February 2011 Chatterbox - Ruston High School

Valentine’s Day Shout-Outs See Pages 12-13 

RHS Alumni Series 

See Page 2 

Sports Player of the 

Month see Page 31 

Chatterbox 

Ruston High School February 14, 2011 

Box Tops 

Outside Our Box (2) 

Academia (3-6) 

Teacher Spotlights (7-8) 

Editorials/Opinions (9-11) 

Valentine’s Messages (12-13) 

Service and Social (14) 

Bearcat Baseball Ad (15) 

Clubs (16-17) 

The Arts (18) 

Senior Spotlights (19-22) 

Entertainment (23) 

Student Center (24-25) 

Fun Page (26) 

Sponsors/staff (27) 

Sports (28-31) 

Bearcat Spirit (32) 

RHS Distinguished 

Alumni and Teachers 

information provided by the RHS Alumni Association 

by Natasha Alva 

News Editor 

In the October edition of the Chatterbox, we began a series 

giving a detailed report on each of the distinguished alumni 

and teachers in a six part series, covering one distinguished 

alumni or teacher each month. To date, we have covered Dr. 

Joan Blondin as Distinguished Alumni in the category of Physician, 

Scientist, and Educator, the late Mrs. Murrie Lee Turnbow 

as a Distinguished Teacher, Johnny Maxwell as Distinguished 

Alumni in the category of Commerce, and Distinguished 

Teacher Ruth Potts. This month, we will continue the 

series with a report on the last Distinguished Alumni, Cherry 

Pratt Kirkpatrick, in the category of Humanitarian. In the 

March edition of the Chatterbox, Distinguished Teacher Julie 

B. Stephenson will be the last report for this year. 

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

NHS Helps Invisible Children 

by Lauren Townsend 

Assistant News Reporter 

―We are storytellers. We are visionaries, humanitarians, artists, 

and entrepreneurs. We are individuals part of a generation eager for 

change and willing to pursue it.‖ – Invisible Children 

Invisible Children is a non-profit organization devoted to stopping 

child abductions and imprisonments into the military. Everyday 

in Northern Africa, children are kidnapped from their homes 

and forced to serve violent leaders via military service. These children 

suffer abuse, neglect, poor living conditions, and are faced 

with life-or-death situations. Invisible Children‘s goal is to stop this 

inhumane act and spread knowledge of the poor conditions and injustices 

of Uganda and other parts of Northern Africa to the west. 

This fight for humanity and peace is burdening and enduring, but it 

is a fight for a purpose that can‘t be lost. 

With the money collected, Ruston High will help support Invisible 

Children‘s war against the cruelty taking place in Uganda. During 

January, the National Honor Society decorated 

recycled Coca-Cola and Sprite bottles to collect 

change to donate towards the Invisible Children 

foundation. To promote RHS Bearcat donations, 

NHS got creative and decided to turn it into a competition. 

Coke bottles were distributed to 4 th hour 

teachers and students were informed that if their 

Bearcat Café Ready for Business 

by Elizabeth Smith 

Business Manager 

On Friday, January 21, 2011, the Ruston High School Bearcat Café officially opened for business. The café is 

sponsored by Ms. Saunders and her second hour class. The class takes the orders and prepares the food all on 

their own. Ms. Saunders only supervises to make sure that no one gets hurt while cooking, and that the food is 

prepared in a sanitary manner. The students are learning skills that they will need to know to make it on their own 

in the real world. Through the Bearcat Café, the students get real life experience 

as they learn how to cook. They 

also learn how to take orders correctly 

and prepare them, which 

would come in handy in the service 

industry. As of right now, the Bearcat 

Café is only open to Ruston High 

staff. Ms. Saunders is hoping that 

one day they will be able to open the 

café to all of Ruston High. 

Students deliver the first meal. 

class collected the most 

money, they would win a 

pizza party for their class. 

Money was collected all 

around the school, and 

Mrs. Winstead‘s class won 

the party by raising $143; 

Mrs. Freeman‘s class came 

in 2 nd place for the most 

money collected. After all 

was said and done, the 

Ruston High National 

Honor Society raised 

$1,151 to donate towards 

the Invisible Children‘s movement to end conflict and child abduction 

in Northern Africa. Congratulations to Mrs. Winstead‘s and 

Mrs. Freeman‘s 4 th periods classes and all the students who donated 

toward this worthy cause. 

If you wish to learn more information or if you would like to 

make a donation towards the Invisible Children organization, visit 

www.invisiblechildren.com/. 

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at RHS

O 

utside Our Box Chatterbox 

Ruston High School February 14, 2011 Page 2 

Distinguished Alumni: Cherry Pratt Kirkpatrick 

information provided by the RHS Alumni Association 

by Natasha Alva 

News Editor 

Cherry Pratt spent the years 1957-1960 as a student at Ruston High School. The amazing life story of 

Cherry Pratt Kirkpatrick and her husband Vance Kirkpatrick living for forty-six years in the deep bush of 

Kenya has resulted in their now being considered as Angels from America. 

Cherry Pratt went to Louisiana Tech in the early 1960s. It was there that she met Vance Kirkpatrick and 

was married. They were on the same wavelength as they determined that "service to others" was where their 

future lay. Mrs. Kirkpatrick wanted to make life better for people in a third world country, so she armed herself 

with dual degrees in Home Economics and English. 

Upon completion of her degree in 1964, the Kirkpatricks joined the newly formed Peace Corp. They 

would be part of the first group to go to Africa. Once in Kenya, Mrs. Kirkpatrick taught at one of only ten 

high schools for girls on the continent and her husband taught at a traditional boys' school. Each of 

them earned twelve and a half cents per hour or a total of eighty-eight dollars per month! Their transportation 

consisted of one bicycle that they shared, and they lived at the girls' boarding school where Mrs. Kirkpatrick 

taught. After fulfilling their two year commitment with the Peace Corp, they returned to the U.S. to further 

their studies in preparation for their return to Kenya as missionaries. 

The Kirkpatricks returned to Kenya in 1972 where they established the first Baptist high school. At that time, educational opportunities for women in Africa were very limited 

due to societal attitudes and restrictions. Cherry Kirkpatrick became fluent in Swahili and began teaching life-altering survival skills and literacy to the native young women who 

boarded at the school. When asked why she felt this calling was of particular importance, she responded saying ―Because when you educate a woman over there, you educate an 

entire family." In 1981, the Kirkpatricks established the Kenya Baptist Theological College where both taught and from which four year degrees are granted in conjunction with 

Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, Texas. 

With much credit due to Mrs. Kirkpatrick, native women learned not only to read and write but also about nutrition, agriculture, sanitation, health care, personal hygiene, parenting, 

and giving back. They also learned the importance of educating the youth. Today, after forty-six years in Kenya, Cherry Kirkpatrick says that the biggest change in that 

country is in education, as now schools are prevalent and there are enough educated native born citizens to do the teaching. Mrs. Kirkpatrick says one of the most beautiful and 

heart-warming aspects of educating Kenyans are that, "When you teach a disadvantaged person, they never lose their passion." 

Although both are now officially retired, the Kirkpatricks continue to reside in Kenya where they have built a one thousand two hundred square foot home. They also continue 

to bring education, hope, and a better way of life to disadvantaged Kenyans. Cherry Pratt Kirkpatrick continues an initiative to educate pastors' wives so that they can fulfill their 

potential and better assist their husbands. 

Got Gas 

by Emily Moore 

Arts Reporter 

Students here in Ruston may rely on their parents for gas 

money if they have no job, and those with a job may not 

have extra money to spend after paying for gas. A large 

percentage of Ruston High students drive to school at an 

extra cost. Gas prices have sky-rocketed to an outrageous 

$3.00 at local gas stations and even higher in other areas. 

Mr. Moss gave his opinion on the matter. ―They [gas 

prices] are fake. They only raise the prices when it‘s convenient 

for them. They use any global crisis to raise the prices. It‘s centered on the price of a 

barrel.‖ It‘s said to be raised even higher in the future. The price of a barrel has reached $90 

and is predicted to rise even higher, which will have some Americans paying $4.00 or more 

at the pumps. 

However, there are ways to save gas. Combine your trips to town. If you‘ve got several 

errands to run, run them all when you‘re in town instead of making more than one trip. You 

can shop online instead of driving all the way to Monroe or other surrounding cities. Companies 

often have discounts online and the online store has more selection than the actual 

store! Carpool with your friends and you both save gas and money! If you live in town, ride 

a bike or walk. Exercise is good for you! Find the cheapest gas prices on your route and stop 

there. Pay with cash instead of a credit card and there is no interest! Cutting back on driving 

would save gas and money. If everyone cut back, it would reduce prices. We‘d have cleaner 

air, fewer accidents, and less congestion on the roads. Like every other problem in the country, 

the solution resides in unity and the determination to change. 

Saluting Outstanding Student 

Achievement 

Throughout the Bearcat Nation

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One Giant Step for Physics 

by Amber Brown and Gray Taylor 

Senior Editor and Graphics/Design Editor 

On January 28 th , the ―Chosen Ones" from Mr. Elliott‘s Physics class attended the final Tech Step bridge competition at 

Louisiana Tech University. After spending two weeks of designing and testing their bridge and presentation, the team was 

ready to present to the judges. Other high schools from Louisiana also attended, as well as schools from Texas and Arkansas. 

At the start of the day, the team laid out the bridge plans and began then constructing using the building material – 

manila folders. After three hours of building (without even stopping for lunch), they were nervously ready to tackle the 

next phase: presenting to the judges. Each team stood before the judges and the class while each member explained 

through their slideshow presentation what they did and how they did it. After each presentation, the judges would ask 

questions regarding designs or formulas. The judges also had a machine that measured the amount of force in Newtons put 

on the bridge. Ruston High‘s held a total of 105.81 N! Then came the best part: the award for Most Creative Design went 

to those darn kids from Ruston High, seeing as they were the only ones with a Deck Truss (inverted)! The winning students 

would like to thank Mr. Elliott and Mr. Kilpatrick for all their help. They all had a great time at the Tech Step learning 

and participating in the program. 

2011 RHS Science Fair 

by Polly Michelle Gwan 

Academics Reporter 

On January 25, 2011, RHS hosted its annual science fair. The science fair took place in the Ruston High School auditorium. The science fair contestants consisted of STEM 

students from 9 th -12 th grade doing projects in various categories. Ruston High students compete in the science fair in hopes of making it to the regional and state fair. The following 

students were winners of the science fair: 

Animal Science: 1 st – Peyton Huff and 2 nd – Bethany Cardenas; Behavior and Social Science: 1 st – Taylor Condie, 1st – Elizabeth Moore, 2 nd – Courtney McKinney, and 2 nd 

- Macey Sutherland; Biochemistry: 1 st – Josh Owens; Cellular Biology: 1 st – Savannah Woods; Chemistry: 1 st – Kaitlyn Heiden, 2 nd – Casey Pierce, and 3rd – Hannah Rose 

McIntire; Computer Science: 1 st – Stephen Zhong; Mechanical Engineering: 1 st – Clark Pierce, 2 nd – Kate Warner, 3 rd – John David Moore, and 3 rd – Garrett Soileau; Materials 

Engineering: 1 st – Neesha Siriwardane, 2 nd – Matthew Cardenas, and 3 rd – Caroline Oakley; Environmental Science: 1 st – Taylor Kaufman; Mathematical Science: 1 st – 

Dara Smith, 2 nd – Sam Phillips, 3 rd – Ben Serio, and 3 rd – Mayisha Nakib; Microbiology: 1 st – Braden Hilton, 2 nd – Kane Killen, and 3 rd – Ashyln Thompson; Physics: 1 st – John 

Herren, 2 nd - Jake Kyte, 3 rd – Channing Dorr, and 3 rd – Holly Grisby. 

Congratulations to all of these students! On February 11 th they participated in the Regional Science Fair at Louisiana Tech University, these results will be posted in March 

Edition of the Chatterbox. 

COE Application Due in March 



Attention all upcoming seniors! COE will be accepting applications for their program until the end of March. COE is a program that allows seniors to have a job during 

school, receive pay, and still get good grades. If you are interested in signing up for the COE program, please talk to Mrs. Tinsley, but hurry up before it‘s too late!

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Speech and Debate Succeeds 

submitted by Jonathan Verret 

Speech and Debate Member 

The Ruston High School Speech and Debate Team recently competed at Caddo High 

School. After a few weeks of preparation, the team found many opportunities for sucess,. 

Zhong and Clark Pierce placed 2 nd in Policy debate. Prenicia Gant, Elizabeth Sawyer, and 

Jonathan Verret placed first, second and third in Extemporaneous Speaking, and Elizabeth 

Sawyer and Colton Boothe got 1 st and 2 nd place in Lincoln-Douglas debate. 

Always seeking new challenges and opportunities throughout the state, some team members 

headed to Alexandria for the Alexandria Senior High tournament. As if local and state 

tournaments weren‘t enough, a few of the members of the RHS Speech and Debate headed 

west to Dallas for Colleyville heritage. 

The Ruston High School Speech and Debate Team continues to represent the Bearcat Nation 

proudly and looks forward to continued success in future tournaments. With the schedule 

heading into the final stages, it is obvious that they are well prepared and ready to take on all 

schools as the season comes to a close and students prepare for state level and beyond. Of this, 

there is no ―debate‖. Or is there 

Making English Class Count 

by Stephany Arias 

Senior Reporter 

Some students find it extremely challenging to concentrate during English class. One reason 

may be that students feel that teachers make them read too much. Yet another reason may 

be that students feel that teachers make them write too much. Some may feel that both apply. 

But if you do not pay attention to your teachers and lessons, you may find that it will lead to a 

sad goodbye to a high ACT score. 

English may be considered very boring to some people. However, the truth is that if you do 

not try your best and put some effort into your English studies, sometime in the future you will 

regret it. You will see that not spending thirty minutes of your time studying for the things/ 

class work that you thought were too dumb to even worry about it will catch up with you. So, I 

encourage you to spend some quality time to your English classes and assignments in school, 

just as you would any other subject. You will benefit from it later on, and be glad that you did 

when you are sitting in college one day preparing one of those reports or breaking down one of 

those rhyming schemes that you thought you‘d never need in high school. 

Le Carnaval de Québec 

Le vrai jeu d’hiver 

du 28 janvier au 13 février 

submitted by Mrs. Greenwood 

French Teacher and Club Adviser 

Il fait froid au Canada. Mais on s‘amuse beaucoup au Carnaval de Québec. 

Le Bonhomme de Neige 

Le Roi de la fête 

Quelques activités sont: 

La course de traîneaux à chiens du Carnaval 

Le canot à glace 

Bain de neige COLD-FX - Soixante-quinze courageux et courageuses affrontent 

le froid et la neige avec comme seule arme leur maillot de bain. 

Jeu de Soccer Géant -Faites partie d'une équipe de 9 personnes et jouez à 

un véritable jeu de soccer sur table mais… à échelle humaine! 

La sculpture sur neige. 

Visitez le site web officiel pour regarder des photos et vidéos de cette fête 

fantastique: http://www.carnaval.qc.ca/# 

Amor Y Amistad 

by Stephany Arias 

Senior Reporter 

Se acaba de ir un año más, pero este 

nuevo año trae muchas bendiciones para 

todos nosotros. Y uno de los mejores 

―Holidays‖ que trae el principio del año 

es; ―Valentines Day‖. Este es muy conocido 

como el Día del ―Amor y La Amistad‖, 

no solamente amor entre parejas, pero amor entre amigos. En este día tan 

especial muchas de las personas se preparan para regalar obsequios que simbolizan 

el amor y la amistad que se tienen entre ellos. La historia dice que un 

santo cristiano llamado San Valentín fue sacrificado porque se dedicó a casar 

parejas aun cuando el emperador lo había prohibido en la Roma del siglo III. 

Al parecer, el dirigente romano tenía la creencia de que los soldados casados 

no eran tan buenos y eficientes como los solteros. Gracias a San Valentín hoy 

día nosotros celebramos en el mes de febrero ―El Día del Amor y La Amistad‖. 

Así que aprovechemos mientras podamos y demostrémosles a esas personas 

especiales para nosotros lo mucho que significan en nuestras vidas.

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New Tech Presentations 

submitted by Jonathan Craig 

New Tech @ RHS Student Reporter 

On Friday, January 21 st , the New Tech at Ruston Geometry students 

presented their newly created websites. The websites were created to 

help students who are struggling in geometry. Each website showed a 

description of every single Geometry Grade Level Expectation (GLE) as 

well as a video on each GLE. For each GLE, an interactive quiz and 

practice problems were included. In attendance were many people from 

the community, including an engineering professor, an engineer, and 

several teachers. While the guests were at Ruston High, they received a 

tour of the New Tech facility and had the opportunity to see the presentation 

of the websites. Geometry teacher Mr. Savage says that he was very 

pleased with the presentations and that they went smoothly. 

In the New Tech Global Studies classes, students wrote a movie script depicting a modern day version of Edgar Allen Poe‘s The Cask of Amontillado. The purpose of the assignment 

was to keep the overall storyline of the story but add a modern twist. The students also wrote a pitch telling why SONY Pictures should pick their movie. Each group 

presented their pitch and read part of their script to the class, who then voted on the best film. The class was then given the chance to compete in the R-Squared Film Festival. The 

winning group of the festival receives $200 and an iMac computer that would be used for the New Tech movie editing. Global Studies teacher Mrs. Goree says, ―I think that 

many of the screen plays that we read had great potential of winning the film festival.‖ 

Freshman Academy: 

Keep On Keeping On! 



A New Tech student pitches his own version 

of The Cask of Amontillado under the 

watchful eye of Mr. Savage and others. 

KOM Resource Center 

submitted by the KOM Council 

People from the community came to watch 

the students of New Tech present their 

web-sites and movie scripts. 

Freshman! The year is already halfway done and school seems to just keep getting more intense, but instead of giving up just keep on keeping on! Your teachers know that you 

may be tired of doing the same routine every single day, but they know that if you just press on a little more you can succeed! So freshman, just push forward a little more effort, 

and you can and will succeed! 

KOMs are reminded that there is now a KOM Resource Center in the Freshman Academy Office on the 3 rd Floor. If 

you need information about your freshmen, whether it concerns note cards, birthday cards, or anything else, you can 

find it all here. Please make sure to keep up with your contact log sheets. These are due to Mrs. Thomason or your 

KOM Council Member by Monday, April 4 th . 

The upcoming meeting dates for February and March as listed in the chart below: 

KOM MONDAY MEETING DATES FOR FEBRUARY AND MARCH 

February 14 

February 28 

March 7 

March 14 

March 21 

Meet with Freshmen 


Cafeteria; no Freshmen 


Meet with Freshmen

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Senior Pictures 

Seniors need to turn in two (2) different pictures for the yearbook: an outdoor picture and a cap & gown picture. Both are due no later than March 1 st to the Resume‘ staff in 

Room 208 (Rebecca Strickler,advisor). Hard copy portraits may be turned in, but the most convenient method is to send them electronically to resume@lincolnschools.org . If 

you use a professional/freelance photographer, he/she can electronically send your picture. Please note that we CANNOT use pictures from Facebook; they become fuzzy and 

pixelated once printed. 

Tim Garlington with Portraits Plus will be coming to RHS Thursday, February 24 th to take pictures of any senior that has NOT had an outdoor portrait or cap & gown portrait 

taken. A make up picture day will be March 1 st . 

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Cap& Gown Portrait Requirements: 

a) Guys-a white dress shirt and tie c) Everyone is to turn in a picture with the cap ON the head, not holding it 

b) Gals- a v-neck top/dress (the gown is V-neck) d) Traditional look - do NOT accessorize with sunglasses, big ‗bling‘ jewelry, or other distracting items 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Outdoor Portraits: 

a) No weapons or dead animals will be allowed in the yearbook pictures 

b) Students are difficult to recognize in full body shots because the face is smaller. Choose a pose that allows viewers to see you 

c) Be certain the background is flattering. Do NOT have cars or people behind you; it does not look professional 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Senior Yearbook 

The 2010-11 yearbook is in progress and will be ready to pick up in August 2011. For those interested in getting your name on the ―paid list‖, bring $45.00 to Room 208 to 

receive a receipt OR buy one in August; there will be extras. 

Senior Recognition Ad: Making it to that senior year is a huge milestone...celebrate your child‘s success! Buy a space in the yearbook to honor your 2011 senior. 

Prices are: Full page-$140.00 ½ page-$90.00 ¼ page-$75.00 1/8 page-$50.00 

The personal ad forms may be picked up from any yearbook staff member OR simply come by Room 208. For information or questions, contact the Resume‘ staff at 

resume@lincolnschools.org or contact Rebecca Strickler (advisor) at 255-0807 (RHS Main Office). 

Chatterbox Senior Ads 

Parents/students may also purchase a Senior Ad in the Special Senior Edition of the Chatterbox, published in June 2011. Details will be provided on the March edition of the 

Chatterbox and seniors will be provided the order forms with their March 2011 edition. If you have any questions – email chatterbox@lincolnschools.org .

T 

eacher Spotlights Chatterbox 


Name: Mark Milstead 

Family: Allison (wife) 

Position at RHS: Agriculture Department Head/Agriculture teacher 

Club/organizations you advise: FFA 

High school attended/ year: Weston High School (1993) 

College attended/major: LA Tech Agriculture Education, administration 

Teaching experience: 12 years 

Most embarrassing moment: Driving into the back of a school bus when I was in college. 

Favorite childhood memory: Going to Tech football games. 

Pet Peeve: Laziness, inefficiency, dishonesty 

Is there anything you want the students to know about you I hope each of you end up as productive and successful citizens of our society. 

Name: Mrs. St. Andre 

Family: Dave (husband), 3 kids, 6 grandkids 

Position at RHS: Ag1, Canine Care, Floristry 

Club/organizations you advise: FFA Advisor 

High school attended/ year: Natchitoches Academy 1974 

College attended/major: Northwestern University P.E., Elementary Education, LA Tech Masters in Ag Education 


Most embarrassing moment: Falling flat on my face this year in front of my 4th hour class. 

Pet Peeve: Disrespect 

Favorite childhood memory: Wonderful family, playing outside with neighborhood kids until dark. 

Is there anything you want the students to know about you I also work in a vet clinic. 

Name: James Sandifer 

Family: Carla (wife) 

Position at RHS: Agriscience teacher 

Club/organization you advise: FFA advisor 

Clubs advised: FFA 

High School/class year: Winnfield Senior High ‗79 

College/Major: LSU– Fire Science degree; LA Tech– Masters degree in Vocational Ed., and National Board Certified Teacher 


Favorite childhood memory: Fishing and hunting with my grandfather. 

Favorite team: Dallas Cowboys 

Pet peeves: Tardiness and laziness 

Name: Nick Brown 

Family: Mandy (wife), R.J. and Baylee Auburn (children), Amber Brown (niece) 

Position at RHS: Biology 

Club/organizations you advise: FCA 

College attended/major: Auburn, LA Tech, Radio, TV, Film, Education 


Favorite team/sport: Auburn Tigers 

Pet Peeve: The lunchroom serving big portions to big people. How did they get big Duh! 

Most embarrassing moment: It was embarrassing for me to out fish Coach Reeder and Mr. Elliott 

If you could have one wish what would it be Get as much food at lunch as Coach Aguilar and Coach Bush 

Is there anything you want the students to know about you I host a radio show on ESPN 97.7 FM from 8-10 on Saturdays. Mr. Elliott, 

Coach Reeder and I are going to start a Bass Club. 

Name: Susan Griffin 

Family: Emily (daughter), Ben (son-in-law), Jonathan (son), Allison (daughter-in-law), Addison and Adelynn (granddaughters) 

Position at RHS: Biology 1, Biology 2 Anatomy and Physiology, and Biology 2 Plant Science 

Club/organizations you advise: Prom Committee 

College attended/major: Clemson University and University of Maryland 

Teaching experience: 17 years at RHS 

Pet Peeve: Bellowing 

Favorite quote: “Mighty oaks from little acorns grow.‖ 

Favorite childhood memory: Traveling around Europe with my family.

T 

eacher Spotlights Chatterbox 


Name: Susan Freeman 

Family: Danny (husband), Daniel and Laura (children) 

Position at RHS: Chemistry 1 and Chemistry 2 

High school attended/ year: Quitman High School 1976 

College attended/major: LA Tech microbiology 


Favorite team/sport: baseball 

Pet Peeve: Whining and excuses 

Favorite childhood memory: Summer vacations with family and friends 

Favorite quote: ―Your talent is God‘s gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God.‖ 

Name: Melinda Jackson 

Position at RHS: Biology 

Family: Josh (husband) Abby and Jayden (kids) 

High school attended/year: Drew Central 2000 

College attended/major: University of Arkansas Monticello– Biology, LA Tech Teaching 


Favorite team/sport: Arkansas Razorback Football 

Pet peeve: Laziness and disorganization 

Name: April Winstead 

Family: Scott (husband), Morgan and Chloe Mae (daughters) 

Position at RHS: Biology 1 and Biology 2 AP 

High school attended/ year: Cedar Creek 1991 

College attended/major: LA Tech Secondary science education 


Favorite quote: ―Speech‖ 

Favorite childhood memory: Licking the salt off the goldfish and putting them back in the bag for my brother to eat later. 

Pet Peeve: Waking up early. 

If you could have one wish what would it be Be an official mattress tester. 

Name: Randall Elliott 

Family: Kristi (wife), Abby and Jack (children) 

Pets: Lazyboy (Basset Hound) 

Position at RHS: Physics and Chemistry teacher 

High School/year: Ouachita Christian 1990 

College attended/ major: AA Tech Comp. Info Systems, and Master of Arts in Teaching 


Most embarrassing moment: Diving for a rack of ribs that fell off the grill at a birthday party. 

Favorite childhood memory: Farming as a kid with my dad. 

Favorite quote: ―I hate to complain but…‖ —Nick Brown 

If you had one wish what would it be For my hair to have turned gray instead of turning loose. 

Pet peeves: People who act like they are better than others. 

Name: Amy Guerin 

Family: Dave (husband), Ben and Jake (sons), and Maddie (daughter) 

Pets: Samson (dog), Coral (fish) 

Favorite subject: Science 

Position: STEM Biology, STEM Robotics, STEM Marine Science teacher 

High School/class year: Loveland High ‗91 

College/Major: Eckerd College – B.S. Marine Science; Nova Southeastern University– M.S. Science Ed. 

Teaching experience: 8 1/2 years 

Most embarrassing moment: Too many to write down – ask and I might share one or two. 

Favorite childhood memory: Family vacations.

E 

ditorials/Opinions Chatterbox 


Valentine’s Day for 

All the Singles 

by Gray Taylor 

Graphics/Design Editor 

For all the singles out there: you all have to face Valentine‘s 

Day alone each year. This isn‘t necessarily a bad thing, considering 

how overrated this commercial holiday really is. It‘s all about 

showering your significant other with material things and hoping 

they don‘t plan on leaving you any time soon. But fear not, loners, 

there are ways to celebrate like everyone else instead of sitting at 

home watching romantic comedies and crying yourself to sleep. 

First of all, get a grip on yourself and know that you are not the 

only one spending V-Day alone. Second, remember that you are 

saving yourself hundreds of dollars by not buying anything for 

someone else. The money you save could go to much more important 

things, such as yourself. Third, get your other single 

friends together and go somewhere. Chances are you will have 

more fun partying with your friends than becoming 

a fire hazard if you had a dinner by candle 

light. Valentine‘s Day should not be restricted 

to just couples, so do not mope or cry 

but go out for some fun. 

DON’T BE LIKE THIS GUY: 

“Senioritis” 


Graphics/Design Editor 

Glasses vs. Contacts 



Glasses and contact lenses- it seems that everyone is wearing one or the other. It is said that over 160 

million Americans wear either contacts or glasses today, but which one is better Many people tend to prefer 

glasses over contacts because they like the look and feel of glasses. 

Glasses wearer Lauren Townsend prefers glasses ―because they help you see better, even though they 

tend to get a little annoying‖. Many glasses wearers also enjoy the various styles, shapes, and sizes that meet 

their needs or just plainly find the price of glasses in their budgets. Others, such as Zach Hannibal have various 

reasons why they wear glasses. ―Glasses are better because I wear them,‖ he states, ―You should be like 

me and wear them too.‖ 

Not everyone thinks glasses are the way to go though. Many prefer contact lenses because 

they get a more natural look that glasses fail to offer. ―Contacts are more convenient 

and are better for my peripheral vision without my frames getting in the way,‖ says Kimberly 

Miles. Mary Conly Hammons ads that ―contacts are better because they‘re more comfortable 

and they look a lot better.‖ 

Whether you‘re like Cody Briscoe who believes that ―glasses are better because all you 

have to do is slide them on in the morning‖ or Ashlyn Thompson who just plainly ―likes 

contact lenses better,‖ you can rock your eye wear any way you please. 

Celebrate Everyday! 


Arts Reporter 

February 

12-National Plum Pudding 

15-Gumdrop 

19-Chocolate Mint 

24-National Tortilla Chip 

26-Pistachio Day 

28-Toothfairy 

March 

1-Nat. Pig/PB Lover‘s Day 

5-Multiple Personality Day 

6-Nat. Frozen Food 

12-Fanny Pack 

14-Nat. Potato Chip Day 

17-Submarine 

Quotes to Live By 


14-Ferris Wheel/National Heart to Heart 

18-Thumb Appreciation 

23-International Dog Biscuit Appreciation 

25-Pistol Patent (Samuel Colt) 

27-International Polar Bear Day 

18-Awkward Moments Day 

21-Commoncourtesy Day 

22-Goof-off Day 

23-Nat Chip and Dip Day &Kick Butts Day 

24-Nat. Choc. Covered Raisins Day 

Arts Reporter 

―Gravitation is not responsible for people falling in love.‖ – Albert Einstein 

―I don't understand why Cupid was chosen to represent Valentine's Day. When I think about 

romance, the last thing on my mind is a short, chubby toddler coming at me with a weapon.‖ – 

Unknown 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

―You have to walk carefully in the beginning of love; the running across fields into your 

lover's arms can only come later when you're sure they won't laugh if you trip.‖ – Jonathan 

Carroll, "Outside the Dog Museum" 

―We are all a little weird and life's a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness 

is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love.‖ – 

Unknown 

―Are we not like two volumes of one book‖ – Marceline Desbordes-Valmore 

―Who would give a law to lovers Love is unto itself a higher law.‖ – Boethius, The Consolation 

of Philosophy 

―Falling in love is so hard on the knees.‖ – Aerosmith 

"Death cannot stop true love; it can only delay it for a little while.‖ – The Princess Bride 

―It doesn't matter if the guy is perfect or the girl is perfect, as long as they are perfect for each 

other." – Good Will Hunting 

―Love is a friendship set to music.‖ – E. Joseph Cossman

E 

“Green – The Color of Love” 


Assistant News Editor 

When it comes to coloring a Valentine‘s Day, people usually stick with the basic 

love colors of pretty pink, pleasant purple, and romantic red; everything is decked out 

in these girly colors. However, there is one exception: the green M&M. In 2008, the 

Mars Company started selling individual packs of nothing but green M&M‘s, tag lined 

―Green – The Color of Love‖, for the season of sweet amore. But what makes the 

green M&M pop out of all that pink and red 

The green M&M‘s fame came from the myth ―Green M&M‘s cause people to fall 

in a love-like state‖. The Mars Company, the producer of M&M‘s, did not come up 

with the myth, but used it to promote M&M‘s sales. The company made the green 

M&M character an attractive woman based off the green M&M‘s romantic powers. 

The rumor began in the 1970‘s by students who were experimenting with its rumored 

romance quality. Why the green M&M gained such a reputation is unknown; some 

believe that is has to which green‘s relation to health and fertility. Green jelly beans 

and gummi bears have also been claimed to have these magical love-guru powers. 

Candy companies cannot explain, scientifically or medically, why these candies have 

these effects on people. 



What Not To Do On Valentine’s Day 

by Benicia King 

Education Reporter 

To All the Singles Out There 



February is the month of romance. This usually means couples start scurrying 

about in frenzy over romantic dinners, delicious candy delights, and sweet smelling 

roses and teddy bears. People go coo-coo-ka-choo over the holiday, running around 

like chickens with their heads chopped off trying to be as romantic as possible for 

their sweethearts. It‘s usually all about who‘s with whom doing whatever romantic 

activity on Valentine‘s Day, but what about all the singles 

Singles shouldn‘t stress over not having a sweet heart for Valentine‘s Day. Personally, 

I believe singles have more fun. Instead of fighting with your sweetie over 

what to eat or do on Valentine‘s Day, you can take yourself out for a little fun. Go out 

to eat, tour the town, party with some friends, and just go all out crazy. If you are 

really bothered about being alone, go out and get a sweetheart. You‘re single and 

young, so be brave and go for it. You never know who you can meet. Moreover, Valentine‘s 

Day isn‘t just for the lovebirds. Take friends out for a night on the town and 

have some fun. If you‘re tired, invite them over for all the 

chocolate and cake they can eat and play some games. There‘s 

no excuse on why you can‘t have fun on Valentine‘s Day. 

So all you singles out there, throw your hands in the air 

and go have some fun. You can have fun partying solo, or go 

out and find a partner for the next Valentine‘s Day. Just remember 

to keep it legal and safe. Most importantly, enjoy 

your Valentine‘s Day! 

The green M&M is not the only 

M&M that has been accused of 

having powers. In 1976, the red 

M&M was also tagged as a romance-powered 

candy as well; it 

was also taken off the market by the 

FDA for using red dye #2, which 

was believed to cause cancer. The 

red M&M was also been believed 

to grant wishes. As for the other 

M&M‘s, the orange M&M is believed 

to be the good luck M&M; whereas, the brown M&M, the original M&M, is 

bad luck; and the yellow M&M means that you should call in sick and stay home if it‘s 

the last one in the bag. Most interesting of the M&M‘s though is the blue M&M, as 

recent studies have shown that the blue M&M helps heal spinal injuries. It‘s amazing 

what people can find out about an M&M. 

With all the rumors and myths attached to such a small candy, you can really never 

know what‘s true and not true; right now, the only power M&M‘s have is ―being the 

candy that melts in your mouth and not in your hand.‖ 

February 14…the day of love. It‘s the day your boyfriend breaks up with you and you sit at home listening to ―7 Things‖ by Miley Cyrus; it‘s the 

day Mr. Cason is roaming the halls carefully looking for couples too close together, committing a PDA felony. Whether you‘re indifferent, upset, or 

excited, there are some things you should not do on February 14 th . 

1. Go on a first date – first dates are hard enough as it is and it is not a good idea to go on one on Valentine‘s Day because it makes the situation even more awkward. 

2. Complain – I don‘t think anyone wants to hear someone complaining all day about their lack of prospects and abundance of heartaches. Save yourself some dignity, get 

over yourself, make jokes about you being single if you must, and then save it for your private online blog. 

3. Call your ex – WHAT ARE YOU THINKING! Step away from the phone. Avoid the Valentine‘s Day emotional hangover and don‘t attempt a reconnect. 

4. Be alone – You‘ve got friends, right Well, get together with a bunch of them and go see a movie or something. 

At the end of the day, what really matters is…well…I guess you‘ll have to find that out for yourself. Have an awesome, non-gloomy, and cheerful Valentine‘s Day! 

Shout Out: Behind the Scenes 

by Whitney Durrett 

Photographer/ Reporter 

Just because you are behind the scenes doesn't mean you're not important! To all the 

men and women who volunteer to help Ruston High School with all the extracurricular 

activities, Ruston High and Chatterbox thank you! Without the help of many unseen and 

unheard parents and spouses, many Ruston High organizations wouldn't be functioning 

as well and be able to do the things they do when or where they do them! So this shout 

out is dedicated to you! Without you, RHS wouldn't be as successful in so many areas!

E 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Abe Lincoln!! 



On February 12, 2011, the United States of America 

celebrated the birthday of our nation‘s 16 th president: Abraham 

Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 

1809, in a log cabin in Hardin County, Kentucky. His father, 

Thomas Lincoln, was a skilled carpenter and little is 

known about his mother Nancy Lincoln. He had an older 

sister, Sarah Lincoln. He also had a younger brother, Thomas 

Lincoln Jr., who died as a baby. Many Americans 

assume that Abraham Lincoln easily made his way into the 

government, but surprisingly he had a couple of failures at 

the beginning. In 1832, Lincoln ran unsuccessfully for the 

Illinois Legislature. But two years later, he was elected into 

the lower branch of the legislature for the first of four successful terms. 

In 1836, Lincoln became a lawyer and met his soon to be wife Mary Todd. Together 

they had four sons: Robert Todd (1843-1926), Edward Baker (1840-1850), 

William Wallace (1850-1862), and Thomas ―Tad‖ (1850-1862). In February 1860, 

Lincoln made his first presidential appearance and later went on to win the presidential 

election defeating the Northern Democrat Douglas, the Southern Democrat 

John C. Breckinridge, and the Constitutional Union candidate John Bell. 

Abraham Lincoln is most famous for helping the U.S. survive during the tragic 

Civil War. Lincoln's victory in that election thus changed the racial future of the 

United States. It also agitated Southern-sympathizer and Negrophobe John Wilkes 

Booth, who began to conspire first to abduct Lincoln and later to kill him. On April 

14, 1865, five days after Robert E. Lee's surrender to Grant at Appomattox Court 

House, Lincoln attended a performance called Our American Cousin at Ford's 

Theatre in Washington. There Booth entered the presidential box and shot Lincoln 

in the head. The next morning at 7:22 Lincoln died. 

Lincoln's achievements--saving the Union and freeing the slaves--and his martyrdom 

just at the war's end assured his continuing fame. No small contribution 

was made by his eloquence as exemplified in the Gettysburg Address (Nov. 19, 

1863), in which he defined the war as a rededication to the egalitarian ideals of the 

Declaration of Independence, and in his second inaugural address (Mar. 4, 1865), 

in which he urged "malice toward none" and "charity for all" in the peace to come. 

Happy Birthday Abraham Lincoln!! 



Nellie Ross: First Woman Governor 

by Christian Amos 

Sports Editor 

On November 29, 1876, America was introduced to a prestigious woman that 

would later pioneer many features of the United States‘ government. Nellie Taylor 

Ross is foremost known as the first woman to serve as governor in the United 

States. 

To this date, she remains the only woman to serve as governor of the state of 

Wyoming. Ross, the 14 th governor of Wyoming, was also a staunch supporter of 

Prohibition during the 1920s. She also was appointed to director of the U.S. Mint 

from 1933-1953 by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Besides being deeply 

involved in politics, Ross was also a kindergarten school teacher. 

After her husband William Ross died in 1924, Nellie Ross was nominated by 

the Democratic Party to run as governor in a special election. She refused to campaign 

for the seat, but remarkably she won the race and on January 5, 1925, she 

became the first woman governor in the history of the United States. As governor, Ross carried out the 

policies her late husband established. Also as governor, she pushed the state of Wyoming to ratify a 

federal amendment prohibiting child labor. 

Nellie Ross was a lady of many firsts while participating in American polotics. Not only did she 

build a rich heritage for women everywhere, but she truly shaped countless parts of our nation‘s structure 

just by taking charge in times of need. 

Mardi Gras Madness 

by Patricia Duhart 

Social Reporter 

Mardi Gras for me was always that time of year where you turn on 

the news channel and see ―Another Mardi Gras Madness‖ or hear about 

people fighting at a bar. Mardi Gras is also known for the thousands of 

people from all over the country who go to New Orleans to celebrate. What about the story 

behind the parties, the history in the celebrations, or the constant mask I never knew that 

Mardi Gras meant ―Fat Tuesday,‖ where Catholics indulge in various foods before Ash 

Wednesday where the fasting begins; this event is the seventh Wednesday before Easter. 

Catholics use ashes to remind them of death and the sorrow they should feel for their sins. 

Mardi Gras has been celebrated in New Orleans since the French settlers arrived in the early 

1700‘s. Masks were worn to hide the spirits they weren‘t allowed to express. So, if you ever 

wondered why all the crazy parties, mask, and food, now you know. 

Bloody Valentine 



When Valentine‘s Day comes to mind, people usually think of love, 

hearts, free chocolate, etc… No one ever thinks of massacre. Why 

would there be blood and murder on the day of romance Believe it or 

not, there is one Valentine‘s Day no one will ever forget; in 1929, Al 

Capone ordered a bouquet of slaughter instead of chocolates, leaving 

seven dead in a garage on the north side of Chicago. There was not any 

―Happy Valentine‘s Days‖ shared during the St. Valentine‘s Day Massacre. 

So what exactly happened Al Capone arranged for George ―Bugs‖ 

Moran, a Chicago mobster, and his followers to be eliminated on February 

14, 1929. Al Capone‘s henchmen decided to lure Moran and his 

gang to a warehouse on the north side of Chicago, believing that they 

were receiving a shipment of cheap alcohol. At 10:30 a.m., Al Capone‘s 

men, who were disguised as policemen, opened fire on the unaware men 

and killed seven. The among victims were: Jon May, an auto mechanic 

hired by Moran; Frank and Pete Gusenburg, who had previously tried to 

murder Machine Gun Jack McGurn; James Clark, Moran's brother-inlaw; 

and Reinhardt Schwimmer, a young optometrist who often hung 

around for the thrill of sharing company with gangsters. Even though 

this massacre has won fame in history, the plan was actually a failure 

since Al Capone‘s Moran target escaped the slaughter by being late. 

Moreover, the mass killing only brought more federal attention than it 

did help. This must be how the real mafia spends Valentine‘s Day. 

Happy Valentine‘s Day everybody! 

Left: Al Capone 

Right: George ―Bugs‖ Moran

V 

alentine’s Messages Chatterbox 


To: Alexis Johnson 

From: DeAnna Nunn 

You’re the best! Thanks for the dollar to buy this! 

To: Amber My Bae 

From: You Know Who 

I know we have our ups and downs but ur are still my bae.ILY! 

To: Meche 

From: Lex 

Happy Valentine’s Day Lil’ Ugly! (lol) Just kidding! Love ya! 

To: Ke$ha 

From: Katy Perry 

I love you tons and remember that you’re sassy but classy! LOL – 

insider 

To: Resume’ Yearbook Staff 

From: Mrs. Strickler 

Roses are red, violets are blue, let’s make our deadlines before they 

are due! Happy

V 

alentine’s Messages Chatterbox 


To: Emily & Amber 

From: Cookie 

Here! I wrote one though you’re reading it out loud, Happy Valentine 

Day! To the both of you. 

To: RHS Juniors 

From: Diana Humphries, 11 th grade counselor 

One semester down; one to go. Work hard and do your best. I love 

you! 

To: Molly Sandefur 

From: Gray Taylor 

Even though you’re not at RHS anymore, 

you’re still my #1. I miss/heart you! :) 

To: Meche 

From: Lex 

Happy Valentine’s Day, Bae! What’s good Love ya! 

To: The Kaveman 

From: Spaz Kid 

You’re an amazing friend and I’m glad I got to know you dude. 

Crazy life and friends we got. Lol 

To: Shelby Knodel 

From: Matthew Cardenas 

It’s been an amazing year with you so far. Thank you! 

To: Milli 

From: Sussi 

When it is only showed unto any person so ever, it inciteth and 

exciteth wonderfully unto love. 

To: Meowcakes 

From: BEAUtiful 

Sup lil’ mamma ;) 

To: Dalton Henry 

From: John Alejos & Zack Sanders 

Pancakes tomorrow at night. 

To: Bradlee 

From: Emily 

Thank you. Happy Valentine’s Day and stuff. You make me 

happy and I love you! 

To: FBLA Members 

From: Mr. Bruner 

FBLA Rules! Happy Valentine’s Day! It may be postponed—but 

district is still ours to rule. Then—we take State! 

To: Rocky 

From: Carrots 

Te Amo, my Italian. 

To: Ivana Kallova 

From: Christian Amos 

Prom 

To: Brittana 

From: Me 

You are the most ―awe-giving‖ friend I could ask for! 

To: RHS Choir 

From: Charles Ives 

Thank you for all your hard work and love for my music! (And your 

teacher loves you, so play nice!) 

To: BFFI & Batman 

From: BFFI∞ 

Hey, you two are the flowers to my garden and the milk to my 

cheerios-How could I live without you 

To: Myketrian 

From: La’ Blue 

Hi Sweetie you have opened the doors of my heart, now it’s time 

for you to walk thru. Will you be my valentine 

To: Batman 

From: Catwoman 

You are Batman! @ friends forever! Down with Anne Hathaway! 

To: Meche 

From: Lex 

Happy Valentine’s Day, Bae! What’s good Love ya! 

To: Art I Students 

From: Mrs. Strickler 

Happy Valentine’s Day from your awesome art teacher! =) 

To: The Band Geeks 

From: The Class Clown 

Keep Playing Band Geeks! 

To: Christy 

From: Lloyd 

Happy Valentine’s Day. Love ya! 

To: Mr. Bruner 

From: FBLA Members 

We appreciate you and all you do for us! We 

will rock district, then roll state!

S 

Prom is Almost Here! 

by Patricia Duhart 

Social Reporter 

ervice and Social Chatterbox 


Almost a month until this year‘s Night of the Dragon prom! Found out who you are taking yet 

If you don‘t know, you better find out soon. Tickets are still on sale. Seniors who didn‘t pay last 

year, your cost is $35. Seniors, if you paid last year as a junior, your cost is free. Juniors, your 

costs are $30 in February and $35 in March per person. Mrs. Debbie Martin and Mrs. Julie Stephenson 

will be taking up the money and handing out the invitations. Prom is March 19, 2011, at 

TONK. So be there or be square. See you there Bearcats! 

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 

The Brain 

by Shamario Daniel 

Club Reporter 

Do you know that the brain is one of the most 

important organs in your body Well now you do. 

PYPM has started another semester of teaching 

second graders at Ruston Elementary. They are 

teaching four classes; the first two lessons of the 

new semester tell how important the brain is to your body. The brain is 

―THE BOSS‖ because it is the control center of the body. Did you know it 

takes at least 21 years for our brains to prepare us to live the rest of our 

lives Crazy, huh But it‘s true. An adult brain weighs about 3 pounds 

compared to the 1pound at birth. The brain controls your everyday life as 

well as your future. In other words, it‘s a major source of your life. So 

what would you do without it PROTECT YOUR BRAIN BECAUSE 

YOU ONLY GET ONE. 

Rotary Club Winners 



Month 

September 

October 

November 

December 

January 

February 

March 

April 

May 

Keywanettes News 

by Amber Brown 

Senior Editor 

Students 

Elizabeth Sawyer 

Valarie Wheat 

Christopher Taylor 

Kate Warner 

Elizabeth Moore 

Hannah Rose McIntire 

Ashley Davison 

Mary Glenn Lyons 

Caroline Oakley 

Taylor Kaufman 

TBA 

TBA 

TBA 

TBA 

On February 8 th , the Ruston High School Keywanettes officers were 

invited to a breakfast event with the Sunrise Kiwanis. The event was for 

them to discuss current and future projects that they would be participating 

in. The Keywanettes is a service club that has provided the school and 

the community with many beneficial projects. As the school year dwindles 

the Keywanettes are now looking for new members to help with these 

projects. But, be sure that all girls are aware of the requirements to become 

a member, such as a certain GPA, other activities, and recommendations 

from respectable people. Applications will be available at the start 

of March. So hurry up and apply before it‘s too late!

B 

earcat Baseball Ad Chatterbox 


2011 BEARCAT BASEBALL APPAREL 

The RHS Baseball Booster Club will be selling Bearcat Baseball apparel through Wed. Feb. 16th. There 

are two designs to choose from. You can get the red design on a t-shirt, sweatshirt or hoodie. The 

black design is available on a long or short sleeve t-shirt only. Fill out the information below and return 

it to the office along with your money by Wed., February 16 th . 

T-shirt (short sleeve only), sweatshirt, or hoodie available 

T-shirt only with team rosters on back 

Short and long sleeve T-shirt available 

Name____________________________________ Phone #_______________________ 

School _____________________Grade_______1 st hour Teacher____________________ 

Red 

T-shirt 

Red 

Sweat 

Red 

Hoodie 

Black 

short sleeve 

T-shirt 

Black 

long sleeve 

t-shirt 

Cost YS YM YL SM MED LG XL XXL 3XL 

$15 

$20 

$25 

$15 

$18 

Total 

Quantity 

Total $ 

* 2XL and 3XL add $2.00 Total Amount Enclosed_________ 

*All orders must be paid for when ordering and must be paid in cash.

C 

lubs/Organizations Chatterbox 


FFA State P-Law 

submitted by Mr. Mark Milstead 

FFA Advisor 

4-H Club Reminders 

submitted by Darby Rowland 

4-H Club Reporter 

Congratulations to the Ruston FFA Parliamentary Procedure 

Team for their performance at the State Parliamentary Procedure 

Career Development Event at the Louisiana Educational Youth 

Center on January 18, 2011. Ruston's team was named the 2010- 

2011 Louisiana FFA State Runner-Up in Parliamentary Procedure. 

The team also had the highest written test average of all the teams in the competition. 

Students had to take a written exam on any subject material that comes from 

Robert's Rules of Order, perform an eight to ten minute unprepared demonstration on 

the motions given to the team, and answer oral questions related to the motion that each 

member had to perform. Team members included Antonio Wilson, Will Edminston, 

Seth Wells, Savannah Best, Adam Bryant, and Brandon Myers. Five of these six members 

are seniors and will be greatly missed next year. Congratulations on all the hard 

work that you have put into this event for the past two years! 

State Parliamentary Procedure 

Runners-up team included 

Brandon Myers, 

Savannah Best, Will Edmiston, 

Antonio Wilson, 

Seth Wells and Adam Bryant 

(not pictured). 

Attention Ruston 4-Hers -Achievement Day is coming up 

fast. To be eligible to attend you must participate in at least 

two parish events. If you have not already done so, there are 

several events coming up! 

The annual 4-H Foods Festival will be held on February 21 st at I.A. Lewis 

School. See the newsletter for further details. 

Black History Posters are due to the 4-H office by February 25th. 

Night at the Mudbugs Hockey Game will be Saturday, March 12, 2011. 

Tickets are $12.00 each and you must register by February 15, 2011. 

Hot Sauce Fundraiser: There are several students involved in the Junior Leader 

Club. They are selling hot sauce to raise money for 4-H University and other trips. 

They are also participating in community service events and assisting with contests 

and activities for younger 4-Hers. Junior Leaders meet at the 4-H office once per 

month. 

Community Service Project: We will be starting a new 4-H Club community service 

project during March. Please be on the lookout for further details. 

KING OF HEARTS 

PROM IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER…………. 

Dresses available only at our Monroe Location; Tuxedoes available at both! 

Monroe: Tuxedos, Bridal & Formals 

Ruston: King of Hearts Tuxedos 

1707 Hudson Lane 1406 Farmerville Hwy 

(318) 322-6274 (318) 251-1254 

www.king-of-hearts.com

C 

lubs/Organizations Chatterbox 


FBLA Students Interact With 

A. E. Phillips 

submitted by Amber Brown and Brittany White 

FBLA Vice-President- Service and Vice-President- Progress 

What Will You Do 

With Your Life 

by Shamario Daniel 

Club Reporter 

Recently, one of the Vice Presidents from the Ruston High School Future Business 

Leaders of America volunteered at A.E. Phillips, as a requirement for FBLA‘s Business 

Level of the Business Achievement Awards (BAA). Brittany White, along with her 

friend Heather Tanner, read a well known book by Dr. Seuss, ―The Lorax,‖ and helped 

the students plant sunflower seeds in cups to take home. The two students started off by 

reading the Dr. Seuss book to the well behaved A.E. Phillips Kindergarteners. Brittany 

and Heather read the book with much enthusiasm as the students enjoyed every bit of it. 

After reading the book, the students moved into the activity space where they then 

had a cup of starter soil handed to them to put in their own cup. Next, the students 

passed around a cup with sunflower seeds in it and each took a seed to bury in their soil. 

Brittany and Heather went around and watered each of the kindergarteners cups with 

just enough water to start if off. The students were told to water their flower every day 

with just a small amount of water. Overall everyone had a fun and joyful experience. 

This was a great educational experience for both Brittany and Heather and especially 

the kindergarteners. 

To learn more about the BAA program, contact Brittany White, as she has now completed 

both the Future and the Business Level Awards and is now working towards 

competing for the Richard D. Clanton Memorial Scholarship at the Louisiana FBLA 

State Conference. 

Brittany and Heather In Action 

Students with their projects. 

PCI has been meeting every Tuesday after 

school in Mrs. Dunbar‘s room because students 

from Louisiana Tech have been coming to 

share knowledge about life after high school 

and college choices. College is very important 

and everyone should want to attend. These 

delicate choices will determine where you end 

up in life. There are several colleges around the 

Ruston and Monroe area that students can attend. 

PCI is getting students ready for the future 

so they can excel and succeed in life. If 

you‘re not ready for a 4-year university/ 

college, you can always attend a vocational 

college. So what do you want to do with your 

life MAKE DECISIONS THAT WILL BET- 

TER YOUR FUTURE!

T 

he Arts 



Busy, Busy Band! 


Arts Reporter 

On January 21, 2011, the band members got a surprise visitor, Sergeant Nash, a member of 

the Marine Corp from Minden, Louisiana, who came to speak to the band about the Marine Corp 

Band. He visits every year to educate band members on their talents that can be used for government 

jobs. When asked what she thought about the band, Anna Scroggins exclaimed, ―Have you 

ever seen them [Marine Corp band] They‘re great! I‘d love to play for them.‖ Other Ruston 

High musicians had compliments to share as well. In reference to Sgt. Nash‘s presentation, Zach 

Bertrand said thoughtfully, ―He had a lot of interesting things to say.‖ Other band members admired 

him for other reasons entirely, like Marcie McTyre who said, ―I like their uniforms. I like 

their uniforms a lot.‖ Sgt. Nash gave serious musicians something to think about after graduation. 

January 27 th -29 th was the District One Band Director‘s Association Honor Band Clinic. These 

members were featured in last month‘s Chatterbox edition and traveled to the University of Louisiana 

in Monroe to perform with other band members from surrounding schools who made it. 

The Courtside Cats have been playing at the basketball games to induce school spirit and will 

continue playing for the rest of the season! Watching the game isn‘t the only reason to attend 

anymore. On February 25, the South Central Regional Music Conference and Honor Band will 

be held at the Monroe Civic Center. ―I‘m looking forward to playing with Bradlee and Sam 

[fellow percussionist],‖ McKenzie Rhodes said. This conference is the pre-festival decision. It 

leads up to the LMEA Large Ensemble Festival that will be held at West Ouachita High School 

on March 8 th and 9 th . The Bearcat band will surely be busy in the upcoming months. 

Singing with the 

Stars 


Arts Reporter 

The month of January gave the choir a small 

break, but this month they have to jump right 

back on the train! During January, choir members 

were called to the auditorium for a special 

concert by Southern Mississippi University‘s 

Men‘s Choir. However, Ruston wasn‘t the only 

party that felt honored to be visited by such 

talent. John Flanery, Assistant Director of Choral 

Activates at SMU stated, ―Greg Odom 

bragged that Ruston has some of the best singers 

in the state, so we decided to come check 

out the school and do a little recruiting for 

Southern Miss.‖ Southern Mississippi‘s choir 

members heard good things about Ruston‘s 

choir as well. ―I was referred [to Ruston] by 

Greg Odom from West Monroe High School, 

he pointed out that Ruston has the best Choral 

program in the state of Louisiana,‖ member 

Cameron Weatherford said. When Jonathon 

Braannan, another member of the visiting college‘s 

choir was asked what advice he had for 

students looking to major in music, he said, 

―Go ahead and do whatever it takes to get 

scholarships, and look everywhere, not just at 

one college. Just go for it because music is one 

of the most enjoyable majors.‖ 

Tomorrow, February 15 th there will be a 

Solo and Ensemble Festival here in Ruston. Jon 

Barker is going to judge for this event. This 

festival is the district qualifier for the state 

rally. The state rally will be held at LSU in 

April and there‘s no doubt the bearcat choir 

will dominate. 

Charles Bruffy, whom was introduced in 

earlier Chatterbox editions, will finally be arriving 

at the end of February. If you didn‘t read 

previous choir articles, you may not be familiar 

with who Charles Bruffy is. Charles Bruffy 

conducts the Kansas City Chorale, Kansas City 

Symphony Chorus, and the Phoenix Chorale. 

He has received numerous awards including 

ASCAP‘s Adventurous Programming award 

and TWO ACTUAL GRAMMYS! He has performed 

all over the world in places like Carnegie 

Hall, the Sydney Opera House in Australia, 

and in countries like South Korea and France. 

The famous Charles Bruffy will be holding 

workshops and rehearsals for the RHS choir on 

February 24 th and 25 th , leading to a concert on 

the 26 th at 11:00 am in the Ruston High auditorium. 

All of the choir members are super excited 

and beyond anxious for his arrival. Christian 

Amos stated enthusiastically, ―I hope he 

brings his Grammys!‖ Other members of the 

bearcat choir share in his admiration for 

Charles Bruffy. Andrew Serio made the compliment 

that ―Charles Bruffy is a god!‖ 

The choir members are getting chances of a 

lifetime. It is an honor to work with these astute 

musicians. With celebrities like Charles 

Bruffy, and Valerie Naranjo, who is coming to 

help with ―Bearcats on Broadway‖ next month, 

Ruston High is on its way to fame. 

Art 

submitted by Mrs. Strickler 

Art Teacher 

The Art Club slowed down through the holidays but is back in full swing 

for the new semester! Members are challenging themselves as they take on 

school and community service projects. The club officers have been elected 

and they are President, Diamond Melton; Co Vice-Presidents, Haley McCalman 

and Mayisha Nakib; Historian, Jeb Rodriguez; and Co Secretaries, 

Chelsea Jenkins and Anna Smith. They are brainstorming some great ideas 

for the remainder of the school year. For example, several of the more artistic 

members will be helping me with the backdrop for the upcoming Bearcats 

on Broadway production in March. Plans are also underway to visit with 

a pre-k or kindergarten group to complete an arts and crafts project. We look 

forward to even more projects as the opportunities arise in the future. 

We have all your music needs at 

Piney Hills Music!! 

214 N. Trenton Street 

232-3002

S 

enior Spotlights Chatterbox 

Ruston High School February 14, 2010 Page 19 

Name: Amber Sanders (Big Mac, Marlay, AmBam) 

Age: 17 

Family: LaWanda (Mom), Stacy (Dad), Jalena, Laycie (sisters), Gracie, Chance, Jewel (horses) 

Favorites... 

Subject: Choir Movie: The Little Mermaid Animal: Horse Color: Green Book/Magazine: Where the Red Fern Grows 

Quote: ―Dream as if you‘ll live forever, live as if you‘ll die today.‖ -James Dean 

What do you like best about RHS: The school spirit and the Friday night football games and the basketball games. 

Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Basketball, FCCLA, Choir, GOT team, PYPM 

College plans: Northwestern/ major in Elementary Education; minor in Music 

Your hero: GOD and my sister, Jalena 

Name: Daveon Jones (Dae Dae, Davy) 

Age: 17 

Family: Homer (Grandpa), Jean (Grandma) 

Favorites... 

Subject: 1st period Movie: Fight Club Animal: Dave Anderson 

Most embarrassing moment: At Ruston, the first time Coach Anderson cracked jokes on me. 

What do you like best about RHS: Track meets & World History 

Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Track & Field, KOM 

College plans: NSU/ Secondary Education 

Your hero: Coach Hall my bestie!! 

Name: Aisha Jackson 

Age: 17 

Family: Ed (Dad), Victoria (Mom), Ashley, Adrianna, Andrea, Alexis (sisters) 

Favorites... 

Subject: Choir Movie: Vivah Animal: Platypus Color: Blue Book/Magazine: Chatterbox! 

Quote: ―A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you‘ve forgotten the words.‖ 

What do you like best about RHS: Lunch Time (cause it means free time) 

Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Choir & KOM 

College plans: NSU Demons!/ Music Education Major 

Your hero: Jesus!!! 

Name: Hannah Rose McIntire (Hannah ROOOOSE!, HooBoo) 

Age: 18 

Family: Mom, Dad, Sam, Joshua 

Favorites... 

Subject: Math Movie: Sahara Animal: African Giraffe Color: Blue Book/Magazine: “The Small Woman”-Gladys Alyward 

Quote: ―He is no fool who gives what he cannot lose.‖ -Jim Elliot 

What do you like best about RHS: My track family, my besties, the people, and the overall atmosphere. 

Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Track, LYFE, Spanish Club, and Keywanettes 

College plans: John Brown University/ Graphic Design 

Your hero: Aaron Boersma, Elizabeth Moore, The Howells...etc.! 

Name: Elizabeth Moore (Lizzi, Ell, E-Moore, Lizzy-Beth) 

Age: 17 

Family: Mom, Dad, Matthew, Michael, John David 

Favorites... 

Subject: Drop everything and read! Movie: Pride & Prejudice Animal: anything that goes maaaah... Color: Blue 

Book/Magazine: Jane Eyre 

Quote: ―And this is love, not that we love God, but that He loves us and gave His son to be the perfect sacrifice for our sins.‖ 1 John 4 

What do you like best about RHS: the best friends in the world and my mentees :) 

Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Belles, KOM, LYFE, FCA, Choir, Ambassadors, and Keywnettes 

College plans: Mississippi College; major– English Literature, minor– Biblical Studies 

Your hero: Starbucks

S 



Name: Brittney Washington (Lue) 

Age: 18 

Family: Mom, Dad, sister, Cujo (brother) 

Favorites... 

Movie: Baby Boy, Poetic Justice Animal: Stallion Color: Purple Book/Magazine: No More Playas 

Quote: ―No weapons formed against me will prosper and I truly believe that my haters are my motivators.‖ -Nicki Minaj 

What do you like best about RHS: Pep rallies 

Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: FBLA 

College plans: Going to the Navy 

Your hero: My Mother 

Name: Byronesha Santiago (Playmaker) 

Age: 17 

Family: Josie (Mom), Bryon (Dad), Chelz (sister), Spalding (pet) 

Favorites... 

Subject: Spanish II Movie: Love & Basketball Animal: Dislike animals Color: Blue 

Most embarrassing moment: I don‘t get embarrassed. 

What do you like best about RHS: Girls Basketball 

Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Basketball, Basketball, Basketball 

College plans: Play college ball. 

Your hero: Jehovah 

Name: Savannah Best 

Age: 17 

Family: Sammye & Jody (parents), Jordan & Raleigh (sisters), Ty (brother) 

Favorites... 

Subject: Ag Movie: Transformers Animal: Dog Color: Yellow Book/Magazine: Fallen 

Quote: ―Peace begins with a smile‖ 

Most embarrassing moment: Freshman year, I fell out of my chair at the FFA banquet. 

Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: FFA 

College plans: Louisiana Tech/ Ag Ed. 

Name: Dexter Burks (Peterrabbit) 

Age: 19 

Family: Ruthie Burks (Mom), two brothers, one sister 

Favorites... 

Subject: Math Movie: Soul Men Animal: Dog Color: Black Book/Magazine: The Bully 

Quote: ―Keep your head up and never let anything bring you down‖ 

What do you like best about RHS: Pep rallies, Football games 


College plans: Louisiana Technical College/ Business & UTI 

Your hero: God, Family 

Name: Tyler Andrew Smith (TDog) 

Age: 20 

Family: Tony Allen Smith (brother) 

Favorites... 

Subject: Math Movie: Mall Cop Animal: Owl Color: Black and Red Book/Magazine: Naruto 

Quote: ―It‘s not the size of the dog in the fight, it‘s the size of the fight in the dog.‖ 

What do you like best about RHS: Coach Brown Bio 

College plans: Two year/ Law 

Your hero: 50 Cent

S 



Name: Chelsea Rogers (C-C, Chelz, In your face Rogers) 

Age: 17 

Family: Sheronda (Mom), Marcheile (Step Dad), Mun (brother), Keith (brother), Kourtney (God-Brother) 

Favorites... 

Subject: Math Movie: Friday Animal: Dog Color: Pink 

Quote: ―Trust God only because man will fail you.‖ 

What do you like best about RHS: School Spirit 

Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Basketball, BUMS, National Honor Society 

Your hero: God and Mother 

Name: Raven Kelly (Rae-Rae) 

Age: 17 

Family: Kendra Kelly (sister), Cheylor Kelly (brother), Melissa Kelly (Mom), Chad Sims (brother) 

Favorites... 

Subject: Spanish Movie: Baby Boy Animal: Zebras Color: Anything Bright Book/Magazine: Glamorous 

Quote: ―If you don‘t stand for something, you will fall for anything.‖ -Lil Daddy 

Most embarrassing moment: When I fell my Freshman year in a pep rally in front of the whole school. Ughh!!! 

Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Varsity Cheer, National Champion Competition Squad, FCA 

College plans: Grambling State University/ Biology; plan to be a physical therapist after attending physical therapy school 

Your hero: My Mother 

Name: Dakota Nalitt 

Age: 18 

Family: Gail (Mom), David (Dad), Josh & Tyler (brothers) 

Favorites... 

Subject: Ag Movie: Friday Night Lights Animal: Dog Color: Red 

Quote: ―Work hard, but play harder‖ 

What do you like best about RHS: Not having to come until 2nd hour and then leaving early 


Name: Deja Silas 

Age: 17 

Family: Granny, Great-Granny, Drecia, Phe 

Favorites... 

Subject: English Movie: ATL Animal: Dog Color: Black Book/Magazine: The Child Called It 

Quote: ―I love you.‖ (Deja) 

What do you like best about RHS: Being able to be with the ones I love and RHS spirit and tradition 

Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Pom Squad, COE 

College plans: ULL/Southern/ Nursing 

Your hero: God 

Name: Michael Palmer 

Age: 19 

Family: Paul Palmer (Father), Dennis Allen (Mom), Kimmberly Perez (Fiancée) 

Favorites... 

Subject: Math Movie: Transformers Animal: Dog Color: Red Book/Magazine: Harry Potter 

Quote: ―It can be done.‖ 

College plans: Art School 

Your hero: Grandma & God

S 



Name: Holly Holland 

Age: 17 

Family: Katina (Mom), Eric (Step Dad), Jalen (brother) 

Favorites... 

Subject: Lunch Movie: Baby Boy Animal: Charity (my dog) Color: Red 

Quote: ―I got to much business of my own to be worried about somebody else's.‖ -Holly Cyrus 

What do you like best about RHS: Pep Rallies 

College plans: Go Army! 

Your hero: God and my Mom 

Name: Taylor Rose (T. Rose) 

Age: 18 

Family: Holden (brother), Dad, Granddad 

Favorites... 

Subject: Ag Movie: The Runaways Animal: Rottweiler Color: Black Book/Magazine: If I Stay by Gayle Forman 

Quote: ―Phil Phil! Phil of Fortune!‖ -Sarah Blaylock 

What do you like best about RHS: Being a Senior 

Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: KOM, FFA 

College plans: Police Officer with the Alameda County Sheriff‘s Office 

Your hero: Nakendra Foster 

Name: Jemorio Crowe (J Moe, Boss Crowe, Yo Yo) 

Age: 18 

Family: Jerry Melton (Dad), Dana Crowe (Mom), Jerry Jr. Melton (brother), Jermesha Melton (sister) 

Favorites... 

Subject: Lunch Movie: Friday Animal: Dogs (Bubbles, Mindmight), cat (Holly) Color: I don‘t have one I rock all of them 

Book/Magazine: Bible 

Quote: ―It‘s nothing to the kid, you can get it. It is what it is yo mama.‖ 

What do you like best about RHS: Choir 

Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Choir, I workout 

Your hero: God 

Name: Latoria Whitehead 

Age: 17 

Family: Mary (Mom), Allen (Dad), Jessie, Allen Jr., Emanuel (brothers), Latrice, Katrina (sisters) 

Favorites... 

Subject: English Movie: Baby Boy Animal: Cat Color: Purple Book/Magazine: Bluford series 

Quote: ―Lie down with dogs you get up with fleas.‖ 

Most embarrassing moment: Falling down the stairs freshman year. 

Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: FBLA 

College plans: Louisiana Tech/ Education 

Your hero: My Grandma 

Name: Justin Brazzel (Ju Ju, B) 

Age: 17 

Family: Gary (Dad), Amber (Step Mom), Taylor (sister), 2 step sisters, 1 step brother 

Favorites... 

Subject: Math Movie: Happy Gilmore Animal: Panther Color: Blue Book/Magazine: Chatterbox 

Quote: ―Brazzel your incompetence is showing.‖ -Zach Davis 

What do you like best about RHS: Friends 

Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Football 

College plans: Louisiana Tech 

Your hero: My Mom

E 

ntertainment 



Are You Hungry for More 


Senior Editor 

―The Hunger Games‖ by Suzanne Collins is by far a fantastic book, and that is not just in my opinion! Collins‘ way of writing gives the 

reader a sense of being in the scene, even if her vocabulary is relatively simple. I will not give away any spoilers, because there are plenty of 

people who still need to read this gripping book. However, the basic premise of the book is that in a post-apocalyptic world, the ―Capitol‖ is 

the region where people are prosperous, abundant with food and money, and just plain spoiled. After what we all know as America is destroyed, 

there are twelve Districts, originally thirteen, who must always listen to the ―Capital.‖ One year, the districts rebelled (and thus the 

13 th district was then annihilated) against the ―Capitol.‖ But, the rebels lost and to prove that the Capitol would always be in control, they 

created an annual event which is now known as ―The Hunger Games.‖ The rules: each district must send one boy and one girl (randomly 

drawn at ―The Reaping‖) to represent the district. Each ―Tribute‖ will fight in an unknown and harsh terrain or arena until only one person is 

remaining and all the rest are dead; they must kill each other to win, and become mentors for following tributes. It‘s the Capitol‘s way of 

showing their superiority and punishing the districts from the rebellion many years ago. 

The story follows our protagonist, Katniss, who volunteers to take her younger sister‘s place in the beginning of the Hunger Games. This 

decision leads her to delving into a whole new world. If you are interested in learning more, then you will have to read for all of the fun and 

excitement! Collins‘ does an amazing job when leading all three of the books of the trilogy into one another. The Trilogy can be found in our 

school library. Oh, and don‘t hold your breath waiting for the movie, it doesn‘t come out until either late 2012 or early 2013! 

Facebook is Shutting Down in March Rumor Proved False! 


Senior Editor 

Recently, rumors of a Facebook shut-down on March 15 th has spread like a wildfire on the site itself and Twitter, as well as other blogs, but the company 

has come out and stated that they have no intention of shutting down such a popular social networking site. The Weekly World News (the rumor 

rags that are accused to have originally started this ridiculous rumor) gained many negative responses to Mark Zuckerberg‘s quote as saying Facebook 

had ―gotten out of control and the stress of managing this company has ruined my life.‖ Mashable (a site that tried to help calm the rumor from causing 

any more damage than it already has) said that the rumor spread just days after Facebook announced it had received $450 million worth of funding from Goldman Sachs and $50 

million from Russian investment firm, Digital Sky Technologies. Mashable question, ―The fact that this absurd hoax spread so efficiently makes us wonder: will people believe 

anything‖ Some people even went as far as saying that you should go ahead and remove your personal information, including pictures, videos, etc., off of the profiles for good, 

seeing as the website will be shutting down. This remark was commented on by tens of thousands of people, including Facebook‘s Director of Corporate Communication, Larry 

Yu, ―The answer is no, so please help us put an end to this silliness; we didn‘t get a memo about shutting down and there is still a lot to be done, so we will keep cranking away 

like always.‖ 

Miss America Pageant 2011 



On January 15, 2011, fifty-two beautiful women gathered together to compete for the title Miss America in the 

Miss America 2011 Pageant. The pageant was held in Las Vegas, Nevada, and was shown on the ABC channel. 

The pageant contestants are women representing each state in the United States plus two more from Washington, 

D.C. and Puerto Rico. 

This year Kelsey Crain, from Monroe, Louisiana, proudly represented our state as Miss Louisiana 2011. 

Though she and many others did not make it to the swim suit portion of the competition, the competition was still 

vigorous. This year the Miss America Pageant added many new twist and surprises to the competition by letting 

the contestants, people, and judges vote for the fifteen contestants who moved on into the swim suit portion including: 

Miss Nebraska, Miss Virginia, Miss Kentucky, Miss Delaware, Miss Arkansas, Miss Hawaii, Miss 

Washington, Miss Oklahoma, Miss Oregon, Miss Utah, Miss Rhode Island, Miss New York, Miss Texas, Miss 

California, and Miss Arizona. 

The contestants went through not only a swim suit portion, but an evening wear portion, a talent portion, and a 

question portion. In the end Miss Nebraska, Teresa Scanlan, was crowned Miss America 2011, being the youngest 

woman ever to be crowned this prestigious title at age seventeen. Teresa Scanlan was not the only one making 

history at this pageant though. The pageant was celebrating its 90 th anniversary, and this year to celebrate it they 

invited forty-three former Miss America‘s back to the pageant to celebrate in this amazing accomplishment. 

Teresa Scanlan will go on to compete in the 2011 Miss World pageant against many other countries later on this 

year, and hopefully, with the support of her fellow Americans, return back victoriously. 

Miss Nebraska gets crowned! 

Miss America takes her 

traditional walk. 

Miss Louisiana Kelsey Crain

S 

tudent Center 



An Eagle Scout Walks the Halls of Ruston High 


Senior Editor 

Thomas Gray Taylor, both a member of Chatterbox and FBLA, has earned the Eagle Scout rank, and according to statistics, only four percent 

of boy scouts across the country make it to this prestigious ranking. 

Gray has been a member of the Boy Scouts since he was twelve, but was a member of the Cub Scouts since kindergarten. He is a member 

Troop 59, along with other Bearcats: John Ramsaur, Nicona Lacy, Hunter Humble, Logan Young, and Mark Weir. 

One of the requirements to become an Eagle Scout is to earn a minimum of twenty-one merit badges, but Gray excelled and earned a total of 

twenty-five! As a another major requirement, a scout has to lead his own Eagle Project that benefits the community; as Gray‘s project, he chose to 

help the Ruston Community Theatre renovate, organize, and relocate their props and set pieces with a group of other volunteers. Once the project 

was completed, it was time for the most important part of a scout‘s life, the Eagle Scout Board of Review. He prepared for this monumental day 

by studying the handbook and reviewing basics (knots, first-aid, etc.), and he ended up over preparing, but that goes along with the Scout‘s Motto 

is to ―Be Prepared.‖ So, congratulations, Gray Taylor on your awesome achievement! 

Happily Never After 

The Story of Divorce 

Information accessed at: http://www.divorcerate.org/ 

submitted by Justin Welch 

RHS sophomore 

Divorce destroys family relationships faster than almost anything else. Not 

only does it affect the parent‘s lives, it affects their children‘s lives drastically if 

they have any. The United State ranks number one in divorces with Puerto Rico 

at a close second. On average, 43% of the marriages in America end in divorce 

every year. In 2009, there were 2,355,005 divorces and the number is constantly 

growing! For every marriage one person has after their first one, there is 

a higher percentage rate of the next marriage also failing. Sorry ladies, but according 

to divorcerate.org, women who marry under the age of 20 years file for 

divorce over twice as much as the men. 

Fortunately though, 67% of all divorces are between two people who are 

childless. Children of divorce typically act like things are okay or that they 

don‘t care, but the truth is, most of them are feeling pain and it is sometimes 

hurting them on the inside. They may go into a depressive state or feel like 

there is nothing left for them. Parents and children‘s relationships get torn apart 

because the children feel resentment towards parents for splitting up. 

Kids also think that just because their parents don‘t live together, they have 

to choose where to live. In most case, parents should have a joint-custody 

where kids are allowed to go visit both parents on an equal time scale. Frankly, 

divorce is never the answer but it all depends on how the divorce goes down in 

court. No matter how bad things may seem, divorce only makes things worse. 

So if your parents are divorced or choose to get divorced (which I hope 

never happens), don‘t get yourself down. Hold your head up and go on with 

your life and make sure that you don‘t make the same mistake when you 

choose to get married. 

According to enrichment journal on the divorce rate in America: 

The divorce rate in America for first marriage is 41% 

The divorce rate in America for second marriage is 60% 

The divorce rate in America for third marriage is 73% 

Age Women Men 

Age at marriage 

for those who 

divorce in 

America: 

Under 20 years old 27.6% 11.7% 

20 to 24 years old 36.6% 38.8% 

25 to 29 years old 16.4% 22.3% 

30 to 34 years old 8.5% 11.6% 

35 to 39 years old 5.1% 6.5%

S 

tudent Center 



Ask the Staff 

by Kori Teague 

Guest Reporter 

What does it mean to love someone 

Jesus said to love others as He loved us. 

What does that mean ―For God so loved the 

world that He gave His only Son, that whoever 

believes in Him will not perish but have 

eternal life‖ (John 3:16). 

Does that mean we have to give up our 

children for others Not really. Does that 

mean that we have to go be crucified on a 

cross for someone Not necessarily. It just 

means that we need to be willing to sacrifice 

things in our lives when we love someone. 

Surely, since God gave so much for us because 

He loves us, we can show His love in us 

to others. Happy Valentine‘s Day! 

Ask Russell 

submitted by Beau Russell 

RHS Class President 

What are your thoughts on Valentine’s 

Day 

―I think it‘s a great time to share 

with not only your significant other, 

but also with your friends, and spoil 

them on one of the ‗sweetest‘ days 

of the year.‖ 

How do you attract the ladies 

―It‘s a God given talent. Period.‖ 

You Complete Me 

by Amy Gibson 

Guest Reporter 

Lonely was I, when first we met 

I had lost all hope in this world 

But when you came, I opened myself 

And decided to be your girl 

I feel so safe when I am in your arms 

Nothing can get to me when I‘m with you 

All these things are new to me 

And I am afraid of loving you 

But I trust you with my feelings 

Yes, I do trust you with my heart 

I could never let you down 

Because in my life, you play a huge 

part 

The way my heart speeds makes no 

sense 

But I don‘t mind it at all 

I stumble over everything around you 

But your hand is always there to stop my fall 

Your words are so soothing to my soul 

Your touch comforts my pain 

I pray that no matter what happens 

Your feelings for me will never change 

Tears come to my eyes when I think of you 

Because the love I feel is that strong 

And I‘m not afraid to say 

That I‘ve loved you all along 

Truly I speak, when I say that there are no words 

Then I do speak the truth 

I cannot find any explanation 

To describe my love for you 

But why should I need words 

When all I need, I have 

There is always a smile in my heart 

In your love, I always laugh 

You are that twinkle in my eye 

And the blush appearing on my cheeks 

I am blessed to call you mine 

Grateful am I that we got to meet 

Just seeing your face gives me chills 

Experiencing your love makes my soul tremble 

I love being with you…in your presence 

Please always remember 

Unconditional love is what I feel for you 

And on me you must never give up 

Safe and secure I will always be 

If you hold me tightly in your love 

Only my love could ever see 

That you complete me 

The Chatterbox reminds all students that everyone has a right to an opinion on issues. 

If you have an opinion and wish to write an article, the Chatterbox reminds you that 

all submissions are subject to staff, editor, and administrative review to ensure that the 

article provides information or promotes school pride, and does so without materially 

disrupting work, does not cause substantial disorder, or does not invade the rights of 

these. If you would like your article considered for submission, please email it to 

chatterbox@lincolnschools.org or turn it in in electronic format to one of our staff. 

Only signed editorials and articles will be considered.

un Page 

F 



Sudoku 

January 

Answers 

Valentine’s Day Word Search 


Graphics/Design Editor

S 

ponsors and Staff Chatterbox 


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 

BESTWAY Michael Kolb 4 

Seeker Springs Tammie Slawson 6 

Wells Fargo Julie Guillot 10 

Driver‘s Ed Ricky Durrett 14 

King of Hearts Pat Murray 16 

Kevin Beasley Photography Kevin Beasley 17 

Pow Wow Manuel and Nilda Chinchilla 17 

Piney Hills Music Nick Goff 18 

Dr. Rendina Lynn Crowe 18 

Geri G. Taylor Geri Taylor 28 

Nick Brown Show Nick Brown 29 

Ruston Locker Room Yvonne Craft 31 

Space Available Space Available Space Available 

Space Available Space Available Space Available 

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 

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

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

journalism. In addition, if a reasonable basis or belief that a publication would materially disrupt class work, involve substantial disorder, or invade the rights of these, it 

will not be published in keeping with the guidelines of Hazelwood School District vs. Kulkmeier (1998). Signed editorials may be sent to Ruston High School, 900 Bearcat 

Drive, Ruston, Louisiana 71270. 

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

S 

ports 



RHS Track Preview 

by Keekee Williams 

Sports Reporter 

As the weather changes and the 

seasons shift, there are also other 

seasons that change, sports seasons. 

When spring comes around, 

it‘s time to hang up those football 

jerseys and put away those swimming 

caps. 

Track and Field 

is all about 

strength and 

speed. If you work 

hard and do what 

RHS track coach 

Dave Anderson 

advises you to do, 

you will be a winner 

and if you don‘t you‘ll find out 

what else he‘s good at besides 

coaching. The track team‘s first 

meet will be an indoor qualifying 

meet on February 8. If they qualify 

in that division, then the runners 

will advance to the Indoor State 

meet on February 19. 

The outdoor season starts on 

March 4. The key athletes and 

events that everyone should be on 

the watch for will be the boy‘s pole 

Tennis Ready to Rally 



-vaulters, Nick Richardson and 

Daveon Jones; the distant runners, 

Chase Millien and Dominique 

Cheffin; the girls relay teams, javelin 

throwers and distant races. 

There are an estimated 75 members 

currently on the track team and 

with both the boys 

and girls finishing 

in second last year 

at the state meet, 

Coach Anderson 

says there‘s only 

one way to improve 

and that‘s to 

go up. 

While Ruston will be moving 

up from classification 4-A to a 5-A 

redistricting, to Ruston‘s Coach 

Anderson that change will not 

change the competition. ―It wouldn‘t 

make a difference because it‘s 

still very competitive in either 

class‖, says Anderson. 

His favorite aspect about 

coaching track should be so obvious, 

WINNING, which his teams 

are known for! 

The Lady Bearcats Are a Strong Team 

submitted by Coach David Aguilar 

Girls’ Basketball Head Coach 

It is hard to determine when a team comes 

together and begins working as one. Sometimes 

it happens after a particularly hard practice 

or after a tough loss. Some teams never get 

there and are labeled as "coulda- wouldashoulda- 

teams." The Lady Bearcats are a group 

of diverse young ladies that came together 

every day attempting to better themselves and 

play together and win. The seniors on the team 

are a perfect mix of 

talent. 

Byronesha Santiago 

and Chelsea 

Rogers played key 

roles in last year‘s 

team that played in the 

quarter finals and lost 

to the eventual state 

champions. Three 

other seniors stand out 

as well. Taylor Kaufman, 

a state ranked 

swimmer, and highly 

skilled student, raises 

the level of the teams play. Jasmine White 

played point guard for three years and this year 

she has accepted the role of sixth man. For us 

that is a defensive stopper, rebounder and offensive 

threat to the opposing team. Amber Sanders 

is a striking singer and multi-talented 

The Lady Bearcats vs. the Lady Rams 

player. She came to Ruston as a point guard 

and evolved into a strong presence at the block. 

All five seniors have various skill levels and 

diverse backgrounds. They also have one goal 

to bring a championship to Ruston, the Bearcat 

Nation. For this team which has a record of 21 

- 4 as this article goes to print, we are not sure if 

they have completely come together. "There are 

moments that these girls put it all together and 

get close to reaching 

their potential" Coach 

Amanda Aguilar 

thinks. "Potential is 

such a double edged 

sword, it can be your 

crutch or the challenge 

you need to push 

through." 

As these young ladies 

grow each day and 

build on their experiences, 

the Bearcat Nation 

waits for Tuesday 

and Friday nights to see 

what new challenges these girls will defeat and 

what new skills they will display. The coaches 

are proud of what they have accomplished and 

are hoping that someday soon they will evolve 

into becoming the best they can be as individuals 

and as a team. 

As tennis season bounces 

around again, the players 

start to make a racket during 

practice sessions. Led by 

assistant coach, Mallory 

Smith and head coach Gavin 

McKinney (currently on 

leave), the RHS tennis team 

are getting ready to start the 

season with their first match. 

Head varsity coach 

Gavin McKinney is a United 

States Professional Tennis 

Association instructor and 

he promotes the sport of 

tennis in Ruston and the 

surrounding areas. The tryout 

for the Bearcat Tennis 

team was held on November 

17 and they currently hold 

practice from 7 th period to 

4:30. The girls that made the 

team were Jordan Crume, 

Dinah Diaz, Mary Hollis 

Graham, Kaitlyn Heiden, 

Abbie King, Mary-Kyle 

McDonald, Courtney 

McKinney, Kellen Skains, 

and Heather Tanner. The 

males that joined the squad 

were: Jonathan Abernathy, 

Phillip Alva, Spencer Berry, 

Kyle Carter, Matt Oaks, 

Nathan Parks, Nick Parks, 

Cody Sanderson, Hayden 

Smithey, Chris Taylor, 

Caleb White, and Jack 

Woods. 

Coach McKinney says, ―I 

am very pleased with the 

quality of players that participated 

in try-outs this 

year.‖ ―The great thing 

about tennis is that there are 

opportunities to participate 

in groups and play tournaments 

year round.‖ Last year 

the Bearcat tennis team 

made it to state but didn‘t 

quite make it all the way. 

―This year we plan on going 

back to state taking the boys 

with us and winning‖, says 

Coach Smith. The first 

match is February 22 at 

Neville High School and as 

the season gets ready to roll, 

we will show our support for 

the Bearcat tennis team in 

every possible way. Go 

‗Cats!

S 

ports 



Bearcat Soccer Nears End 

by Reed Malek 


As the month of February rolls in, Ruston soccer‘s regular 

season come to an end. 

After all the season‘s hard work, the Lady Bearcats finished 

their season with a record of 10-7-3 and the boys finished 

10-8-1. 

Both teams played their Senior Games against West 

Ouachita High on Saturday, January 29. The girls pulled off a 

close 3-2- victory and the boys dominated the Chiefs 7-1. 

The last stretches of the Bearcat soccer seasons were 

plagued by several game cancellations due to weather, but the 

‗Cats rebounded and were able to end their seasons on a 

strong note. 

The Bowl College Series 

by Reed Malek 


Senior Lauren Prescott crosses a West 

Ouachita (20) defender, during the senior 

night match-up. 

NICK BROWN 

SHOW 

Saturday Mornings 

8 A.M. – 10 A.M. 

ESPN 97.7 FM Radio 

In the increasingly popular world of college 

football, there is one infamous debate 

that dominates virtually every discussion of 

the sport: what to do about the Bowl College 

Series, more fondly known as the BCS. 

The BCS has been the governing body of 

college football ever since its 

inception in 1998. The BCS 

dictates which teams play in 

which bowl games, an ability 

criticized by many as being 

monopolistic and unfair to the 

smaller schools in the nonautomatic 

qualifying conferences 

such as the Mountain 

West and WAC. 

In college football, there 

are currently six ―automaticqualifying‖ 

conferences: the 

Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-10 (soon 

to be Pac-12), Atlantic Coast 

Conference, Big East, and 

Southeastern Conference (SEC). These conferences 

are given the title ―automaticqualifying‖ 

because their winners receive 

automatic bids in the BCS Bowls. 

Of the ever-increasing number of bowl 

games in the sport, there are five that are the 

most money-making and most popular: the 

Orange Bowl, Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl, Fiesta 

Bowl, and the BCS National Championship 

game. The argument against the BCS 

lies mainly in the unfairness of the selection 

process of the participants of these bowls. 

Fans of the teams of non-automatic qualifying 

conferences like the previously named 

Mountain West and WAC are angry because 

their teams do not receive the opportunity 

that teams in automatic-qualifying conferences 

do. 

If Boise State (WAC, non-automatic 

qualifying), Texas (Big-12, automaticqualifying), 

and Alabama (SEC, automaticqualifying) 

all finish their regular seasons 

with undefeated records, Texas 

and Alabama will play in the 

BCS National Championship 

because the BCS would deem 

their schedules more difficult 

than Boise State‘s. This scenario 

is nearly identical to the 

situation of the 2009-2010 

college football season. The 

only difference is that Texas 

Christian University 

(Mountain West, nonautomatic 

qualifying) finished 

Accessed at undefeated as well. Who 

www.walterfootball.com played in the BCS National 

Championship Texas and Alabama. 

Boise State and TCU played in a 

smaller BCS bowl. 

This BCS bias has many across the nation 

outraged and calling for the expulsion of the 

BCS from college football. Though I agree 

with those who want the BCS gone, it is a 

lost cause. 

The BCS is, ultimately, based off money. 

Teams in the Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, etc. have 

many more fans and therefore bring in more 

money to the BCS if they play in their bowl 

games. In a way, the BCS is a monopoly. 

If there is anything to be done about the 

BCS, we must look at history. There is only 

one thing that has ever been able to end a 

monopoly: government intervention. 

Find us on 

Setting the Record 



There are a lot of records being set 

all over the world today that they have 

to be compiled into one big archive; 

the Guinness World Records. Many 

people have tried setting records and 

also breaking them but many come 

close and several fall short. 

In sports there are some great but 

weird achievements sought out to be 

done. On October 19, 2008, 3,807 

participants ran a hundred meters in a 

twenty-four hour relay for the Latvian 

Nations 90 th Anniversary Celebration 

at the Douglas Stadium in Riga, Latvia. 

On May 15, 1999, an American 

man by the name of Michael Kettman 

set the record for the most basketballs 

spun simultaneously with a total of 

twenty-eight balls. The longest softball 

game played was ninety-five 

hours and twenty-three minutes, at Ed 

Janiszewski Park in Quebec, Canada. 

The longest volleyball game played 

totaled a time of sixty hours by SVU 

acebook! 

University in Amsterdam. On June 12, 

2010, ‗Swim for Children‘ broke the 

Guinness record for the most people 

swimming one length in a twenty-four 

hour relay with 5,028 participants 

successfully completing a minimum 

distance of sixty feet Padova, Italy. 

At Ruston High, we have some 

records of our own that have been set 

and broken. Trey Hadnot set a record 

in the 400M dash with a time of 48.02 

seconds, beating Ruston‘s administrator/alumni 

David Crowe‘s old record. 

The Ruston High School boys track 

team is the only public school in the 

Louisiana High School Athletic Association 

to capture a Class 5A championship(4 

times to be exact). Coach 

Anderson, the coach of the RHS track 

and field team, has established 39 of 

42 possible school records and more 

than 300 marks have earned listings in 

the national record book, during his 

20 years of coaching at Ruston.

S 

ports 



Green Bay Packers Win Super Bowl XLV 

by Reed Malek 


Forty-four Super Bowls ago, the Green Bay Packers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl I 35-10 behind their MVP quarterback Bart Starr and head coach Vince 

Lombardi. In Super Bowl forty-five on Sunday, February 6, 2011, the Packers matched their victory in the first Super Bowl, winning 31-25 over the Pittsburgh Steelers giving 

the franchise its fourth Super Bowl victory. Though they weren‘t led by the likes of the legendary Starr and Lombardi, quarterback Aaron Rodgers and head coach Mike 

McCarthy proved that they could get the job done just as well. 

Things got ugly quick; a botched national anthem by Christina Aguilera, a scene of Cameron Diaz hand-feeding popcorn into the mouth of Alex Rodriguez, and a 14-0 

Green Bay lead at the end of the first quarter spelled doom for the night. The Packers struck first blood with a twenty-nine-yard touchdown pass from Rodgers to wide receiver 

Jordy Nelson with 3:44 left in the first quarter and scored on a Nick Collins interception return-touchdown merely twenty-four seconds later. It appeared early that the black 

and gold were going to be black and blue by the end of the day. However, the Green Bay beat-down was mitigated by a Ben Roethlisberger touchdown pass to Hines Ward 

with thirty-nine seconds left in the first half, making the Packers‘ lead 21-10 at halftime. 

Going into the fourth quarter, all speculation about a Green Bay blowout had diminished. Thanks to an 8-yard touchdown run by Rashard Mendenhall in the third quarter, 

the Steelers had cut the Packers‘ lead to four points and shut the mouths of hasty critics. However, Green Bay took action quickly in the fourth quarter with an 8-yard touchdown 

pass from Aaron Rodgers to wide receiver Greg Jennings, making the score 28-17. With seven and a half minutes left in the game, the Steelers cut the Green Bay lead to 

three via a twenty-five-yard touchdown pass from Roethlisberger to Mike Wallace. The Packers then put together a solid, five and a half minute drive that culminated in a 

twenty-three-yard Mason Crosby field goal, making the score 31-25 in favor of Green Bay. This score would remain on the scoreboard for the rest of the game. 

In the end Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy hoisted the Super Bowl trophy, just as Bart Starr and Vince Lombardi did forty-four years ago in the very first Super Bowl. 

Rodgers would be named the game‘s Most Valuable Player, having accumulated three hundred and four yards passing and three touchdowns, all on twenty-four completions in 

thirty-nine passing attempts. Though a lot of factors went into Green Bay‘s victory, one glaring statistic undoubtedly made the difference in the game: turnovers. Pittsburgh 

turned the ball over three times, while Green Bay went the entire game without doing so. Whatever the cause, the Packers will now carry the Vince Lombardi Trophy back to 

Green Bay. 

Accessed at www.jaywashere.com 

Accessed at www.jaywashere.com 

Bearcat Football Celebrates Season with Banquet 


Sports Editor 

Athletic director and head football coach, Billy 

Laird introduces keynote speakers and award 

presenters at the annual Bearcat football banquet. 

The Bearcats of Ruston High School prevailed through 

their 2010 season after starting off with a tough record. With 

powerful weapons such as senior Ja‘Ren Johnson on offense 

and senior Nick Richardson on the Bearcat defense, this 

helped Ruston end ups and downs of the 2010 season with a 

winning record! 

On the night of January 26 th , Ja‘Ren received the honorable 

Hoss Garrett award for his grand performance throughout 

the season. As a junior, he led the running game with 

925 yards but bettering his senior performance by rushing 

for more than 1,000 yards, with a career-best being against 

the Wossman defense rushing 329 yards. 

Nick was named in high spirits with the Kyle Williams 

Defensive Player of the Year award. Nick‘s vitality stood 

out with the defensive back totaling sixty-four tackles with 

thirty-three of them being unassisted and a pass interception 

he returned for a touchdown. Both Ja‘Ren and Nick shared 

the team captains‘ award for the season. 

The Michael Parker award is to a player who surpassed 

an obstacle, generally an injury that could end a player‘s 

career. Senior Michael Welch was honored this award after 

he was stripped from the field after a knee injury in the game 

against Byrd. Fellow team mate Casey Turner was honored 

with the Scholastic award for his hard work in the classroom. 

Senior Linebacker Maddie Wiggins, was thrilled with 

the awards of awards, the Chick Childress award. 

―It‘s pretty sad to say it‘s my last [banquet], but I‘ve 

gained some great memories‖ says Maddie Wiggins at the 

post of the banquet. 

Ruston High‘s Athletic Director and Head football coach, 

Billy Laird, was named Coach of the Year for the parish for 

his ever persevering coaching of the Bearcats through the 

ups and downs of the season.

S 

ports 



Player of the Month: Jerry Melton 


Sports Editor 

Averaging nineteen points 

per game and leading the Bearcat 

Basketball teams in points 

and rebounds, Jerry Melton is 

this month‘s Player of the 

Month. 

Melton (# 20) is the first 

underclassman to be featured 

as player of the month by 

Chatterbox. As just a sophomore 

he has already received 

offers from colleges such as 

LSU, Baylor, and his home town‘s Louisiana 

Tech. Melton is a first-rate forward and his 

favorite hobby is of course basketball. 

Bearcat Basketball 

Enters the Last Stretch 

by Reed Malek 


―This season I plan to 

lead my team to the 

championship‖ says Melton 

―Anything is possible 

with Jesus.‖ 

Melton‘s favorite thing 

about playing basketball is 

―the competition‖. His favorite 

thing about RHS is 

the teachers. 

Fellow team mate and 

senior team captain Ron 

Spivey says, ―[Jerry Melton] is the truth and 

the future of Ruston High.‖ Spivey goes on to 

say, ―He couldn‘t do it without me.‖ 

Along with the Bearcat soccer teams, Ruston High‘s boys‘ varsity 

basketball team is coming to the end of its season and looks to 

close on a strong note. The Bearcats have had a very exciting 

stretch lately, including one 90-87 thrilling overtime victory over 

the Franklin Parish Patriots on January 25 th . The Bearcats‘ leading 

scorer was Jerry Melton (February Player of the Month), who finished 

the game with 26 points. Melton also edged to team to victory 

scoring the final 2 points in the overtime thriller. 

With a record of 14-8 as of the beginning of this month, the Bearcats are looking to end the year with 

a win as they face their arch-rival Neville Tigers on February 15 th at RHS. 

Santiago Charges past a 

Neville defender. 

Lady Bearcats Are Balling 



Once again our Lady Bearcats are still on the ball (no pun intended). 

They have been working hard time and time again to achieve each victory. 

But don‘t think every game is just a giveaway. Each game has 

been a fight to the finish always resulting with the most competitive 

team taking home the win. 

On Jan. 18, 2011, the Ruston Lady Bearcats played against West 

Ouachita resulting in a blowout match. The score toppled to a whopping 

80 to 30. Byronesha Santiago, the all-state candidate rung up 25 points 

while Shadarria Crawford put up 11. They brought another victory 

home to add to their already fabulous record. On Jan. 21,2011, they 

traveled to Wossman to take on the Wildcats. The Lady ‗Cats also used 

the same tact to beat the Lady Wildcats. They accepted the score at 57- 

49. Byronesha Santiago scored 22 points and Chelsea Rogers scored 12 

points. The team, no doubt about it, is still proving to be the most notorious basketball team compared to 

all the competition. When it was time to face Franklin Parish, the Patriots, they still claimed a victory 

with a 57-39 total. Byronesha Santiago had a total of 19 points and Chelsea Rogers added a total of 12 

points. The Lady Bearcats are still going strong and continuing the winning success. Good job, Ladies!

B 

earcat Spirit 



RHS Celebrates Its National Champions 


Sports Editor 

The Ruston High Cheerleaders 

made school history on January 8, 

2011, by becoming NCA National 

Champions. On January 19 th , the 

entire Bearcat Nation gathered in 

Ruston High‘s gymnasium to 

honor the 2011 National Cheerleading 

Association (NCA) Gametime 

Division National 

Champs! 

The ceremony was not only to 

celebrate the competition squad 

but also for the school, as the giant 

golden megaphone trophy was 

presented to Principal Mike Milstead for the 

entire student body. The theme of the ceremony 

was ―An Honor for the Bearcat Nation‖. The 

speakers at the ceremony consisted of Principal 

Milstead and the squad‘s coach, Heather 

Reeder. 

―They went beyond their regular cheering 

duties like cheering at 

football games,‖ Reeder 

said. ―We had girls getting 

their lips busted and 

knees scraped but they 

stuck with it through the 

end.‖ 

Two senior squad 

members, Raven Kelly 

and Shelby Griffith, also 

provided a few expressions 

to all 1100 students, 

faculty and staff, and family 

members gathered at 

the assembly. What was 

even more amazing was 

that the senior girls and 

Principal Milstead gives 

speech at the assembly. 

Coach Reeder choreographed the 

entire Gametime routine! 

―It makes me feel proud to 

lead such a great group‖ says 

senior co-captain Sydni Wilt 

―everyone helped with leadership 

and collaboration of this 

team, and everyone worked together 

to achieve our goal.‖ 

Ruston‘s cheer squad‘s number 

one fan, Connor Haskins 

says, ―Honestly, I wish I had a 

black jacket of my own. I think 

it‘s pretty cool my girls went to 

Dallas and beat out ‗twenty teams from Hawaii 

to Maine.‘‖ 

These thirty-three ladies put together five 

months of hard work to claim their National 

title. Since this is only Ruston‘s third year having 

a competition squad, the school looks forward 

to the squad ranking high in the future at 

the national level. 

The squad would 

like to thank the 

following businesses 

and sponsors for 

their generous donations: 

Jim Taylor 

Ford; Super One, 

RHS students give the National Champs a 

standing ovation. 

Music Mountain 

Water; Pam C. 

Jones, Tax Assessor; 

Ruston‘s Locker 

Room; Bill Roundtree 

and Associates; 

Danni Jones Physical 

Therapy; Radian 

L. Hennigan, CPA. 

Let the Mania Continue! 


Sports Editor 

As both the boys and girls 

basketball teams advance to 

the class 4-A playoff 

bracket, the Louisiana 

High School Athletic 

Association might as well 

add Ruston High School 

Bush‘s Boys to that bracket. 

If you have ever witnessed 

the acts put on by this 

group, then you know the 

insanity they bring to the 

court. When the Ruston boys 

faced the Patriots from Franklin 

Parish, President Beau Russell 

led Bush‘s Boys whom led 

the students, whom led the rest 

of the Bearcat fans in a rally 

of all rallies to push the Patriots 

out of Bearcat territory, 

and helped the team claim 

victory in an overtime 

thriller. 

Coach Bush‘s team looks 

to end their regular season district 

play with a home match-up 

against rivals the Neville Tigers 

The game is tomorrow, February 

15 th and the action will 

tip off at 6:00 p.m. with the 

Junior Varsity facing 

Neville first followed by 

the Varsity. Even though 

the regular season is coming 

to a close it is still not 

too late for you to join in 

the mania of Bush‘s Boys 

and help the teams gust 

through the playoffs. 

―The only thing more 

important is God and 

breathing,‖ says Bush‘s 

Boys‘ President Beau 

Russell on the importance 

of playoff 

games. ―It‘s a time 

for good memories. I 

can still remember 

freshman year against 

East Ascension when 

the entire student 

body was there giving it there all 

for the Bearcat Nation; is still 

bring s a tear to my eye.‖ 

While the Lady Bearcats rest 

during the February 15 th game, 

they are still in the winning 

state of mind as they work toward 

the grand title of state 

champs. So leave your couch at 

home and join the action in the 

bleachers to aid the Bearcats 

and Lady Bearcats in bringing 

home a victory! 

Alex West, 

winner of the 

3-point shoot 

out at the Bastrop 

game.

February 2011 Chatterbox - Ruston High School

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