February 2011 Chatterbox - Ruston High School
February 2011 Chatterbox - Ruston High School
February 2011 Chatterbox - Ruston High School
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
Valentine’s Day Shout-Outs See Pages 12-13<br />
RHS Alumni Series<br />
See Page 2<br />
Sports Player of the<br />
Month see Page 31<br />
<strong>Chatterbox</strong><br />
<strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>February</strong> 14, <strong>2011</strong><br />
Box Tops<br />
Outside Our Box (2)<br />
Academia (3-6)<br />
Teacher Spotlights (7-8)<br />
Editorials/Opinions (9-11)<br />
Valentine’s Messages (12-13)<br />
Service and Social (14)<br />
Bearcat Baseball Ad (15)<br />
Clubs (16-17)<br />
The Arts (18)<br />
Senior Spotlights (19-22)<br />
Entertainment (23)<br />
Student Center (24-25)<br />
Fun Page (26)<br />
Sponsors/staff (27)<br />
Sports (28-31)<br />
Bearcat Spirit (32)<br />
RHS Distinguished<br />
Alumni and Teachers<br />
information provided by the RHS Alumni Association<br />
by Natasha Alva<br />
News Editor<br />
In the October edition of the <strong>Chatterbox</strong>, we began a series<br />
giving a detailed report on each of the distinguished alumni<br />
and teachers in a six part series, covering one distinguished<br />
alumni or teacher each month. To date, we have covered Dr.<br />
Joan Blondin as Distinguished Alumni in the category of Physician,<br />
Scientist, and Educator, the late Mrs. Murrie Lee Turnbow<br />
as a Distinguished Teacher, Johnny Maxwell as Distinguished<br />
Alumni in the category of Commerce, and Distinguished<br />
Teacher Ruth Potts. This month, we will continue the<br />
series with a report on the last Distinguished Alumni, Cherry<br />
Pratt Kirkpatrick, in the category of Humanitarian. In the<br />
March edition of the <strong>Chatterbox</strong>, Distinguished Teacher Julie<br />
B. Stephenson will be the last report for this year.<br />
http://rustonhigh.lincolnschools.org/chatterbox.html<br />
NHS Helps Invisible Children<br />
by Lauren Townsend<br />
Assistant News Reporter<br />
―We are storytellers. We are visionaries, humanitarians, artists,<br />
and entrepreneurs. We are individuals part of a generation eager for<br />
change and willing to pursue it.‖ – Invisible Children<br />
Invisible Children is a non-profit organization devoted to stopping<br />
child abductions and imprisonments into the military. Everyday<br />
in Northern Africa, children are kidnapped from their homes<br />
and forced to serve violent leaders via military service. These children<br />
suffer abuse, neglect, poor living conditions, and are faced<br />
with life-or-death situations. Invisible Children‘s goal is to stop this<br />
inhumane act and spread knowledge of the poor conditions and injustices<br />
of Uganda and other parts of Northern Africa to the west.<br />
This fight for humanity and peace is burdening and enduring, but it<br />
is a fight for a purpose that can‘t be lost.<br />
With the money collected, <strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> will help support Invisible<br />
Children‘s war against the cruelty taking place in Uganda. During<br />
January, the National Honor Society decorated<br />
recycled Coca-Cola and Sprite bottles to collect<br />
change to donate towards the Invisible Children<br />
foundation. To promote RHS Bearcat donations,<br />
NHS got creative and decided to turn it into a competition.<br />
Coke bottles were distributed to 4 th hour<br />
teachers and students were informed that if their<br />
Bearcat Café Ready for Business<br />
by Elizabeth Smith<br />
Business Manager<br />
On Friday, January 21, <strong>2011</strong>, the <strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> Bearcat Café officially opened for business. The café is<br />
sponsored by Ms. Saunders and her second hour class. The class takes the orders and prepares the food all on<br />
their own. Ms. Saunders only supervises to make sure that no one gets hurt while cooking, and that the food is<br />
prepared in a sanitary manner. The students are learning skills that they will need to know to make it on their own<br />
in the real world. Through the Bearcat Café, the students get real life experience<br />
as they learn how to cook. They<br />
also learn how to take orders correctly<br />
and prepare them, which<br />
would come in handy in the service<br />
industry. As of right now, the Bearcat<br />
Café is only open to <strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong><br />
staff. Ms. Saunders is hoping that<br />
one day they will be able to open the<br />
café to all of <strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong>.<br />
Students deliver the first meal.<br />
class collected the most<br />
money, they would win a<br />
pizza party for their class.<br />
Money was collected all<br />
around the school, and<br />
Mrs. Winstead‘s class won<br />
the party by raising $143;<br />
Mrs. Freeman‘s class came<br />
in 2 nd place for the most<br />
money collected. After all<br />
was said and done, the<br />
<strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> National<br />
Honor Society raised<br />
$1,151 to donate towards<br />
the Invisible Children‘s movement to end conflict and child abduction<br />
in Northern Africa. Congratulations to Mrs. Winstead‘s and<br />
Mrs. Freeman‘s 4 th periods classes and all the students who donated<br />
toward this worthy cause.<br />
If you wish to learn more information or if you would like to<br />
make a donation towards the Invisible Children organization, visit<br />
www.invisiblechildren.com/.<br />
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at RHS
O<br />
utside Our Box <strong>Chatterbox</strong><br />
<strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>February</strong> 14, <strong>2011</strong> Page 2<br />
Distinguished Alumni: Cherry Pratt Kirkpatrick<br />
information provided by the RHS Alumni Association<br />
by Natasha Alva<br />
News Editor<br />
Cherry Pratt spent the years 1957-1960 as a student at <strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong>. The amazing life story of<br />
Cherry Pratt Kirkpatrick and her husband Vance Kirkpatrick living for forty-six years in the deep bush of<br />
Kenya has resulted in their now being considered as Angels from America.<br />
Cherry Pratt went to Louisiana Tech in the early 1960s. It was there that she met Vance Kirkpatrick and<br />
was married. They were on the same wavelength as they determined that "service to others" was where their<br />
future lay. Mrs. Kirkpatrick wanted to make life better for people in a third world country, so she armed herself<br />
with dual degrees in Home Economics and English.<br />
Upon completion of her degree in 1964, the Kirkpatricks joined the newly formed Peace Corp. They<br />
would be part of the first group to go to Africa. Once in Kenya, Mrs. Kirkpatrick taught at one of only ten<br />
high schools for girls on the continent and her husband taught at a traditional boys' school. Each of<br />
them earned twelve and a half cents per hour or a total of eighty-eight dollars per month! Their transportation<br />
consisted of one bicycle that they shared, and they lived at the girls' boarding school where Mrs. Kirkpatrick<br />
taught. After fulfilling their two year commitment with the Peace Corp, they returned to the U.S. to further<br />
their studies in preparation for their return to Kenya as missionaries.<br />
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<br />
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<br />
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<br />
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<br />
Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, Texas.<br />
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,<br />
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<br />
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<br />
heart-warming aspects of educating Kenyans are that, "When you teach a disadvantaged person, they never lose their passion."<br />
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<br />
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<br />
potential and better assist their husbands.<br />
Got Gas<br />
by Emily Moore<br />
Arts Reporter<br />
Students here in <strong>Ruston</strong> may rely on their parents for gas<br />
money if they have no job, and those with a job may not<br />
have extra money to spend after paying for gas. A large<br />
percentage of <strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> students drive to school at an<br />
extra cost. Gas prices have sky-rocketed to an outrageous<br />
$3.00 at local gas stations and even higher in other areas.<br />
Mr. Moss gave his opinion on the matter. ―They [gas<br />
prices] are fake. They only raise the prices when it‘s convenient<br />
for them. They use any global crisis to raise the prices. It‘s centered on the price of a<br />
barrel.‖ It‘s said to be raised even higher in the future. The price of a barrel has reached $90<br />
and is predicted to rise even higher, which will have some Americans paying $4.00 or more<br />
at the pumps.<br />
However, there are ways to save gas. Combine your trips to town. If you‘ve got several<br />
errands to run, run them all when you‘re in town instead of making more than one trip. You<br />
can shop online instead of driving all the way to Monroe or other surrounding cities. Companies<br />
often have discounts online and the online store has more selection than the actual<br />
store! Carpool with your friends and you both save gas and money! If you live in town, ride<br />
a bike or walk. Exercise is good for you! Find the cheapest gas prices on your route and stop<br />
there. Pay with cash instead of a credit card and there is no interest! Cutting back on driving<br />
would save gas and money. If everyone cut back, it would reduce prices. We‘d have cleaner<br />
air, fewer accidents, and less congestion on the roads. Like every other problem in the country,<br />
the solution resides in unity and the determination to change.<br />
Saluting Outstanding Student<br />
Achievement<br />
Throughout the Bearcat Nation
A<br />
cademia<br />
<strong>Chatterbox</strong><br />
<strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>February</strong> 14, <strong>2011</strong> Page 3<br />
One Giant Step for Physics<br />
by Amber Brown and Gray Taylor<br />
Senior Editor and Graphics/Design Editor<br />
On January 28 th , the ―Chosen Ones" from Mr. Elliott‘s Physics class attended the final Tech Step bridge competition at<br />
Louisiana Tech University. After spending two weeks of designing and testing their bridge and presentation, the team was<br />
ready to present to the judges. Other high schools from Louisiana also attended, as well as schools from Texas and Arkansas.<br />
At the start of the day, the team laid out the bridge plans and began then constructing using the building material –<br />
manila folders. After three hours of building (without even stopping for lunch), they were nervously ready to tackle the<br />
next phase: presenting to the judges. Each team stood before the judges and the class while each member explained<br />
through their slideshow presentation what they did and how they did it. After each presentation, the judges would ask<br />
questions regarding designs or formulas. The judges also had a machine that measured the amount of force in Newtons put<br />
on the bridge. <strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong>‘s held a total of 105.81 N! Then came the best part: the award for Most Creative Design went<br />
to those darn kids from <strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong>, seeing as they were the only ones with a Deck Truss (inverted)! The winning students<br />
would like to thank Mr. Elliott and Mr. Kilpatrick for all their help. They all had a great time at the Tech Step learning<br />
and participating in the program.<br />
<strong>2011</strong> RHS Science Fair<br />
by Polly Michelle Gwan<br />
Academics Reporter<br />
On January 25, <strong>2011</strong>, RHS hosted its annual science fair. The science fair took place in the <strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> auditorium. The science fair contestants consisted of STEM<br />
students from 9 th -12 th grade doing projects in various categories. <strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> students compete in the science fair in hopes of making it to the regional and state fair. The following<br />
students were winners of the science fair:<br />
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<br />
- 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<br />
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<br />
Engineering: 1 st – Neesha Siriwardane, 2 nd – Matthew Cardenas, and 3 rd – Caroline Oakley; Environmental Science: 1 st – Taylor Kaufman; Mathematical Science: 1 st –<br />
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<br />
Herren, 2 nd - Jake Kyte, 3 rd – Channing Dorr, and 3 rd – Holly Grisby.<br />
Congratulations to all of these students! On <strong>February</strong> 11 th they participated in the Regional Science Fair at Louisiana Tech University, these results will be posted in March<br />
Edition of the <strong>Chatterbox</strong>.<br />
COE Application Due in March<br />
by Polly Michelle Gwan<br />
Academics Reporter<br />
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<br />
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!
A<br />
cademia<br />
<strong>Chatterbox</strong><br />
<strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>February</strong> 14, <strong>2011</strong> Page 4<br />
Speech and Debate Succeeds<br />
submitted by Jonathan Verret<br />
Speech and Debate Member<br />
The <strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> Speech and Debate Team recently competed at Caddo <strong>High</strong><br />
<strong>School</strong>. After a few weeks of preparation, the team found many opportunities for sucess,.<br />
Zhong and Clark Pierce placed 2 nd in Policy debate. Prenicia Gant, Elizabeth Sawyer, and<br />
Jonathan Verret placed first, second and third in Extemporaneous Speaking, and Elizabeth<br />
Sawyer and Colton Boothe got 1 st and 2 nd place in Lincoln-Douglas debate.<br />
Always seeking new challenges and opportunities throughout the state, some team members<br />
headed to Alexandria for the Alexandria Senior <strong>High</strong> tournament. As if local and state<br />
tournaments weren‘t enough, a few of the members of the RHS Speech and Debate headed<br />
west to Dallas for Colleyville heritage.<br />
The <strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> Speech and Debate Team continues to represent the Bearcat Nation<br />
proudly and looks forward to continued success in future tournaments. With the schedule<br />
heading into the final stages, it is obvious that they are well prepared and ready to take on all<br />
schools as the season comes to a close and students prepare for state level and beyond. Of this,<br />
there is no ―debate‖. Or is there<br />
Making English Class Count<br />
by Stephany Arias<br />
Senior Reporter<br />
Some students find it extremely challenging to concentrate during English class. One reason<br />
may be that students feel that teachers make them read too much. Yet another reason may<br />
be that students feel that teachers make them write too much. Some may feel that both apply.<br />
But if you do not pay attention to your teachers and lessons, you may find that it will lead to a<br />
sad goodbye to a high ACT score.<br />
English may be considered very boring to some people. However, the truth is that if you do<br />
not try your best and put some effort into your English studies, sometime in the future you will<br />
regret it. You will see that not spending thirty minutes of your time studying for the things/<br />
class work that you thought were too dumb to even worry about it will catch up with you. So, I<br />
encourage you to spend some quality time to your English classes and assignments in school,<br />
just as you would any other subject. You will benefit from it later on, and be glad that you did<br />
when you are sitting in college one day preparing one of those reports or breaking down one of<br />
those rhyming schemes that you thought you‘d never need in high school.<br />
Le Carnaval de Québec<br />
Le vrai jeu d’hiver<br />
du 28 janvier au 13 février<br />
submitted by Mrs. Greenwood<br />
French Teacher and Club Adviser<br />
Il fait froid au Canada. Mais on s‘amuse beaucoup au Carnaval de Québec.<br />
Le Bonhomme de Neige<br />
Le Roi de la fête<br />
Quelques activités sont:<br />
La course de traîneaux à chiens du Carnaval<br />
Le canot à glace<br />
Bain de neige COLD-FX - Soixante-quinze courageux et courageuses affrontent<br />
le froid et la neige avec comme seule arme leur maillot de bain.<br />
Jeu de Soccer Géant -Faites partie d'une équipe de 9 personnes et jouez à<br />
un véritable jeu de soccer sur table mais… à échelle humaine!<br />
La sculpture sur neige.<br />
Visitez le site web officiel pour regarder des photos et vidéos de cette fête<br />
fantastique: http://www.carnaval.qc.ca/#<br />
Amor Y Amistad<br />
by Stephany Arias<br />
Senior Reporter<br />
Se acaba de ir un año más, pero este<br />
nuevo año trae muchas bendiciones para<br />
todos nosotros. Y uno de los mejores<br />
―Holidays‖ que trae el principio del año<br />
es; ―Valentines Day‖. Este es muy conocido<br />
como el Día del ―Amor y La Amistad‖,<br />
no solamente amor entre parejas, pero amor entre amigos. En este día tan<br />
especial muchas de las personas se preparan para regalar obsequios que simbolizan<br />
el amor y la amistad que se tienen entre ellos. La historia dice que un<br />
santo cristiano llamado San Valentín fue sacrificado porque se dedicó a casar<br />
parejas aun cuando el emperador lo había prohibido en la Roma del siglo III.<br />
Al parecer, el dirigente romano tenía la creencia de que los soldados casados<br />
no eran tan buenos y eficientes como los solteros. Gracias a San Valentín hoy<br />
día nosotros celebramos en el mes de febrero ―El Día del Amor y La Amistad‖.<br />
Así que aprovechemos mientras podamos y demostrémosles a esas personas<br />
especiales para nosotros lo mucho que significan en nuestras vidas.
A<br />
cademia<br />
<strong>Chatterbox</strong><br />
<strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>February</strong> 14, <strong>2011</strong> Page 5<br />
New Tech Presentations<br />
submitted by Jonathan Craig<br />
New Tech @ RHS Student Reporter<br />
On Friday, January 21 st , the New Tech at <strong>Ruston</strong> Geometry students<br />
presented their newly created websites. The websites were created to<br />
help students who are struggling in geometry. Each website showed a<br />
description of every single Geometry Grade Level Expectation (GLE) as<br />
well as a video on each GLE. For each GLE, an interactive quiz and<br />
practice problems were included. In attendance were many people from<br />
the community, including an engineering professor, an engineer, and<br />
several teachers. While the guests were at <strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong>, they received a<br />
tour of the New Tech facility and had the opportunity to see the presentation<br />
of the websites. Geometry teacher Mr. Savage says that he was very<br />
pleased with the presentations and that they went smoothly.<br />
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<br />
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<br />
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<br />
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<br />
many of the screen plays that we read had great potential of winning the film festival.‖<br />
Freshman Academy:<br />
Keep On Keeping On!<br />
by Polly Michelle Gwan<br />
Academics Reporter<br />
A New Tech student pitches his own version<br />
of The Cask of Amontillado under the<br />
watchful eye of Mr. Savage and others.<br />
KOM Resource Center<br />
submitted by the KOM Council<br />
People from the community came to watch<br />
the students of New Tech present their<br />
web-sites and movie scripts.<br />
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<br />
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,<br />
and you can and will succeed!<br />
KOMs are reminded that there is now a KOM Resource Center in the Freshman Academy Office on the 3 rd Floor. If<br />
you need information about your freshmen, whether it concerns note cards, birthday cards, or anything else, you can<br />
find it all here. Please make sure to keep up with your contact log sheets. These are due to Mrs. Thomason or your<br />
KOM Council Member by Monday, April 4 th .<br />
The upcoming meeting dates for <strong>February</strong> and March as listed in the chart below:<br />
KOM MONDAY MEETING DATES FOR FEBRUARY AND MARCH<br />
<strong>February</strong> 14<br />
<strong>February</strong> 28<br />
March 7<br />
March 14<br />
March 21<br />
Meet with Freshmen<br />
Meet with Freshmen<br />
Cafeteria; no Freshmen<br />
Meet with Freshmen<br />
Meet with Freshmen
A<br />
cademia<br />
<strong>Chatterbox</strong><br />
<strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>February</strong> 14, <strong>2011</strong> Page 6<br />
Senior Pictures<br />
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<br />
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<br />
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<br />
pixelated once printed.<br />
Tim Garlington with Portraits Plus will be coming to RHS Thursday, <strong>February</strong> 24 th to take pictures of any senior that has NOT had an outdoor portrait or cap & gown portrait<br />
taken. A make up picture day will be March 1 st .<br />
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
Cap& Gown Portrait Requirements:<br />
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<br />
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<br />
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
Outdoor Portraits:<br />
a) No weapons or dead animals will be allowed in the yearbook pictures<br />
b) Students are difficult to recognize in full body shots because the face is smaller. Choose a pose that allows viewers to see you<br />
c) Be certain the background is flattering. Do NOT have cars or people behind you; it does not look professional<br />
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
Senior Yearbook<br />
The 2010-11 yearbook is in progress and will be ready to pick up in August <strong>2011</strong>. For those interested in getting your name on the ―paid list‖, bring $45.00 to Room 208 to<br />
receive a receipt OR buy one in August; there will be extras.<br />
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 <strong>2011</strong> senior.<br />
Prices are: Full page-$140.00 ½ page-$90.00 ¼ page-$75.00 1/8 page-$50.00<br />
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<br />
resume@lincolnschools.org or contact Rebecca Strickler (advisor) at 255-0807 (RHS Main Office).<br />
<strong>Chatterbox</strong> Senior Ads<br />
Parents/students may also purchase a Senior Ad in the Special Senior Edition of the <strong>Chatterbox</strong>, published in June <strong>2011</strong>. Details will be provided on the March edition of the<br />
<strong>Chatterbox</strong> and seniors will be provided the order forms with their March <strong>2011</strong> edition. If you have any questions – email chatterbox@lincolnschools.org .
T<br />
eacher Spotlights <strong>Chatterbox</strong><br />
<strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>February</strong> 14, <strong>2011</strong> Page 7<br />
Name: Mark Milstead<br />
Family: Allison (wife)<br />
Position at RHS: Agriculture Department Head/Agriculture teacher<br />
Club/organizations you advise: FFA<br />
<strong>High</strong> school attended/ year: Weston <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> (1993)<br />
College attended/major: LA Tech Agriculture Education, administration<br />
Teaching experience: 12 years<br />
Most embarrassing moment: Driving into the back of a school bus when I was in college.<br />
Favorite childhood memory: Going to Tech football games.<br />
Pet Peeve: Laziness, inefficiency, dishonesty<br />
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.<br />
Name: Mrs. St. Andre<br />
Family: Dave (husband), 3 kids, 6 grandkids<br />
Position at RHS: Ag1, Canine Care, Floristry<br />
Club/organizations you advise: FFA Advisor<br />
<strong>High</strong> school attended/ year: Natchitoches Academy 1974<br />
College attended/major: Northwestern University P.E., Elementary Education, LA Tech Masters in Ag Education<br />
Teaching experience: 29 years<br />
Most embarrassing moment: Falling flat on my face this year in front of my 4th hour class.<br />
Pet Peeve: Disrespect<br />
Favorite childhood memory: Wonderful family, playing outside with neighborhood kids until dark.<br />
Is there anything you want the students to know about you I also work in a vet clinic.<br />
Name: James Sandifer<br />
Family: Carla (wife)<br />
Position at RHS: Agriscience teacher<br />
Club/organization you advise: FFA advisor<br />
Clubs advised: FFA<br />
<strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong>/class year: Winnfield Senior <strong>High</strong> ‗79<br />
College/Major: LSU– Fire Science degree; LA Tech– Masters degree in Vocational Ed., and National Board Certified Teacher<br />
Teaching experience: 14 years<br />
Favorite childhood memory: Fishing and hunting with my grandfather.<br />
Favorite team: Dallas Cowboys<br />
Pet peeves: Tardiness and laziness<br />
Name: Nick Brown<br />
Family: Mandy (wife), R.J. and Baylee Auburn (children), Amber Brown (niece)<br />
Position at RHS: Biology<br />
Club/organizations you advise: FCA<br />
College attended/major: Auburn, LA Tech, Radio, TV, Film, Education<br />
Teaching experience: 16 years<br />
Favorite team/sport: Auburn Tigers<br />
Pet Peeve: The lunchroom serving big portions to big people. How did they get big Duh!<br />
Most embarrassing moment: It was embarrassing for me to out fish Coach Reeder and Mr. Elliott<br />
If you could have one wish what would it be Get as much food at lunch as Coach Aguilar and Coach Bush<br />
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,<br />
Coach Reeder and I are going to start a Bass Club.<br />
Name: Susan Griffin<br />
Family: Emily (daughter), Ben (son-in-law), Jonathan (son), Allison (daughter-in-law), Addison and Adelynn (granddaughters)<br />
Position at RHS: Biology 1, Biology 2 Anatomy and Physiology, and Biology 2 Plant Science<br />
Club/organizations you advise: Prom Committee<br />
College attended/major: Clemson University and University of Maryland<br />
Teaching experience: 17 years at RHS<br />
Pet Peeve: Bellowing<br />
Favorite quote: “Mighty oaks from little acorns grow.‖<br />
Favorite childhood memory: Traveling around Europe with my family.
T<br />
eacher Spotlights <strong>Chatterbox</strong><br />
<strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>February</strong> 14, <strong>2011</strong> Page 8<br />
Name: Susan Freeman<br />
Family: Danny (husband), Daniel and Laura (children)<br />
Position at RHS: Chemistry 1 and Chemistry 2<br />
<strong>High</strong> school attended/ year: Quitman <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> 1976<br />
College attended/major: LA Tech microbiology<br />
Teaching experience: 25 years<br />
Favorite team/sport: baseball<br />
Pet Peeve: Whining and excuses<br />
Favorite childhood memory: Summer vacations with family and friends<br />
Favorite quote: ―Your talent is God‘s gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God.‖<br />
Name: Melinda Jackson<br />
Position at RHS: Biology<br />
Family: Josh (husband) Abby and Jayden (kids)<br />
<strong>High</strong> school attended/year: Drew Central 2000<br />
College attended/major: University of Arkansas Monticello– Biology, LA Tech Teaching<br />
Teaching experience: 5 years<br />
Favorite team/sport: Arkansas Razorback Football<br />
Pet peeve: Laziness and disorganization<br />
Name: April Winstead<br />
Family: Scott (husband), Morgan and Chloe Mae (daughters)<br />
Position at RHS: Biology 1 and Biology 2 AP<br />
<strong>High</strong> school attended/ year: Cedar Creek 1991<br />
College attended/major: LA Tech Secondary science education<br />
Teaching experience: 16 years<br />
Favorite quote: ―Speech‖<br />
Favorite childhood memory: Licking the salt off the goldfish and putting them back in the bag for my brother to eat later.<br />
Pet Peeve: Waking up early.<br />
If you could have one wish what would it be Be an official mattress tester.<br />
Name: Randall Elliott<br />
Family: Kristi (wife), Abby and Jack (children)<br />
Pets: Lazyboy (Basset Hound)<br />
Position at RHS: Physics and Chemistry teacher<br />
<strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong>/year: Ouachita Christian 1990<br />
College attended/ major: AA Tech Comp. Info Systems, and Master of Arts in Teaching<br />
Teaching experience: 5 years<br />
Most embarrassing moment: Diving for a rack of ribs that fell off the grill at a birthday party.<br />
Favorite childhood memory: Farming as a kid with my dad.<br />
Favorite quote: ―I hate to complain but…‖ —Nick Brown<br />
If you had one wish what would it be For my hair to have turned gray instead of turning loose.<br />
Pet peeves: People who act like they are better than others.<br />
Name: Amy Guerin<br />
Family: Dave (husband), Ben and Jake (sons), and Maddie (daughter)<br />
Pets: Samson (dog), Coral (fish)<br />
Favorite subject: Science<br />
Position: STEM Biology, STEM Robotics, STEM Marine Science teacher<br />
<strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong>/class year: Loveland <strong>High</strong> ‗91<br />
College/Major: Eckerd College – B.S. Marine Science; Nova Southeastern University– M.S. Science Ed.<br />
Teaching experience: 8 1/2 years<br />
Most embarrassing moment: Too many to write down – ask and I might share one or two.<br />
Favorite childhood memory: Family vacations.
E<br />
ditorials/Opinions <strong>Chatterbox</strong><br />
<strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>February</strong> 14, <strong>2011</strong> Page 9<br />
Valentine’s Day for<br />
All the Singles<br />
by Gray Taylor<br />
Graphics/Design Editor<br />
For all the singles out there: you all have to face Valentine‘s<br />
Day alone each year. This isn‘t necessarily a bad thing, considering<br />
how overrated this commercial holiday really is. It‘s all about<br />
showering your significant other with material things and hoping<br />
they don‘t plan on leaving you any time soon. But fear not, loners,<br />
there are ways to celebrate like everyone else instead of sitting at<br />
home watching romantic comedies and crying yourself to sleep.<br />
First of all, get a grip on yourself and know that you are not the<br />
only one spending V-Day alone. Second, remember that you are<br />
saving yourself hundreds of dollars by not buying anything for<br />
someone else. The money you save could go to much more important<br />
things, such as yourself. Third, get your other single<br />
friends together and go somewhere. Chances are you will have<br />
more fun partying with your friends than becoming<br />
a fire hazard if you had a dinner by candle<br />
light. Valentine‘s Day should not be restricted<br />
to just couples, so do not mope or cry<br />
but go out for some fun.<br />
DON’T BE LIKE THIS GUY:<br />
“Senioritis”<br />
by Gray Taylor<br />
Graphics/Design Editor<br />
Glasses vs. Contacts<br />
by Polly Michelle Gwan<br />
Academics Reporter<br />
Glasses and contact lenses- it seems that everyone is wearing one or the other. It is said that over 160<br />
million Americans wear either contacts or glasses today, but which one is better Many people tend to prefer<br />
glasses over contacts because they like the look and feel of glasses.<br />
Glasses wearer Lauren Townsend prefers glasses ―because they help you see better, even though they<br />
tend to get a little annoying‖. Many glasses wearers also enjoy the various styles, shapes, and sizes that meet<br />
their needs or just plainly find the price of glasses in their budgets. Others, such as Zach Hannibal have various<br />
reasons why they wear glasses. ―Glasses are better because I wear them,‖ he states, ―You should be like<br />
me and wear them too.‖<br />
Not everyone thinks glasses are the way to go though. Many prefer contact lenses because<br />
they get a more natural look that glasses fail to offer. ―Contacts are more convenient<br />
and are better for my peripheral vision without my frames getting in the way,‖ says Kimberly<br />
Miles. Mary Conly Hammons ads that ―contacts are better because they‘re more comfortable<br />
and they look a lot better.‖<br />
Whether you‘re like Cody Briscoe who believes that ―glasses are better because all you<br />
have to do is slide them on in the morning‖ or Ashlyn Thompson who just plainly ―likes<br />
contact lenses better,‖ you can rock your eye wear any way you please.<br />
Celebrate Everyday!<br />
by Emily Moore<br />
Arts Reporter<br />
<strong>February</strong><br />
12-National Plum Pudding<br />
15-Gumdrop<br />
19-Chocolate Mint<br />
24-National Tortilla Chip<br />
26-Pistachio Day<br />
28-Toothfairy<br />
March<br />
1-Nat. Pig/PB Lover‘s Day<br />
5-Multiple Personality Day<br />
6-Nat. Frozen Food<br />
12-Fanny Pack<br />
14-Nat. Potato Chip Day<br />
17-Submarine<br />
Quotes to Live By<br />
by Emily Moore<br />
14-Ferris Wheel/National Heart to Heart<br />
18-Thumb Appreciation<br />
23-International Dog Biscuit Appreciation<br />
25-Pistol Patent (Samuel Colt)<br />
27-International Polar Bear Day<br />
18-Awkward Moments Day<br />
21-Commoncourtesy Day<br />
22-Goof-off Day<br />
23-Nat Chip and Dip Day &Kick Butts Day<br />
24-Nat. Choc. Covered Raisins Day<br />
Arts Reporter<br />
―Gravitation is not responsible for people falling in love.‖ – Albert Einstein<br />
―I don't understand why Cupid was chosen to represent Valentine's Day. When I think about<br />
romance, the last thing on my mind is a short, chubby toddler coming at me with a weapon.‖ –<br />
Unknown<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
―You have to walk carefully in the beginning of love; the running across fields into your<br />
lover's arms can only come later when you're sure they won't laugh if you trip.‖ – Jonathan<br />
Carroll, "Outside the Dog Museum"<br />
―We are all a little weird and life's a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness<br />
is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love.‖ –<br />
Unknown<br />
―Are we not like two volumes of one book‖ – Marceline Desbordes-Valmore<br />
―Who would give a law to lovers Love is unto itself a higher law.‖ – Boethius, The Consolation<br />
of Philosophy<br />
―Falling in love is so hard on the knees.‖ – Aerosmith<br />
"Death cannot stop true love; it can only delay it for a little while.‖ – The Princess Bride<br />
―It doesn't matter if the guy is perfect or the girl is perfect, as long as they are perfect for each<br />
other." – Good Will Hunting<br />
―Love is a friendship set to music.‖ – E. Joseph Cossman
E<br />
“Green – The Color of Love”<br />
by Lauren Townsend<br />
Assistant News Editor<br />
When it comes to coloring a Valentine‘s Day, people usually stick with the basic<br />
love colors of pretty pink, pleasant purple, and romantic red; everything is decked out<br />
in these girly colors. However, there is one exception: the green M&M. In 2008, the<br />
Mars Company started selling individual packs of nothing but green M&M‘s, tag lined<br />
―Green – The Color of Love‖, for the season of sweet amore. But what makes the<br />
green M&M pop out of all that pink and red<br />
The green M&M‘s fame came from the myth ―Green M&M‘s cause people to fall<br />
in a love-like state‖. The Mars Company, the producer of M&M‘s, did not come up<br />
with the myth, but used it to promote M&M‘s sales. The company made the green<br />
M&M character an attractive woman based off the green M&M‘s romantic powers.<br />
The rumor began in the 1970‘s by students who were experimenting with its rumored<br />
romance quality. Why the green M&M gained such a reputation is unknown; some<br />
believe that is has to which green‘s relation to health and fertility. Green jelly beans<br />
and gummi bears have also been claimed to have these magical love-guru powers.<br />
Candy companies cannot explain, scientifically or medically, why these candies have<br />
these effects on people.<br />
ditorials/Opinions <strong>Chatterbox</strong><br />
<strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>February</strong> 14, <strong>2011</strong> Page 10<br />
What Not To Do On Valentine’s Day<br />
by Benicia King<br />
Education Reporter<br />
To All the Singles Out There<br />
by Lauren Townsend<br />
Assistant News Editor<br />
<strong>February</strong> is the month of romance. This usually means couples start scurrying<br />
about in frenzy over romantic dinners, delicious candy delights, and sweet smelling<br />
roses and teddy bears. People go coo-coo-ka-choo over the holiday, running around<br />
like chickens with their heads chopped off trying to be as romantic as possible for<br />
their sweethearts. It‘s usually all about who‘s with whom doing whatever romantic<br />
activity on Valentine‘s Day, but what about all the singles<br />
Singles shouldn‘t stress over not having a sweet heart for Valentine‘s Day. Personally,<br />
I believe singles have more fun. Instead of fighting with your sweetie over<br />
what to eat or do on Valentine‘s Day, you can take yourself out for a little fun. Go out<br />
to eat, tour the town, party with some friends, and just go all out crazy. If you are<br />
really bothered about being alone, go out and get a sweetheart. You‘re single and<br />
young, so be brave and go for it. You never know who you can meet. Moreover, Valentine‘s<br />
Day isn‘t just for the lovebirds. Take friends out for a night on the town and<br />
have some fun. If you‘re tired, invite them over for all the<br />
chocolate and cake they can eat and play some games. There‘s<br />
no excuse on why you can‘t have fun on Valentine‘s Day.<br />
So all you singles out there, throw your hands in the air<br />
and go have some fun. You can have fun partying solo, or go<br />
out and find a partner for the next Valentine‘s Day. Just remember<br />
to keep it legal and safe. Most importantly, enjoy<br />
your Valentine‘s Day!<br />
The green M&M is not the only<br />
M&M that has been accused of<br />
having powers. In 1976, the red<br />
M&M was also tagged as a romance-powered<br />
candy as well; it<br />
was also taken off the market by the<br />
FDA for using red dye #2, which<br />
was believed to cause cancer. The<br />
red M&M was also been believed<br />
to grant wishes. As for the other<br />
M&M‘s, the orange M&M is believed<br />
to be the good luck M&M; whereas, the brown M&M, the original M&M, is<br />
bad luck; and the yellow M&M means that you should call in sick and stay home if it‘s<br />
the last one in the bag. Most interesting of the M&M‘s though is the blue M&M, as<br />
recent studies have shown that the blue M&M helps heal spinal injuries. It‘s amazing<br />
what people can find out about an M&M.<br />
With all the rumors and myths attached to such a small candy, you can really never<br />
know what‘s true and not true; right now, the only power M&M‘s have is ―being the<br />
candy that melts in your mouth and not in your hand.‖<br />
<strong>February</strong> 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<br />
day Mr. Cason is roaming the halls carefully looking for couples too close together, committing a PDA felony. Whether you‘re indifferent, upset, or<br />
excited, there are some things you should not do on <strong>February</strong> 14 th .<br />
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.<br />
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<br />
over yourself, make jokes about you being single if you must, and then save it for your private online blog.<br />
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.<br />
4. Be alone – You‘ve got friends, right Well, get together with a bunch of them and go see a movie or something.<br />
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!<br />
Shout Out: Behind the Scenes<br />
by Whitney Durrett<br />
Photographer/ Reporter<br />
Just because you are behind the scenes doesn't mean you're not important! To all the<br />
men and women who volunteer to help <strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> with all the extracurricular<br />
activities, <strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> and <strong>Chatterbox</strong> thank you! Without the help of many unseen and<br />
unheard parents and spouses, many <strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> organizations wouldn't be functioning<br />
as well and be able to do the things they do when or where they do them! So this shout<br />
out is dedicated to you! Without you, RHS wouldn't be as successful in so many areas!
E<br />
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Abe Lincoln!!<br />
by Polly Michelle Gwan<br />
Academics Reporter<br />
On <strong>February</strong> 12, <strong>2011</strong>, the United States of America<br />
celebrated the birthday of our nation‘s 16 th president: Abraham<br />
Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln was born on <strong>February</strong> 12,<br />
1809, in a log cabin in Hardin County, Kentucky. His father,<br />
Thomas Lincoln, was a skilled carpenter and little is<br />
known about his mother Nancy Lincoln. He had an older<br />
sister, Sarah Lincoln. He also had a younger brother, Thomas<br />
Lincoln Jr., who died as a baby. Many Americans<br />
assume that Abraham Lincoln easily made his way into the<br />
government, but surprisingly he had a couple of failures at<br />
the beginning. In 1832, Lincoln ran unsuccessfully for the<br />
Illinois Legislature. But two years later, he was elected into<br />
the lower branch of the legislature for the first of four successful terms.<br />
In 1836, Lincoln became a lawyer and met his soon to be wife Mary Todd. Together<br />
they had four sons: Robert Todd (1843-1926), Edward Baker (1840-1850),<br />
William Wallace (1850-1862), and Thomas ―Tad‖ (1850-1862). In <strong>February</strong> 1860,<br />
Lincoln made his first presidential appearance and later went on to win the presidential<br />
election defeating the Northern Democrat Douglas, the Southern Democrat<br />
John C. Breckinridge, and the Constitutional Union candidate John Bell.<br />
Abraham Lincoln is most famous for helping the U.S. survive during the tragic<br />
Civil War. Lincoln's victory in that election thus changed the racial future of the<br />
United States. It also agitated Southern-sympathizer and Negrophobe John Wilkes<br />
Booth, who began to conspire first to abduct Lincoln and later to kill him. On April<br />
14, 1865, five days after Robert E. Lee's surrender to Grant at Appomattox Court<br />
House, Lincoln attended a performance called Our American Cousin at Ford's<br />
Theatre in Washington. There Booth entered the presidential box and shot Lincoln<br />
in the head. The next morning at 7:22 Lincoln died.<br />
Lincoln's achievements--saving the Union and freeing the slaves--and his martyrdom<br />
just at the war's end assured his continuing fame. No small contribution<br />
was made by his eloquence as exemplified in the Gettysburg Address (Nov. 19,<br />
1863), in which he defined the war as a rededication to the egalitarian ideals of the<br />
Declaration of Independence, and in his second inaugural address (Mar. 4, 1865),<br />
in which he urged "malice toward none" and "charity for all" in the peace to come.<br />
Happy Birthday Abraham Lincoln!!<br />
ditorials/Opinions <strong>Chatterbox</strong><br />
<strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>February</strong> 14, <strong>2011</strong> Page 11<br />
Nellie Ross: First Woman Governor<br />
by Christian Amos<br />
Sports Editor<br />
On November 29, 1876, America was introduced to a prestigious woman that<br />
would later pioneer many features of the United States‘ government. Nellie Taylor<br />
Ross is foremost known as the first woman to serve as governor in the United<br />
States.<br />
To this date, she remains the only woman to serve as governor of the state of<br />
Wyoming. Ross, the 14 th governor of Wyoming, was also a staunch supporter of<br />
Prohibition during the 1920s. She also was appointed to director of the U.S. Mint<br />
from 1933-1953 by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Besides being deeply<br />
involved in politics, Ross was also a kindergarten school teacher.<br />
After her husband William Ross died in 1924, Nellie Ross was nominated by<br />
the Democratic Party to run as governor in a special election. She refused to campaign<br />
for the seat, but remarkably she won the race and on January 5, 1925, she<br />
became the first woman governor in the history of the United States. As governor, Ross carried out the<br />
policies her late husband established. Also as governor, she pushed the state of Wyoming to ratify a<br />
federal amendment prohibiting child labor.<br />
Nellie Ross was a lady of many firsts while participating in American polotics. Not only did she<br />
build a rich heritage for women everywhere, but she truly shaped countless parts of our nation‘s structure<br />
just by taking charge in times of need.<br />
Mardi Gras Madness<br />
by Patricia Duhart<br />
Social Reporter<br />
Mardi Gras for me was always that time of year where you turn on<br />
the news channel and see ―Another Mardi Gras Madness‖ or hear about<br />
people fighting at a bar. Mardi Gras is also known for the thousands of<br />
people from all over the country who go to New Orleans to celebrate. What about the story<br />
behind the parties, the history in the celebrations, or the constant mask I never knew that<br />
Mardi Gras meant ―Fat Tuesday,‖ where Catholics indulge in various foods before Ash<br />
Wednesday where the fasting begins; this event is the seventh Wednesday before Easter.<br />
Catholics use ashes to remind them of death and the sorrow they should feel for their sins.<br />
Mardi Gras has been celebrated in New Orleans since the French settlers arrived in the early<br />
1700‘s. Masks were worn to hide the spirits they weren‘t allowed to express. So, if you ever<br />
wondered why all the crazy parties, mask, and food, now you know.<br />
Bloody Valentine<br />
by Lauren Townsend<br />
Assistant News Editor<br />
When Valentine‘s Day comes to mind, people usually think of love,<br />
hearts, free chocolate, etc… No one ever thinks of massacre. Why<br />
would there be blood and murder on the day of romance Believe it or<br />
not, there is one Valentine‘s Day no one will ever forget; in 1929, Al<br />
Capone ordered a bouquet of slaughter instead of chocolates, leaving<br />
seven dead in a garage on the north side of Chicago. There was not any<br />
―Happy Valentine‘s Days‖ shared during the St. Valentine‘s Day Massacre.<br />
So what exactly happened Al Capone arranged for George ―Bugs‖<br />
Moran, a Chicago mobster, and his followers to be eliminated on <strong>February</strong><br />
14, 1929. Al Capone‘s henchmen decided to lure Moran and his<br />
gang to a warehouse on the north side of Chicago, believing that they<br />
were receiving a shipment of cheap alcohol. At 10:30 a.m., Al Capone‘s<br />
men, who were disguised as policemen, opened fire on the unaware men<br />
and killed seven. The among victims were: Jon May, an auto mechanic<br />
hired by Moran; Frank and Pete Gusenburg, who had previously tried to<br />
murder Machine Gun Jack McGurn; James Clark, Moran's brother-inlaw;<br />
and Reinhardt Schwimmer, a young optometrist who often hung<br />
around for the thrill of sharing company with gangsters. Even though<br />
this massacre has won fame in history, the plan was actually a failure<br />
since Al Capone‘s Moran target escaped the slaughter by being late.<br />
Moreover, the mass killing only brought more federal attention than it<br />
did help. This must be how the real mafia spends Valentine‘s Day.<br />
Happy Valentine‘s Day everybody!<br />
Left: Al Capone<br />
Right: George ―Bugs‖ Moran
V<br />
alentine’s Messages <strong>Chatterbox</strong><br />
<strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>February</strong> 14, <strong>2011</strong> Page 12<br />
To: Alexis Johnson<br />
From: DeAnna Nunn<br />
You’re the best! Thanks for the dollar to buy this!<br />
To: Amber My Bae<br />
From: You Know Who<br />
I know we have our ups and downs but ur are still my bae.ILY!<br />
To: Meche<br />
From: Lex<br />
Happy Valentine’s Day Lil’ Ugly! (lol) Just kidding! Love ya!<br />
To: Ke$ha<br />
From: Katy Perry<br />
I love you tons and remember that you’re sassy but classy! LOL –<br />
insider<br />
To: Resume’ Yearbook Staff<br />
From: Mrs. Strickler<br />
Roses are red, violets are blue, let’s make our deadlines before they<br />
are due! Happy
V<br />
alentine’s Messages <strong>Chatterbox</strong><br />
<strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>February</strong> 14, <strong>2011</strong> Page 13<br />
To: Emily & Amber<br />
From: Cookie<br />
Here! I wrote one though you’re reading it out loud, Happy Valentine<br />
Day! To the both of you.<br />
To: RHS Juniors<br />
From: Diana Humphries, 11 th grade counselor<br />
One semester down; one to go. Work hard and do your best. I love<br />
you!<br />
To: Molly Sandefur<br />
From: Gray Taylor<br />
Even though you’re not at RHS anymore,<br />
you’re still my #1. I miss/heart you! :)<br />
To: Meche<br />
From: Lex<br />
Happy Valentine’s Day, Bae! What’s good Love ya!<br />
To: The Kaveman<br />
From: Spaz Kid<br />
You’re an amazing friend and I’m glad I got to know you dude.<br />
Crazy life and friends we got. Lol<br />
To: Shelby Knodel<br />
From: Matthew Cardenas<br />
It’s been an amazing year with you so far. Thank you!<br />
To: Milli<br />
From: Sussi<br />
When it is only showed unto any person so ever, it inciteth and<br />
exciteth wonderfully unto love.<br />
To: Meowcakes<br />
From: BEAUtiful<br />
Sup lil’ mamma ;)<br />
To: Dalton Henry<br />
From: John Alejos & Zack Sanders<br />
Pancakes tomorrow at night.<br />
To: Bradlee<br />
From: Emily<br />
Thank you. Happy Valentine’s Day and stuff. You make me<br />
happy and I love you!<br />
To: FBLA Members<br />
From: Mr. Bruner<br />
FBLA Rules! Happy Valentine’s Day! It may be postponed—but<br />
district is still ours to rule. Then—we take State!<br />
To: Rocky<br />
From: Carrots<br />
Te Amo, my Italian.<br />
To: Ivana Kallova<br />
From: Christian Amos<br />
Prom<br />
To: Brittana<br />
From: Me<br />
You are the most ―awe-giving‖ friend I could ask for!<br />
To: RHS Choir<br />
From: Charles Ives<br />
Thank you for all your hard work and love for my music! (And your<br />
teacher loves you, so play nice!)<br />
To: BFFI & Batman<br />
From: BFFI∞<br />
Hey, you two are the flowers to my garden and the milk to my<br />
cheerios-How could I live without you<br />
To: Myketrian<br />
From: La’ Blue<br />
Hi Sweetie you have opened the doors of my heart, now it’s time<br />
for you to walk thru. Will you be my valentine<br />
To: Batman<br />
From: Catwoman<br />
You are Batman! @ friends forever! Down with Anne Hathaway!<br />
To: Meche<br />
From: Lex<br />
Happy Valentine’s Day, Bae! What’s good Love ya!<br />
To: Art I Students<br />
From: Mrs. Strickler<br />
Happy Valentine’s Day from your awesome art teacher! =)<br />
To: The Band Geeks<br />
From: The Class Clown<br />
Keep Playing Band Geeks!<br />
To: Christy<br />
From: Lloyd<br />
Happy Valentine’s Day. Love ya!<br />
To: Mr. Bruner<br />
From: FBLA Members<br />
We appreciate you and all you do for us! We<br />
will rock district, then roll state!
S<br />
Prom is Almost Here!<br />
by Patricia Duhart<br />
Social Reporter<br />
ervice and Social <strong>Chatterbox</strong><br />
<strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>February</strong> 14, <strong>2011</strong> Page 14<br />
Almost a month until this year‘s Night of the Dragon prom! Found out who you are taking yet<br />
If you don‘t know, you better find out soon. Tickets are still on sale. Seniors who didn‘t pay last<br />
year, your cost is $35. Seniors, if you paid last year as a junior, your cost is free. Juniors, your<br />
costs are $30 in <strong>February</strong> and $35 in March per person. Mrs. Debbie Martin and Mrs. Julie Stephenson<br />
will be taking up the money and handing out the invitations. Prom is March 19, <strong>2011</strong>, at<br />
TONK. So be there or be square. See you there Bearcats!<br />
DRIVER’S EDUCATION<br />
• 6 – Hour Pre-Licensing Class<br />
• Course is State Approved<br />
• Must be 17 or older<br />
• Cost: Only $30<br />
For information, call: 251-1234<br />
The Brain<br />
by Shamario Daniel<br />
Club Reporter<br />
Do you know that the brain is one of the most<br />
important organs in your body Well now you do.<br />
PYPM has started another semester of teaching<br />
second graders at <strong>Ruston</strong> Elementary. They are<br />
teaching four classes; the first two lessons of the<br />
new semester tell how important the brain is to your body. The brain is<br />
―THE BOSS‖ because it is the control center of the body. Did you know it<br />
takes at least 21 years for our brains to prepare us to live the rest of our<br />
lives Crazy, huh But it‘s true. An adult brain weighs about 3 pounds<br />
compared to the 1pound at birth. The brain controls your everyday life as<br />
well as your future. In other words, it‘s a major source of your life. So<br />
what would you do without it PROTECT YOUR BRAIN BECAUSE<br />
YOU ONLY GET ONE.<br />
Rotary Club Winners<br />
by Polly Michelle Gwan<br />
Academics Reporter<br />
Month<br />
September<br />
October<br />
November<br />
December<br />
January<br />
<strong>February</strong><br />
March<br />
April<br />
May<br />
Keywanettes News<br />
by Amber Brown<br />
Senior Editor<br />
Students<br />
Elizabeth Sawyer<br />
Valarie Wheat<br />
Christopher Taylor<br />
Kate Warner<br />
Elizabeth Moore<br />
Hannah Rose McIntire<br />
Ashley Davison<br />
Mary Glenn Lyons<br />
Caroline Oakley<br />
Taylor Kaufman<br />
TBA<br />
TBA<br />
TBA<br />
TBA<br />
On <strong>February</strong> 8 th , the <strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> Keywanettes officers were<br />
invited to a breakfast event with the Sunrise Kiwanis. The event was for<br />
them to discuss current and future projects that they would be participating<br />
in. The Keywanettes is a service club that has provided the school and<br />
the community with many beneficial projects. As the school year dwindles<br />
the Keywanettes are now looking for new members to help with these<br />
projects. But, be sure that all girls are aware of the requirements to become<br />
a member, such as a certain GPA, other activities, and recommendations<br />
from respectable people. Applications will be available at the start<br />
of March. So hurry up and apply before it‘s too late!
B<br />
earcat Baseball Ad <strong>Chatterbox</strong><br />
<strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>February</strong> 14, <strong>2011</strong> Page 15<br />
<strong>2011</strong> BEARCAT BASEBALL APPAREL<br />
The RHS Baseball Booster Club will be selling Bearcat Baseball apparel through Wed. Feb. 16th. There<br />
are two designs to choose from. You can get the red design on a t-shirt, sweatshirt or hoodie. The<br />
black design is available on a long or short sleeve t-shirt only. Fill out the information below and return<br />
it to the office along with your money by Wed., <strong>February</strong> 16 th .<br />
T-shirt (short sleeve only), sweatshirt, or hoodie available<br />
T-shirt only with team rosters on back<br />
Short and long sleeve T-shirt available<br />
Name____________________________________ Phone #_______________________<br />
<strong>School</strong> _____________________Grade_______1 st hour Teacher____________________<br />
Red<br />
T-shirt<br />
Red<br />
Sweat<br />
Red<br />
Hoodie<br />
Black<br />
short sleeve<br />
T-shirt<br />
Black<br />
long sleeve<br />
t-shirt<br />
Cost YS YM YL SM MED LG XL XXL 3XL<br />
$15<br />
$20<br />
$25<br />
$15<br />
$18<br />
Total<br />
Quantity<br />
Total $<br />
* 2XL and 3XL add $2.00 Total Amount Enclosed_________<br />
*All orders must be paid for when ordering and must be paid in cash.
C<br />
lubs/Organizations <strong>Chatterbox</strong><br />
<strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>February</strong> 14, <strong>2011</strong> Page 16<br />
FFA State P-Law<br />
submitted by Mr. Mark Milstead<br />
FFA Advisor<br />
4-H Club Reminders<br />
submitted by Darby Rowland<br />
4-H Club Reporter<br />
Congratulations to the <strong>Ruston</strong> FFA Parliamentary Procedure<br />
Team for their performance at the State Parliamentary Procedure<br />
Career Development Event at the Louisiana Educational Youth<br />
Center on January 18, <strong>2011</strong>. <strong>Ruston</strong>'s team was named the 2010-<br />
<strong>2011</strong> Louisiana FFA State Runner-Up in Parliamentary Procedure.<br />
The team also had the highest written test average of all the teams in the competition.<br />
Students had to take a written exam on any subject material that comes from<br />
Robert's Rules of Order, perform an eight to ten minute unprepared demonstration on<br />
the motions given to the team, and answer oral questions related to the motion that each<br />
member had to perform. Team members included Antonio Wilson, Will Edminston,<br />
Seth Wells, Savannah Best, Adam Bryant, and Brandon Myers. Five of these six members<br />
are seniors and will be greatly missed next year. Congratulations on all the hard<br />
work that you have put into this event for the past two years!<br />
State Parliamentary Procedure<br />
Runners-up team included<br />
Brandon Myers,<br />
Savannah Best, Will Edmiston,<br />
Antonio Wilson,<br />
Seth Wells and Adam Bryant<br />
(not pictured).<br />
Attention <strong>Ruston</strong> 4-Hers -Achievement Day is coming up<br />
fast. To be eligible to attend you must participate in at least<br />
two parish events. If you have not already done so, there are<br />
several events coming up!<br />
The annual 4-H Foods Festival will be held on <strong>February</strong> 21 st at I.A. Lewis<br />
<strong>School</strong>. See the newsletter for further details.<br />
Black History Posters are due to the 4-H office by <strong>February</strong> 25th.<br />
Night at the Mudbugs Hockey Game will be Saturday, March 12, <strong>2011</strong>.<br />
Tickets are $12.00 each and you must register by <strong>February</strong> 15, <strong>2011</strong>.<br />
Hot Sauce Fundraiser: There are several students involved in the Junior Leader<br />
Club. They are selling hot sauce to raise money for 4-H University and other trips.<br />
They are also participating in community service events and assisting with contests<br />
and activities for younger 4-Hers. Junior Leaders meet at the 4-H office once per<br />
month.<br />
Community Service Project: We will be starting a new 4-H Club community service<br />
project during March. Please be on the lookout for further details.<br />
KING OF HEARTS<br />
PROM IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER………….<br />
Dresses available only at our Monroe Location; Tuxedoes available at both!<br />
Monroe: Tuxedos, Bridal & Formals<br />
<strong>Ruston</strong>: King of Hearts Tuxedos<br />
1707 Hudson Lane 1406 Farmerville Hwy<br />
(318) 322-6274 (318) 251-1254<br />
www.king-of-hearts.com
C<br />
lubs/Organizations <strong>Chatterbox</strong><br />
<strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>February</strong> 14, <strong>2011</strong> Page 17<br />
FBLA Students Interact With<br />
A. E. Phillips<br />
submitted by Amber Brown and Brittany White<br />
FBLA Vice-President- Service and Vice-President- Progress<br />
What Will You Do<br />
With Your Life<br />
by Shamario Daniel<br />
Club Reporter<br />
Recently, one of the Vice Presidents from the <strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> Future Business<br />
Leaders of America volunteered at A.E. Phillips, as a requirement for FBLA‘s Business<br />
Level of the Business Achievement Awards (BAA). Brittany White, along with her<br />
friend Heather Tanner, read a well known book by Dr. Seuss, ―The Lorax,‖ and helped<br />
the students plant sunflower seeds in cups to take home. The two students started off by<br />
reading the Dr. Seuss book to the well behaved A.E. Phillips Kindergarteners. Brittany<br />
and Heather read the book with much enthusiasm as the students enjoyed every bit of it.<br />
After reading the book, the students moved into the activity space where they then<br />
had a cup of starter soil handed to them to put in their own cup. Next, the students<br />
passed around a cup with sunflower seeds in it and each took a seed to bury in their soil.<br />
Brittany and Heather went around and watered each of the kindergarteners cups with<br />
just enough water to start if off. The students were told to water their flower every day<br />
with just a small amount of water. Overall everyone had a fun and joyful experience.<br />
This was a great educational experience for both Brittany and Heather and especially<br />
the kindergarteners.<br />
To learn more about the BAA program, contact Brittany White, as she has now completed<br />
both the Future and the Business Level Awards and is now working towards<br />
competing for the Richard D. Clanton Memorial Scholarship at the Louisiana FBLA<br />
State Conference.<br />
Brittany and Heather In Action<br />
Students with their projects.<br />
PCI has been meeting every Tuesday after<br />
school in Mrs. Dunbar‘s room because students<br />
from Louisiana Tech have been coming to<br />
share knowledge about life after high school<br />
and college choices. College is very important<br />
and everyone should want to attend. These<br />
delicate choices will determine where you end<br />
up in life. There are several colleges around the<br />
<strong>Ruston</strong> and Monroe area that students can attend.<br />
PCI is getting students ready for the future<br />
so they can excel and succeed in life. If<br />
you‘re not ready for a 4-year university/<br />
college, you can always attend a vocational<br />
college. So what do you want to do with your<br />
life MAKE DECISIONS THAT WILL BET-<br />
TER YOUR FUTURE!
T<br />
he Arts<br />
<strong>Chatterbox</strong><br />
<strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>February</strong> 14, <strong>2011</strong> Page 18<br />
Busy, Busy Band!<br />
by Emily Moore<br />
Arts Reporter<br />
On January 21, <strong>2011</strong>, the band members got a surprise visitor, Sergeant Nash, a member of<br />
the Marine Corp from Minden, Louisiana, who came to speak to the band about the Marine Corp<br />
Band. He visits every year to educate band members on their talents that can be used for government<br />
jobs. When asked what she thought about the band, Anna Scroggins exclaimed, ―Have you<br />
ever seen them [Marine Corp band] They‘re great! I‘d love to play for them.‖ Other <strong>Ruston</strong><br />
<strong>High</strong> musicians had compliments to share as well. In reference to Sgt. Nash‘s presentation, Zach<br />
Bertrand said thoughtfully, ―He had a lot of interesting things to say.‖ Other band members admired<br />
him for other reasons entirely, like Marcie McTyre who said, ―I like their uniforms. I like<br />
their uniforms a lot.‖ Sgt. Nash gave serious musicians something to think about after graduation.<br />
January 27 th -29 th was the District One Band Director‘s Association Honor Band Clinic. These<br />
members were featured in last month‘s <strong>Chatterbox</strong> edition and traveled to the University of Louisiana<br />
in Monroe to perform with other band members from surrounding schools who made it.<br />
The Courtside Cats have been playing at the basketball games to induce school spirit and will<br />
continue playing for the rest of the season! Watching the game isn‘t the only reason to attend<br />
anymore. On <strong>February</strong> 25, the South Central Regional Music Conference and Honor Band will<br />
be held at the Monroe Civic Center. ―I‘m looking forward to playing with Bradlee and Sam<br />
[fellow percussionist],‖ McKenzie Rhodes said. This conference is the pre-festival decision. It<br />
leads up to the LMEA Large Ensemble Festival that will be held at West Ouachita <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong><br />
on March 8 th and 9 th . The Bearcat band will surely be busy in the upcoming months.<br />
Singing with the<br />
Stars<br />
by Emily Moore<br />
Arts Reporter<br />
The month of January gave the choir a small<br />
break, but this month they have to jump right<br />
back on the train! During January, choir members<br />
were called to the auditorium for a special<br />
concert by Southern Mississippi University‘s<br />
Men‘s Choir. However, <strong>Ruston</strong> wasn‘t the only<br />
party that felt honored to be visited by such<br />
talent. John Flanery, Assistant Director of Choral<br />
Activates at SMU stated, ―Greg Odom<br />
bragged that <strong>Ruston</strong> has some of the best singers<br />
in the state, so we decided to come check<br />
out the school and do a little recruiting for<br />
Southern Miss.‖ Southern Mississippi‘s choir<br />
members heard good things about <strong>Ruston</strong>‘s<br />
choir as well. ―I was referred [to <strong>Ruston</strong>] by<br />
Greg Odom from West Monroe <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong>,<br />
he pointed out that <strong>Ruston</strong> has the best Choral<br />
program in the state of Louisiana,‖ member<br />
Cameron Weatherford said. When Jonathon<br />
Braannan, another member of the visiting college‘s<br />
choir was asked what advice he had for<br />
students looking to major in music, he said,<br />
―Go ahead and do whatever it takes to get<br />
scholarships, and look everywhere, not just at<br />
one college. Just go for it because music is one<br />
of the most enjoyable majors.‖<br />
Tomorrow, <strong>February</strong> 15 th there will be a<br />
Solo and Ensemble Festival here in <strong>Ruston</strong>. Jon<br />
Barker is going to judge for this event. This<br />
festival is the district qualifier for the state<br />
rally. The state rally will be held at LSU in<br />
April and there‘s no doubt the bearcat choir<br />
will dominate.<br />
Charles Bruffy, whom was introduced in<br />
earlier <strong>Chatterbox</strong> editions, will finally be arriving<br />
at the end of <strong>February</strong>. If you didn‘t read<br />
previous choir articles, you may not be familiar<br />
with who Charles Bruffy is. Charles Bruffy<br />
conducts the Kansas City Chorale, Kansas City<br />
Symphony Chorus, and the Phoenix Chorale.<br />
He has received numerous awards including<br />
ASCAP‘s Adventurous Programming award<br />
and TWO ACTUAL GRAMMYS! He has performed<br />
all over the world in places like Carnegie<br />
Hall, the Sydney Opera House in Australia,<br />
and in countries like South Korea and France.<br />
The famous Charles Bruffy will be holding<br />
workshops and rehearsals for the RHS choir on<br />
<strong>February</strong> 24 th and 25 th , leading to a concert on<br />
the 26 th at 11:00 am in the <strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> auditorium.<br />
All of the choir members are super excited<br />
and beyond anxious for his arrival. Christian<br />
Amos stated enthusiastically, ―I hope he<br />
brings his Grammys!‖ Other members of the<br />
bearcat choir share in his admiration for<br />
Charles Bruffy. Andrew Serio made the compliment<br />
that ―Charles Bruffy is a god!‖<br />
The choir members are getting chances of a<br />
lifetime. It is an honor to work with these astute<br />
musicians. With celebrities like Charles<br />
Bruffy, and Valerie Naranjo, who is coming to<br />
help with ―Bearcats on Broadway‖ next month,<br />
<strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> is on its way to fame.<br />
Art<br />
submitted by Mrs. Strickler<br />
Art Teacher<br />
The Art Club slowed down through the holidays but is back in full swing<br />
for the new semester! Members are challenging themselves as they take on<br />
school and community service projects. The club officers have been elected<br />
and they are President, Diamond Melton; Co Vice-Presidents, Haley McCalman<br />
and Mayisha Nakib; Historian, Jeb Rodriguez; and Co Secretaries,<br />
Chelsea Jenkins and Anna Smith. They are brainstorming some great ideas<br />
for the remainder of the school year. For example, several of the more artistic<br />
members will be helping me with the backdrop for the upcoming Bearcats<br />
on Broadway production in March. Plans are also underway to visit with<br />
a pre-k or kindergarten group to complete an arts and crafts project. We look<br />
forward to even more projects as the opportunities arise in the future.<br />
We have all your music needs at<br />
Piney Hills Music!!<br />
214 N. Trenton Street<br />
232-3002
S<br />
enior Spotlights <strong>Chatterbox</strong><br />
<strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>February</strong> 14, 2010 Page 19<br />
Name: Amber Sanders (Big Mac, Marlay, AmBam)<br />
Age: 17<br />
Family: LaWanda (Mom), Stacy (Dad), Jalena, Laycie (sisters), Gracie, Chance, Jewel (horses)<br />
Favorites...<br />
Subject: Choir Movie: The Little Mermaid Animal: Horse Color: Green Book/Magazine: Where the Red Fern Grows<br />
Quote: ―Dream as if you‘ll live forever, live as if you‘ll die today.‖ -James Dean<br />
What do you like best about RHS: The school spirit and the Friday night football games and the basketball games.<br />
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Basketball, FCCLA, Choir, GOT team, PYPM<br />
College plans: Northwestern/ major in Elementary Education; minor in Music<br />
Your hero: GOD and my sister, Jalena<br />
Name: Daveon Jones (Dae Dae, Davy)<br />
Age: 17<br />
Family: Homer (Grandpa), Jean (Grandma)<br />
Favorites...<br />
Subject: 1st period Movie: Fight Club Animal: Dave Anderson<br />
Most embarrassing moment: At <strong>Ruston</strong>, the first time Coach Anderson cracked jokes on me.<br />
What do you like best about RHS: Track meets & World History<br />
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Track & Field, KOM<br />
College plans: NSU/ Secondary Education<br />
Your hero: Coach Hall my bestie!!<br />
Name: Aisha Jackson<br />
Age: 17<br />
Family: Ed (Dad), Victoria (Mom), Ashley, Adrianna, Andrea, Alexis (sisters)<br />
Favorites...<br />
Subject: Choir Movie: Vivah Animal: Platypus Color: Blue Book/Magazine: <strong>Chatterbox</strong>!<br />
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.‖<br />
What do you like best about RHS: Lunch Time (cause it means free time)<br />
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Choir & KOM<br />
College plans: NSU Demons!/ Music Education Major<br />
Your hero: Jesus!!!<br />
Name: Hannah Rose McIntire (Hannah ROOOOSE!, HooBoo)<br />
Age: 18<br />
Family: Mom, Dad, Sam, Joshua<br />
Favorites...<br />
Subject: Math Movie: Sahara Animal: African Giraffe Color: Blue Book/Magazine: “The Small Woman”-Gladys Alyward<br />
Quote: ―He is no fool who gives what he cannot lose.‖ -Jim Elliot<br />
What do you like best about RHS: My track family, my besties, the people, and the overall atmosphere.<br />
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Track, LYFE, Spanish Club, and Keywanettes<br />
College plans: John Brown University/ Graphic Design<br />
Your hero: Aaron Boersma, Elizabeth Moore, The Howells...etc.!<br />
Name: Elizabeth Moore (Lizzi, Ell, E-Moore, Lizzy-Beth)<br />
Age: 17<br />
Family: Mom, Dad, Matthew, Michael, John David<br />
Favorites...<br />
Subject: Drop everything and read! Movie: Pride & Prejudice Animal: anything that goes maaaah... Color: Blue<br />
Book/Magazine: Jane Eyre<br />
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<br />
What do you like best about RHS: the best friends in the world and my mentees :)<br />
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Belles, KOM, LYFE, FCA, Choir, Ambassadors, and Keywnettes<br />
College plans: Mississippi College; major– English Literature, minor– Biblical Studies<br />
Your hero: Starbucks
S<br />
enior Spotlights <strong>Chatterbox</strong><br />
<strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>February</strong> 14, 2010 Page 20<br />
Name: Brittney Washington (Lue)<br />
Age: 18<br />
Family: Mom, Dad, sister, Cujo (brother)<br />
Favorites...<br />
Movie: Baby Boy, Poetic Justice Animal: Stallion Color: Purple Book/Magazine: No More Playas<br />
Quote: ―No weapons formed against me will prosper and I truly believe that my haters are my motivators.‖ -Nicki Minaj<br />
What do you like best about RHS: Pep rallies<br />
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: FBLA<br />
College plans: Going to the Navy<br />
Your hero: My Mother<br />
Name: Byronesha Santiago (Playmaker)<br />
Age: 17<br />
Family: Josie (Mom), Bryon (Dad), Chelz (sister), Spalding (pet)<br />
Favorites...<br />
Subject: Spanish II Movie: Love & Basketball Animal: Dislike animals Color: Blue<br />
Most embarrassing moment: I don‘t get embarrassed.<br />
What do you like best about RHS: Girls Basketball<br />
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Basketball, Basketball, Basketball<br />
College plans: Play college ball.<br />
Your hero: Jehovah<br />
Name: Savannah Best<br />
Age: 17<br />
Family: Sammye & Jody (parents), Jordan & Raleigh (sisters), Ty (brother)<br />
Favorites...<br />
Subject: Ag Movie: Transformers Animal: Dog Color: Yellow Book/Magazine: Fallen<br />
Quote: ―Peace begins with a smile‖<br />
Most embarrassing moment: Freshman year, I fell out of my chair at the FFA banquet.<br />
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: FFA<br />
College plans: Louisiana Tech/ Ag Ed.<br />
Name: Dexter Burks (Peterrabbit)<br />
Age: 19<br />
Family: Ruthie Burks (Mom), two brothers, one sister<br />
Favorites...<br />
Subject: Math Movie: Soul Men Animal: Dog Color: Black Book/Magazine: The Bully<br />
Quote: ―Keep your head up and never let anything bring you down‖<br />
What do you like best about RHS: Pep rallies, Football games<br />
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: FFA<br />
College plans: Louisiana Technical College/ Business & UTI<br />
Your hero: God, Family<br />
Name: Tyler Andrew Smith (TDog)<br />
Age: 20<br />
Family: Tony Allen Smith (brother)<br />
Favorites...<br />
Subject: Math Movie: Mall Cop Animal: Owl Color: Black and Red Book/Magazine: Naruto<br />
Quote: ―It‘s not the size of the dog in the fight, it‘s the size of the fight in the dog.‖<br />
What do you like best about RHS: Coach Brown Bio<br />
College plans: Two year/ Law<br />
Your hero: 50 Cent
S<br />
enior Spotlights <strong>Chatterbox</strong><br />
<strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>February</strong> 14, 2010 Page 21<br />
Name: Chelsea Rogers (C-C, Chelz, In your face Rogers)<br />
Age: 17<br />
Family: Sheronda (Mom), Marcheile (Step Dad), Mun (brother), Keith (brother), Kourtney (God-Brother)<br />
Favorites...<br />
Subject: Math Movie: Friday Animal: Dog Color: Pink<br />
Quote: ―Trust God only because man will fail you.‖<br />
What do you like best about RHS: <strong>School</strong> Spirit<br />
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Basketball, BUMS, National Honor Society<br />
Your hero: God and Mother<br />
Name: Raven Kelly (Rae-Rae)<br />
Age: 17<br />
Family: Kendra Kelly (sister), Cheylor Kelly (brother), Melissa Kelly (Mom), Chad Sims (brother)<br />
Favorites...<br />
Subject: Spanish Movie: Baby Boy Animal: Zebras Color: Anything Bright Book/Magazine: Glamorous<br />
Quote: ―If you don‘t stand for something, you will fall for anything.‖ -Lil Daddy<br />
Most embarrassing moment: When I fell my Freshman year in a pep rally in front of the whole school. Ughh!!!<br />
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Varsity Cheer, National Champion Competition Squad, FCA<br />
College plans: Grambling State University/ Biology; plan to be a physical therapist after attending physical therapy school<br />
Your hero: My Mother<br />
Name: Dakota Nalitt<br />
Age: 18<br />
Family: Gail (Mom), David (Dad), Josh & Tyler (brothers)<br />
Favorites...<br />
Subject: Ag Movie: Friday Night Lights Animal: Dog Color: Red<br />
Quote: ―Work hard, but play harder‖<br />
What do you like best about RHS: Not having to come until 2nd hour and then leaving early<br />
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: FFA<br />
Name: Deja Silas<br />
Age: 17<br />
Family: Granny, Great-Granny, Drecia, Phe<br />
Favorites...<br />
Subject: English Movie: ATL Animal: Dog Color: Black Book/Magazine: The Child Called It<br />
Quote: ―I love you.‖ (Deja)<br />
What do you like best about RHS: Being able to be with the ones I love and RHS spirit and tradition<br />
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Pom Squad, COE<br />
College plans: ULL/Southern/ Nursing<br />
Your hero: God<br />
Name: Michael Palmer<br />
Age: 19<br />
Family: Paul Palmer (Father), Dennis Allen (Mom), Kimmberly Perez (Fiancée)<br />
Favorites...<br />
Subject: Math Movie: Transformers Animal: Dog Color: Red Book/Magazine: Harry Potter<br />
Quote: ―It can be done.‖<br />
College plans: Art <strong>School</strong><br />
Your hero: Grandma & God
S<br />
enior Spotlights <strong>Chatterbox</strong><br />
<strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>February</strong> 14, 2010 Page 22<br />
Name: Holly Holland<br />
Age: 17<br />
Family: Katina (Mom), Eric (Step Dad), Jalen (brother)<br />
Favorites...<br />
Subject: Lunch Movie: Baby Boy Animal: Charity (my dog) Color: Red<br />
Quote: ―I got to much business of my own to be worried about somebody else's.‖ -Holly Cyrus<br />
What do you like best about RHS: Pep Rallies<br />
College plans: Go Army!<br />
Your hero: God and my Mom<br />
Name: Taylor Rose (T. Rose)<br />
Age: 18<br />
Family: Holden (brother), Dad, Granddad<br />
Favorites...<br />
Subject: Ag Movie: The Runaways Animal: Rottweiler Color: Black Book/Magazine: If I Stay by Gayle Forman<br />
Quote: ―Phil Phil! Phil of Fortune!‖ -Sarah Blaylock<br />
What do you like best about RHS: Being a Senior<br />
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: KOM, FFA<br />
College plans: Police Officer with the Alameda County Sheriff‘s Office<br />
Your hero: Nakendra Foster<br />
Name: Jemorio Crowe (J Moe, Boss Crowe, Yo Yo)<br />
Age: 18<br />
Family: Jerry Melton (Dad), Dana Crowe (Mom), Jerry Jr. Melton (brother), Jermesha Melton (sister)<br />
Favorites...<br />
Subject: Lunch Movie: Friday Animal: Dogs (Bubbles, Mindmight), cat (Holly) Color: I don‘t have one I rock all of them<br />
Book/Magazine: Bible<br />
Quote: ―It‘s nothing to the kid, you can get it. It is what it is yo mama.‖<br />
What do you like best about RHS: Choir<br />
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Choir, I workout<br />
Your hero: God<br />
Name: Latoria Whitehead<br />
Age: 17<br />
Family: Mary (Mom), Allen (Dad), Jessie, Allen Jr., Emanuel (brothers), Latrice, Katrina (sisters)<br />
Favorites...<br />
Subject: English Movie: Baby Boy Animal: Cat Color: Purple Book/Magazine: Bluford series<br />
Quote: ―Lie down with dogs you get up with fleas.‖<br />
Most embarrassing moment: Falling down the stairs freshman year.<br />
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: FBLA<br />
College plans: Louisiana Tech/ Education<br />
Your hero: My Grandma<br />
Name: Justin Brazzel (Ju Ju, B)<br />
Age: 17<br />
Family: Gary (Dad), Amber (Step Mom), Taylor (sister), 2 step sisters, 1 step brother<br />
Favorites...<br />
Subject: Math Movie: Happy Gilmore Animal: Panther Color: Blue Book/Magazine: <strong>Chatterbox</strong><br />
Quote: ―Brazzel your incompetence is showing.‖ -Zach Davis<br />
What do you like best about RHS: Friends<br />
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Football<br />
College plans: Louisiana Tech<br />
Your hero: My Mom
E<br />
ntertainment<br />
<strong>Chatterbox</strong><br />
<strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>February</strong> 14, <strong>2011</strong> Page 23<br />
Are You Hungry for More<br />
by Amber Brown<br />
Senior Editor<br />
―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<br />
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<br />
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<br />
the region where people are prosperous, abundant with food and money, and just plain spoiled. After what we all know as America is destroyed,<br />
there are twelve Districts, originally thirteen, who must always listen to the ―Capital.‖ One year, the districts rebelled (and thus the<br />
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<br />
created an annual event which is now known as ―The Hunger Games.‖ The rules: each district must send one boy and one girl (randomly<br />
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<br />
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<br />
showing their superiority and punishing the districts from the rebellion many years ago.<br />
The story follows our protagonist, Katniss, who volunteers to take her younger sister‘s place in the beginning of the Hunger Games. This<br />
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<br />
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<br />
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!<br />
Facebook is Shutting Down in March Rumor Proved False!<br />
by Amber Brown<br />
Senior Editor<br />
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<br />
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<br />
rags that are accused to have originally started this ridiculous rumor) gained many negative responses to Mark Zuckerberg‘s quote as saying Facebook<br />
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<br />
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<br />
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<br />
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,<br />
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<br />
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<br />
like always.‖<br />
Miss America Pageant <strong>2011</strong><br />
by Polly Michelle Gwan<br />
Academics Reporter<br />
On January 15, <strong>2011</strong>, fifty-two beautiful women gathered together to compete for the title Miss America in the<br />
Miss America <strong>2011</strong> Pageant. The pageant was held in Las Vegas, Nevada, and was shown on the ABC channel.<br />
The pageant contestants are women representing each state in the United States plus two more from Washington,<br />
D.C. and Puerto Rico.<br />
This year Kelsey Crain, from Monroe, Louisiana, proudly represented our state as Miss Louisiana <strong>2011</strong>.<br />
Though she and many others did not make it to the swim suit portion of the competition, the competition was still<br />
vigorous. This year the Miss America Pageant added many new twist and surprises to the competition by letting<br />
the contestants, people, and judges vote for the fifteen contestants who moved on into the swim suit portion including:<br />
Miss Nebraska, Miss Virginia, Miss Kentucky, Miss Delaware, Miss Arkansas, Miss Hawaii, Miss<br />
Washington, Miss Oklahoma, Miss Oregon, Miss Utah, Miss Rhode Island, Miss New York, Miss Texas, Miss<br />
California, and Miss Arizona.<br />
The contestants went through not only a swim suit portion, but an evening wear portion, a talent portion, and a<br />
question portion. In the end Miss Nebraska, Teresa Scanlan, was crowned Miss America <strong>2011</strong>, being the youngest<br />
woman ever to be crowned this prestigious title at age seventeen. Teresa Scanlan was not the only one making<br />
history at this pageant though. The pageant was celebrating its 90 th anniversary, and this year to celebrate it they<br />
invited forty-three former Miss America‘s back to the pageant to celebrate in this amazing accomplishment.<br />
Teresa Scanlan will go on to compete in the <strong>2011</strong> Miss World pageant against many other countries later on this<br />
year, and hopefully, with the support of her fellow Americans, return back victoriously.<br />
Miss Nebraska gets crowned!<br />
Miss America takes her<br />
traditional walk.<br />
Miss Louisiana Kelsey Crain
S<br />
tudent Center<br />
<strong>Chatterbox</strong><br />
<strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>February</strong> 14, <strong>2011</strong> Page 24<br />
An Eagle Scout Walks the Halls of <strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong><br />
by Amber Brown<br />
Senior Editor<br />
Thomas Gray Taylor, both a member of <strong>Chatterbox</strong> and FBLA, has earned the Eagle Scout rank, and according to statistics, only four percent<br />
of boy scouts across the country make it to this prestigious ranking.<br />
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<br />
Troop 59, along with other Bearcats: John Ramsaur, Nicona Lacy, Hunter Humble, Logan Young, and Mark Weir.<br />
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<br />
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<br />
help the <strong>Ruston</strong> Community Theatre renovate, organize, and relocate their props and set pieces with a group of other volunteers. Once the project<br />
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<br />
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<br />
is to ―Be Prepared.‖ So, congratulations, Gray Taylor on your awesome achievement!<br />
Happily Never After<br />
The Story of Divorce<br />
Information accessed at: http://www.divorcerate.org/<br />
submitted by Justin Welch<br />
RHS sophomore<br />
Divorce destroys family relationships faster than almost anything else. Not<br />
only does it affect the parent‘s lives, it affects their children‘s lives drastically if<br />
they have any. The United State ranks number one in divorces with Puerto Rico<br />
at a close second. On average, 43% of the marriages in America end in divorce<br />
every year. In 2009, there were 2,355,005 divorces and the number is constantly<br />
growing! For every marriage one person has after their first one, there is<br />
a higher percentage rate of the next marriage also failing. Sorry ladies, but according<br />
to divorcerate.org, women who marry under the age of 20 years file for<br />
divorce over twice as much as the men.<br />
Fortunately though, 67% of all divorces are between two people who are<br />
childless. Children of divorce typically act like things are okay or that they<br />
don‘t care, but the truth is, most of them are feeling pain and it is sometimes<br />
hurting them on the inside. They may go into a depressive state or feel like<br />
there is nothing left for them. Parents and children‘s relationships get torn apart<br />
because the children feel resentment towards parents for splitting up.<br />
Kids also think that just because their parents don‘t live together, they have<br />
to choose where to live. In most case, parents should have a joint-custody<br />
where kids are allowed to go visit both parents on an equal time scale. Frankly,<br />
divorce is never the answer but it all depends on how the divorce goes down in<br />
court. No matter how bad things may seem, divorce only makes things worse.<br />
So if your parents are divorced or choose to get divorced (which I hope<br />
never happens), don‘t get yourself down. Hold your head up and go on with<br />
your life and make sure that you don‘t make the same mistake when you<br />
choose to get married.<br />
According to enrichment journal on the divorce rate in America:<br />
The divorce rate in America for first marriage is 41%<br />
The divorce rate in America for second marriage is 60%<br />
The divorce rate in America for third marriage is 73%<br />
Age Women Men<br />
Age at marriage<br />
for those who<br />
divorce in<br />
America:<br />
Under 20 years old 27.6% 11.7%<br />
20 to 24 years old 36.6% 38.8%<br />
25 to 29 years old 16.4% 22.3%<br />
30 to 34 years old 8.5% 11.6%<br />
35 to 39 years old 5.1% 6.5%
S<br />
tudent Center<br />
<strong>Chatterbox</strong><br />
<strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>February</strong> 14, <strong>2011</strong> Page 25<br />
Ask the Staff<br />
by Kori Teague<br />
Guest Reporter<br />
What does it mean to love someone<br />
Jesus said to love others as He loved us.<br />
What does that mean ―For God so loved the<br />
world that He gave His only Son, that whoever<br />
believes in Him will not perish but have<br />
eternal life‖ (John 3:16).<br />
Does that mean we have to give up our<br />
children for others Not really. Does that<br />
mean that we have to go be crucified on a<br />
cross for someone Not necessarily. It just<br />
means that we need to be willing to sacrifice<br />
things in our lives when we love someone.<br />
Surely, since God gave so much for us because<br />
He loves us, we can show His love in us<br />
to others. Happy Valentine‘s Day!<br />
Ask Russell<br />
submitted by Beau Russell<br />
RHS Class President<br />
What are your thoughts on Valentine’s<br />
Day<br />
―I think it‘s a great time to share<br />
with not only your significant other,<br />
but also with your friends, and spoil<br />
them on one of the ‗sweetest‘ days<br />
of the year.‖<br />
How do you attract the ladies<br />
―It‘s a God given talent. Period.‖<br />
You Complete Me<br />
by Amy Gibson<br />
Guest Reporter<br />
Lonely was I, when first we met<br />
I had lost all hope in this world<br />
But when you came, I opened myself<br />
And decided to be your girl<br />
I feel so safe when I am in your arms<br />
Nothing can get to me when I‘m with you<br />
All these things are new to me<br />
And I am afraid of loving you<br />
But I trust you with my feelings<br />
Yes, I do trust you with my heart<br />
I could never let you down<br />
Because in my life, you play a huge<br />
part<br />
The way my heart speeds makes no<br />
sense<br />
But I don‘t mind it at all<br />
I stumble over everything around you<br />
But your hand is always there to stop my fall<br />
Your words are so soothing to my soul<br />
Your touch comforts my pain<br />
I pray that no matter what happens<br />
Your feelings for me will never change<br />
Tears come to my eyes when I think of you<br />
Because the love I feel is that strong<br />
And I‘m not afraid to say<br />
That I‘ve loved you all along<br />
Truly I speak, when I say that there are no words<br />
Then I do speak the truth<br />
I cannot find any explanation<br />
To describe my love for you<br />
But why should I need words<br />
When all I need, I have<br />
There is always a smile in my heart<br />
In your love, I always laugh<br />
You are that twinkle in my eye<br />
And the blush appearing on my cheeks<br />
I am blessed to call you mine<br />
Grateful am I that we got to meet<br />
Just seeing your face gives me chills<br />
Experiencing your love makes my soul tremble<br />
I love being with you…in your presence<br />
Please always remember<br />
Unconditional love is what I feel for you<br />
And on me you must never give up<br />
Safe and secure I will always be<br />
If you hold me tightly in your love<br />
Only my love could ever see<br />
That you complete me<br />
The <strong>Chatterbox</strong> reminds all students that everyone has a right to an opinion on issues.<br />
If you have an opinion and wish to write an article, the <strong>Chatterbox</strong> reminds you that<br />
all submissions are subject to staff, editor, and administrative review to ensure that the<br />
article provides information or promotes school pride, and does so without materially<br />
disrupting work, does not cause substantial disorder, or does not invade the rights of<br />
these. If you would like your article considered for submission, please email it to<br />
chatterbox@lincolnschools.org or turn it in in electronic format to one of our staff.<br />
Only signed editorials and articles will be considered.
un Page<br />
F<br />
<strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>February</strong> 14, <strong>2011</strong> Page 26<br />
<strong>Chatterbox</strong><br />
Sudoku<br />
January<br />
Answers<br />
Valentine’s Day Word Search<br />
by Gray Taylor<br />
Graphics/Design Editor
S<br />
ponsors and Staff <strong>Chatterbox</strong><br />
<strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>February</strong> 14, <strong>2011</strong> Page 27<br />
2010-<strong>2011</strong> <strong>Chatterbox</strong> Sponsors<br />
Platinum Level Sponsors: ($200 +) Mark Bartlett, LLC First National Bank<br />
<strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> Alumni Association Garrett Foundation (Grant)<br />
Gold Level Sponsor: ($100 - $199) RHS FBLA, Chapter 617<br />
Silver Level Sponsor: ($50 - $99) Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office Lloyd and Christy Bruner RHS Business Department<br />
2010-<strong>2011</strong> <strong>Chatterbox</strong> Advertisers<br />
Business/Organization Owner/Manager/Contact Agent Page of Advertisement<br />
Lincoln ACHIEVE Cathi Cox 2<br />
BESTWAY Michael Kolb 4<br />
Seeker Springs Tammie Slawson 6<br />
Wells Fargo Julie Guillot 10<br />
Driver‘s Ed Ricky Durrett 14<br />
King of Hearts Pat Murray 16<br />
Kevin Beasley Photography Kevin Beasley 17<br />
Pow Wow Manuel and Nilda Chinchilla 17<br />
Piney Hills Music Nick Goff 18<br />
Dr. Rendina Lynn Crowe 18<br />
Geri G. Taylor Geri Taylor 28<br />
Nick Brown Show Nick Brown 29<br />
<strong>Ruston</strong> Locker Room Yvonne Craft 31<br />
Space Available Space Available Space Available<br />
Space Available Space Available Space Available<br />
Please thank and support these businesses, organizations, and individuals for making your <strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>Chatterbox</strong> possible!<br />
If interested in sponsoring or advertising in the <strong>Chatterbox</strong>, email us at chatterbox@lincolnschools.org<br />
2010-<strong>2011</strong> RHS <strong>Chatterbox</strong> Staff<br />
Senior Editor Amber Brown Senior<br />
News Editor Natasha Alva Senior<br />
Assistant News Editor Lauren Townsend Junior<br />
Graphics/Design Editor Gray Taylor Senior<br />
Senior Reporter Stephany Arias Senior<br />
Sports Editor Christian Amos Senior<br />
Business Manager Elizabeth Smith Junior<br />
Academics Reporter Polly Michelle Gwan Junior<br />
Arts Reporter Emily Moore Junior<br />
Clubs Reporter Shamario Daniel Junior<br />
Education Reporter Benicia King Junior<br />
Social Reporter Jocria Thompson Junior<br />
Social Reporter Patricia Duhart Junior<br />
Sports Reporter Reed Malek Junior<br />
Sports Reporter Arquisia Williams Sophomore<br />
Photographer Savannah Chrisman Sophomore<br />
Photographer Whitney Durrett Sophomore<br />
Guest Reporter Amy Gibson Junior<br />
Guest Reporter Kori Teague Junior<br />
Adviser/Sponsor: Mr. Lloyd R. Bruner, chatterbox@lincolnschools.org<br />
The <strong>Chatterbox</strong> is a member of the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA).<br />
The purpose of the <strong>Chatterbox</strong> is to provide information and to promote school pride. We strive to meet the criteria set by the National Scholastic Press Association for student<br />
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<br />
will not be published in keeping with the guidelines of Hazelwood <strong>School</strong> District vs. Kulkmeier (1998). Signed editorials may be sent to <strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong>, 900 Bearcat<br />
Drive, <strong>Ruston</strong>, Louisiana 71270.<br />
Access the current edition of the <strong>Chatterbox</strong> at: http://rustonhigh.lincolnschools.org/whatsnew.html and archived editions at: http://rustonhigh.lincolnschools.org/chatterbox.html
S<br />
ports<br />
<strong>Chatterbox</strong><br />
<strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>February</strong> 14, 2010 Page 28<br />
RHS Track Preview<br />
by Keekee Williams<br />
Sports Reporter<br />
As the weather changes and the<br />
seasons shift, there are also other<br />
seasons that change, sports seasons.<br />
When spring comes around,<br />
it‘s time to hang up those football<br />
jerseys and put away those swimming<br />
caps.<br />
Track and Field<br />
is all about<br />
strength and<br />
speed. If you work<br />
hard and do what<br />
RHS track coach<br />
Dave Anderson<br />
advises you to do,<br />
you will be a winner<br />
and if you don‘t you‘ll find out<br />
what else he‘s good at besides<br />
coaching. The track team‘s first<br />
meet will be an indoor qualifying<br />
meet on <strong>February</strong> 8. If they qualify<br />
in that division, then the runners<br />
will advance to the Indoor State<br />
meet on <strong>February</strong> 19.<br />
The outdoor season starts on<br />
March 4. The key athletes and<br />
events that everyone should be on<br />
the watch for will be the boy‘s pole<br />
Tennis Ready to Rally<br />
by Keekee Williams<br />
Sports Reporter<br />
-vaulters, Nick Richardson and<br />
Daveon Jones; the distant runners,<br />
Chase Millien and Dominique<br />
Cheffin; the girls relay teams, javelin<br />
throwers and distant races.<br />
There are an estimated 75 members<br />
currently on the track team and<br />
with both the boys<br />
and girls finishing<br />
in second last year<br />
at the state meet,<br />
Coach Anderson<br />
says there‘s only<br />
one way to improve<br />
and that‘s to<br />
go up.<br />
While <strong>Ruston</strong> will be moving<br />
up from classification 4-A to a 5-A<br />
redistricting, to <strong>Ruston</strong>‘s Coach<br />
Anderson that change will not<br />
change the competition. ―It wouldn‘t<br />
make a difference because it‘s<br />
still very competitive in either<br />
class‖, says Anderson.<br />
His favorite aspect about<br />
coaching track should be so obvious,<br />
WINNING, which his teams<br />
are known for!<br />
The Lady Bearcats Are a Strong Team<br />
submitted by Coach David Aguilar<br />
Girls’ Basketball Head Coach<br />
It is hard to determine when a team comes<br />
together and begins working as one. Sometimes<br />
it happens after a particularly hard practice<br />
or after a tough loss. Some teams never get<br />
there and are labeled as "coulda- wouldashoulda-<br />
teams." The Lady Bearcats are a group<br />
of diverse young ladies that came together<br />
every day attempting to better themselves and<br />
play together and win. The seniors on the team<br />
are a perfect mix of<br />
talent.<br />
Byronesha Santiago<br />
and Chelsea<br />
Rogers played key<br />
roles in last year‘s<br />
team that played in the<br />
quarter finals and lost<br />
to the eventual state<br />
champions. Three<br />
other seniors stand out<br />
as well. Taylor Kaufman,<br />
a state ranked<br />
swimmer, and highly<br />
skilled student, raises<br />
the level of the teams play. Jasmine White<br />
played point guard for three years and this year<br />
she has accepted the role of sixth man. For us<br />
that is a defensive stopper, rebounder and offensive<br />
threat to the opposing team. Amber Sanders<br />
is a striking singer and multi-talented<br />
The Lady Bearcats vs. the Lady Rams<br />
player. She came to <strong>Ruston</strong> as a point guard<br />
and evolved into a strong presence at the block.<br />
All five seniors have various skill levels and<br />
diverse backgrounds. They also have one goal<br />
to bring a championship to <strong>Ruston</strong>, the Bearcat<br />
Nation. For this team which has a record of 21<br />
- 4 as this article goes to print, we are not sure if<br />
they have completely come together. "There are<br />
moments that these girls put it all together and<br />
get close to reaching<br />
their potential" Coach<br />
Amanda Aguilar<br />
thinks. "Potential is<br />
such a double edged<br />
sword, it can be your<br />
crutch or the challenge<br />
you need to push<br />
through."<br />
As these young ladies<br />
grow each day and<br />
build on their experiences,<br />
the Bearcat Nation<br />
waits for Tuesday<br />
and Friday nights to see<br />
what new challenges these girls will defeat and<br />
what new skills they will display. The coaches<br />
are proud of what they have accomplished and<br />
are hoping that someday soon they will evolve<br />
into becoming the best they can be as individuals<br />
and as a team.<br />
As tennis season bounces<br />
around again, the players<br />
start to make a racket during<br />
practice sessions. Led by<br />
assistant coach, Mallory<br />
Smith and head coach Gavin<br />
McKinney (currently on<br />
leave), the RHS tennis team<br />
are getting ready to start the<br />
season with their first match.<br />
Head varsity coach<br />
Gavin McKinney is a United<br />
States Professional Tennis<br />
Association instructor and<br />
he promotes the sport of<br />
tennis in <strong>Ruston</strong> and the<br />
surrounding areas. The tryout<br />
for the Bearcat Tennis<br />
team was held on November<br />
17 and they currently hold<br />
practice from 7 th period to<br />
4:30. The girls that made the<br />
team were Jordan Crume,<br />
Dinah Diaz, Mary Hollis<br />
Graham, Kaitlyn Heiden,<br />
Abbie King, Mary-Kyle<br />
McDonald, Courtney<br />
McKinney, Kellen Skains,<br />
and Heather Tanner. The<br />
males that joined the squad<br />
were: Jonathan Abernathy,<br />
Phillip Alva, Spencer Berry,<br />
Kyle Carter, Matt Oaks,<br />
Nathan Parks, Nick Parks,<br />
Cody Sanderson, Hayden<br />
Smithey, Chris Taylor,<br />
Caleb White, and Jack<br />
Woods.<br />
Coach McKinney says, ―I<br />
am very pleased with the<br />
quality of players that participated<br />
in try-outs this<br />
year.‖ ―The great thing<br />
about tennis is that there are<br />
opportunities to participate<br />
in groups and play tournaments<br />
year round.‖ Last year<br />
the Bearcat tennis team<br />
made it to state but didn‘t<br />
quite make it all the way.<br />
―This year we plan on going<br />
back to state taking the boys<br />
with us and winning‖, says<br />
Coach Smith. The first<br />
match is <strong>February</strong> 22 at<br />
Neville <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> and as<br />
the season gets ready to roll,<br />
we will show our support for<br />
the Bearcat tennis team in<br />
every possible way. Go<br />
‗Cats!
S<br />
ports<br />
<strong>Chatterbox</strong><br />
<strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>February</strong> 14, 2010 Page 29<br />
Bearcat Soccer Nears End<br />
by Reed Malek<br />
Sports Reporter<br />
As the month of <strong>February</strong> rolls in, <strong>Ruston</strong> soccer‘s regular<br />
season come to an end.<br />
After all the season‘s hard work, the Lady Bearcats finished<br />
their season with a record of 10-7-3 and the boys finished<br />
10-8-1.<br />
Both teams played their Senior Games against West<br />
Ouachita <strong>High</strong> on Saturday, January 29. The girls pulled off a<br />
close 3-2- victory and the boys dominated the Chiefs 7-1.<br />
The last stretches of the Bearcat soccer seasons were<br />
plagued by several game cancellations due to weather, but the<br />
‗Cats rebounded and were able to end their seasons on a<br />
strong note.<br />
The Bowl College Series<br />
by Reed Malek<br />
Sports Reporter<br />
Senior Lauren Prescott crosses a West<br />
Ouachita (20) defender, during the senior<br />
night match-up.<br />
NICK BROWN<br />
SHOW<br />
Saturday Mornings<br />
8 A.M. – 10 A.M.<br />
ESPN 97.7 FM Radio<br />
In the increasingly popular world of college<br />
football, there is one infamous debate<br />
that dominates virtually every discussion of<br />
the sport: what to do about the Bowl College<br />
Series, more fondly known as the BCS.<br />
The BCS has been the governing body of<br />
college football ever since its<br />
inception in 1998. The BCS<br />
dictates which teams play in<br />
which bowl games, an ability<br />
criticized by many as being<br />
monopolistic and unfair to the<br />
smaller schools in the nonautomatic<br />
qualifying conferences<br />
such as the Mountain<br />
West and WAC.<br />
In college football, there<br />
are currently six ―automaticqualifying‖<br />
conferences: the<br />
Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-10 (soon<br />
to be Pac-12), Atlantic Coast<br />
Conference, Big East, and<br />
Southeastern Conference (SEC). These conferences<br />
are given the title ―automaticqualifying‖<br />
because their winners receive<br />
automatic bids in the BCS Bowls.<br />
Of the ever-increasing number of bowl<br />
games in the sport, there are five that are the<br />
most money-making and most popular: the<br />
Orange Bowl, Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl, Fiesta<br />
Bowl, and the BCS National Championship<br />
game. The argument against the BCS<br />
lies mainly in the unfairness of the selection<br />
process of the participants of these bowls.<br />
Fans of the teams of non-automatic qualifying<br />
conferences like the previously named<br />
Mountain West and WAC are angry because<br />
their teams do not receive the opportunity<br />
that teams in automatic-qualifying conferences<br />
do.<br />
If Boise State (WAC, non-automatic<br />
qualifying), Texas (Big-12, automaticqualifying),<br />
and Alabama (SEC, automaticqualifying)<br />
all finish their regular seasons<br />
with undefeated records, Texas<br />
and Alabama will play in the<br />
BCS National Championship<br />
because the BCS would deem<br />
their schedules more difficult<br />
than Boise State‘s. This scenario<br />
is nearly identical to the<br />
situation of the 2009-2010<br />
college football season. The<br />
only difference is that Texas<br />
Christian University<br />
(Mountain West, nonautomatic<br />
qualifying) finished<br />
Accessed at undefeated as well. Who<br />
www.walterfootball.com played in the BCS National<br />
Championship Texas and Alabama.<br />
Boise State and TCU played in a<br />
smaller BCS bowl.<br />
This BCS bias has many across the nation<br />
outraged and calling for the expulsion of the<br />
BCS from college football. Though I agree<br />
with those who want the BCS gone, it is a<br />
lost cause.<br />
The BCS is, ultimately, based off money.<br />
Teams in the Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, etc. have<br />
many more fans and therefore bring in more<br />
money to the BCS if they play in their bowl<br />
games. In a way, the BCS is a monopoly.<br />
If there is anything to be done about the<br />
BCS, we must look at history. There is only<br />
one thing that has ever been able to end a<br />
monopoly: government intervention.<br />
Find us on<br />
Setting the Record<br />
by Keekee Williams<br />
Sports Reporter<br />
There are a lot of records being set<br />
all over the world today that they have<br />
to be compiled into one big archive;<br />
the Guinness World Records. Many<br />
people have tried setting records and<br />
also breaking them but many come<br />
close and several fall short.<br />
In sports there are some great but<br />
weird achievements sought out to be<br />
done. On October 19, 2008, 3,807<br />
participants ran a hundred meters in a<br />
twenty-four hour relay for the Latvian<br />
Nations 90 th Anniversary Celebration<br />
at the Douglas Stadium in Riga, Latvia.<br />
On May 15, 1999, an American<br />
man by the name of Michael Kettman<br />
set the record for the most basketballs<br />
spun simultaneously with a total of<br />
twenty-eight balls. The longest softball<br />
game played was ninety-five<br />
hours and twenty-three minutes, at Ed<br />
Janiszewski Park in Quebec, Canada.<br />
The longest volleyball game played<br />
totaled a time of sixty hours by SVU<br />
acebook!<br />
University in Amsterdam. On June 12,<br />
2010, ‗Swim for Children‘ broke the<br />
Guinness record for the most people<br />
swimming one length in a twenty-four<br />
hour relay with 5,028 participants<br />
successfully completing a minimum<br />
distance of sixty feet Padova, Italy.<br />
At <strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong>, we have some<br />
records of our own that have been set<br />
and broken. Trey Hadnot set a record<br />
in the 400M dash with a time of 48.02<br />
seconds, beating <strong>Ruston</strong>‘s administrator/alumni<br />
David Crowe‘s old record.<br />
The <strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> boys track<br />
team is the only public school in the<br />
Louisiana <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> Athletic Association<br />
to capture a Class 5A championship(4<br />
times to be exact). Coach<br />
Anderson, the coach of the RHS track<br />
and field team, has established 39 of<br />
42 possible school records and more<br />
than 300 marks have earned listings in<br />
the national record book, during his<br />
20 years of coaching at <strong>Ruston</strong>.
S<br />
ports<br />
<strong>Chatterbox</strong><br />
<strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>February</strong> 14, 2010 Page 30<br />
Green Bay Packers Win Super Bowl XLV<br />
by Reed Malek<br />
Sports Reporter<br />
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<br />
Lombardi. In Super Bowl forty-five on Sunday, <strong>February</strong> 6, <strong>2011</strong>, the Packers matched their victory in the first Super Bowl, winning 31-25 over the Pittsburgh Steelers giving<br />
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<br />
McCarthy proved that they could get the job done just as well.<br />
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<br />
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<br />
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<br />
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<br />
with thirty-nine seconds left in the first half, making the Packers‘ lead 21-10 at halftime.<br />
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,<br />
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<br />
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<br />
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<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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<br />
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<br />
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<br />
Green Bay.<br />
Accessed at www.jaywashere.com<br />
Accessed at www.jaywashere.com<br />
Bearcat Football Celebrates Season with Banquet<br />
by Christian Amos<br />
Sports Editor<br />
Athletic director and head football coach, Billy<br />
Laird introduces keynote speakers and award<br />
presenters at the annual Bearcat football banquet.<br />
The Bearcats of <strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> prevailed through<br />
their 2010 season after starting off with a tough record. With<br />
powerful weapons such as senior Ja‘Ren Johnson on offense<br />
and senior Nick Richardson on the Bearcat defense, this<br />
helped <strong>Ruston</strong> end ups and downs of the 2010 season with a<br />
winning record!<br />
On the night of January 26 th , Ja‘Ren received the honorable<br />
Hoss Garrett award for his grand performance throughout<br />
the season. As a junior, he led the running game with<br />
925 yards but bettering his senior performance by rushing<br />
for more than 1,000 yards, with a career-best being against<br />
the Wossman defense rushing 329 yards.<br />
Nick was named in high spirits with the Kyle Williams<br />
Defensive Player of the Year award. Nick‘s vitality stood<br />
out with the defensive back totaling sixty-four tackles with<br />
thirty-three of them being unassisted and a pass interception<br />
he returned for a touchdown. Both Ja‘Ren and Nick shared<br />
the team captains‘ award for the season.<br />
The Michael Parker award is to a player who surpassed<br />
an obstacle, generally an injury that could end a player‘s<br />
career. Senior Michael Welch was honored this award after<br />
he was stripped from the field after a knee injury in the game<br />
against Byrd. Fellow team mate Casey Turner was honored<br />
with the Scholastic award for his hard work in the classroom.<br />
Senior Linebacker Maddie Wiggins, was thrilled with<br />
the awards of awards, the Chick Childress award.<br />
―It‘s pretty sad to say it‘s my last [banquet], but I‘ve<br />
gained some great memories‖ says Maddie Wiggins at the<br />
post of the banquet.<br />
<strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong>‘s Athletic Director and Head football coach,<br />
Billy Laird, was named Coach of the Year for the parish for<br />
his ever persevering coaching of the Bearcats through the<br />
ups and downs of the season.
S<br />
ports<br />
<strong>Chatterbox</strong><br />
<strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>February</strong> 14, 2010 Page 31<br />
Player of the Month: Jerry Melton<br />
by Christian Amos<br />
Sports Editor<br />
Averaging nineteen points<br />
per game and leading the Bearcat<br />
Basketball teams in points<br />
and rebounds, Jerry Melton is<br />
this month‘s Player of the<br />
Month.<br />
Melton (# 20) is the first<br />
underclassman to be featured<br />
as player of the month by<br />
<strong>Chatterbox</strong>. As just a sophomore<br />
he has already received<br />
offers from colleges such as<br />
LSU, Baylor, and his home town‘s Louisiana<br />
Tech. Melton is a first-rate forward and his<br />
favorite hobby is of course basketball.<br />
Bearcat Basketball<br />
Enters the Last Stretch<br />
by Reed Malek<br />
Sports Reporter<br />
―This season I plan to<br />
lead my team to the<br />
championship‖ says Melton<br />
―Anything is possible<br />
with Jesus.‖<br />
Melton‘s favorite thing<br />
about playing basketball is<br />
―the competition‖. His favorite<br />
thing about RHS is<br />
the teachers.<br />
Fellow team mate and<br />
senior team captain Ron<br />
Spivey says, ―[Jerry Melton] is the truth and<br />
the future of <strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong>.‖ Spivey goes on to<br />
say, ―He couldn‘t do it without me.‖<br />
Along with the Bearcat soccer teams, <strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong>‘s boys‘ varsity<br />
basketball team is coming to the end of its season and looks to<br />
close on a strong note. The Bearcats have had a very exciting<br />
stretch lately, including one 90-87 thrilling overtime victory over<br />
the Franklin Parish Patriots on January 25 th . The Bearcats‘ leading<br />
scorer was Jerry Melton (<strong>February</strong> Player of the Month), who finished<br />
the game with 26 points. Melton also edged to team to victory<br />
scoring the final 2 points in the overtime thriller.<br />
With a record of 14-8 as of the beginning of this month, the Bearcats are looking to end the year with<br />
a win as they face their arch-rival Neville Tigers on <strong>February</strong> 15 th at RHS.<br />
Santiago Charges past a<br />
Neville defender.<br />
Lady Bearcats Are Balling<br />
by Keekee Williams<br />
Sports Reporter<br />
Once again our Lady Bearcats are still on the ball (no pun intended).<br />
They have been working hard time and time again to achieve each victory.<br />
But don‘t think every game is just a giveaway. Each game has<br />
been a fight to the finish always resulting with the most competitive<br />
team taking home the win.<br />
On Jan. 18, <strong>2011</strong>, the <strong>Ruston</strong> Lady Bearcats played against West<br />
Ouachita resulting in a blowout match. The score toppled to a whopping<br />
80 to 30. Byronesha Santiago, the all-state candidate rung up 25 points<br />
while Shadarria Crawford put up 11. They brought another victory<br />
home to add to their already fabulous record. On Jan. 21,<strong>2011</strong>, they<br />
traveled to Wossman to take on the Wildcats. The Lady ‗Cats also used<br />
the same tact to beat the Lady Wildcats. They accepted the score at 57-<br />
49. Byronesha Santiago scored 22 points and Chelsea Rogers scored 12<br />
points. The team, no doubt about it, is still proving to be the most notorious basketball team compared to<br />
all the competition. When it was time to face Franklin Parish, the Patriots, they still claimed a victory<br />
with a 57-39 total. Byronesha Santiago had a total of 19 points and Chelsea Rogers added a total of 12<br />
points. The Lady Bearcats are still going strong and continuing the winning success. Good job, Ladies!
B<br />
earcat Spirit<br />
<strong>Chatterbox</strong><br />
<strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>February</strong> 14, 2010 Page 32<br />
RHS Celebrates Its National Champions<br />
by Christian Amos<br />
Sports Editor<br />
The <strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> Cheerleaders<br />
made school history on January 8,<br />
<strong>2011</strong>, by becoming NCA National<br />
Champions. On January 19 th , the<br />
entire Bearcat Nation gathered in<br />
<strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong>‘s gymnasium to<br />
honor the <strong>2011</strong> National Cheerleading<br />
Association (NCA) Gametime<br />
Division National<br />
Champs!<br />
The ceremony was not only to<br />
celebrate the competition squad<br />
but also for the school, as the giant<br />
golden megaphone trophy was<br />
presented to Principal Mike Milstead for the<br />
entire student body. The theme of the ceremony<br />
was ―An Honor for the Bearcat Nation‖. The<br />
speakers at the ceremony consisted of Principal<br />
Milstead and the squad‘s coach, Heather<br />
Reeder.<br />
―They went beyond their regular cheering<br />
duties like cheering at<br />
football games,‖ Reeder<br />
said. ―We had girls getting<br />
their lips busted and<br />
knees scraped but they<br />
stuck with it through the<br />
end.‖<br />
Two senior squad<br />
members, Raven Kelly<br />
and Shelby Griffith, also<br />
provided a few expressions<br />
to all 1100 students,<br />
faculty and staff, and family<br />
members gathered at<br />
the assembly. What was<br />
even more amazing was<br />
that the senior girls and<br />
Principal Milstead gives<br />
speech at the assembly.<br />
Coach Reeder choreographed the<br />
entire Gametime routine!<br />
―It makes me feel proud to<br />
lead such a great group‖ says<br />
senior co-captain Sydni Wilt<br />
―everyone helped with leadership<br />
and collaboration of this<br />
team, and everyone worked together<br />
to achieve our goal.‖<br />
<strong>Ruston</strong>‘s cheer squad‘s number<br />
one fan, Connor Haskins<br />
says, ―Honestly, I wish I had a<br />
black jacket of my own. I think<br />
it‘s pretty cool my girls went to<br />
Dallas and beat out ‗twenty teams from Hawaii<br />
to Maine.‘‖<br />
These thirty-three ladies put together five<br />
months of hard work to claim their National<br />
title. Since this is only <strong>Ruston</strong>‘s third year having<br />
a competition squad, the school looks forward<br />
to the squad ranking high in the future at<br />
the national level.<br />
The squad would<br />
like to thank the<br />
following businesses<br />
and sponsors for<br />
their generous donations:<br />
Jim Taylor<br />
Ford; Super One,<br />
RHS students give the National Champs a<br />
standing ovation.<br />
Music Mountain<br />
Water; Pam C.<br />
Jones, Tax Assessor;<br />
<strong>Ruston</strong>‘s Locker<br />
Room; Bill Roundtree<br />
and Associates;<br />
Danni Jones Physical<br />
Therapy; Radian<br />
L. Hennigan, CPA.<br />
Let the Mania Continue!<br />
by Christian Amos<br />
Sports Editor<br />
As both the boys and girls<br />
basketball teams advance to<br />
the class 4-A playoff<br />
bracket, the Louisiana<br />
<strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong> Athletic<br />
Association might as well<br />
add <strong>Ruston</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong><br />
Bush‘s Boys to that bracket.<br />
If you have ever witnessed<br />
the acts put on by this<br />
group, then you know the<br />
insanity they bring to the<br />
court. When the <strong>Ruston</strong> boys<br />
faced the Patriots from Franklin<br />
Parish, President Beau Russell<br />
led Bush‘s Boys whom led<br />
the students, whom led the rest<br />
of the Bearcat fans in a rally<br />
of all rallies to push the Patriots<br />
out of Bearcat territory,<br />
and helped the team claim<br />
victory in an overtime<br />
thriller.<br />
Coach Bush‘s team looks<br />
to end their regular season district<br />
play with a home match-up<br />
against rivals the Neville Tigers<br />
The game is tomorrow, <strong>February</strong><br />
15 th and the action will<br />
tip off at 6:00 p.m. with the<br />
Junior Varsity facing<br />
Neville first followed by<br />
the Varsity. Even though<br />
the regular season is coming<br />
to a close it is still not<br />
too late for you to join in<br />
the mania of Bush‘s Boys<br />
and help the teams gust<br />
through the playoffs.<br />
―The only thing more<br />
important is God and<br />
breathing,‖ says Bush‘s<br />
Boys‘ President Beau<br />
Russell on the importance<br />
of playoff<br />
games. ―It‘s a time<br />
for good memories. I<br />
can still remember<br />
freshman year against<br />
East Ascension when<br />
the entire student<br />
body was there giving it there all<br />
for the Bearcat Nation; is still<br />
bring s a tear to my eye.‖<br />
While the Lady Bearcats rest<br />
during the <strong>February</strong> 15 th game,<br />
they are still in the winning<br />
state of mind as they work toward<br />
the grand title of state<br />
champs. So leave your couch at<br />
home and join the action in the<br />
bleachers to aid the Bearcats<br />
and Lady Bearcats in bringing<br />
home a victory!<br />
Alex West,<br />
winner of the<br />
3-point shoot<br />
out at the Bastrop<br />
game.