May 2011 Chatterbox - Ruston High School

RHS FBLA - State Champions See Pages 16-17
NHS –
Relay For Life
Page 3
RHS Spring Sports
See Pages 31-32
Chatterbox
Ruston High School April 28, 2011
Box Tops
Outside Our Box (2-3)
Academia (4-6)
Teacher Spotlights (7)
National Poetry Month (8)
Editorials/Opinions (9-12)
Service and Social (13)
Clubs (14-17)
The Dark Nutt (18)
The Arts (19-20)
Entertainment (21)
Behind The Scenes:
Chatterbox (22-23)
Senior News (24)
Student Center (25)
Fun Page (26)
Sponsors/Staff (27)
Bearcat Spirit (28)
Sports (29-32)
http://rustonhigh.lincolnschools.org/chatterbox.html
Earthquakes, Tsunamis, and a Nuclear Crisis;
This is More Than Just “Oh My!”
by Natasha Alva
News Editor
On March 11 th , the coast of Japan was affected by the most powerful
earthquake ever recorded to hit their country. The power of this
earthquake was 9.0 on the Richter scale –one of the scales used to
measure the magnitude of an earthquake. The earthquake alone tumbled
buildings, ruined roads, started fires, It also took the lives of
many, found others missing to their friends and family, and left millions
of others without power, water, or food and the threat of many
more aftershocks to come.
Unfortunately the problems had just begun. As with the Samoan
Islands, the earthquake triggered the formation of a tsunami. Thirty
foot walls of water, some coming more than six miles inland on Japan‘s
east coast, brought more destruction to buildings, highways,
and rice fields. Many more lives were taken.
Japan also faces a nuclear emergency as explosions and leaks of
radioactive gas took place in three of the reactors at the Fukushima
Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. This station has suffered partial meltdowns
in two reactors and spent fuel rods in the other reactor causing
it to overheat and catch fire; therefore, releasing radioactive material
directly into the atmosphere. Traces of radiation were found in Tokyo's
water and in water pouring from the reactors into the ocean.
The attempts at cool down were put on hold for an hour during the
tsunami warning and various other times during strong aftershocks.
Andrew Whitworth: Marbury Lecture Series
by Natasha Alva
News Editor and FBLA Secretary
On April 12 th , Japan raised its assessment of the accident at Fukushima
Daiichi nuclear power plant from five to seven. This is the
worst rating on an international scale, and puts the disaster on the
same level as the 1986 Chernobyl explosion. It has been acknowledged
that the human and environmental consequences of the nuclear
crisis in Japan could be calamitous and long-lasting. The
amount of radioactive materials released from Fukushima Daiichi,
only equal about ten percent of that released at Chernobyl so far, but
officials said that the radiation release from Fukushima could, in
time, surpass levels seen at Chernobyl.
According to New York Times World News at the beginning of
August, more than 160,000 people remained housed in temporary
shelters; tens of thousands of others evacuated their homes due to the
nuclear crisis. The official death toll had been raised to 12,600, and
more than 14,700 people were listed as missing. The final toll is expected
to reach nearly 20,000.
For more information and visuals on the crisis in Japan you can
refer to CNN World News, New York Times World News, National
Geographic News, and many other sources online. Information for
this article was found at http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/
international/countriesandterritories/japan/index.html.
On March 22 nd , selected senior members of FBLA had the opportunity to attend the sixth annual William Ardis
Marbury, Jr. and Virginia Lomax Marbury Lecture Series; founded in 2006 and hosted by Cedar Creek School. The
series is named after the starters of William A. Marbury and Company, Inc. – an insurance agency. This company was,
at its peak, the largest insurance agency in the state of Louisiana. Commercial Union bought the company in the 1950s,
and soon Marbury founded Bankers Life of Louisiana, a credit life insurance writer. These companies are still very
successful in Ruston. The purpose of the lecture series is to honor the Marburys‘ considerable contributions to the Ruston
Community and to present a series that honors the business ethics that the Marburys‘ incorporated into their everyday
lives.
The speaker for the sixth annual Marbury Lecture Series was Andrew Whitworth. Mr. Whitworth graduated from
West Monroe High School and is now the starting offensive tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals and founder of the Big
Whit 77 Foundation. The Big Whit 77 Foundation works with programs such as Care for the Cure and Open Arms.
They also founded Whit‘s Warriors – a scholarship program that awards the twenty-five winners a thousand dollar
scholarship and free computer for higher education, and participation in a leadership conference.
Mr. Whitworth captivated his audience as he laid down his four fundamentals for success: confidence with humility,
work ethic with balance, passion with purpose and persistence, and character. Turn to page two to read about the details
of Mr. Whitworth‘s speech.
Andrew Whitworth speaks at the Lecture Series.

Saluting Outstanding Student
Achievement
Throughout the Bearcat Nation
O
utside Our Box? Chatterbox
Ruston High School April 28, 2011 Page 2
Andrew Whitworth: Marbury Lecture Series (continued)
by Natasha Alva
News Editor
Mr. Andrew Whitworth, starting offensive tackle of the NFL‘s Cincinnati Bengals, began his speech by relating the story of the beginning of his football career – being taken
down by a girl (a coach‘s daughter) at his first practice. He used this story to demonstrate that when a person starts out in something, they may not and are not usually pros and
amazingly successful. Mr. Whitworth then gave his four personal necessities to become successful in anything, including life in general.
Mr. Whitworth first stated that a person needs ―confidence with humility.‖ Being confident and letting others see that you are confident and know that you can and will
achieve anything is a quality admired by others, but there is the point where a person becomes a big head and is considered full of themselves. Mr. Whitworth explained that a
person needs to believe in themselves but be humble. They need to listen, learn, and accept criticism. This will help them to reach the goal of success.
The second point stated was ―work ethic with balance.‖ Mr. Whitworth pointed out that he would not
have the support of his wife if he told her that he was only dedicated to football and that he would work on
being a good husband and father when he had time and felt like it. In order to be successful, a person needs
to put a hundred percent effort into everything that they do. Time management is a large part of this.
His next point was ―passion with purpose and persistence.‖ Mr. Whitworth says to find something you
love, something you want to succeed in, something that you can continue with throughout your life and stick
with it. Find that worthwhile ―something‖ and let it become your passion. Work at it and be persistent in
that work.
The last and the most important point was ―character.‖ Mr. Whitworth pointed out that a person‘s character
encompasses the whole of a person‘s chance at success. You can go through the actions but how you go
through these actions is defined by your character. Good character is defined as a person who will get the
work done with a good attitude.
Mr. Whitworth concluded by saying that all four of his four points are important and needed to be successful.
Overall, the speech, full of life stories and great points by Andrew Whitworth, taught that success
takes work. It takes as much as a person can give plus more, but it is worth it.
We Believe in Showing Appreciation!
by Natasha Alva
News Editor and LDS Youth Member
Pictured from left to right below: Kendall Guillot, Kenny Guillot,
Connie Bradford, Andrew Whitworth, Becky Marbury Napper, Lue
Napper, and Fred Blake.
Every year the youth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints host a Teacher Appreciation Dinner. The dinner is held at the Ruston Ward building where the students
and their selected teachers from Ruston High School, Ruston Junior High, and Cedar Creek School can spend an evening getting to know each other better and enjoying the
one another‘s company. With the help of their youth leaders, they choose a theme, select decorations, create a banner, and prepare the menu.
This year the dinner was held April 14 th . The theme was ―We Believe.‖ The youth chose this theme to demonstrate that we believe in our teachers because they believe in us
and we believe in Jesus Christ and know that he is proud of us when we show love and appreciation towards one another. To all teachers, thank you for the time and effort that
you put into helping each of your students become successful. To the teachers who were invited and attended, that you for making the dinner a success!

O
utside Our Box? Chatterbox
Ruston High School April 28, 2011 Page 3
Relay For Life
by Lauren Townsend
Assistant News Editor
On April 8, 2011, the Ruston High National Honor Society (NHS) helped host the
American Cancer Society‘s 2011 Relay for Life from 6 p.m. on Friday to 6 a.m. Saturday
morning. The event was hosted to celebrate the ―birthdays‖ of cancer survivors;
April 8 th ‘s Relay for Life celebrated 36 of 11 million worldwide cancer survivors‘
birthdays. This walk featured a series of dances, bake sales, jambalaya, snow cones,
and gumbo along with luminaries, karate, and the famous RHS Band. Everyone had a
ball. (Some of the walkers are pictured to the right, holding the official banner.)
Besides having a blast, the goal of Relay for Life was to acknowledge cancer survivors‘
victories in fighting cancer and raising money for cancer research to aid those
who are still fighting cancer. Delicious bake sales, yummy jambalaya stands, cool T-
shirt sales, and generous donations raised approximately $5,500 before the walk Friday
A Night of Jazz at Ruston High School!
by Polly Michelle Gwan
Academics Reporter
night; total amounts will be
featured in the May edition of
Chatterbox.
The generosity of Ruston
High students, such as NHS members, boomed throughout March, early April, and the
Relay for Life walk. With their help and the help of other clubs, cancer survivors and
supporters had a blast supporting the fight against cancer. So if you get a chance, donate
to the American Cancer Society and wish a cancer survivor a happy birthday.
For more information, check out http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/.
Friday night, March 18, 2011, Ruston High School hosted some very special visitors: The United States Air Force Band of
the West – Dimensions in Blue Jazz Big Band (pictured to the right). The Dimension, one of the finest Air Force big bands in
the nation, features eighteen talented musicians from around the nation. The big band is on tour through Louisiana and made one
of its stops at our very own Ruston High School. Friday night, people from all over the community gathered to see this prestigious
group play well know classics by Stevie Wonder and other various songs. ―Layover in Sanjuan‖ was a mix of jazz and
Spanish culture, and was the first time the band had performed this song that charmed the audience. ―I really enjoyed the concert!‖ said RHS band member, Anna Scroggins,
―The music was great and the players were phenomenal!‖ The concert was exciting, extraordinary, and exceptional. Ruston High School was very proud to be the host of this
very unique musical group!
318-255-4030

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Ruston High School April 28, 2011 Page 4
French Goes to Festival of
World Languages
submitted by Mrs. Greenwood
French Teacher/ Club Spornor
ULM Festival of World Languages
On s‘est amusé!
State Science Fair
by Polly Michelle Gwan
Academics Reporter
On Thursday, March 24 th , Ruston High School Regional Science Fair
winners traveled down south to compete in the 2011 State Science Fair.
All Ruston High participants did their very best and represented the
some of the best of RHS. Two students, Neesha Siriwardane and Clark
Pierce, were able to place at the fair. Neesha Siriwardane placed 1 st in
Biomedical Engineering and Clark
Pierce placed 2 nd in Mechanical Engineering.
Ruston High School is so proud
of all of the students that participated in
the science fair. Once more congrats to
Neesha Siriwardane and Clark Pierce for
placing! (Both pictured right)
Nous avons mangé
du bon fromage.
Nous avons dansé la Salsa.
Nous avons fait de la musique.
Nous avons gagné des jeux.
Dar Gracias!!!
by Stephany Arias
Senior Reporter
Nada es mejor que darte cuenta que tu vida es perfecta y que gracias
a Dios no te falta el pan de cada día. Muchos nos preguntamos qué sería
de nosotros sin nuestros padres y sin su ayuda, otros ya esperamos salir
debajo de las faldas de nuestras madres y caminar solos en estén enorme
mundo. Pero lo que no sabemos es que allá
afuera el mundo e incluso las personas pueden
ser muy peligrosas. Tenemos que dar muchas
gracias por el país donde vivimos y por las personas
que han estado hay con nosotros durante
nuestra larga caminata. Nada hubiese sido posible
sin la ayuda de ellos.
Speech & Debate Competes at State!
submitted by Mrs. Monica Olsen
Speech & Debate Coach
As the members of the Ruston High School Speech and Debate team walked to the hall where
results are posted, a tournament official taped a rare piece of paper to the wall: it is not often that
three of the four slots in semi-finals are held by one team; Ruston was that team.
The Ruston High Speech and Debate team recently competed at the State Tournament of Champions
held at New Iberia Senior High School. After months of preparation, the team achieved quite a
bit of success. Emma Norton and Josh Phillips (pictured below with Mrs. Olsen) placed first in Policy
debate and will be heading to Dallas on May 28th to compete at Nationals. Clark Pierce and Stephen
Zhong placed third in Policy debate, as did Jonathan Verret and Carter McWilliams. Prenicia Gant
won All-State top eight in the State for Lincoln Douglas debate. Darby Guinn placed first in Declamation
and third in Oral Interpretation. She also won the Renaissance award for having the highest
speaker points. Walker Holmes and Jared Spiller made it to Super Congress. Ruston High School is
very proud of our 2010-2011 Speech and Debate team and would like to congratulate them!
All of their hard work and dedication has paid off. Anyone interested
in trying out for Speech and Debate should come to Mrs. Olsen's room
either April 27th or April 28th after school. Try-outs are after school on
April 27th and April 28th. You must print two reference forms from
http://thebinturongalliance.wikispaces.com/Try-outs and ask two teachers
to fill them out. You should provide your teacher with an envelope in
which he/she can place the completed form, to seal for privacy. You
must bring these two envelopes to try-outs.

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Ruston High School April 28, 2011 Page 5
NT@R Learns American Enterprise System
submitted by Christian Amos
FBLA Multimedia Officer
After the Ruston High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) returned
from their state leadership conference in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, one competitive
project was praised for its success because of its connection with the New Tech at
Ruston program. This project was the American Enterprise Project (AEP).
The project was designed to promote understanding and support of the American
Enterprise System and that is exactly what this project did, as proven by its first place
honor at the state level. The project was critiqued by two judges at the conference and
received 193 out of 200 points. Its purpose was to teach New Tech at Ruston students
about the American Enterprise System, but in the process it also educated other students
and teachers at RHS. Sixty New Tech students served as the test subjects for the
American Enterprise Project. The students were given a pretest about the American
Enterprise System and some of the statistics from the test are as follows: thirty-three
out of sixty participants failed the pretest and only two students scored above a ninety
percent. After FBLA members provided instructing and learning materials the new test
scores showed that only two students failed the post test and twenty-six scored above
ninety percent.
Tradition, Pride, and Excellence
submitted by Mrs. Pam Pruden
Freshman Academy Coordinator
As I was walk down the hall, I think about what these words—tradition, pride,
and excellence—mean to the students and teachers at Ruston High School. In the
Freshman Academy, we introduce the newest members of the Bearcat Nation to
these words at the beginning of the school year; however, as the year progresses,
the upperclassmen demonstrate that these are not mere words but are instead foundational
principles and values of Ruston High School. After four years at Ruston
High School, tradition, pride, and excellence have come to signify much to me.
The word tradition evokes a remembrance of the great times I have had with my
family during holidays and special events that we celebrate. When I think about
tradition relating to my education, I recall how important it was for me to attend
college. Neither one of my parents had graduated from college, so I knew that we
were starting a new ―tradition of education‖ in my family beginning with me. I
want to challenge you to begin a new ―tradition of education‖ in your home. If no
one from your family has attended college or some other form of post secondary
training, I want to encourage you to begin the tradition. If you are fortunate enough
to belong to a family that values education, I urge you to continue the tradition with
your family.
The well-known diadem ―Pride comes before the fall‖ is where my mind wanders
when thinking about pride. I was taught that being full of pride was dangerous—sinful,
even. But when I think about a student who has labored diligently to
achieve a personal goal or a team that has worked together to accomplish a feat that
an individual could not do alone, I am convinced that having pride can be positive.
In order to truly feel pride, something wonderful should be accomplished.
When one pursues excellence, there is no room for failure. Your ―excellence‖
may not be straight A‘s on your report card or being a record-breaking athlete, but
you will be successful in your endeavor. This is something that is very personal and
unique to each student. During your four years at Ruston High School, I hope that
you have had an opportunity to set goals and to get the support needed to reach
those goals. I believe that our true mission as teachers and administrators is to help
students develop their own definition of excellence. ―Do your best!‖ This phrase is
often used by adults to encourage students to accomplish the task set before them. I
do not think it is good enough. My desire for you is to ―Be Excellent!‖ This leaves
no room for failure!
This massive improvement in scores proved
that the students learned from their instructors,
who were not the students‘ regular teachers but
instead, their peers. Catherine Letendre, New
Tech‘s Administrative Assistant says, ―I really enjoyed the fact that we had upperclassmen
modeling that students can participate in academic clubs such as FBLA.‖
During the presentation, the New Tech students were able to talk with FBLA members
and ask questions about the American Economy. ―The Lecture was very thorough
and explained how our economy worked, and it was easy to understand.‖ says New
Tech student Shawna Igou. Another New Tech students, Raifford Hileman, said, ―The
presentation brought to light the terms you hear people use every day but you never
fully understood them.‖
FBLA members introduced this project in the New Tech community and will continue
with it in the future as FBLA plans to send the American Enterprise Project into
competition every year. Furthermore, FBLA will provide New Tech with visits from
local business leaders and more hands-on activities such as one-day internships.
March and April Sharp Cats
submitted by Mrs. Thomason
Freshman Academy Adviser
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. It
is with great pride that we present to
you these students...for they are truly
Sharp Cats!
Sharp Cats named for March were,
Jack Lindsey, Solomon Jones, and
Dylan Henry, Shawyna Brantley,
Kathryn Sanderson, and Mallorie Stafford.
The April Sharp Cats are Alexus
Sinnie , Melissa Dosher, Johnia Johnson,
Antuane Gamble, Adam Rankins,
and James Davison.
KOM
submitted by Kate Warner
KOM Council Member
April Sharp Cats
Front Row: Alexus
Sinnie and Melissa
Dosher.
Back Row: Johnia
Johnson, Antuane
Gamble, and Adam
Rankins.
Not pictured:
James Davison.
Lauren Townsend presents to
NT@R about the AEP!
March Sharp Cats
Front Row: Jack
Lindsey , Solomon
Jones, and Dylan Henry.
Back Row: Shawyna
Brantley, Kathryn Sanderson,
and Mallorie
Stafford.
Do you want to help make a difference in someone‘s life? KOM
is looking for dedicated sophomores and juniors to be mentors to
freshman students next year. KOM wants students who want to help
others and make RHS a better place. On May 26, 2011, there will be
a KOM training day for those selected from 9:00 am -2:00 pm in the RHS cafeteria. It
cost $25, which includes a KOM t-shirt; paying without the shirt costs $18. So please
apply and make a difference in a freshman‘s life.

A
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Ruston High School April 28, 2011 Page 6
District Literary Rally Results
by Benicia King
Education Reporter
On Saturday, March 19th, Louisiana Tech hosted the North Louisiana High School Literary Rally. The brightest of RHS student's represented academic excellence and battled
other northern schools. There were more than 1,500 students competing, testing in forty-eight different subjects and separated into five divisions, based on school size.
Ruston High School is in District II. More than 1,500 students from 18 North Louisiana parishes competed in the 2011 North Louisiana District Rally. Winners from Ruston
High qualifying for the State Rally in Baton Rouge on April 16th are as followed (except for Spelling): Journalism I: 1st Amber Brown. Spanish II: 2nd Anna Fuller. World
Geography: 1st Ben Serio. Environmental Science: 1st Casey Johnston. Financial Mathematics: 2nd Chelsea Williams. Chemistry: 1st Clark Pierce. English I: 3rd Courtney
McKinney. Nutrition and Food: 1st Dara Smith. French I: 1st Darby Guinn. World History: 2nd Elizabeth Sawyer. Accounting: 1st Heather Strawbridge. English
Literature: 1st Holly Grigsby. Spelling 10: 1st Jake Kyte. Spelling 9: 2nd James Davison. Spanish I: 2nd John Herren. Biology: 3rd John David Moore. Agri-science I: 1st
Jonathan Craig. English II: 2nd Jonathan Verrett. Family and Consumer Science: 1st Kaitlyn Heiden. Algebra II: 1st Kari Hackbarth. Agri-science II: 1st Layton Richard.
Algebra I: 1st Mary Margaret Manning. Health: 1st Matt Oakes. Principles of Business: 1st Natasha Alva. Psychology: 1st Nathan Bennett. Computer Science I: 1st Phillip
Alva. Spanish III: 1st Rachel Hill. Spelling 11: 1st Reed Malek. Business Computer Applications: 2nd Sam Phillips. French II: 1st Shelby Giddings. Introduction to
Business Computer Applications: 1st Victoria Wheat. Physics: 3rd Walker Holmes. Agri-science III: 2nd Zach Hannibal. Congratulations on winning and placing at district
and show your Bearcat pride by having fun and winning at state!
One Busy Student Council
submitted by Mrs. Jesse Bryant
Student Council Adviser
The Student Council is winding up a busy year. Throughout March, they participated in various
activities benefitting our community. With their adopted 1 st grade class at Cypress Springs,
Mrs. Tatum, Mrs. Bryant, Beau Russell, Ashley Davison, and Rachel Hill celebrated Dr. Seuss‘s
birthday party. They read Dr. Seuss books, played word games, and made ―red fish blue fish‖ art
with the students. March 7 th -11 th , the Student Council sold jeans passes and sent the $187.20 they
raised as a donation to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. For the American Cancer Society‘s Relay
for Life, Student Council sold the Computer Dating Sheets and became an official sponsor for
the event, raising a total of $302 for the event. Our Student Council also participated in the communitywide
event for ―Going Green.‖ Student Council members delivered the plants Mrs. Griffin‘s
horticulture class grew to our Adopt-A-School sponsors to show their appreciation for
them. Several Student Council members and RHS Ambassadors went to Glen View Elementary
on March 25 th to help with their ―Chill and Grill‖ day of celebration where our students participated
with the elementary students at different activity stations.
As the 2010-2011 year comes to an end, the Student Council elections are approaching as
well. There will be two election tickets. Running on one ticket are: Nick Letendre for President,
Jake Haddox for Vice President, Courtnei Dunn for Secretary, Pierce Spangler for Treasurer,
Beth Ramirez for Parliamentarian, and Eric Goree for Sergeant-at-Arms. Ashley Davison is serving
as their campaign manager. The candidates on the opposing ticket are Carrington Wilson for
President, Shelby Giddings for Vice President, Cyril Noland for Secretary, John David Moore
for Treasurer, Shelton Wooley for Parliamentarian, and Bailey Wright for Sergeant-at-Arms.
Garrett Warren is serving as their campaign manager. Tags for each ticket will be appearing in
classrooms on April 20 th . On April 26 th , there will be an assembly to introduce the candidates to
the school, and voting will be on April 27 th .
Beau Russell and Ashley Davison working with students at Dr. Seuss day at Cypress Springs.
Rotary Club Winners
by Polly Michelle Gwan
Academics Reporter
Month
September
October
November
December
January
February
March
April
Students
Elizabeth Sawyer
Valarie Wheat
Christopher Taylor
Kate Warner
Elizabeth Moore
Hannah Rose McIntire
Ashley Davison
Mary Glenn Lyons
Caroline Oakley
Taylor Kaufman
Rachel Hill
Casey Jean Pierce
Andrew Serio
Josh Phillips
Mary Kyle McDonald
Miesha Nakib

T
eacher Spotlights Chatterbox
Ruston High School April 28,2011 Page 7
Name: Faith Alexander
Family: Greg (husband), Dustin and Daniel (sons), Anna (daughter-in-law)
Position at RHS: Librarian
High school attended/year: RHS 1981
College attended/major: Louisiana Tech—English and Science
Teaching experience: RHS
Favorite team/sport: Colts
If you could have one wish what would it be? World peace
Most embarrassing moment: As a freshman, falling down the stairs in front of the seniors.
Pet peeve: Students not having an I.D. and trying to use a computer in the library.
Name: Dana C. Trauth
Position at RHS: Junior English (American Literature)
High school attended/year: Edna Karr Magnet High School in New Orleans– 2001
College attended/major: Louisiana Tech University– B.A. in English Literature/ MAT Masters in Teaching
Teaching experience: Right now at RHS!
Favorite team/sport: New Orleans Saints
Favorite Quote: ―You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.‖ -C.S. Lewis
Most embarrassing moment: Oh my! When I was a senior in high school, my uniform pants ripped somehow, and I did not notice until the
end of the day. How mortifying was it to know people probably saw my underwear that day?
Pet peeve: When people look over my shoulder while I‘m reading and chewing in my ear.
Favorite childhood memory: Having family gatherings at my grandparents‘ house –swimming and eating good New Orleans food with my
family
Something special you want your students to know about you? I‘m older than I look, so behave!
Name: Joe Aulds
Family: Mary (wife), Joe Christian (son), and Singh Fu (dog)
Position at RHS: Algebra and Soccer
High school attended/year: Ruston High School, 1995
College attended/major: Louisiana Tech University– Psychology/ Business Administration, education, Masters– Psychology
Teaching experience: Serepta (1 year), Homer (1 year), and Ruston (8 years)
Favorite team/sport: LSU Football
Favorite Quote: ―It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it‖ — Aristotle
If you could have one wish what would it be? For all to experience an awakening only found through knowledge
Most embarrassing moment: While coaching baseball at Sarepta a kid was helping one of my freshman pick up equipment after practice. I
kept yelling to get his attention and he never acknowledged me. I got frustrated and threw a ball near him, almost hitting him. When he turned,
I realized he was deaf.
Pet peeve: Laziness
Name: Savannah Snyder
Family: James (husband), Josiah (son), and Annagrace (daughter)
Position at RHS: long term sub for 3 biology classes and 1 world geography class
High school attended/year: Benton High School 2003
College attended/major: LSUS, BA of Arts in Secondary Education Social Studies
Teaching experience: 3 years
Favorite childhood memory: Christmas and Thanksgiving with my whole family on my mom‘s side
Favorite quote: ―Good, better, best, never let it rest until your good is better and your better is best!‖
Pet peeve: When students ask the same question over and over after I have just answered them!
Is there anything special you want the students to know about you? I‘m a preacher‘s wife! I love working with teens at church and school!

N
ational Poetry Month Chatterbox
Ruston High School April 28, 2011 Page 8
The Way Things Are
submitted by Amy Gibson
RHS Junior
This is for all of you who struggle with acceptance
For those of you who seem to never fit in
For you who have had to settle for less
For you who were told that you‘d just have to deal with it
This is for all the teenagers
Who grew up without a mother or father
Who just wanted a little love and support
But then realized, why bother?
For the ones who were neglected
And abused in every way you can think of
Questioning why they have to suffer
And wondering if there will ever be help from above
For the ones who turned their backs on God
Because they got tired of waiting
Never finding peace of guidance
Who are left lost and hating
For the ones with self-esteem problems
Thinking that they‘re worthless; no good
Because all they‘ve known are insults
And have grown up feeling misunderstood
For the ones with eating disorders
Because they were made fun of for being chubby
Starving themselves, purging themselves, or worse
Not realizing that someone might actually like that tummy
For the ones who cut themselves
Because they prefer physical pain over emotions
Ignoring everyone‘s efforts to help
Not seeing anyone‘s devotion
For the ones who can‘t see, speak, or hear
Who were told they‘d always be left behind
Being picked on because they‘re different
Feeling like there‘s no one left to be kind
For the ones who‘d rather not be here
The ones who feel like there‘s nothing left
Because everything they‘ve ever had
Got taken by something they couldn‘t accept
For the ones who don‘t have a lot of money
And have to wear second-hand clothes
Trying to hide their misfortunes
Hoping and praying that no one knows
For the ones with disease
Because they couldn‘t help it or made unwise choices
Not knowing if they can ever be liked or even loves
Afraid to lift their voices
For the ones who get judged by their skin
Who are afraid to even show their face
Enduring judgmental questions
Being called names because they‘re a different race
This is especially for the homosexuals
Who are afraid to be who they really are
Don‘t stay cooped up in your closet too long
Let your colors guide your heart
For the ones who are lost for words
Unable to express their dreams and fears
Trying to move on with their lives
Disguising their broken tears
For the ones like you and me
Who are hated, judged, and put down every day
Not daring to speak up for each other
Because we‘re afraid of what others might have to say
This is for everyone with any kind of problem
It doesn‘t matter how small or big it might be
Life is an extremely unfair game
But it can be beat…
Congratulations Poetry
Contest Winners!
by Amber Brown
Senior Editor
Ruston High School, there are published poets walking
these halls! As an assignment for all of Mrs. Bartlett‘s
Dual/Honors and AP classes, the students had to
write multiple poems and select the best one to submit to
www.PoeticPower.com. This year, nearly every student
that entered a poem from RHS was sent a publication
approval form saying that their poem was accepted and
shall be printed with their permission. Mrs. Bartlett had
this to say about the multitude of students being published,
―They are very selective and don‘t take every
poem that comes in.‖ This is the most students in one
year to be published in the Celebration of Poets book,
which can be ordered from the website listed above.
The students whose poems were accepted to be published
include (and are pictured below): Myketrian
Amacker, Patrick Beatty, Rebecca Bertrand, Aaron
Boersma, Avneet Bola, Amber Brown, Mary Cox,
Dinah Diaz, Will Douglas, Holly Grigsby, Emma-Lee
Harris, Meny Hernandez, Rachel Hill, Aisha Jackson,
Taylor Kaufman, Reghan Lopez, Matthew Manning,
Hannah Maud, Mary-Kyle McDonald, Hannah Rose
McIntire, Elizabeth Moore, Mayisha Nakib, Emma Norton,
Caroline Oakley, Alexandria Osborne, Josh Phillips,
Casey Pierce, Lauren Prescott, Melissa Ramsaur, Jordan
Rushing, Amber Sanders, Elizabeth Sawyer, Haven
Schroeder, KeKe Sims, Samantha Talbert, Christopher
Taylor, Shana Telford, Valerie Wheat, Austin Wright,
and Stephen Zhong. Congratulations to all of these students
on this great accomplishment!
How She Feels
by Emily Moore
Arts Reporter
She wonders if you‘ll look back and wish you hadn‘t let her go.
Every time I see her I think she‘s the strongest girl I know.
To have to see you every day and keep a smile on her face,
When every little thing triggers one of those memories she can‘t erase.
And I don‘t think she‘d erase them even if she had the choice
‗Cause somehow they get her through each day with a false, but believable poise.
Looking at her it‘s easy to tell she‘s remembering the times you shared.
You‘d pull her in your arms, tell her she‘s beautiful, and kiss her hair.
The way you called her baby, your head in her lap, all those drives,
Talks of the future together, but now those memories stab like knives.
And then she thinks of the parts of you she misses most of all,
The feel of your hands laced together, your voice when you answered her calls,
The sound of your laugh and the way your eyes crinkled whenever you‘d smile,
All these things serve as constant reminders that the pain‘s there to stay for a while.
And she would probably give anything if she could get you back again.
Because the love she still has for you makes it difficult just to be friends.
But if being just friends is the only way she can keep you in her life,
Then that‘s what she‘ll do because she won‘t give you up without a fight.

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ditorials/Opinions Chatterbox
Ruston High School April 28, 2011 Page 9
The Dangers of Tanning Beds
by Amber Brown
Senior Editor
National Day of Prayer
by Whitney Durrett
Photographer/ Reporter
If merely being in the sun for a short period of time gives someone a
golden glow, then why lie underneath fluorescent lights for hours to try
and achieve that same tan? After summer packs away for the rest of seasons,
so do most people‘s tan skin, especially during the winter. More
importantly, in high school, usually during the spring time, there is prom,
which is the highlight of junior and seniors‘ school years and everyone is
expected to look their absolute best (a.k.a. FABULOUS)! So mid-spring,
if the sun hasn‘t been out enough to get a good tan, what‘s a girl (or guy)
to do in less than a month‘s time? Oh, that‘s right, tanning beds, which
seem to be especially tempting during ―prom season‖ because most of the
tanning salons have conveniently placed discounts. With all the other
expenses of prom, can a teenager afford to shell out some more money for
a temporary tan (don‘t forget the ‗tanning oil‘)? After asking multiple
RHS students, it‘s obvious that most students will pay that extra cash (or whip out a credit
card) for a ―fake tan,‖ but others lean more towards the ―spray tans‖ or ―rub on tans‖ that have
about the same effect. However, what else do we know abut tanning beds?
According to statistics, tanning beds are one of the leading causes of melanoma –a type of
skin cancer. Every year, more and more teens are going to tanning salons, which increases their
chances of skin cancer by 75%, but a less serious side effect is that it causes skin-aging and
irreparable damage. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) has called for teens to be
banned from indoor tanning due to the dangers, only half of the states in the U.S. regulate tanning
bed use by teens. The United States Department of Health & Human Services names UV
radiation from the sun, and also from artificial sources such as tanning beds and sun lamps, as a
proven carcinogen, a cancer causing substance. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and
the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advise people to avoid tanning and the use of sun
lamps. Both the American Medical Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Dermatology
(AAD) are fighting to ban the non-medical use of tanning equipment. The CDC report
says that tanning beds also cause serious eye problems including conjunctivitis, corneal infections,
and retinal damage. BOTTOM LINE: Beware of tanning beds! Pretty much every scientifically
accepted study shows the strong association of tanning beds with skin cancer. Also,
take caution: when in the sun, always wear sunscreen, even if you don‘t sunburn!
Ha! Ha! April Fools :)
by Jocria Thompson
Social Reporter
It is so funny how people can take the time to play a good trick on
somebody. April Fools is a holiday that people from around the world celebrate on April 1 st by
pranking others. Some people think that this holiday is childish but others think it‘s just fun.
Some people play tricks, such as a prank call or sharing false information to freak others out.
For example, a student told me that she played a trick on her mother by telling her that somebody
hit her car, but they really did not! Another student said they called a good friend and
pretended like they were the police, telling them that they have a tape of them running a stop
light and that they are going to mail them a ticket. Some pranks just can be plain crazy, such as
saying their phone is broken and that they are sitting right beside it or saying that the dog is
gone, but it is outside barking. Some people do not believe in pulling pranks because sometimes
it might come true. Pranks are not funny unless it is on April Fools.
The United States has a national day of prayer every year on the first Thursday
of May. This was put into action in 1952, when President Harry S. Truman
signed a bill proclaiming an Annual National Day of Prayer. This bill did not
establish a specific calendar date for the event, but left it up to each President
to designate a date of his choosing. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan fixed the
date of the National Day of Prayer as the first Thursday of May.
Many claim National Day of Prayer was "cancelled" because the president
chose not to hold a public prayer ceremony. Well, that is the same as claiming
Independence Day was "cancelled" if the President chose not to attend a fireworks
show on the 4th of July. The rumors of President Obama canceling National
Day of Prayer are false. He simply is not participating in it. People
throughout the nation are still free to participate.
It is true that President Obama has so far chosen not to host a service in the
White House in observance of the National Day of Prayer as his predecessor,
President George W. Bush, did each year throughout his time in office, but that
service was the choice of President Bush. In fact, George W. Bush is the only
President who has regularly organized White House events in observance of
that day. President Ronald Reagan hosted only one throughout his eight years
in office, President George H. W. Bush also hosted one during his four years in
office, and President Bill Clinton hosted none at all in the course of his eightyear
presidency. These facts point out that it was neither an official ceremony
because of the bill that established the National Day of Prayer; nor is it a longstanding
presidential tradition.
Happy Birthday, Earth!
by Polly Michelle Gwan and Benicia King
Academics and Education Reporters
April 22nd was a very special birthday, not the birthday of a well-known
President or a beloved athlete, but someone, or shall I say some ―thing‖ more
special. Yep! April 22nd is the birthday of our Earth. Though this is not the
exact date when the earth was born, it is the official day of celebration as
stated by one of our U.S. Senators, Gaylord Nelson.
Earth Day is a day dedicated to raising awareness and appreciation for the
Earth's natural environment. Earth Day was founded by U.S. Senator Gaylord
Nelson on April 22, 1970, who created it as an environmental teach-in first.
Even though this first Earth Day was focused on the United States, an organization
launched by Denis Hayes, who was the original coordinator in 1970,
took it international in 1990 and organized events in 141 nations. Earth Day is
now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network and is celebrated in more
than 175 countries every year. Numerous communities celebrate Earth Week,
an entire week of activities focused on environmental issues.
Most people around the world do not celebrate this birthday with the usual
cake and party, but with something else. This year ,the Earth Day Network
and the A Billion Acts of Green Personal – hosts of Earth Day 2011, celebrated
Earth Day by dedicating the year to steadily building commitments by
individuals, corporations, and government officials around the globe to pledge
an ―act of green‖ in honor of Earth Day. Their goal is to have one billion actions
registered before the Earth Day Summit in Rio
in 2012. They have already had pledges from students
from various schools around the nation to professional
athletes and are planning to get more. So
come on! Join the campaign and pledge an ―act of
green‖ in celebration of Earth Day 2011.

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ditorials/Opinions Chatterbox
Ruston High School April 28, 2011 Page 10
Japan: Falling Apart?
by Whitney Durrett
Photographer/Reporter
Japan recently had the largest earthquake on record in the country‘s
history, had a tsunami, and is now in a nuclear crisis. The destruction
in Japan is not only hurting Japan, its hurting the rest of the
world as well. The American economy is being effected by the destruction
from the disasters. I have never realized how much our
country depends on others. America gets many goods from Japan,
such as batteries, which are now in shortage because of the problems
Japan is facing.
The current events happening to Japan have caused the deaths of
12,600 with 14,700 missing. The missing are under the rubble or were
swept away in the tsunami. The dead will greatly effect Japan and
their economy forever. Each life is precious. Lives lost in the disasters
will hurt the economy because they were also valuable, trained labor.
The nuclear explosions have caused there to be toxic water in the
country, which will cause more deaths in the country. The affect of
the water could cause the future of the country to go bad. Unhealthy
resources for the people of the country could cause the future economy
to plummet. With over 160,000 practically homeless, Japan is in
great need of help. Realizing there is a country full of homeless and
dead, my heart goes out to the many people hurting and suffering in or
for Japan.
RHS FBLA Dominated State–
AGAIN!
by Gray Taylor
Graphics/Design
2011 Japan tsunami causes huge
whirlpool to form near Oarai.
Tsunami breaches embankments and
floods Japanese cities.
Right: Two women in
Ishinomaki walk through
debris of the aftermath.
*A quick message from the artist: no, they aren‘t dead, just defeated! :) Oh, and
see pages 16-17 for the actual FBLA State Results.
Congratulations Mr. Bruner:
Louisiana FBLA Outstanding State Adviser of the Year!
by Elizabeth Smith
Business Manager and FBLA Technology Officer
Every month, Chatterbox prints a ―Shout-Out‖ article, but this month the ―Shout-Out‖ is in a congratulatory form. Congratulations go
out to Mr. Bruner for earning the Future Business Leaders of America‘s (FBLA) Louisiana State Outstanding Local Chapter Adviser of the
Year. FBLA Vice President Amber Brown wrote a letter of recommendation to nominate him for this award. Mr. Bruner earned this prestigious
award through hard work and selflessly devoting his time to FBLA. His motivation of student members of Chapter 617 to compete
well has earned many top ten qualifications, seven state championships, and three tenth place finishes at nationals last year; as well as seven
state championships this current year. This has drawn attention to him as he has worked so hard to help his students compete well and to
their best ability. By earning this award, Mr. Bruner received a plaque as well as seven hundred dollars towards paying for nationals. Mr.
Bruner, the members of the Ruston High School Future Business Leaders of America salute you for all of the work that you do to make
being a member of FBLA one of the greatest experiences ever!
Mr. Bruner and Amber Brown at
the State Conference.

It‘s always good to have something to celebrate. I hope that reading this puts a smile on someone‘s face. Although I‘m disappointed that no one celebrated April 2 (Bring
Emily Moore Oreos Day)! So I‘ve decided to make it a monthly occurrence. Every second day of the month is now ―Bring Emily Moore Oreos Day‖! Also, don‘t forget to celebrate
May 5 (See Ya Seniors)! because it‘s their last day at Ruston High! Again, if you‘d like to see any fun day of your own in the Chatterbox, then just let me know! Keep the
party going!
April
21- Read the Chatterbox Day!
22- Earth Day
23- Like a G6 Day!
24- Easter Day
25- Clean Your Car (or your room)
26- Nostalgia Day (for old times‘ sake)
27- Show Someone Appreciation Day
29- Order a Coke Float Day
May
1- Happy Un-Birthday (unless it‘s your birthday)
2- Bring Emily Moore Oreos Day!
3- Blame it on the Apple Juice Day
4- Star Wars Day (May the Fourth be With You)
5- See Ya Seniors (Last Day for Seniors) Congrats Guys!
6- Go Outside Today
7- Water Balloon Fight!
9- Aglet Day (Do you get it?)
11- Max-n-Cheese Day!
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ditorials/Opinions
Ruston High School April 28, 2011 Page 11
Lets Zumba!
by Jocria Thompson
Social Reporter
The popular way to lose weight is a dance that everybody has been talking about; the Zumba. Zumba is a weight loss strategy that everybody
has been raving over, including the old people. It is a fun way to lose weight but also just to have fun. Every time you turn the
television on, you can see all these dancers having fun without it looking like a work out. Most research says that it is good for the young
and the old who want their body to look good while learning how to dance. So if your parents think they can dance or if they look in the
mirror everyday and say ―Do I look fat in this?‖, then try to take them to Zumba because it is today‘s fun way to lose weight.
Dating: Good and Bad?
by Savannah Chrisman
Photographer
The word dating is defined as ―an engagement to go out socially with another person, often out of
romantic interest‖. Dating is a big deal to some and to others it is not a big deal at all. Teenagers are
sometimes brainwashed into thinking they need to have a boyfriend/ girlfriend to make the world go
round. Well that is definitely not true. Dating is not everything. Dating someone can be bad. You can
date someone and you may not have any future plans with them. That is basically leading the other person
in the relationship on. You should enter into a relationship with someone because they have the
qualities you are looking for in your future spouse; of course, it may not always be the person you will
marry.
As teenagers enter relationships, they are giving a piece of their heart away. They become emotionally
attached and pretty soon, when their future spouse comes along, they may not have enough of their
heart left to give away. They may not love the person with their whole heart. Without question, it is not
good to date someone who is a bad influence.
In the bible, First Corinthians 15:33 says, ―Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.‖
If the person is a bad influence then why date them? There is no point because if you are a good person
dating a bad person will corrupt you. It is easy to fall into the trap of love and do whatever that person
says to do. There are also good things as well. Dating someone can be fun. You get to hang out with the
person, go to the movies, out to eat. You get to do all this with someone you enjoy spending time with
which means you will have fun. Someone that is your best friend!
There’s Always a Reason to Party!
by Emily Moore
Arts Reporter
Chatterbox
I Still Remember Him/Her!
by Stephany Arias
Senior Reporter
Have you ever been in that spot where it does not matter how fast
time goes by - you are still thinking of him/her? Well, let me tell you
that you are not the only one going through hard times. I also know
that you may be asking yourself if it was the right thing to do. Are you
better off without him/her? Do you find yourself thinking that you
will never find anyone you felt like that with again?
Sometimes we wish we could go back in time and fix things. The
truth is that scientists have not invented the time machine yet, so we
have to stick to reality. I still remember a saying that many people
used to say when I was a little girl, ―WHEN SOMEBODY WALKS
OFF, IT IS BECAUSE SOMEONE BETTER IS ON THEIR WAY‖.
So do not fear. Take your time to really get to know yourself first.
If you are in a hurry to find someone, you will realize, in time, that
perhaps the person you were with was not the one you were looking
for after all. But if you let time and God do their job, your other half
will come calling one day and you probably will find him/her will be
your ―Principe Azul‖, and your search will come to its end.

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ditorials/Opinions Chatterbox
Ruston High School April 28, 2011 Page 12
Cross-Eyed Wisdom
by Emily Moore
Arts Reporter
―For every dark night, there's a brighter day‖ – Tupac Shakur
―Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.‖ – T.S.
Eliot
―The tragedy of life is not that it ends so soon, but that we wait so long to begin it.‖ – W. M.
Lewis
―If ignorance is bliss, why aren't there more happy people?‖ – Unknown
―Friendship is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.‖ – Aristotle
―Spring is nature's way of saying, ‗Let's party!‘" – Robin Williams
"I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let
go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they're right, you believe lies so you
eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better
things can fall together.‖ – Marilyn Monroe
―Sometimes when you hold out for everything, you walk away with nothing.‖ – Ally
McBeal
―Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody
else.‖ – Judy Garland
―You were born an original. Don't die a copy.‖ – John Mason
―Life is easier than you'd think; all that is necessary is to accept the impossible, do without
the indispensable, and bear the intolerable.‖ – Kathleen Norris
―Light travels faster than sound. That's why most people seem bright until you hear them
speak.‖ – Unknown
He Said/She Said
by Patricia Duhart and Lauren Townsend
Social Reporter and Assistant News Editor
The relationship between dudes and chicks is either one thing or the other; love or
hate. This means that half the time the two genders flirt with each other and half the
time they‘re at each others‘ throats. One of the biggest clashes between the two is
―Which gender is better?‖ Girls outright state that they are better than guys, and then
the boys turn back around and protest. Which one of the opposite genders is dominate?
When determining which is the better of the sexes, we have to consider three main
factors; mental, physical, and social health. When it comes to IQ, boys and girls constantly
fight about who is smarter. Some boys often pull the ―real women don‘t do
math‖ excuse, but that is just an old myth. In fact, race and school determine levels of
Ice, I Suppose, Sir.
by Lauren Townsend
Assistant News Editor
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
intelligence better than sex. Some girls say ―boys only focus on love and danger, not
school‖. That‘s also just a stereotype. There are multiple guys who put school before
parties. Next is the physical being. Most people visualize guys as the muscular macho
men and ladies as the slender figures. In truth, body type is random; guys can be slim
and girls can pack muscles. Finally, it all comes down to social health. Girls and guys
handle their social life in different ways. Guys are more short-term and calm about
things. Fights and insults don‘t impact them for months to come. Girls, on the other
hand, turn controversy into a life-time war, where insults and backtalk can last up to
two years. These two genders are definitely from different planets when it comes to the
social life.
So, who dominates the world? It all depends on the situation. Guys are better at
some things, and girls have their specialties (but most of the time GIRLS RULE – JK).
Now, it‘s time for YOU to decide: which do you think is the ultimate gender?
That was the response of Fifth Officer Lowe to Senator Smith who asked ―what an iceberg is composed of?‖ just moments before the new, $7.5 million RMS Titanic crashed
into an iceberg on April 15, 1912 in the Atlantic Ocean. The ―Unsinkable‖ maiden was set for the Big Apple on April 10, 1912 when it received warnings of possible ―ice floes‖
in the Atlantic. The ship continued despite the dangers, even when they only had half of the life boats needed to save passengers in case of an emergency. On the late night of
April 14, 1912, the Titanic struck a massive iceberg. Sadly, the ship‘s construction making the maiden ―unsinkable‖ failed, and the ship went down along with 1517 passengers
with it. This tragedy shocked the world and continued to outrage millions when disturbing information emerged about the accident, such as the discovery of the life boats were
lowered half-full with mainly upper-class survivors. Only 306 of the 1517 dead were recovered from the accident.
The tale of the Titanic became famous enough to get its own movie, The Titanic (1997). The story revolves around the sinking of the
―Unsinkable‖ maiden as well as the love affair between high-class Rose and lower-class Jack. The legend of the ―Heart of the Ocean‖ necklace
and the hit ―My Heart Will Go On‖ by Celine Dion emerged from the now classic movie. There is also a Titanic 2, which discusses the
exploration of the Titanic remains on the Atlantic floor. Countless artifacts including watches, boots, and bottles have been recovered from
the scene, but the legendary necklace isn‘t real. In fact, hardly any luxurious jewelry was found in the Titanic‘s ruins. The ―Heart of the
Ocean‖ necklace from the movie costs $1-3.5 million and was last sold to benefit an AIDs fundraiser.
The legend of the RMS Titanic has become a famous story of tragedy as well as a scar on history. From a story of love to an outrage of
human injustice and miscalculation, the RMS Titanic can be interpreted in thousands of way. Question is, what do you think about it?

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ervice and Social Chatterbox
Ruston High School April 28, 2011 Page 13
Lives Lost to Alcohol: Display Dedication
by Christian Amos
Sports Editor
Since its beginning is 2006, the Lives Lost to Alcohol display has been a constant reminder to think twice or before you drink and drive.
The increasing number of alcohol related crashes in Lincoln Parish in the past ten years has been the catalyst of the black silhouettes many see
on the service road beside Temple Baptist Church in Ruston, Louisiana.
These numerous silhouettes represent real people from high schools and colleges, and even young children. Many fraternity and sorority
brothers and sisters attended the event to show their support and to acknowledge that the deaths of these people are not taken lightly. Ruston
High School‘s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) took time out of their schedules to also show their respect for the many lives lost
to alcohol as they have in the years passed.
Speakers at this event included Brad Anders, IFC president, who led the display dedication with a welcome, Josh Sanderson, who led the
prayer, and Chris Medley, who delivered an inspirational message. Further, closing remarks were made by Alexandra Bellone. Three students
from the Sigma Kappa sorority entertained the crowd of over three hundred with a song. (Pictured to the right.)
RHS student and FBLA member Michael Davis says ―I internally weep at the thought of thousands of people dying yearly due to the effects
of drunk driving.‖
Please remember all the families and friends who have lost a loved one to an alcohol or drug related crash.
Get Involved With PYPM
by Shamario Daniel
Club Reporter
PYPM is now accepting applications for the 2011-2012 school year. PYPM is a student club that everyone should try to be involved in. PYPM stands for Protecting You Protecting
Me; its main goal is preparing students to be big sisters and big brothers of the world. Being a big sister or a big brother in society is really important because you will
have kids looking up to you. They will want to be like you and hopefully will want to be a leader one day. PYPM is a wonderful thing that gets students ready for the real world
so they can help improve the world and better those who need help and guidance.
Male Beauty Pageant: It’s Raining Men!
by Polly Michelle Gwan
Academics Reporter
On April 11 th , Ruston High Key Club hosted their annual classic beauty pageant. This was not your ordinary pageant, but a male beauty pageant. Eight RHS daring men competed
for the crown, Miss Bearcat Beauty. The participants consisted of Braden Hilton, ―Miss Spanish Club‖; Shamario Daniels, ―Miss Future Business Leaders of America‖;
Christian Amos, ―Miss Chatterbox‖; Beau Russell, ―Miss Student Council‖; Auldon Winn, ―Miss Art Club―; Austin Wright, ―Miss Keywanettes‖; Jake Kyte, ―Miss National
Honor Society‖; and Garret Mills, ―Miss First Priority‖. These beautiful young ―ladies‖ battled it out and gave it their all in their talents, such as Jake Kyte‘s inspiring piano solo
to the song ―Beautiful‖ by Christiana Aguilera, and their well thought out answers to the questionnaire, such as Braden Hilton‘s touching answer about his favorite Justin Bieber
song. But overall, one prevailed: Auldon Winn dazzled the crowd with his elegant ballet number to the infamous song ―Friday‖ by Rebecca Black and was crowned Miss Bearcat
Beauty. Following him was first runner up Austin Wright, and third place went to Beau Russell. Though some were creeped out or even mentally scared, the Male Beauty Pageant
helped raise money for the Key Club and provided everyone with a night of good humor.
Left: The Bearcat Beauties strike a pose before the audience.
Right: Past Bearcat Beauty winner, Garrett Warren, crowns
this years winner, Auldon Winn!

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Millage Vote- Support NT@R and Ag!
by Jocria Thompson
Social Reporter
lubs/Organizations Chatterbox
Ruston High School April 28, 2011 Page 14
The Millage Vote is extremely important to Ruston High School because it allows the school to continue the amazing growth that has been taking place over the past three
or four years. With the addition of STEM, Freshman Academy, New Tech, and other marquee student opportunities, we have pushed the school to its limits with physical
space. So in order to continue developing and expanding these types of high profile programs that have enabled RHS to meet the needs of a diverse population of students
while gaining regional, state, and national recognition, we need the support of the citizens within the Ruston District to fund the much needed new space. Add to that an
award-winning agriculture program that will gain an entirely new facility through this and you have an initiative that will not only allow RHS to offer so much more for its
student body, but create a cutting edge look to mirror the growth of Louisiana Tech University at the same time. It fits perfectly within the vision of our city and parish as we
collectively work toward meeting the 21st Century needs of our community while continuing to move Ruston High School toward the top of the list of Louisiana schools. So
it is very important to come out and vote as it will not only effect us, it will effect future students at RHS and our entire community.
4-H Shooting Sports Competitions
submitted by Darby Rowland
4-H Reporter
Achievement Day is rapidly approaching. 4-H will be representing Ruston High on May 4th at
Achievement Day. All 4-Hers who participated in two outside events will be eligible to attend. The
theme this year is ―4-H leads the way with Leadership‖. There will be lots of games, prizes, awards, and
PIZZA!
4-H University will be held this summer on the campus of LSU in Baton Rouge. This is a great opportunity
to meet other 4-Hers, have fun, and win trips and prizes. If you are interested in attending and have
not yet signed up, contact the Lincoln Parish 4-H office for more information.
Our club had several members compete in the regional shooting sports competition in Grand Cane,
Louisiana. We would like to congratulate everyone who participated. Several of our students qualified
to compete in state on April 29-May1. Shotgun: Kendal Martin, Layton Richard, and Brandon Meyers.
Archery: Darby Rowland and Matthew Brewer. GOOD LUCK!
Matthew Brewer and Darby Rowland
Brandon Meyers, Kendal Martin,
and Layton Richard

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lubs/Organizations
Chatterbox
Ruston High School April 28, 2011 Page 15
FFA Takes Four Area I Titles!
submitted by Mr. Mark Milstead
FFA Adviser/Teacher
Congratulations to the Ruston FFA teams that placed in the top four at the recent Area I FFA Judging and Mechanics Career Development Events held at Louisiana Tech University
on March 25 th . Ruston FFA had four Area I championships this year out of the ten events which was the most of any other school at the competition.
First place in Small Engines went to Will Edmiston and Justin Wilkinson. High Individual honors for the entire event also went to Justin Wilkinson and Will Edmiston. First
place in Diary Foods was the team of Zach Hannibal, Brandon Myers, Savannah Best, and Taylor Rose. High Individual for the event was Zach Hannibal. First Place in Dairy
Cattle was the team of Keirstyn Sonnier, Kane Killen, Jonathan Craig, and Sean McGowan. Keirstyn Sonnier was also named the event's Highest Individual. First Place in Meat
Evaluation was the team of Hannah Hearne, Robert Gilbert, Chad Leachman, and Nick Liberatos.
Also placing in the top 4 and going to state competition are the 2 nd place Nursery & Landscape team of Annabelle Grossman, Farryn Cooper, and Chelsea Williams. Second
place also went to the Small Engines team of Dylan Chandler and Paul Martin. This is the first time in Ruston FFA history that both Small Engines teams (Blue and Gold)
placed in the top two places at Area competition. Third place went to Travis Morrow in Electricity. Third place also went to the Poultry team of Caleb Kennedy, Layton Richard,
Maria Creamer, and Mercedes Fife, and also 3rd place was the Dairy Foods team of Cristal Cano, Rebecca Wheelis, Matthew Brewer, and Brandi Griffin.
All twenty-eight of these students qualified for the State FFA Career Development Events at Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge on April 26th, 2011. Congratulations
on a job well done and good luck at STATE!
3rd in Dairy Foods Evaluation: Cristal
Cano, Rebecca Wheelis, Matthew Brewer,
and Brandi Griffin (not pictured).
Area I 2nd in Nursery/Landscape:
Annabelle Grossman, Farryn Cooper,
and Chelsea Williams.
Area I Champions in Meat Evaluation:
Hannah Hearne, Nick Liberatos,
Chad Leachman, and Robert Gilbert.
Area I Championsin Dairy Cattle
Evaluation: Jonathan Craig, Keirstyn
Sonnier, Sean McGowan, and Kane
Killen.
3rd—Electricity:
Travis Morrow
Area I 2nd in Small Gasoline Engines: Paul Martin and
Dylan Chandler (left); Area I Champions in Small Engines:
Justin Wilkinson and Will Edmiston (right)
Area I Champions-Diary Foods Evaluation:
Zach Hannibal, Brandon Myers,
Taylor Rose, and Savannah Best
3rd Poultry Evaluation: Maria
Creamer, Layton Richard, Micah
Kennedy, and Mercedes Fife (not
pictured).
1206 Farmerville Hwy.
Ruston, LA 71270
(318) 202-5929
Located next to Emmanuel Baptist Church
Bring this ad to use as a coupon to receive
$10 off your purchase of $25 or more

C
FBLA Takes State Again!
submitted by Amber Brown and Mr. Lloyd R. Bruner
FBLA Vice-President/Senior Editor and FBLA/Chatterbox Adviser
lubs/Organizations Chatterbox
Ruston High School April 28, 2011 Page 16
For the second straight year, Ruston High School‘s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Chapter 617, walked away as the top school in victories at the FBLA State
Conference in Baton Rouge. Even more impressive was the fact that they surpassed last year‘s record results, earning seven State Championships along with forty-nine Top Ten
finishes this year. As a result, RHS FBLA qualified twenty-three students for the National Leadership Conference to be held at the end of June through the beginning of July in
Orlando, Florida.
At the state conference, success hit early as Amber Brown, RHS Vice-President, was awarded with the October Member of the Month for Louisiana at the opening ceremonies.
RHS knew that this trip to Baton Rouge was going to the best ever when the award ceremonies began by announcing new state officers, and RHS took two of the ten: Jared
Spiller was inducted as the District II Vice-President and John Herren as the State Parliamentarian. Keeping the momentum going, RHS primary adviser, Mr. Lloyd R.
Bruner, was next announced as the State Adviser of the Year for Louisiana. He will receive further recognition at the National Leadership Conference as well.
At the awards ceremony, RHS FBLA members took center stage again and again. Ruston High School had forty-nine members who earned Top Ten finishes. Of those,
twenty-three individuals qualified for Nationals in nine events with Top Three or better finishes. Further, nineteen of those individuals won two individual and five team state
championships. (Article continued on page 16)
Left: Jared Spiller, District II VP, and John Herren, State
Parliamentarian, on stage for the officer induction ceremony.
Right: The first RHS state Top 10 Current Events team
(Nick Parks, Reed Malek, and Jack Woods) have a little fun
before going up on stage!
Far Right: The Louisiana FBLA state theme!

C
lubs/Organizations
Chatterbox
Ruston High School April 28, 2011 Page 17
RHS FBLA Takes State Again! (cont.)
submitted by Amber Brown and Mr. Lloyd R. Bruner
FBLA Vice-President and FBLA/Chatterbox Adviser
Students who qualified Top Ten (4 th – 10 th ) at state in individual events were Danielle McCoy (8 th - Accounting
II), Kari Hackbarth (8 th - Business Calculations), Amber Brown (8 th – Ms. FBL), Kari Hackbarth (7 th – Business
Procedures), Erick Huyhn (6 th - Introduction to Technology Concepts), Brittany White (5 th – Business Presentation),
and Melissa Traylor (5 th - Electronic Career Portfolio).
Students who qualified Top Ten (3 rd – 10 th ) at the state conference in team events were Reed Malek, Nick Parks,
and Jack Woods (7 th - Current Events Team), Emily Moore and Gray Taylor (7 th – Desktop Publishing Team),
Thristan Cecil, Ryan Dooley, and Josh Chrisman (6 th – Digital Video Team), Amber Brown, Annabelle Grossman,
and Elizabeth Smith (5 th – Business Ethics Team), Preyesh Govin and Valerie Wheat (4 th – Community Service
Project), and Amber Brown (4 th – Local Chapter Annual Business Report).
Based on state results, the following individuals and teams earned positions at the National Leadership Conference
to be held in Orlando, Florida, to represent the state of Louisiana for their earned 2 nd Place finishes: Heather
Strawbridge (Accounting II) and Natasha Alva, Polly Gwan, and Walker Holmes (Entrepreneurship Team). Also,
we have been notified that Amber Brown‘s Local Chapter Annual Business Report has now qualified for Nationals!
To cap off one of the best state performances ever by RHS FBLA, the seven State Championships included:
Heather Strawbridge (Accounting I), John Herren (Business Calculations), Michael Davis, John Herren, Ben Serio,
Shelby Stinson, and Elena Till (Parliamentary Procedures Team), Christian Amos, Max Cook, and Lauren Townsend
(American Enterprise Project Team), Mason Dean, Daniel McCoy, and Jared Spiller (Business Financial Plan
Team), Natasha Alva, Phillip Alva, and Walker Holmes (Business Plan Team), and Amber Brown, Jonathan Craig,
and Whitney Durrett (Partnership With Business Team).
FBLA had an awards ceremony at our monthly meeting, and past president, Drew Boyd, came to help present
the Senior Scholarship, Member of the Year, and Business Student of the Year Adviser Awards. Congratulations
on State and good luck at Nationals! (See page 10 for the editorial cartoon on FBLA ―taking state‖.)
State Champions: (top) Elena, Michael, Shelby, John,
and Ben (P-Law), (center) Christian, Lauren, and Max
(AEP), (bottom) Jared, Danielle, and Mason (BFP).
State Champions: (far left) Heather Strawbridge (Accounting I), (left center) Amber, Whitney, and Jonathon
(PWB), (right center) Philip, Natasha, and Walker (BP), and (far right) John Herren (Business Calculations)

T
he Dark Nutt
Chatterbox
Ruston High School April 28, 2011 Page 18
The Dark Nutt
by Gray Taylor
Graphics/Design Editor
tion.

T
he Arts
Chatterbox
Ruston High School April 28, 2011 Page 19
Band Springs Into The Season
by Emily Moore
Arts Reporter
The last Chatterbox edition mentioned the visit of the Air Force jazz ensemble, Dimensions
in Blue. However, their performance was so great that it‘s worth being pointed out a second
time. On March 18, they gave a concert in the Ruston High auditorium. Many people streamed
in the doors to hear their smooth rhythm and sound. All those who attended left impressed.
On April 14, the percussionists of RHS performed a concert in the auditorium. The Brazilian
band, consisting of not only the percussion players of the band, but also some brass and woodwind
members that signed up, played their upbeat sounds. The percussion band members that
make up the intermediate section followed them up and made some tunes. The Marimba band
played and got the crowd moving with the music. The advanced percussion members finished
the night. They filled the auditorium with some sweet beats!
Next month will keep the Bearcat Band going non-stop. They‘ve got a lot planned so be
looking out for what‘s to come!
Above: The band members performing a rehearsed dance before
the audience.
Below: The percussion band members perform their concert in
the auditorium!
Jazz Appreciation Month!
by Polly Michelle Gwan
Academics Reporter
This month is Jazz Appreciation Month and plans are to celebrate it
with a bang! Where at? At the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.! This
year is the 10 th Anniversary of Jazz Appreciation Month and the museum
plans to tribute several of its museums set up exhibits honoring
this music. One museum, the National Museum of American History,
will be examining the legacies of jazz women who helped transform not
just the music industry, but race, gender, and social relations in the U.S.
The International Sweethearts of Rhythm, the first integrated, female
big bands, from the Piney Woods School in Mississippi, will be displayed
at this museum and on a very special public program. But that‘s
not all for jazz month; the National Museum of American History is also featuring posters and exhibits
of Mary Lou Williams, innovative jazz pianist and composer, and Jazz Treasures, which is
an exhibit that showcases various jazz artifacts. Other Smithsonian museums such as the National
Museum of American Indians, the Anacostia Community Museum, and the Smithsonian Art Museum
will be showing off other jazz figures and artifacts. With the Smithsonian showcasing these
exhibits at the museums and online people can learn about jazz and appreciate it as an art. Happy
Jazz Appreciation Month!
We have all your instrument needs at
Piney Hills Music!!
214 N. Trenton Street
232-3002

T
he Arts
Chatterbox
Ruston High School April 28, 2011 Page 20
Ruston’s Artists Get Busy!
by Emily Moore
Arts Reporter
Seven of Ruston High‘s art students submitted their masterpieces to the annual Kiwanis
Club Art Competition and placed! In the painting category, Petros Arias received 1 st place.
Following him, Preston Ponder placed 2 nd place and Haley McCalaman placed 3 rd . Michael
Palmer won 2 nd place in Pottery. Casey Johnston received 1 st place and Ashtin Bell was
awarded 2 nd for the drawing class. Finally, Neesha Sirwardame was announced Best of
Show.
Ruston‘s competitors of the annual Grambling State University High School Art Competition
also received many awards. Reed Durham was given Honorable Mention and Chase
Millien was awarded 2 nd place in the drawing category. In the painting category Ashley
Greer‘s work won1 st place. Chelsea Jenkins was given Honorable mention and Zach Hannibal
received 1 st place in the pottery class. Michael Palmer brought back the title ―Best of
Show‖ and Brittany Dowdy‘s artwork was chosen to hang in the Superintendents Gallery for
a year period. Ruston High will be represented in Baton Rouge.
Mayisha Nakib made many proud with her artwork. She received first place for it in the
International Space Symposium Art Competition at NASA. She got the chance to go to
Houston, Texas, to NASA for a tour and was presented her award. All of these students are
talented and continue to make Ruston proud.
Michael Palmer:
“Best of Show”
Pictured Above: Reed Durham, Chase Millien, Michael
Palmer, Zach Hannibal, and Chelsea Jenkins holding their
GSU Art Competition winning pieces.
Zach Hannibal:
1 st place pottery.
Ashley Greer:
1st place painting.
LSU State Music Rally
by Lauren Townsend
Assistant News Editor
On Saturday, April 16, 2011, Ruston High School Bearcats traveled down
to Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge to dominate the 2011 State Literally
Rally. The RHS Choir journeyed to Louisiana State University (LSU) to
win the music rally. The results are in and are listed as followed:
LSU STATE MUSIC RALLY RESULTS
CATEGORY RANK COMPETITOR
Solo
Girl’s Trio 1
Girl’s Trio 2
Men’s Quartet
Mixed Quartet 1
Mixed Quartet 2
I
II
II
II
I
I
I
Chris Taylor
Octavius Jackson
Melissa Ramsaur
Valerie Wheat
Aisha Jackson
Elizabeth Moore
Valerie Wheat
Aisha Jackson
Parker Carwile
Melissa Samsaur
Amber Sanders
Chris Taylor
Adam Ramachandran
Brandon Hearn
Andrew Serio
Elizabeth Moore
Amber Sanders
Adam Ramachandran
Brandon Hearn
Melissa Ramsaur
Aisha Jackson
Chris Taylor
Andrew Serio

E
Oh Hai, (noun)! The Room Review
by Gray Taylor
Director/Producer/Writer/Executive Producer/Lead Actor
ntertainment
Chatterbox
Ruston High School April 28, 2011 Page 21
The holy grail of bad movies actually exists. In 2003, mysterious foreigner Tommy
Wiseau wrote, directed, produced, executive produced, and starred in his independent
drama The Room. Wiseau set out to create a masterpiece and achieved it, only not in
the way he had in mind. Upon its initial screening, the audience roared with laughter
throughout the entire movie, and since then the film has created a massive cult following.
The Room has been called ―the worst movie ever made,‖ and for good reasons,
starting off bad and becoming progressively worse until the very end.
The Room stars Johnny (Wiseau), his future wife Lisa (Juliette Danielle), his best
friend Mark (Greg Sestero), and Denny (Philip Haldiman). Supporting the main cast
are Lisa‘s mother, Claudette (who definitely has cancer), Denny‘s outlaw acquaintance
Chris R. (the only character with a last name), Johnny‘s psychologist friend Peter, Michelle‘s
boyfriend Mike, Lisa‘s friend Michelle (the girlfriend of Michelle‘s boyfriend
Mike), and Doggy (Academy Award ‗Best Actor‘ nominee). While the main plot is
about trust and betrayal, the real highlight of the film is its many subplots that are
quickly dropped almost as soon as they are introduced. Not only that, but almost every
line in the film is one memorable quote after another. After seeing this masterpiece,
you may find yourself saying things like, ―You are tearing me apart, Lisa!‖ The film is
rated R for violence, language, nudity, and love scenes so incredibly awful that you
will be glad they invented the ‗skip‘ button on your remote control.
The Room is not one of those ‗so bad it‘s good‘ movies; it‘s a ‗so unbelievably horrible
you can‘t take your eyes off it‘ kind of movie. There is absolutely nothing else
like it. This might sound crazy, but I believe that it‘s actually worth checking out. It
really is one of those movies you have to see to believe. In some strange way, it will
change your life. If you‘re curious about this movie, search for clips of it on YouTube,
or watch the Nostalgia Critic‘s hilarious review of it. Also, Adult Swim annually airs
The Room every April Fool‘s Day, and it can be purchased on Amazon.com.
Finish Him! Mortal Kombat Returns
by Gray Taylor
Graphics Editor/Grand Champion
In 1992, the ultraviolent fighting game Mortal Kombat hit arcades, making an impact
in video game history with its kontroversial use of blood and gore. For the rest of
the decade, the game and it sequels had become legendary with its unique characters
and over-the-top violence. As the franchise transitioned from arcades to konsoles and
from 2-D to 3-D gameplay, the games had arguably begun to lose their touch. While
MK: Deadly Alliance, Deception, and Armageddon were widely successful, they kould
never match the level of greatness that the first three games achieved. After the release
of Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe, Midway Games went bankrupt and sold the franchise
to Warner Bros. Games. MK series ko-kreator Ed Boon then decided that it was
time for the franchise to return to its gory, violent roots.
This new entry, simply titled Mortal Kombat, looks to be the game that fans of the
original games have been waiting for. Reverting back to the 2-D fighting plane, while
retaining 3-D characters and environments, and following the events of the first three
games, ‗MK9’ provides the much-needed reboot the franchise deserves; with more
The Smart Choice Would Be to Read It
by Natasha Alva
News Editor
I‘m not a person to read self help or motivational books. Where is the fun in that?
But if I knew that I could read a book written by someone, who, when they wrote, had
my full attention and had me rolling with laughter while at the same time making very
valuable points, I‘d buy and read their book in a heartbeat. This is exactly what Shannon
Pickard, youth speaker, writer, producer, and actor, does in The Choice is Yours: A
Formula for Success, so thus, I read the book.
Pickard wrote this book for teenagers. It caters to young people‘s interests and
needs; one of those needs being the need to be entertaining if you want their attention.
The book is written in a conversational tone with plenty of humor and inspirational and
realistic quotes, stories, and ideas. The Choice is Yours: A Formula for Success gives
out the simple equation for success: ―Direction + Confidence + Skills + Marketing +
Contacts = Success.‖
Direction. Pickard explains that first you need to know what you want to do. You
need a direction; somewhere to channel your energy and work so that you can work
towards being successful. He gives different simple ideas of activities you can do to
figure out which direction you want to run in. Confidence. In this chapter, Pickard
states, ―Confidence is the key to everything!!!‖ and that a person can achieve anything
they set their mind to when they have enough self confidence. Once again, he gives
simple and fun exercises to help build anyone‘s confidence. Skills. ―If confidence is
blood and gore than any other MK before
it. Everyone‘s favorite kombatants
are back and looking better than ever,
sporting their klassic special moves as
well as a few new ones. Some of the
new additions to the game include X-
Ray Moves, where the fight slows
down to show a kombatant‘s bones
shattering from every powerful hit, and
the Challenge Tower, which konsists of
three hundred different mini-games that
become increasingly difficult as the player fights their way to the top. As an exclusive
for PlayStation3 owners, Kratos from the epic God of War games will be available as a
bonus kombatant, and rest assured, the Ghost of Sparta will not be downplayed to give
the other kombatants a fighting chance.
As of April 19 th , the Great Shaolin Tournament has already begun, so be sure to get
your blood-soaked hands on this game that makes Marvel vs. Capcom 3 look like Shaq
-Fu. ―MORTAAALL KOMBAAAATTT!!!‖
the key to everything, and the better your skills the higher your confidence, then let‘s
work on getting some skills!‖ Pickard says. He suggests many ways to learn and develop
skills in whatever area you choose. Marketing. After you follow through so that
you have the skills and the confidence, you need to let other people know that you exist
and that you are what they are looking for as a
job applicant. Pickard gives great tips for writing
a resume and how to go through an interview.
Contacts. Lastly Pickard talks about
making friends and how you can let them help
you reach success. He lists simple tips to create
a knowledgeable network of people who
can help you and who you can help in return.
These five points can help a person reach success.
Shannon Pickard‘s book gives the blunt
facts and lets you know that it takes work but
success is worth it. This book is not only an
enjoyable, short, and informative read; it is a
book that calls for action! When you take the
time to implement what he advises into your
high school life you will find yourself more set
and prepared to trek the path to success.

B
ehind the Scenes Chatterbox
Ruston High School April 28, 2011 Page 22
Mr. Milstead, RHS‘ principal, always
reviews Chatterbox before publication.
The 2010-2011 staff that helps to make this year‘s Chatterbox possible:
Amber Brown, Emily Moore, Benicia King, Whitney Durrett, KeeKee Williams,
Savannah Chrisman, Gray Taylor, Christian Amos, Elizabeth Smith,
Jocria Thompson, Stephany Arias, Natasha Alva, Patricia Duhart, Lauren
Townsend, and Reed Malek (Not Pictured: Shamario Daniels).
Mr. Bruner, Chatterbox and FBLA adviser,
watches the operations and makes
sure everything is running smoothly!
Chatterbox: Behind the Scenes!
by Amber Brown and Lauren Townsend
Senior Editor and Assistant News Editor
As a few of us may remember, this very newspaper used to be printed on plain copy paper. Last year, Chatterbox upgraded to official newsprint when it came under new management.
Instead of printing plain white copies, Chatterbox staff works with the Ruston Daily Leader (RDL) to create this legitimate newspaper. How is this possible? Ever since
Ruston High‘s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) began to advise the paper, they encouraged adding the experience of having a real newspaper to the Chatterbox. Now
instead of being plain old-school, Ruston High School enjoys the comfort of reading the paper in the classroom.
So, how does the Chatterbox staff make this joy of the newspaper happen? It‘s simple: teamwork and labor. The paper starts out as a planned layout of a 32-paged paper with
sections for clubs, academics, sports, and several other topics. The Chatterbox staff builds off this layout through Microsoft Word ® and Publisher ®, organizing articles and
news into sections so readers can easily find and read articles of interest. Once proofread and edited multiple times, the paper is delivered on a memory drive to the RDL where
the magic happens. After a day or two, the RDL calls and tells Mr. Lloyd Bruner, the FBLA and Chatterbox Adviser, that the 1,500 papers are ready for pick-up. Once the papers
are picked up from the RDL, they are then sorted by our staff into stacks for: fourth period teachers, coaches, schools, and businesses (including sponsors). See page 23 for even
more information on Chatterbox and how it gets in your hands each and every month.
Pictured Below: The Chatterbox in the making at the Ruston Daily Leader (center), with the help of Mr. Cody Richard (far left) and Will Avery (far right).

B
ehind the Scenes Chatterbox
Ruston High School April 28, 2011 Page 23
Chatterbox: Behind the Scenes! (cont.)
by Amber Brown and Lauren Townsend
Senior Editor and Assistant News Editor
As a matter of fact, our FBLA Chapter 617 has entered the Partnership With Business Project
at the State and National FBLA Competitions the past two years and have won first place at the
State Conference for the past two years. Our Partnership With Business Project explains FBLA‘s
involvement with the RDL in depth. The National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) is an
essential factor when determining layout and design, seeing as they‘re the ones who ―grade‖ and
rate six of our eleven Chatterbox issues distributed each year. Last year, Chatterbox in our first
year critiqued by the NSPA, was awarded with Second Class, and we continue to strive for even
higher rankings!
*All staff would like to thank the Ruston
Daily Leader, along with Mr.
Bruner and Mr. Milstead, for helping
to make this the best school newspaper
in the state of Louisiana! :)
Left: Whitney Durrett picking up our newspaper at the RDL, hot off the press!
Right: Amber Brown loading the newspapers to take back to RHS!
This years Partnership With Business Team, Amber Brown,
Whitney Durrett, and Jonathan Craig.
Natasha Alva (above) sorts Chatterbox, so that staff such
as Whitney and Jonathon (below) can distribute them!

S
enior News
Chatterbox
Ruston High School April 28, 2011 Page 24
Senior Graduation:
Just Around the Corner
by Elizabeth Smith
Business Manager
Seniors are preparing for that long awaited ceremony that is just around the
corner. The 2011 graduation ceremony will be held Tuesday, May 24 th at 7:00
p.m. in the Louisiana Tech University‘s Thomas Assembly Center. All friends
and family are invited to come and watch this tremendous ceremony as these
students transform from hard working high school student to adult.
All juniors are encouraged to attend and see what they can expect from their
own graduation next year. Seniors are reminded that if they have any unpaid
debts that they will be unable to walk with their fellow classmates; so remember
to pay them off as soon as possible! Also, seniors are reminded to make sure that
they attend graduation rehearsal so that they also understand and are knowledgeable
on what conduct and dress is expected during this formal rite of passage and
celebration of success.
Plans for the June (Senior)
Edition of Chatterbox
by Lloyd R. Bruner
Chatterbox Adviser
Chatterbox is already working on a special senior edition of the Chatterbox that will be
published and distributed after graduation on June 2, 2011. The senior edition will include
complete coverage of graduation, including a list of all graduates, honors, scholarships
and awards presented to all seniors, along with many other special features to close out the
2010-2011 school year.
Features will include students who excelled in academic pursuits, winners of academic
awards, recognition of achievements from various organizations, and top performers at the
State Literary Rally. Also featured will be our senior sports section and recognition of
sports teams/individuals that earned district/state awards. We are looking to include any
student, organization, group, or team that excelled at the State level and above this year,
so ensure that your sponsor or coach sends us the information in event to make sure that
we catch it all.
To make this truly special, senior ads will again be available for purchase as 1/8 page
($15) and 1/4 page ($25) ads. Ads will be black and white. If you desire color, ads prices
are doubled. As we will need to make space available for anyone who wishes to purchase
an ad, and have time to format these, all ads must be turned in by May 6th – the sooner the
better! All ads are subject to space available and will be accepted on a first come, first in
basis. Don‗t wait!
Resume’ Reminders
by Max Cook
Yearbook Club Editor
I would like to remind everyone that they can still buy last year‘s yearbooks or preorder
this year‘s yearbook for $45 in Mrs. Strickler‘s room, 208. JUNIORS: If you have not
turned in your contact form yet, please do so. Also, start thinking about your senior portraits
for next year. Sometimes the best time is during the summer, so plan ahead if possible.
Seniors, remember to finish out strong! All students, enjoy your last couple of weeks
of school!

S
Ask the Staff
answered by Kori Teague
Guest Reporter
tudent Center
Chatterbox
Ruston High School April 28, 2011 Page 25
Q: Should I apply for a summer job?
A: Well, are you willing to work all summer? I was
recently hired at Eskimos, the new frozen custard
store off of Farmerville Highway. I want to have
money to start saving up for college, as well as having
a bit of spending money to splurge every once
in a while. If you want the pay and are willing to
pay the price of having a job, it could be a very
rewarding experience for you.
Ask Russell
submitted by Beau Russell
Class President
What is some advice for upcoming seniors?
Guys: don‘t drink, dip, chew, or date girls that do.
Girls: Just don‘t drink, dip, or chew.
Good luck Ya‘ll! Do it big! Time really does fly by
so make the most of it! (Especially you football
players…bfrt)!
What will you miss about high school?
One name. One soul. One VP. Ashley Davison.
April Poll:
by Amber Brown
Senior Editor
Students were asked the first thing they
thought about then they heard ―April,‖ and here
are the results:

F
un Page
Chatterbox
Ruston High School April 28, 2011 Page 26
Sudoku
Easter Word Search
CHOOSE YOUR FIGHTER
Basket
Bunny
Chick
Chocolate
Cracking
Cuddly
Ducky
Dyed
Easter
Eggs
Marshmallow
Painting
Pastel
Quack
Rabbit
Spring
Treats
Yummy

S
ponsors and Staff Chatterbox
Ruston High School April 28, 2011 Page 27
2010-2011 Chatterbox Sponsors
Platinum Level Sponsors: ($200 +) Mark Bartlett, LLC First National Bank
Ruston High School Alumni Association Garrett Foundation (Grant)
Gold Level Sponsor: ($100 - $199) RHS FBLA, Chapter 617
Silver Level Sponsor: ($50 - $99) Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office Lloyd and Christy Bruner RHS Business Department
2010-2011 Chatterbox Advertisers
Business/Organization Owner/Manager/Contact Agent Page of Advertisement
Lincoln ACHIEVE Cathi Cox 2
Dr. Redina Lynn Croew 2
Davis & Co. Hair Salon Dana Davis 3
Bestway Michael Kolb 4
Driver‘s Ed Ricky Durrett 12
Geri G. Taylor Geri Taylor 14
Pick of the Litter Jerry Burrows 15
Callie‘s Corner Callie Hockenios 15
Pow Wow Manuel and Nilda Chinchilla 16
Mayfield Construction Beth Mayfield 16
National Jewelry Paul McCormack 17
Wade Turf and Landscape Will Wade 17
Piney Hills Music Nick Goff 19
Smoothie King Bradley Walker 24
Nick Brown Show
Pack & Mail
Ruston Florist and Boutique
Nick Brown
Scott Knowles
Debbie Allen
30
31
31
Please thank and support these businesses, organizations, and individuals for making your Ruston High School Chatterbox possible!
If interested in sponsoring or advertising in the Chatterbox, email us at chatterbox@lincolnschools.org
2010-2011 RHS Chatterbox Staff
Senior Editor Amber Brown Senior
News Editor Natasha Alva Senior
Assistant News Editor Lauren Townsend Junior
Graphics/Design Editor Gray Taylor Senior
Senior Reporter Stephany Arias Senior
Sports Editor Christian Amos Senior
Business Manager Elizabeth Smith Junior
Academics Reporter Polly Michelle Gwan Junior
Arts Reporter Emily Moore Junior
Clubs Reporter Shamario Daniel Junior
Education Reporter Benicia King Junior
Social Reporter Jocria Thompson Junior
Social Reporter Patricia Duhart Junior
Sports Reporter Reed Malek Junior
Sports Reporter Arquisia Williams Sophomore
Photographer Savannah Chrisman Sophomore
Photographer Whitney Durrett Sophomore
Guest Reporter Amy Gibson Junior
Guest Reporter Kori Teague Junior
Adviser/Sponsor: Mr. Lloyd R. Bruner, chatterbox@lincolnschools.org
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guidelines of Hazelwood School District vs. Kulkmeier (1998). Signed editorials may be sent to Ruston High School, 900 Bearcat Drive, Ruston, Louisiana 71270.
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Cheerleaders Cradle New Members
by Keekee Williams
Sports Reporter
earcat Spirit
Chatterbox
Ruston High School April 28, 2011 Page 28
Congratulations to the all the girls that were selected to the 2011-2012 RHS Cheerleading Squad! There
are three divisions under which the girls are classified: Varsity, Junior Varsity, and the Freshman Squad.
The girls that made the Varsity squad are: Emaleigh Bickham, Dejayla Chambers, Savannah Chrisman,
Courtnei Dunn, Whitney Durrett, Caitlin Elliot, Brooke Frasier, Anna Fuller, Morgan Hitt, Taylor Hogan,
Katie Hopkins, Lauren Pate, Savannah Payne, Brittany Rollins, Morgan Stanley, Lauren Taylor, Paige Williams,
and Carrie Wilson.
The JV members are: Tiffany Carprue, Emily Compton, Ansleigh Faile, Mary Hollis Graham, Brianna
Grisby, Chandler Haddox, Hayley Harris, Carley Jones, Kendall Lopez, Mary Margaret Manning, Larkin
Nelson, Beth Ramirez, Mallorie Stafford, Rebecca Wheelis, and Deja Young.
The Freshman Cheerleaders are: Cameron Adams, Emily Colvin, Amber Crawford, Taylor Evans, Mikayla
Franks, Avery Givens, Natalie Hogan, Charlotte Hudson, Harper Neal, Janese Penegar, Kailee
Rivera, Breyana Robinson, Margeaux Smith, Gabrielle Wheeler, Lexi White, and Morgan Winstead.
In all there are forty-nine girls that were chosen to be on the squads. Congratulations and good luck
competing next year!
Success at Special Olympics
by Patricia Duhart
Social Reporter
Special Olympics is based on the belief
that people with intellectual disabilities
can, with proper instruction and encouragement,
learn, enjoy, and benefit from
participation in individual and team sports.
On April 8, 2011, many parish wide volunteers
from high school clubs to college
students came out to help and support
those with special needs.
Many schools showed for the event and
the fun began as participants competed in
many events like the 25m walk, 25m dash,
50m walk, 50m run, 100m run, softball
throw and tennis ball throw, standing long
jump, running long jump, and shot-put.
Participants from Ruston High, Ruston
Junior High, Choudrant, Dubach, Simsboro, Hillcrest,
Glenview, I.A. Lewis, and Jackson Parish competed
for ribbons.
RHS junior Rachael
Huckaby participates
in the softball throw.
While doing the ―YMCA‖ dance and
sliding with the ―Cha Cha Slide‖, competitors,
advisors, teachers and volunteers
boogied down to have fun between events.
Even though all events were awarded with
place ribbons, every competitor got a ribbon
for participation. The Special Olympics was
a big success and a bundle of fun for all,
especially our Ruston High representatives
Ryan Ballard, Nicholas Mcclain, Windell
Berry, Dustin Black, Brandon Townsend,
Marty Davis, Derrick James, Carlos Johnson,
Randall Elliot, Tiffany Williams, Kylie
Kramer, Taylor Henry, Brittany Watson,
Keandrieya Jackson, Rochelle Mayfield,
Jasmine Sumlin, and Katherine Remides
who got jiggy with it every chance they got. Special
Thanks to Key Club, Student Counsel, and all the volunteers
who helped make this day a big success!!
Right: I.A.
Lewis sixth
graders walk in
the flame ceremony.
Left: Hillcrest
Hawks walk in
the flame ceremony.
The ceremonies were lead by the lighting of the eternal flame.
RHS students participate in the 50m run.

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ports
Chatterbox
Ruston High School April 28, 2011 Page 29
2011 Senior Aces
by Keekee Williams
Sports Report
The 2010-2011 athletic seasons for RHS prove to be another successful one with teams reaching runner-up titles in the district and state rankings. The following student athletes
you see below are seniors from class of 2011 that have helped RHS get to great heights and break barriers in the athletic area. The Chatterbox Senior Aces recognizes seniors
from each sport that have shown improvement over the years, have the athletic aptitude to be the most valuable player, or showed leadership potential. Each student was selected
by their senior teammates for their respective awards. Senior Aces will continue through next month‘s issue.
Garrett Warren (Most Improved, Football)
Jersey number: 27
Summary of years at RHS: It was years of ups and downs but
at the end I enjoyed the ride.
To coach: Garrett...Keep doing what you’re doing because it
works...My Boy G!!
Matt Manning (Team Leader, Football)
Jersey numbers: 83
Summary of years at RHS: I had fun with all my teammates
who are now my family.
To coach: I appreciate everything you did for me during my
career at RHS.
Josh Phillips (Team Leader, Soccer)
Jersey numbers: 10
Summary of years at RHS: These years at Ruston have been
incredible as have my teammates who have been a pleasure to
work alongside.
To coach: Walsh, I spent three years under your system and
have loved all of it. I can’t wait to see Ruston in a state championship
in a few years.
Lauren Prescott (Team Leader, Soccer)
Jersey numbers: 15
Summary of years at RHS: The past four years have been so
much fun.
To coach: Thanks you for all your work and support you’ve
shown me over the past four years!
Ja’Ren Johnson, (MVP, Football)
Jersey number: 21
Summary of years at RHS: Football season was the best part
of the year.
To coach: Good luck next year; I enjoyed playing for you.
Ryan Moss (Most Improved, Basketball)
Jersey numbers: 32
Summary of years at RHS: I Had a lot of school spirit!
To coach: Good luck next year!
Patrick Beatty, (MVP, Soccer)
Jersey numbers: 18
Summary of years at RHS: These years have been the hardest
and most exciting of my life, and I will never forget the times I
had with the team.
To coach: Walsh, thanks for supporting us and giving up your
time for us and especially me! Aulds, thanks for creating so
many great opportunities for us to play.
Petros Araia, (Most Improved, Soccer)
Jersey number: 22
Summary of years at RHS: I Enjoyed playing soccer for Ruston
High!
To coach: Thanks for improving me and thanks for making us
run for four (4!) hours!
Ron Spivey (MVP and Team leader, Basketball)
Jersey numbers: 2
Summary of years at RHS: the years I have spent at Ruston
High have been the best years of my life.
To coach: Over the years you have not only helped me become
a better player but a better man also.
Byroneshia Santiago (MVP, Basketball)
Jersey numbers: 30
Summary of years at RHS: Ruston High is the gateway to
Heaven, and I spent the best four years of my life here.
To coach: Thank you all for teaching me, not just to become a
better player, but also a better person.
Jasmine White (Most Improved, Basketball)
Jersey numbers: 31
Summary of years at RHS: I have had an awesome time here.
To coach: Thank you for all you have done for me.

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ports
Chatterbox
Ruston High School April 28, 2011 Page 30
Rooting for the Underdog
by Reed Malek
Sports Reporter
In all sports, college especially, there are occasional events that
send shockwaves throughout the sporting world and make headlines
on ESPN and newspapers across the nation. These events are
known as ―upsets,‖ when a team who is supposed to lose, wins.
The bigger uproar about an upset occurs whenever a particularly
large and popular team loses to a smaller and less popular team,
known as an ―underdog.‖ Events like these are so exciting and
sometimes emotional that they have become many people‘s biggest
reasons for watching sports. Rooting for the underdog has become a sort of policy of
mine—except for whenever the ‗Horns play, of course.
To me there is no greater spine-tingling, goose bump-inducing, edge-of-your-seat event in
sports than the upset, and these thrilling events have led me and millions of others to root for the
underdog almost whenever possible. One prime example (among many others) of an upset can
be found in the most recent NCAA men‘s basketball tournament. An eight-seed, the Butler Bulldogs,
played the third-seeded Connecticut Huskies for the championship. This was the second
consecutive year in which Butler played for a national title; last year they were inches away from
defeating powerhouse Duke on a buzzer-beater and robbing them of a national championship.
The point is that this small university that most people have never even heard of collected upset
after upset and nearly claimed the title of best team in the land. Not to mention, Butler had to
plow through another underdog, no-name eleven-seed Virginia Commonwealth, to reach the
national championship game.
For every juggernaut, there is an underdog. For every Goliath, there is a David. Personally, I
find it much more exciting to root for the underdog. I almost always root for the Butlers and the
Virginia Commonwealths over the Dukes and Ohio States of the world because it is so much
more interesting, emotional, and dramatic to witness an upset than an expected victory by the
powerhouses. After all, would you rather see David holding the trophy, or Goliath?
Practice Good
Sportsmanship
by Keekee Williams
Sports Reporter
Sportsmanship is the act of conducting fairness and being courteous
in any sport. Good sportsmanship is rarely practiced today because
of the importance of winning and showing off how good you
are. Bad sportsmanship is mostly shown when a player becomes aggravated
at a point in a game and demonstrates obscene behavior. A
person using good sportsmanship will just accept the game and how it
is played. We could all use a lesson on practicing good sportsmanship. A prime example
comes from two college softball teams competing in a tournament. One player, Sara Tucholsky
of Western Oregon University hit her first home run playing against Central Washington
University. While rounding first base, she collapsed with a knee injury. The umpire informed
the team that they would not be able to carry her around the bases or her run will be ruled an
―out‖. Shockingly, the opposing team picked up Tucholsky and escorted her around the bases
to score the winning run while sacrificing their spot in the tournament. This act of great sportsmanship
shows us that it‘s not all about winning. So the next time you are playing a sport,
think about this team before you throw your bat at someone‘s head or trip them while they are
running or spit in your hand before a handshake. We could learn a lesson or two when we
demonstrate good sportsmanship.
Barry Bonds:
Steroid Scandal
by Christian Amos
Sports Editor
One of baseball‘s greatest stars, Barry
Bonds, was recently caught in a scandal surrounding
steroids. In Bond‘s long-awaited
perjury trial, Federal prosecutor Matt Parrella
opened his arguments by saying it‘s
"ridiculous and unbelievable" that Bonds
thought he was taking flax seed oil and arthritis
cream when his personal trainer gave him
steroids.
Again another pro-athlete setting a bad example for young players everywhere,
especially for local student-athletes in Ruston. Bonds told investigators
that he did not knowingly ingest performance-enhancing drugs and
though he lied to a grand jury, prosecutor‘s promised not to prosecute Bonds
for drug use if he testified truthfully on the stand. Bonds, who has not played
in Major League Baseball since 2007, is especially not showing model behavior
when it comes to local young athletes such as the student-athletes at
Ruston High.
Students see pro-athletes and celebrities doing as they please by lying
under oath. It‘s time for the pro-athletes in our country to stop with the nonsense
and realize they are in the spotlight and young promising athletes are
watching their every move.

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ports
Ruston High School April 28, 2011 Page 31
Golf Approaches Regionals
by Reed Malek
Sports Reporter
Bearcat Track & Field Enters Busy Month
by Reed Malek
Sports Reporter
Chatterbox
As the school year nears its end (yes, it‘s that time again), many Ruston High clubs and athletics begin their more serious campaigns. For the Bearcat golf team, it means the
start of the Regional tournament on April 25th. On Tuesday, April 5th the Bearcats got a sneak peek at their regional rivals at a 15-team tournament at the Cedar Creek School.
The Bearcats finished in 3rd place overall, behind West Monroe (2nd) and the host Cedar Creek (1st). Top performers for the ‗Cats were Aaron Boersma, who finished in 86
strokes (+14 par), and Mitchell Haddox who finished in 84 strokes (+12 par). Out of every individual competitor at the tournament, Mitchell won 4th overall! No matter the outcome
of previous tournaments, whether favorable or not, the Regionals Tournament on April 25th will be the most important of the year so be sure to encourage Bearcat golfers
to do their best and bring home a victory for Ruston High!
For Ruston‘s track and field team, the month of
April is possibly the busiest and most important of
the year. In this month, the team participates in
five events including a District meet on April 21
and a Regional meet on the 28th.
The first of the Bearcats‘ meets this month was
the ―Hoss‖ Garrett Relays on April 1. Ruston‘s
second event of the month was the Oil Belt Relays
at El Dorado Senior High in El Dorado, Arkansas.
The Bearcats dominated; both the men‘s and
women‘s team brought home first place victories.
First-place winners were freshman Sara Jones in
pole vaulting, junior Chase Millien in the 3200
meter run, sophomore Devin Price at high jump,
senior Daveon Jones in pole vaulting, senior Madison
Meyer in the 800 meter run, junior Maya
Robertson in the 1600 meter run, senior Haven
Schroeder in the 3200 meter run, senior Hannah
McIntire in the 300 meter hurdles, the women‘s
800 meter relay team of Madison Meyer, Haven
Schroeder, Maya Robertson, and Anna Hall, and
senior Byroneshia Santiago in the discus throw.
Following their stellar
performances at the Oil
Belt Relays, the Bearcat
track and field teams are
looking forward to their
extremely important upcoming
District and Regional
tournaments. Good
luck, ‗Cats!
McIntire was runner-up
in 100m hurdles at the
Hoss Garrett Relays.
Bearcat Tennis Heats Up
by Reed Malek
Sports Reporter
Like Ruston‘s track and golf teams, the Bearcat tennis teams are
approaching their District and Regional competitions and are currently
preparing for these big events. Recent tennis meets for the
Bearcats have been against West Ouachita on April 5 (overall 6-8
loss) and Cedar Creek on April 7 (overall 8-6 win).
Winners in singles matches from the Cedar Creek meet were
Nick Parks, Chris Taylor, Matt Oakes, and Phillip Alva. Doubles
victors were the teams of Nathan Parks and Caleb White, Jack
Woods and Kyle Carter, Hayden Smithey and Spencer Berry, and
Cody Sanderson and Johnathan Abernathy. Chris Taylor, Caleb
White, Jack Woods/Kyle Carter, Spencer Berry/Hayden Smithey,
and Abbie King were the winners from the West Ouachita meet. Let
it also be known that Ruston‘s own Caleb White is undefeated on
the year so far!
The Bearcats‘ important upcoming events are a Regionals meet
(April 25-26) and the State meet from May 1-3. Wish the ‗Cats
good luck as they go into their most important matches of the year!

S
ports
Chatterbox
Ruston High School April 28, 2011 Page 32
Lady Bearcats Finishing Strong
submitted by Coach Danny Roberts
Softball Coach
After experiencing growing pains earlier in the season, the Lady Cats are poised to make another playoff run. The Bearcats finished third
in district and are playing their best ball of the season.
The girls closed out district with an exciting 11 inning, 5-3 victory over Franklin Parish. Contributing to the strong finish is the leadership
both on and off the field from seniors Sarah Gordon, Jessica Goulart, Meagan Hammons, and Kate Warner. Offensively the Bearcats
are led by sophomore Kendall Smith who wields a .383 batting average (BA) and 12 stolen bases,
Senior Sarah Gordon (.382 BA), sophomore Shelby Webb (.371 BA and 15 RBI‘s), and senior
Jessica Goulart (.361 BA and 15 RBI‘s).
Defensively the entire Lady Bearcat team has stepped up, especially with the emergence of
pitcher Allison Tryon who is becoming more confident each game. The Lady Bearcats would like
to thank all of their loyal supporters and invite everyone out on their quest to capture the State
Championship.
Junior Clayton Cline defends the line.
Baseball Keeps it Swinging
submitted by Coach Gressett
Baseball Coach
The Bearcat baseball team defeated the West Ouachita Chiefs 2 out of 3 games on April 9 to
take the lead in the race for the district title. Offensive leaders in the three game series were:
Pierce Spangler who hit a home run in the game against Neville, Meny Hernandez (April Player of
the Month) with a series of doubles, Jonathan Jones assisting the team at catcher, Eric Goree with
a series of doubles and home runs, and Nick Letendre with a series of doubles. Leading the ‗Cats
on the mound were: Nick Letendre, Tanner Frasier, Parker Elliot, and Michael Welch. The team‘s
current record is 15-10 and 7-2 in district.
UPDATE: OUR RHS VARSITY BASEBALL TEAM IS NOW DISTRICT CHAMPIONS!
Players of the Month: Goulart and Hernandez
by Christian Amos
Sports Editor
Michael Welch tosses a changeup
at Neville.
Every month Chatterbox usually highlights an outstanding student athlete in a sport at RHS. For the month of April one student just wasn‘t
enough, since in the sports of softball and baseball there are two Ruston High athletes that are more than just good at their sport. They are
Jessica Goulart and Meny Hernandez.
Goulart
Lady Bearcat Jessica Goulart, a senior, has been a part of the Lady Bearcat softball team since her freshman year. This leftfielder and
pitcher made the district 3-4A All-District team for the 2010 season and is a hopeful candidate for the 2011 season. Jessica comes hitting
from the plate with a .389 batting average. Her goals for this season are simple: make it to the state tournament
and win the state championship. The state championship in softball was last won in 2007, and the
Lady Bearcat team in favor of the district championship this year are rebuilding from an all-star 2010
season.
Senior and Baseball Player of the
Month Meny Hernandez threatens
to steal another base.
Senior and Lady Bearcat Player
of the Month, Jessica Goulart,
releases a pitch.
At RHS, Jessica is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and the Future Consumer and Career Leaders of America
(FCCLA). Jessica says, ―What I love about Ruston High is that they keep the tradition going and they take in every sport.‖ Jessica plans to
attend Louisiana Tech and major in Early Childhood Education. One of Jessica‘s most memorable moments in her years of playing softball
is when she was the last out at the quarterfinal game last year. Her father, Coach Ricky Goulart, hugged her to show how proud he was of
her and all she had accomplished. Even though the squad did not go on to win the state championship last year, Jessica and her team are
back and looking to revive the state champ name in RHS!
Hernandez
Meny Hernandez is also a senior at Ruston High and has played baseball for RHS every year since his freshman year. Spending time
with his teammates on and off the field is his favorite thing about playing baseball for RHS. With an impressive batting sheet there‘s no
argument why this second baseman has been selected for the All-District team twice (2009 and 2010 seasons), All-Parish team twice and the
All-Northeast team. His stats are over ten double so far for the season and getting an average of two hits per game. With the number 1 on his
jersey, Meny‘s goal for this season is to take the first place spot in district and go on to win the state championship.
Meny is a member of the Kick-Off-Mentors (KOM), French club, and he joins Jessica in FCA. Teammate Michael Welch says that,
―When it comes to baseball Meny is hard-working and extremely determined.‖ One could say that Meny is hard-working in the classroom
since he maintains a 3.5 GPA every nine weeks. Meny would like to add, ―I love all my teammates, especially Pierce Spangler, and Coach
Gressett is the man!‖