December 2011 Chatterbox - Ruston High School

Box Tops 

Bearcat News (2) 

Academia (3-6) 

Outside Our Box? (7) 

Teacher Spotlights (8-9) 

Editorials/Opinions (10-14) 

Clubs (15-17) 

Argent Ad (18) 

The Arts (19) 

Senior Spotlights (20-24) 

Student Center (25) 

Fun Page (26) 

Sponsors and Staff (27) 

Bearcat Spirit (28) 

Sports (29-32) 

Upcoming 

Issues 

January 2012 

Closed Campus: Pros/Cons 

Basketball Heats Up 

2nd Semester Begins 

February 2012 

Mardi Gras: Pro/Con 

Valentine’s Wishes 

Basketball Playoffs 

March 2012 

EOC Testing: Pro/Con 

FBLA Heads to State 

Baseball is Back Strong 

Chatterbox 

The Voice of Ruston High School 

900 Bearcat Drive, Ruston, Louisiana 71270 

http://rustonhigh.lincolnschools.org/chatterbox.html 

December 15, 2011 

FBLA President Elizabeth Smith 

Louisiana Member of the Month for November 

submitted by Lloyd R. Bruner 

FBLA Adviser 

On December 8, 2011, Ruston High School was notified that Elizabeth 

Smith, President of Chapter 617, was selected as the Louisiana Future 

Business Leaders of America (FBLA) November Member of the Month. 

This makes the fourth consecutive year that a member of RHS FBLA has 

received the honor of having been selected as a member of the month for 

Louisiana FBLA, and the sixth time over the past seven years that RHS 

has received such an honor. 

Elizabeth has been instrumental this year in establishing and promoting 

FBLA both at RHS and at our newest middle level chapter at Ruston 

Junior High School (RJHS). She made personal visits to RJHS to help 

recruit members and discuss FBLA with both students and parents. As a 

result of her efforts, the new RJHS chapter boasts 25 members in its first 

year. One of the new members is Elizabeth‘s sister, Amber Smith, who is 

now the Vice President; thereby, providing stability and a generation of 

leaders for our chapter. In addition to recruiting, Elizabeth helped organize 

the RJHS chapter and assisted with the selection of the first RJHS officers. 

She continues attending RJHS meetings and mentoring them to become 

effective at managing their own chapter business. (continued on page 4) 

RHS Distinguished Alumni and Teachers 

information provided by RHS Alumni Association 

by Elena Till 

Assistant News Editor 

On Friday, October 24 th the Ruston High School Alumni Association held their 8 th Annual Distinguished 

Alumni and Distinguished Educator Awards Luncheon. At the luncheon, three distinguished 

teachers and three distinguished alumni were honored and recognized. A young alumnus was also honored 

with a significant achievement award. 

The three distinguished alumni recognized and honored were as follows: in the category of Commerce 

and Industry, Captain Zane Skinner; in the category of Humanities and Education, Robert M. Lewis; and 

in Humanities, Duddy Burkhalter Garrett. The distinguished teachers honored were current teacher Elaine 

Johnson, retired teacher Bud Alexander (Coach Bud), and the late Mr. Morgan Peoples. Ryan David Dick 

was the recipient of the inaugural Young Alumnus of Significant Achievement. 

In the October edition of the Chatterbox, we began a series giving a detailed report on each of these 

distinguished alumni and teachers, covering one distinguished alumni or teacher each month. Last month, 

the late Mr. Morgan Dewey Peoples was covered. This month, we continue the series on page two (2) 

with a report on Bud Alexander, also known as Coach Bud. 

Christmas and New Year’s Holidays 

Dec. 21, 2011—Jan. 2, 2012 

Inside 

Locked into Accounting 

See Page 3 

FBLA Thanks the 

Louisiana National Guard 

See Page 7 

Choir Present Coffee, 

Cakes, and Carols 

See Page 19 

Basketball is 

Back 

See Page 31

B earcat News 


Ruston High School December 15, 2011 Page 2 

Distinguished Teacher: Bud Alexander 

information provided by RHS Alumni Association 

by Elena Till 


Bud Alexander was born in 1939 to J.C. and Doris Alexander in Hilly, Louisiana; he was one of five children. He attended Ruston 

High School and then Louisiana Tech University where he earned his Bachelor‘s degree in 1962 with a triple major: Social 

Studies, English, and Physical Education. At Louisiana Tech, he was a member of the football team as their kicker and was given 

the name ―Golden Toe.‖ Bud held a Tech kicking record that lasted for many years and although he was interviewed by several pro 

teams at the end of his college career, he decided to stay in Ruston to teach and to raise his family. He received his Master‘s degree 

in Science and Physical Education in 1964 and completed his Masters Plus 30 in 1984. Bud married his high school sweetheart 

Louise Youngblood and they had two children, Greg Alexander and Jan Alexander Yates. 

In 1962, Mr. Alexander began teaching at RHS where he taught until 1973. He taught American History and Old Testament 

History as well as coached football and track. After teaching at RHS for 11 years, he was sent to Glen View Junior High School to 

begin a new athletic program, but returned a short three months later to Ruston High to serve as an assistant principal until 1978. In 

addition to performing his duties as assistant principal, Coach Bud also worked on many other things to improve the school. He 

helped establish several new innovations to Ruston High School including the in-school computerization of student absences. 

Over the course of his Ruston High teaching years, he earned the affectionate name of Coach Bud and many former students still 

call him this. He motivated many students to start caring about their education and take an interest in history. Coach Bud influenced 

hundreds of students throughout his teaching career and will be remembered by all of them for his compassion and dedication. 

Congratulations to the Ruston High School 2011-2012 

Teacher of the Year: Mr. Kyle Falting 

Saluting Outstanding 

Student Achievement 

Throughout the Bearcat Nation

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National Honor Society: The Totals Are In! 

by Polly Michelle Gwan 

Academics Reporter 

Recently, the National Honor Society (NHS) raised money towards the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the total is in. The RHS National Honor Society successfully 

raised enough money to make a generous donation of $500 to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. To say thanks to all the people who donated money for this, the NHS had a 

drawing with various prizes including an iPod Touch, 2 Counter Culture gift cards, a Maggie Moo‘s gift card, and a Starbucks gift card. The National Honor Society has 

worked hard to support not only their school, but their community and will definitely continue to do so in the future! 

Accounting Students Receive Insight on a Future in Accounting 

by Elizabeth Smith 

Business Manager 

On Wednesday December 7, 2011, Mr. Bruner‘s accounting class (Accounting 201 - Dual/Honors) left Ruston High School (RHS) to visit Barr and Woodward, L.L.C. to 

personally meet with Mr. Chris Barr, CPA and learn about Accounting as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Students were treated to donuts and orange juice while Mr. 

Barr presented them with a video about accounting. The video was very insightful and it helped the class to see the ins and outs of the accounting profession. 

Mr. Barr expanded on all the benefits of making accounting a career. He told the class about some of his personal experiences as an accountant over the years. Mr. Matt 

McCullin, CPA, one of Mr. Barr‘s newer employees and who recently passed the CPA Exam, explained how the CPA Exam is given and provided details on what accountants 

are expected to know in order to pass the exam. He also explained his career in accounting. 

After listening to the stories they shared with the class, some accounting students started to seriously consider making accounting their career. The presentation provided 

to the students also included a crash course on QuickBooks (accounting software). During this crash course, Mr. Barr quizzed the students on general accounting terms, debits 

and credits, cash flows, and journal entries. Needless to say, Abbie King and Elizabeth Smith were answering all his questions, which they should, as they will be representing 

RHS at the FBLA leadership conference in Accounting I and Accounting II. 

All students received an application and joined the Society of Louisiana CPAs as high school student members, and received a membership shirt and a ―goodie‖ bag. The 

students enjoyed the presentation and gained valuable knowledge of accounting outside of the classroom. After the presentation, students were given a tour and history lesson 

on the T.L. James building and even spent a few minutes locked in the vault. The fun had to end and students headed back to RHS to get back to the basics of education and 

their third hour classes. 

Accounting students listen to the presentation from Chris Barr, CPA. 

Accounting students visit the vault at the T.L. James Building. 

DRIVER’S EDUCATION 

• 6 – Hour Pre-Licensing Class 

• Course is State Approved 

• Must be 17 or older 

• Cost: Only $30 

For information, call: 251-1234

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FBLA President Elizabeth Smith (continued) 

Louisiana Member of the Month for November 

Elizabeth has been an officer all of her years at RHS and she has earned her position as President through endless hours of 

hard work and dedication to our chapter. She has earned her way through district and state competition to Nationals each year 

and will no doubt do it again this year. This year Elizabeth will be competing in Accounting I and Accounting II, has developed 

our school FBLA website, will be competing in Website Design, and has already started on our new Community Service 

Project – honoring the local veterans of Desert Storm. 

Elizabeth is well deserving of being selected member of the month for Louisiana for what she has accomplished during 

October and November. She organized and planned the March of Dimes fundraiser, the CCA fund drive, the RPD gift baskets, 

the veteran‘s appreciation gift, the RFD appreciation gift, Hot Halloween Happenings, and the Christmas Parade. If that wasn‘t 

enough, she has already completed the initial planning of our chapter‘s first ever FBLA Awards Banquet that is scheduled for 

April 27, 2012, at the Louisiana Army National Guard armory, to include coordinating the facilities and the catering. 

Aside from her already busy schedule, Elizabeth has been the leader of the BAA program at RHS, and she has lead by example. 

She was the first member at RHS to finish the Future, Business, and Leader Awards. She will soon be the first member 

at RHS to earn the highest level of recognition - the America Award. As if that is not enough, Elizabeth also helped over 20 

other members in their efforts to earn these awards, and is now assisting RJHS with implementing the MAP awards for the 

middle level. 

As the Louisiana FBLA November Member of the Month, Elizabeth will receive additional recognition at the Louisiana 

FBLA State Conference and she is automatically qualified to attend the National Leadership Conference that will be held this 

summer in San Antonio, Texas. The RHS chapter of FBLA appreciates all that Elizabeth does to make our chapter the best 

chapter in the state. As is obvious by her selection as the Louisiana FBLA November Member of the Month, Elizabeth is appreciated 

by the state chapter as well. As members of the Bearcat Nation, we should all congratulate her on receiving this outstanding 

recognition. 

Père Fouettard 

apporte des punitions 

aux enfants malins. 

Noël en France 

La Veille Noël 

Après la Messe de Minuit, il y a un grand repas – « Le Réveillon » 

On sert de la dinde (comme aux Etats Unis). 

Comme dessert – 

Une Bûche de Noël 

Une Pâtisserie 

Miam-miam! 

On sert des huitres. 

Les Souliers 

On ne met pas de chaussettes 

pour Père Noël. On 

met des souliers. 

Père Noël 

apporte des 

cadeaux aux 

enfants sages.

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KOM 

submitted by Maya Robertson 

Time management is an important aspect when it comes to high school. In addition to rigorous school work, students are also given many opportunities for after-school 

involvement such as sports, clubs, and other extra-curricular activities. In our weekly sessions, the Kick-Off Mentors have been teaching their mentees the importance of 

time management. The mentors used analogies and strategies to demonstrate why time is important. Students were asked to keep a time log over a two-day span, and then to 

evaluate how they spent their time by asking themselves questions like: 

What are some sports or extra-curricular activities that you are involved in? 

How much time do you spend doing those sports or extra curricular activities? 

Do you make adequate time for homework? 

Could your grades improve if you dedicated more time to homework and studying? 

If you are not very involved, what do you wish you could spend more time doing? 

What did you find yourself doing when you did not have specific plans? Is there anything else more valuable that you could do with your time? 

With midterms coming up after Christmas, improving our time management as students is an area in which we could all benefit. Consider preparing your study materials 

in advance and making a study schedule to help yourself be more successful with exams. 

On another note, the Kick-Off Mentoring Program held their food can drive for the Christian Community Action during the week of December 9 th . Thank you to all of 

the teachers and KOMs who helped make this event a huge success. We were able to collect approximately 1500 cans to donate to the CCA this holiday season. 

Kick-Off Mentors are asked to remember that your 2 nd Nine Weeks orange contact cards are due by Friday, January 20 th to Mrs. Thomason. 

New Tech @ Ruston 

by Thristan Cecil 

Clubs Reporter 

Recently, New Tech students were prompted to write for the military pride essay competition, ―Voice of Democracy.‖ Out of the multitudes of submissions, three 

emerged victorious. Garrett Allen took third place and received $25. Haley Chandler Haddox placed 2 nd , winning $50. Finally, Henry Thompson, taking first, received $100. 

In other news, New Tech had their first Executive Tour in November in which two schools from Arkansas and the head of School Development from Napa, CA visited 

and observed the program. New Tech also took part in community service at the SOCA Block Party. The SOCA (South of California Avenue) Block Party is a part of the 

Louisiana Tech University School of Architecture‘s Community Renewal Project. The students and staff engaged in revitalizing the area south of California Avenue by helping 

create a community garden and by working with Habitat for Humanity, Friendship House, and other initiatives. 

To get into the Christmas spirit, New Tech @ Ruston participated in the Lincoln Parish Library‘s Holiday Tree and Wreath competition with their entry, ―A New Tech 

Christmas.‖ The program also sent a group of five New Tech students (Shelton Wooley, Michael Taylor, Caleb White, Garrett Allen, and Thristan Cecil) to LACUE in New 

Orleans to help present ―Students Rock to the Tune of Effective Technology Use in the Math Classroom.‖ In this project, New Tech faculty members Daryl Savage and 

Emile Frey demonstrate how math and science can be infused in music to educate in an innovative way. 

RHS Freshman Academy Recognizes 

November and December Sharp Cats 

submitted by Mrs. Pruden 

Freshman Academy Coordinator 

The Ruston High School Freshman Academy is proud to recognize some of our outstanding students each month by naming them Ruston High Sharp Cats. The academy 

faculty feels that honoring exceptional students is an important part of supporting and encouraging our freshmen. Each month, 6 students from the Freshman Academy are 

nominated by their teachers to join the ranks of the Sharp Cats. 

Through their accomplishments, the students selected for this program have set an outstanding example in some aspect of campus life. Some students have exhibited an 

intense rigor for academics or demonstrated their love of learning. Some have enhanced their grade point average standing while others have shown exemplary attitudes and 

behavior. They are determined to learn and genuinely lead and inspire others on our campus. It is with great pride that we present to you these students...for they are truly 

Sharp Cats! 

We are so proud of our freshmen, and we hope that you will join us in our appreciation of these extraordinary students. November‘s Sharp Cat Students are: Damian 

Cheffin, Lovely Wilkerson, Mille Schroeder, Ben LeBlanc, Bradley Tornabene, and Kailee Rivera. December‘s Sharp Cats are: Jasmine Dodson, Ryan Duke, Dereginald 

Spivey, Deborah Adeyemi, and Jacob Broussard. Congrats to all these students!

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Rotary Club Winners 



September Clark Pierce and Macy Sutherland 

October Kane Killen and Shelby Giddings 

November Braden Hilton and Anna Fuller 

December Reed Malek and Neesha Siriwardane 

January TBA 

February TBA 

March TBA 

April TBA 

May TBA 

Resumé 

submitted by Emily Greer 

Resumé Staff Member 

The Resumé Yearbook Staff would like to inform you that as of December 1 st the 

price of yearbooks went up to $50. This would make a great gift for a graduating senior, 

or anyone at Ruston High! If you would like to purchase one please see Mrs. Garrison 

in room 315! Now there is an even more convenient way to order yearbooks; 

check out jostensyearbook.com and order yours today. Seniors it‘s time to start thinking 

about senior recognition ads, for prices or if you have any questions please see a 

Resumé yearbook staff member. 

Get Your Secret Santa from COE 

by Sarah Kay Blaylock 

Arts Reporter 

Ruston High‘s very own COE members are selling secret Santa‘s to students and faculty! They are 50 cents a piece and 

contain a candy cane and a message of the buyer‘s choice. These delightful treats started selling on the 12 th , but no worries, 

they are going to be sold until the 19 th of December. You cant buy them during both lunch shifts; or one can always go to 

Mrs. Tinsley‘s room (room 332) and purchase them. So do not miss out! Share the Christmas joy with a friend! 

Chatterbox Asks: Where Are the Clubs? Seniors? Writers? 

by Lloyd R. Bruner 

Chatterbox Adviser 

As the adviser of Chatterbox, I love that the Chatterbox staff is able to provide information about our great school, share our school‘s successes, and promote school 

pride. This year has been a great learning experience for the staff and we want to ensure that we do the best job possible. However, there is just so much that 12 students in 

one class can do during 4th hour, even with all the extra time and effort they put into the newspaper every month after hours. The staff is more than capable of writing editorials 

and covering events and organizations that we are a part of or know about, but Chatterbox wants to cover everything possible. We need your help in order to do this, as 

too many students and organizations are not receiving enough coverage despite our efforts. Too many times, the staff is told ―We don‘t have anything this month.‖ 

As the adviser for both FBLA and Chatterbox, I have heard more than once that FBLA always has articles in Chatterbox. It is true that all Chatterbox members are FBLA 

members. However, here is the bottom line: FBLA is active, FBLA reports, FBLA submits. As the adviser of both, I have FBLA prepare extra articles every month to ―plugin‖ 

for clubs that do not provide articles or that tell us that they have nothing to report. The FBLA articles are newsworthy and relevant; however, other clubs and organizations 

need their space as I know that they must be doing great things at RHS - else why do they exist. Granted, not everyone is going to do something every month, but surely 

every organization is doing something every other month or so. Officers of these organizations - your sponsors and advisers are busy - show some pride in your organizations 

and submit something worthy or have your reporter get with our staff and let us help you! Have your adviser or sponsor look it over - and send it in! 

Seniors - we want to recognize you as well. From October until March or until every senior has a chance to be spotlighted, we feature seniors. This year, Jaisle has sent 

out more than twice as many forms as we have seniors, yet every month, we run late or don‘t get enough forms and pictures back for the space allocated. Seniors - we want 

everyone to see you in the paper. Please get these forms in and take pride in making it this far. With space set aside just for you, take advantage of it. If we continue to run 

short on these, we will have to cut it off as our deadlines must be met, and we can‘t keep filling up pages at the last minute when seniors ―drop out‖ on us. 

Chatterbox also receives comments about articles both positive and negative from students - that is great as it means that many are paying attention to what we print. 

However, every month we hear from students who say that they are going to respond to something we have said or submit an opinion article. Well - where are the writers? 

We have a great school and our English department provides excellent instruction in writing - let‘s hear from you. 

I remind everyone - especially students - that the purpose of Chatterbox is to provide information on RHS and to promote school pride. Although my staff of 12 students 

does an excellent job, we want to ensure that all voices are heard. Clubs and organizations - promote yourselves. Seniors - take pride in your accomplishments. All students - 

let your opinions and stories be told. Chatterbox is the ―Voice of Ruston High‖. Don‘t let your voice be silent!

O utside Our Box? Chatterbox 


November’s Cafeteria 

Employee of the Month! 


Business Manager 

Ruston High School‘s (RHS) sophomores voted on the November Employee of the month at 

the end of the month. Chatterbox would like to recognize November‘s Employee of the month 

Mrs. Vickie Jones. 

It pleases RHS to know that their staff is working so hard to create a friendly environment for 

the RHS student body and staff in the cafeteria. Chatterbox is very excited to recognize these ladies 

each month who work so are to provide us with a meal every day. 

Keep up the great work ladies, we appreciate you! 

Season’s Greetings from Overseas 

submitted by Coach (Sergeant) Taylor 

I would like to wish everyone at RHS a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Things are going well for me in Afghanistan. I have recently 

been promoted to Sergeant. I am excited about that. I was also recently moved to another location for about a week. Thankfully, I 

have returned to FOB Sharana. The location I was in had very little amenities. I would wake up at 4:00 in the morning to take a 

shower. That was the only time to guarantee hot water. Soldiers sleep in tents that hold about 30 soldiers. Sometimes the heat worked, 

sometimes it didn't. Most of the soldiers located here were Polish. I did however enjoy talking with a few of them. Their English was better 

than our Polish. I was happy to return to my own bed, with my own room, and the ability to sleep in warmth as well as take a hot 

shower. We have enjoyed decorating for Christmas around here. We have several Christmas trees up along with Christmas Lights. People 

are sending more care packages for Christmas then we can keep up with. 

I would like to congratulate the RHS Football team on a great season. I really enjoyed listening to the games on the Internet. I know you 

made everyone at RHS along with the city of Ruston very proud. Secondly, I would like to congratulate the RHS Cheerleaders on a State 

Championship. Way to go Cats!!! You as well have made RHS along with Ruston very proud. And last of all, I would like to congratulate 

Mr. Kyle Falting for being named Teacher of the Year. It is well deserved. No pressure, but three in a row? Lots of people counting on 

Community Coffee! 

Once again, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!! 

Coach Taylor 

Alcohol Use in Lincoln Parish Decreases 

by Elena Till 


Project Northland, implemented by the North Central Alliance for the Prevention of Adolescent Drug Use, has been working in Lincoln and Union parishes for years with 

the aim of spreading the message that youth should not be drinking at such a young age. Their intention is to delay alcohol use and to create less alcohol related problems 

among children. The program primarily focuses on 6 th and 7 th graders but it has an effect that lasts for many years after the students have had the Project Northland experience. 

It also has the purpose of improving parent-child relations, as well as relationships among peers; students are taught not to fall under the influence of peer pressure. 

Recently, a survey showed that the percent of sixth graders that have consumed alcohol in a certain time frame has greatly decreased. The percentage went from 10% to 

5%- a great improvement. Compared to the state average of 8.1%, this is a great statistic. Also, 2.8% of the parish‘s sixth graders admitted in survey to participating in binge 

drinking as compared to the statewide average of 3.5% for sixth graders. The program has greatly benefited the community‘s youth by decreasing the percentages of alcohol 

use and will continue to improve in the future.

T 

eacher Spotlights Chatterbox 


Mrs. Meredith Boyd teaches English III. She is married to Mr. Montana Boyd and has a one year old 

daughter named Molly. She has two dogs named Buck and Bella. She claims that by birth she is a 

Northwood Falcon, but by choice she is an RHS Bearcat. Her favorite quote is ―It is best to keep your 

mouth shut and appear stupid than to open it and remove all doubt.‖ - Mark Twain. Her advice to students 

is that life is totally up to you and life is what you make of it. 

Mrs. Lora Hammons teaches English I and English II and is the head tennis coach. She has four children: 

Hayden, a senior at LSU, Ross, a junior at LSU, John Cullen, RHS senior, and Mary Conly, RHS 

senior. Her favorite quote is ―Be the change you wish to see in the world.‖ - Ghandi 

Mrs. Emily Howell teaches CP and Pre-AP English I and works with the KOM program. She is 

married to the most talented, intelligent, and compassionate man of all, Jason Howell, minister to 

the students at The Bridge Community Church who can fix anything. She is a 2002 graduate from 

C.E. Byrd High School and always loved school. She always encourages her students to practice 

integrity every day. She thanks God for placing her at RHS and says she is richly blessed and 

loves her students and co-workers. 

Mrs. Larkin Norton teaches English II. She is married to Mr. Dean Norton and has a daughter named Emma, a 

freshman at LSU, a son named Liam, a freshman at RHS, and two dogs named Kitt and Easy. She is a graduate of 

Cedar Creek and then went on to LA Tech where she obtained a BA in English and a Masters in Education. Her advice 

to students would be to read To Kill a Mockingbird over again and again and again so when life throws you 

curve balls and things don‘t seem fair, just remember to think WWAD—what would Atticus do. She says that it took 

her a while to come around to the profession of teaching, but once she did, she knew it was what she was meant to 

do. She hopes that each of her students will discover what they are meant to do with their life and that they will always 

keep searching and never give up. 

Mrs. Annie Rivera teaches CP Spanish I and II and helps out with the Spanish Club. She will be expecting 

her fourth child on December 23rd. She says that times and styles may be different, but high school is 

always high schools. Her advice to her students is that if something is difficult to do, don‘t shut down, try 

to work through it and use your brain..

T 

eacher Spotlights Chatterbox 


Mrs. Alicia Thomason teaches CP and standard English I, works with Freshman Academy Student Services, 

and sponsors 4-H and KOM. She is married to Mr. Neil Thomason and has two dogs named 

Maggie and Max. Her best bud and fashion consultant is Mrs. Howell. She graduated from Haynesville 

High School and claims she was (and still is) a nerd and an overachiever . She has wanted to be a teacher 

as far back as she can remember. Her hobbies include singing, playing the piano, cooking, and decorating. 

She loves the LSU Tigers and has room in her home dedicated to them.. 

Mrs. Beth ―Y-Dawg‖ Yenser teaches 10th grade English and sponsors the Bearcat Belles. She 

claims that her entire life revolves around education and football. Both of her granddads, her dad, her 

brother, and her husband are or were football coaches. Both of her grandmothers, her mother, and now 

she teaches or has taught English on some level. She absolutely loved high school, which is what made 

her want to teach at this level. She loves the students, traditions, school spirit, and especially Friday 

night football. Her advice to students is that high school should be one of the best times of your life and 

to enjoy it and not wish your days away counting down the days until graduation. 

Mrs. Julie Stephenson teaches AP English III and sponsors National Honor Society. She is married 

to Mr. Kiley Stephenson and has two children: Tatum, 9, and Cooper, 5. Her mother is Mrs. Donnie 

Bartlett: she used to be the mean one in the family. She have a cat named Poe who was found in the 

ceiling of a building at Cedar Creek when he was three weeks old; he thinks he is a person and will hug 

you. She also has two dogs named Penelope and Sam who are spastic and demanding. All of her pets 

have literary names: Poe (Edgar Allen Poe), Penelope (Odysseus‘s wife), and Sam (Sam Hamilton from 

East of Eden by Steinbeck). Mrs. Stephenson says that being a teenager was very tough and that there 

was always drama. She did enjoy high school, but she was sad to be headed to Ruston for college. Fall 

quarter of her freshman year in college was amazing—the independence and friendships that she got to 

experience was amazing. Plus, she is a nerd and loves to learn, so four years of being a college student 

and having friends who were fellow nerds was invaluable. Her advice to students is that sometimes high school isn‘t about getting ready for 

something else; sometimes you should just be in high school and to get that experience too because you are here for four years and will always 

be associated with RHS. Also, in our youth we spent a lot of time planning our future and miss some of the value of our present experiences. 

Understand that you must plan and prepare, but you must also enjoy life because when you finally attain whatever goals you have, you 

may not now how to truly relish the rewards or have anyone special with which you can share. She has three chickens and one guinea, but 

otherwise she is quite unremarkable unless you count her webbed toes and her tail.

E 

Black Friday 

by Whitney Durrett 

Editor in Chief 

ditorials/Opinions Chatterbox 


Are Video Games Healthy? 

by Carter Carroll 

Graphics Design Editor 

Life Without Google 

by Jaisle Bailey 

News Editor 

Black Friday is the official first day of Christmas shopping and sales. This day wasn‘t popular until the 1960s when retailers pushed 

shoppers to start Christmas shopping the day after thanksgiving, hence the extreme sales. Nearly 135 million people shop on Black Friday 

and in 2010 shoppers spent around 39 billion dollars on this day. 

Don‘t be deceived, Black Friday is not the biggest shopping day of the year! It‘s not even the second biggest shopping day of the 

year. The two biggest shopping days of the year are the two days before Christmas when people do all their last minute Christmas shopping. 

I do not shop on Black Friday. Some people shop for actual deals on Christmas gifts because they wouldn‘t be able to afford them 

otherwise, but some people are just greedy. The people who fight and kill each other for things like an Xbox are crazy and ruin Black 

Friday for the ones that have a real purpose. Black Friday has been blown way out of proportion. Why waste your time fighting crowds 

and people to get Christmas presents or even household items when you can easily get it every other day of the year for just a few dollars 

more? 

Video games, like many other things, are often abused. I have many friends who are, simply said, addicted to video games. I know 

people who will stay up all night playing. I do this on occasion; of late I have been playing Gears of War 3 for Xbox 360. The game 

makes me quite irritable after playing it for more than an hour or so. I wouldn‘t say that I‘m addicted to the game, but I do quite enjoy 

playing it whenever I get the chance. My mom keeps telling me that I‘m killing my brain cells and that video games are ―unhealthy.‖ So 

I began to wonder if video games truly are unhealthy for a person. 

It turns out that there have been several studies done on this subject. Now, we mostly hear about the studies that say that video games 

are unhealthy for children and teens. These studies say that video games can be addictive, make gamers irritable, and can cause all sorts 

of health issues. Whereas these can be true, they are not always the whole truth. There are many other studies out there that show that 

video games can be very useful. Many games make users solve problems, follow instructions, and use teamwork to get a task done. 

These skills can be developed and expanded upon by playing video games. There have also been some studies that have shown that 

video games can be more intellectually stimulating than school. Also, video games can help people receive a feeling of accomplishment 

if they play well. So are video games healthy? I‘d have to say that they are, if used in moderation. 

I use Google daily and at least five times a day. It is amazing to have such a vast amount of information at your fingertips. Living in 

the Computer Age, I have grown dependent upon search engines, specifically Google. And I am not the only one. In June 2011, Google‘s 

worldwide reach was estimated at one billion unique visitors a month. 

When asked what his life would be like without Google, junior Jonathan Verret responded with, ―Tragic. So terribly tragic. I use 

Google daily, and I would not be able to function without it.‖ While there are many search engines, Google is the most popular and the 

most advanced. Google also offers more than most search engines such as email, apps, and home pages that you can customize. So needless 

to say, life would be nothing without Google.

E 



Why We Need a College Football Playoff 

by Reed Malek 

Sports Editor 

On January 9, the eyes of the college football world will be on the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana as the sport crowns another 

champion. Or, rather, the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) will crown a champion, because the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision 

(FBS) is the only college sport in which the NCAA itself does not determine a champion. It is also the only college sport lacking 

a tournament playoff system in its postseason. 

As ridiculous as this sounds at first, it gets even worse. The FBS postseason consists of bowl games, comprised of teams from various 

conferences with various season records. The ultimate prize, the crystal ball known as the "Coaches Trophy," is awarded to the 

winner of the BCS National Championship Game, which is played between the two best teams as determined by the BCS. No playoff 

is employed to determine which two teams will play in the game; rather, the two highest-ranking teams in the BCS standings face off, 

fresh out of their regular seasons. 

Take this year for example. There are multiple teams in the top 10 of the final BCS standings whose records have only one loss. 

However, only one of these one-loss teams will be given the chance to play against the undisputed, undefeated top-ranked LSU Tigers. 

In a postseason playoff, there are myriad different possibilities for the two teams who play each other for the title since both teams 

have to fight through the other elite teams in the sport. The current BCS system obliterates this possibility, leaving teams in the dust 

whose records and bodies of work are almost identical to those of the teams playing in the championship game (i.e. Oklahoma State, 

Stanford). The smaller schools in the less relevant conferences never get their chance to put up a fight against the big boys of the SEC, Big 12, etc. because of the lack of a 

playoff system. 

Now, don't get me wrong; I love Bowl Season as much as anybody. The huge variety of bowl games and the excitement of knowing a game is the last of your season rivals 

the excitement of a playoff system. Bowl games also bring in huge amounts of money for schools. The system also makes every game of the regular season much more 

important to a bid for reaching the championship game. The advantages of a bowl season are many, but fairness is not one of them. Too many teams finish the season with 

similar records for only two to be picked out of the crowd and given the chance to be college football‘s ―champion.‖ 

College Football Playoffs - Not Part of the Game 

by Lloyd R. Bruner 

Chatterbox Adviser 

The opinion of the majority is not always right. The opinion of the uninformed majority is what it is. It is a given that the majority of people who have an opinion on 

whether or not college football should have playoffs would say that they agree that there should be a playoff system. It is just as much a given that the same majority watches 

only a few games every week, that the games they watch only involve their own favorite teams, and that they have reached their opinion based on what other ―experts‖ tell 

them. Going against the majority, I do not believe that college football should have a playoff system. Go ahead - laugh, holler, shout - but read on. Be warned though - I am 

just going to hit the highlights and not the details as I could write a book on why college football playoffs are a bad idea for everyone. 

One thing that RHS promotes is a word called ―tradition‖. Mess with our traditions, and many get upset. Well, college football has traditions as well, and one of the most 

longstanding traditions are bowl games that have some tie-in with conferences. Why? Well, it‘s tradition. Most major colleges and colleges that have had football programs 

for years have always found regional rivalries and conference competition to receive the most attention and as the years went by, these traditions grew stronger. If you will 

monitor the calls for a playoff system - you will see that it is usually done by newer college football programs or sadly, by traditional programs that argue against it until they 

have that year in which they themselves are on the bubble. 

Aside from tradition, we must remember that college football is all about the money as much is it is about the game. Conference rivalries, bowl alignments, playing big 

name teams on national TV, sports attire - you name it. The traditional conferences (even as they change) still base all of their decisions on money. College football is what 

funds almost all sports in most colleges, and as anyone who understands money knows - you don‘t mess with your money maker. Winning is a big part of college football 

and every team wants to win - but it is about the money. Disagree - explain why small market teams agree to travel to schools such as LSU, Alabama, Ohio State, etc. to get 

pounded every year. Don‘t say it‘s the love of the game and to play spoiler (seldom happens). It‘s about the money! 

The BCS system isn‘t perfect but a playoff system would have even more problems. How many would play? If we allowed only conference champions into the playoffs, 

this year‘s # 2 team, Alabama, would not even be bracketed because #1 LSU won the conference. There would be no #1 vs. #2 showdown. Imagine the uproar from SEC fans 

if only LSU went this year. Again, back to tradition, conferences would fall apart as there is no way that all the SEC teams would stay in one conference under that scenario. 

Finally, let‘s be real and remember that college football is really about money. Imagine no polls, no constant positioning by coaches and sport‘s writers, and no argument 

about who is deserving to be in the BCS championship? Sports networks would have less to talk about, promoters at colleges and in conferences throughout the nation would 

have no purpose, and millions of dollars would be lost. Do you think that will ever happen? Do you think the big money schools and programs will ever allow that or set 

aside tradition? No, not today, not tomorrow, and not until someone comes up with a better system and not just holler ―playoffs.‖ Sometimes doing nothing is the best choice. 

The Chatterbox reminds all students that everyone has a right to an opinion on issues. If you have an opinion and wish to write an article, the 

Chatterbox reminds you that all submissions are subject to staff, editor, and administrative review to ensure that the article provides information or 

promotes school pride, and does so without materially disrupting work, does not cause substantial disorder, or does not invade the rights of these.

E 



Why Foreign Language Is So Hard 

by Emma Jones 

Education Reporter 

I‘m sure if most of you are like me, learning a foreign language seemed a lot easier before you actually knew what exactly you had 

gotten into. However, no matter how well you pick up the language, there is one reoccurring issue that a lot of students have trouble comprehending; 

no matter what language you choose to study, it will not be parallel to English. In fact, even though languages all derive from 

a root language, e.g. both French and Spanish are stemmed from Latin, languages can be similar, but never completely parallel. That‘s 

why, whenever you‘re studying whichever language you take, you often find yourself wondering, ―…but what does it mean?‖ Every language 

is diverse in some way, especially English with all of its finicky grammatical rules, or at least, finicky to people whose first language 

is not English 

Probably one of the most frequent of all linguistic vexations is a lexical gap. A lexical gap, or a lacuna, is when there is a word for one 

thing in one language that doesn‘t exist in a different language. I am not just talking about slang, because that‘s a given. I am talking 

about legitimate nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, and any other syntactical element that comes to mind. 

Some examples are more humorous while others just make you grit your teeth. A humorous example would be the English adjective 

―shallow,‖ in reference to a body of water. In Romanian, there is no word for shallow. Instead, they literally refer to this word as ―not so deep,‖ so if a woman in Romania is 

telling her child to swim in the shallow part of a pool, she would say, ―swim where it is not so deep.‖ 

Now, what I believe to be one of the most perplexingly frustrating of lexical gaps is the fact that in English, we do not use a second person plural in our language at all. 

When someone is addressing more than one person around here, the pronoun used to refer to this group would most likely be ―y‘all.‖ If you went just about anywhere outside 

of the south, you‘d hear them addressed as ―you guys,‖ ―yous,‖ ―yous guys,‖ etc. I know this may be completely shocking to some of you, but these are not actual pronouns. 

They‘re completely made up. Foreigners learning English do not learn about these pronouns, because they are told that in the English language, you must address multiple 

people as though they are one person. In fact, I‘m doing it right now in this article every time I use ―you.‖ 

So now do you understand part of the reason as to why foreign language can be so difficult to pick up sometimes? Just always remember that it is not going to be translated 

perfectly into English every time. I know it is hard for us English speakers to understand, but other languages do not revolve around ours. 

Distracting Media and Monkeys 



Positive Attitude 

by Alexandria Cockerham 

Sports Reporter 

My Chatterbox editor and I have recently stumbled upon a silly little game by the name of ―Bloons Tower Defense‖ (you know, the game with 

monkeys trying to defend your castle from a devastating balloon invasion) and I have to say, we have officially become hooked. We play it at 

home, at the library, and, yes, even at school. Though this game is really fun, addicting, and surprisingly suspenseful, it has been causing some 

minor issues. Joking around, while playing Bloons Tower Defense of course, my editor and I realized that instead of getting our work done we 

were too busy playing this ridiculous game. Instead of focusing on our job we were completely distracted. Shocking, I know, that two teenagers 

can get so distracted over something so simple. Actually, this happens to teens all over the world today. Students constantly get distracted by 

simple things in the media today such as TV and Facebook. Instead of doing their ―time-consuming‖ homework, they spend time playing games 

and watching shows that are really kind of pointless. Now I am not saying that Twitter or X-box or even NCIS are useless heathen entertainment 

and that you should only focus yourself on studying and working. I am saying that before you log onto your Twitter account or before you turn 

on your Call of Duty game think: ―Is this distracting me from something a little more important like chores or homework? If so how will this 

negatively affect me in the future?‖ I believe if we, as students, think about this a smidge more then we won‘t be distracted and we will be a little 

more focused. That way, when we‘ve finished all our chores and homework, we can go back and have fun. Just as now, because as soon as I 

write this article, I will most definitely resume playing Bloons Tower Defense. 

Having a positive attitude is the key point to your success. A positive attitude will change your life in just one minute. Having a positive 

attitude cannot just change your life but someone else‘s life too. It can make every bad thing in your life a little bit better. There is an old 

saying, ―Don‘t cry over spilled milk.‖ We shouldn‘t cry or get frustrated every time something bad happens. That doesn‘t mean you won‘t 

occasionally feel mad, but you have remember to turn the bad things in your life into positive ones. When you have a positive attitude, you 

can change someone else‘s negative attitude to a positive one as well. Someone might go around thinking the whole world has fallen on 

their back, but with your good attitude, you can change the way they think. Showing others a positive attitude can make them think of better 

things and not just about the bad things that are going on. You never know who is watching you, and they might look up to you and you 

don‘t even know it. That‘s why it is a great thing to have a positive attitude because it can change your life and someone else‘s life too.

E 



Can Hunting Be Taken too Far? 


Arts Reporter 

Sitting in English class one day, my teacher mentioned that her husband likes to hunt. As the class began to discuss and share 

graphic stories about their slaughter experiences I, being the vegetarian, was repulsed to take it all in. Not that I am against hunting, but 

sometimes I cannot help but wonder, ―Man, that‘s quite disgusting.‖ 

I think that hunting is a great thing because many families, dating back to the very beginning of time, have been able to provide vital 

nutrition and such through the activity. I do not think that hunting is bad; I just think there should be something to justify how the killing 

is done. If one is going to hunt, I think it should be done with a gun- nothing else. What if one uses a bow and arrow to attack the 

deer and the deer does not immediately die? I think that it is absolutely crucial that the animal be put out of its misery right away, because 

if not, that could be considered animal abuse! Hear me out. 

According to dictionary.com, abuse is defined as: to treat in a harmful, injurious, or offensive way. Also, according to Petabuse.com, 

10% of animals are stabbed, 14% are tortured, and 7% are shot. That is a shame because more animals are stabbed than shot and stabbing 

is a form of torture for that creature (human or animal). Torture is a form of abuse. Even though the creature usually ends up dying 

in the end, it was still butchered until it did die, and morally, that is so incredibly unjust and sick. 

I know that a lot of people do not naturally think that hunting can be taken too far, because it is exciting to go out and kill your first, or even your 100 th deer, but if a human 

can slay and wrestle an animal in water, with a knife, or drown the animal to kill it, I think that that same person has the heart to do this to a human as well. I realize that 

their intentions are not purposely brutal, but the fact that the person can do that is still not virtuous. I think that there should be a law pertaining to this tragic happening so 

that hunters do not continue to overstep their killing arrangement boundaries. There‘s a better way, guys. I vote, ―All guns and awesome aim!‖ 

Don’t Let Your Past Hold You Back 

by Ambria Holmes 


Little Big World 



I will be the first to admit that I‘m guilty of allowing my past to prevent me from moving forward. A lot of times we go through 

things and if it had a certain affect on us, we will do whatever it takes from feeling that way again. For example, I have put my trust in 

people thinking they would never turn on me or hurt me, and once they did, it was hard for me to trust someone again. I have realized 

that no matter what situation you have been through, you have to let go and move on. Say you are a football player and in a playoff 

game and you didn‘t play your best. Everyone said you were the reason the team lost the game, so you decide to quit and you did. The 

next year, the coach asks if you want to join the team again, but you fear what happened in the past will happen again so you reject his 

offer. My point is that no matter what occurred in your past, just push it out of your head and move forward. Let your past make you 

stronger; don‘t regret anything - just learn from it! 

As a teenager, I often find myself wondering about the whereabouts of where I will be residing in my future. When I think about 

it, two types of places come into mind: Big cities (e.g. New York City) or a small town (e.g. Ruston). Being born in Seattle, Washington 

, I have always had this longing to live in big cities, maybe to experience the life I missed out on by moving, then I start to 

question whether or not if it was a wise decision. 

In big cities, there are a lot of things that make them nice to live in. For one, they are, well, big! There will be myriads to explore 

and a multitude of new faces. And if that is not good enough for you, there are a great amount of restaurants and attractions. There 

are also a lot of job opportunities in a large city as opposed to a small town. While there are pros to living in a big city, there are also 

cons. The crime rate is much higher in large cities. Life can be hard in a big city, but it‘s all about adapting and gaining experience 

from one‘s new lifestyle. 

Living in a small town can be quite beneficial, especially for those who are trying to start a family or trying to escape to peace 

and quiet. While there are not many attractions in small towns, they are much easier to get around compared to big cities. They also 

have a calmer environment for raising children. 

I cannot wait to graduate because there is so much outside of our small town of Ruston, and I cannot wait to explore new places.

E 



The Joy of Santa Claus 

by Elena Till 


Santa Claus dates back to Saint Nicholas of Myra from the fourth century and the modern Santa is derived from the Dutch figure 

called Sinterklaas. He is a legendary figure that has been the popular bringer of gifts for many years. Every Christmas season, children 

write a letter to Santa telling him what they want for Christmas and on Christmas Eve, traditionally, a glass of milk and a plate of cookies 

are left for Santa as an expression of gratitude for the gifts. However, some parents do not wish to let their children believe in Santa 

Claus. 

As a young child, I remember looking forward to every Christmas; I would get so excited about writing my letter and placing 

it on the mantel; I would anxiously wait for morning to ensure that it was taken by Santa to the North Pole. It was my strong belief that 

Santa really did deliver presents to my house on Christmas night. As years passed and I grew older, it became obviously clear that my 

parents were ―Santa Claus.‖ This was not a huge disappointment to me but, rather, it was a little sad as I came to the conclusion that my 

childhood was coming to an end. I am grateful to my parents for giving me that joy as a child. Having something to look forward to 

every Christmas was extremely fun and children who do not get to experience the Santa Claus process are missing out on a wonderful 

joy. Whenever I have children of my own, they will definitely be writing to Santa Claus every evening. 

Are We Slaves of Our Own Mind? 



Addictions 

What, how, and why? 


Arts Reporter 

As we grow up, we finally come to our adolescent years, a very bumpy part of our lives. At this age, we adolescents are constantly 

changing, growing, and learning about our own lives at hand. We start becoming more aware of our mistakes and take responsibility 

which, in the end, shapes our future. Physically and mentally, our bodies grow and become more adult like. We strive for more individuality 

and freedom, and we look for more social acceptance in our lives with our fellow peers. 

Adolescents tend to be selfish, un cognitive, lacking in self motivation, lacking in self security, curious, shallow, and open to a wide 

variety of subjects, such as risky behavior. However, recent scientific studies have found an explanation for teens‘ teen-ish behavior. 

Research indicates that our brain activity is low, at this age, and is still undergoing a course of maturity. The adolescent reward center in 

the brain is not as responsive to that of an adult. It is one thing for us to understand that the teenage brain is different, but it is our job to 

distinguish our choices, make the right ones, and prevent/ ease conflicts within our younger years. 

―I am addicted to Icees. I get one every day after practice or before school and I even know which stores have better prices on 

them. I am not interested in cutting back on Icees because I feel really sad and incomplete without them. If, eventually, one Icee a day 

turns into more than one Icee a day, like 5 Icees each day, it does not concern me. The more, the merrier!‖ -Emily Hearne, Junior. 

Though peoples‘ strange addictions are not always very serious or life damaging, they are still existent everywhere! 

One common and strange addiction that haunts the younger generation is ―Tanorexia‖. Yes, I just said that. If one has no clue what 

I mean when I say Tanorexic, I am referring to tanning addictions in our blossoming society. One looks into a mirror and to themselves, 

they do not feel tan enough. Found in sunlight and tanning beds is ultraviolet light (made up of UVA and UVB rays) that generate 

endorphins. Endorphins are chemicals, in the brain, that create a feeling of euphoria or extreme happiness. According to these 

latest studies, Tanning provides a certain rush, just as drugs or alcoholic beverages provide, which is why most girls and guys that 

have gone to tanning booths will not ever again settle for the tan in a can. (which are much more safe, trust me.) 

On a more serious note, some people are addicted to eating dirt. There is no one, that I am aware of, that likes eating dirt at Ruston 

High School, so hopefully this does not pertain to our school body! However, if you are reading this article right now and you do prefor 

a little bit of, um, grime every now and then; I can tell you exactly why one tends to crave something so..dirty? A really long time 

ago, before Pop tarts and macaroni, stood earth herself. Do not misconstrue what I am saying, because studies do show that humans used to eat things such as: dirt, sticks, 

and even rocks! However, as the world has truly modernized, eating stuff, like my previous examples, is now considered pathological consumptions! Back then, Mr. and 

Mrs. Cave people totally dug themselves some dirt. Times have obviously changed and not everyone has completely converted to eating only processed foods and fresh 

produce. That is my theory!

C 

lubs/Organizations Chatterbox 


Helping the Community 



Pre-college initiative (PCI) is having a canned food drive to support those in need on behalf of DART. The canned food drive began on December 12, 2011 and will continue 

until tomorrow, December 16, 2011. 

Mrs. Dunbar is encouraging everybody to bring in the canned goods and help support those in need for Christmas. The collection pint will be in her room (Room 109), so 

stop by along with your friends and drop off your canned goods. Christmas is a time of sharing, not just receiving, so please bring all the can goods you can.

C 



FBLA Thanks the Louisiana Army National Guard 


FBLA President 

The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) showed their appreciation to the soldiers of the Louisiana Army National 

Guard recently with a late Veterans Day surprise visit to the National Guard Armory. Officers Elizabeth Smith, President; Jared 

Spiller, Vice President, and Elena Till, Secretary, delivered signed Thank You cards from the Ruston High School FBLA and 

Ruston Junior High School FBLA chapters. In addition, the officers presented the soldiers with a special cake thanking them 

for their service to our state and country. 

The National Guardsmen were very surprised to see them and they were very excited to receive the cards and cake. The 

soldiers just happened to be taking a break from their schedules and were eating donuts when the FBLA officers arrived. The 

soldiers and FBLA officers to a break together and visited briefly as they discussed the past celebration of the unit‘s 20th Desert 

Storm Reunion and the upcoming FBLA Banquet that will be held in April at the National Guard Armory. They even spent a few moments discussing retired SFC Lloyd 

R. Bruner (RHS FBLA adviser), but those stories will have to wait until another time. 

The soldiers thanked the FBLA officers and encouraged them to visit more often. FBLA looks forward to our continuing support of and for the Louisiana Army National 

Guard, and looks forward to working with these great Americans as we plan our banquet. 

FBLA Spreads Holiday Cheer! 



On Thursday December 8, 2011, the Future Business Leaders of America 

(FBLA) took part in the annual Ruston Jaycees Christmas Parade. FBLA has 

participated in this event for the past six years, and have had two entries the 

past four years. This year, the newest FBLA chapter in the state, Ruston Junior 

High School, joined us. In addition to members and the public having a great 

time, donations for participation also help support the Ruston Jaycees and their 

causes every year. 

A total of 45 members of both chapters were in attendance and rode with 

FBLA this year. Sadly, Santa Claus caught another ride this year and did not 

grace us with his presence the entire parade. FBLA members rode on two of 

the Ruston Fire Department‘s fire trucks: the parade truck and Engine 12. 

Sophomores, Juniors, and our lone Senior in attendance (me) placed banners 

and rode on the parade truck. Freshman and RJHS members placed banners 

and rode on Engine 12. In addition to the FBLA members who rode with the 

chapters, we were also represented by over 20 other members who participated 

in the parade with the RHS band, RHS Belles, and RHS Pom Squad. 

All members had a great time singing Christmas carols, throwing candy, 

and spreading the Christmas spirit as the parade rolled through downtown Ruston. 

With the mild temperatures, everyone was able to enjoy the night and participate 

along with the several other Ruston High School organizations in the 

parade. Elizabeth Smith, RHS FBLA President, ensured that everyone on the 

parade truck was safe. Justin Welch, FBLA Reporter, waived the RHS flag 

proudly and entertained everyone to include himself throughout with his usual 

words and songs, and the FBLA banners waived proudly throughout the parade. 

Tiffany Burks, RJHS FBLA president, ensured the safety of members on 

the other fire truck as well. All members brought candy and entertained each 

other as well as the large crowds that lined the parade route. The RHS and 

RJHS FBLA chapters would like to send out a special thanks to Eric Brazzell 

and the RFD providing us with two trucks to ride in the Christmas Parade 

again this year. Thank you all so much for continuously supporting FBLA and 

providing us with rides in the Christmas Parade.

C 



It’s Time for FBLA Competitors to Step Up Again 



The three main pillars of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) are Service, Education, and Progress. Since school began this year, our primary focus has been 

on Service. Although we will continue with Service all year, our attention must now shift towards Education and Progress. FBLA members—it is time to think competition 

and step up again and defend our two year reign as the top academic FBLA chapter in the state. 

Although district competition is not until Feb. 9, 2012 at ULM, now is the time to be preparing and studying to do your best. Most of us have already picked up our study 

packets from Mr. Bruner. Some of us have already signed out additional materials and books that are available to members as well. Our adviser and chapter have spent the 

past six years building the best resource center in the state for FBLA, so there are no excuses for not doing your best. For those who have not picked up their packets, do so as 

soon as possible. Waiting until after the holidays only gives you a month, and anyone who has ever competed knows that the other schools are already studying with only one 

goal in mind: Beat Ruston. 

If you have not signed up yet, you need to hurry. Mr. Bruner will not accept ANY applications after Dec. 20, 2011. If you haven‘t paid yet, take care of this as well as you 

do not want to pay late charges. As always, once you commit, you owe. I can not state it clearer - the lists of competitors will be finalized and posted to Moodle before Christmas. 

Any open slots will be assigned to those who are competing in one event if applicable. After the holidays, any competitors added need to pick up their materials as well. 

Let‘s remember that this year‘s competitors include members from RJHS. In their first year of competition, Mr. Bruner has challenged them to do their best. Assisted by 

RHS members, Mr. Bruner (RHS Adviser), Mrs. Brewer (RJHS Adviser), and Mrs. Cahee (Dubach Adviser and RJHS member parent), RJHS as dedicated themselves to giving 

RHS a run at state this year. 

When looking at leadership, last year was our best ever as we were the only school with two state officers. We hope to do even better this year. After winning District II 

Vice President this year, Jared Spiller plans to run for State President, and possibly Regional Vice-President. State Parliamentarian John Herren will not seek reappointment 

this year as he is preparing to take back over the Parliamentary Procedure Team (PLAW) and kick down the doors in Business Calculations during his Senior Year (State Officers 

are not allowed to compete in most events). However, RHS FBLA is looking at keeping the State Parliamentarian slot as Ben Serio, currently the President of this year‘s 

PLAW team, is preparing to test for the position. 

Our chapter is the best in the state at all three pillars, and my expectations as President is that we continue that tradition. I encourage all members to get involved, study 

hard, prepare properly, and represent yourselves and our chapter to the best of your ability. Have a great holiday, take a few minutes each day to study, and let‘s show the rest 

of the state why RHS FBLA is the best! 

Come visit Ruston’s Newest Full-Service 

Convenience Store! 

Home of Arby’s 

211 Farmerville Highway, Ruston, Louisiana 

Stop by for 

101 South Service Road, 

Exit 85 and Highway 167 

Ruston, Louisiana

A 

rgent Ad 


Ruston High School December 15, 2011 Page 18

T 

he Arts 



Very Busy Bearcat Band 

by Jaisle Bailey 

News Editor 

The Bearcat Band has been working very hard this past month. They have been preparing for their annual Christmas performance which will be held on Friday, December 

16 th , at 5:30 P.M. in the Ruston High Auditorium. The band will also perform for the students on Tuesday, December 20 th , the last half day of school before Christmas 

break. 

On November 28 th , 29 th , and 30 th , tryouts were held to determine who would be in symphonic and concert band. The band is preparing for basketball season and is gathering 

band members to be a part of Court Side Cats. 

Bearcat Choir Excels Throughout This Holiday Season 

by Emma Jones 

Education Reporter 

With a successful Coffee, Cakes, and Carols held on December 1 st , the Bearcat Choir is moving right along with their plans for the upcoming holidays. This year‘s show 

featured performances of tracks on the CD by the Concert Choir, the Treble Choir, and the whole Bearcat Choir, a performance by the Beginning Choir, performances of the 

vocal solos, and duets, and an intermission performance by Courtney McKinney. This year, there was also a special sing-a-long with the audience. During intermission, the 

guests were allowed to select from an array of desserts to enjoy. 

Beginning tomorrow, December 16 th , the choir will be touring the town, singing for their first order of Sing-O-Grams. Just like every year, a group of members from the 

choir will be traveling around the city to designated businesses and residences and sing carols. The Sing-O-Grams will continue into the weekend, with a different round of 

members visiting residences and businesses on the 17 th and later on the 20 th . 

After Christmas break is over, the choir will begin rehearsing for the highly anticipated 2012 performance of Bearcats on Broadway. 

The Bearcat Choir performs Coffee, Cakes, and Carols to a sell-out audience on December 1, 2011.

S 

enior Spotlights Chatterbox 


Joe ―Chihuahua‖ Murphy‘s family includes his parents– Tommy and Becky Murphy, his sister– Amanda Kavalir, his brother in 

law– Justin Kavalir, his new niece– Emma Sue Kavier, his grandparents– Sue & Papri and Mamma & Joel. His biggest hero is Sora 

from Kingdom Hearts. He is involved in Band and German Club. 

His favorite thing about Ruston High is the band because it lets him be who he really is inside. His favorite class is Study Skills 

with Miss Daniel. His favorite memory at Ruston High is the first time he went to RHS band camp. He remembers Mr. Moss thinking 

he was pretty weird. His advice to the underclassmen is to just be yourself and have fun in school. He says when he was in Junior 

High, he always disliked RHS. He used to roar at them when he got the chance. 

Tationna ―Tootie‖ Matthews lives with her mother– Tarsha, her brother– Terrance, and her sister– Tijande. Her best friends are 

Kimberely Moore, Mario Smith, and Nicole Cheeks. She is on the Pom Squad and the Prom Committee. She is also in COE. 

Her favorite thing about Ruston High is getting out at 12:26 PM. She loves COE. She says that she loves all of her classes and 

all of her teachers because they help her out so much. Her favorite memory at Ruston High is the ―Black Out‖ pep rally her freshman 

year when ROTC had a step show. Her advice to the underclassmen is to mind your own business. Take care of yourself and 

your school work. Leave all the drama alone. She says, ―It is understood that the Class of 2012 is the best!‖ 

Dylan ―Curly‖ Burgess lives with his mother– Paula, his father– Eddie, and his sister– Austin. He says he has great friends. He 

could not live without Dane. His hero is Mr. Green. Dylan played football and was a member of FFA until his senior year. He decided 

to take it easy this year. 

His favorite subject is History and his favorite teacher is Mr. Green because he is awesome. He says his favorite memory at 

RHS will be leaving this school. He would like students to know that he is a nice and funny guy and if he doesn't know you, he 

would be happy to meet you because he likes to make friends. 

Anna Scroggins lives with her mother– Niki, her father– Tommy, and her brother– Kristian who is a sophomore football player 

at RHS. Her hero is God. She is an active member of the Bearcat Band. 

Her favorite things about Ruston High are Bearcat Fridays and the band‘s West Side Story half time show. Her advice to the 

underclassmen is to do your best all of the time. 

Mercie Colvin has her mother– Melinda, her father– Phillip, her brothers- Carlton and Joseph , and her sister– Brittany. She 

has five horses, three cats, and two dogs. Her best friends are Brooke Warren, Jessica McGee, and Caroline Hill. 

She is in band and dances for Missy Crain Dance. Her favorite thing about Ruston High is being a senior. Her favorite class 

is band with Mr. Moss. Her advice to the underclassmen is to live with no regrets. She says, ―It is what it is and what happens, 

happens.‖

S 



Brendan ―Brenda‖ Owens has his mother– Sherry, his father– Blain, his sister– Ashley, and his brother– Callen. He is actively 

involved in FFA. His favorite thing about RHS is being a senior. 

His favorite classes are math and Ag. His favorite memory at Ruston High are finding reasons to get out of class. 

Sebastian ―Sebas‖ Pisciotta lives with his mother– Tamara, his father– Chris,, his brother– Christian, and his sister– Madelene. 

His friends include Kori Teague, Jacob Smith, Dalton Tramell, and many of the band students. He is an officer of the German Club, 

a Kick Off Mentor, and is a member of the Bearcat Band. 

His favorite thing about Ruston High is the band because they are his family. His favorite classes are Chemistry I, Chemistry II, 

and Band. His favorite teachers are Mrs. Moss, Mrs. Freeman, and Mr. Wood. His favorite memory at RHS is freshman year when 

the band came home with Best in Show at a marching competition. His advice to the underclassmen is to get involved because it 

makes school bearable. He would like students to know that he is in the Delayed Entry Program for the US Marine Corps. His favorite 

quote is ―Pain is weakness leaving the body.‖ 

Kimberley Sheri Miles, or Kimmie, lives with her mother– Donna S. Miles and her older brother– Ernest ―Trey‖ Miles. She says 

her house is very lively because they all have similar personalities and they love joking around. She is involved in Band, First Priority, 

and Color guard/ Flag Line. 

Her favorite thing about RHS is the Band because everyone is awesome and she fits in perfectly. Her favorite class is band with her 

favorite teachers Mr. Moss and Mr. Wood because they are goofy like her. Her favorite memory at RHS is getting straight ones at 

competition. 

Her advice to the underclassmen is, ―No matter the circumstances, just be yourself that way you‘ll not be easily influenced to make 

a decision that could put you on the wrong track.‖ She would like students to know that even though some things have not exactly 

gone her way since she has been here, these have been the best four years of her life. 

Chelsea Jenkins says her hero is her mother– Sheila Jenkins. The head of her household is is Collis Gray. She has two sisters 

– Brittany and Damonica Jenkins, and two brothers - Ryan B. and Trey Stringfellow. She loves these guys. She is in Art Club 

and PCI and is on the Prom Committee. 

Her favorite classes are Coach Colvin with TeTe and Man Man, and Mrs. Roger with Rodrick, Kelli, and Precious. Her favorite 

teachers are Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Roger, Mrs. Strickler, and Ms. Ashworth. Her favorite memories at Ruston High are seeing 

Marty dance in pep rallies, being on the pepette buses with Diamon Melton, and listening to Jasmine McDonald be silly in 

class. Her advice to the underclassmen is to keep God first in everything. She would like people to know that she is the sweetest, 

nicest, most caring, loveable, happiest, respectable, silliest, prettiest girl you will ever meet. 

Nicholas, or Nick, Liberatos, has his father– James, his mother– Beth, and his brother– Jim. His hero is Ryan Dunn. He is on the 

soccer team and a member of FCA and FFA. 

His favorite things about Ruston High are the variety of classes and sports RHS offers because you get to choose what you really 

want to do. His favorite classes are soccer and Psychology with Mr. Whitlock. His favorite memories at Ruston High are when 

Braden Hilton welded Matthew Brewer‘s lock together in Ag II and playing soccer. His advice to the underclassmen is to have fun.

S 



Patricia Duhart has a big brother, little sister, and best friends at RHS– Mya, Nia, SamBam, Patrick, and Sheed. She is actively involved 

in Basketball, 4-H, and FBLA. Her favorite things about Ruston High are Girls Basketball game days and Bearcat Fridays. 

Her favorite classes are Spanish II with Mrs. Rivera, because she is so amazing, and Advanced Math with Mrs. Johnson, because 

she is the best. Her favorite memory at Ruston High is the RHS Playoff Game against Central. Her advice to the to underclassmen is to 

get into the habits now so it won‘t be a struggle later. She would like the students to know that she has swag. 

Erin ―Uhrin‖ Otwell says that she loves her family so much. Her best friends are Margarita Hernandez, Sarah Wilkerson, Jordon 

Small, and Tricia Trichel. She is right center back for RHS Varsity Soccer and a member of FFA. 

Her favorite things about Ruston High are football games; she is so proud of them. Her favorite class is Canine Care and Training 

with Mrs. St. Andre. Kelsey Whitlock is her favorite teacher/coach. Her favorite memories at Ruston High are pep rallies. Her advice 

to the underclassmen is to not be fake and just be yourself. 

Kane ―Sloth‖ Killen has his parents– Scott and Melinda Killen and his sister– Kirsite. His hero is Graham White and his wife is 

Hayley Harris. He plays golf and is a member of NHS, Key Club, First Priority, FCA, and Club Frey. 

His favorite thing about Ruston High is advisory because Mrs. Yenser is amazing and his role model. His favorite classes are 

Algebra I because Mr. Falting is a pretty cool guy, Physics with Coach Frey because he gets to be apart of Club Frey, and Calculus 

with Mr. Kilpatrick because of his beard and coffee addiction. 

His favorite memories at Ruston High are finding Narnia in Coach Frey‘s class and the many stories of Science Fair 2011. He 

would like students to know that his favorite color is creamy mocha. 

Kashenna Nelson lives with her mother. Her father‘s name is Earl. She has two sisters– Elise and Monshia and two brother– 

Reggie and Maurice. She also has two nieces– Jada and Madison. She is apart of the RHS Band, Color guard/ Flag line, and KOM. 

Her favorite things about Ruston High are football season because she gets to swirl her flag and being with the Class of 2012. Her 

favorite classes are Financial Math and Biology II. Her favorite teacher is Mrs. Roger. Her favorite subject is Math. Her favorite 

memory at RJS was when the band had their spring concert last year and they played ―October‖ and everyone got emotional and 

some even cried (including Mr. Moss.) 

Her advice to the underclassmen is to stay on top of your grades so you won‘t have to worry your senior year. She would like 

students to know that Kadrie and LaRoxi Thompson are her cousins, and her best friends are Kristina, Kimmie, Chrissy, and 

Jazsime . 

Jessica ―Sico‖ McGee has her mother– Kim McGee, her father– John McGee, and her brother– Lucas. She has four horses, three 

dogs, and two cats; they are a part of her family, too! She is in band and 4-H. Her favorite thing about Ruston High is being a senior 

and having five classes. 

Her favorite classes are band with Mr. Moss and Psychology with Mr. Whitlock. Her favorite memories at Ruston High are meeting 

new friends and joining band. Her advice to the underclassmen is to keep your grades up so your can go to a college you would 

like.

S 



Brenner Mabry, or ―Brenner with an F,‖ lives with his father- Anthony, his mother- Betty White, his brother- Charles, and his dogs- 

Terry, Connie, and Heather. He plays soccer and is a member of the sixth man (Bush‘s Boys.) He is in French Club and FCA. He hopes 

to be a Diamond Girl this year. 

His favorite thing about Ruston High is being loud and obnoxious at any and all sporting events with his yodefs. His favorite teacher 

is Mr. Elliot because he is his wakeboarding partner and wingman. He says that he has a few favorite memories at Ruston High, but his 

favorite has to be the time that he was doing something boring, and then found five dollars. 

His advice to the underclassmen is to make sure you wear a lot of Aeropostale, Abercrombie, etc. Also, tuck your jeans inside of 

your boots. All of those things are super cool. 

Lanette ―Ne-Ne‖ Buggs has her mother– Sharonda, her father– Donzell. She is the oldest of five. Her heroes are Terline Burton 

who is her godmother and Brenda Buggs who is her aunt. She is a KOM advisor , a part of Leading Lincoln, and a DARE Role 

Model. 

Her favorite things about Ruston High are Bearcat Fridays because of the excitement in the air. Her favorite class is math because 

she is good at it. Her favorite teachers are Mrs. Howell, Mr. Falting, Mrs. Hammons, and Mr. Green. Her favorite memory at Ruston 

High is going to pep rallies with her best friend/ cousin Dyaneche Buffett. Her advice to the underclassmen is to keep God first because 

with him anything is possible. She would like students to know that she is happy to be a part of the Class of 2012. 

Kori Teague, or Kevin, is an active member of Band, National Honor Society, Key Club, and German Club. Her favorite thing 

about Ruston High is the Bearcat Band because it gave her a second family. Her favorite classes are Band with Mr. Moss and Mr. 

Wood, and Chemistry II with Mrs. Freeman. 

Her favorite memory at Ruston High is the 2011 Marching Season. She says, ―The price that is paid is far outweighed by the 

blessings that follows. 

Anisha Barber lives with her mother– Kartiva Williams, her father– Curtis Williams, her brother– Skerry Williams, and her son 

– Jordan Stringfellow. She says that her father is the best dad in the world and he is her hero. Her favorite thing about Ruston High 

is being a senior, which means she gets to go home early. 

Her favorite teacher is Mrs. Wilson because she is a cool teacher. Her favorite class is Mrs. Griffin‘s second period because 

Man Man always makes her laugh. Her favorite memory at Ruston High is Sophomore year when she and Shamario had a pillow 

fight at a pep rally and somebody dragged her back to the bleachers. 

Her birthday is December 20th and on that day she will become a queen. 

Katherine ―Chizzy‖ Chisolm is a softball player. Her favorite things about Ruston High are all sports because everyone gets so 

into it and they are so supportive. 

Mr. Whitlock is her favorite teacher. His class makes her mornings better. Her favorite memory at Ruston High is going down to 

Sulphur sophomore year and sharing a room with Kendall Smith, Taylor Atkinson, and Carrington Wilson. Her advice to the underclassmen 

is ―You can do all things through Christ who gives you strength‖– Phil. 4:13.

S 



DeVonte Cooper has one brother– Dennis, one sister– Sholonda, and his best friend is Dee Wil. His hero is God. He is on 

the RHS basketball team. 

His favorite thing about Ruston High is how when he gets to school, he hears his name constantly. His favorite class in 

Black History with Coach Bush because everybody always has something to say. 

His favorite memory at RHS was when the cheerleading squad were warming up before a pep rally and they dropped a girl. 

His advice to the underclassmen is if you are going to flunk a test, at least do the homework. 

Kearrow Satcher lives with his mother Jackie Coleman, and his sister– Anetra Coleman, Kayla Coleman, Miasha Satcher, and 

Minaja Satcher. His best friends are Laquanda Smith and Briauna Aikens. His favorite thing about Ruston High is getting out at 

1:25. 

His favorite teachers are Mrs. Dunbar and Mrs. Williams. His favorite memory at RHs is last year in Coach Aultman‘s class, 

he was texting and he thought Coach couldn't see him, but he could. He threw a football at the back of his head to get his attention. 

His advice to the underclassmen is to do your work so that you can graduate on time. 

Shantell ―Shan‖ Tucker says that her family are her heroes, especially her father. Her favorite thing about RHS is seeing her 

classmates. She says a lot of them actually stayed together, but they left a few behind. 

Her favorite teacher is Mr. Whitlock. She says that you would have to be in his class to understand. Her favorite memory at 

Ruston High was winning $100 for her GEE scores. Her advice to the underclassmen is to do your best and do not be satisfied 

with just barely getting by. 

Reagan Jenkins has her father- Charles, her brother- Carlandos, and her sister- Niecy. Her mother, Gwen, passed away. 

Reagan is in the Bearcat Band and on the Prom Committee. 

Her favorite thing about Ruston High is Bearcat Fridays because she loves to hear Mrs. Ratcliff‘s voice. Her favorite class is 

lunch. Her favorite teacher was her freshman Physical Science teacher Mrs. Lindquist. Her favorite memory at Ruston High is 

the time she forgot that she had three big blue rollers in her hair and went to school. 

Her advice to the underclassmen is to not rush high school. She would like students to know that she really loves her Cats! 

Hunter Hathorn has his mother- Debra, his father- Gary, and his brother- Kent. He is on the drum line. His favorite thing 

about Ruston High is senior year. 

His favorite teachers are Mr. Moss and Mr. Wood because they are the best friends and teachers he could ask for. His favorite 

memory at RHS is when the power went out and we got to go home early. His advice to the underclassmen is to not 

make so much noise. It is better to listen and learn.

S 

Ask Nick 

submitted by Nick Letendre 

Student Council President 

tudent Center 



Ask the Staff 

by Kori Teague 

Guest Reporter 

Q: What is the true meaning of Christmas? 

A: I know, I know. It's in here every 

year, but sometimes it's good to be reminded. 

Christmas first came to be because 

of the fact that "For God so loved 

the world He gave his only begotten 

son, that whosoever believes in Him 

shall not perish but have eternal 

life" (John 3:16). A long time ago, God 

sent His son to die for us and our sins, 

and Christmas is the beautiful day we 

spend with family and loved ones to 

remember Jesus's birthday. 

As you celebrate this season, keep 

that wonderful gift in mind. I wish you 

all the best Christmas! 

What is your favorite thing about 

Christmas? 

My favorite thing about Christmas 

is spending time with my family and 

friends. I also love getting presents. 

It is a lot of fun opening presents 

with my family, most of the time we 

already know what we are getting. 

Christmas is just the best time of 

holidays. 

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas 

and a Happy New Year! 

Articles, Rants and Suggestions 

Students who like to write and would like to have their articles published in Chatterbox are asked to submit articles to chatterbox@lincolnschools.org. 

If you have a particular rant, comment, or suggestion about anything Chatterbox has printed, or wish to present your side in an editorial, we would love to hear from you. 

Bring your thoughts in writing to Room 318, pass it along to a Chatterbox member, or email it to chatterbox@lincolnschools.org.

F un Page 



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Plan on being bored over the break? 

Check out these hot new movie 

releases for December! 

Sign letter 

of the Month

S ponsors and Staff Chatterbox 


2011-2012 Chatterbox Sponsors 

Platinum Level Sponsors: ($200 +) 

Mark and Donnie Bartlett First National Bank Ruston High School Alumni Association 

Green Clinic Bank of Ruston Community Trust Bank 

Gold Level Sponsors: ($100 - $199) 

Jack Fluck Realty Embellishments Richard and Nancy Durrett 

RHS Business Department Lloyd and Christy Bruner RHS FBLA, Chapter 617 

Silver Level Sponsors: ($50 - $99) 

Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office McCarter Financial Group Danny Carroll Appraisal 

Robert Temple, Agent (State Farm) Tom Sumrall Joey and Juanita Coker Bert C. Hogg 

2011-2012 Chatterbox Advertisers 

Business/Organization Owner/Manager/Contact Agent Page of Advertisement 

Lincoln ACHIEVE Cathi Cox-Boniol 2 

Ruston High School PTA Julie Kyte 2 

Driver‘s Education Coach Ricky Durrett 3 

National Jewelry Paul McCormack 15 

The Fashion of Ruston Kelly Hogan 15 

Hi-Tech Richard Raue 16 

Pow Wow Manuel and Nilda Chinchilla 17 

Village Market Manuel Chinchilla 17 

Argent Aarin Alford 18 

Please thank and support these businesses, organizations, and individuals for making your Ruston High School Chatterbox possible! 

With special thanks to Principal Mike Milstead for all his support! 

2011-2012 RHS Chatterbox Staff 

Editor in Chief Whitney Durrett Junior 

Business Manager Elizabeth Smith Senior 

News Editor Jaisle Bailey Junior 

Sports Editor Reed Malek Senior 

Assistant News Editor Elena Till Junior 

Graphics/Design Editor Carter Carroll Sophomore 

Academics Reporter Polly Michelle Gwan Senior 

Arts Reporter Sarah Kay Blaylock Junior 

Clubs Reporter Thristan Cecil Sophomore 

Education Reporter Emma Jones Junior 

Sports Reporter Alex Cockerham Sophomore 

Sports Reporter Ambria Holmes Sophomore 

Guest Reporter Kori Teague Senior 

Adviser/Sponsor: Mr. Lloyd R. Bruner, chatterbox@lincolnschools.org 

The Chatterbox is a member of the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA). 

The purpose of the Chatterbox is to provide information and to promote school pride. We strive to meet the criteria set by the National Scholastic Press Association 

for student journalism. In addition, if a reasonable basis or belief that a publication would materially disrupt class work, involve substantial disorder, or invade 

the rights of these, it will not be published in keeping with the guidelines of Hazelwood School District vs. Kulkmeier (1998). Signed editorials may be sent 

to Ruston High School, 900 Bearcat Drive, Ruston, Louisiana 71270. 

Access the current edition of the Chatterbox at: http://rustonhigh.lincolnschools.org/whatsnew.html and archived editions at: http://rustonhigh.lincolnschools.org/chatterbox.html

B earcat Spirit 



Cheerleaders Bring Home 

Three State Championships 

submitted by Rebecca Wheelis 

JV Cheerleader 

On Saturday, December 3, 2011, the RHS Competition 

Cheer Squad traveled to Lake Charles to compete in 

the first ever LHSAA High School Cheer & Dance State 

Championship. They competed in four divisions: Time 

Out Cheer, Fight Song, Time Out Dance, and Non- 

Tumbling. 

The Time Out Cheer is a Game Time style cheer that 

is supposed to be crowd-leading and crowd-involving. 

Ruston was up against six other teams. The Fight Song is 

literally a fight song. In this category, Ruston was up 

against five other teams. The Time Out Dance is a short 

dance that could be performed during a time out; Ruston 

faced nine other teams. The last competition of the day 

was Non-Tumbling: a 2 minute, 30 second routine that is 

The Return of Bush’s Boys 

by Reed Malek 

Sports Editor 

As the Ruston High boys basketball team returns to 

the court, so does Ruston High‘s most famous and most 

notorious group of fans: Bush‘s Boys 

As you veterans of RHS probably already know, 

Bush‘s Boys is the moniker given to the school‘s student 

section at boys‘ basketball games, which loudly supports 

the Bearcats and their leader, Coach Bush - the namesake 

of the group. 

Bearcat Belles: State Runners-up 



The Ruston High School Belles, on December 3, 2011, attended the first ever 

LHSAA Cheer and Dance State Championship in Lake Charles, Louisiana. 

The Belles participated in the hip-hop dance category, and came in second place 

with an average score of 325.5, and had no penalties. 

Molly Humphries, senior co-captain of the Belles, was very happy with her 

team‘s performance both on December 3 and the whole year, as well. 

―I feel so blessed. This was a fantastic year for the Belles. We had challenging 

choreography, but at the end of the day it was awesome and I couldn‘t ask for a better 

team.‖ 

The 2011-2012 Bearcat Belles are pictured at the left. In order from left to right, 

top row first, they are: Maegan Goss, Ebony Wright, Eva Edinger, Baylee Wright, 

Marley Ratcliffe, Alise Williams, Megan Franks, Lauren Jenkins, Maggie Humphries, 

Emily Hearne, De‘Ninia Melton, Ashley Reynolds, Molly Humphries, Avery 

Woodard, Ashlyn Thompson, Emily Higginbotham, Brittany Kelly. 

composed of elite 

stunts, pyramids, 

baskets, a cheer 

section in the 

middle, and a 

dance at the very 

end. In this division, 

Ruston competed against ten other teams. 

After the first three competitions, awards were announced. 

Ruston won State Champions in the Time Out 

Cheer and the Fight Song! (Meaning they get a state 

ring!) They placed 4 th in the dance, which is not bad at 

all. The two wins early in the day fired the entire team up 

for Non-Tumbling. After a very successful routine on the 

Last year, Bush‘s Boys supported the Bearcats well - 

almost too well. After nearly causing too much havoc at 

the games, Bush‘s Boys was almost terminated at Ruston 

High; but they have survived to this season. The support 

Bush‘s Boys gives to the Bearcat basketball team is 

enormous, but there are times when their support nearly 

goes too far. 

floor with only two mistakes, Ruston heard the results. 

―In first place…Your State Champions in Non- 

Tumbling…let‘s hear it for…RUSTON HIGH 

SCHOOL!‖ Yes, Ruston won Non-Tumbling. The RHS 

Competition Cheer Squad walked away with three State 

Championships in the first ever LHSAA High School 

Cheer & Dance State Championship! 

Assistant principal Coach Crowe expressed his 

mixed feelings towards Bush‘s Boys, saying: ―As far as 

support goes, we love them! But there are some instances 

where they maybe go a little too far.‖ 

As the Bearcat basketball teams play through their 

schedules, there is one thing of which we may be certain: 

Bush‘s Boys will be there to cheer them on - hopefully 

not to a point of detriment!

S ports 



Sports and Christmastime 

by Reed Malek 

Sports Editor 

The NBA is No Longer in a Lockout 

by Ambria Holmes 


During the winter holidays, sounds of carolers and jingle bells and merriment can be heard throughout the country. These 

are the sounds and scenes that most directly associate with Christmastime, but for me it is something else: sports. While most 

people look forward to big feasts and family get-togethers, I look forward to daily football games. Sports have become an 

annual point of anticipation during the winter holidays, and this year will not disappoint. 

This winter holiday season, Americans can curl up beside the fire with a hot cup of cocoa and watch their favorite athletes 

duke it out during the cold. December 17 is the beginning of college football bowl season, my personal favorite time of the 

year. Christmas Day this year will feature an NFL matchup of the Chicago Bears against the Green Bay Packers, and it is 

also the first day of the recently resurrected NBA season. 

Christmas Eve will feature even more sporting events. Thirteen NFL games will be played that day, as well as college 

football‘s Hawaii Bowl. So get ready, sports fans. You have a lot of work to do this holiday season! 

The 2011-12 NBA season was delayed due to its lockout. It was announced on June 28, 2011 that the NBA will 

go into a lockout because they were losing money. During the lockout, many NBA players decided to play overseas 

until the lockout ended. The lockout delayed the first two weeks of the seasons and fans were disappointed across the 

states. 

The cancellations were issued on October 9 and all games scheduled to be played through November 14 were not 

going to take place. However, on November 28, 2011 it was announced that the NBA worked things out and the season 

would finally begin. 

The lockout lasted 149 days and it would have lasted longer if the NBA had not made a deal solving the lockout. 

With that being said, the season will begin on Christmas Day and those who were waiting no longer have to. 

Second Chance to Succeed 



The key to success in sports is to never give up. You might lose a couple of games—and win some, too. I talked to a football 

player who wished to remain anonymous. He said ―When I broke my arm, I felt left out and mistreated. I thought it was 

the end of the world.‖ 

In my opinion, it was just a new beginning for him to start. The situation was kind of like the phase of a minor setback for 

a major comeback. That can be changed in a matter of time. You just have to work hard and keep your head in the game. 

If any player has been injured, he/she shouldn‘t give up; they should strive for the best. The injury could have a lifealtering 

effect over your life. You can always overcome it just by having a good attitude about the situation. 

Tray Brown, a basketball player, expressed, ―I would be disappointed that I wouldn‘t be able to help my team sitting on 

the bench.‖ That‘s another reason why you shouldn‘t let the injury keep you down; there might be people who need you and 

depend on you. So never let an injury keep you down.

S ports 



Erin Otwell (#23) and Ashley Crook (#2) pursue a Neville defender. 

Tech, Grambling Win Conferences 

by Reed Malek 

Sports Editor 

Football in Lincoln Parish has had one 

of its most successful and exciting years 

in a long time. Besides our own Bearcats 

seeing more success than they have in 

years, the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs and 

Grambling State Tigers are making noise 

in Lincoln Parish—and in the national 

picture, as well. 

After their 44-0 victory over the New 

Mexico State Aggies on November 26, 

Louisiana Tech clinched the title of 

champion of the Western Athletic Conference 

(WAC) for the first time in ten 

years. The Bulldogs started their season 

off to a dismal 1-4 start, but finished the 

year with a seven-game win streak. Three 

of the Dawgs‘ four losses were ones that 

were nearly victories; they lost by one 

Bulldogs’ Ryan Allen Wins National Punting Award 

by Reed Malek 

Sports Editor 

On the night of Thursday, December 8, 

Louisiana Tech celebrated its second ever 

national award winner at the Home Depot 

College Football Awards Show. The Bulldogs‘ 

junior punter Ryan Allen was given 

point to Houston, two to Southern Mississippi, 

and by six points in overtime to 

Mississippi State. The Bulldogs are 

scheduled to face off against the eighteenth-ranked 

Texas Christian University 

Horned Frogs on December 21 in the 

Poinsettia Bowl. 

Ten years ago, Lincoln Parish was 

proud to call Louisiana Tech the champion 

of its conference. However, the 

parish was also able to boast another conference 

champion in the vicinity: Grambling 

State. 

On Saturday, December 10 the Grambling 

State Tigers repeated this phenomenon 

by defeating the Alabama A&M 

Bulldogs 16-15 in thrilling fashion. 

the Ray Guy Award, which recognizes the 

best collegiate punter in the nation. 

Though Louisiana Tech‘s name is associated 

with many great football players 

such as Fred Dean and Terry Bradshaw, 

Bearcat Soccer Prepares for 

Tournament 

by Reed Malek 

Sports Editor 

On Thursday, December 8 both Bearcat soccer teams played the St. Frederick Catholic 

High School Warriors here in Ruston. Tomorrow, the Bearcats will travel to Monroe to 

play St. Fred‘s on their own turf. 

The game last week against the Warriors went very smoothly for the girls, which has 

become pretty common for them this year. The Lady Bearcats shut out the Warriors by a 

score of 3-0, moving them to an spotless record of 4-0. 

After leading at halftime 2-1, the boys struggled through a tough second half against St. 

Fred‘s last Thursday, which included a few controversial calls and narrowly missed shots. 

The Bearcats were defeated 4-2. 

The next day, the Bearcats scared off the Minden Crimson Tide soccer teams, giving 

them a much needed break before their busy week ahead. 

Both Ruston High soccer teams are looking strong, so come out to the games and watch 

them as they take down their opponents! 

Grambling started their season in a 

manner similar to Louisiana Tech; they 

began 1-5 but won their last 6 games 

going into the Southwestern Athletic 

Conference championship game. 

Down 15-9 early in the fourth quarter, 

the Tigers caught a huge break with a 69yard 

fumble return touchdown by Jacarde 

Carter. 

Grambling‘s superb defense showed 

up thereafter, as they have done all season. 

The Tiger defense quelled a threatening 

drive from Alabama A&M with 

barely two minutes left in the game, sealing 

the deal for a double-dose of conference 

champions in Lincoln Parish. 

Allen is the first Bulldog to win a national 

award since Troy Edwards won 

the Fred Biletnikoff Award in 1998, 

which is awarded to the nation‘s best receiver. 

Louisiana Tech‘s Ryan Allen, with the 

Ray Guy Award. 

Photo obtained at: 

www.rustonleader.com

S ports 


Ruston High School December 15, 2010 Page 31 

Bearcat Basketball Hits the Court 

by Reed Malek 

Sports Editor 

Ruston High girls‘ and boys‘ basketball officially 

kicked their seasons off last month. Both teams have been 

working hard daily to keep up with their busy schedules. 

Earlier this month, the teams played two very important 

home games in consecutive days, the first against Arcadia 

and the second against Winnfield. 

On Tuesday December 6, the boys defeated the Arcadia 

Hornets by a score of 54-32. The ‗Cats were led in scoring 

by Jamaya Burr, who had 17 points, and Jerry Melton, 

who had 16. The next day, the girls‘ and boys‘ teams 

played a rescheduled game against Winnfield. 

Ruston‘s Shadarria Crawford (#23) dribbles away from 

a defender. 

The girls suffered a 52-33 loss to the Tigers while the 

boys won their second straight by a score of 60-48. In the 

game, Jamaya Burr scored 18 points and Jerry Melton 

scored 23 points, which included an emphatic slam dunk 

towards the end of the game. Alexio Williams-Hargrove 

was the defensive MVP of the game, with 5 steals and 6 

rebounds. The Bearcats‘ next game is tonight against the 

Gibsland-Coleman Bulldogs at 8:30 PM. Come out and 

support the Bearcat basketball teams during their home 

tournament this week! 

Jamaya Burr (#3) looks for an open teammate. 

Coach Bush expresses his approval with a fist 

pump during the Bearcats‘ 60-48 victory over the 

Winnfield Tigers on December 7. 

Shelby Giddings (middle) defends against the Winnfield Tigers. The Bearcats defend a wild shot attempt.

S ports 



Bearcats Have Their Most Successful Season Since 1999 

by Reed Malek 

Sports Editor 

It had been over a decade since Bearcat fans were 

able to watch their team play on Thanksgiving week. 

After a twelve year drought of reaching the third round 

of the LHSAA playoffs, the Bearcats suited up and traveled 

to Mandeville, Louisiana to play the Skippers on 

November 25. The ‗Cats were defeated 26-0, ending 

their surprisingly successful season—one that put pride 

and passion unseen since 1999 into the hearts of Bearcat 

fans. 

Running back Roderick Long runs past Neville‘s 

defense. 

Coming out of their first game, a 42-6 throttling by 

the Neville Tigers, things did not look very promising 

for the Bearcats. However, they followed up with a winloss 

pair of games, a pattern that appeared thrice over 

the next three games. This roller coaster regular season 

ended with two dominating victories over Natchitoches 

Central and Pineville, leading the Bearcats into the playoffs. 

The ‗Cats handily defeated their first opponent, 

Denham Springs, then headed to Baton Rouge to quell a 

Cinderella story in the Central Baton Rouge Wildcats. 

Bearcat fans make a tunnel. 

Roderick Long breaks a tackle. 

Though the Bearcats‘ next game turned out to be 

their last, this season will hardly be forgotten by those 

who lived through it. The ‗Cats took the Bearcat Nation 

on a ride it has not seen in quite some time. After the 

first few games, not many fans would have expected a 

post-Thanksgiving ending to the Bearcats‘ season; but 

the team proved them wrong. They played their hearts 

out to finish the season, refusing to give up when giving 

up seemed easy. 

Kicker Shelton Wooley returns to the sidelines. 

The Bearcats line up against Ouachita. Breaking through the Ruston Banner. Quarterback Chris Millage calls a play. 

Quarterback Pierce Spangler (17) hands off the ball 

to Alexio Williams-Hargrove. 

Running back Alexio Williams-Hargrove 

scores an acrobatic touchdown.

December 2011 Chatterbox - Ruston High School

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