the
RUBICON
Tuesday, May 25, 2021
the student newspaper of St. Paul Academy and Summit School 1712 Randolph Ave St. Paul, MN 55105 Volume 47, Issue 8
rubiconline.com
@therubiconspa
FDA approves Pfizer vaccine for ages 12-15 MN BY THE
WOODCOCK, MARKS TALK ADOLESCENT VACCINATION
NUMBERS
70% MN Mask wearing rate since Oct.
0
Janet Woodcock, M.D. Acting FDA Commissioner
Number of COVID-19 deaths reported on 5/17.
In a press conference exclusively for student journalists across the country, acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock and Peter Marks of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research answered questions about the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
62% 16+ with at least one dose RUBICONLINE PHOTO: Mimi Huelster SHOT ON THE SPOT. The Parent Association hosted a flu shot clinic on the Randolph campus May 18.
Increase in vaccination access does not change school safety protocols Despite progress in vaccinations and reduced THE RUBICON numbers of cases in the U.S., the pandemic is far from over. Many students ages 16 and up have already been fully vaccinated, however, much of the 12-15 year old age group is just getting started this month. The CDC authorized the Pfizer IT WILL LIKELY COVID vaccine for this age group on May 10, but what will this mean for the BE SOME SPA community? Will things go back to TIME BEFORE normal? A SIGNIFICANT Maya Sachs hopes so. She is on the NUMBER OF younger side of sophomores and falls under the newly authorized age group. STUDENTS She received her first dose at CVS in St. [12-15] IS FULLY Louis Park. Sachs said that she is a lot less VACCINATED. anxious about contracting the virus and passing it on to loved ones now that she Asst. Head has received her first shot. “After I receive of School my second dose, I am looking forward Jill Romans to spending time with friends inside so I can connect with them more and see them smile,” she said. Freshman Henry Hilton recently received his first dose of the Pfizer vaccine at the Saint Paul Corner Drug Store, a great local option that administers the vaccine. Along with local outlets, Roy Wilkins Auditorium is now allowing walk-ins for the 12-15 age group. Hilton said that the activity he ORION KIM
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Peter Marks, M.D., Ph. D Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research
THINK BEYOND A diagnosis is a path to treatment, not a personality trait.
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looks forward to most is being able to do sleepovers. “I am optimistic about the future of public safety, and I hope sometime in the future we can continue life interrupted,” he said. According to Doctor Jill Romans, Assistant Head of School for Student Development and Community Engagement at SPA, no protocols will change this year. “While this is exciting news about the authorization to administer vaccines to students in the 12-15 age group, it will likely be some time before any significant number of students in this age group is fully vaccinated. For a student who receives their first dose of the vaccination on May. 17, as an example, the second dose would be administered on or after June. 7,” said Romans. Therefore, the earliest date on which they would be considered fully vaccinated according to the CDC standards is June. 21, well after school is finished for the year. This new update, unfortunately, will not have an impact on the mitigation protocols in place for this school year. Furthermore, the governor’s recent executive order states that the Safe Learning Plans for schools remain in effect through the end of the school year. Romans is optimistic about next year. The vaccine’s approval for ages 12-15 means promising news for the planning of the 2021-22 school year. read about the on-campus vaccine clinic at:
RUBICON SUMMER JOBS Whether it’s scooping ice cream or coaching little league, work is on the schedule.
IN THIS ISSUE:
online
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Q: Across the U.S. many students would like to get vaccinated but their parents will not allow them to get vaccines. What would you recommend they do? WOODCOCK: Have your parents talk to your pediatrician or family doctor about the vaccines and make sure they have straightened out any misconceptions they might have about the vaccines. Q: Should students who have received both doses of the vaccine and have waited two weeks be allowed to de-mask in school settings? WOODCOCK: Masking rules and procedures are going to be up to the local jurisdictions [including schools]. The reasons for that might be how many people, how much virus might circulate around a community. Also we think the response to the vaccine was very robust and seems to protect very well, but we don’t know for a large variety of people and there are individuals, for example, who may be immunocompromised or have some other condition that may not react so well. Each jurisdiction will probably look to the CDC guidance, to what their state is saying, the prevalence of the virus, what kinds of variants are circulating, and put all that together. The best advice is to follow the community rules.
WHAT’S NEXT? The Class of 2021 looks forward as they wrap up the year.
1-3 - News • 4-6 - Opinion • 7 - Good Question • 8-9 - In Depth
10-11 - Feature • 12-13 - A&E • 14-15 - Sports • 16 - Class of 2021
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NEWS THE RUBICON - MAY 2021
C3, SAC RESULTS
STC, USC RESULTS
COMMITTEE FOR COMMUNITY CONDUCT
STUDENT TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE
co-Chair: Katherine Bragg, Insley Graupman
Chair: Will Sedo Secretary: Evan McCarthy
Secretary: Lindsay Browne CLASS REPS Class of 2024: Clara Ann Bagnoli, Connor Overgaard Class of 2023: Naysa Kalugdan, Colin Will Class of 2022: Lily Ellis, Nina Starchook, Mia Hofmann (alternate) STUDENT ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE co-President: Maggie Baxter, Ellie Murphy co-Vice President: Ali Browne, Hobbs Lillygreen Secretary: Wafa Naqvi Treasurer: Humza Murad CLASS REPS Class of 2024: Kate Hanf, Clare Kimmel, Siri Pattison Class of 2023: Ruby Fields, Lilith Greene-Friedman, Mimi Huelster, Autumn Spaulding Class of 2022: Spencer BurrisBrown, Maggie Fields, Zelda Harmoning, Judah Thomas
CLASS REPS Class of 2024: Rishi Bhargava Class of 2023: NO CANDIDATE Class of 2022: Naci Konar-Steenberg SCREEN CAPTURE: SPA VIDEO Sophomores Tenzin Bawa and Maryeva Gonzalez give their speech for Upper School Council during a live streamed assembly May 18.
Newly elected leaders share a vision of outreach, originality for 20-21 year EVE SAMPSELL-JONES CHIEF VISUAL EDITOR
Student officer hopefuls took the Huss stage to share their vision for elected groups in the 2021 school year May 10. Class representative candidates delivered speeches to their grade level May 18.
C3 Juniors Katherine Bragg and Insley Graupman won the position of Committee for Community Conduct co-chairs. The group works to improve community guidelines and address cases of student trouble where there’s not a clear disciplinary response. “I’ve been on C3 since my sophomore yearso I was a class rep for two years and will be a co-president next year,” Bragg said, “and I’ve learned a lot about SPA’s specific community values.” Graupman said, “I have been on C3 since the end of 8th grade. I have learned that our community is pretty good at maintaining expectations, because there have not been very many cases during my time on the committee.”
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I WANT TO ALLOW MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL TO TAKE ON INITIATIVES THEY ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT. Sophie Cullen, USC co-President
Bragg and Graupman hope to have C3 work more with the Committee on Racism next year, in a similar vein as USC did this spring. However, they also have plans to make C3 more visible and interact with students more, whether they are in trouble or not. “Since most of the Elected/Selected and club groups will likely meet in person next year; we want to make our meetings with other members of our council fun and enjoyable and also gain more class representation as we had very few members this past year.” Bragg said. She added that “In terms of things C3 has done in the past (such as quarterly updates) we will likely continue this and plan for more things in the future.”
SAC Student Activities Committee is the group
CORRECTIONS POLICY Corrections are printed at the bottom of New p. 2. Corrections will be published in the month following the error and, if the story is also published online, will update following the online corrections policy.
behind keeping up morale. Most notably, they plan dances, a commodity lost due to COVID-19. SPA elected juniors Maggie Baxter and Ellie Murphy as SAC co-presidents to bring the fun back. “I have been in SAC since 9th grade and I’ve seen some different leadership styles,” Baxter said. “When you aren’t in a position, you mostly contribute by coming up with ideas so I’ve enjoyed doing that over the years.” They added, “I came up with the idea for corn shucking at the 2019 Homecoming Pep Fest and I’m pretty proud of that.” The new co-presidents want to make sure the committee doesn’t stick to the status quo. Baxter thinks that the end of the pandemic will be the perfect opportunity to revitalize events. “A lot of SAC events have been lame over the years due to a lack of new
ideas and people blindly sticking to boring traditions so I’m excited to switch that up and actually make the events fun and exciting for people.” Baxter said. “I think that this is a really ideal time to switch things up a bit with coming back from COVID. I’ve also had a lot of experience working with [the administration] so I think I’m prepared to push for some necessary changes.”
STC The Student Technology Committee, the newest and more hidden elected groups, hold an important role as student leaders nonetheless. This holds true for junior Will Sedo, the newly elected chair. “I joined STC as a class representative back in 2018, the first year that the committee existed. I’ve really enjoyed getting to define our role as a committee as we go along, setting up traditions and procedures for future STC members to continue to adapt.” Sedo said.
UPPER SCHOOL COUNCIL co-President: Sophie Cullen, Zekiah Juliusson co-Vice President: Tenzin Bawa, Maryeva Gonzalez Secretary: Olivia Szaj Treasurer: Orion Kim CLASS REPS 24: Henry Choi, Malachi Gross, Henry Hilton, Class of 2023: Clea Gaitas, Maya Sachs, George Peltier Class of 2022: Eleanor Smith, Isabella Tunney, Ceci Watson
STUDENT ELECTIONS continued on pg. 3
1 - News • Editorial is on page 4. 4-6 - Opinions • Bottom infographic should say “closure threshold changed to three-fifths” 7 - Health • Psychedelics infographic source: Johns Hopkins Medicine 11-13 - Sports • Lacrosse is misspelled in the headline on page 12. Charlotte is misspelled in the pull quote in the lacrosse story on page 12.
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NEWS THE RUBICON - MAY 2021 STUDENT ELECTIONS continued from pg. 2 “Our role is not as fixed as other committees—we don’t have specific obligations to complete or events to plan, so we are more free to focus on what we can do with technology and policy in our community,” he said. STC has worked on updating the upper school’s technology policies and has worked closely with the tech department, and plans to work more directly with the student
body in the near future. “I’m really hoping we can expand our role in helping clubs, affinity groups, and other student organizations create fantastic websites and general online presence. I’m excited to see what other projects we as a committee decide to take on. The Student Technology Committee can be whatever its members make it, and I’m sure next year will be another great one,” Sedo said.
USC The Upper School Council is central to SPA’s
upper school community. As the student body’s direct pipeline to administration, it’s important to elect effective officers. For the 2021-22 school year, SPA has placed its trust in juniors Sophie Cullen and Zekiah Juliusson. “I have been on The Upper School Council since I entered SPA in 9th grade,” Cullen said. “I was a student representative my freshman, sophomore, and junior years. “During my years at USC, I have learned a lot about how to work with others to achieve a common goal,” Cullen said.
USC has three representatives from each grade and four officers: a treasurer, a secretary, and either a president and vice president or co-presidents and vice co-presidents. They meet during the elected/selected x-period to discuss various things such as “budget requests, initiatives, concerns from the student body, [and] proposals” according to Cullen. Her ideas for this year include expanding vegan and vegetarian lunch options, continuing the Committee on Racism, offering more opportuni-
ties to express school spirit, and changing the format of the senior speech content warnings. “Going into the role of co-president, I hope to learn more about everyone on the council and their plans for USC this year,” Cullen said. “I want to allow members of the council to take on initiatives they are passionate about while providing them with the support they need to pursue their ambitions.” News leaders begin their roles right away.
DEI program expands with search for program specialist ARDEN LILLEMOE THE RUBICON
Intercultural Life 6-12 Middle/ Upper School Program Specialist Position Summary: St. Paul Academy and Summit School will be adding to the Office of Intercultural Life a passionate and knowledgeable individual to serve in the role of an Intercultural Life Middle/ Upper School Program Specialist (ILPS). This is a 10.5 month position. In this role, the ILPS will partner with and report to the Director of Intercultural Life to ensure support in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in student and community programming. Currently, DEI programming includes advisory curriculum, professional development, and leadership to support the recently launched defining diversity, equity and inclusion initiative.
Director of Intercultural Life Naomi Taylor and her search committee of faculty and MS and US administration are looking to hire a new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) staff member who will focus on Randolph Campus student life. “It’s going to be really nice to have a team of two,” Taylor said. The Intercultural Life Program Specialist will focus on student life on the Randolph campus. The position was developed based on feedback on the Defining Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion survey sent to families, faculty, and students in February. Every application gets looked through by each of the committee members to ensure that the new hire will fit with every grade. Though the school has not yet found a person for the job since is posted at the end of April, they have got a plan. The new DEI hire will ideally start before the end of the school year, but Taylor said that they want to make sure the person is the right fit, so it is more likely they will start around late July. The new hire’s first job will be to get to know students and, from there, they will work on larger community projects.
Currently, administration is getting back the data from the climate surveys. They plan on using those answers to gauge what SPA’s climate and environment is like and set goals to imI’M REALLY prove what they EXCITED FOR can from that. THIS PERSON Taylor believes TO BRING A SKILL hiring a new DEI will help get SET OF CULTURAL work done faster COMMUNITY and more effec- PROGRAMMING. tively. The hire will bring a new Naomi Taylor, perspective and Dir. of influence to the Intercultural DEI projects next Life year and will help make sure project decisions stay grounded: “I’m really excited for this person also to bring a skill set of some cultural community programming so that we can kind of have some of our own programming and such that students can see themselves as and feel connected with,” Taylor said. With more input, SPA strives for constant improvement to provide a more diverse and equitable community.
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Even as restrictions lift, safety protocols for fall remain uncertain ANNIE BAI
THE RUBICON
The anticipation of a new school year after a year of fluctuating schedules and ever changing health concerns brings questions: Will classes go back to 75-minute classes instead of 90? Will students still have to use the Magnus app every morning? Will masks still be required? Will there still be lunch dividers? Freshman Amalia Laguna thinks that mask guidelines should be kept: “I think it is a good idea to keep wearing masks mostly because of the new mutations that they’re finding,” she said. Those questions will have to wait because the administration continues to watch COVID-19 case
numbers, vaccine statistics, and CDC guidelines. The only confirmed answer so far came with the announcement Apr. 22 that the K-12 school will return to five days on campus. However, Mukeil Rizvi is not too excited about the return of the five day on campus schedule. “I think that this past year has shown how we can get just as much work done, with less stress, on a four-dayweek schedule than on a five-day week schedule,” said Rizvi. Jill Romans, the Assistant Head of School for Development and Community Engagement said, “I know there is interest in getting these questions answered now, but we will not be able
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY: Lilith Greene-Friedman In history classrooms known for Harkness Tables, students sit at desks, six feet apart, facing the OWL camera and smartboard. to answer [them] until the summer months when we have a more definitive understanding of the potential state of the pandemic for the start of school.” Many students have mentioned wanting to stop wearing masks but it definitely would be safer to wait until ev-
erything has been confirmed. Eliza Farley said that “I think I would want to keep wearing them until everything was completely over.” The athletic department, with an average of 10 teams a season and hundreds of games sched-
uled, will also be closely monitoring the situation. Director of Athletics Dawn Wickstrum said, “SPA will continue to follow the guidance of the MSHSL, CDC and Minnesota Dept. of Health. I imagine more changes are ahead and we will continue to push information on to families as we update it.” As of now, the administration has no answers for these coronavirus related questions. But fall, winter, and spring sports schedules have already been determined and can be found online on the MSHSL website. Until vaccines are approved for all ages on campus, at least, the current protocols will likely remain in place.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Europe to open borders to tourists Europe will soon be reopening its borders to fully vaccinated tourists from an approved list of COVID-19 “safe” countries. Under this policy, the hope is to eliminate any need for quarantining and have Europe cautiously return to a pre-COVID state. Although the decision was announced May 19, it has yet to be made official, and is expected to take effect soon.
House approves independent Capitol investigation The House approved a bill May 19 that would create a January 6 commission to conduct an independent investigation into the Capitol insurrection. The vote was 252-175, with 35 Republicans joining Democrats in support of founding the commission. This is significant in that both GOP leadership and former President Trump encouraged Republicans to vote against the bill. As it moves to the Senate supporters will need 10 Republicans to join the 50 Democrats in order for the bill to avoid filibuster and pass.
Safety commission proposes new response methods St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter’s public safety commision has devised a new system to deal with less urgent 911 calls. From cameras that detect traffic violations, to new ways of dealing with calls that require physical interaction, the committee has worked to ensure safer and more efficient responses to calls.
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EDITORIAL THE RUBICON - MAY 2021
OUR MISSION We strive to capture the spirit of the community through its stories while inspiring deeper conversations. Above all, we stand for integrity in our pursuit to inform and engage our readers.
THE RUBICON St. Paul Academy and Summit School 1712 Randolph Ave • St. Paul, MN 55105 rubicon.spa@gmail.com www.rubiconline.com • @TheRubiconSPA
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CHIEF VISUAL EDITOR NEWS EDITOR OPINIONS EDITORS GOOD QUESTION EDITOR IN DEPTH EDITOR FEATURE EDITOR A&E EDITOR SPORTS EDITOR INFOGRAPHICS
Salah Abdulkarim Eve Sampsell-Jones Hazel Waltenbaugh Maddy Fisher Colin Will, Columnist Annie Bai Hobbs Lillygreen Noa Gross Catherine Hooley Orion Kim Arden Lillemoe
VISUAL DIRECTOR RUBICON TV BEATS MANAGER
Elle Chen Elizabeth Trevathan Henry Burkhardt Ivy Raya Tommy Verhey
NEWS EDITOR OPINIONS EDITOR FEATURE EDITOR A&E EDITOR ARTS CRITIC SPORTS EDITOR
Lucy Murray Zekiah Juliusson Ali Browne Eliana Mann Mimi Huelster Alexandra Cardwell
CO- DIRECTOR OF ONLINE
ILLUSTRATOR
Kevin Chen
EDITORIAL CARTOON: Noa Gross GO FOR A RIDE. Biking is an excellent way to relieve stress and get outside. the staff 100% ofagree
TIRED OF A LIFE LIVED ON SCREEN?
Get into gear for summer EDITORIAL THE RUBICON STAFF
ADVISER
Kathryn Campbell, CJE PUBLICATIONS ASSISTANT
Megan Erickson
MEMBERSHIPS
Columbia Scholastic Press Association National Scholastic Press Association MN High School Press Association Quill and Scroll Honor Society
PUBLICATION AWARDS
NSPA All-American, Pacemaker CSPA Gold Medalist CSPA Crown Award Winner SNO Distinguished Site JEM All State Gold
What’s better than biking down a hill, wind blowing in your face, under the shining sun? Nothing. It’s the most invigorating feeling to effortlessly glide down the hill after a tiring trip up. However, the experience of biking may now seem long forgotten to many. For over a full year, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused global devastation. Safety regulations paired with the cold months of Minnesota weather and schoolwork have made it difficult to spend time outside. Going for a bike ride this summer is one of many COVID-smart activities to partake in; why not go for it? Biking can be done anywhere, anytime, and with very little risk of contracting COVID-19. The CDC updated its outdoor masking guidelines, suggesting that masks are not necessary outside as outdoor, unmasked transmissions of SARSCoV-2 have recently been very uncommon. A rapidly increasing percentage of the population, especially in Minnesota, have been at least partially vaccinated. According to mn.gov, a total of 4,885,672 vaccines have been administered as of May 16. This means the chances of infecDUST OFF YOUR BIKE, tion while biking outside are very low, and fear of infection should not be a deterring factor. THROW ON A HELMET, While many students will have a lot on their plates this summer, AND GO FOR A RIDE. it is important to take a break—after all, it is summer. Although it may seem counterintuitive, breaks are scientifically proven to improve focus and productivity. A 2012 experiment conducted by Mary Helen Immordino-Yang, a professor at the University of Southern California, and her colleagues at the Michigan Institute of Technology, suggests that breaks in the outside world promote new forms of mental processing. Therefore, taking a break to do something outside helps revitalize the brain and train it to think in new ways. There will always be more free time during the summer than during a school year, so take advantage of that time to reset, and come back to school with a refreshed, healthy mind. While there are other ways to spend time outdoors, biking is the one of the most beneficial, both mentally and physically. While sitting outside and enjoying the weather can certainly be a fun way to enjoy a break, most students have spent much of the past year inside and on a screen. By going for a bike ride, muscles are activated, and there are no computers involved. This gives the eyes a rest while providing exercise that is crucial to staying healthy. Not to mention, bikes are a great method of transportation, so a group bike ride with some friends to a fun destination couldn’t be easier. So what is there to lose by going for a bike ride? Don’t try to talk yourself out of it. Dust off your bike, throw on a helmet, and go for a ride.
OPINION THE RUBICON - MAY 2021
Diagnosis
destiny
HAZEL WALTENBAUGH son to why they may feel a certain way. This can THE RUBICON also neutralize elements Diagnosis labels can of self blame, and allow greatly impact the life- that individual to pursue style and identity of the the help they might need. patient. There are over However labels don’t ac200 classified neurologi- tually change who you cal disorders and mental are, so there shouldn’t illnesses: this can include be as much emphasis on depression, anxiety, social them. Oftentimes this catephobias, or any condition that might be affecting gorization discredits the the way someone is able fact that many disorders to function. An estimated fall on a spectrum, leadhalf of US adults receive a ing people to believe eimental diagnosis at some ther you have one or you point in their life, wheth- don’t. This idea can furer that be a temporary ther stigmatize mental or long term illness. Di- illnesses and neurologiagnosis labels can some- cal disorders, and make times be important, as it those who are labeled allows an individual to stuck in this categorizamake sense of their con- tion. It can also make it dition, providing a rea- more difficult for those
who aren’t yet labeled or diagnosed to feel the need to ask for help. Autism, for example, is not the same for everyone who is diagnosed with it; rather, it is a spectrum developmental condition that can dramatically differ from person to person. Labels don’t always capture the complexity that lies within such conditions, which is why it’s important to understand that while these labels can be useful, they shouldn’t act as a substitute for identity.
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ILLUSTRATION: Maddy Fisher Medical diagnoses are useful when it comes to treatment, but can often lead to a binary view of whether or not someone has a condition. read more health at the GOOD FOR YOU blog linked on
RUBICON online
Education alone doesn’t determine one’s life trajectory ANNIE BAI
THE RUBICON
ILLUSTRATION: Mimi Huelster By the time they’re teenagers, students are often faced with choices that will affect the course of their lives.
In today’s society, money is everything. Like the American novelist Gertrude Stein once said, “Whoever said money can’t buy happiness simply didn’t know where to go shopping.” People are always worried and thinking about their future, wondering if they will become rich and successful, go to a good college, or find a high-paying career. It has become common to think about these things, which makes sense seeing as this is portrayed as the whole purpose of school. But in a competitive environment like SPA, students experience incredible pressure to be the best in order to stand out. According to Newport Academy, an adolescent therapy program, “Many teens experience some degree of academic pressure. However, an uncertain economy and tough competition for college and graduate school make that pressure
worse.” High school and college students are at a great risk of developing mental illnesses caused by the immense weight of pressure to become successful and get into a good college. Students are asked to answer very important questions about their future in just 10th grade, and few are prepared to answer. It’s hard to decide
spread across many different career paths that don’t use all of what was learned in college. It is also more difficult to determine what to do in life when new career paths are constantly being created. Based on the statistics from the BLS, it is very common to be among the 79% of graduates that don’t use all of their ed-
STUDENTS ARE ASKED TO ANSWER VERY IMPORTANT QUESTIONS ABOUT THEIR FUTURE IN JUST TENTH GRADE. Annie Bai what to do with one’s life at 15 or 16 and students shouldn’t be expected to if it’s putting so much pressure on them. Students should know that it is completely okay to be unsure of what their future career will be. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that the average person changes jobs five to seven times in their life. Most of those jobs are
ucation in their careers. The best thing for students to do at this age is to just enjoy their time left before college and have fun with friends before they have to worry about things like career paths. Of course studies and grades are still important, but they shouldn’t be a huge weight dragging students down.
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is published eight times a year. We distribute 750 copies of each issue to the Upper School which are available for free.
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conducted interviews, drafted, revised and fact-checked an assigned story. Shared bylines are given to joint effort assignments, with reporters listed alphabetically by last name. Stories that include supplemental materials include a credit at the bottom that states
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EDITORIALS articulate the collective opinion of The Rubicon staff, while mini-editorials, opinions pieces, arts reviews, and columns belong to the author.
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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.
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OPINION THE RUBICON - MAY 2021
Proposed climate plan inspires hope BY THE NUMBERS
What do the goals set this month do for renewable energy?
11%
GOAL: net-zero carbon emissions economy-wide by
of US energy comes from renewables
2050
50-52%
reduction of greenhouse gas pollution by 2030
100%
COLUMNIST
COST:
$2 trillion
INFOGRAPHIC: Maddy Fisher, Colin Will SOURCES: White House Official Site, Vox NOA GROSS
THE RUBICON
When new presidents enter the Oval Office, they often make grand promises of change and improvement. From Trump’s uncompleted border wall to the continuing rise of health insurance premiums during the Obama administration, recent presidents have historically failed to follow through on some of their campaign promises. For President Biden, one of the largest cornerstones of his campaign was commitment to reducing carbon dioxide emissions and working to find a realistic but speedy solution to the issue of climate change. With only five months under his belt, Biden has so far made good on his
promise to work towards a greener tomorrow. From his first day in office, Biden took action to counteract some of the harmful climate policies enacted under the Trump administration. Most notably, Biden’s primary agenda items in January included rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement, which President Trump had backed out of, and halting the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, approved under the Trump administration. Since then, Biden has also unveiled a two trillion dollar plan in March that established funds and blueprints for improving America’s infrastructure and green energy capacity. As the saying goes, actions do speak louder than words, and Biden’s
policies inspire confidence, or at the very least optimism, in his commitment to reducing the impacts of climate change. Though his agenda seems focused on passing legislation to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, the structure of American government does not allow him to make decisions alone. Part of the reason for past presidents’ failures to follow through on all their campaign promises (and especially promises on climate reform), is that in order to enact legislation, there needs to be compromise between the Oval Office and Congress. When presidents have lacked a majority in either the House of Representatives or the Senate, they are usually forced to compromise or abandon legislation, but
azon for corrupting the results by union-busting, and the case is still waiting to be heard. However, the reason the union did not go through was not entirely due to corruption, as what the work-
they believed Amazon’s conditions and wages required alteration but that a union was not the correct way to go about getting those changes, likely because a union can create even more worry over the workers’ jobs. Even though workers cannot legally be fired or demoted for unionizing, there are still loopholes that large companies have used in the past and are still using today to get around this, so many workers still feel as though they are risking their job or pay by joining a union. The only way to find a solution Amazon workers want without unnecessary risk is something between unionization and corporate control. If this “something” were in existence, the union efforts would likely not have been started or thought needed, and there would also be
for Biden it’s not as much of a problem. In 2021, the Democratic party controls the Oval Office, the House, and the Senate (though there is technically an even split in the Senate, Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris holds the tie-breaker vote).
the President informed the media that should he need to, he was willing to push forward with his infrastructure plan with or without Republican help. Given all the information, Biden’s proposed legislation, Democratic control of Congress, and America’s return to the
BIDEN’S POLICIES INSPIRE CONFIDENCE, OR AT THE VERY LEAST OPTIMISM, IN HIS COMMITMENT TO REDUCING THE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE.
Noa Gross
During his campaign, Biden vowed to work to achieve bi-partisan support. However, on Wednesday May. 13, after meeting with senior Republican congressmen,
Paris Climate Agreement, it is not naïve to think that real progress on the climate change issue will come from the Biden administration.
What does Amazon’s failure to unionize say about work? ARDEN LILLEMOE THE RUBICON
Amazon workers attempted to form a union this spring, saying that Amazon’s working conditions were inhumane.
THE ONLY WAY TO FIND A SOLUTION AMAZON WORKERS WANT WITHOUT UNNECESSARY RISK IS SOMETHING BETWEEN UNIONIZATION AND CORPORATE CONTROL. Arden Lillemoe
The vote in Alabama ended as a loss for the union, with 1,798 votes against and only 738 votes supporting. Roughly half of the workers in the warehouse voted, but the results were clear and the proposal rejected. A few of the workers who pushed for the union filed a case against Am-
ers need isn’t full union power or full corporate power. What the workers need to advocate for is something in the middle, where they can be comfortable voicing their opinions while protecting their livelihood. The vote is telling. Many of the workers who voted against said that
ILLUSTRATION: Mimi Huelster Amazon workers should attempt to compromise with the corporation and create opportunity for open discussion. much easier discussion over conditions between corporate and workers. The issue is this “something” has not been created yet, and will likely require the effort of both workers and corporate to be created. If Amazon found a way for workers to make decisions on conditions, possibly in the form of a worker’s committee that works hand-in-hand with corporate as a bridge, there likely would be a
EXPLORING LOCAL POLITICS WITH COLIN WILL
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carbon pollutionfree electricity by 2035
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Senators, don’t close the parks
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lot of change with a little conflict. If workers and people in corporate presented an idea of how to discuss worker’s rights collectively, it might be the solution they’re all searching for. While a union is not what the workers ultimately needed at Amazon, it was a stepping stone in understanding what truly is required for the furthering of workers’ rights.
In a recent protest against the Walz Administration’s policies, Minnesota Senate Republicans have threatened to block tens of millions of dollars in environmental funding if a rule requiring distribution of electric vehicles (EVs) in Minnesota is issued. This is an irresponsible, destructive, and reprehensible example of poor leadership. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), which proposed the rule and has authority to issue it, would indeed require up to 7% of vehicles sold in Minnesota to be electric between 2025 and 2034, by an MPCA estimate. This regulation will likely not go very far on its own in the fight against climate change. However, the outsized response that Republican senators have proposed to this halfway measure would be catastrophic. The group of senators, led by Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen, R-Alexandria, have committed to block funding for various environmental programs if the rule is issued. This would mean the statewide closure of state parks in July, just when Minnesotans are vying to get outside and enjoy nature. It would also mean funding cuts to departments that protect and celebrate the state’s natural beauty, such as the Department of Natural Resources, the Minnesota Zoo, and programs fighting chronic wasting disease in Minnesota’s vital deer population. Ingebrigtsen’s excuse for this is that the rule would require dealerships to purchase vehicles that are not profitable and for which there is no market. While this may be true, it does not excuse the destruction of the habitat of every Minnesotan. By threatening to close state parks and tear down the programs that keep our state beautiful, Republican senators have shown a complete disregard for their constituents and everything that the government is supposed to stand for.
GOOD QUESTION THE RUBICON - MAY 2021
SPA Q&A WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WILD PLACE IN THE UNITED STATES?
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ILLUSTRATION :Kevin Chen
YOSEMITE IS MY FAVORITE BECAUSE OF ITS EXCELLENT HIKING TRAILS AND PICTURESQUE VALLEY.
Ryan Jacobs, junior
WE ARE THE WORLD. Joe Biden has committed, through public statements and new policies, to clean up the planet.
Is Biden’s environmental plan realistic?
Immediately after entering the Oval Office this January, President Biden took a sharp turn from the previous administration’s climate policy by rejoining the Paris climate agreement that the United States left in 2017. Now that the Biden Administration has committed both to conserve 30% of America’s land and cut emissions in half by 2030, it’s worth taking a look back at what environmental and climate policy the country already has in place, how Biden’s plan is different, and what the future may hold. On May 6, the White House unveiled its “America the Beautiful” plan to conserve 30% of America’s land by 2030. The plan makes use of grassroots support through its “Civilian Climate Corps” program, and emphasizes the participation of local producers in the conservation of the land they use. COLIN WILL
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LAND CONSERVATION
REDWOOD FOREST BECAUSE THE TREES LOOK NICE. Calvin He, sophomore
LAKE SUPERIOR IS MY FAVORITE IN THE WINTER BECAUSE THEY GET GIANT ICE CHUNKS AND ITS SUPER COOL. Amalia Laguna, freshman
“These goals are really great and important for the future of human life on Earth,” said junior Harry Mahmic. “This is amplified by the fact that the US is so influential in the global community and can influence change for the better in many other countries as well as domestically,” he said. It’s not clear exactly what land will I REALLY DON’T THINK THERE IS count as “conserved,” but it will certainly ANOTHER OPTION. AREAS AROUND count the 12% of America’s land that the U.S. Geological Survey finds is already THE WORLD ARE CURRENTLY contained in wildlife refuges, national EXPERIENCING THE DEVASTATIONS OF parks, and national monuments. These distinctions, dating back over THE CLIMATE CRISIS, AND IT WILL ONLY a hundred years, cover much of the fedGET WORSE. I’M NOT SURE OF THE eral land that Americans get to appreciLOGISTICS IN REDUCING EMISSIONS BY ate today. Wildlife refuges and national parks are both off-limits to hunting and 50%, BUT IT HAS TO BE DONE. extractive activities, and are dedicated to Siri Pattison, freshman the purposes of maintaining biodiversity and recreation respectively. While national parks are created to protect natural beauty, national monuments are areas that the president has decided are of sufficient cultural significance to be off-limits to mining and similar economic activities. There are two national monuments in Minnesota: Grand Portage and Pipestone. Grand Portage was an important site in the history of the fur trade, and Pipestone is one of only three places in the world where the namesake soft red stone, used in the production of ceremonial pipes in many Native American cultures, is quarried. Pipestone is a special case because quarrying is still allowed, but only by members of Native American tribes; this is to prevent depletion of the store.
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CLIMATE POLICY
MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT TAYLOR FALLS IS THE GEOLOGY: THE BEDROCK CLIFF FACES AND SANDSTONE BLUFFS. Davyd Barchuk, junior
President Biden’s commitment to halve emissions in less than ten years is particularly historic because the United States has no major federal law directly addressing climate change or limiting emissions of greenhouse gasses. The Environmental Protection Agency does have the power to limit greenhouse gas emissions, but it has only had this power since 2007, when a Supreme Court decision ruled that its power to regulate pollutants applied to greenhouse gasses as well. (The EPA was granted this authority by the Clean Air Act in 1970, before anthropogenic climate change was the scientific consensus.) Biden’s new plan isn’t a law regarding climate change; rather, it’s a commitment made by the United States as part of the Paris climate agreement. Each signatory of the pact was required to reveal what is called a “nationally determined contribution,” or NDC, by 2020, though the United States missed this deadline by a few months. An NDC is a nation’s plan for how much its emissions will be cut in ten years and how that will be accomplished. Biden claimed that the 50-52% cut in emissions by 2030 would set the United States on track to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. The Biden Administration claimed it would reach its goals by promoting green power sources, energy-efficient homes and buildings, electric vehicles, and carbon sinks. In addition to improving energy efficiency, “I think that in order to reach net-zero emissions, the US will have to shift its culture of individualism, which may be a difficult process with a lot of opposition,” Pattison said.
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iS is the pRice pRiCe Right? RighT? Spend the money. It’s good for the economy. Have you ever thought about how your daily habits impact the economy? It’s through a process called consumerism. Consumerism involves a customEDITOR IN CHIEF er who “consumes” products or services in order to gain satisfaction or benefit. To some extent, every person is a contributor to consumerism. Buying certain products such as groceries, services, clothing, electronics, coffee and much more are essential to most, and also effectively creates large economic benefits. However, online shopping for non-essential items has recently become more popular. Advertisements on websites, social media, platforms such as YouTube, and others, have made it easier for sellers to get their products in the hands of consumers. However, it also exists outside the internet, a customer could CONSUMERISM see a product on display at a store and it could catch their attention, leading them to purchase it. For consumers, buying these items can make COMPLETELY their lives easier, or more entertaining. Other involved parties, such as: the seller, the manufacturer, the government, and any others all stand SHAPES THE to gain profit in some way from every sale. As a product may begin to ENVIRONMENT increase in demand, manufacturers and sellers are able to produce and sell more inventory. AROUND US. “I think consumerism completely shapes the environment around us Alex Moore, junior because it has a lot to do with what we interact with and there’s a lot more products around us, because of the culture of consumption,” junior Alex Moore said. Data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis reports that personal consumption accounted for nearly 70% of the national GDP in 2019. “Consumerism has a lot to do with the health of the economy and the ability of small businesses to survive, which I don’t think many would be without a culture of consumption, it’s sustaining markets that are otherwise unsustainable...Many many decades ago, maybe 100 years ago, consumerism was not such a force in the economy, but now consumerism is the norm,” Moore said. Consumerism has become a vital component to the U.S. economy. People and businesses have adapted to the consumption of goods, both essential and non-essentials, in a manner that benefits the involved parties.
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’s y? It nom mero c e e ct th m. Consu ucts 2021 mpa i ris od s e t i ab sum umes” pr beneh n y o l i c a s d d r n e l o o do “c n cal r How a process mer who atisfactio ntributo s o o s t c h a s n g i a u throu volves a c der to ga erson is ucts such d n p d r n a ism i vices in o nt, every rtain pro s, coffee ece c e r i c t e n x e s g e o r o ff in or some ism. Buy ing, elect t, and als o T . h r s e o fit ot to m es, cl tial s. nsum to co ies, servic essential ic benefit on- essen ern r e e dv groc more ar e econom ing for lar. A rms u p g p r o h p re p a, platfo er muc creates la ine sho i e mo si nl tively ever, o ly becom cial med ade it ea of w t o o m s n d H e , ce n s as re websites thers, hav n the ha e inh s item nts on do cts i utside th lay e e, an rodu tisem s YouTub t their p o exists o ct on disp da a e u ls such lers to g ever, it a e a prod ention, le ng l t i e t e w s y s a o u d r r fo s, b ore rs. H er coul tch thei r e e m m consu , a custom could ca or consu ier, or m F s t t terne ore and i chase it. ir lives ea r t e s u at a em to p make th h ing t items can e thes
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PRODUCTION CREATES JOBS
When businesses grow, the economy improves
INFOGRAPHIC: Eve Sampsell-Jones SOURCE: Our World in Data
INFOGRAPHIC: Salah Abdulkarim SOURCE: Department of Labor Statistics
nk before you spend. Saving money can save the planet.
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Consumerism has origins dating back into the 17th century; it’s been a common ideology ever since the industrial revolution propelled the widespread lifestyle. The idea that humans should be motivated in life to buy material items has been engraved into the minds of humans throughout their lifetimes, but now that idea is being questioned. Anti-consumerism, an ideology directed against consumerism, is the belief that consumerism has negative effects on everyone and everything. Lately, the burning question in the media is: what ethical lines do companies have to cross in order to achieve financial success? It focuses on issues like poor working conditions, low quality products, resource depletion, and consumer drawbacks. Because of the mass production required for companies to continue to supply products, many companies set a goal to make the most product for the least amount of money. Since so many industries are heavily competitive, most companies do whatever they can to spend less money, even if it’s harmful to their employees and products. For companies looking to decrease expenses, many times it results in outsourcing. Outsourcing is the process of companies using labor workers in more impoverished countries to make their products at reduced wages to increase revenue: “When I look at a lot of my clothes or anything in my room, it usually says ‘made in [insert third world country]’ which I find concerning sometimes,” sophomore Finn Sullivan said. For the workers this means minimal working wages, an unhealthy work environment, long hours, and—in extreme—forced or child labor. According to the International Labour Organization, approximately 2.3 million people around the world die from work related incidents annually. Consumerism also poses issues for the environment. A study from the Journal of Industrial Ecology showed that the things humans consume are responsible for about 60 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. The fashion industry alone uses 1.5 trillion liters of water annually, just for 14 millions tons of those clothes to be thrown
away each year. Companies trying to meet consumer demands over produce and the excess product wasted. When products are wasted, so are the earth’s resources. Not only are excess materials wasted, the process of making items is extensive and has harsh environmental impact. Air is polluted, trees are cut down, water is contaminated, and more. “I know that industries involving heavy production negatively impact the environment, but it’s like a never ending loop; there’s no way to avoid consuming,” freshman Kate Jacobs said. The easy solution would be to consume less so companies produce less. But humans are attached to the notion IT’S A that material items will make them happy, which is provNEVER ENDING en to be false. Spending in many cases is a coping mechanism in disLOOP; THERE’S NO guise. It’s easy to think when life gets hard, buy a new pair WAY TO AVOID of shoes, but the problem with this is that it only results in an temporary attitude boost. After the time of exciteCONSUMING. ment over the new item has expired, humans revert back Kate Jacobs, to how they originally felt, just with less money in the freshman bank account. “When I buy things, it makes me excited for about a week, and then I just get bored again and want to buy more,” sophomore Riley Erben said. Many times consumerism results in credit card debt or unpaid bills. The continual need for more possessions to make a person happy is proven to result in longer term unhappiness because of the developed codependency. Overconsumption is a problem that most people in the world face, and the effects of a society that is built on consumerism are inescapable as of now, even for the people who actively advocate and practice anti-consumerism. Many people don’t realize the extent to which they feed into this hidden, destructive, ideology, but it is evident that the world is seeing a movement of change.
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10 In a year of new, freshman learn how FEATURE
THE RUBICON - MAY 2021
to adapt to (ever-present) change ORION KIM
While most students start the year orienting to their classes and finding their lockers, the Class of 2024 learned about life in the upper school one schedule change at a time. Safety precautions made perIT HAS BEEN sonal interactions hard, especially REALLY HARD for students new to the school. Being introduced to a more rigorous THIS YEAR... workload and making friends are WITH COVID-19 complex enough tasks on their AND SWITCHING own, but this year added layers and FROM IN-PERSON layers of complexity. TO DISTANCE “Distanced learning made the start of high school difficult, espeLEARNING cially since I was new to the school,” MULTIPLE freshman Rowan Hofmann said. TIMES. Hofmann, and many students Audrey like him, overcame challenges and Senaratna, managed to fit in and make new freshman friends. Whether chatting in the grade Discord server or joining sports teams, students, new and returning, got creative in the ways they connected with their peers and formed meaningful friendships, despite the physical distance that separated them. Although being a new student can add to the stress of high school, many students who already attended THE RUBICON
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SPA before their freshman year still found the transition hard. Audrey Senaratna, a student who joined the community in sixth grade, has found high school to be a difficult but exciting challenge. “There has definitely been more work and higher expectations held for me as a high schooler versus when I was in middle school,” she said. “It has been really hard this year for everyone with COVID-19 and switching from in-person to distance learning multiple times… But I’m proud of myself for making the most of it.” Much like Senaratna, many freshmen slowly learned to take all the obstacles this year posed in stride. Bassit Mahmood, who started kindergarten at the lower school, has tried to make the most of his freshman year. “There’s obviously a lot more homework this year and classes in general are just more difficult… [but I’m proud] of finding the balance between sports and school: I’ve been doing soccer, and tennis as well as school, and I’ve been able to manage time really well this year,” he said. Starting new is always a big change, whether students are new to SPA or have been here for years, but the pandemic made it harder. The class of 2024 rose to the challenge and has shown resilience in the face of adversity.
Retail/Sales 13.8%
Other 20.5%
SO, WHAT KIND OF WORK DO YOU DO? The most frequently cited reasons for having a job in high school: #1. earning spending money, #2. learning money management, and #3. saving for college.
ON THE JOB
While 18% of students report having a job all year, the vast majority of students who work only work in the summer. 50 40 30 20
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He taught me to have a good balance of having fun but doing work well. - Ford Reedy She did a really good job of telling how midterms were going to work. - Anja Seifert The most important things Michael taught me were probably time management skills. - John Christakos
watch the video at
RUBICON online
The merits and drawbacks of teen employment EVE SAMPSELL-JONES CHIEF VISUAL EDITOR
Food Service 24.1%
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My mentor was Rashmi and she taught me some great studying strategies. - Ayla Rivers
Working for the summer
Landscaping 13.8%
Childcare 13.8%
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WHAT DID THE CLASS OF 24 LEARN FROM THE CLASS OF 21
INFOGRAPHICS: Noa Gross SOURCE: survey of students, grades 9-12 with 10% of students responding
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be not in the school year but in the summer.” Liljedahl said. “It can be a really good way to learn skills that will be important in future jobs, like talking to customers, learning how to operate a shop, and being in a work environment.” However, jobs can be incredibly time-consuming and fatiguing, reducing the time students spend on hobbies and self-care during the short while they have away from hectic class schedules. When asked about possible drawbacks of having a job during the summer, Overgaard said, “There is less time to spend with family and friends or to chill over the summer”. Despite the many benefits and few drawbacks brought by summer employment, the percent of students who have jobs has been falling for the last few decades. According to the Pew Research Center, the rate of 16-19 year olds who had a summer job was 51.7% in 2000. That value hit an all time low during the Great Recession, and today’s number is sitting at around 34.6%. There are many possible causes for this, such as the school year becoming longer, summer community service, unpaid internships, and summer classes. Though the percentage of students who are employed has been falling, the benefits of having a job as a teen are still very real and helpful. It encourages students to get real world job experience in a “trial run” of sorts before they truly enter the job market. This can be crucial for SPA students- leaving the bubble of privilege we’re in and encountering the real world of work.
IT CAN BE A REALLY GOOD WAY TO LEARN SKILLS THAT WILL BE IMPORTANT IN FUTURE JOBS.
Summer is just around the corner, and for high school students there is no shortage of possible activities to fill up their schoolfree schedule. Many students take this opportunity Sila Liljedah, to get a summer job for freshman the chance to build their work ethic, responsibility, and create a sense of financial independence. “I’m working at a store called Tennis on Selby this summer, and I’ve gone in there a lot in the past because I play tennis and I also love the store,” sophomore Sila Liljedahl said. “One time I was there, the owner asked me how old I was and if I would be interested in working there, and now that I’m sixteen, it just kind of worked out.” Freshman Connor Overgaard chose to work in the yard care business, rather than retail. “I mow lawns around my neighborhood…[and I’m] also looking to be a Golf Caddie at North Oaks Golf Club,” said Overgaard. There are many benefits to having a job as a teenager. Jobs can teach young people important financial, social, and time management skills. During the school year jobs can hurt a student’s academic performance if they don’t have enough time to devote to homework, a problem that is solved when students work over the summer. Summer jobs also decrease incidents of violence in high schoolers, especially among underprivileged students. “I think it can be important for high school students to have jobs if it’s accessible to them and they have time, may-
FEATURE THE RUBICON - MAY 2021
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What we’ve learned... what we’ll miss... CATHERINE HOOLEY THE RUBICON
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The Class of 2021 aren’t the only people officially leaving campus. Over the course of the year, a dozen faculty members made the decision to move on: (US English) Emily Anderson, Matt Hoven, Philip de Sa e Silva, Megan Erickson, Claire Wahmanholm, (Design Lab) Kirsten Hoogenakker, (German) Jutta Crowder, (Math), Mary Lincoln, Paula Grossman, (Science) Sam Hinh, (Wellness) Will Johnson, and US Principal Max Delgado announced their plans and some have already left. Below are a collection of quotes from faculty who will finish out their time at SPA as this school year ends.
What I have cherished is the incredible energy and inquisitive questions and power that the students bring to their studies. It’s been awesome to be working with students who are so interested and gifted and talented, and to see the students who I teach as beginners walk away from SPA with proficiency in German. Jutta Crowder
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I learned how to be a better teacher. I learned that through colleagues and groups I worked with in the faculty... What makes a school like SPA so special is that we get to work with other faculty and we have some of the smartest, most thoughtful and creative people. Through collegial work and time together I really feel challenged and motivated to do what I do, and do it really well. Mary Lincoln
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Through all the teams I coached and classes I taught, I learned that teaching and coaching young people is what I’m supposed to be doing with my life. It’s a really cool feeling, finally knowing what you’re passionate about, and my time around all the students at SPA made me realize that.
Will Johnson
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One of the greatest lessons I learned is that nothing will go completely as planned (like the year 2020), but you can make the best of any situation and emerge stronger and more resilient.
Megan Erickson
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I think the thing I’m going to miss the most is the connections I’ve made with students, and with teachers and with the administrative team…some of the best people I’ve ever worked with I have found here.
Max Delgado
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Any memory of laughing with students is a fond memory. I can’t tell you how many times students made me laugh until I cried.
Philip de Sa e Silva
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I think it’s fun teaching kids, having pretty rowdy classrooms, those are the fun days... but usually what I enjoy the most is the banter, when you just walk across the halls... So I think that would be the most memorable thing: the weird conversations that I have just walking places.
Sam Hinh
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT THE RUBICON - MAY 2021
Pitch a tent. Escape at a nearby campsite.
WHERE TO CAMP
Lebanon Hills Regional Park 12100 Johnny Cake Ridge Rd, St Paul, MN 55124 dakotacounty.us 651-480-7773 Cleary Lake Regional Park 18106 Texas Park Ave, Prior Lake MN 55372 threeriversparks.org 763-694-7777 Lake Auburn 7290 Victoria Dr, Victoria, MN 55386 threeriversparks.org 763-694-1112 Rice Creek 7373 Main St, Centerville, MN 55038 anokacounty.us 763-324-3340 Lake Elmo Park Reserve 1515 Keats Ave N, Lake Elmo, MN 55042 Co.washington. mn.us 651-430-8370
MADDY FISHER THE RUBICON
With the pandemic putting a stop to most forms of summer vacation, aspiring travelers have turned towards a safer, socially distanced option: camping. In the past year, interest in camping in the U.S. has skyrocketed. Kampgrounds of America, the largest system of privately held campgrounds in the world, reported that the number of first-time campers in 2020 was more than five times that of the amount in 2019. Of the 10.1 million new campers in 2020, 7.7 million attributed their motivations for camping to the pandemic. According to Kampgrounds of America, the isolation of the last year also inspired an increase in exploration; campers in 2020 were more likely to venture farther from home. Participants were far more likely to associate camping trips with physical and mental health benefits, possibly due to uncertainty and
loneliness generated by the pandemic. Though interest in camping has recently risen, many SPA students have been camping for years. Junior Sarah Oppenheim grew up camping with her father. “It teaches you that you can do more on your own than you think,” she said. “You’re always dirty, your hair gets greasy really fast, and the food’s pretty limited. But the challenges make it better because the smaller things are more exciting.” Sophomore Soren Miller has had a similar experience; often camping with family or friends. “I like the exploring aspect of it,” he said. “There’s an element of unknown. It’s going out into someplace you don’t know and exploring it. Camping is a way to get away from your usual daily routine and see a lot of new and interesting interactions and things.” Both Miller and Oppenheim had a few tips for new campers. “It’s important to make sure that you have
ILLUSTRATION: Catherine Hooley Camping has provided American households with a safe vacation option. With the pandemic restricting travel, the amount of people participating in camping has increased drastically. everything you need before you leave; make sure you triple check it, because once you get all the way up to where you’re camping, you can’t go back,” Miller said. “One time I went camping in the winter and I forgot my winter jacket.” Miller also recommended bug netting (mesh that protects against insects) and a raincoat. Oppenheim suggested new campers take their time and build up experience. “Start easy. A lot of people try camping and go crazy, trying to do a backpacking trip or something and they immediately hate camp-
ing,” she said. “Start with things like car camping and work your way up.” Oppenheim also advised newer campers to do research before setting out, citing online articles and checklists as a good place to begin. REI’s camping checklist (a part of their Intro to Camping article series) can be a helpful resource for newer campers. Though tents and sleeping bags are obvious requirements, it can be easy to overlook the importance of other materials like a clothesline or dish towels. While gear and other practical tips composed much of Miller’s advice,
he stressed the importance of being willing to explore. “The whole point of going camping is that you’re leaving civilization, you’re going out into the wilderness,” Miller said. “I feel like it’s important, if you’re going on any sort of camping trip, to venture beyond your comfort zone.” As the pandemic continues to determine summer planning, the outdoors could be an answer—whether with friends or family, camping can be a fun, safe, and sustainable activity.
FOOD REVIEW
With Izzie’s gone, Nellie’s fills cones with a scoop COLIN WILL
THE RUBICON
Nelson’s Ice Cream, with locations in Stillwater and St. Paul, has been a Minnesota institution for nearly a century. Now, the storied sweet shop is branching out into new territory with Nellie’s Ice Cream and Custom Ice Cream Sandwiches, a new sister location on Marshall Avenue in St. Paul. Located where the original Izzy’s Ice Cream storefront stood until last year, Nellie’s takes a different approach to the role of the neighborhood ice cream parlor. Izzy’s big draw was its variety of unusual but delicious flavors that customers could stack in a cone or cup, punctuated by a smaller “Izzy Scoop” for those flavors you don’t want
a lot of but just have to try. Nellie’s, on the other hand, shares Nelson’s attitude that quantity can go hand in hand with quality and focuses on coziness and familiarity over experimentation. Nellie’s draws its flavors from the same custom-churned selection that Nelson’s does, so loyal customers of the latter can find their favorite signature flavors, like “Almond Joy” and “C is for Cookie,” at the newer parlor. The menu, though sizable, is smaller than Izzy’s and only rotates flavors once a month, but this is a strength rather than a weakness—it allows repeat customers to find a few flavors they like and stick with them, without feeling like they have to try every unique-sounding ice
cream on the menu before it disappears. The two sister shops may share flavors and a penchant for stacking scoops ludicrously high, but Nellie’s does have a signature sell of its own: a variety of large cookies, which can either form the base and top of a custom ice cream sandwich, or be placed in a cup as part of a “cookie sundae.” (Those averse to mixing food, don’t fret; Nellie’s also sells its cookies separately.) The delicious cookie selection pairs surprisingly well with the ice cream, and the sandwiches aren’t as messy as one might expect. Taking the option to put your ice cream sandwich in the hot press is a must; it goes a long way to soften up the cookies, which contributes to ease of eating.
THE RUBICON PHOTO: Colin Will Standing where Izzy’s used to, Nellie’s illuminated storefront brightens up the Merriam Park West neighborhood. Much like its sister store, Nellie’s Ice Cream is a great place to go in search of the familiar. It’s a great place for weekly gatherings, dates and group celebrations, and could easily become a centerpiece of the community. It’s also worth
returning to again and again to find the perfect combination of cookie, ice cream flavor, and topping out of literally thousands of possible orders. Though it offers a different experience than Izzy’s did, Nellie’s fill its big shoes with ease.
RATING: 5/5
NELLIE’S ADDRESS: 2034 Marshall Ave, St. Paul. MN 55104
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT THE RUBICON - MAY 2021
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Paisley Park pays homage to Minnesota legend COLIN WILL
THE RUBICON
In 1986, Chanhassen rock legend Prince Rogers Nelson released a single entitled “Paisley Park.” In it, he envisioned a place of love and peace, where the worries of life fade away. The very next year, his dream was realized. On September 11, 1987, Paisley Park was opened, a ten million dollar passion project that was at once home and state-of-the-art studio. For decades, Prince used Paisley Park as his base of operations in the Twin Cities area, recording there such albums as Lovesexy and Diamonds and Pearls. After his death in 2016, the estate was converted into a museum a la Graceland, as per Prince’s wishes. Now, five years later, the museum is still offering guided tours, which offer a unique look at who Prince was and why this place meant so much to him. Paisley Park is composed of three main sections: Prince’s onetime home, dominated by a central atrium; a business place, which includes three recording studios and an enormous sound stage; and the NPG [New Power Generation] Mu-
sic Club, where Prince would host spontaneous events for anyone able to show up on a day’s notice. The “Paisley Experience,” as the website bills the tour, starts in the atrium. Apart from a few closets being turned into display cases and several offices being turned into exhibits, “Prince’s living room” remains mostly unchanged from when he last inhabited it. Thanks to his heavy involvement in the architectural process, and his unfailing ability to reveal a bit of himself in everything he did, the atrium serves as an exhibit to Prince’s personality best when largely untouched. Paisley Park effectively cultivates two feelings in the visitor: intimacy and respect. To create a feeling of intimacy between the visitor and Prince, the museum does a good job preserving that lived-in feeling; a telephone and a copy of the Yellow Pages are sequestered in an alcove, and a Minnesota Lynx game is playing on Prince’s television. Meanwhile, those parts of the museum that make no attempt to resemble what they looked like during his life, like the dance hall that now serves as an exhibit to Prince’s 1984 film Purple Rain, take every opportunity to engender
THE RUBICON PHOTO: Colin Will Purple light covers the performance stage at Paisley Park in Chanhassen, creating a magnetic and calming musical environment. Even five years after his death, it’s possible to envision him performing here. respect for the late musician. His creative prowess, defiance of convention, and anti-racist advocacy are conveyed through scraps of his writing, videos of his performances, and dozens of his most flamboyant ensembles, many of which were born of his imagination. The NPG Music Club, once full of hubbub and life, now only seldom hosts events. The most thriving parts of Paisley Park are the wood-paneled recording studios and the sprawling sound
stage, which continue to be used by musicians and advertisers alike. The tour ends, quite spectacularly, with a montage of clips from Prince’s live performances projected on the sound stage wall—the closest one can get to a Prince show in 2021. Though there is a strict no-photographs policy throughout most of the tour, there is an exception for the sound stage. Perhaps the museum wants visitors to have something to take home with them, one last me-
mento of the spectacular man who affected so many lives. The hallway in Paisley Park that adjoins the recording studios is dominated by a huge mural, covering most of one side, which Prince called the “Influence Wall.” On the right side of the mural are artists who influenced him in some way, people like Jimi Hendrix and James Brown. On the left side are artists he felt he influenced, primarily his protégé bands, such as The Family and The
Revolution. In the center is Prince himself, emanating rays of light like the sun. It’s a reminder that Prince didn’t just make art, he inspired it. Five years after his death, Paisley Park carries on that legacy. Tickets are available on-site or at www.paisleypark.com. PAISLEY PARK ADDRESS: 7801 Audubon Rd, Chanhassen, MN 55317
Picnicking lets students take advantage of improving weather NOA GROSS
THE RUBICON
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY: Pah Na Pah Na and Sam Rawdon show off their picnic skills while staying COVID safe. “We have to wear masks now, and when we consider the foods that we want to eat, they have to be COVID safe… In our most recent picnic, each person got their own little fruit tray so we didn’t have to share the same food,” Na said.
The arrival of spring in Minnesota is always a much-anticipated event. Though the weather is still often unpredictable, the promise of (somewhat) warmer days is enticing for all. Especially for groups trying to social distance, the possibility of utilizing the outdoors to see friends and loved ones is considered a major plus of the springtime weather. Freshman Siri Pattison spoke about her favorite aspects of picnicking. “Packing up your food in cute little boxes, seeing my friends, playing music, and being outside in the sun,” Pattison said. For anyone in the process of planning a COVID-safe picnic, there are checklist items that will make the overall experience much more enjoyable. First and foremost is safety. Pah Na is
a junior who has recently picked up the habit of picnicking.
LIKE TO “ ICOOK...
AND BRING LEMONADE AND WE ALL JUST HAVE A POTLUCK. IT’S SUPER CUTE. Ellie DawsonMoore, junior
“We have to wear masks now, and when we consider the foods that we want to eat, they have to be COVID safe… In our most recent picnic, each person got their own little fruit tray so we didn’t have to share the same food. There’s a
little bit more distance between us, and less close contact,” Na said. Whether that means making individual lunches at home, or stopping into a market en route, ensuring that items are individually packaged is a small change that makes everything just slightly safer. The next step in the picnic planning process is choosing a location. In the past, it was as simple as randomly showing up to your favorite park or lake, but now, putting a little research in beforehand to make sure that there is ample space for everyone to spread out makes finding a safe spot that much easier. The other thing that hasn’t changed, is the fact that in Minnesota, spring doesn’t mean summer weather. Regardless of if it’s sunny all week or snowing every day, always check the weather
before leaving the house to picnic, But the extra pre-planning and precaution don’t detract from the overall experience. From swimming to hiking and frisbee, all the favorite picnic activities are still doable and enjoyable. Junior Ellie Dawson-Moore still loves the experiences that picnicking brings. “I love picnics, preCOVID I did them a lot too. I like making food for people, I like to cook pasta, make brownies, and bring lemonade and we all just have a little potluck. It’s super cute. [Picnicking] is a way to experience life in COVID that feels more normal,” Dawson-Moore said. Picnics provide a COVID-safe opportunity to spend time outside, alone or with good company.
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SPORTS THE RUBICON - MAY 2021
Murad isn’t the most experienced player but he can still launch a frisbee pretty far.
THE RUBICON PHOTOS: Arden Lillemoe NOTHING BUT AIR. Freshman Humza Murad enjoys playing frisbee golf when he has the time. “It’s something really fun you should try in your free time,” he said.
The frisbee shown above is not a frisbee golf disc, but any frisbee can be used for fun.
Frisbee? Golf? Why not both? Check out courses across the Twin Cities to play ARDEN LILLEMOE
PLACES TO GO THROW A DISC Blue Ribbon Pines Disc Golf Course 1901 Klondike Dr NE, East Bethel, MN 55011 8AM–6PM Crown College Disc Golf Course 8700 College View Dr, Waconia, MN 55387 Open 24 hours Kaposia Disc Golf Course 820 23rd Ave N, South St Paul, MN 55075 8AM–10PM
Bethel University Disc Golf Course Disc Golf Hole 1, Arden Hills, MN 55112
Frisbee is a very active sport come this time of the year, and with so many kids playing it at SPA one might wonder what the frisbee fans will move onto after the season ends. Frisbee golf. Frisbee golf is a fun way for disk-throwing enthusiasts to continue slinging frisbees during the summer, although ultimate frisbee will be coming to a close, frisbee golf provides people with a good summer alternative. From more die hard ultimate competitors to more casual players frisbee golf is a good outside activity to do with friends or family. Luckily Minnesota has a variety of places to play. One place to play this summer is at Blue Ribbon Pines in East Bethel, a frisbee golf club with almost 10,000 square feet of area and 27 holes, a day pass will cost $8 for adults and $5 for students and those in the military. For a more affordable option consider heading to the Crown College campus in St. Bonifacius, which boasts 18 holes and completely free access. The course is very well kept, as it is on a lush college campus, and for no admission price it’s worth driving out to for a weekday of fun.
For a more competitive experience, the course at Kaposia Park in South St. Paul is a great option. The park has a pro shop on hole 1 where anything that fits anyone’s frisbee golf needs can be bought. The park has 26 holes with a video on their You Tube channel that walks through the entire course. For new gear and a professional frisbee golf experience, Kaposia Park is an optimal location. Kaposia Park’s pass options include a $40 season pass, a $10 3-day pass, and a $5 day pass. Another free course to look into is Bethel University’s located in Arden Hills, available year-round with 18 holes surrounded by a beautiful landscape and forest. This course is dog-friendly, with lots of spots to rest and have a snack while looking at the ponds in the area. The course upholds their University’s values, with no littering, smoking or drinking allowed. These rules make sure the beauty of the course is upheld and pleasant to play on. Minnesota boasts a ton of courses, with lots of affordable options. The choices range from one-time places for summer fun to extremely competitive environments. There is a course for everyone.
my sister and I tried it [too]. I love the intensity of sports and the feeling of accomplishment when I do something well or reach a goal I have set for myself, which is why I really enjoy playing,” she said. While Magnuson is a two-sport athlete, lacrosse is where her athletic ability shines. She has been playing fourth grade and, as time passed, her year-round club training, tournaments and regular high school seasons helped Magnuson grow to be a standout player.
her diet, Magnuson lost a lot of playing time. “I was at home sick a lot or at appointments and still played all of the games. I would sit out at practice a lot and my coaches had me rest up for games. Since we lost our junior year season to the pandemic, the only film I could send to coaches was the limited amount I had from when I was playing while sick,” Yet, despite these challenges, college coaches were able to see her undeniable talent. While being named an Athena is an honor
THE RUBICON
Erin Magnuson named 2021 Athena recipient ALI BROWNE
RUBICONLINE
Senior Erin Magnuson is the 2021 Athena Award winner at Saint Paul Academy and Summit School. Presented to Saint Paul and suburban public and independent high schools every year since 1995, the Saint Paul Area Athena Award recognizes dedicated, inspiring and talented female student-athletes, a description that Magnuson fits to a T. Since eighth grade, Magnuson has been on the Visitation varsity la-
crosse team, formerly known as United, and is now serving as the team’s captain. While that alone is a great accomplishment, Magnuson is also captain of the United hockey team, which she played on all four years of high school. While the decision to stick with these sports comes from passion and love for the games, Magnuson’s parents had a large role in her introduction to the sports. “My mom played lacrosse and suggested [that I] try it, and my dad played hockey, so both
She recently committed to playing Division III lacrosse at Whitman College. “I am really excited to play lacrosse [in] college and am super grateful to have a team to work with, especially since I am going so far away,” she said. While Magnuson is proud of her official commitment, the recruitment process was not easy. In her sophomore year, Magnuson was diagnosed with celiac disease. Her diagnosis brought many changes to her life. In addition to making drastic adjustments to
Erin Magnuson cradles the ball as she runs down the field. for any student-athlete, Magnuson finds special meaning in being a recipient: “Sports have made me competitive and driven and have definitely shaped my personality and who I am today,” Magnuson said.
SPORTS THE RUBICON - MAY 2021
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
Jack O’Brien talks trapshooting tips MADELINE FISHER THE RUBICON
Trapshooting is one of the less popular sports at SPA—often overlooked by the public in favor of other winter sports like skiing and basketball, it doesn’t receive much attention. Despite its limited renown, sophomore Jack O’Brien has found it to be a rewarding experience. Most popular in the Midwest, the sport is one of the three major clay pigeon shooting disciplines. The targets are small clay disks called “birds” which are typically launched by a “house” or machine, following a trajectory away from the shooter. Each shooter shoots 50 rounds, which are split into two groups of 25 with a five minute break in between. The shooters move between stations and shoot five rounds at each station. O’Brien originally joined the trap team in 7th grade out of curiosity and a wish to improve his gun-handling skills. “I joined because I hunted and wanted to try trap,” he said. “I had a lot of fun and decided to keep doing it.”
IBID PHOTO: Levi Smetana Sophomore Jack O’Brien stares down the barrel of his gun and aims at a clay pigeon at the Minneapolis Gun Club earlier this spring. Though some of the team members are hunters like O’Brien, others are less familiar with gun handling. “It’s a good way to get into safe gun ownership,” he said. “Some of the team haven’t shot before. It’s just a fun way to get out and do something.” A sport with weekly competitions and minimal practices, trapshooting is a very individual activity. Participants meet every Saturday at Minneapolis Gun Club, and though teammates have some time to talk between rounds, focus is a key part of success.
“
BEING MENTALLY CALM AND NOT OBSESSING OVER MISTAKES
IS A BIG PART OF DOING WELL.
Jack O’Brien, sophomore
“It’s kind of a mental game. If you get stuck in your head and overthink your shot, then you’re probably going to miss the target. Being mentally calm and not obsessing over mistakes is a big part of doing well. It’s a sport that anybody, no matter how athletic you are, can do,” Jack O’Brien said. In spite of the independent
nature of the sport, he described the atmosphere as friendly and welcoming. According to O’Brien, trapshooting is all about timing and staying calm under pressure. “When you’re shooting, you put your gun up to your shoulder and keep it pointed out at a specific place just above
the trap house. Your eyes are focused away from the house so that you’re not playing catch up, and instead your gun is swinging through the bird,” O’Brien said. You have to remember to watch the front side of the bird and let the shot develop—you don’t want to speed through and let off a shot too quickly.” As an activity centered around guns, trapshooting emphasizes safety. Team members are required to have taken a firearm safety course prior to joining and the first meeting is entirely about safety procedures. During practices or competitions, participants are required to wear safety glasses and ear protection. Instructors ensure strict adherence to safety protocol, enforcing rules regarding when shooters are allowed to load shells and where gun muzzles are pointed. “It’s important to learn about safe gun handling and it’s a fun activity,” O’Brien said. Although less popular than other winter sports, O’Brien highly recommends joining the team.
Are letterman’s jackets out of style? No. HAZEL WALTENBAUGH THE RUBICON
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY: Violet Benson The Spartan Cross Country girls team rock their letterman’s jackets after a conference meet. Freshman Violet Benson is proud to wear her letterman’s jacket. “I think that a lot of people worry about that and seem like they’re showing off. I personally think that it’s like any special piece of clothing— just wear it if it makes you happy,” she said. read more SPORTS at
RUBICON online
The original letterman’s jackets trace back to 1865, from the baseball athletes at Harvard University in Cambridge Massachusetts. Over time, the jackets became a symbol of athletic status, depending on the letters an individual may receive. Letterman’s jackets are very common in traditional American high schools, so how come SPA athletes rarely wear them? Sophomore Nathan Cohen who has played on the varsity soccer team for two years never ended up purchasing a letterman’s jacket. “I don’t think people wear their jackets because they aren’t really in fashion anymore,” he said. “They are also really expensive and I just don’t think people want to spend the money for something they won’t wear.” Sophomore Lela Tilney-Kaemmer received her first letter in eighth grade for swimming. “I worked really hard to get that letter, so I wanted a jacket even though I don’t wear it very often,” she said. Freshman Violet Benson a runner with letters for cross
country and track wears her jacket pretty often. “I wear my jacket all the time in winter and when it’s cold out because it’s actually probably the warmest jacket I own. It is special to me because it’s an object that I can look at every day and be reminded of how far I’ve come in athletics,” said Benson. Benson is proud of her accomplishments and thinks students shouldn’t feel ashamed to wear them. “I think that a lot of people worry about that and seem like they’re showing off. I personally think that it’s like any special piece of clothing— just wear it if it makes you happy.” Tilney-Kaemmer feels differently: “I do think letterman’s jackets represent the commitment that you show to your sports. But personally I feel that we have a lot of privilege at this school already, and I don’t feel the need to show that off more than I already do” Tilney-Kaemmer believes that not wanting to flaunt privilege might be one reason students aren’t wearing their jackets.
15 Adam Holod blows past a defender.
Holod scores St. Olaf SALAH ABDULKARIM
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Veteran players might look back at the final game of a season senior year, knowing it’s the last time they’ll play a competitive sport on a school team, but for senior Adam Holod, basketball will be part of his life at St. Olaf College this fall. Holod’s high school basketball career did not go unnoticed. After being recruited to St. Olaf’s basketball team, he officially signed in early May. “I was introduced to most sports at a young age,” Holod said. “It wasn’t until high school that I really started focusing on hooping.” “I definitely did not think I would ever play college basketball, but it was always something I’ve wanted,” he added. Holod’s many achievements also qualified him for two scholarships at St. Olaf College, a Merit Scholarship as well as a scholarship for community leadership and service. “Since St. Olaf is a division-three school, they technically can’t give out athletic scholarships, but they did give me their St. Olaf Scholarship and the Service Leadership Scholarship,” Holod said. Scholarships aside, Holod finds comfort in St. Olaf as an institution which was a big draw to make it his next place to learn and play. “I really liked how it was close to home, and the environment of the team, and kind of what they could offer to me and what I could also offer to them, so there’s chemistry,” he said. Although nothing is set in stone, Holod has a good idea of what he would like to major in during his time at college… and it’s not basketball. “I want to major in sociology...I want to do some sort of equity work, and a sociology major would be the branch to do that through. But I’m for sure open minded and that could possibly change later on,” Holod said.
16 28 8 3
CLASS OF 2021 BY THE NUMBERS
AVERAGE # OF APPLICATIONS
CLASS OF 21
71
COLLEGES
STATES
INT’L
112
7.5
THE RUBICON - MAY 2021
G A P YEAR
23% 16%
31%
41% 8%
WHAT NEXT, SENIORS?
INFOGRAPHIC: ARDEN LILLEMOE SOURCE: MARY HILL, COLLEGE COUNSELING
AN ATYPICAL YEAR ENDS WITH TYPICAL TRADITION
CLASS OF 2021 CROSSES THE FRONT LAWN INTO THE NEXT CHAPTER OF LEARNING TO TEST OR NOT TO TEST? In a year when many colleges went test optional, the vast majority of seniors were able to take an ACT or SAT, usually twice, so seniors did not lack access to testing, although many experienced test sites closing at the last minute due to COVID-19 restrictions. The decision to submit test scores in the application was varied, and included students with a wide range of academic profiles and personal interests, and all had college admission offers.
Seniors spent May 10-28 in Senior Projects. While some were virtual, most had in-person components.
An on-campus Senior prom will take place May 29 with food catered by Taher and an outdoor dance floor.
9%
59%
32%
Test Scores Submitted Test Scores Not Submitted Test Scores Submitted (Some Applications)
The Valedictory Celebration will be held June 3 also on campus. The faculty speaker will be Director of College Counseling Mary Hill, with student toasts from Sara Browne, Anthony Chen, and Rylan Hefner. Commencement will take place June 6 at 4 p.m. on the North Lawn. The student speakers selected by the class are Nikolas Liepins and Rashmi Raveendran. Upper School Principal Max Delgado will be the graduation speaker.