good Question 7 - Carsten Bauer is labeled as a senior but he is a junior. Good Question 7 - The wrong draft was used for the story; a paragraph was repeated. Sports 13 - Fencing photo not attributed to Lani Ngonethong. Mixed Media 16 - In Urban Turkey story both quotes labeled from Leila Mosenfelder should have been attributed to Leo Mosenfelder.
GIVING BACK. Upper School Council meets Jan. 13 to finalize communications for the Jan. 31 Service Day. “Service has received less emphasis in the SPA community, especially after the service requirement was removed for the current juniors,” USC co-Vice President Carys Hsiung said. Hsiung (second from front) led the planning efforts around bringing the event to campus this month.
BEAD BONDING. Senior
Brattland
PHOTO: Wynter Feiner
PHOTO: Clare Tipler
SUPER SLANG. Every year comes with vocabulary that seems to be everywhere, often reflecting the pop culture of the time in which it is used. This year’s word (or words used together, as it is): “brain rot” (n). Can you guess the word from last year and the five year increments before it?
What the sigma? Chat, the skibidi Ohio jonkler is hitting the griddy with sigma rizz while drinking the Grimace shake.
Congrats; if you recognized none of those words, you are less chronically online than the average teenager, who spends eight and a half hours on screens daily, according to “The Common Sense Census: Media Use by Teens and Tweens, 2021” collected by Victoria Rideout, Alanna Peebles, Supreet Mann and Michael Robb from Common Sense in 2021.
Following a public vote with 37,000 participants, the Oxford Word of the Year 2024 was revealed to be “brain rot” on Dec. 2.
A noun, “brain rot” is defined as the decline of a person’s cognitive abilities as a result of overconsumption of trivial or unchallenging content, often through social media videos, memes, or clickbait articles. Between 2023 and 2024, the term’s usage frequency increased by 230%, according to Oxford University Press’s article: “’Brain rot’ named Oxford Word of the Year 2024.”
“[I define “brain rot” as] people saying annoying words constantly,” freshman Whitson Piper said.
The first recorded use of the term is literary; it was featured in Henry David Thoreau’s book, “Walden,” where the term metaphorically described a decline in
“Brain rot” named the Oxford Word the Year
BRAIN ROT (N.) SUPPOSED DETERIORATION OF A PERSON’S MENTAL OR INTELLECTUAL STATE, ESPECIALLY VIEWED AS A RESULT OF OVERCONSUMPTION OF MATERIAL (NOW PARTICULARLY ONLINE CONTENT0 CONSIDERED TO BE TRIVIAL OR UNCHALLENGING.
senior PJ Bohjanen “
ONCE SOMEONE HAS A NEW TERM THAT’S SOMEWHAT FUNNY TO SAY, THEN EVERYBODY STARTS USING IT.
the mental effort of society based on the author’s observations. In his writing, Thoreau criticized the tendency to prioritize simplicity and undervalue complex ideas. He views this notion as a form of intellectual decay—mirroring modern critique of the term’s usage.
Although internet brain rot may appear vastly different from poetry, the two aren’t as disconnected as they seem.
From a linguistic perspective, the brain similarly processes the word “gyatt” and a Shakespearean sonnet. The difference is the context in which one uses the vocabulary. For instance, “skibidi” is seen in the context of creator Alexey Gerasimov’s “Skibidi Toilet” series, which often depicts bizarre, toilet-headed characters in an absurdist animation style singing songs popular on TikTok.
In comparison, words associated with Shakespeare, such as “thou” or “methinks,” are often viewed in contexts of academia and, therefore, are associated with knowledge.
“[Brain rot] catches like wildfire. Once someone has a new term that’s somewhat funny to say, then everybody starts using it and gives it a meaning,” senior PJ Bohjanen said.
Compared to the Oxford Word of the Year 2023, “rizz,” brain rot also marks a shift from celebrating internet culture to a critique of its impacts.
“I think [“brain rot”] is a pretty accurate description [of current media consumption], especially for the new Gen Alpha kids that are being raised by iPads because their parents don’t want to be parents,” junior Ella England said.
As internet culture continues to evolve, so does society’s perspective on its influence. The Oxford Word of the Year 2024 reflects a cultural pivot from celebrating digital trends like “rizz” to confronting the cognitive consequences of nonstop media consumption. The digital lexicon might spark laughter, but its rise demonstrates a tradeoff between mental bandwidth and willingness to doom scroll.
ANSWERS: A, C, D, B
Peaceful transition of power a key focus ahead of inauguration
PETER OSTREM THE RUBICON
Presidential transitions of power have existed since George Washington stepped down and handed the presidency to John Adams in 1797. In the centuries since then, they have become an American custom.
There have been several difficult transitions, including Buchanan to Lincoln in 1861, Hoover to Roosevelt in 1933, Clinton to Bush in 2001, and Trump to Biden in 2021.
Due to the Jan. 6 incident surrounding the last presidential transition, there has been a great deal of anxiety from politicians and the general public surrounding the
upcoming transition of power to former and incoming president Donald Trump.
I FEEL LIKE THERE IS DEFINITELY A LOT OF TENSION BETWEEN THE POLITICAL PARTIES. “
Junior Clare Ryan Bradley feels a sense of caution surrounding Trump’s return to office.
“I’m a little concerned because the last transition of power [was]
rough, and I feel like there is definitely a lot of tension between the political parties,” she said.
On Dec. 8, 2024, Trump appeared on NBC News for a video interview about his upcoming presidency, where he refused to concede his loss four years ago. This refusal to accept the results of the 2020 election has caused an overwhelming sense of nerves, including how he will inevitably give up office in 2028.
President Joe Biden has centered his rhetoric around accepting the election results respectfully. On Nov. 7, 2024, Biden addressed the public for the first time after election day. He stated that his administration
would work to “ensure a peaceful and orderly transition” on Jan. 20, 2025.
“I will fulfill my oath, and I will honor the Constitution. On Jan. 20, we’ll have a peaceful transfer of power here in America,” Biden stated.
On Nov. 13, 2024, Biden and Trump met at the White House following Trump’s victory. Biden overtly pushed for a peaceful transition, seemingly implying he didn’t want a repeat of 2021. Some have interpreted the president’s comments as a shot at Trump’s handling of his 2020 loss.
Senior Dylan Bump believes that presidents share a large part of the
responsibility in ensuring a smooth transition of power.
“[They should] be peaceful and helpful. Understand that this is a hard time for a lot of
people so try and make it as smooth as possible,” he said.
The presidential inauguration will take place on Jan. 20 at 11 am.
ANNIE ZHANG EDITOR IN CHIEF
TRUMP RETURNS. Donald Trump speaks to supporters in a campaign stop in Minnesota in 2019. The violence that ensued after his loss in 2020 had some on edge ahead of his Jan. 20 inauguration.
PHOTO: Nicholas Liepins (taken 2019) NSPA Campaign Photo Exchange
QUIZ: Amanda Hsu
SOURCE: Wikipedia
junior Clare RyanBradley
SOURCE: Oxford University Press
OPINIONS
RUBICON - JANUARY 2025
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EDITORIAL CARTOON: Kate Tuttle
INCOME IGNORANCE. Socioeconomic status is overlooked in conversations about diversity. Avoiding these discussions can lead to assumptions about opportunities and access that are unhelpful at best, and damaging at times.
of the staff agree
Ignored identity: socioeconomic diversity is worth a conversation
TIPS FOR MONEY TALKS:
Be aware of your financial upbringing and where that falls into the school’s economic diversity.
Propose cost-free social outings.
Don’t overlook differences in your peers’ socioeconomic status.
Understand that financial factors that can impact individual or family spending priorities.
Avoid assuming a peer’s financial situation by their appearance or actions.
Include socioeconomic diversity in discussions about identity.
Appreciate that not all families have the same values around finances.
EDITORIAL THE RUBICON STAFF
Money plays a big role in social culture: students are seen walking into school with drinks in hand, taking a break during the day to grab Chipotle or Tono’s or leaving to carry expensive sports equipment to practice after class. However, conversations about different aspects of diversity rarely (if ever) extend to socioeconomic status.
Talking about money is hard for many reasons, especially for high schoolers. The money equation in their home is often something they have no control over, and the infinite range of financial situations that every student carries with them to school brings mixed reactions. When the topic is brought up, some are offended, while others may not care. The money conversation skirts awkwardly around a subject that deserves more nuance and understanding than the assumptions it is given by the greater student body.
Socioeconomic status is different from other conversations, as it is less visible than race or gender, but it does not deserve any less of a place in conversations about diversity. Economic diversity in the student body permeates traditional categories as everyone has a different experience and perception of their circumstance. However, even in situations where a student’s economic status might be easy to see, it usually isn’t addressed.
DIVERSITY ENHANCES THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE OF ALL STUDENTS, SO IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT WE KNOW HOW TO TALK ABOUT IT.
The school’s financial aid philosophy, as it reads on the school’s website, is to provide access to the school and promote an understanding of socioeconomic diversity to its student body. Nearly a third of students received part of the $4.8 million financial aid budget for the 2024-2025 school year, yet conversation frequently assumes that everyone has the same relationship with money.
Students often perpetuate a false reality that everyone can afford everything they are offered. A choice to not attend a language exchange or semester away may spark unnecessary questions. A college decision is often assumed to be simply an outcome of academic achievements, but financial aid is a factor some students must prioritize over others.
According to a 2019 report from The Century Foundation, an independent research organization, socioeconomic and racial diversity in the learning environment is associated with better educational outcomes and improved critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Diversity enhances the learning experience of all students, so it is imperative that we know how to talk about it. When discussing socioeconomic diversity, assumptions about one’s financial situation create a community that is not representative of the entire student body. Discard the misconception that the prestige of a college exclusively reflects a student’s academic achievement, and use the opportunity to initiate meaningful discussion. Consider the environment and attitude around money that you’ve grown up with and how that affects your understanding. Seek to understand rather than overlook the school’s economic diversity.
RUBICON - JANUARY 2025
Doom scrolling: that’s so last year
GRACE MEDRANO THE RUBICON
Doom scrolling: that moment when you get home from school, open Instagram or TikTok, and find yourself stuck scrolling for hours on end. What this phenomenon really is, however, is a form of confirmation bias.
If someone is in a bad mood and they interact with upsetting content, they can become entranced with it and spiral down a rabbit hole of negative posts. This, in a way, validates their emotions.
This negative feedback loop can have serious impacts on health. For one, this behavior can worsen pre-existing mental health issues like depression or anxiety, but it can also lead to the development of them. According to the Cleveland Health Clinic, doom scrolling may lead to insomnia, and can also cause the viewer to struggle to differentiate between fact and opinion, even to the extent of struggling to discern reality.
And while mindlessly scrolling on TikTok or Instagram may not seem inherently negative, falling into traps of negativity from comparison to upsetting news may worsen one’s mental health and drain optimism. Problems can arise, however, as the algorithm is built to encourage such behavior.
One way to help avoid becoming trapped in the algorithm is to simply remove access to social media–physically step away from the phone. Leave it charging downstairs when it’s time to go to bed, and don’t bring it on every single outing if it’s not needed. Try to create physical space between the device and the person. One can set screen time limits, but that may only be effective if someone else has the password, not the user. Try deleting social media apps for a few weeks, and see if there is a noticeable difference.
Another possible solution is to curate one’s social media feeds. Focus on positive media, and choose to
interact with it more than with negative media. This will, in turn, lead to more positive posts in one’s feed. Actively decide to look for happy and joyous content over something grim and upsetting.
The final piece of advice is to just slow down. Don’t scroll through content until you find one thing that interests you. And take the time to appreciate what’s going on in life at that moment. Take a walk, read a book, watch the sunset. Remember to appreciate life
TEEN
SOCIAL MEDIA USE BY THE NUMBERS INFORMATION: American Psychological Association
37%
4.8 of teens report using social media for 5+ hours per day.
is the average number of hours surveyed U.S. teens reported spending on social media.
41%
of people with the most hours on social media described their mental health as “poor” or “very poor.”
as it is, not just as it is portrayed on social media. Keep in mind that the world represented by social media is incredibly curated, and is not an absolute representation of what someone’s real life is like.
Doom scrolling is a very real reality of modern life. But it does not have to be in control. Remember to create physical space, and take the time to prioritize content that brings positivity over negativity.
New year, new uncertainty: how to move forward
ILLUSTRATION: Ella Barlow
TUNE IT OUT. The beginning of a new year can heighten pre-existing stress, so it is important to find ways to move on from negative experiences of the past year.
IVY EVANS THE RUBICON
Amidst political turmoil and new beginnings, a wave of uncertainty is taking shape across the globe. Society has reached an overwhelming milestone: we are one quarter of the way through the 21st century. Furthermore, the outcome of the U.S. presidential election and the
recent surge of climate disasters have made the future even more daunting.
People who have faced negative life experiences may develop an even higher level of anxiety about the uncertain future. These events typically fall under one of three categories: stressful events, traumatic events or adverse childhood experiences. An observational study conducted
August 2024 by William E. Copeland and other researchers, published by JAMA Network, showed that experiencing a negative life event can cause symptoms of mental illness and heightened stress levels.
It’s especially important now to find ways to tune out all of this uncertainty. While the future as a big picture is largely unknown, focusing on
smaller things within one’s control is a good way to regain some certainty. Sometimes, it’s simpler to just relish the present moment rather than stressing about what’s to come.
Not only does changing mental habits help reduce worry, but modifying physical habits does, too.
Exercise is proven to do exactly that. People who are regularly physically active are at an approximately 60% lowered risk of developing an anxiety disorder, as found in a 2021 observational study by Minnesota researcher Lena Brundin and a group of Swedish researchers, published in the Frontiers in Psychiatry Journal.
Finding ways to embrace the future is also a key part of the process of reducing stress and moving on from negative events of the past year.
In an article in SELF Magazine, writer Hannah Smothers recommends only making plans for the new year that sound appealing, especially when dealing with grief or trauma.
“Give yourself permission to be honest about
what you want to do … without giving everyone the entire truth of your horrible [year], if that’s what feels right to you,” Smothers wrote.
FINDING WAYS TO EMBRACE THE FUTURE IS ALSO A KEY PART OF ... REDUCING STRESS AND MOVING ON FROM NEGATIVE EVENTS OF THE PAST YEAR.
sophomore Ivy Evans
Remind yourself that there are good things happening, too. In the medical community, for example, notable advancements include wireless implantable LED devices that target and treat cancer, which are currently under development. The CDC reported an improvement in students’ mental health in the U.S. in August 2024. A trial phase for electric flights began in Europe in summer 2024, creating the possibility of a greener future.
While distractions from bad news can be a temporary fix for overstressing, they aren’t meant to be amnesia-inducing. Permanently pushing away those bad memories and forget the experiences that came with them is not the solution.
Growth from negative experiences is the most beneficial way to move forward. Consider changing how a negative experience is viewed: maybe there’s a positive aspect or a lesson to be learned. Surround yourself with people you trust while going through this process; this doesn’t have to be done alone. Learning from and rising above a traumatic or negative experience is a long road to walk down, but an important one. Remember that moving forward is essential for positive growth and to enjoy a better year overall. So, if all you’re hearing is interference, change the station. Tune out the uncertainty and let yourself learn from the things you’ve been through: it’ll be a worthwhile effort when you finally hear your favorite music play.
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: Georgia Ross
STUCK SCROLLING. Doom scrolling can worsen one’s mental health as a viewer falls down the rabbit hole of negative content. Interrupting this habit requires awareness of the problem and actively setting limits of social media use.
OPINIONS
THE RUBICON - JANUARY 2025
Students speak: what was a defining issue of your 2024?
In these submitted miniopinions, students reflect on an important topic or issue from their year that they want to bring more attention to in 2025.
CALIFORNIA FIRES REFLECT DANGERS OF IGNORING CLIMATE CHANGE
TALLULAH DOGWILL CONTRIBUTOR
California wildfires have been raging for decades, but until recently, they haven’t gotten the attention they deserve. According to the data from the National Integrated Drought Information System, 21.7 million people in California currently live in a drought-ridden area. California is constantly in droughts, which can easily lead to wildfires. But this isn’t the problem. The problem is the increasing amounts of droughts and wildfires occurring. In fact, the US Drought Monitor noted that the percent of California that is droughtfree has significantly decreased over the past year,
from 97% in January 2024 to 41% in December 2024. Combined with climate change, this statistic has led to an increase in the frequency, length and intensity of wildfires.
Until these past two weeks, many people had no awareness of the everyday devastating destruction caused by these wildfires. But why haven’t they been given more attention before? Why haven’t the countless animals and humans killed every year been given more attention?
Some people will say it’s a lack of public education. But the real reason is our country is scared to face the reality of climate change. When people can’t solve a problem,
they tend to run away from it, and California wildfires are a prime example of this. People who live in Minnesota or other northern states will use the excuse of proximity. Some people simply don’t care. But when it comes down to it, we all have one common enemy: our ever-changing planet.
So next time you hear about a mass disaster like the California wildfires, take a second to educate yourself, and truly ask yourself what can I do to help. Consider donating to the American Red Cross or California Fire Foundation, and spread awareness about how these extreme events will affect everyone.
WHY KNITTING, CROCHETING CAN HELP YOU RELAX
RAVEN GLASER CONTRIBUTOR can be relaxing and akin to meditation in terms of its benefits due to its repetitive motions.
Last year, I decided to pick up knitting and crocheting again after about a 10-year hiatus. I wasn’t sure why I’d stopped, so I gave them another go, and I’ve fallen in love with the crafts. I love to curl up on the couch at the end of the day and pull out my sweater or work on a stuffed octopus during my free period. It turns out that there are many benefits to this particular hobby, too.
Knitting has been shown to have physiological benefits such as improving memory and concentration. It’s also used in certain therapies since the flow state of knitting and crocheting
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE RESOURCES AT YOUR DISPOSAL AND PICK UP KNITTING OR CROCHETING THIS YEAR.
senior Raven Glaser
Since SPA students are frequently stressed and rushing from one thing to the next, having a craft that provides time to slow down and decom-
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press from the day can be beneficial.
There are so many different techniques and projects to explore with knitting and crocheting, from cute plushies to comfy sweaters to warm blankets. The best part is that each project is fully customizable. If you don’t like the color, you can swap it; if you don’t like the length of the sleeves, you can change it.
Because of these qualities, knitting and crocheting are also a great way to combat fast fashion. In my experience, since I’m making items that I actually want to use, and I’m putting all the time and effort into the piece, I value it more and am less likely to throw it out after a couple uses. You can
assignments. Stories that include supplemental materials include a credit at the bottom that states “Additional reporting by” followed by the name of the reporter.
EDITORIALS articulate the collective opinion of the staff, while minieditorials, opinions pieces, arts reviews, and columns belong to the author.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES Opinions are welcomed as Letters to the Editor or Submitted Opinions and may be published in print or online. Letters should not exceed 400 words and opinions should not exceed 650 words. Both may be edited for length and style. All pieces are published with a full name.
always unravel old projects and turn them into something new again.
One of the best things about this hobby is the low barrier to entry. There are supplies for as little as a few dollars at craft stores like Michaels, and there are plenty of free patterns and tutorials online. If you prefer more interpersonal contact, the staff in yarn stores are great resources for learning various techniques, and there are groups all over the Twin Cities with experienced crafters who’d probably love to help out a beginner. Take advantage of the resources at your disposal and pick up knitting or crocheting this year.
UPDATES AND CORRECTIONS
During the post-critique process, staff members identify inaccuracies and discuss reader feedback. The staff publishes corrections when an error is discovered during critique or reported to a staff member. Corrections should be directed to the Editor in Chief or appropriate section editor.
IN PRINT: Corrections are printed at the bottom of News p. 2. Corrections will be printed in the month following the error and, if the story is also published online, will be corrected following the online corrections policy.
PHOTO CREDITS Photos are labeled with the photographer name, whether on staff or freelance. Images sourced outside the staff are credited with
SPA THINKS
What is one issue that was on your mind this year that you want more people to care about?
THE DOWNFALL OF MANCHESTER UNITED ... IT’S BAD FOR THE PREMIER LEAGUE. “
ninth-grader Graham Waibel
sophomore Olivia Andres
“
I THINK THAT THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE OF 2024 WAS THE ONGOING GENOCIDE IN PALESTINE.
junior Fletcher Coblentz
“
guidance from the National Press Photographers Association guides.
NAME AND PRONOUN USE
The Rubicon uses the name and pronouns shared by individual sources during interview. Each interview and survey begins with a request to say and spell the person’s name and to share the pronouns they would like to see published in the story, and the reporter is transparent about where the story will be published. If a mistake is made, a correction will be posted per the corrections policy.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
The Rubicon news and Ibid yearbook avoid conflicts of interest while also honoring the fact that our reporters are involved in the school and local community
senior Scarlett Gibson THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL ... HOW THEY WERE GOING TO SWING STATES AND THE MAIN FOCUS [WAS] ON THAT. “
RENEWABLE ENERGY ... THAT WOULD BE COOL TO HEAR ABOUT MORE IN THIS NEW YEAR.
Have opinions you want to share with us? Scan this QR code to submit your thoughts or idea to our Google form, or email us at rubiconstaff@spa.edu.
beyond their work on staff. Staff members avoid writing about students, teachers, student clubs, affinity groups, and organizations that they are closely involved with. The reporter is always responsible for disclosing conflicts of interest, but if a conflict of interest comes to light after publication, it does not warrant removal of the story. If it is in the best interest of a source to be interviewed by a close friend in the case of a sensitive topic, the interviewer will not write the story— they will solely conduct the interview. Unavoidable conflicts of interest are specifically mentioned at the top of a story. Photographing or videography of news events is never a conflict of interest.
How can mistakes push us forward?
I SHOULD NOT PUNISH MYSELF FOR MESSING UP, I SHOULD FORGIVE MYSELF. SHAME IS
MY MISTAKES DO NOT DEFINE ME. MY MISTAKES ARE AN OPPORTUNITY
MISTAKES ARE A GOOD THING. MISTAKES HELP ME LEARN AND GROWN. WHAT DID
GIVE GRACE. Mistakes are inevitable; the light people choose to reflect on them is a choice. It’s easy to dwell in regret, but reacting to mistakes with self-compassion and understanding makes people more open to future growth.
hyper-critical of themselves, voicing statements like “You didn’t spend enough time” or “You should have done better.”
Sometimes, the past is best left behind us; however, embracing mistakes and learning from successes can lead to future improvement. For example, studying for a previous Chinese test is an instance ninth-grader Miles Coates Cush looks back on as an opportunity for growth.
“[A] past mistake was studying too long … and now I know how to study better for all my classes and use less time… more doesn’t mean better,” Coates Cush said.
Similarly, sophomore January Cook reviews her past swimming races in an educational light. “I mean there’s always another race,” Cook said. “I think that mistakes are just another opportunity to learn and grow as a person.”
The psychology behind mistakes often results in feelings of self-consciousness and criticism. Dr. Lizabeth Roemer, professor of psychology at the University of Boston, writes about how to healthily make mistakes in Psychology Today, stating, “Many contexts punish or shame people for making mistakes, which naturally elicits strong desires not to put ourselves in a situation where one might happen and to feel self-criticism and shame when we do.”
For example, junior Sam Ray looks back on a music performance regretfully, wishing they had spent more time preparing. They are unintentionally
Dr. Aziz Gazipura, an author with a PhD in clinical psychology, noted on his personal confidence-help website that it is necessary to accept that mistakes are bound to happen and the most important part is to allow room to process and take the lessons learned from those mistakes to the future.
Much like mistakes, successes are also moments to learn from. For Coates Cush, learning how to snowboard was a success, keeping him active and connected with friends throughout winter. Despite the vast differences between the moments of failure and achievement, Coates Cush looks back on both moments with an educational perspective.
“I see them in a positive light because they taught me lessons that I now lean back on today and in the future,” he said.
I SEE [MISTAKES] IN A POSITIVE LIGHT BECAUSE THEY TAUGHT ME LESSONS THAT I NOW LEAN BACK ON TODAY AND IN THE FUTURE.
“ ninth-grader
Miles Coates Cush
“Forward-thinking” is critical to heal and stop punishing yourself for something no longer in your control. Ray now recognizes that self-deprecation is not productive, and instead, chooses to let go of the negative emotions they felt in the moment.
“Mistakes don’t define you, move on … chances are no one else really remembers the one mistake you made.” they said
Fleeting moments of success are also worth celebrating. Senior Mia Collins points to a good grade on a math test as an accomplishment that uplifts her day, canceling out any possible mistakes.
“[My advice is] that it’s okay … people make mistakes and you just have to move on,” Collins said.
Balancing out negatives with positives is also how Ray views mistakes and successes.
“[Both] balance out to make you who you are. You’re not … a mistake, you’re not … a failure, you are successful in things too,” they said.
The key factor to moving forward and helpfully utilizing mistakes and successes is to keep a growth mindset.
“People who just go through life doing everything perfectly are … never [going to] challenge themselves and … never [going to] fail at anything. That failure [is] where you learn to grow and change,” Cook said. “You want to learn [from] your mistakes and grow, so don’t be afraid.”
3 STEPS TO MOVE ON FROM PAST MISTAKES FORGIVE
Self-forgiveness reduces the negative perception that has been tied to one’s sense of self. Self-acceptance is closely related to interpersonal wellness.
LEARN
When the brain makes a mistake twice studies show that the brain responds more slowly the second time, because it tries to learn from and avoid repeating the error.
GROW
Moving on from mistakes also promotes growth. Fearing failure is directly correlated to self worth and the feeling of value. Embracing mistakes and moving on helps people learn and improve
AMANDA HSU THE RUBICON
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: Wynter Feiner
5050
YEARS OF THE
Changing mediums reveal consistent
has given her valuable problem-solving skills and an understanding that “perfection is the enemy of good, because if you hold onto that too tightly … we would have never crossed the threshold” of finishing an issue,
“We learned about stuff because they announced it at assembly … so I think that maybe made us feel like [The Rubicon] was an amplified source of information,” Ross said.
“Somebody please drive me to school” Believe it or not, these are all headlines published in The Rubicon over its 50-year history.
The archival collections of The Rubicon provide a window into school culture and current issues on students’ minds, often with humor and creativity. Exploring issues published over the past five decades highlights the technological and social changes that occurred as the publication progressed.
One striking difference between early and recent papers lies in design and style. More than half of The Rubicon issues were black and white; in the early 2000s, the papers includes sporadic images in color, but it wasn’t until around 2010 that issues were printed in four-color process. The older papers only used photographs as visuals, as the infographics and digital illustrations commonly seen on pages today rely on technology not available at the time.
Pamela Ross (‘87) remembers the labor-intensive process of designing the paper: “All the layout was done manually … we would take Exacto knives, and we would cut out the copy, wax the back, [and] lay it on the page,” she said.
This task, while tedious, was also the catalyst for some of her fondest memories on staff. She recalls driving to the printer in Roseville to drop off the enormous, complete pages and make copies, traveling through snowstorms to meet deadlines. Ross believes that the sometimes-chaotic production cycle
As the paper evolved, desktop publishing and servers replaced tape and wax, and software, like Adobe InDesign were introduced, with some still in use today -- moving from CD-Rom to Creative Cloud.
THE DAY THE PAPER WOULD COME OUT ... YOU’D WALK THROUGH THE SCHOOL AND SEE STUDENTS READING IT.
Kenzie O’Keefe (‘08)
Another pivotal change occurred with the arrival of current adviser Kathryn Campbell: the launch of a online publication in 2007. The website, Suneimi, published stories written by students in the introductory class; it was rebranded to RubicOnline in 2009.
During Meghan Joyce’s (‘16) time on The Rubicon, the publications staff simultaneously worked on print and online content, but that changed in fall of 2016.
“With the splitting of the staffs has also come a lot more attention to the online [website] … the fact that you have podcasts and videos? Those were things that were fledgling projects … in my time,” Joyce said.
Although a lack of advanced technology made ‘80’s era issues difficult to produce, it also fostered unique importance for The Rubicon, serving as one of few news sources covering local and community issues.
That amplification was true in a new way in 2020, when distance learning meant students reported from home for a student body at home. Bobby Verhey (‘21) remembers working on staff during the COVID Pandemic: “My brother Tommy (‘23) was also on staff, so we would go to [Google Meet] class and help each other work on stories [at home]. It was an unprecedented time... I started a video series called 60 Second News, which my brother helped me film. It was a great way for me personally to stay connected to campus, and to help other students stay connected as well.”
Connection has always been central to the work.
The Rubicon Kenzie O’Keefe (‘08) remembers strong student engagement and interest in the paper: “I remember the day the paper would come out and it would be on the news stands and you’d walk through the school and see students reading it … [That] was a big part of my formative understanding of the power and the responsibility a journalist has,” she said.
The notable level of student engagement can be seen in frequent letters to the editor and polls with hundreds of responses. The system for distributing polls was different, though; instead of Google Forms, O’Keefe remembers distributing paper copies of polls in advisories, which advisors would return.
For a stretch of time, The Rubicon featured more social sections, like horoscopes and personal notes.
Throughout its history, the publication periodically included a satire section or April satire issue, “Rubipoon,” with elaborately fabricated stories. Though
some sion reflects information Despite goal of have remained litical student cussions “The digital school dent achievements on the The analyze discourse its existence. VP?,” addressed 11, 2001. ous name, in 1984, which part of Recent el-Hamas transparency long-standing It’s nology culture, learnings tion continues
Rubicon alums united by journalistic lessons
JOHANNA PIERACH THE RUBICON
DOWN MEMORY LANE. Javier WhitakerCastañeda (‘17) works on an issue in the publications room with Mari Knudson (‘17) and Gita Raman (‘16). “I hope The Rubicon continues to be a space for collaboration, a hub of community, and SPA’s best snack pantry,” he said.
SENIOR SNAPSHOT. Pamela Ross (‘87) poses for her senior photo. Ross continues to use the problem solving skills she cultivated during her time on staff in which she served as sports editor and production editor.
CONNECTION AT CONVENTION. The 2015-16 Rubicon staff snap a photo at the annual Minnesota High School Press Association fall convention. Pictured middle front, Meghan Joyce (‘16) served as Chief-Visual-Editor on staff, and created Aureus, a magazine that published from 2016-2018.
FAST FACTS
of the jokes would not hold up today, the inclureflects the paper’s multifaceted role in relaying information and provoking conversation.
Despite several structural and visual changes, the of the publication and the issues it brings to light remained constant. Topics like spots equity, poopinions, local news, diversity initiatives, and student life are still at the forefront of community discussions today.
The Rubicon is such an important physical [and] digital manifestation of the SPA community ... where school issues are raised, opinions are shared and stuachievements in the classroom, on the stage, or the field are highlighted,” Henry Moyers (‘11) said. The publication’s responsibility to inform readers, analyze social issues and provide a forum for student discourse has remained largely the same throughout existence. Stories like “Where in the world is the an Opinions story in the October 2001 issue, addressed the fear many Americans felt after Sept. 2001. On the other hand, despite its less-than-seriname, “Candy cane controversy rages,” published 1984, examined criticisms of a school tradition in which students could send candy canes classmates as of a school fundraiser.
Recent stories, including coverage of the Israel-Hamas war and staff editorials asking for greater transparency with administrative decisions, mirror the long-standing tradition of amplifying student voices. 50 years since The Rubicon began, but with technology advancements and an ever-changing school culture, past and present staff are connected by shared learnings of the power of journalism, as the publicacontinues to uphold its foundational values.
1.
A total of eight students were on staff during The Rubicon’s inaugural 1974-75 edition.
2.
Historical editions of the newspaper included special features like Valentine Personals and Horoscopes.
3.
In the 1994-95 school year, six issues of The Rubicon were released along with one satire issue called “Rubipoon.”
4.
The highest publication award offered for journalism leadership is named after former adviser Colleen Krebs.
A student newspaper can be a time capsule for high school grads, allowing them to reflect on four years of Homecoming games, prom and class elections immortalized in the fine print. But for some, their fondest memories and greatest lessons come from producing the paper itself.
Henry Moyers (‘11) said, “The Rubicon ... was the first time I wrote regularly for an audience that was more than a teacher giving out a grade in a class. Learning how to write, edit, and create a page layout on deadline has been a skill that has served me well. I currently work in marketing and so many of the writing, design, and project management skills I use today can be traced back to what I learned from my time on staff.”
Kelly Walters (‘87) recalls “connecting with the local community outside of the walls of SPA and exploring my personal values and beliefs through writing Op/Ed pieces,” she said. “I ... use the skills of research, writing, outreach and collaboration every day in my job as a pediatric emergency medicine physician.”
For Pamela Ross (‘87), the publication grind was a real-life race to the finish line. “It was honestly the eleventh hour, and...a gazillion things happening outside your control,” Ross said. “[The impact] is that perpetual problem solving and navigating circumstances to generate the highest-quality product that you could, teaches you that you can’t control everything.”
Kenzie O’Keefe (‘08) likewise remembers a staff who would take care creating the best publication possible. She credits that, in part, to the high standards set by advisers Ellen Austin (2004-07) and Kathryn Campbell (2007-present).
“That opportunity for experimentation and learning and risk-taking in the work that I had at SPA absolutely set the table for my career,” O’Keefe said. “I hope that The Rubicon remains what was so transformative for me, which was a place where high school student journalists can get a real-world experience of what it is to be a journalist and storyteller in your community.”
Javier Whitaker-Castañeda (‘17) said, “There are several classes at SPA that thoroughly prepared me to be a successful college student. But no class prepared me more thoroughly for life after college than publications. The skills that I learned in The Rubicon room are necessary for the majority of office jobs: constant collaboration, the ability to meet regular deadlines, competency with a variety of tasks, balancing creativity with standardized processes, and consistently learning about new softwares.”
For upper school English teacher Meghan Joyce (‘16), being on The Rubicon was “one of the most defining parts” of her high school career.
Learning about bias, fairness and how to find trustworthy sources was crucial for Joyce in an increasingly digital age.
“
I’D LIKE TO THINK THE RUBICON MAKES US ALL CLOSER.
Meghan Joyce (‘16)
Over a decade later, she considers this skill to be more important than ever.
Elizabeth Trevathan (‘22) sees the value in reporting on complex issues: “My most memorable journalism work was a product of me trying to figure out how to talk about complicated topics like...mining in northern Minnesota. As I begin to build a career in geology and conduct research, I am hyper-aware of how I communicate on these topics. Communicating effectively about climate change events, whether it is occurring now or millions of years ago, is critical today.”
Those who have spent considerable time in the publications room have lasting hopes for its place in the community.
“I do hope that [The Rubicon] can [always] be an independent student voice, kind of unfettered by the administration, to talk about issues that are important to the community,” Ross said.
Joyce believes that it’s important for students to engage with the newspaper. Seeing students pick up copies is “heartening,” she said.
“I’d like to think [The Rubicon] makes [students] want to know more about the issues that [the staff is] informing them about. I’d like to think it makes us all closer,” Joyce said.
@therubiconspa on Instagram
PHOTO: Ibid Archive (1987)
PHOTO: Ibid Archive (2016)
FEATURE 10
THE RUBICON - JANUARY 2025
GRADE 9: ELLIOT GILATS
Gilats reflects on cherished memories shaped by faith Childhood connections shape who students are as teens
When ninth-grader Elliot Gilats thinks of his favorite childhood memory, he remembers the time he almost skipped his speech at his sister’s bat mitzvah.
He was around 9 years old when he was asked to give the shehecheyanu, a Hebrew blessing. This speech is given to celebrate special occasions, like holidays such as Yom Kippur, Passover, Hanukkah and more, or in Gilats’ case, a family member’s bat mitzvah. “It’s basically [saying], like,
thank you God, … I’m grateful that I am here and I’ve made it to this moment, and [I’m grateful for] what has gotten me to this moment,” he said.
Gilats was ecstatic, but incredibly nervous. Halfway through the service, he rushed off to the restroom and didn’t return until the moment before he was meant to speak.
“And my sister still teases me about
GRADE 11: ELLA ENGLAND
it,” he said. “But I did fine.”
Memories are something Gilats treasures.
Reminiscing on his childhood helps to remind him of the importance of his family and peers in his everyday life. His memory of the end of eighth grade does exactly that.
Gilats enjoys looking
back at old photos and feeling the sense of nostalgia that comes with discovering the way people and places have changed over time. So when the school yearbooks arrived in the last few weeks of eighth grade, he was excited to have a way to reminisce on the past.
“Looking at the pictures always reminds me of, you know, previous years when
GIFT GRATITUDE. Part of Gilats’ family’s celebration of Hannukah includes a gift exchange. Gilats appreciated the time spent with family above anything. “[Getting] everybody involved, and, you know, spending time together, that’s a lot of what ... holidays are about,” he said.
we would go around and sign people’s yearbooks.
… They had [the eighth grade] submit a baby or toddler photo, and then a current photo,” he said.
“Pictures are, you know, kind of a huge thing when it comes to [nostalgia] for me.”
Not only photos, but videos, are a reminder of old memories for Gilats.
“My parents have a tradition of on or right around my birthday, for both my sister and I, they’ll do … a little video interview with us, [asking] what happened [that] year,” he said.
“It’s just like, oh, you know, this is what our living room looked like. This is what we looked like,” he said. “Last year, for my sister’s [18th] birthday, … we watched a bunch of her, and that was just very nostalgic. [It was fun to see] us as little kids and how we interacted.”
Gilats’ holiday traditions also remind him of how much he values his family and the memories he’s made with them. His family has hosted a Hanukkah party with much
of his extended family for the past several years “That’s always a lot of fun,” he said. “We eat together and just, like, have fun.”
They usually have a gift exchange, similar to white elephant, or a book exchange, which Gilats enjoys, although he’s skeptical of some of the gifts. But he doesn’t mind if the gifts aren’t always perfect, because he’s glad for the chance to just be with the people he loves.
“[Getting] everybody involved and, you know, spending time together, that’s a lot of what … holidays are about,” he said. “[I’m] grateful that I can spend time with my family and … that I’m able to do this.”
Gilats’ childhood has shaped who he is today in many ways. His family’s yearly Hanukkah parties remind him how much he values the people around him. Yearbook photos help him connect with his classmates – and nearly forgetting his speech has made him realize that his sister will probably never let it go.
Familial wisdom informs England’s outlook on life
“Extroverted. Energetic, might say even a little overbearing, and maybe a little ignorant” are descriptors junior Ella England uses to describe her younger self. As a child, England participated in a variety of activities, ranging from recreational sports that her parents got her into, such as alpine skiing and mountain biking, to collecting Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering cards. However, time spent with her family is the basis of some of her most cherished memories today, especially the memories she shared with her grandma, who currently resides in North Carolina.
When England was young, her grandma knit sweaters and hats to give to people in need once or twice a month. England played a critical role in the operation, helping her grandma send her wool creations to nearby churches for public distribution. When her grandma was not knitting, she was also a go-to person for animals in her neighborhood.
“When a bunch of cats that her neighbor didn’t want came to her house, she fed them and got them checked at the vet even though they weren’t hers or her responsibility,” England said.
Nowadays, England visits her grandma less often compared to her childhood, but she took her grandma’s personal mantras of being a kind person and helping others to heart, shaping her into the person
she is today. Some of her grandma’s sayings still resonate with England today, such as “look on the bright side,” a phrase her grandma often uses whenever there is something important to talk about.
Alongside her grandma, her parents have also guided England’s perceptions of the world and her surroundings. A tenement of her worldview is education, which has been shaped by England’s own experiences and her family’s past.
“Education is important. Whenever I feel like I don’t want to do homework or an essay or something, I motivate myself [by thinking] no one else in my family had the opportunity,” England said.
EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT...I MOTIVATE MYSELF [BY THINKING] NO ONE ELSE IN MY FAMILY HAD THE OPPORTUNITY.
England’s family experiences, from taking care of cats to a love for knitting and education, have taught her how to stay dedicated to the things she loves. Her childhood memories are a key part in shaping her hobbies and passions. From the past to the present, family has remained a huge part of England’s life, and stays that way as she continues to find new ways to expand her horizons while holding her family members’ words close to her heart.
IVY EVANS THE RUBICON
CARYS HSIUNG CONTRIBUTOR
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: Lina Abid
junior Ella England
SUBMITTED PHOTO: Ella England KNITTING KNOWLEDGE. A young Ella England knits sweaters with her grandmother.
GRADE 10: EVA JOHNSON
GRADE 12: ROHAN KHARBANDA
Johnson maintains childhood passion over the years Kharbanda reflects on full-circle kindergarten dreams
ANNIE ZHANG EDITOR IN CHIEF
“Hello, it’s me from the past. I’m sure you’re doing great.”
A simple greeting from the past, senior Rohan Kharbanda’s letter to his future self is loaded with possibility. With graduation a little more than a semester away, Kharbanda’s post-high school plans loom: both thrilling in their possibilities and uncertain in their twists and turns.
In keeping with SPA’s motto, “shaping the minds and hearts of the people who will change the world,” Kharbanda envisions building on his current passions in the STEM field as he shapes his future role in society.
“Right now, I see myself contributing to society through some sort of science or engineering progress. I also hope to be an active philanthropist,” he said.
But, in order to do so, Kharbanda must first navigate the next chapters of his life, starting with college, a path shared by many others in his class.
“In the next 5-10 years, I hope to graduate from col-
GEORGIA ROSS CHIEF VISUAL EDITOR
Taylor from High School Musical, a disciple from Godspell, Le Fille from Beauty and the Beast, an ancestor from The Addams family. Those are a few of the many roles that sophomore Eva Johnson has played since she began her theater career in second grade at Carondelet Catholic school.
“I tried all the activities … like, every sport under the sun … theater just stuck out,” she said.
Jaws dropped in the audience after Johnson performed a solo for Issues by Julia Michaels at the 2024 Pops Concert last month. While it was just her second choral performance (and first at SPA), her natural smile, confidence, and stage presence proved Johnson was no stranger to the stage.
Johnson first discovered theater as a second grader when she joined her school’s children’s ensemble. They were often Christmas productions and she was cast in smaller roles like farm animals or a Christmas tree.
Though COVID-19 put a halt on theater following her fifth grade year, when she returned in eighth grade, Johnson was welcomed back to the stage, getting cast in lead roles. That year, she played Josephine Strong in Urinetown, which is one of her favorite theater memories to this day.
“I got to meet a lot of kids who also like theater, and it was nice to be the big kid and finally get a good role,” Johnson said.
Johnson has also found a passion for singing throughout the many musicals she has performed in.
Despite playing violin nearly a decade, she refocused her time towards learning piano for the first time, an instrument that could accompany her singing.
“I can’t sing while I play the violin. And … if I want to be a theater teacher or … a choir director, playing the piano is a useful skill,” she said.
“Ready to Go” from last year’s spring musical The Logic Pit is one of her favorite songs to sing: “It had a lot of energy … when I sang it with everybody, it gave me goosebumps, because everybody was so into it. There was a lot of emotion,” she said.
But if Johnson had to pick one over the other, she prefers singing from roles in a play than as a musician.
“It’s easier for me to sing when I’m performing as a character than it is to be myself … it’s easier to fake it, like, fake confidence and … channel some other personality besides yourself,” she said.
Johnson finds opportunity to get involved with local theater outside of the school year as well. Last summer, she experienced theater from a new perspective. As a camp counselor, Johnson guided groups of children through their own 30-minute productions. Being on the other side of the stage for the first time revealed parts of the theater she had rarely noticed before.
“I saw the effort kids were putting in and how much it takes to put on a show… because I was Tech Crew for that show instead of on-stage. It made me appreciate the backstage help more than I did in the past,” Johnson said.
Whether casted as a character in a play, singing a song in choir or directing younger kids in productions, Johnson’s admiration for music and theater draws her to the stage.
lege, fully understand my interests and then decide on a path for myself,” he said.
Looking ahead, Kharbanda intends to carry several meaningful aspects of his present life into the future, including relationships with friends and family, as well as key traits that define who he is today. Particularly, he plans for hobbies such as tennis, in which Kharbanda is currently involved in as an US student, to make an appearance in his future while leaving unproductive habits like behind a tendency to procrastinate.
“I hope to retain my ability to stay calm and collected in stressful situations,” Kharbanda said. “I would like to continue to become more open to trying new things and having unique experiences [and] I hope to continue my strong reading habits and curiosity to learn new things.”
One particular area that Kharbanda hopes to further explore is music. Currently, he frequents classical music by composers such as Rachmanioff and Shostakovich during long car rides, but he’s eager to expand his music tastes to genres like trap and rap, enjoying artists such as Daft Punk and GloRilla.
Reflecting on his current personal philosophy as he approaches the next stages of his life, Kharbanda often turns to fishing in order to help him navigate life’s uncertainties. One of his favorite metaphors for himself is “Fishing for opportunities is like casting a line into a vast ocean. No matter how skilled you are or how perfect your bait is, you can’t catch every fish.” In saying this, he recognizes that some things will inevitably be out of reach.
As Kharbanda prepares to cast the line into the uncharted waters of the future, resilience and curiosity reels his way. His letter to his future self ends simply: “See you later?”
English teacher Jessica Gokhberg talks about her dissertation journey in the second installment of this series about teachers with PhD’s.
Look back at the best of the feature section JanuaryDecember 2024 selected by feature editors.
Rohan Kharbanda
PHOTO: SPA Smugmug Scott Streble POWERFUL PERFORMANCE. Sophomore Johnson performs with the choir at the MS and US joint choral performance. Johnson said. “I tried all the activities … like, every sport under the sun … theater just stuck out
MAINTAINING MOMENTUM. A younger Kharbanda poses for a photo in a park. Kharband said, “I would like to continue to become more open to trying
things and having
SUBMITTED
PHOTO: Rohan Kharbanda
US varsity athletes old and young reflect and look forward to the future
OLDEST ATHLETES YOUNGEST ATHLETES
WYNTER FEINER THE RUBICON
Seniority comes with time, patience, maturity and leadership. With years of experience and effort, the oldest athletes from different sports reflect on their time throughout their years being on a high-school sports team.
Girls Varsity Basketball captain Julia Taylor highlights one of the most memorable aspects of her career as the tradition of doing Q&A icebreakers during practices.
“I’ll also never forget the team goarounds that we did each practice. ... It’s brought us closer together as a team and has always been a part of practice many people are excited about and look forward to,” Taylor said.
Alpine Ski captain Mia Collins highlights what the younger athletes bring to the team; “I appreciate how enthusiastic and funny they are. They always make me laugh and add super positive energy to the team,” Collins said.
Boys Varsity Swim captain Finn Cox recognizes the efforts of the younger kids on the team.
“Swimming is really hard to commit to; it’s a lot of work and I think with the younger kids we have now, I’m just really impressed by their willingness to push through it and work hard and see that pay off,” he said.
Similarly, Nordic Ski captain Inga Wing highlights her admiration for younger athletes: “Their dedication to Nordic even when it isn’t easy is the best part of being on the team.” Wing said.
Every athlete has a start: new to a team or new to a sport. Growth and experience is a significant part of playing a high school varsity sport.
Ninth-grader Magarsaa Mullataa began playing basketball in fourth grade and has now, as a ninth-grader, has become the youngest player on the Boys Varsity Basketball team. Mullataa expresses his appreciation for the older players on the team.
“I definitely get to learn a lot from older players, they teach me a lot,” he said.
Ninth-grader Clara Lovelace, who plays as a shooting guard for Girls Varsity Basketball, expresses that age is not limiting: “I feel like being the youngest is fun because everyone wants to play with you, even if you’re not the best because you are the youngest,” she said.
Lovelace also views her older teammates in a productive light: “I feel supported, and I think it’s really fun because you can see where you’re going because of the people older, and you get inspired to play,” Lovelace said
Another common denominator for the youngest students on varsity sports is their appreciation for their older teammates “The older players are very good role models and very nice,” ninth-grader Sophie Ferrer said.
High school sports give athletes a chance to grow, learn and make many memories.
Oldest? Youngest? On hockey team, Bond is both
Junior Ella Bond represents SPA on the ice as the lone upper school student in varsity hockey.
Blake Girls Varsity Hockey is co-opted with The Blake School, Minnehaha Academy, Providence Academy and SPA. As the number of incorporated schools increases, the chance of a spot on varsity decreases. As the sole US SPA student on the varsity hockey team, Bond represents both the youngest and oldest student on the Phoenix hockey team.
Bond has played hockey since she was five, joining SPA’s varsity hockey team as a ninth grader. She looks to the future of
her athletic career with optimism: “I’m looking forward to being a senior, which is the oldest on the team so then I can boss everyone around,” Bond said.
Holding 3 years of experience in her pocket, Bond advises players on how to play well. “[Don’t] get in your head, just have fun.”
She emphasizes the environment the team fosters: “Everyone is really supporting and welcoming; it’s very fun,” Bond said.
Bond embodies a unique position; with a co-op program that unites four different schools. Bond is the only US student to take a coveted spot on the varsity roster.
PHOTOS: Georgia Ross
OUTLOOK. No matter their age, these varsity athletes are proud of their athletic accomplishments so far and look forward to continuing their sport careers.
BATTLE READY. Bond uses her long history on the ice to get ready to battle it out on the rink for the Blake Bears Girls Hockey team.
PHOTO: Ella Bond
JUAN MIGUEL ADAMS THE RUBICON
Dave Olund’s life has always revolved around the ice rink. From playing high school hockey to managing arenas, Olund has consistently found himself near the ice. Now, as the new manager of Drake Arena, he’s ready to make connections with the community whether it be with youth recreational teams or
high school and college hockey programs.
Olund’s journey in rink management began as an assistant manager for five years before taking on the role of manager at the St. Thomas Academy ice arena for eight years. His passion for hockey and the community around ice rinks has always driven where he chooses to work. At the St. Thomas
Academy ice arena, his approach was listening to the communities that use the rink, and that’s what he plans to bring to his new role at Drake.
“I want to get to know people. Get to know the SPA community, meet with coaches, meet with the staff, try to address what’s needed … and do a lot of listening by taking a lot of things in and [putting] out the best
Olund’s hockey roots helps in new manager role
product,” Olund said. Drake Arena hosts a variety of teams and leagues, including the boys and girls hockey teams, Highland Central Youth Hockey, the University of St. Catherine Hockey team and various community associations. As he transitions into his role, Olund aims to balance incorporating changes and keeping the schedule and system that leagues and teams are familiar with.
“I’ve been walking through the scheduling system … I do not want to make too many changes right away, but I do want to make any changes that will be necessary to put us in a better spot to succeed,” Olund said. However, Olund does have goals focused on ensuring financial responsibility while providing high-quality service, “I
would just look to make sure that we are running fiscally responsible while providing the best product to number one, [SPA], and then also to our other youth users,” he said.
SO LOOK, I LOVE HOCKEY. I LOVE THE HOCKEY CULTURE AND THE HOCKEY COMMUNITY. “
Drake Arena Manager
Dave Olund
Olund hasn’t faced any challenges yet because of his similar role at the St. Thomas Academy ice arena. He also hopes to develop his relationship with the communities
Captains Council constant productive progression
STRATEGIC PLAN
DISCUSSION AREAS OF SIX SUBCOMMITTEE GROUPS
• Holistic Training
• Leadership
GEORGIA ROSS THE RUBICON
K-12 Director of Athletics Paul Moyer believes that school can be a place with both rigorous academics and a competitive sports program.
that use Drake Arena and its history.
“I think there is going to have to be some things to be improved upon, but at the same time, I want to keep the heritage and the respect and pride Drake has,” Olund said He has especially appreciated the seamlessness of his transition and the support from the staff and customers. From meeting parents and coaches, Olund looks forward to his role in Drake Arena.
“So look, I love hockey. I love the hockey culture and the hockey community,” Olund said. “Everyone’s been great. I am happy to be here, and excited to be here, and I look forward to growing in the community.”
Olund’s journey across Minnesota’s ice rinks has taught him the importance of connection and cooperation.
“We’ve been talking about ways to bring … the locker rooms … back and how can we make that space somewhere where you feel comfortable … and … what captains can do in setting the tone for the team,” Overgaard said.
STUDENT-ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT ATHLETIC FACILITIES
• Logistics for Success
• Events and Connections
• Parents, Captains, Alumni
• Internal connections between levels
• Athletics Promotions
• Policies
• Enrollment
• Athletic Communications
• Develop head varsity/program director model
• Community Building
• Parent Involvement
• Fundraising
• Equipment, storage, locker rooms, weight room
• Way finding/Branding
• Master Athletics Facilities Plan
SOURCE: Paul Moyer
The University of Chicago, where Moyer used to serve as Athletic Director and Head soccer coach, is an example. Many do not know that the University of Chicago was originally part of the NCAA Division I Big Ten Conference, as well as the first-ever Heisman trophy recipient, the most prestigious award in college football. But, in 1946, the University of Chicago dropped out of the conference after the Big Ten began granting scholarships for athletic ability, emphasizing sports competition over academics.
Nearly 75 years later, the University of Chicago is one of NCAA Division III top athletic institutions in non-scholarship college athletics.
“I was … at the University of Chicago … at a transitional period, when the institution decided we are going to emphasize, in the right way, athletics and student-athlete excellence. I think that is exactly where SPA is right now,” Moyer said.
Last spring, when the athletic department initiated the Strategic Action Plan, it became clear that support from captains was a critical piece in the process.
“We’re the student leaders and kind of the role models on the team,” Cross Country co-Captain Maren Overgaard said.
In response, Moyer developed a Captains Council for captains to give feedback on the Strategic Plan and illuminate the student-athlete perspective.
“When there were questions … the Advisory Council … wanted from the students … you know, we needed information from the students, then I would go back to the captains and ask them,” Moyer said.
The Captains Council meets on Wednesday mornings once a month to discuss issues from team goals for the season, to Spartan values and to potential revisions in the athletic program’s mission statement.
At the last meeting Dec. 11, Director of Operations and Security John Cole joined the meeting to talk about how athletes use common areas before and after practice and how to revive athletic spaces like the locker rooms.
The development of athletic facilities, such as the locker rooms, is a common conversation on many of the sports teams.
“I think the locker rooms bring people together … but … they’re pretty brutal … locker rooms are outdated here,” Varsity Boys Golf Captain Will Fenlon said.
Additionally, only providing athletic spaces to teams that are in season makes it harder for captains to organize pre-season practices and conditioning.
“I just practice on my own … Like, hit balls and stuff outside of SPA,” Fenlon said.
junior Maren Overgaard “
IT’S FUN TO BE A PART OF AND SEE CHANGE BEING MADE TO SEE CHANGE BEING MADE.
While the Strategic Action Plan includes collaboration and dedication across the community and will take years to see physical results, SPA is one step closer to embracing both rigorous academic and athletic excellence.
“On the Captains Council … we’re still learning how to make it the most effective that it can be, but I think this is the first step towards trying to align everybody’s interests. It’s fun to be a part of and to see change being made,” Overgaard said.
As the Captains Council progresses, Moyer is working on organizing additional meetings with the invitation extended to the entire student body. With input from the Captains Council and other interested students, Moyer hopes to enhance and progress the Athletic Strategic Plan.
PHOTO: Juan Miguel Adams
BRIGHT FUTURE. Drake Arena manager Dave Olund was a rink assistant manager for five years before taking on the role of manager at St. Thomas Academy ice arena. Olund is excited to be apart of the SPA community working with SPA Athletics.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
THE RUBICON - JANUARY 2025
is on the rise Nostalgia bait
These productions rely on fans of the original will watch it for nostalgia’s sake.
Some examples of this include “Ghostbusters,” “The Lion King” and “Scream.”
Nostalgia is a universal feeling that can be easily triggered by any of the senses, and film is one sure-fire way to access the emotion. According to an article from Indiana University Bloomington, “The Underbelly of Nostalgia in Film & TV,” from 2018, productions’ use of nostalgia has been steadily increasing since 2008, especially in the form of movies and TV shows set in the 1970s and 80s. A few examples of this are “Stranger Things”, “Adventure Land” and “Young Sheldon.”
Nostalgia bait in film and TV usually appears as a reboot of an older piece of media or time-period references in newer productions. The goal is to trigger positive nostalgic feelings from the audience, which in turn boosts the production. Though this marketing strategy has been on the rise, it is not a completely new development. There were plenty of movies released in the 80s such as “Grease,” “The Outsiders” and “Stand by Me” that were set in the 50s, inviting adults then to look back to their youths, even if just in a dramatized representation.
“[My parents] can connect to some of the things that we just see in the movies,” ninth-grader Darien Hull said.
This representation of the past, often idealized, also has the ability to access feelings from younger generations, evoking a sort of nostalgia for a time they did not even experience first-hand.
“There’s some movies from an older time that make that time seem better,” Hull said.
There are many ways that aspects of film can be used to enhance this nostalgic feeling in productions: setting, color, costume and sound all play a part.
The roller rink. Bright pink, blue and yellow strobe lights. Big hair, suspenders.
Gum smacks in everyone’s mouth as they bounce to electronic dance music. With all of these components accounted for in a film, the decade will likely not need clarification.
Not only is nostalgia used as a tool for engagement with newly released projects, but it is often used to revitalize an old franchise. Older movies or series are often remade or followed by many sequels.
Sophomore Iris Luther-Suhr encountered this with the many iterations of Star Wars. She first was introduced to the franchise in fourth grade by her father. “I don’t like the sequels,” she said, “But the TV shows, yes.”
“The Acolyte came out this summer, and it made me feel nostalgic for the prequels, which are my favorite section of Star Wars,” Luther-Suhr said.
The manipulation of nostalgic feelings in the production and marketing of new movies and TV is a hit-or-miss endeavor, but based on the rising success of nostalgia-bait films, it is a very powerful tool. Because everyone is capable of feeling nostalgia, films that access the emotion invite both older and younger generations to reminisce, even if it may be a time they never experienced.
DO YOU BELONG IN THE 80s OR 90s?
You’re on aux duty with your friends. What artists are you rocking with?
BAFAKE NOSTALGIA . Ninth-grader Darien Hull sees that some of the media catered to him, is designed to be nostalgic for his parents’ generation.
Michael Jackson, Prince, Madonna and Billy Joel
Nirvana, Radiohead, 2Pac and Dr. Dre
It’s Friday night and you’re looking to wind down. What do you throw on?
A
B
“Friends,” “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and “The Simpsons” “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” “Seinfeld” and “Full House”
You’re hosting game night. Which games are you setting out?
A
“Guess Who,” “Trivial Pursuit” and “Scrabble”
B
“Pictionary,” “Jenga” and “Catan”
MAJORITY A’s
You were meant to be a baby in the 80s! Key characteristics of this decade include the rise of MTV and scrunchies flooding the fashion scene.
MAJORITY B’s
You were meant to be a baby in the 90s! Key characteristics of this decade include the rise of the internet.
LINA ABID THE RUBICON
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: Peter Ostrem
Juan Miguel Adams
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 15
THE RUBICON - JANUARY 2025
1 2 3
The High Hat offers a variety of breakfast favorites
GRACE MEDRANO THE RUBICON
The High Hat, upon first impression, is a small box-like building that looks more like a cafe or bakery from the outside. A step inside, however, reveals the bustling, cozy restaurant within: a coffee bar on the right with a colorful back splash where baristas are chatting with customers, and the teal dining area, where families and friends chatter and laugh while eating their meals. On the wall are various jazz albums and photos of famous jazz musicians with a high hat in the photo.
The High Hat is a buzzing brunch spot in the Cathedral Hill neighborhood of St. Paul. Celebrating its one year anniversary this summer, it has quickly become a beloved eatery in the neighborhood.
The menu contains 18 items, ranging from your classic continental breakfast to Tex Mex inspired eggs to delicious pancakes and pastries, featuring dishes like their Breakfast burger, and cinnamon rolls. Available sides range from hash browns to bacon to French toast. The drink menu has the
classic breakfast drinks–coffee, tea, juice– but also seven specialty crafted drinks: three coffee based, one tea based and one cider.
Two of their specialty drinks were the Hulk, a pistachio matcha, and Lavender Haze– an espresso latte with white chocolate and lavender. Both were available hot or iced, and arrived in charming glassware. The serving sizes were incredibly satisfying, comfortably lasting throughout the full meal.
The food was delicious. I sampled their migas, a traditional Mexican dish, in which they added their own twist of cheese
and chorizo to. It came with a blue corn pancake on the side, which came lathered in sweet honey butter instead of syrup.
The migas were flavorful and spicy and the pancakes were fluffy and just the right level of sweet.
The daily omelet–which that day was a veggie omelet– came with cherry tomatoes, spinach and goat cheese. It was refreshing, light and tasty. Another dish was their huevos divor-
ciados, another classic Mexican breakfast. The salsa was biting, and the eggs were wonderfully cooked. Finally The High Hat’s Breakfast Combo #1, which came with eggs of choice, hash browns, toast and either bacon or sausage.
The price for four entrees and two drinks was $84 before tipping. Service was consistently quick and efficient, with a wait time of only about 20 minutes. Food came quickly, and plates were cleared quickly. The servers were all friendly and helpful, quick to respond to concerns, and doing it with a bright smile.
The High Hat is a tasty brunch spot with reasonably priced, delicious food and drinks. For a fun outing with friends or a Sunday morning brunch with family, check out the High Hat and enjoy all it has to offer.
The High Hat 485 Selby Ave, St. Paul (651) 528-7941 average - $10-20/person
1 PERFECT PANCAKES. The High Hat’s menu features a delectable blue corn pancake, accompanied by sweet honey butter. 2 MARVELOUS MIGAS. Another one of The High Hat’s specialties are their migas, a traditional Mexican dish. 3 BRILLIANT BREAKFAST. The High Hat also boasts a traditional breakfast combo, a brunch classic done well.
Art program changes increase student creativity
JUAN MIGUEL ADAMS MANAGING EDITOR
In the early 1970s, Bob Jewett and Hazel Belvo, former drawing and painting teachers, pioneered a new art program, creating a space where students could explore and express themselves in various artistic mediums.
The two envisioned a liberal arts approach to art education, aiming to make students feel like artists from the moment they entered the classroom, by having more freedom in what students create. Together, they launched the senior seminar class, which allowed passionate senior art students to focus on their studio work.
Initially, the curriculum included beginning and senior seminar classes, with the program offering three levels: beginning art, advanced art and senior seminars. However, the beginning art and intermediate art classes were the same. Students of varying skills were grouped together, which limited their ability to progress at their own pace.
The design lab has allowed students more tools to bring to classes, such as ceramics, sculpture and advanced workshops. Integrating the design lab into the curriculum using glow forges, laser cutters and the wood shop has allowed students to branch out on their creative boundaries. Recently, students in the sculpture class were tasked with using the scraps from the 3D printing process and making sculptures from the leftover materials.
In 2000, the school moved its cafeteria, creating additional space for the art wing. This renovation, led by Jewett and Belvo, allowed them to work with
architects to design new studio spaces. Evidence of the change can still be seen in the art wing, where a former stairwell now filled with cement exists in the painting and drawing space, marking the connection to the old cafeteria.
“After COVID, I noticed that kids were really starting to get hungry to get their hands busy, so we proposed this new sequence of classes,” Lowman said.
The new curriculum assigned each art course beginner, intermediate and advanced levels based on prerequisites rather than grade level.
“I think [the change] allowed students to feel more that their interest in creative projects and visual arts were being met with support by the faculty,” Lowman said.
Junior Jesse Wussler is taking Ceramics II and has enjoyed how the art class levels are structured: “I like how it starts off with easier stuff then gradually gets harder,” Wussler said.
Art programs have gained more traction over time, attracting both students interested in pursuing art careers, looking to have fun, and those eager to learn and create art.
“We are seeing more inclusivity with lots of different students from different backgrounds and interests. The classes are full,” Lowman said.
The art program has evolved, in expanding both scope and resources to support students no matter what interests they have to express themselves.
PHOTOS: Grace Medrano
PHOTO: Ibid Archives 2004
CHANGES. The old SPA art wing was significantly smaller and different, with less studio spaces and more closed-off classrooms. The newly designed art wing was designed to compare to most college art spaces.
THE ART WING WAS EXPANDED IN 2000.
ELECTRIC EXTERIOR. The building exterior is a relatively classic design, but still manages to draw customers in.
MIXED MEDIA
50 years, 50 front covers...
After being the Now and Then, and then the Emerger, The Rubicon printed its first issue in 1974. Check out covers of one issue from each volume and scan the QR code vote for your favorites.
