May 2022 Issue

the Tuesday, May 24

RUBICON rubiconline.com

ELECTION RESULTS

COVID concerns alter year end celebrations

Officer hopefuls delivered speeches May 6 in the Huss Center, with representative speeches in class meetings May 13.

UPPER SCHOOL COUNCIL Presidents - Tenzin Bawa - Maryeva Gonzales

Secretary - Clea Gaitas Treasurer - Annie Zhang Representatives Class of 2023: Sila Liljedahl, Jack O’Brien, Maya Sachs Class of 2024: Henry Choi , Henry Hilton, Rita Li Class of 2025: Cerena Karmaliani, Bora Mandic, David Schumacher COMMITTEE FOR COMMUNITY CONDUCT Chair - Lindsay Browne - Naysa Kalugdan Secretary - Andy Allen Class of 2023: Alison Mitchell, Colin Will, (alternate) Freya Brokken Class of 2024: Clara Ann Bagnoli Class of 2025: Sawyer Bollinger Danielson, Eliiot Cooper RESULTS CONT. ON P. 2

7

@therubiconspa

NEWS IN BRIEF

UPPER SCHOOL

Vice Presidents - George Peltier - Tommy Verhey

the student newspaper of St. Paul Academy and Summit School 1712 Randolph Ave St. Paul, MN 55105 Volume 49, Issue 8

PHOTO: SPA Smugmug

WALK TO DIPLOMA. The 2021 Commencment was held inside, due to weather conditions. While the Huss is the rain plan, the 2022 Commencement is scheduled to take place on the front lawn of the Randolph Campus.

Commencement planned for June 5 HOBBS LILLYGREEN THE RUBICON

The class of 2022 will walk across the stage, diplomas in hand June 5 at 3 p.m. for graduation.

Commencement is scheduled to be held on the north lawn and live streamed for guests who are unable to make it.

Each student is allowed ten guests; six of the invited guests may sit on the north lawn, while the remaining guests may sit in Briggs Gymnasium or Driscoll Commons to view the livestream.

While most of the commencement attire

will look familiar, some changes were made this year to the dress code for seniors.

Dean of Students Chantal Thornberry said, “[It] was updated to be more gender neutral and provide students with greater options pertaining to attire.”

Clothing should be cream, white or blue and follow a semi-formal dress code. Blazers, dress blouses, dress shirts, kneelength or longer dresses with straps or sleeves, knee-length or longer skirts and dress pants are all acceptable options.

Footwear, ties and

sweaters also follow the theme and dress code.

Senior Commencement speakers will be Val Chafee and Noá Ní Aoláin Gross.

“In order to get consideration, we had to write out our speech beforehand. A lot of schools pick speakers based on grades,” Gross said.

SCLC sent out an email to the class inviting seniors to apply to be a commencement speaker as an open invitation: “I just remember being really nervous when I was writing it, and I didn’t know that I would get it but even the possibility

because I cried a lot. Now I do not want to cry. But we’ll see. We’ll see how good that goes. Because my approach to crying, basically, no prompting, so if you just hear sob on on commencement day, it’ll be from me.”

The school will have professional photos taken of the ceremony; families have the option of booking time slots for family photos.

Seniors can also pick up yearbooks on that day, if they cannot attend the May 31 distribution and signing event.

Need for employees makes summer job hunts simple LUCY THOMAS THE RUBICON

While jobs are not uncommon for high school students, they are often less common for students at independent schools.

Sports, extracurriculars, travel and other academics can be difficult to manage on top of having a job. Although difficult to balance, some students at SPA find jobs, and more commonly they will work in the summer.

Freshman Isidor Valdez has found two jobs for the summer. His cur-

OPERA PERFORMANCE Junior Valerie Wick is a performer in the opera production Carmen, which opened May 7 at the Ordway Music Theater.

rent job is working at Marcus movie theater in Oakdale. His friend also works there and helped in the employment process.

His other job is a summer camp counselor in Shoreview camps. This is a shift for Valdez from his former summer vacation in New Mexico. Although his days will be spent camp counseling and working at the theater in Oakdale, Valdez has plans to spend time with his friends, relax and have a good time biking around Minneapolis with friends.

10

Valdez said he learned the importance of connections in the current job market and recommends asking around for references.

Sophomore Dashiell Horstman’s first job was when they were 14 years old after their parents forced them to find one.

Horstman currently busses tables at Rudies, where they work as a host.

Horstman got this job because their sister worked there and the managers were “desperate for people,” as other applicants were not

SPRING SPORTS RECAP Athletes reflect on their team dynamic and talk about their aspirations as the season comes to an end.

IN THIS ISSUE:

showing up for their interviews.

The first job that they found was a different hiring process where their friend’s dad “hooked him up” at Ace hardware, where there was a more traditional and formal hiring process. Horstman gained “money and a lot of sleepless nights” at their job.

Horstman said that it is something to do in the summer, and aside from working, Horstman reads, goes on runs and plays video games, just

In a note to the senior class May 16, US Principal Theresa Collins wrote that while “We are eager to celebrate our wonderful Class of 2022 with all of you as we wrap up our school year,” changes to the end of year celebrations will move them to campus and some events will limit attendance.

The June 1 Prom, which was scheduled at the Profile Event Center, will move to the Randolph Campus. The move from a completely indoor space to Driscoll, Huss, Redleaf Commons, the Lily Courtyard, Collins said, “…allows us the advantage of multiple spaces with ventilation that we know is the best.”

Testing will likely be required and masks will be encouraged.

The Valedictory Dinner, June 2 will also move to the Randolph Campus.

The event will begin in the Huss Center auditorium with required masking for opening remarks, followed by a hors d’oeuvres reception in Lily courtyard and Redleaf Commons for seniors, families, and faculty.

“Our primary goal is to make sure that each of our students will be able to attend graduation and cross the stage in good health, with their family members cheering them on,” Collins wrote.

Minnesota reported 256 new cases of COVID-19 May 16, with a 7-day average of 232 cases.

Mellin, Moore rank 3rd in their category at ISEF

JOBS CONT. ON P. 2

15

FIFTH GRADE PROFILES Lower schoolers who participated in a journalism mini this semester publish their feature stories.

1-2 - News • 3-4 - Opinion • 5 - Good Question • 6-7 - Feature • 8-9 In-Depth • 10-11 - Sports • 12-13- A&E• 14 - Music • 15-16 - Fifth grade profiles

2

NEWS THE RUBICON - MAY 2022

RESULTS CONT. FROM P. 1

STUDENT ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE

Prom returns for the first time since 2018

Presidents - Ali Browne - Hobbs Lillygreen Vice Presidents - Kate Hanf - Wafa Naqvi Secretary / Treasurer - Not filled Class of 2023: Lilith Greene-Friedman, Mimi Huelster, Lilly Malloy, Autumn Spaulding Class of 2024: Clare Kimmel Class of 2025: Aarushi Bahadur, Isidor Valdez, Natalie Waibel STUDENT TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE Chair - Evan McCarthy Secretary - Rishi Bhargava Class of 2023: - No Candidate Class of 2024: - Humza Murad Class of 2025: - Lorenzo Good

PHOTO: Tracy Nordstrom RESTRICTED PROM. Last year, a version of prom was celebrated at the upper campus. Guests were limited to seniors (no guests) only.

ANNIE ZHANG THE RUBICON

Prom is a party held at the end of every school year, mostly targeted towards junior and senior students. Last year, a prom

was held for seniors, and the year before, there was nothing. This year prom is back and will be held for SPA’s junior and senior class.

“I am really excited to

see how the event comes together. I am also excited for everyone to have a good time,” said JCLC member, Alexandra Cardwell.

“I’m excited because it’ll be the first prom since I think 2019 that’s in person and with both grades,” said JCLC member, Julia Colbert.

This year, SPA’s prom will be held on June 1.

While it was originally going to be held in the Profile Event Center, the event was moved to SPA’s Randolph campus in hopes of keeping the community safe.

The price of tickets remains $65 and sign ups are linked to the student newsletter. Included on the form is a plus one option, where juniors and

seniors may bring a guest.

The cost of bringing a guest will be charged to students accounts.

This year, the theme is “a starry night”, with a dress code that can be described as fancy, elegant, and sparkly.

“There were quite a few ideas thrown around but students mainly wanted something sparkly and fun. Something that felt fancy and elegant, but again focused on sparkles.” JCLC advisor, Ms. Schwichtenberg said.

“The ‘starry night’ theme was agreed to be most aesthetically pleasing. We didn’t want the theme to be too central to the event, but it was chosen more for the color scheme and vibe. Also,

a pirates theme prom would be kind of unusual,” said Cardwell.

The change in the venue was extremley last minute and sparked a lot of conversation in the community. Theresa Collins, Principal of the Upper School, sent out an email on May 17th breifly explaining the reason for the shift.

“Our primary goal is to make sure that each of our students will be able to attend graduation and cross the stage in good health,” Collins said.

SPA’s high quality air ventilation system, along with access to outdoor spaces, were a big part of the decision.

End of year recognition assembly celebrates academic achievement AARUSHI BAHADUR

“

“What awards ceremony?”

This is what freshman Arlo Zirps replied asked how much he knew aout the Spring Recognition Assembly held May 20.

Zirp’s sentiment is shared among many: with incoming grades and two years of on-and-off school, traditions that are slowly making a comeback are unfamiliar.

So, what exactly is the awards ceremony?

The awards ceremony is an upper school assembly held near the end of the year in which high-achieving students with awards in different subjects.

Mary Hill, Director of Academic Planning, described it as “a chance to honor and celebrate a range of achievements in academics, arts, and athletics across grades 9-12.”

The past two years have been difficult for the ceremony. “This assembly, like many, moved online in the past two years,” said Hill.

Academic Dean Tom Anderson said the ceremony this year will be much closer to the precovid ones.

Here’s how it worked: the upper school gathers in Huss to attend the event, with opening statements from Anderson.

Then, a teacher chosen to represent their de-

EACH [AWARD] RECOGNIZES QUALITIES SUCH AS A DEEP INTEREST IN A SUBJECT, CREATIVE EXPRESSION OR AN ANALYTICAL

imagines she might find a new job or a second job to change things up because of the 45-minute drive from her house.

Senior Mia Hoffman has a lot of work experience. First and foremost, she wanted to be her “own boss” and choose her own hours, which led her to DoorDash when she turned 18.

When she worked at Starbucks, she came face to face with poor management; the coffee shop was often understaffed and she never met her manager.

Although this is rare

while working at Starbucks, it was an experience that led Hoffman away from jobs with absent management she said. Hoffman’s experience with DoorDash has been generally positive and the strangest things that she has seen on the jobs were people forgetting that they ordered food.

Although these are only a few of the jobs that students will hold this summer, they are benefitting for their future employment and the academic success of their holders.

According to research at Stanford, “adolescent employment can foster noncognitive skills like time management, perseverance and self-confidence,” it also eludes the development of interviewing and application skills that students will need for the rest of their lives.

Even if finding a summer job may seem time-consuming and less than the usual leisurely fun, summer jobs are beneficial for the high school experience and beyond.

THE RUBICON

SKILL. Mary Hill

partment reads award descriptions and criteria. The representative names the recipient, who is asked to stand to be recognized.

All recipients are chosen prior to the assembly at a faculty meeting.

“We typically decide on the awards in late April and in May,” said Anderson.

After the assembly students pick up their specific awards — books or plaques are the norm — at the office. Note that there isn’t just one award for each subject — each department has several.

Something important to know is that the award recipients are not chosen purely based on grades: “Each [award] recognizes qualities such as a deep interest in a subject, creative expression or analytical skill, or being a strong role model and

mentor to others. Some awards have a long history and are named in memory of graduates of SPA. Others expand the types of achievements honored,” said Hill.

Of course, it’s hard to make choices with so many incredible students, and it should be noted that not receiving an award should not invalidate others.

Anderson added, “Awards are individual, yes, but they are possible because of the conditions that this learning community creates. It is a credit to everyone that we have been able to create a community that can foster such individual excellence.”

JOBS CONT. FROM P. 1

like they did before they were employed.

Freshman Mariam Malik found her first job in Nov. 2021. She works as a tutor for four to sixyear-olds teaching reading and math. Malik has learned a lot from this job: the first thing is different learning styles and how to engage challenging children and adults; the second is the importance of prioritizing enjoyment in work.

She said she was excited about working with kids.

Now that Malik is going into summer, she

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.

DATA: Bureau of Labor Statistics INFOGRAPHIC: Lucy Thomas

NEWS 1: Nine seniors have committed to college sports. Lucie Bond is attending Williams. Pah Na was spelled incorrectly in the senior project story. Jalen Suggs spelled incorrectly. GQ 5: Alex Moore is misspelled. A&E 8: Sidebar of Best Picture Nominees are Academy Award selections. Julia Roberts was not named in the photo illustration.

FOOD 11: sauce is misspelled in ingredients; flank steak is misspelled in the recipe instructions. Ropa Vieja is misspelled in the Guava’s Cuban Cafe caption.

3

EDITORIAL THE RUBICON - MAY 2022 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 MANAGING EDITOR CHIEF VISUAL EDITOR NEWS EDITOR OPINIONS EDITOR GOOD QUESTION EDITOR IN DEPTH EDITORS FEATURE EDITORS SPORTS EDITORS A&E EDITORS MUSIC EDITOR COPY EDITOR

DIRECTOR OF ONLINE PRODUCTION MANAGER CREATIVE DESIGN WEBMASTER NEWS EDITORS OPINIONS EDITORS FEATURE EDITORS A&E EDITORS SPORTS EDITORS

PODCASTS EDITOR

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER INFOGRAPHICS, ILLUSTRATOR PHOTOJOURNALIST

Maddy Fisher Catherine Hooley Orion Kim Hazel Waltenbaugh Claire Kim Johanna Pierarch Annie Bai Will Moran Annie Zhang Eliza Farley Georgia Ross PJ Bohjanen Charlotte Goings Aarushi Bahadur Hobbs Lillygreen Leo Sampsell-Jones

Tommy Verhey Ali Browne Ivy Raya Eliana Mann Davan Rosen Alexandra Cardwell Mariam Malik Rita Li Siri Pattison Clara McKoy Zadie Martin Sawyer BollingerDanielson August Gaspard Alison Mitchell

Nellie Wodarz Annika Kim Marius Morse

ADVISER

Kathryn Campbell, CJE PUBLICATIONS ASSISTANT

Colton Werner

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

EDITORIAL CARTOON: Annika Kim

GIVE BACK. An increased demand for volunteers creates opportunities to do community work in diverse avenues.

Embrace volunteering and viewing it as a way to help others is key to being genuine about it. While volunteering may be done with different motivations, the end goal of serving the community remains the same.

the staff 100% ofagree

Treat volunteering as a chance to grow EDITORIAL THE RUBICON STAFF

SPA students are haunted by to-do lists. Every day there is another need to fill and every school year there is another racecourse of requirements to check off.

For all SPA students a certain amount of volunteering is required to graduate.

However, volunteering is supposed to be organic. It is supposed to be completed with a zeal for making the world a better place and helping out other humans, but it has become just another box to check. It is entirely possible to make volunteering enjoyable by reminders of who it is being done for. Additionally, volunteering can be beneficial to the self-esteem of the volunteer, and there is a massive need for service in the Twin Cities at the moment, and organizations need all the help they can get.

Volunteering is not just dirty work or the bottom-of-the-barrel unpaid jobs that higher-ups in an organization don’t want to do. The vast umbrella that encompasses volunteering includes many different types and manners of service.

For every interest, there is an organization to be helped. HandsOn Twin Cities is a wonderful resource for connecting interested volunteers and organizations in need of service, through which they can search through dozens of projects to get involved in.

Volunteering is also a communal effort—most people have volEVERYONE HAS THE unteered at some point. Asking peers about their experiences volONLY RESOURCE THEY unteering with certain organizations can be immensely helpful in deciding where to do service and making connections. Minnesota NEED TO VOLUNTEER: has an abundance of organizations in need of aid. For example, Open Arms Minnesota provides meals to critically ill individuals THEMSELVES. at no charge and volunteers are crucial in preparing their meals and furthering their mission. The Golden Valley Animal Humane Society is open to help from animal lovers on many different fronts. Both People Serving People, one of the largest homeless shelters in the Midwest, and Tubman Shelter, a living accommodation for women and others who have experienced various kinds of relationship violence, are always open to help from the public.

While there are many reasons that people volunteer, the truth of who the service helps should remain at the forefront. While it’s important to recognize that some people volunteer only to fulfill a graduation requirement or to feel good about themselves, each volunteer must try to find an authentic desire to help others within themselves. Additionally, volunteering to feel good isn’t necessarily bad- the benefits to a volunteer’s happiness that can arise from service are not harmful to the people who the service impacts. Alongside volunteering, making donations to organizations can be immensely helpful in keeping their programs running, but only some people have the resources to donate. Everyone has the only resource they need to volunteer: themself. Keep volunteering in the running for a summer activity; be genuine in the opportunities that are available and the services that are able to be provided to the people in surrounding communities.

4

OPINIONS THE RUBICON - MAY 2022

Embrace aspects of childishness without judgement

PHILOSOPHICALLY

SPEAKING

CATHERINE HOOLEY PICKS APART IDEAS, PROFOUND AND INANE

Do you really control yourself?

CATHERINE HOOLEY MANAGING EDITOR

ILLUSTRATION: Catherine Hooley

OLD SELF. With the social pressure of becoming an adult, it can be easy to forget the feeling of being a child and not taking everything seriously. Take the time to engage in activities that bring back childishness without the fear of negative connotations or judgement from other people.

I DON’T WANT TO

GROW UP: 8 positive childish traits

1.

Staying physically active

3.

Make work fun

5.

Speaking one’s mind

7.

Hold eye contact

2.

Smiling and laughing often

4.

Ask many questions

6.

Expect the best outcome

8.

Don’t hold grudges

SOURCE: Nick Notas blogs

CATHERINE HOOLEY MANAGING EDITOR

Being seen as childlike is largely looked down upon in today’s culture, but embracing aspects of childishness don’t have to be excluded from daily life. The word childish alone is associated with immaturity, ignorance, naivety and many other negative connotations.

Even when children are in elementary and middle school, it is engraved into them by their surroundings to act more mature and grown-up.

Although there is an importance to display maturity in certain aspects of one’s personality, such as independence and emotional maturity, adult-like and childlike behavior do not have to be mutually exclusive.

As humans, it is crucial to give our brains a break.

Even with responsibilities and busy days, people of any age should make it a priority to let their inner child out. Children may be crazy and annoying at points, but one thing that’s for sure is that

they know how to have fun. Although children can have a much more self-centered view of the world, which has its drawbacks, everyone can learn from their ability to let go and do whatever they want.

Letting go of responsibility and ignoring what others think about oneself is a powerful skill, but it is a difficult one to learn. Negative information is proven to receive more focus from the brain than positive information, according to the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Humans are naturally more receptive to criticism and therefore, it is always something that affects people’s actions, whether people realize it or not.

Adulthood should not have to be associated with seriousness and no fun. There is a part of everyone that wants to go back to when they were little, not because they particularly miss kindergarten, but because they miss the way they could act during that period in

life. Having the playful mentality of a child can be immensely rejuvenating because constantly worrying about consequences is exhausting.

If someone wants to watch cartoons or run around outside for fun, they should be able to. In order to truly be carefree, humans need to be able to stop judging themselves and stop chasing the approval of others.

A reminder that can be comforting in an odd way is that no one cares about yourself as much as you do; you are your own worst critic.

Having a present mindset, not worrying about consequences, and being spontaneous are not signs of weakness but signs of strength and they should be seen as such.

Let creativity flow: go climb a tree or jump rope with friends, maybe play a board game way too competitively. Whatever it is, do it with enthusiasm and fully embrace the moment because there’s no need to be so serious.

Free will is defined as “the power of acting without the constraint of necessity or fate, or the ability to act at one’s own discretion.” Humans have the ability to make choices that are their own, but it is known that other influences guide the factors which affect our decision-making. Genetics, cultural influences, biological impulses, and how individuals are raised are examples of curated influences that affect how humans think and act.

A study conducted by Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences in 2008 found that seconds before the conscious brain of an individual had made a decision, the unconscious brain had already decided the outcome. In other words, while you are actively trying to decide something your brain already has, you just don’t know it.

If decision-making isn’t your conscious brain, what about your interests and opinions? Imagine one food that you find utterly disgusting. Now, was it your decision to dislike this food? No matter how hard you try, you cannot force yourself to enjoy it. This has more to do with biology and exposure than with ourselves, so that’s not a conscious choice.

Only about five percent of the human brain is considered to be conscious. Even though this means we aren’t directly controlling our lives with random, sporadic choices, it also doesn’t mean that we aren’t controlling ourselves. The conscious self is still you, just a version of you that you might not fully understand or recognize.

Just because the brain is constantly being affected by things that aren’t under its control, that does not mean that humans can just disassociate themselves from these external forces. Genetics and biology, even though humans aren’t given a choice in what their genetic makeup is, still represent them. Even though culture and the influence of other people aren’t directly you, the cultures that you identify with can still represent you and therefore be regarded as a part of you.

The question of controlling oneself is really asking, what do people regard as themselves. Do a person’s genetics and upbringing, including all other influences, accurately represent “who they are” and what they think? Even if the brain is predetermining what we will do, does that count as oneself?

And is that free will? There isn’t a clear-cut answer that can be given. It’s all about what you consider to be you.

PUBLICATIONS POLICIES PUBLICATION INFO The Rubicon

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

ADVERTISING The Rubicon does not accept advertisements.

ANONYMOUS SOURCES Although

it is always preferable to use names when reporting, there are times when it is necessary to protect those we report

on. In the case of a student, the use of grade level as a name designation (i.e. Sophomore Student) will be the preferred method of anonymity.

BY LINES credit the individual who

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

“Additional reporting by” followed by the name of the reporter.

EDITORIALS articulate the collective opinion of The Rubicon staff, while mini-editorials, 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 the print or

edition. Letters to the Editor should not exceed 400 words and Submitted Opinions should not exceed 650 words.

Both may be edited for length and style. All pieces must be submitted and will be published with a full name.

UPDATES AND CORRECTIONS

During the post-critique process, staff members identify inaccuracies and report feedback from readers. 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.

GOOD QUESTION THE RUBICON - MAY 2022

understanding

5

C R EATIVITY

Can creative thinking be taught?

PJ BOHJANEN

analytical and creative people through both

THE RUBICON

The word “creativity,” for some, feels safe. It represents many possibilities, a blank canvas, a space for the mind to blossom. For others, creativity may feel more rigid and possibly frustrating. But what, if anything, separates these individuals?

The idea that creativity comes easier for some than others is often associated with the theory of “right” and “left” brains.

Those considered “rightbrained” are supposed to be more creative, while “left-brained” people are more analytical. However, according to Robert H. Shmerling, M.D., the Senior Faculty Editor at Harvard Health Publishing, there is insufficient evidence to prove that “right” and “left” brains exist. While parts of the brain control certain body functions, there is no evidence to back up the difference between

“

yes to an extent. “I believe that we can teach skills

I BELIEVE THAT WE CAN TEACH SKILLS FOR PEOPLE TO TAP INTO A NATURAL, INNATE SENSE OF CREATIVITY. ILLUSTRATION: Annika Kim

Stephanie Motta sides of the brain. Shmerling writes, “In fact, if you performed a CT scan, MRI scan, or even an autopsy on the brain of a mathematician and compared it to the brain of an artist, it’s unlikely you’d find much difference.”

His writing states that despite the current lack of evidence, “right” and “left” brains could still be accurate, but the current data suggests otherwise.

The dominant side of the brain does not seem to play a role in creativity.

So if creativity is not an innate ability, can it be taught? That question is where things can get hazy, but the answer is

RIGHT OR LEFT? People often use the theory of “right” and “left” brains to explain their natural ability (or inability) in certain areas. But did such natural ability ever exist?

for people to tap into a natural, innate sense of creativity,” said Stephanie Motta, SPA’s Upper School photography and video arts teacher. While she doesn’t believe that one can learn creativity, she does think one can learn skills to harness their creative ability. Zorana Ivcevic Pringle, Ph.D., a senior research scientist at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, wrote that “Creativity is a muscle; it needs to be exercised to be preserved and grow.” So it would seem that creativity can be strengthened and harnessed through practice.

If one is looking to

What are creative personality traits?

AARUSHI BAHADUR THE RUBICON

Creative people are everywhere and the products of their imaginations make the world a more colorful place. Although creative individuals may appear vastly different on the surface, a study conducted by Greater Good Magazine based at UC Berkeley found that many share several personality traits. But creativity isn’t necessarily an innate skill, so while these traits often show up in self-described ‘creative people,’ they are hardly restricted to anyone.

SPA Upper School art teacher Mara Duvra believes creativity is a skill.

“When I think of my stu-

dents when they come into my class, I think they all have the potential to be creative,” Duvra said.

She pushes her students to develop traits that can help with creativity. “I try to encourage curiosity, problem-solving, experimentation and openness to try new things,” she added.

Senior Nan Besse shares an idea similar to Duvra’s. “Creativity can absolutely be developed! I think people fall into the mindset of being ‘talented’ or not… but it’s really just finding something you love, even if you’re nervous or not confident and just finding happiness within it and yourself,” Besse said.

These creative traits

assist more than just the arts. “I think [creativity] helps in all areas of your schooling because being open and curious can help you approach learning new concepts and skills,” Duvra said.

“And I feel like having a creative outlook on how you approach things and an openness to explore is an important part of just being a continued learner and over time,” she added.

These creative personality traits help visionary individuals bring their ideas to life.

improve their creative skills, there are some easy ways to get started. Motta opened up about what she does to strengthen her creativity: “I’ll just sit down and write without editing myself. I’ll also, you know, maybe put on some music and draw, just to sort of get out of my head a little bit.”

Pringle also wrote about how to foster creativity.

One of her recommendations was to take time to look at art. “Because art is both creative and conveys emotions, it can be an effective tool to teach both emotional intelli-

gence skills and creativity,” wrote Pringle. Matt Richtel, a reporter for the New York Times, wrote a piece on creativity and how to develop it. In his article, he suggested that people follow “what if” questions wherever they may lead. Motta had similar advice: “Students who are willing to let themselves go there, even to follow an idea that seems a little bit strange to them at first, can achieve things that they wouldn’t if they had approached it more rationally.” Richtel also reports that less time on screens could benefit

one’s creativity. By being bored, humans can develop more ideas while having nothing to do.

The evidence above shows that creativity should be challenged and given room to grow.

While some people may be more analytical and consider themselves uncreative, the truth is that one can strengthen their creativity across various areas. The key is finding one’s passion.

FLEXIBILITY

SENSITIVITY

How creative people manage their time varies. However, no one is set in their ways and unwilling to be flexible with their time or art.

The open nature of creative people results in a heightened understanding of the world around them. Sensitivity can build stronger relationships, but it can be overwhelming.

OPENMINDEDNESS

CURIOSITY

Creative people are often willing to try new things and take risks, as there can be little development or growth without experimenting and making mistakes.

PLAYFULNESS Many creative people toy with various ideas and concepts before settling on one.

Sometimes, the best ideas happen unintentionally.

Creative people strive to express themselves and gain a deeper understanding of their interests. Therefore, they might spend time reading, researching, or asking questions.

INDEPENDENCE Time alone allows creative people to reflect and grant themselves personal freedom.

After all, the best ideas can arise from making one’s own decisions.

SPA Q&A HOW DO YOU EXPRESS CREATIVITY? I GUESS VISUAL ART. I’M TAKING A PAINTING COURSE. freshman Talia Cairns

I REALLY LIKE MAKING POTTERY. freshman Bora Mandic

I THINK CREATIVITY HAS TO COME WITH THE EYES AND ACTUALLY SEEING IT YOURSELF.

sophomore Nora Shaughnessy

6

FEATURE THE RUBICON - MAY 2022

Saying goodbye

& thanks for the memories

Nine faculty and staff depart at the end of the year LAUREN BUSSEY

CATHLEEN DRILLING

US Math teacher Lauren Bussey will leave the classroom to become a principal in the fall. (from an interview when she joined SPA in 2016): “My favorite thing about teaching has been learning about how different kids think about math. Not everyone approaches the same problem in the same way,” she said.

US Science teacher Cathleen Drilling has taught science and advised Science Alliance and, during her years here, appreciated the openminded, education-oriented culture. “Everyone here wants to learn and that is just such a joy to work with,” she said. “The students have an intensity that I really appreciate.”

MARA DUVRA

STEVE HEILIG

Fine Arts teacher Mara Duvra has taught painting, drawing, senior art seminar and self-designed art electives since 2018. She said, “I have appreciated getting to know students through their various creative interests. It has been amazing to witness the developing artistic styles and thoughtful voices of all my students. I’ve learned so much from you all. I’m grateful for the four years I’ve been here and to see the 9th grade students that I started with ready to graduate now. I’ll always remember my time here.”

Director of Choral Activities Anne Klus has taught music at SPA for 34 years. Looking back at her time here, “I wouldn’t change a thing throughout all of the years I have taught at SPA. What is most important is to continue to have the freedom and opportunity to practice our art, and grow in life-long musical expression, understanding, and community pride,” Klus said.

Laying down on a bed of nails and explaining the science to a Kindergarten class is one of US Science teacher Steve Heilig’s highlights of his 24 year career here.

As a college physics professor before coming to SPA, Heilig found he especially enjoyed teaching those who hadn’t quite decided about their careers yet. High school environments were full of those whose minds were open to pursue a variety of fields, compelling Heilig to join the SPA community. Teaching various science classes, such as space science and quantum physics, he’s found that students will reach out if something is wrong in the class.

“I’ve gotten to be a reasonably decent teacher because I’ve listened to my students,” Heilig said. Laying down on a bed of nails, lightly explaining the science to the Kindergarten class, is one of Heilig’s highlights at SPA. In comparison to the schools he taught at before, “[SPA’s] much more intellectually alive.” He emphasized that SPA is a very caring place, offering both challenges and support, and that the students should take advantage of the people around them. “This is a great place to grow,” Heilig said.

SUSANNA SHORT

ROSIE RUSHING

US Counselor Susanna Short came to SPA in 2010. During her 12 years, she expanded the Wellness program and the counseling office.

She said, “The grace, humor, and compassion for others that students bring to the community has inspired me and brought me so much joy.

My heart is full of so many memories (big and small) of students going out of their way to support each other, to be playful together, and to think about local and global injustice. I love the small acts of kindness that go under the radar but make these years joyful and worth remembering.”

A final piece of advice she has for students: Be Kind-to yourself and others. You are more than a grade, a job, an achievement. Give and receive love in abundance.

US Science teacher Rosie Rushing came this fall as a long-term substitute but stayed has especially valued how her students have constantly surprised her. “They have taught me how to be a better teacher,” she said. When asked what advice she had to give to the students Rushing said, “You don’t need to have a ‘perfect’ score in order to learn something.

When things feel overwhelming, think about your ultimate goals in life. Always keep learning and striving to find enjoyment even in the toughest subjects.

ANNE KLUS

SCOTT TELFER US English teacher Scott Telfer came to SPA as a sub and the school kept finding English classrooms for him to teach in. His most memorable moments would be this year’s junior retreat. “It was overall a very positive experience being with the students,” he said.

Telfer said one word that could sum up his time, interactions, and experience here would be “inspiring.”

CHANTAL THORNBERRY US Dean of Students Chantal Thornberry has greatly appreciated the SPA community during her time as a member of the administration.

“Without a doubt, I’ll miss the student body the most. You are such a kind, thoughtful, and fun group of students,” she said. “Administrators don’t get the chance to confiscate canoes at most schools.

READ MORE COVERAGE ON RETIREES AND END OF THE YEAR EVENTS AT RUBICONLINE.

FEATURE THE RUBICON - MAY 2022

Senior speeches: final reflections

YOU A

WILL MORAN THE RUBICON

Speeches are an opportunity for seniors to share a story, whether it be something deeply personal, something funny or something related to their experience at SPA. Speeches are also an experience that is frightening for many seniors, and are a source of much anxiety for future seniors.

No matter how people feel about them, speeches are not only a graduation requirement, but also an essential part of the experience at SPA. Senior Will Anderson says that going into the speech he was “excited” and that “The speech was a pretty unique opportunity”, however, he still faced the same nerves everyone else did, mentioning “I can’t say I wasn’t a bit worried about it though, I made edits up to the day of.”

If he had one piece of advice to give to rising seniors it would be to “Make it unique. The best speeches are the ones that deal with new topics or with old topics in new ways.”

a monthly 3-5 question feature submitted by you

PHOTO: Ibid Archives

CENTER STAGE. Senior Henry Burkhardt gives his senior speech in Huss. Giving a senior speech is a graduation requirement, and many enjoy the process. “It was a cool opportunity to tell the story that I cared about,” senior Zekiah Juliusson said.

Similar to Will, senior Val Chafee gives an optimistic view of the speech writing process, saying “Mr. Inchiosa also was an amazing person to help you out with your speech.

And like it wasn’t a very stressful process, but it still felt like you could put whatever you want into it and get out whatever you wanted from it.” She explained how students have a strong support system in the process of writing their speech, making the experience more helpful and less stressful.

While seniors have an overwhelmingly positive view of the speeches, that doesn’t mean they think there isn’t room for improvement. Senior Zekiah Juliusson found the senior speeches to be enjoyable saying “I thought it was a cool opportunity to tell the story that I cared about, and share it with the whole school.” Still, he wouldn’t mind seeing some things changed in the future.

“The culture of standing has been really weird this year. In the past, it was really just meaningful

messages. I think it’s a good show of support for seniors when you stand and clap, but I do think it should be about more impactful stories rather than just supporting friends,” he said.

Senior speeches, despite being daunting at first glance for rising seniors, are a process that most grow to enjoy. So while there may be some aspects of the speeches that could be improved upon, the experience is overall beneficial to the speakers and their peers.

Junior Valerie Wick finds new passion in opera

SUBMITTED PHOTO: Valerie Wick

BACKSTAGE BONDING. Valerie Wick (left) snaps a selfie with a castmate during rehearsal. Opera rehearsals are demanding, with tech week practices running nearly six hours, but Wick loves the process.

JOHANNA PIERACH THE RUBICON

The quiet rustle of the crowd. The swishing of the curtains. A single spotlight illuminates the stage. For some, being in any theater production, let alone an opera is an intimidating endeavor.

But for junior Valerie Wick, it’s an exciting adventure.

Wick is a performer in the opera production Carmen, which opened May 7 at the Ordway Music Theater. In ninth grade, she was led to op-

7

era when looking for theater activities outside of school. “I did Project Opera for about two years, which is this youth program for students,” Wick said. “...you learn how to sing opera, you talk to people who are resident artists there,” she added.

Through this program, she met Matt Abernathy, who later offered her a role in Carmen. “I’d been doing that for about two years, and he needed another strong singer on the chorus. And so he asked me to come in,” Wick said.

Set in nineteenth-century Spain, Carmen is an opera sung in French that tells the story of soldier Don José, who is lured away from his fiancée Micaëla by the beautiful factory worker Carmen.

In Carmen, Wick has two roles: being part of the children’s chorus and Micaëla’s guide. Though she is not one of the central characters, she has sacrificed much time outside of school to rehearse, especially in the past few weeks. “We just started going into tech week, so I’ve been there from 5, 5:30 to 11 p.m. almost every day for two weeks,” she said.

“I’m so tired all the time.

I mean, I was going to do the school musical. I left just because the timing wasn’t going to work out,” she said.

Being a part of Carmen has been a learning experience for Wick, as she knew very little about the opera, specifically Carmen, beforehand. “I knew almost nothing,” Wick said. “I knew the basic themes that everybody knows, but I really didn’t know much before going in,” she added.

She’s also learned

about opera culture and how certain aspects contradict mass assumptions.

“I think there’s an assumption that everybody who does opera is completely elitist and that it’s only rich white people that go and see it or who are interested in it. And I think to a certain extent opera has sort of been gatekept, and I’m sure elitists have gotten their hands on it and driven it away from popular culture, but I also think that a lot of the people that I’ve met that have done opera that I’ve really enjoyed haven’t fit that description necessarily,” Wick said.

Above everything else, opera has helped Wick tap into an unknown passion, and she’s found herself enjoying the production more than she thought she would.

“The process has been fantastic,” she said. “I’m obsessed, and I might do vocal performance now in college. Like it’s kind of shifted the way that I think about my secondary education,” Wick said.

Carmen will run May 7-22 through the Minnesota Opera.

SUBMITTED PHOTO: Harper Glass

DELIGHTFULLY DRENCHED. Harper Glass (left) swims with her sisters at the base of a waterfall. One of Glass’s favorite activities is hanging out with her sisters, so her smile comes as no surprise!

MEET HARPER GLASS Q: What is one book everyone should read and why?

The Last True Poets of the Sea, because the writing style is absolutely gorgeous, the characters are so lovable, and the story itself made me want to finish it in one sitting.

Q: What’s your ultimate comfort food?

My mom’s mashed potatos.

Q: If you could pick any language and learn it instantly, which one would you pick?

French.

Q: What’s your favorite word, and why?

Trickle, because I think it’s hilarious to hear people say it.

Q: What do you like to do?

Hang out with my sisters!

read more You & A features at the:

RUBICON

Log in with your student account to submit your You & A

online

8

IN DE

THE RUBICON

THE THREE

Coming of Age

SEPARATION: distance & self-perception

through

Rites of Passage CLAIRE KIM

THE RUBICON

WHAT IS A RITE OF PASSAGE? Whether religiously, culturally, or socially significant, the key aspect of a rite of passage is coming of age: all transitions happen over time and signify personal change at a certain milestone. When becoming an adult, five features of development are identity exploration, instability, self-focus, a feeling of “in-between,” and the promise of possibilities. Both positive and negative aspects are important in the process of a rite of passage. Although status changes in life happen to everyone, rites of passage find a way to celebrate the experience through a ritual or ceremony. The three stages of separation, transition, and return solidify an abstract transformation and are important to helping individuals identify both their struggles and developments.

WHY DO THEY MATTER? Rites of passage represent both positive changes and obstacles to overcome. Psychologically, they serve as a reminder of how life continuously changes, and that some things are uncontrollable. Additionally, they help integrate people into a new status during the return phase. When connected to a tradition, rites of passage forge connections between different generations; rituals often have both a fundamental process and adjustments made naturally over time, which represent the influence of many people on a tradition. All three parts represent a different process that shapes a person, with each one being emotionally significant.

By celebrating a person’s transition through a recognition of change, rites of passage can make a positive influence during an unstable point in one’s life, and remind people of their place in a greater timeline.

SUBMITTED PHOTO: Belle Weng

SAYING GOODBYE. Freshman Belle Weng celebrates her middle school graduation with her friends. After coming to high school, she still stays in contact with them.

A college acceptance letter arrives in the mail. You ELIZA FARLEY THE RUBICON turn in your two-weeks’ notice. Your house goes up on real estate websites. Although it may seem like nothing has changed yet, these are actually examples of first IT’S AN steps in the rite of passage process.

ENTIRELY NEW What is a rite of passage, precisely? The term can get thrown around a lot, but it specifically refers to the SPACE FOR ME. movement of an individual from one social group to another. Since the term encompasses a long process, it freshman can be broken down into three main phases: separaBelle tion, transition, and return.

Weng The separation phase doesn’t have to, and usually doesn’t, involve physical distance from other people.

Instead, it often shows up as an internal split between the person before the event and the person to come.

Even though the inciting incident hasn’t actually happened yet, a person’s self-perception is already gradually changing.

For sophomore Eli Peres, practicing for his bar mitzvah—a classic example of a rite of passage—heralded the beginning of his separation phase. “I had to practice for hours on end beforehand,” Peres said. “I spent an entire year just learning everything.” Although the ceremony portion of a bar or bat mitzvah only takes an afternoon, the mental shift from child to adult begins long before—and it doesn’t end cleanly at the end of the service.

Freshman Belle Weng had a similar experience when she moved from a public school to SPA at the beginning of 9th grade. Since she not only switched schools entirely, but also moved up from middle to high school, she bundled two rites of passage into one. Weng did experience some physical distance from her old life, but she appreciated it. “It’s an entirely new space for me,” she said.

By contrast, freshman Julia Taylor hasn’t had her quinceañera quite yet, but she already feels its effects. Even though the celebration is supposed to commemorate her journey, she feels like it also honors those who are helping her reach that point.

Although the big transitions in life can seem all-too-fast, it’s helpful to remember that they come in stages. Looking ahead, preparing yourself, and changing your self-perception is all just part of the process—an essential component that is often overlooked.

“

9

EPTH

N - MAY 2022

E STAGES IN RITES OF PASSAGE TRANSITION: growth & learning While a transition can mark any change from one state to another, the transition phase THE RUBICON of a rite of passage specifically signifies a time of growth and learning. People were often THEY HELPED historically regarded as dangerous when SHAPE WHO I moving between an old and new status, as AM NOW AND the phase is the one with the most changes. The transition stage is also considered a CELEBRATE ME liminal or threshold phase, with a boundTAKING MY NEXT ary soon to be passed.

STEPS INTO THE For sophomore Eli Peres, his bar mitzvah FUTURE.” was a drastic change to how his surrounding community viewed him. “I mean, yeah, [the bar mitzvah] has its ups and downs because I have to be responsible, but at the freshman same time, I’m taken more seriously,” Peres Julia Taylor said. For a bar or bat mitzvah, transition is the time after the ceremony when a child is initiated into adulthood. The Jewish coming of age event signifies the shift from childhood to adulthood, and entails a greater expectation of maturity and the independence of practicing Judaism.

A major factor of rites of passage is the change in status, which often causes a different perception of an individual by other people.“To myself, I don’t feel much difference,” Peres said. “It’s really just to others in the community.” For Peres, the extensive preparation for his bar mitzvah had a greater effect on his relationships rather than on himself.

Religious rites of passage can also have connections to culture. Even though freshman Julia Taylor’s quinceañera had less traditional aspects, the celebration for girls turning 15 has its roots in Latino communities around the world. “Although this celebration takes place for my birthday, I really am celebrating all the amazing family and friends in my life,” Taylor said. “They helped shape who I am now and celebrate me taking my next steps into the future.” Taylor’s transition in her quinceañera also involves events like speeches, dancing and games.

On top of religious and cultural ceremonies, more common rites of passage can also take on social aspects. For example, most people experience graduation whether it’s from elementary school, middle school, high school, or college. In these cases, the transitional stage would be when entering a new grade or level and before fully integrating into the new community.

Freshman Belle Weng is new to SPA, which restructured many of her relationships, daily life, and independence. “I think it was nice to go somewhere new or [where I] knew nobody. It’s like a reset from middle school. And then I realized, like none of the friends I have now have anything in common with my old friends,” she said. However, she still stays in contact with friends from her old school even after shifting to a new setting.

Although overwhelming at first, Weng considered the transition to be a meaningful experience in her life. “I think that’s just a part of getting somewhere new and just like, finding how to settle in, but it was good,” she added.

As a holistic part of any rite of passage, the transitional phase holds value for many as it often marks a significant life change. Whether it’s part of a social, religious, or cultural event, different transitional phases can also lead to a different return or reintegration into society.

RETURN: adjustment & change

CLAIRE KIM

“

SUBMITTED PHOTO: Julia Taylor

LIFE OF THE PARTY. Freshman Julia Taylor practices her quinceañera rehearsal with her friends. “I really am celebrating all the amazing family and friends in my life,” she said.

SUBMITTED PHOTO: Eli Peres

GROWING UP. Sophomore Eli Peres reads an Aliyah, a passage from the Torah, with his sisters. “This is the important part, everyone is watching you speak and you got to try not to mess up,” he said.

ANNIE BAI

Return or is the last step to a rite of passage. It symbolizes the end of one’s journey and their incorporation back into the world. When someone returns from their rite of passage, they are greeted with a forYOU’RE eign routine to which they are forced to adjust SUPPOSED and overcome.

TO ACT FAR When sophomore Eli Peres returned from his MORE MATURE bar mitzvah, he felt a change in what was expected AND YOU’RE of him and what his responsibilities were. “In the Jewish community, it was something really big beSUPPOSED TO TAKE cause everybody sees you differently because now MORE ACTUAL you’re an adult in their eyes. You’re supposed to CEREMONIES.” act far more mature and you’re supposed to take more actual ceremonies” Peres said. These new sophomore expectations were not necessarily a bad thing but Eli it was clear that he was no longer a kid anymore.

Peres In preparation for his bar mitzvah, Peres practiced for hours on end, spending a year to learn everything and on the day of his ceremony, it suddenly ended. “I essentially don’t go to Hebrew school anymore. I just kind of ended that.”

An example of a cultural rite of passage is freshman Julia Taylor’s quinceañera.

“In the past, some of my tias (aunts) have celebrated the event of turning 15, as a cultural event. Although the history of the celebration is more religious, and past people in my family practiced it religiously, I’m choosing to celebrate it more nontraditionally. Said Taylor.

Freshman Belle Weng’s rite of passage was her decision to attend SPA as a new student who came from a public school that had a completely different environment. “ I get to choose specifically where I get to go. And my old middle school didn’t have clubs or a lot of groups either. So coming here, getting to connect with people who have the same identities is also a big thing.” Weng said.

For all rites of passages, the final returning stage is where one experiences the most change. Adjusting back into their normal life can feel strange and foreign, but that is the learning part of a rite of passage. It is to experience something that changes you, and to grow from that experience.

THE RUBICON

“

Girls Lacrosse

Girls Golf

Boys Golf

AS SPRING SPORTS NEAR THE END, PLAYERS REFLECT ON THE SEASON

Boys Lacrosse

THE RUBICON - MAY 2022

Baseball

10

SPRING

SPORTS

HAZEL WALTENBAUGH

HAZEL WALTENBAUGH THE RUBICON

THE RUBICON

ORION KIM

LEO SAMPSELL-JONES THE RUBICON

THE RUBICON

With about half of the spring season left, the boys’ varsity baseball team is hopeful about their journey to state. At press time, the team had banked 7 wins and 5 losses, with two games left before playoffs.

“I think we have good chemistry this year. It’s good to have a supportive team and I think we all get along for the most part” Junior Nelly Wodarz said.

With a winning record, SPA is currently placed number one in their conference.

“I think if we’ve ever had a chance [to go to state] this is the year. We’re looking pretty good as of right now” Sophomore Johnny Christakos said.

Both Wodarz and Christakos anticipate a successful season, especially considering their winning streak and the overall connection of the players.

“I’m definitely looking forward to playoffs because I think we got a really good shot this year. But, I mean, I’m just looking forward to spending time with the guys on the team and you know, building a good culture here for not just us, but the people after us too” Wodarz said.

So far in the season the Trimac Blackhawks Lacrosse, which is a combined team with SPA, Minnehaha, St.Croix Prep, St. Agnes, and DeLaSalle, has won 5 out of 6 games.

The team typically practices at Minnehaha’s north campus and is placed second out of the metro athletic conference.

While the team is doing well, the players know there’s always room for improvement.

“I think the team really needs to work on our stick skills,” junior Joey Stolpestad said.

“There are no classes in lacrosse so we only really have one shot at being in playoffs,” he added.

Although golf might appear to be a solo sport, team chemistry is still an important value. Just like any sport, relationships are a principal factor in what makes the hours of commitment worth it.

Sophomore Henri Peltier has been playing golf since he was only four years old, joining the golf team in eighth grade. He has two brothers that are also on the team, freshman Ethan Peltier and captain George Peltier.

His close bonds prior to joining strengthened the team as a whole.

“Since [my brothers and I] know how each other plays, when we go out for a round together, it’s pretty easy to stay in our groove and guess how each other’s rounds are going to go. In terms of the rest of the team, we’re all close together,” he said.

Being able to have a space to have some fun while spending time with familiar people can be especially valuable. “My favorite part about being on the team is the camaraderie and the ability to just go out and play golf with my friends [and family],” Peltier said.

Though the words “golf team” may seem ironic together, the girls’ golf team is the definition of a tightknit community. As a relatively small, sadly unknown team, every player has the opportunity to get to know each other and adopt a unique role on the team.

Junior Nikola Barkwell has adopted the role of co-captain this year. “I am the person that goes between students and the coaches to make sure everyone is heard and provide insight into possible activities,” she said.

In contrast, senior Kishori Patel is new to the sport. She doesn’t lead as much, but instead uses training times “to watch my other teammates.”

The team practices at both Somerset and Highland golf courses to get a sense of what different courses could look like.

Even though golf is a largely individual sport, the culture of the team is very communal. “We work together very well as we all practice together and mix up the groups so everyone gets to know each other,” Barkwell said.

Patel agrees- she has felt the team develop a sense of belonging. “I think our team is good at helping each other out and supporting each of our own efforts to improve,” she said.

After an impressive first game against the St. Paul Bobcats, Spartan Lacrosse had their first win against Hastings, a formidable opponent. The game against the St. Paul Bobcats was the first game for some of the players and they all showed improvement between their first and second game against Hastings.

It is almost as if the team has just begun their season after having to postpone many games and only having two in April.

Their current scoreboard is two wins and three losses. But many players have been getting their first varsity goals, “For next year, individually, everyone just needs to get more confident in themselves and their skills,” captain Julia Colbert said.

Because of the number of new players and the rule changes, the team has focused on being inclusive, and not competitive. For post-game rituals, they do “snaps” and players of the game. “Snaps are just calling out someone or something that you noticed on the field. Great to point out so positive things that happened regardless of the score,” Thomas said.

“As a captain, I am excited to see our improvement in the rest of the season, as we start having more games,” Colbert said.

THE RUBICON

ANNIE BAI

CHARLOTTE GOINGS THE RUBICON

THE RUBICON

ORION KIM

CHARLOTTE GOINGS

LEO SAMPSELL-JONES

In the inaugural season of the new softball co-op with SPA, TCA, SPCPA, and Great River they are currently 5-4 with 7 games remaining in the regular season followed by playoffs. The team is having a successful season despite having to overcome the challenges of starting a new co-op. Sophomore Poppy Ploen noted how far the team has come this year in terms of bonding.

“We’re kind of all like siblings. It took a little bit for the two schools to mesh but now we’re all great friends and it’s really fun.”

Ploen’s favorite memory was winning their first game. “All the SPA players were really excited because it had been a while since we had won a game,” she said.

Hard work, belief, and trust are three necessary aspects of a comeback story. On Apr 27, the boys’ tennis team took on Eagan, a talented tennis program.

The Spartans had momentum going into the game, with high aspirations for what wouldn’t be an easy feat. “We were undefeated, so we knew it would be an important and challenging match,” senior Alex Moore said.

Prior to the final two matches, things weren’t looking hopeful. “We trailed 2-3 meaning we needed to win 2 straight matches in order to clinch a well-earned victory,” sophomore Baasit Mahmood said.

After a hard-fought win to tie up the score, the team had to muster up hope finishing the last match. In the second set, Moore and eighth grader Allan Wang felt the weight of the team as they trailed 2-4 in the final set after an incredible comeback in the second set. Despite the slim odds of achieving yet another comeback, the duo battled with grit.

Their hard work didn’t go to waste, as they managed to overcome 3 match points. “It was pretty amazing to take the final point, especially because we had the entire team and parents there cheering us as I made the last shot,” Moore said.

The track and field team has grown closer and competed hard in meets while overcoming undesirable weather conditions to create a successful season.

Freshman Sawyer Bollinger Danielson described the season as “fast because it’s three weeks and because we’re running fast.” The SPA track and field team started strong this season, with senior Jack Hlavka placing second in the boys’ 800 and freshman Taylor Barkwell placing second in the girls’ 3200 and has continued to see success throughout the season.

Sophomore Ingrid Johnson explained that the team grew closer through the difficult weather. “I think everyone bonded through like the bad weather we had because there were a few times where we had to kind of go on runs in the rain, and I think everyone had a lot of fun,” Johnson said.

The team has continued their success from earlier in the season with high-placing finishes in many races and events.

The girls track team has their final meet was May 19 at Providence Academy.

The boys team wrapped up their season May 23.

Despite its odd name, a clay pigeon is not a statue of a bird. Rather, it’s a round, usually orange target which is blown to bits by members of SPA’s trapshooting team.

“I’ve been trapshooting for as long as I can remember,” junior Autumn Spaulding said.

Compared to other high school sports, the trapshooting team follows an odd schedule. The team mostly spends their time alone, has Saturday practices, and, since there are no seniors on the team, is led by juniors. Meets are low-key, creating a relaxing environment.

In addition to shooting, Spaulding enjoys watching her newer teammates improve. “[At first] some of them might only hit four to five clay pigeons, [compared] to their more recent shoots where they might hit fourteen or fifteen.”

Spaulding believes it’s helpful to have a community around, especially if you have a “bad shooting day” and that “even just talking about bad scores” can help lift one’s spirits.

Overall, Spaulding appreciates the calm environment that the team has to offer. Though individual, there is still a community element to shooting ranges, ear protection, and watching clay pigeons explode into dozens of shards.

THE RUBICON

11

Ultimate

THE RUBICON - MAY 2022

Trap

Track

Boys Tennis

Softball

WRAP-UP

SPORTS

THE RUBICON

ANNIE BAI

THE RUBICON

Through teamwork and leadership, the ultimate frisbee team has overcome a lack of inexperienced players due to minimal recruiting during the pandemic.

The team has a culture of encouragement; they are focused on having fun but are also very competitive. The team bonds through listening to music before games.

“We have a few chants we do before the games, and I’m working on playing classical music during drills before every game.

We also stand in a circle after each game with the other team to share our favorite moments from the game and exchange “spirit gifts”,” said captain Per Johnson.

After graduation, they will face the challenge of losing many valuable players next season. However, the team remains optimistic. “We will mostly have to work on our fundamentals and leadership as the now-sophomores and juniors will have to step up,” Hilton said. Aside from training more, the priority for the next season is to focus on recruitment, so they have enough players for a full team. “It would also be great if we had enough girls for a girls team, which we, unfortunately, didn’t this year,” said Johnson.

12

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT THE RUBICON - MAY 2022

Oh, the places you’ll go (this summer) JOHANNA PIERACH

Summer is the time for all the sun-soaked adventures students dream up while suffering over their textbooks. But what does that look like when on a budget? Though less extravagant, fun summer outings are still possible when one needs to save a little cash.

THE RUBICON

One of the best places to unwind is the outdoors. After all, experts correlate time in nature to several health benefits, including lower stress and improved attention span. Going to the lake is a popular pastime for many Minnesotans, as they are cheap and convenient summer destinations. Sophomore Carys Hardy frequents Lake Nokomis, located in Minneapolis and is open from 6 a.m. until midnight (or 10 p.m. in underdeveloped areas). She enjoys hanging out with her friends and swimming, sometimes bringing hammocks. At Lake Nokomis, there are two main beaches, as well as a variety of amenities, including a baseball field, biking and walking paths, pickleball court, fishing pier and a restaurant called Sandcastle, which opens at 11 a.m. and closes at 9 p.m. every day of the week.

CARYS HARDY RECOMMENDS LAKE NOKOMIS FAIR USE: Wikimedia Commons

HADLEY DOBISH RECOMMENDS THE VALI-HI DRIVE-IN

PHOTO: Bryce Koenig

Another classic outdoor option is going to the park, the perfect cost-effective solution to summer’s newfound free time. St. Paul Parks and Recreation manages 179 parks and open spaces, 25 city-operated recreation centers and 100 miles of trails. The organization also offers indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities, a public beach and youth and adult athletic programs. Ninth-grader Julia Taylor enjoys going to Tony Schmidt Regional Park, located in Arden Hills near Lake Johanna.

Beach hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset and beach season extends from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Typical park amenities along with the beach include walking paths, picnic tables and a fishing pier. “When I’m with my friends, we eat ice cream, talk, make videos and take pictures,” Taylor said.

“We stay out there for hours, sometimes even long enough to watch the sunset, which is cool,” she added.

Although drive-in movie theaters are a decades-old concept, they remain a popular choice for a cheap summer outing. Vali-Hi Drive-In, located in Lake Elmo, soon opens for the season. Ninth-grader Hadley Dobish visited the Vali-Hi Drive-In in May of last year. “It is so worth it to go. And it doesn’t matter what the movie is; it’s just a fun experience,” Dobish said. Although outside food isn’t permitted, it is relatively easy to bring in snacks. Otherwise, movie-goers can save money by purchasing something cheap (like the famous $1 hot dog) from the concession stand.

Because the movies don’t start until after sunset, guests have plenty of time to relax and have fun beforehand. “We brought some lawn chairs and games, so that was very fun. Very nice with a big group of people,” she said. Once the film begins, one can grab a blanket and tune into 90.1FM, allowing them to enjoy the movie from the trunk of their car. Usually, Vali-Hi screens two or three feature movies, which can lead to the final film ending at around three a.m. Vali-Hi is cash-only, but admission for up to three films is roughly the same (or even less for small children) as the cost of one movie at a traditional theater, making the drive-in a more affordable option for a movie night.

JULIA TAYLOR RECOMMENDS TONY SCHMIDT REGIONAL PARK FAIR USE: Ramsey County Minnesota Flickr

This tea is your perfect matcha HOBBS LILLYGREEN THE RUBICON

RUBICON PHOTO: Hobbs Lillygreen

SERENE GREEN. This matcha’s finely ground leaves give the tea a verdant hue. The small serving is packed with an intense and fresh flavor. Hobbs Lillygreen said, “The intense flavor means a small amount is just the right amount.”

NORTHEAST TEA HOUSE WHERE:

224 E Hennepin Ave Minneapolis, MN 55414

HOURS:

8AM - 5PM (T-F); 8AM - 5PM (Sat); closed Monday RUBICON PHOTO: Hobbs Lillygreen

FRESHLY BREWED. Northeast Tea House brews their matcha fresh giving it a unique and fresh flavor. tense.

COST: $5 (single); $8 (double)

Culinary grade, ceremonial grade, iced, hot, latte or not, matcha’s intricacies and specificities are part of its allure.

Matcha is produced from the same leaves that are steeped to make green tea, but instead of the flavor coming from the leaves releasing it into the water, matcha is ground into a fine powder suspended in the water it’s served in.

Matcha originates from Japan and has been milled there for over one thousand years, but as it made its way to the United States, it became commodified and the traditional culture and ceremonies surrounding the beverage became just as watered down as the matcha served at coffee shops today.

Coffee shops, restaurants and even chains like Starbucks and Caribou, serve matcha, though its quality in flavor and tex-

ture is much lower than the traditional version.

The best quality matcha is made from the earliest harvest of shaded tea leaves and is ground from leaves with the stems and veins removed to give it a more delicate texture.

Cheaper qualities of matcha include stems and veins and are produced from a batch of leaves picked later in the season, creating a sour, bitter and gritty texture.

Japan is 5830.947 miles away from Minnesota, so how is quality matcha served anywhere in the state?

Like the name says, in northeast Minneapolis, a quaint tea house named Northeast Tea House solves the issue of quality and freshness. Northeast Tea House is one of only two places in the country to mill its own matcha.

The quality of the fresh matcha is better than any imported matcha and its freshness is incomparable. Freshly milling matcha also adds a flavor to

the matcha that is unusual compared to the taste of older matcha.

Northeast Tea House’s matcha comes in multiple varieties, with each having a unique flavor and notes. The matcha can be served hot or cold and is done so without milk or sweetener. The first type of matcha the tea house serves is Samidori matcha and it has a rich and green flavor. The second type of matcha served is called Okumidori and has a smooth and floral flavor. The third type of matcha served is Asahi matcha and it has a spicy note along with a floral and green flavor. The final type of matcha served is the mill city blend which has a balanced flavor.

For individuals just starting out, the Okumidori matcha and mill city blend matcha are recommended because they are lighter in flavor. Each matcha can be served in a small size or a large size or as they are called on the menu, a single and dou-

ble. The matcha appears to be tiny at first glance, but the intense flavor means a small amount is just the right amount.

The Okumidori was intense in flavor compared to a matcha latte or matcha with heavy sweeteners like those found in many coffee shops, but the floral and green notes were apparent. The matcha was extremely smooth and fresh and gave the perfect caffeine kick.

Northeast Tea House is a 4 /5 stars. For matcha connoisseurs or casual drinks alike, it is a quiet space to talk with friends or family and enjoy a warm cup of tea or matcha along with treats like mochi. Unlike a local coffee shop, the culture of tea and matcha is valued and that makes Northeast Tea House an entirely different experience.

RATING: 4/5

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT THE RUBICON - MAY 2022

MOVIES YOU SHOULD NOT MISS

6/16 7/21 8/26

Spider-Man No Way Home When: Thursday, June 16 Where: Lyndale Farmstead Park Jumanji: The Next Level When: Thursday, July 21 Where: Highland Pool House The Sandlot When: Friday, August 26 Where: Edgcumbe Recreation Center

7/2 7/28 9/2

Sing 2 When: Tuesday, July 12 Where: Waite Park

13

Encanto When: Thursday, July 28 Where: El Rio Vista Recreation Center PAW Patrol the Movie When: Friday, September 2 Where: Kenny Park

Movies in the Park: a guide to outdoor entertainment PJ BOHJANEN THE RUBICON

Imagine that the sun is setting as you sit on a blanket surrounded by friends and family. A warm breeze hits you as the fresh smell of the park fills your nose and suddenly, the program begins. If any of that sounds intriguing, then Movies in the Park would be a great summer activity.

Of the many possibilities that summer brings, Movies in the Park is a great option. This program happens every year and is held in the parks of both Minneapolis and St. Paul. Each city’s parks and recreation program sets up hit movies for

anyone to enjoy. Prior to each movie, there are plenty of things to do such as just enjoying the park or letting children play in the park.

This year there is a splendid selection of movies in Minneapolis.

One film to look forward to is Back To the Future, which plays on June 3 at 7:00pm. The movie follows Marty McFly as he goes to the past and tries to get back home. The movie is a classic from the 80s that all ages can enjoy. Another anticipated showing is on July 23 at 7:30 p.m., where they will be showing Soul, one of Pixar’s newest movies, about a musician who finds himself dead and tries to get back to earth

to fulfill his dream of playing in a jazz band.

Freshman Lorenzo Good attended Movies in The Park when he was younger. “I went with my baseball team,” he said, “Practice had finished and so we went there to watch a movie and hang out.” He explained that he didn’t remember what movie he saw, but he did remember having a wonderful time with his team.

Saint Paul’s selection of films is also quite the lineup. For those who start to miss school during the summer, on August 19, Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone will be playing. The movie follows Harry Potter, a young boy attending a

wizarding school and uncovering many mysteries about his and the school’s past. The film is the perfect way to get away from life. On September 19, they will be showing Happy Gilmore, a comedy with Adam Sandler that follows a young man who has a hidden talent for golf and must enter a tournament to help his family. Quite fittingly, they are showing this movie at Highland Golf Course.

Minneapolis and St. Paul’s movie program is a must for those looking for a fun time this summer. Information about movies, locations and dates can be found on each city’s parks and recreation website.

Summer concert tips for beginners CLAIRE KIM

THE RUBICON

The freedom of summer often makes for the perfect opportunity to see a concert, especially if it requires more time to travel. However, it can be scary attending a concert for the first time and not knowing what to expect.

Often, the first struggle with concert-going is obtaining tickets and seats. Signing up for ticket presales, getting help from friends and family and checking multiple retailers can all help to get tickets. While the best seats depend on the venue and the person, sitting close to the middle is often best for sound as speakers project in a more balanced way compared to the very back or very front. Even though floor seats are optimal for interacting with the artist, they are often the hardest to obtain (and not great for short people).

Regardless of the location in the audience, it’s important to put the safety of the performers

first and stay within the proper boundaries. “Be respectful to the artists and respectful to your peers who sit around you,” freshman Serene Kalugdan said.

Prior to arriving at the venue, checking parking and transport is always a good idea. Many viewers arrive at least an hour early for general admis-

“

I WOULD ALWAYS GO WITH ANOTHER PERSON BECAUSE IT’S MORE FUN BUT ALSO YOU CAN LOOK OUT FOR EACH OTHER. sophomore Reilly Ringness

sion shows to beat the line. However, for concerts with assigned seats, it usually isn’t necessary to arrive before doors open. If merchandise is a must-have, getting to the venue early is beneficial for either type of concert.

Checking venue rules

is essential for determining what to bring. If allowed, a small bag will help keep belongings organized.

Otherwise, a phone to capture the moment and a portable charger are must-haves, as well as a wallet, but avoid bringing large items like professional cameras and selfie sticks. “What you bring depends on where the venue is, so if it’s outside and summer definitely bring water and wear not a lot of clothes,” sophomore Reilly Ringness said. “A tip in general is to dress for the occasion, so wear clothes you dance or move in.”

Although earplugs might seem like overkill at first, they can help mitigate a genuine safety concern. According to NPR, anything above 85 decibels (the volume of heavy city traffic) can damage hearing and the volume at most concerts is over 100 decibels.

Screaming fans and loud music may call for concert earplugs, which are relatively affordable and recommended by many audiences.

FAIR USE: Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board

MOVIE MAGIC. Experience all the joys of a summer night under the stars while relaxing with friends and family.

Concert must-brings

Finally, for those who haven’t been to concerts before, it can be a good idea to travel with another person as they can provide some guidance and to a certain degree, safety. “I would always go with another person because it’s more fun but also you can look out for each other,” Ringness said. Even though being unfamiliar with the artist performing can seem daunting, tagging along with a friend can also help you discover new music. However, this doesn’t mean going to a concert alone is off-limits; watching solo can be a meaningful experience by itself, especially for experienced concert-goers.

Exploring the world of live music brings a new level to the listening experience and summer concerts can enhance the moment even more.

ILLUSTRATION: Annika Kim Local venues like The Ar- MUST HAVES. There are a few essentials for concerts inmory and First Avenue cluding: a phone, wallet, bag, portable charger, water bottle have plenty of shows with and earplugs. a wide variety of musicians; so take a chance to DISCOVER YOUR see a long-time favorite artist, or a completely SUMMER read more at the: new one.

READING LIST RUBICON online

14

MUSIC THE RUBICON - MAY 2022

Recording & editing songs

Isaac and Noah Levy record and produce music locally

2

1

GEORGIA ROSS THE RUBICON

Write song

The first step in creating a song is to record the verses and chorus.

Record it

The second step to create a track is to record the music in a studio with high quality microphones.

Adjust sound

3

The third step in producing music is to adjust the sound of the track by recording again in different ways.

4

Edit track

The final step to making music is to edit the product produced by the previous steps in software like LogicPro

Wood-clad walls lined with fifteen different strings and glistening gold drums spread all over—sitting in Noah and Isaac Levy's recording studio is just as magical as the process that makes the pairs' music so interesting. Often the pair’s day won’t end until 6 p.m. or even 1 a.m.

So, what causes the process of recording music to take so long and how is it done?

Even before the recording process begins, the Levy’s have to hire a client to record or an artist has to request to use the studio to create a song or use it in general.

When artists arrive with their music, it often needs lots of work, or its quality needs improvement. Isaac Levy receives

RUBICON PHOTO: Georgia Ross

HIT RECORD. Isacc Levy plays guitar at his recording studio with all his tools for producing music.

Q&A with Nicholas Scott Q: How did you begin getting into music editing?

A: I’ve been a musician my whole life and started playing the guitar when I was in the sixth grade at SPA. I fell in love with it pretty quickly and started to pick up more instruments as the years went on including drums and piano.

Q: How did you learn how to do it?

A: It’s mostly been a long process of trial and error and willingness to experiment. I’ve been lucky enough to work with a lot of extremely talented people who have been willing to share some tips and tricks with me over the years that I was able to incorporate into

many raw vocal pieces with minimal instrumental elements or general body to the songs, "my favorite thing is the end when everything is done and finished and seeing the difference—watching the song come to life," Levy said.

On the other hand, Noah Levy enjoyed problem solving and filling the gaps in the music he takes on. The pair recognize the uniqueness of their work and their appreciation for it goes more than skin deep.

The environment of the recording studio is light and positive which is necessary in creating a space that allows for mistakes. Instead of making biting jokes, humor was not used degradingly. While practicing, the pair joked around, "Your fingers are in a pretzel," Levy said, "it's cool but

maybe a little too gooey."

"Our job is making records and playing live, when things get heated, or people get mad, it's like, come on, we're making music," Noah Levy said, “Recording is the phase of taking an idea and making it real, capturing your emotions and music, and turning it into a song for an audience.”

The first step in creating a song is to make the vocal basis for it. The main vocals of a song are just one aspect of it, so backing vocals need to be recorded and layered in order to create the vocal structure of a musical piece. As far as recording goes, first, microphones are set up according to desired sound, height, etc.

Microphones are crucial in the recording process but setting them up and adjusting them can be

challenging. Then, after recording different parts of a track, the vocals of a song can be expanded upon with editing.

Editing adds texture to a song and follows the recording. Fine-tuning each note to the correct key or fixing its place in relation to the track's beat is part of the initial steps of creating perfect vocals for a song. Most of the time, each instrument that is played and recorded in the studio, has specific amps that can alter its sound which are located in a musical editing software called Logicpro.

Online music software is vast in its abilities—hundreds of different loops, instruments, amps, and volumes can all be used to create unique sounds that add auditory interest.

RUBICON PHOTO: Georgia Ross

Do–Re–Mi–Fa–Sol–La–Ti. Isacc Levy and Noah Levy's recording studio is built out of warm woods and red carpets that function both as sound dampeners and beautiful design.

my process and build on.

Like a lot of the other things though, I never sought out professional teaching or lessons and preferred to explore on my own.

Q: Did you have any artists who inspired you along the way?

A: There are probably too many to name but some of the big ones have been Kanye West, Timbaland, Pharell, Drake, The Weeknd,

Prince, Michael Jackson, and the list can go on for a long time. Early on though, I had a lot of people my own age who I saw performing in bands when we were still kids that I admired so much. They were a huge influence.

Q: In your work, is editing or recording more important?

A: I think it’s a matter of perspective. Good performance makes a recording come to life in ways that can’t necessarily be edited in. It’s also crucial for artists who are doing shows to be able to recreate their sound in a live setting with minimal amounts of editing or artificial assistance. But to produce good records, you need to have a very sharp ear and be able to create something that you enjoy as both a listener and an artist.

Q: Do you have a favorite song that you've edited?

A: I think the one that I’m most proud of up to this point is a song called “Ghetto America” by Calboy featuring Lil Durk.

Right now I think it’s sitting somewhere around 40 million streams across platforms and the album it was on has been certified Gold. It was put at #35 on Rolling Stones top 50 songs of 2019.

FIFTH GRADE FEATURES THE RUBICON - MAY 2022

15

LOWER SCHOOL STORIES

PHOTO: Kathryn Campbell

MADDY FISHER

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

During my semester away in Washington, D.C., my classmates and I spent a week studying media literacy and ethical journalism, the highlight of which was talking with award-winning journalists. While home for a holiday break, I found myself thinking frequently about the impact of what we had studied and how my perception of the world would be different without the time I spent on the publications staff learning how to approach news sources critically. With a lot of help from the Director of Publications, Kathryn Campbell, I started a mini available to fifth graders on the Goodrich Campus, hoping to encourage interest in journalism and improve media literacy skills. We practiced interviewing, writing, and photography and talked about the reliability of their information sources. Their work is displayed on the following pages, and I hope you take the time to read it.

SCOUT WAINWRIGHT & KEIRA COUGHLIN SCOUT WAINWRIGHT

Keira Coughlin, a fifth-grade writer at Saint Paul Academy, has an amazing talent for fantasy writing. However, among her many stories, her newest novel really sticks out.

It’s a sci-fi thriller all about a 96 year old war hero who gets into a car crash and that same night has a dream about the people he fought with in the war. Then, when he wakes the next morning and checks the news and sees that all the people from the war came back from the dead only to have his apartment collapse just moments later.

He then goes on to be kidnapped by soldiers and kept hostage at their headquarters and has to find a way to break out, stop the war, and make everything go back to normal.

“It was one of the longest stories I’ve written and I feel like I didn’t have to rush it and was able to get all my ideas down,” Keira said when asked about her story.

Her talent for writing is truly amazing and we can’t wait to see what she writes next.

FIFTH GRADER

PHOTO: Kathryn Campbell

HEART-TO-HEART. Scout Wainwright and Keira Coughlin take turns sharing stories as they try to decide the focus of their profiles.

ELLIOT HAZZARD & VIOLET MCKOY

PHOTO: Kathryn Campbell

WORM’S-EYE VIEW. Elliot Hazzard and Violet McKoy experiment with angles following a photography lesson.

ELLIOT HAZZARD

We all have different feelings about moving to a new school. When fifth grader, Violet E. McKoy came to St. Paul Academy this school year, she experienced many different emotions.

Violet was born in St. Paul, MN. Before Violet came to SPA, she went to Garlough Environmental Magnet School (GEMS), in West St. Paul. “I wanted to come to SPA,” Violet stated. “All of my siblings went here so I didn’t have much of a choice.”

When Violet first came into the school, she felt lost and didn’t know where to go. She also remembered smelling fresh fruit water and seeing the fireplace in the living room.

After she got inside of the building, she was directed to 5B, the classroom she would be for fifth grade. She felt very shy and lost when she entered the classroom. “Zoya J. was the first person I actually met when I got in,” Violet said. “She helped me know what to do.”

When Violet first started at the school, she had to wear crutches which affected her abilities. She wasn’t allowed to participate in P.E. or do a lot of things at recess. After about a month, her family contracted COVID-19 so she had to quarantine for two weeks but then she contracted a different sickness (not COVID), so she had to quarantine for another two weeks which caused her to miss school for a month.

We all have different experiences when it comes to being and making friends in a new school you’ve never been to. It can feel nerve-racking or exciting or scary or a mix of different feelings. Violet McKoy experienced a mix of nervous and excited feelings. She may have had a hard time first entering the school, but she adjusted well to the new environment.

FIFTH GRADER

VIOLET MCKOY

Moving states or countries can be difficult. For Elliott Graham Hazzard, he had the usual mix of feelings. Elliott currently goes to Saint Paul Academy and is eleven years old in fifth grade. Elliott is from Toronto, O.N. Canada. He moved to Minnesota when he was five years old and has lived there ever since.

“I was excited to move to Minneapolis, but I didn’t want to leave the friendships that I had,” Elliott stated. Elliott and his family drove from Toronto to St. Paul and stopped at multiple places along the way.

When Elliott stopped in Chicago, his sister, Juliet, turned one year old.

The drive took almost two weeks but after a long drive, when Elliott saw the Minnesota skyline he shouted, “It’s Minneapolis, Mom.” Elliott’s favorite thing to do in Canada was ride public transportation, which he misses a lot. Now his favorite thing in Minnesota is taking walks in parks and the many big lakes. Elliott’s grandmother still lives in Canada so Elliott visits occasionally. Elliott enjoys Canadian maple syrup and loves the holidays Victoria Day and Canada Day. His Canadian spirit lives on.

FIFTH GRADER

16

FIFTH GRADE FEATURES THE RUBICON - MAY 2022

JAYANI NELSON & AVERY DAYTON

PHOTO: Kathryn Campbell

WRITTEN WORD. Jayani Nelson and Avery Dayton interview each other as they prepare to write their feature stories.

JAYANI NELSON FIFTH GRADER

attitude.

“Fishing is something I do to connect with my dad and I think that that’s really important,” Dayton stated. She first started fishing when she was very young, at about three years of age. She only recently started muskie fishing in about 2020.

“Unfortunately, I have never caught a muskie because they are very ‘moody’ fish but I keep trying every time I’m out there. Perseverance is key when fishing like I do,” Dayton said.

Avery and her dad usually go fishing in the fall, which is muskie season, but also deer season, so they have to wear bright orange colored vests.

Fishing for muskies can be dangerous, they can bite off your finger if you’re not careful, but as Dayton later explained, “I think it’s the thrill of the hunt that keeps me going. It gets me away from city life and just completely immerses me into a new type of world: a world of nature,” she mentioned. “The best feeling in the world is floating down that river in a canoe.”

She hopes to continue fishing in the years to come, and she is confident she will catch a muskie one day.

“I love fishing with my dad and can’t wait to share the moment I catch a 50-inch muskie with him.”

PHOEBE GOTTLIEB & ARIANNA REENTS

PHOTO: Kathryn Campbell

A THOUSAND WORDS. Phoebe Gottlieb and Arianna Reents practice their photography skills.

PHOEBE GOTTLIEB

Everyone loves getting new pets and getting to share a part of their lives with them. Here’s fifth grader Arianna Reents’ journey to get her dog, Moxie.

Some people say dogs are a “man’s best friend” as they are really playful and fun loving, so the first time Ari saw Moxie she knew that she would be perfect and that Moxie would be her best friend.

Ari got Moxie in fourth grade. She couldn’t wait to get her dog. Moxie is her first dog. She adopted her dog from Spots Last Stop, a place that brings dogs from states where they would be killed and gives them a second chance.

Ari enjoys playing with her dog after a long day at school. Her dog is her only dog but she does have a turtle named George at home. She loves taking Moxie walks and to the dog park. But she hopes to get another dog soon.

FIFTH GRADER

DAY-BY-DAY: CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

DAY ONE

MADDY FISHER

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Avery Grace Dayton is in fifth Grade and is eleven years old with an amazing

AVERY DAYTON

Jayani Reena Nelson is ten years old. She is in 5B and new to SPA this year. Another interesting thing about her? She loves to read, like many of us reading this currently. In this article, you will learn all about Jayani’s view on the world of books—and you’ll definitely leave with a couple good books to read.

“I can’t wait to share my books with you,” Jayani said when asked about recommendations.

Though Jayani is a huge reader, she definitely has her standards when it comes to what she reads. She has an especial taste for realistic fiction and historical fiction.

Everybody has things to calm them down. Maybe it’s playing with a pet, or making art. But for Jayani, it’s, you guessed it, reading.

“I mostly read to entertain myself, but also to relax from the stress of the day. I don’t know what I would do without reading. It’s a coping mechanism for me, especially now with the pandemic more than ever,” she said.

“Everything is so different, and reading is something I’ve always had. I use it to escape to new worlds and get away from all the craziness.”

“I also get to learn new words that nobody in my life would have taught me, or even thought to teach me,” Jayani said. “I will always keep reading, no matter how old I get. It’s a safe place for me and I wouldn’t give that up for anything.”

FIFTH GRADER

ARIANNA REENTS

Everyone has different things they do after school. For Phoebe Gottlieb one of those things is piano.

Phoebe Gottlieb is an excellent piano player. Her piano teacher is the best of the best. She has had multiple piano teachers but her current one has been teaching her for about three years. She has been playing piano for five years, and considers it as something that has been a part of her life for a while. She practices everyday for about 20-25 minutes. Phoebe has lots of support; her whole family plays piano.

Phoebe was just in a competition and did pretty well. Sadly she lost in the finals. It was her first competition and it was a really scary but interesting experience. She enjoys learning new pieces and hopes to get better over time. She played in the Minnesota Music Teachers Association competition. Her sister also competed but at a younger age level.

“There’s not a lot of pressure on the competition but it would be really cool to win,” Phoebe said. There are multiple winners for each level so if she had been one of the winners for her level she would get to be a part of a big concert with all the other winners even from the other levels. She is going to enter more competitions in the future and hopes to get better.

FIFTH GRADER

DAY TWO

DAY THREE

PHOTOS: Kathryn Campbell

On the first day, the fifth graders began the class with a brief discussion about the importance of journalism. They then moved into an exercise aimed at improving their critical-thinking skills. Each student was given three popsicle sticks (representing where they received news from most frequently) to drop into cups labeled with various information sources; the labels ranged from “parents or family members” to “social media” and “newspapers.” Once they had finished placing their popsicle sticks, Fisher asked for volunteers to share their sources and the group spent some time questioning the assumptions each student made about the credibility of their choices. After this activity, the fifth graders spent some time decorating their reporters notebooks and then jumped into the interview process, using a brief demonstration by their advisors and a document with ten story prompts as guidelines.

PHOTOS: Kathryn Campbell

During the second day of class, the fifth graders began their writing process. After hearing a short feature piece read aloud, the class discussed the way the author balanced detailed description with quotes and facts, working to establish the difference between profile stories and regular news content. As work time began, the students returned to their pairs and continued interviewing, meeting with an advisor if they wanted help. At the end of the class, Fisher read aloud a profile she had written as a sophomore.

PHOTO: Scout Wainwright

PHOTO: Avery Dayton

PHOTO: Phoebe Gottlieb

On the last day of class, the fifth graders worked to finish up their stories. Following work time and a description of photo angles, they spent the rest of the class taking photos of each other, experimenting with levels and framing.

PHOTO: Kathryn Campbell