December 2011 Chatterbox - Ruston High School

C
lubs/Organizations Chatterbox
Ruston High School December 15, 2011 Page 16
FBLA Thanks the Louisiana Army National Guard
by Elizabeth Smith
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!
by Elizabeth Smith
FBLA President
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.