April 2012 Chatterbox - Ruston High School - Lincoln Parish School ...

Box Tops 

Bearcat News (2) 

Academia (3-6) 

Outside Our Box (7) 

Editorials/Opinions (8-14) 

Clubs (15-17) 

Temple Baptist Church 

(18) 

Band (19) 

Art (20) 

Choir (21) 

Teacher Spotlights (22-23) 

Service/Social (24) 

Student Center (25) 

Fun Page (26) 

Sponsors and Staff (27) 

Bearcat Spirit (28) 

Sports (29-32) 

Chatterbox 

The Voice of Ruston High School 

900 Bearcat Drive, Ruston, Louisiana 71270 

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

April 26, 2012 

Poet Laureate Visits Ruston 

by Nathan Bennett 

Academic Reporter 

Last month the Louisiana poet laureate Julie Kane came to visit Ruston 

High School. She spoke to students in the auditorium, read poetry, 

and answered questions. She talked briefly about her book, Rhythm and 

Booze, and her life influences as an Irish American. Her poetry is 

meant to reflect life in Louisiana, where she has lived for over thirty 

years now since moving from Boston. In that time she has distinguished 

herself nationally, being one of the finalists for the American Poets’ 

Prize for the Best Collection of Poetry. 

Since being appointed by Bobby Jindal last May, she has been involved 

in tours across the state. When not touring or writing poetry, she 

teaches poetry at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. 

Inside 

FBLA Wins Again at State 

See Page 16 

Bearcats on Broadway 

See Page 21 

Upcoming 

Issues 

May 2012 

Summer Camps: Pro/Con 

Summer Plans 

Baseball/Softball Results 

June 2012 

Senior Edition 

Graduation Coverage 

Year End Wrap-Up 

RHS Distinguished Alumni and Teachers 

information provided by RHS Alumni Association 

by Elena Till 

Assistant News Editor 

On Friday, October 24 th , the 8 th Annual Distinguished Alumni and Distinguished Educator Awards 

Luncheon was held by the Ruston High School Alumni Association. Honored and recognized at the 

luncheon were three distinguished teachers and three distinguished alumni. Also, a young alumnus was 

honored with a significant achievement award. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

month’s edition, the distinguished alumnus Duddy Burkhalter Garret was covered. We continue the series 

on page two (2) with a report on the young alumnus Ryan Dick. 

RHS Track 

Shines 

See Page 31 

Band/Choir/Piano Concert: April 26, 2012, 6 P.M. - RHS Auditorium 

1st Annual RHS FBLA Banquet: April 27, 2012, 6 P.M. - LA Army National Guard Armory. 

Teacher Appreciation Week: Monday—Friday, April 30, 2012—May 4, 2012 

Bearcat Baseball 

Heads to Playoffs 

See Page 32

B 

earcat News 


Ruston High School April 26, 2012 Page 2 

Young Alumnus: Ryan Dick 

by Elena Till 


The first ever RHS Young Alumnus award recipient is Ryan Dick, Class of 1991. Ryan and his wife Angie live in Slidell, 

LA and are raising 4 children. Delaney, 11, Madelyn, 8 Sophia, 5 and Jacob is 1. His parents are Dean and Linda Dick 

of Ruston. 

Ryan served as “CHAMP” and graduated from Louisiana Tech with a bachelor of science in Biology. Then, he joined 

the Navy and trained as an intelligence specialist. He completed Navy SEALs training to include free fall parachutist and 

basic underwater demolition. Ryan missed his 10 year RHS class reunion to serve his country. His service has taken him to 

Japan, Okinawa, Guam, Australia, Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines and Malaysia. For 2 years, he served as 

“Charlie” Platoon Leading Petty Officer. In the wake of 9/11, Ryan was responsible for the deployment, evaluation and redeployment 

of 16 SEALs and over 1.5 million dollars worth of equipment. After serving his country overseas, he was promoted 

to trainer at the Navy SEALs training facility, San Clemente Island, CA. Ryan spent 5 years training Navy SEALs in 

underwater demolitions and Special Boat Operations. Two of those years were spent training over 400 Special Operation 

troops in various tactics, including the following: land warfare, urban and close-quarters combat, vessel boarding and interdiction. 

He covered land and underwater demolitions, small arms, heavy weapons and field medicine in his training exercises. 

He trained troops to analyze amphibious assault and combat diving operations. On his second training assignment, he 

trained over 300 Special Boat Operators in various skills including combat convoy and urban warfare. 

In addition to his training exercises, Ryan Dick received a master’s degree in Forensic science at the National University 

of San Diego. In 2008 he worked on the NASA Space Shuttle External tank program. He currently serves as a special 

agent with Homeland Security Investigations as the New Orleans Dive Team Supervisor. In August, Ryan deployed with a 

Navy Reserve Special Warfare Task Unit. 

Ryan Dick is a hometown hero. He is a fine example of an RHS young alumnus and the impact this group is making on 

our world. Ryan is training Navy SEALs to protect our country. He was able to take leave from his deployment to accept the first ever RHS Young Alumnus of the Year. 

Teacher Appreciation 2012 

by Emma Jones 

Education Reporter 

Saluting Outstanding 

Student Achievement 

As the month of April is almost over, Teacher Appreciation week is coming 

up. This year it falls on the week of May 7-11 with Teacher Appreciation day 

falling on Tuesday, May 8. We need to recognize the importance of this week 

because the teachers at Ruston High work very hard. This is a good time to reflect 

on how much our teachers do for us, and thus at least try to show appreciation 

of some form. You could give one of your hardest working teachers something 

like flowers or a giftcard (or maybe even an apple), a small token of appreciation 

of which they are deserving. Though you should always be on your best 

behavior in class, try giving your teachers a break from any antics you try to pull 

or whatnot. This coming Teacher Appreciation week, we need to show our support 

as a student body for our teachers who work so hard and do so much for us. 

Even though every week should be Teacher Appreciation week, we should go 

out of our way within the next couple of weeks to show our teachers our gratitude 

for all they do to educate future generations. 

Throughout the Bearcat Nation

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Tournament of Champions: 

Speech and Debate 

by Jaisle Bailey 

News Editor 

On March 29-31, 2012, the Speech and Debate team travelled Pineville 

High School in Pineville, Louisiana. All of their hard work, late 

nights of preparation, and weekends spent competing and living in hotels 

paid off. Carter McWilliams and Jonathan Verret placed first in Advanced 

Cross-Examination Debate. Clark Pierce and Michael Davison 

placed third in the same division. Darby Guinn and Mlle Schroeder 

placed fourth in Duo Interpretation of Literature. Darby Guinn also 

placed second in Oratory. Congratulations to all of these students and 

good luck next year! 

Rotary Club Winners 

by Polly Michelle Gwan 

Academics Reporter 

Speech and Debate Team members take a break as they pose for a picture! 

September 

October 

November 

December 

January 

February 

March 

April 

May 

Clark Pierce and Macy Sutherland 

Kane Killen and Shelby Giddings 

Braden Hilton and Anna Fuller 

Reed Malek and Neesha Siriwardane 

Jacob Clark and Kori Teague 

Taylor Hogan and Maggie Ward 

Abbie King and Jack Woods 

Molly Humphries and Parker Carwile 

DRIVER’S EDUCATION 

• 6 – Hour Pre-Licensing Class 

• Course is State Approved 

• Must be 17 or older 

• Cost: Only $30 

For information, call: 251-1234

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Eighth Graders Visit RHS 


News Editor 

As the school year closes to an end, eighth graders ready themselves for 

high school. To help with this transition from middle school to high school, 

eighth graders from Ruston Junior High School, A.E. Phillips, and Montessori 

were privy to a grand tour of their future school, Ruston High, last Thursday 

and Friday, April 19 th and 20 th . 

Tour guides showed the eighth graders around, allowing the incoming 

Freshman Class of 2016 a glimpse of the next four years of their lives. They 

were shown where their classes will be next year and important areas like the 

library, the main office, the counselor’s office, etc. The students were very 

excited about attending Ruston High School. Sydney Ratcliff said, “I am looking 

forward to cheering at pep rallies.” D’Kieran Harrell expressed his excitement, 

“Ruston High is a great high school. It has lots of great activities that 

keep kids happy, energetic, and in school.” Good luck class of 2016! 

District Literary Rally Results 



As you may know, district literary rally took place on March 24 th . Everyone did fine, as I predicted. 

In alphabetical order by event, RHS students capture many top finishes while competing at Louisiana Tech. Abbie King placed first in Accounting, Barrett Moore won 1 st 

in Agriscience I, Jonathan Craig won 1 st in Agriscience II, and Richard Layton continued RHS’s dominance in Agriscience with his 1 st place finish in Agriscience III. 

In the area of English, Cameron McKinney earned 3 rd in English II, Hayden Smithey won 1 st in English III, and Shelby Giddings placed at the top with her first place 

finish in English Pronunciation. 

Continuing the winning traditions at RHS at district were Daniella Alva with her 2 nd place finish in Environmental Applications, Hannah Rhodes with her 1 st place finish 

in Family and Consumer Science, and Brighton King with his 1 st place standing in Financial Math. 

The winning continued with several others top finishes. These included Erick Huynh -1 st in French I; Emma Jones - 1 st in French II; Austin Meng - 1 st in Geometry; Mike 

Skipper - 2 nd in Intro to BCA; Whitney Durrett - 1 st in Journalism I; Shelby Knodel - 2 nd in Parenthood Education; Riley Thompson - 1 st in Principles of Business; Emily 

Compton - 2 nd in Psychology; Sarah Wilkerson - 1 st in Sociology; Adam Ramachandran - 1 st in Spanish I; John Herren - 1 st in Spanish II; Aaran Robertson - 1 st in Spanish III; 

BJ Findley - 1 st in Spelling 11; April Hooper - 2 nd in Spelling 9; and Ben Sawyer - 1st in Geography. 

Everyone listed above helped RHS again earn the top rating in the district. Each student became eligible to attend the state rally at LSU on Saturday, April 21st and compete 

against the other district winners throughout Louisiana. 

State Literary Rally 

by Whitney Durrett 

Editor in Chief 

State literary rally was this past Saturday, April 21st at Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge. Many students participated at rally and they all did their best. 

Students had a wonderful time being on the LSU campus and meeting students form all over the sate of Louisiana. Results will be in soon! 

El Clubo de Español 

submitted by Kari Hackbarth 

Spanish Club Reporter 

Como el año de la escuela termina, El Club de Español tambien esta en el fin de una era. Señora Cazenave estará saliendo de Ruston High. Actualmente nosotros tenemos 

camisetas del Club, que dicen "El Fin de Una Era." En celebración de los señores y los anos que Señora Cazenave enseñaba, nosotros tendremos la fiesta final del año en el 

22 de este mes! Estará un gran tiempo con amigos, comidas, y juegos. Ojala que yo te vea!

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Freshman, Finish Out Strong! 

by Poly Michelle Gwan 


The year is quickly winding down and everything seems to be rapidly descending into chaos. There are many things that seem to pull students’ attention away from 

school work, and little by little, it seems to be showing. But instead of letting go of your attention and letting it float into the wind, you need to focus! This is the most important 

time of the school year. It can be the making or breaking point of your final grade. Instead of giving up, now is the time to give 110% so that you can be successful in 

your regular grades as well as your final examinations. It may seem to push yourself harder at the end of the year and I do not blame you for thinking this way. Summer is 

coming up, activities seem to be at their high, and all you can think about is fun in the sun. Trust me - the more you focus at the end of the year, the better it will be for the 

next years. So buckle down, focus, and end the year with success! 

New Tech @ Ruston 

submitted by Cathi Cox 

New Tech @ Ruston Director 

New Tech @ Ruston students have been busy getting the word out about their 21st Century learning environment. Multiple students served as tour guides, panelists, and 

ECHO demonstrators for National Executive Tours that were hosted on campus for teams from Magnolia and Blytheville, Arkansas. In addition, Kailee Rivera, Jamarion 

Harris, and Taniah Nicholson joined teachers Sarah Wages and Kim Goree and Director Cathi Cox-Boniol for a special panel in El Dorado, Arkansas, as El Dorado High 

School hosted its first informational meeting for the community to help prepare for the opening of a New Tech program in August. For its own program, NT@R hosted the 

2nd Annual CSI: New Tech so that parents, students, and other community members can "come see inside" NT@R. Again, students led tours, sat on panels, and demonstrated 

different aspects of project-based learning. As a special informational tool for incoming 8th graders, the entire NT@R student body collaborated to create an original 

recruiting film that highlights the award-winning RHS program. Thristan Cecil was tapped to head up the filming and he was assisted by Spencer Smith and Paulina Lubbert. 

In addition, Mr. Frey was instrumental in helping with the equipment needed. Kudos to Kailee Rivera who originated the idea of developing a Wordle about New Tech to use 

as the backdrop for the filming. The Wordle was designed by Mrs. Wages and painted by several students with lead artist Alec Berry. Then several students and teachers, 

from both freshman and sophomore classes, along with administrators were interviewed about their perspective of New Tech @ Ruston. The film will be used when student 

teams visit A. E. Phillips and Ruston Junior High to help the 8th graders make a more informed decision about their upcoming Ruston High School experience. 

Water Walk-A-Thon! 

submitted by Cathi Cox 

New Tech @ Ruston Director 

In observance of World Water Day, New Tech @ Ruston recently hosted the program’s 1st Annual Water Walk-A-Thon. The culmination of a New Tech freshman crosscurricular 

project in Global Studies, Biology, and AVE, the special event allowed students to take action and make a difference with the global water crisis they learned 

about. 

While students explored the potential problems facing our own community’s Sparta Aquifer, many were shocked to discover that in Africa many children their age, especially 

girls, have to quit school either because their schools do not have proper sanitation facilities or because their families need them to spend the majority of their days 

gathering water. They were also devastated by the amount of water the average American uses daily in comparison to the three gallons per day used by the average African. 

Students then became impassioned and wanted to raise awareness within the rest of the entire Ruston High School campus, as well as around throughout the community. 

For this reason, the Walk-A-Thon was organized to raise money for “H2O for Life,” a non-profit organization committed to bringing hand-washing facilities, latrines, and 

hygiene education to schools in Africa. 

On March 22 from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM, students engaged in the special fundraiser in the back boulevard of RHS. Five-member student teams walked laps while carrying 

jugs of water to simulate the daily responsibilities of many women and children in Africa. Individuals are asked to collect pledges for the number of laps walked during their 

specified time period (each student could only walk 55 minutes) and contributions were collected throughout the community. As of this printing, the total had exceeded 

$1000 with money still flowing in. 

Congratulations to the following students for taking top honors with their efforts within the Walk-A-Thon: Malik Taylor (grand prize winner of $100 Wal Mart gift card), 

Seth Maxwell (boy who walked the most laps), Ashley Greer and Michaela Turner (girl who walked the most laps), Hunter Connor, Paulina Lubbert, Brittany Harper, and 

Colby Jones (team raising the most money), Trevor Pesnell, Josh Schnieder, Clay Flournoy, Seth Maxwell, and Harrison Long (team that walked the most laps). Prizes included 

gift certificates from Celebrity Theatres, Maggie Moos, Sonic Drive-In, Eskamoe’s, and Fox’s Pizza Den, along with iTunes gift cards. 

The entire New Tech team wishes to thank the following community partners for their role and contributions in making the debut of this event such a success: Eskamoe’s, 

Mike Walpole Architect, Wal Mart, KXKZ and Mary Poe, Sonic Drive-In California Street, Camilla Mitchell, Scott and Amy Jones, British Petroleum, Super 1 and Chris 

Turner, Scott’s Catfish and Seafood, and Lincoln ACHIEVE.

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Student Council Elects New President 



On May 10th, the Student Council will host an assembly to present the new RHS Student Council president John David Moore. During this presentation 2011-2012 Student 

Council president, Nick Letendre, will give his farewell address to the Ruston high student body. Elections for the other student council officers will be held May 11. If 

you are interested in running for student council office, pick up an application from Mrs. Tatum or Mrs. Bryan in the career center any time after April 30th! 

Employers Honored By COE Students 

submitted by Harryette Tinsley 

COE Advisor 

The Ruston High School Cooperative Office Education (COE) students recently held their Annual Employer Appreciation Dinner at First National Bank. Representatives 

from ten local businesses were on hand to receive recognition from the high school students who worked part-time in various offices this year. 

Over forty guests attended the dinner which was prepared by Kacee’s Sugar and Spice. The guest speaker for the evening was Dr. Larry Lewis. This year marked the 

fourth year of the COE program at RHS. Also, the Lowes Home Improvement Store received a plaque for first year participation in the COE program. 

Members of the class and their places of employment include: Abbie Hammons, Lincoln Parish School Board; Dyaneche Buffet, Ruston High School; Jo’Cria Thompson, 

Ruston Junior High School; Taitionna Mathews, Glenview Elementary; Tyler Burway, Ruston High New Tech; Morgan Evans, Ruston High School Library, Mar’deshia 

Elmore, Ruston Elementary; Ashtin Bell, First National Bank. 

Area businesses participate in the program by hiring high school seniors in part-time positions. These students are paid at least minimum wage for their work and receive 

three hours of high school credit. Students work a minimum of fifteen hours per week. Any businesses interested in employing a COE student part-time for the 2012-2013 

school year may contact Harryette Tinsley, COE coordinator at Ruston High School, at 255-0807. 

Reminder of Plans for the June 

(Senior) Edition of Chatterbox 

by Lloyd R. Bruner 

Chatterbox Adviser 

Chatterbox is preparing right now to work on the special senior edition of the Chatterbox 

that will be published and distributed after graduation on June 7, 2012. The senior edition will 

be similar to last year’s senior edition. It will again include complete coverage of graduation, 

including providing a list of all graduates, honors, scholarships and awards presented to all seniors, 

along with many other special features to close out the 2011-2012 school year. 

Features will include students who excelled in academic pursuits, winners of academic 

awards, recognition of achievements from various organizations, and top performers at the State 

Literary Rally. Chatterbox will also feature our senior sports section and recognition of sports 

teams/individuals that earned district/state awards. We are looking to include any student, organization, 

group, or team that excelled at the State level and above this year, so ensure that 

your sponsor or coach sends us the information in event to make sure that we catch it all. 

Just as we did last year, senior ads will be available for purchase as 1/8 page ($15) and 1/4 

page ($25) ads. Ads will be black and white. If you desire color, ads prices are doubled. As we 

will need to make space available for anyone who wishes to purchase an ad, and have time to 

format these, all ads must be turned in by May 10, 2012 - but the sooner the better! All ads 

are subject to space available with business advertisements taking precedence and will be accepted 

on a first come, first in basis and be placed . Don‘t wait - May 10, 2012 will be here before 

you know it! 

Pictured above: An example of a Senior Ad

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utside Our Box Chatterbox 


Lives Lost to Alcohol 

by Elena Till 


On April 12, 2012, the annual Lives Lost to Alcohol 

Display Dedication was held at Temple Baptist Church 

at 7:00. This began in 2006 in response to the increasing 

number of deaths due to alcohol related crashes and is 

dedicated to all of the family and friends who have lost a 

loved one to an alcohol or other drug related crash. Each 

silhouette represents one life lost to a crash that involved 

alcohol over the past several years in Lincoln Parish. 

The dedication began with a welcome by Christopher 

Rayner, IFC President, followed by a prayer led by Kate 

Warner from Louisiana Tech University. Next Lincoln 

Parish Sheriff Mike Stone dedicated the display. He gave names of people that have died since the beginning of April along with statistics of deaths from drunk drivers. Sheriff 

Stone also asked that all be safe and be seriously aware of how big a problem this is. After this, Alive by Sunrise performed “Hero” in honor of those live lost. The ceremony 

was ended by Abby Hill of the Panhellic Council who thanked the community and sponsors of the display. 

The End of Blockbuster 

by Elena Till 


Blockbuster is a movie rental store where you can buy or rent video tapes, DVDs, or video games. Recently this store, the only remaining movie store in town, shut down. 

Now the only way to get movies in Ruston is to go to one of those Redbox places or actually buy the movie. Blockbuster movie rental has been in business for as long as I 

can remember but has recently been in a state of decline as far as popularity goes. Everyone has started going to the rent by day stations or Netflix to view movies due to 

them being much cheaper methods and thus the store was forced to close. Before closing they had a storewide clearance sale to maybe earn a few more dollars before entirely 

shutting down. Sadly, after being in business for twenty-seven years, the movie store was forced to permanently close. 

Coach Taylor Came Home! 



On April 3rd Coach Taylor came home to visit from spending several months in Afghanistan. He has been deployed since last summer and will be back in country by the 

time this is published. When he arrived in Jackson, Mississippi, his wife, Angie, and daughter, Sarah Kate, were there to greet him. Coach Taylor spent two weeks at home 

before returned back to Afghanistan. 

He enjoyed his much needed time at home and even visited Ruston High. Students were ecstatic to see him! Coach Taylor also visited and spoke to students at Cypress 

Springs Elementary School. Ruston High is glad Coach Taylor got to come home, even for a short amount of time, and that he got to visit RHS while he was here. We wish 

him the best of luck!

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ditorials/Opinions Chatterbox 


Backward Confusion 

by Thristan Cecil 

Graphics Designer 

As a member of the Chatterbox staff here at Ruston High, I’ve come to notice somewhat of a war going on within the last three or 

four issues of our school paper. Most directed towards the uniform policy held here at school, and it seems apparent that perhaps 

there isn’t a clear or distinct, bright line to clarify why the uniform policy is in place. While we may still constantly complain as students 

(with full rights to) about wearing uniforms to school each and every day, we must understand that there is also no intent on 

change whether we chose to accept it or not. Uniforms in educational school environments have proven to lower bullying rates, stay 

economically affordable to almost all students, create a greater school spirit, and to keep the school safe. To look further into the 

issue, I recently sat down with Principal Milstead to discuss the fluctuation of our uniform policy here at school and to hear what he 

had to say. 

When I sat down with Principal Milstead, he presented me with three straightforward reasons. For the first reason, he talked 

about the concern of safety. He stated that because the school is so big, no one has the complete ability to know every student, so 

how would the teachers, faculty, and staff be able to identify whether or a person belonged the school or not While some may propose 

the idea of an alternative, the key factor to keep in mind is that Ruston High School has approximately 1,110 students. Compared 

to other high schools in the Lincoln parish area, Ruston High’s population is quite a large one and with such a large population 

there needs to be a way to keep the system in order. While not only keeping the school safe, wearing uniforms shows team concept 

and drives more school spirit. Principal Milstead also made a clear statement that school is not for fashion statements and while others say the uniform policy destroys individuality; 

the fact of the matter, is that it does not. We as individual students still are ourselves no matter what. Principal Milstead on this case specifically stated that, “We 

are defined as we are- not by what we wear to school. There are 1,110 students at Ruston High. That means there are 1,110 personalities”. With regards to Principal Milstead’s 

statement, I myself could not agree more. We are not defined by what we wear to school; we are defined by how we act, think, and judge other people. If not, how 

else are we defined In this day and age, because we like to think and judge quickly based outward appearances rather than what is in the inside, how are we to really judge 

by what we see on the outside Uniforms keep quick judgments to a lower rate. Bullying has been known to rise in schools were students are allowed to basically wear whatever 

they want. This can be partially attributed to quick judgments that students make sometimes. If students on the other hand were to get it right, there would perhaps be 

almost no policy, but because of what we see each and every day outside of school, such as overexposure; the fact of the matter is that the policy will not go away. Not only 

that, in recent Ruston High school years, parents were asked whether or not they favored a uniform policy. To a not so surprising fact, it was estimated that 90% percent of 

parents of Ruston High students preferred that a uniform policy be in place at Ruston High School. Uniforms are cheaper and in some cases there are students who have very 

little to wear in the first place; therefore, there wouldn’t be a huge burden as far as costs on those who didn’t wear the latest clothing to school. It’s as simple as that. 

While on the conversation on uniforms, Principal Milstead then addressed the idea of our school I.D.’s. Although to us they may seem like an annoyance and meaningless 

piece of plastic, to the rest of Ruston High’s faculty and staff they make life simpler, even for the students as well. Think of it this way - if we use our school I.D’s for ordering 

lunch , checking out library books, checking out school text books, and even for just simple identification, what other pure simple way is there I cannot tell you the 

amount of time that the presence of an I.D. has broken the ice when talking to a newly met teacher or student. Yet again, we are part of a large student body and it makes life 

simpler for everyone. 

Ruston High School has always been open for ideas, but Principal Milstead stated that there would have to be a really good reason for change and or a great change within 

the student body itself; therefore, the school sees no anticipation of change in the future. Even then, if we were allowed to wear whatever, wouldn’t most of us wear jeans 

anyway Ruston High always tries their best to give as must as freedom as possible while keeping balance within the school environment while rewarding those who try to 

stand out and do their best. Think, Act, and then Judge. 

Political Race Heats Up; Gingrich Visits Ruston 

by Preston Ponder 

Social Reporter 

Unless you live underneath a rock, you have more than likely heard about the upcoming November elections. Many of the Republican 

candidates have been visiting numerous locations around Louisiana to campaign for the upcoming primary. 

Just recently, Republican candidate Newt Gingrich visited Louisiana Tech University to promote his platform and answer questions 

about what he will do if he is elected. While speaking, he talked about three current issues: the rising price of gasoline, homeland 

security, and not being the leader in economic development. While not everyone may have agreed on what he said, I for one 

thought he had lots of good points to make. However, no one will know the effectiveness of his campaigning until the election. 

Gingrich is not the only one visiting places around Louisiana, though. Ron Paul visited LSUS to talk with students about his platform. 

Romney stopped in several churches in Shreveport to talk with people. Finally, Santorum did the same as Paul and visited Louisiana 

College. While the final presidential elections may still be months away, the primaries and caucuses in the states are very important 

for those wanting to run against President Obama in November. Whoever in the end has the most delegates will become the 

Republican nominee and face off against President Obama. Until then, we can only continue to keep close eyes on the polls!

E 



Let's Get Healthy! 



In America today, we are more obsessed with losing weight than ever. Every time you flip through the TV channels or the pages 

in a magazine you always see at least 2-5 advertisements trying to convince you that their way is the right way to lose weight and get 

healthy. Whether it’s through expensive workout materials or bottles of medical pills, Americans are always trying to find that secret 

item that will help them tone up, lean up, and achieve their ideal figure. 

To make it even worse, people aren't just only willing to take pills or buy workout material, but they are willing to ultimately risk 

their health and participate in obscene "diets". These diets such as the "im going to starve myself all day" diet or the "I'm going to only 

drink this supposedly supernatural beverage that comes from a medicine man deep in the darkest mystical forest of Asia" diet are the 

exact things that will keep people from becoming healthier and losing weight. What people fail to realize is that dieting is not the solution, 

but instead eating right and finding what is best for you! 

First of all before you just declare that you want to lose weight evaluate your body type. Many people are different heights and 

shapes and this plays into how much weight you should lose. So, for example, a 5'2 person, such as myself, and a 5'9 person can be 

160 lbs. and want to lose 20 lbs., but in the end we would look nothing alike will not look anything alike. The 5'2 person would look 

much healthier while the 5'9 person would look like a twig. For each height and gender, there is usually an approximated weight range 

that you need to be. 

Next in order to maintain your health status or even lose weight, you need to eat right. Many people do not realize how important 

a healthy breakfast is. If you eat breakfast every morning it not only gets your metabolism going, but it also keeps you energized and 

alert for the day. Without breakfast, many people feel woozy or sick. This is not good for your health. Also it is important that you eat 6-8 small meals a day instead of 3-4 

large meals and make sure that it’s not 6-8 junk food meals, but healthy meals. There are tons of healthy things you can buy to snack on throughout the day! Like breakfast, 

eating small healthy meals also boosters your metabolism and energizes you throughout the day. 

As Americans, when it comes to being healthy we are not ranked very high, but I do believe if we watch what we eat and aim to be in our correct weight range, this will 

all turn around for the better!!! 

Spring Cleaning 

by Moe Labbe 

Clubs Reporter 

Spring officially kicked off March 20 th , 2012 and boy did we need it. With spring comes spring cleaning, whether it is physical, 

mental, or spiritual is totally up to you. Most of our parents look at spring as a time to clean out the house and get rid of old useless 

things. For me, spring cleaning means it is time to think about my life, the universe, and just life in general. Spring is the time where 

rebirth takes over and life seems to begin anew. It’s our job as humans to admire and respect that. How do you look at spring Do 

you see it as a time to say out with the old and in with the new Or do you look at it as a way to get a jumpstart on summer Regardless 

of how you take it, spring is here, the sun will shine, and happy days are sure to come to us all.

E 



Finding the Right Book 

by Emma Jones 


I’ve heard it all too often; some people just hate books. This is a hard concept for me to wrap my mind around. At the point in 

the conversation where someone tells me they don’t like books, I just walk away before I say something offensive. There have 

been books I’ve loved reading, books I’ve hated reading, and books that I’ve finished and then immediately asked myself why I 

even picked it up. Not every book is going to be the right book, and some people are just harder to please than others. But books 

come in all different genres, all with different characters, plots, and emotions that are stirred up with every turn of the page. Unfortunately, 

people don’t consider this when they read one bad book. At that point, they basically put every single book they’ll ever 

come across in the same category as that one book that they hated, and give every book a thumbs down before even considering its 

potential. 

Books, like people, come in all varieties. This is something that took me a while to understand. I really didn’t enjoy reading at 

all until freshman year. Sure, I had read books that I’d enjoyed before, but only out of another person’s recommendation or requirement. 

One day, I was at a library, for some odd reason, and I picked up a book called An Abundance of Katherines by John 

Green. I don’t know what compelled me to this book, because just like every other book there, it looked like a bunch of pieces of 

paper with a bunch of boring words printed on them. But for a reason I still can’t explain, I picked that book up and checked it out. 

This was the book that changed my entire perspective on reading. It was the funniest book I’ve ever read to this day. I was seriously laughing out loud at some point with 

every page. At the same time, the story was heartfelt, and the ending was a sweet resolution. Now John Green is without a doubt my favorite author as well. 

Ever since my perspective had changed, a new world of reading opened up, but it didn’t come easily. I always had a hard time finding books I enjoyed, and I still do to 

this day. I pushed through many books that I questioned multiple times, just to make sure they turned out well. They didn’t. But for every few awful books I forced myself to 

read, I came across one that would leave me with a feeling of satisfaction that I won’t be able to find anywhere else. So even if you say you hate reading, it’s probably because 

you haven’t found the right book yet. There is a book somewhere out there, no matter if it’s a timeless classic, or modern “literature,” even graphic novels (they sort of 

count I suppose). It’s all about finding the book that suits your fancy, because I promise, it’s out there somewhere. 

Let’s Keep a Cleaner School 

by Sarah Kay Blaylock 

Arts Reporter 

In ACT prep class, I stared at the same Cheeto chip that had been sitting on a desk for at least a period of three weeks. Eating in 

class is great. However, a lot of us eat in class and leave a mess for others to clean up! This is a pretty massive school for our small 

and much needed custodian staff to take care of all by themselves. Sure, it is their job but it is our job to clean up our small little 

messes. An estimated 1,110 kids attend this school, and we leave roughly double the mess that is required for our janitors to clean! 

A bunch of small little messes equals out to one massive mess for people that are just as ready to leave this place as we, the students, 

are! I just want to assist our student body in understanding the importance of consideration when it comes to making teachers, 

custodians, and all other faculty feel appreciated and helped. They help us, should we not do just the same 

Earth Day 



As you may know, Earth Day was this Sunday. As a movement to promote the preservation of nature, it started in 1970 when 

the environmental movement was reaching its peak. 

But just because it’s over doesn’t mean you don’t need to be environmentally conscious. You might think that you have little 

real impact on the environment, but when everyone has a mindset like that it all starts to add up. For example, did you know that 

we throw out about 4.6 pounds of trash per person, per day That’s about 230 million tons per year. An estimated 70% of that material 

is capable of being recycled. You can make a difference by making a conscious effort to reduce, reuse, and recycle in your 

own life. 

Another environmental problem humans contribute to is fossil fuel use. Regardless of your views of global warming, it’s undeniable 

that our emissions can have a harmful impact on the environment, such as acid rain. Coal mining and oil drilling often cause 

destruction of the surrounding environment, and the hydraulic fracturing (or ‘fracking’) used to find natural gas is often incredibly 

dangerous, contaminating bodies of water with toxic (and often flammable) chemicals. To avoid these problems in the future, we 

can start switching over our focus to alternative energy sources in order to make them more affordable and efficient. 

We all have a part in protecting our planet. It takes all (or most) of us to make a difference and save the world. If not, we can 

always move to the moon, but that sort of defeats the purpose of ‘Earth’ Day. So don’t be mean, go green!

E 



Too Much Noise and Not Enough Appreciation 

The Con of Too Much Noise 

by Thristan Cecil 

Graphics Design Editor 

Finally, Graduation day. The day where most graduating students can finally appreciate the fact that they made it through 

their four years of high school. I can only assume that it will be a glorious day and day that I myself can say goodbye and begin 

to embark on to the next stage in my life. While many are still waiting or perhaps have already been through that day, it 

seems to intrigue me that when you are sitting 100 feet from the stage (where the ceremony takes place) that one cannot hear 

what is being said - due to the overwhelming number of people talking while speeches are being performed and when all of the 

students are accepting their diplomas. Not only is this inconsiderate, but also just rude to those that actually want to listen in 

really appreciate what’s s being said on stage. What if someone was there to see his or her brother up on stage and couldn’t 

hear them It’s sad that there is a loss of respect, but there comes understanding when the ceremony is around 2 to 3 hours 

long- but that does not deter the fact that people should still keep low so others may here. Graduation Ceremony is something 

that should be given respect. Not only have students endured four years of their high school career, but also have chosen to do 

so in Ruston High school. Ruston High is one of the best schools in the state, and knowing that one cannot be heard or completely 

seen at their end of their high school journey is something not to be prideful of. There needs to be a stricter rule or emphasis 

on the noise during graduation ceremony. The noise needs to be lowered and we need to appreciate and at least give 

more attention to those that have made it through, ready to begin a new era of a graduating students life. 

Let Them Cheer! 



I have attended many graduation ceremonies in the past few years. At all of them, before the graduates’ names are called 

someone always asks to hold your applause until the end. Even with this statement being made people cheer for the graduate 

they are attending for. 

I feel as though you should be allowed to cheer for the person you are there to see walk across the stage and receive their 

diploma. Graduating, no matter what level, is a huge accomplishment and it deserves to be celebrated! When I get the chance 

to graduate I don’t want to walk across the stage as my name is being called and the room be completely silent, I want to be 

able to hear my family cheer for me and show their pride for the accomplishment. 

Yes, some people do get out of hand when cheering for their graduate, but I don’t believe they should be told they cannot 

cheer for them at all. Everyone is proud on graduation day and they should be allowed to show it. Let them cheer! 

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

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

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

E 



What is Beauty 



One of my all time favorite things to do is to watch the Miss America, Miss USA, and Miss Universe Beauty Pageants. I always 

love the elaborate dresses, unique talents, and hilarious answers some of the girls give to the questions. Personally I think every 

woman that participates in a beauty pageant is gorgeous, but on the other hand my family members tend to be a little critical. “Her 

hair is too blonde!”, “Her teeth are too big!”, and “She has a huge forehead!” – These are some of the comments I have heard my 

younger brother say about some of the participants he felt weren’t perfect. And if you think he was rude, you have yet to hear the 

remarks of my grandmother and my mother – “That dress is not right for her!”, “She is way too short!” and on and on. Always picking 

out flaws and assuming because of them, these ladies weren’t beautiful. After this I always have to think, exactly what is beauty 

I mean the literal definition is: “A combination of qualities, such as shape, color, or form that pleases the aesthetic senses, esp. the 

sight”, but what people tend to not realize is that beauty is an abstract thing. 

It always bothers me when people walk by someone and trash them because that person doesn’t have the qualities that they see 

fit. I am not saying that looks do not matter, but think. If everyone looked the way you saw fit what would be the point of beauty It 

would be non-existent! I believe that beauty is the unique quality in a person. A person can have gorgeous eyes or flawless lips, or 

even perfectly shaped ears and be considered beautiful in my mind. Beauty is a unique thing that separates us yet unites us and when 

people start to see it like that I believe we can make the world a wonderful and less prejudice place. 

The Hunger Games 

Book or Movie 

by Erin Maxson 


I know that it’s been almost a month since The Hunger Games 

movie came out, but I have to say that it’s stuck with me. But since 

most of you have already seen it, I thought I would share my views 

about whether or not I like the movie or book the best. The movie 

was amazing! I know that some people were disappointed because 

the movie didn’t have as many details as the book, but I have to say 

the actors and actresses and the whole idea of The Hunger Games 

itself was portrayed extremely well. 

The Hunger Games Midnight Premiere grossed a record breaking 

19.7 million dollars. That’s the highest midnight total for a nonsequel 

movie (only behind the three Harry Potter Movies and the three Twilight movies). 

I must say that for this one movie, that’s a huge sum of money to have piled up on the 

first night. 

I personally think that the book is just as good as the movie. Of course you have to 

take into consideration the fact that the movie cannot contain every single detail, so I thought the book and the movie were about 

equal. I’m hoping that once people see the movie they’re going to want to read the book and the rest of the series, too. So if you’ve 

seen the movie and not read the books, I’m begging you to not miss out on such a great series. 

I know, I know, how could I possibly say that the movie is on even ground with the book Well, the movie was full of action 

packed, non-cheesy, scenes that you would have witnessed in the book. Even though some details are left out and the book is full of 

more information t hat is pertinent to the other books, I think that the producers did extremely well making the world of Panem 

come to life. 

So if you haven’t seen the movie, read the books, or haven’t even considered doing either one, I would highly suggest picking up 

the book or heading out to the store to pick up the movie when it comes out. If you loved Harry Potter, you’ll love The Hunger 

Games series. I know that because when I finish a series, I can’t help but try and find another one that will satisfy me. If you have 

been searching for a series to read, this is the one; if you’re done with The Hunger Games series, I suggest you go and pick up the 

UGLIES series because it’s pretty much the same idea and is also a really great set of books!

E 

The American Way 





When the Founding Fathers brought democracy to America in 1776, they had no idea what troubles were to come. Everyone agrees that 

they had many good ideas: Liberty and justice for all. They stood by individual rights and fought to gain them in the Revolutionary War 

with all the other patriots. However, problems soon arose, even within the system that our Founders set up. These problems were due in part 

to an increase and shift in population. The 17 th Amendment, allowing direct election of senators, and the 19 th Amendment, women’s suffrage, 

allowed ordinary people, women included, to have more say in politics. This was not what our Founders intended. Average people 

weren’t supposed to have a direct say in the political process. That was reserved for the landowners, state legislators, and other politicians 

who knew better. The increase and more groups voting has directly correlated with the erosion of our freedoms. In the 1900’s, people like 

socialists and communists were actually allowed to be involved in politics. These movements led to supposed ‘reform’ that involved even 

more restrictive government action and spawned the modern-day liberal movement. The people have consistently voted for these politicians 

unwittingly, ignorant of the fact that their freedoms are being curtailed in the name of social justice, proving irrefutably that the people don’t 

actually know what they want. Fortunately, this is a double edged sword. Thanks to the democratic process, you can vote things back to the way they once were! Although 

you’ll have less say after that, you’ll actually have more happiness and freedom, and that’s what everybody wants, isn’t it So, go to the polls, vote for less voting, then step 

back. Who needs the stress of being involved in every single decision made by the government I most certainly don’t. 

Here’s Zombies 

by Moe Labbe 

Clubs reporter 

Since you’ve found your place to hide, your food, and your weapons of choice, it’s time to fight. Zombies have now infiltrated our beloved 

high school. They’ve covered lots of ground. The entire third floor has been ransacked by zombies. You must understand that the zombies 

I speak of are not the old horror movie type zombies. No way. They are smart. After all, they were students here. Oh, I almost forgot to 

mention. They can run, jump, and climb. For those of you who chose a simple classroom, tough luck. You’ve now been turned into zombie 

chum. They found you within minutes of breaking into the school. Your forces unfortunately were no match for the perilous zombie student 

body. 

Now onto my survivors, congratulations for surviving round one. I’m guessing you chose to hide out either in the cafeteria or a gym or a 

section (or all of) the first floor office. From here, I grant you extra weapons that are found in a secret part of your “safe house”. Also I grant 

you a first aid kit just in case…. BAM! CRASH! BOOM! WOOSH! “BRAINS.” Oh dang. You just got ambushed on your way to the bathroom. 

Oh boy, that’s a shame. It looks like they broke your leg and such. So now, you have to stop the bleeding, get to safety (without them finding your safe house), and 

make a cast and crutches. Good thing I gave you that first aid kit right Remember to use your imagination. You’ll need it. So sorry, the odds are not in your favor this round. 

Great Summer Pastimes! 



As the school year slowly dwindles down, students and faculty members are quickly getting more anxious for the break that lies ahead. 

Spring Break has successfully come and gone, yet everyone is still “giddy” about the two month break – summer. As the school days past 

though, many people, including myself, are heavily debating on how to spend their summers. There are many great things that one can occupy 

themselves with over the summer. For those who are still undecided, here are some great ideas on how to spend your summer: 

One great way to spend your summer is by going to summer camps. There are tons and tons and tons of summer camps not just in Louisiana 

or even in the U.S., but all over the world. These summer camps come in different shapes and sizes too. If you love art or music you should definitely 

attend a Fine Arts or Music Summer camp and if you love to spend time in the outdoors you should definitely attend a Nature camp. Summer 

camps are a great way to spend the summer because you get to meet people and make friendships that last. Also you get to spend the break 

doing what you love! 

Another great way to spend your summer is by traveling. There are many great spots to travel around the globe. If you love swimming or 

going to the beach, popular beaches such as Orange Beach are the ones for you. If you love going downtown and experiencing the high-life over 

the break, then major cities such as Dallas, Texas or Los Angles, California are for you. If you are like me and love traveling overseas to exciting, new locations then countries 

like France or Spain are the best ways to go! 

There are many great ways to spend your summer; though traveling and summer camps are great experiences you can always spend time relaxing at home. There are 

many exciting things you can do in town such as: gardening, making snow cones, watching movies, reading, dirt biking, riding 4-wheelers, going to amusement parks, going 

to zoos, water gun fights, drawing, surfing the internet, flashlight tag, extreme dodge ball (Or even regular dodge ball), 4-square, camping, hanging out with friends, building 

epic forts, bike riding, skateboarding, sewing/crocheting, karaoke, playing video games, bon fires, scrapbooking, and well you get the point! So whether you’re planning to 

spend your entire summer at home or if you plan to spend your summer out and about there is always something 

great you can do to pass time.

E 

ditorial/Opinions Chatterbox 


Why Can’t We Be Friends 



Humans often seem to dislike other humans; just a basic fact of life, unless you live under a rock somewhere. The reason for this is 

quite simple. Since the dawn of days, individuals formed different groups. Everyone not in the group is an outsider. Outsiders aren’t to 

be trusted. We’re instinctually wary of that which we don’t understand, that is, those we don’t identify with as part of our pack. 

This phenomena has been seen throughout history. Columbus/ Native Americans, the Indians/Pariayar Caste, the Nazis/Jews, 

Blacks, homosexuals, etc. America with Blacks, Asians, Irish, Hispanics, Communists, Muslims, Protestants, and the rest. The point 

here is that everyone should be familiar with this. On a smaller scale, it manifests as classic schoolyard bullying. Hostility directed onto 

an easy, usually singular, target. Gang violence is also something of interest. Gangs often prey upon those not affiliated with any particular 

organization, or rival gangs, which might not even have any significant differences in ideology. In fact, the reason they’re fighting 

one another could be as simple as an arbitrarily different color of clothing. 

The most efficient way to rid ourselves of select grouping would be the total homogenization of all of humanity. However, that’s 

obviously not the most desirable approach. We all cherish our differences. It’s what makes us special, after all. Then again, it just might 

be the thing that gets us harmed too. So in the end we must all learn to live with one another. Not in perfect tolerance, but at least in 

perfect indifference. 

The Art of Procrastination 


News Editor 

Ah, procrastination. We’ve all been there. All nighters pulled in order to finish your research paper and late night cram sessions for 

that big history test. But if it just causes anxiety, why do we procrastinate Now there is a difference between positive and negative procrastination. 

Positive procrastination is when you use your time to gather your thoughts and make sure you are making the right decision. 

Negative procrastination is when you keep putting off something that will benefit you. Now, I procrastinate daily. I’m not sure why, I just 

get it in my mind that I can do just as well writing an essay at two o’clock in the morning that I could do at 6 o’clock at night. 

In order to prevent procrastination, you need to increase the value of the task at hand. If you just keep putting it off, it loses its value. 

So next time you’re considering procrastination, just think about how much better it will be to get your work done early. 

NBA Conferences 

Who will make it to the Finals 

by Erin Maxson 


As the NBA is about to conclude the regular season on April 26 th , 2012, people will start putting two and two together to see who 

will win their conferences and then move into the finals. 

I personally think that the Heat will run through the Bulls in the conference and all the Eastern Conference teams and end up in the 

final two. The Heat is ready for revenge, and the Bulls only have one superstar, Derrick Rose. Dwayne Wade and LeBron James will 

pull out the wins, if Wade doesn’t get hurt again. Therefore all the other teams, like the Celtics, Knicks, and Toronto will fall short. 

Many have thought that the Lakers are going to come back and win it all over the Heat, but I strongly disagree. As the Lakers have 

been very unstable as of late, they may not be able keep their players and status of winning. As for last year’s champions, the Mavericks, 

there is little to no chance that they will win the conference to make it to the top because they’ve lost so many key players that 

were necessary in order to keep their winning streak. 

Personally, I believe that the Thunder will take over the Western Conference. As of right now, they have the best record for this 

season out of all the Western teams. I am biased, considering that the Thunder is my favorite team, but I feel like this year would be 

the year for OKC to come take the trophy over the rest of the teams considering the Western opposing teams are looking weak this 

year. The Thunder has pretty much every position covered by players that are especially good at what they do like Kevin Durant, 

James Harden, Serge Ibaka, and Kendrick Perkins. 

In the Finals, I predict that the games will be about even. MVP will be Kevin Durant if the Thunder win and the Sixth Man award will be James Harden. If they Heat win, 

then LeBron James will receive the MVP award. If you disagree, I would love to hear your opinions so stop me in the hallway or submit an article and I’ll be sure to read it!

C 

lubs/Organizations Chatterbox 


FFA Member Wins State Title in Electricity 

submitted by Mark Milstead 

Head of Ag. Department 

Congratulations to the FFA members that ranked in the top three in the State of Louisiana at yesterday's State FFA Career Development Events in Baton Rouge. State 

Champion in Electricity was Joshua Roane. He was awarded the state champion banner by the Associated Builders and Contractor's Technical College in Baton Rouge. He 

was also named the Highest Individual in the state in Electricity. Josh had to memorize over 250 facts about the National Electric Code to prepare for this event. He scored a 

PERFECT score on BOTH the 50 question written test and on his project board! 

Awarded the Highest Individual in the state in the Dairy Foods event was Cristal Cano. The Dairy Foods team of Cristal Cano, Sara Jones, and Brandi Griffin was ranked 

as a team 3rd in the state. Team members identified defects in milk samples, identified 17 different varieties of cheese, evaluated defective milker units, and learned over 

200 facts about the dairy industry and the legal requirements of handling milk. 

Other teams that ranked in the top 10 in the state were the Small Engines team of Paul Martin and Dylan Chandler and also the Meat Evaluation team of Hannah Hearne, 

Nick Liberatos, Brandon Myers, and Ryan Dooley. Congratulations to all FFA members that competed at the State Event! 

Ruston Junior High School FBLA:3 Teams in the Top 10 at 

State in First Year of Competition! 

submitted by Lloyd R. Bruner 

FBLA/Chatterbox Adviser 

Ruston Junior High School (RJHS) started a new chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America, with high hopes of learning FBLA procedures and events to assist 

students and prepare them for their future as members of Ruston High FBLA. In their first year of competition, they exceeded their goals and placed three teams in the Top 

10 at the Louisiana State FBLA Leadership Conference. 

RJHS FBLA entered three different state projects, and all three placed in the Top 10. Placing 9 th at state was Eboni Cahee with the chapter’s Local Chapter Annual 

Business Report. Placing 7 th at state were Amber Smith and Shelby Billberry with the chapter’s Community Service Project, covering Hot Halloween Happenings. The 

highest state placement for RJHS was Rebecaa Norris with her 4 th place finish in Web Site Design. 

The Louisiana State FBLA Leadership Conference is open to all high school chapters in the state 

and does allow established middle level chapters to compete against the high school chapters. The 

RJHS chapter is one of only three middle level chapters competing against the high school level, and 

their three Top 10 finishes were the most of any middle level chapter, and more than many high school 

chapters in the state. With such great results in the first year of competition, RJHS FBLA looks forward 

to next year, and RHS FBLA can only anticipate even better results when RJHS students move up to 

the high school level.

C 



Ruston High School FBLA : Top Chapter in the State – Again! 

submitted by Lloyd R. Bruner 

FBLA/Chatterbox Adviser 

For the third straight year, Ruston High School’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) walked away as the top school in the state in victories at the FBLA State 

Leadership Conference in Baton Rouge. This year, the chapter was officially recognized by the state as the best FBLA chapter in the state by their selection as the winner of 

the Gold Seal Chapter of Merit, the first time that RHS FBLA has ever been selected the winner. This is an overall award that is selected based on many items, including 

participation in conferences, results of conferences, leadership, participation in community service events, and participation is state projects and operations. Along with this 

honor, RHS FBLA also was recognized as the 3 rd largest chapter, placed 2 nd in the Foundation Award, and earned 4 th place in State Chapter Operations. 

At the opening and closing ceremonies, Ruston High School members enjoyed reserve seating for completing all events in the state project, receiving their plaque as well. 

The opening ceremonies opened well for RHS FBLA as Elizabeth Smith, Ruston High School FBLA President, was awarded with the November Member of the Month for 

Louisiana at the opening ceremonies. At closing ceremonies, Ruston High School secured another state office, as Ben Serio was appointed the State Parliamentarian. This 

was especially noteworthy as this marked the 2 nd consecutive year that this office was won by an RHS FBLA member. 

Even more impressive was the fact that the chapter earned four state championships in addition to the Gold Seal Chapter of Merit and a earned an impressive total of 41 

Top 10 finishes this year. As a result, Ruston High School FBLA qualified 16 students for the National Conference to be held in June in San Antonio, Texas. 

(Continues on page 17) 

Riley Thompson - State Champion - 

Introduction to Business 

Michael Davis, Shelby Stinson, Ben Serio, Jonathan Craig, and Ty Oakes 

State Champions - Parliamentary Procedures Team 

Thristan Cecil - State Champion - 

Digital Video Production 

Ben Serio 

Louisiana FBLA State Parliamentarian

C 



Ruston High School FBLA : Top Chapter in the State – Again! 

(continued from page 16) 

Students who qualified Top 10 (6 th - 10 th ) at state were Christan Dillard (10 th – Hospitality Management), Chaning 

Dorr (10 th – Introduction to Business), John Oakes (10 th – Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure), Miracle 

Washington (10 th – Sports Management), Michael Davis (9 th – Accounting II), Kari Hackbarth (9 th – Business 

Communications), Carter Carroll - (9 th – Computer Problem Solving), Christan Dillard (7 th – Health Care Administration), 

Jared Spiller (6 th – Richard D. Clanton Memorial Award). 

Students who qualified Top 10 (3 rd – 5 th ) at state were Michael Brewer (5 th – Computer Applications), Whitney 

Durrett, Emma Jones, and Benicia King (5 th – Emerging Business Issues Team), Elizabeth Smith, Jared Spiller, 

and Elena Till (4 th – Local Chapter Annual Business Report), John Herren (4 th – Who’s Who), Ben Serio (4 th – 

Business Calculations), Emma Jones (4 th – Impromptu Speaking), Kelli Greene, Miracle Washington, and Justin 

Welch (3 rd – Global Business Team), and Kelli Greene, Polly Gwan, and Riley Thompson (3 rd – Entrepreneurship 

Team). 

Based on state results, the following individuals and teams earned positions at the National Conference to 

be held in San Antonio, Texas, to represent the state of Louisiana for their 2 nd Place finishes: Elizabeth 

Smith (Community Service Project), and Jaisle Bailey and Whitney Durrett (Partnership with Business 

Project). 

To cap off the outstanding state performance by Ruston High School, the 4 State Championships included: 

Thristan Cecil (Digital Video Production), Riley Thompson (Introduction to Business), Jonathan 

Craig, Michael Davis, Ty Oakes, Ben Serio, and Shelby Stinson (Parliamentary Procedures Team), and Ben 

Serio (Parliamentary Procedures Overall High Score). 

Elizabeth Smith, RHS FBLA President, 

proudly holds the Gold Seal Chapter of Merit 

earned by RHS FBLA. 

Come visit Ruston’s Newest Full-Service 

Convenience Store! 

Home of Arby’s 

Stop by for 

211 Farmerville Highway, Ruston, Louisiana 

101 South Service Road, 

Exit 85 and Highway 167 

Ruston, Louisiana

T 

emple Baptist Church Chatterbox 

Ruston High School April 26, 2012 Page 18

B 

and 



RHS Band Plans to Finish the Year with a Bang! 



As the year is rapidly dwindling down, the RHS band has been preparing to finish it off with a huge success. There are many events that the Ruston High School band has 

been practicing to do during these last couple of months. On April 19, the Symphonic band will be having their Honors and Student Teacher Music Recital. Students participating 

in Advanced Band honors will be presenting songs that they have selected. “I am very excited for the recital!” says Aaron Robertson, senior honors band member, “It 

will be a chance for us to present some of the music we have been working so hard on!” Also, student teacher Mr. Scroggins from Grambling State University will be presenting 

selected songs he has been working on with the Symphonic band. On April 21, the band booster club will be having a hamburger plate fundraiser to raise money! The 

fundraiser will take place at Super One Foods from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The hamburger plates are $5 a piece and various RHS band members will be selling them pre hand as 

well as at Super One Foods on April 21. Please support the band and buy a hamburger plate! 

Also, on April 26, the Symphonic and Concert bands will be having their annual spring concert alongside the RHS choir. All ensembles will be presenting a collection of 

music they have been preparing throughout the season. Some of the music featured will be the 10-minute long piece Machu Piccu by the Symphonic band as well as the State 

festival pieces by the Symphonic band and both choir ensembles. “I am really excited for this concert because Machu Piccu is a really fun piece and I can’t wait to perform 

it” says Spencer Morris, junior band member. On May 2, the Symphonic band will be traveling down to Lake Charles to participate in the LMEA State Large Ensemble Festival 

in hopes of receiving a sweepstakes trophy. To close out the school year, the band plans to travel down to Orlando, Florida, and have some fun at the Walt Disney 

World Resort and then finish off with their annual band banquet. The band banquet celebrates the success of the band students throughout the whole year!

A 

rt 



The Art Department 

by Elena Till 


Ruston High School is proud to have a wide variety of clubs, organizations, and extracurricular activities including the art department. Art classes offered are the following: 

Art I, Art II, Art III/IV, and Fine Arts Survey (Honors/Dual) which is a combination of visual arts, music arts and architecture and how they affect our everyday lives. 

Art teachers at Ruston High School are Mrs. Ashworth, Mr. Meed, and Mrs. Strickler. If you have an interest in pursuing a career as an artist or other profession that includes 

artistic skills then you should definitely take one of these classes. Even if you do not plan on having a career involved in art then you should still consider taking an art class. 

Perhaps you may find that you enjoy it. Also, 1 unit of art is required for the Louisiana Core 4 Curriculum, so definitely consider art being one of your courses. 

Those in art classes can also join the art club. Its purpose is to offer art students an opportunity to work together to promote interest within the school, as well as the community. 

Members will engage in a variety of projects aimed at bringing about awareness of the RHS art program. Only a small fee is required to be a member of the art club 

and/or be enrolled in an art class. 

Throughout the year students of art classes do many projects, often you can see those of the talented art class displayed by the front office. As these students strengthen 

their artistic abilities, they are proud to have them displayed for all of the school along with any visitors to see. Recently the students participated in the Kiwanis Club Youth 

Art Festival where they won 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in all categories including Best in Show. There were a total of eleven students that attended and placed. 

These and many other amazing works of art done by members of the RHS student body can be seen in the trophy 

case beside the office. Check them out!

C 

hoir 



Bearcats on Broadway 2012 

by Emma Jones 


For the fifth consecutive year, the Bearcat Choir has given a successful Bearcats on Broadway performance. There were three performances, one on the evening of Friday, 

March 30, a matinee on Saturday, March 31, and an evening performance on March 31. In fact, two out of three shows, both evening performances, were almost completely 

sold out. This year’s performance featured numbers from Jersey Boys, Wicked, Jekyll & Hyde, Les Miserables, South Pacific, Spamalot, Miss Saigon, and more. There were 

three numbers that involved the entire Bearcat Choir from A Funny Thing that Happened on the Way to the Forum, Hair, and Fame. There was even one number from Hairspray 

that showcased The Bearcat Belles. 

After the last show, the choir director, Ms. Mindy Martin handed out awards to some of the members of the choir. Four of the awards were voted on by the choir, and 

three were selected by Ms. Martin. The winners of the elected awards were Rachel Hegab for Outstanding Freshman, Rachel Ruff and Caleb White for Outstanding Sophomore, 

Cassidy King and Caleb “Cupcake” Kennedy for Outstanding Junior, and Dara Smith, Parker Carwile, and Maggie Ward for Outstanding Senior. For the directors 

choice, the winners were sophomores Carter Carroll, Laura Cason, and Shelbey LaTour for Most Improved, freshman April Hooper and senior Brandon Hearn for Service, 

and senior Parker Carwile for the Arion Music Award. 

All in all, each performance was successful and well received. The choir put hours of rehearsal into each number of the show and worked very hard, but still had as much 

fun performing it as the crowd had watching it.

T 

eacher Spotlights Chatterbox 


Mrs. Elaine Johnson teaches Advanced Math, Algebra III, and Trig. She 

is married to Mr. Carl Johnson and has three daughters: Emily, Maggie, and 

Katie. She loves teaching at RHS. Her advice to her students is to always 

do their study guides. 

The fresh, fierce Mrs. Kelsey Whitlock teaches World Geography and 

coaches girl’s soccer. She is married to the fabulous Mr. Dustin Whitlock. 

They have two dogs named Yankee and Gumbo. Hailing from Baton Rouge, 

she graduated from Tara High School in 2005 and then went on to study Social 

Studies Education and English Education at Louisiana Tech. 

Mrs. Ann McKinney works in the RHS Library. She is married to Mr. 

Gary McKinney and has two grown sons, Matthew and Eric. She says her 

high school days were a loooong time ago and now it seems like a different 

lifetime altogether. Her advice to students is to be gentle to people; 

sometimes those who are the hardest to love are those who need it the 

most.

T 

eacher Spotlights Chatterbox 


Mr. Kyle Falting teaches CP and Pre-AP Algebra I. He is married to Mrs. 

Misty Falting and has a two and a half year old daughter named Lilla and a 

five month old son named Jude. His advice to students is to remember that 

high school is very fun, but don’t take it too seriously; it’s not the end of the 

road but rather the beginning. His favorite quote is “Be the change you wish 

to see in the world.” He says that last February he accepted Christ into his 

life and has committed is life to serving him. Last year he came to realize 

that his life is not about him; it’s about letting god use him to impact his 

kingdom. 

Mrs. Courtney Martin teaches Algebra II, sponsors Keywanettes, and 

teaches Algebra I at A.E. Phillips. She is married to Mr. Corey Martin and has 

a three year old named Audrey Kate. She went to high school at Prairie View 

Academy and went on to graduate from Louisiana Tech. Her advice to students 

to be yourself and be proud of it.

S 

PYPM Wraps Up 

by Ambria Holmes 

Sports Reporter 

ervice and Social Chatterbox 


PYPM plans to visit Ruston Elementary one last time to tell a story using a flannel board. Members will have to make characters from the book they choose to read. As 

they read the story, they will put the characters on the board. Unfortunately, in addition to this being the last project that PYPM will have for the elementary kids, this year 

will also be the last for PYPM at Ruston High School. It has been a great and exciting year. 

Keywanettes Go Green! 



The RHS Keywanettes joined hands with multiple schools and community organizations to participate in the city-wide clean-up event. On April, 17, the Keywanettes 

spent their morning cleaning up the city of Ruston in hopes of making it a better and cleaner town. “I really enjoyed the cleanup” stated senior Pernicia Gant, “I’m glad that 

we took the time to clean up the town and help out!” 

The Keywanettes are also accepting membership for next year! To be a member of Keywanettes, you must be a junior or senior girl with a GPA of at least 3.25. If interested, 

stop by Mrs. Courtney Martin’s room and pick up an application today! 

PCI Club 

by Alexandria Cockerham 

Sport Reporter 

The Ruston High School PCI Club is having a drive to collect uniforms for students who need assistance with obtaining school uniforms. Mrs. Dunbar is also accepting P.E. uniform donations 

that will be provided to freshman and sophomore students that may need them. All donations can be brought to Room 109 and placed into the donation box. Please ensure that items 

brought are cleaned and serviceable. 

Remember this is for a good cause and will help those in need. Many of you will no longer need these items, so donate them to those who will. Ruston High School is a great place to learn 

and a great place to show your community support. Let’s help where we can. 

First Priority at RHS 



RHS First Priority meets every week on Thursday in the band room during lunch. This year First Priority has a great group of students attending each week. With over 40 

students each lunch shift each week, much is being accomplished. 

Students do not have to be a member of First Priority to attend meetings! Anyone is welcome. Each week there is a speaker and on the last Thursday of the month there is 

free pizza for all students that come and stay for the meeting. 

Join First Priority!

S 

tudent Center 



Ask the Staff 

submitted by Kori Teague 

Guest Reporter 

Q: Should I apply 

for a summer 

job 

A: Well, are you 

willing to work 

all summer Everyone 

wants to 

have money to 

start saving up for 

college, as well 

as having a bit of 

spending money 

to splurge every once in a while. If you want the pay and 

are willing to pay the price of having a job, it could be a 

very rewarding experience for you. 

The Heart of a Woman 

submitted by Andre Albritton 

RHS Student 

The heart of a woman has a delicate life of its own 

Fragile and innocent, with a hint of brilliant independence 

It is like a pocket stitched deep within her chest 

Inside she stores her treasures 

Some are broken, as many are blessed 

It is filled with passion, lust and completion 

Her heart is the most priceless gift of all 

Sent by god with love, and made from angels tears 

The heart of a woman captures the life of meaning 

It is composed of dignity, grace, and devotion 

True love and dedication from anything is what it takes 

to make a woman’s heart happy. 

Articles, Rants and Suggestions 

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

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

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

F 

un Page 



Quote of the Day: 

“Stress is nothing more than a socially acceptable form of mental illness.”- Richard Carlson 

Word Search 

Popular 

March 

Movie 

Releases 

Sign Letter of 

the Month 

Did you know 

An average baby laughs around 300 

times a day compared to an average 

adult, who laughs around 20 times a 

day 

Watching Jersey Shore can lower 

your I.Q Studies show- ( No Joke) 

Elvis Presley died sitting on the toilet 

reading “ The Scientific Search for Jesus.” 

A raisin dropped in a glass of fresh 

champagne will bounce up and down 

continuously from the bottom of the 

glass to the top 

Depression can make you smarter by 

improving recollection, critical thinking, 

and raising attention span, study 

shows 

Mice were exposed to heavy metal 

music during a study to see how it affects 

them — instead of completing 

the maze, they killed each other

S 

ponsors and Staff Chatterbox 


2011-2012 Chatterbox Sponsors 

Platinum Level Sponsors: ($200 +) 

Mark and Donnie Bartlett John B. Holstead Ruston High School Alumni Association 

First National Bank Green Clinic Bank of Ruston Community Trust Bank 

Gold Level Sponsors: ($100 - $199) 

Jack Fluck Realty Embellishments Richard and Nancy Durrett 

RHS Business Department Lloyd R. Bruner, FBLA/Chatterbox Adviser RHS FBLA, Chapter 617 

Silver Level Sponsors: ($50 - $99) 

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

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

2011-2012 Chatterbox Advertisers 

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

Lincoln ACHIEVE Cathi Cox-Boniol 2 

Driver’s Education Coach Ricky Durrett 3 

The Fashion of Ruston Kelly Hogan 15 

Twisted Cow Frozen Yogurt Todd Feemster 15 

Hi-Tech Richard Raue 16 

Pow Wow Manuel and Nilda Chinchilla 17 

Village Market Manuel Chinchilla 17 

Temple Baptist Church Casey Williams 18 

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

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

2011-2012 RHS Chatterbox Staff 

Editor in Chief Whitney Durrett Junior 

Business Manager Elizabeth Smith Senior 

News Editor Jaisle Bailey Junior 

Sports Editor Reed Malek Senior 

Assistant News Editor Elena Till Junior 

Graphics/Design Editor Thirstan Cecil Sophomore 

Academics Reporter Polly Michelle Gwan Senior 

Academics Reporter Nathan Bennett Junior 

Arts Reporter Sarah Kay Blaylock Junior 

Clubs Reporter Moriah Labbe Junior 

Clubs Reporter Erin Maxson Junior 

Education Reporter Emma Jones Junior 

Social Reporter Preston Ponder Sophmore 

Sports Reporter Alex Cockerham Sophomore 

Sports Reporter Ambria Holmes Sophomore 

Guest Reporter Kori Teague Senior 

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

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

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

a reasonable basis or belief that a publication would materially disrupt class work, involve substantial disorder, or invade the rights of these, it will not be published in keeping with the guidelines of 

Hazelwood School District vs. Kulkmeier (1998). Signed editorials may be sent to Ruston High School, 900 Bearcat Drive, Ruston, Louisiana 71270. 

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

B 

earcat Spirit 



2012-2013 Varsity Cheerleaders 



Congratulations to the 2012-2013 Ruston High Cheerleaders. Ruston High School is looking 

forward to the new young ladies. Varsity Cheerleaders are responsible for promoting school 

spirit by leading the crowd at Varsity football and basketball games, planning and conducting 

pep rallies, and promoting Bearcat spirit at RHS and in the community. 

After spring break they will start their practice to prepare themselves for summer camp in 

June. The camp will be at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. This is big for the girls, because 

they usually go to Little Rock. The next requirement for all the girls to attend is the Stunt 

Clinic in August 11. 

The following girls are: Emaleigh Bickham, DeJayla Chambers, Nicole Cheeks, Savannah 

Chrisman, Courtnei Dunn, Whitney Durrett, Caitlin Elliott, Morgan Hitt, Katie Hopkins, Savannah 

Payne, Brittany Rollins, Lauren Taylor, Paige Williams, Tiffany Carprue, Emily Compton, 

Ansleigh Faile, Chandler Haddox, Carley Jones, Kendall Lopez, Mary Margaret Manning, 

Larkin Nelson, Beth Ramirez, Mallorie Stafford, Rebecca Wheelis, Deja Young. 

The new 2012-2013 Varsity cheerleaders. 

A New JV Cheer Squad 


Sport Reporter 

Congratulations to the 2012-2013 Ruston High JV Cheerleaders. Instead of having 

a freshman team and a junior varsity team, Ruston High will combine the two to 

make a JV team composed of freshman and sophomores. They are just like the Varsity 

team; they will do everything together. 

The following sophomores are: Emily Colvin, Amber Crawford, Taylor Evans, 

Who’s the Next Rusty 



Who is going to be the next 2012-2013 Rusty The Bearcat Mrs. Reeder is 

looking for Junior and Senior girls with a 2.0 or higher GPA. Before try-outs 

you will attend a varsity practices on April 23 to learn chants and fights songs. 

You will create a 30-second music piece of your choice; make sure it’s clean 

and appropriate. 

On try-out day, you need to be prepared to wear the costume, as the new 

Rusty will perform her skit on April 25.The voting will be made by the pepettes 

for the new mascot. Mrs. Reeder expects the girl who is chosen to attend all 

Varsity practices, games, and events. She must attend cheer camp June 1-4 as 

well. To be the next Rusty Bearcat, you must not be a member of Ruston’s soccer 

or basketball teams. 

Natalie Hogan, Harper Neal, Janese Penegar, Kailee Rivera, Margeaux Smith, and 

Morgan Winstead. 

The freshman girls are: Annabelle Bickham, Madison Brewton, Morgan Funes, 

Amari Jackson, Jaila Jones, Talyah Lewis, Isabelle Mays, Summer Nimmers, Sydney 

Ratcliff, Anne Claire Rhymes, and Madeline Williams.

S 

ports 



The One-and-Done Culture of College 

Basketball 

by Reed Malek 

Sports Editor 

The Kentucky Wildcats team that won the National Championship in college basketball this April 2 was 

no doubt composed of some of the finest players to grace the sport in quite some time. Guys like Anthony 

Davis and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist are predicted by experts to be among the very first players chosen in the 

next NBA Draft. They surely came out of the University of Kentucky with a much better understanding of 

and talent for the game of basketball. However, what they did not wholly gain from their brief experience at 

the university was an education. Kidd-Gilchrist, Davis, and more than likely many of their teammates as 

well, will be moving on to the NBA after being at the university for just a year. This has become a trend too 

common in college basketball, one that puts collegiate athletics to shame and makes it appear as more of a 

business than many people, myself included, would like to see. 

Ever since the NBA implemented the rule requiring players to complete at least one year of college before 

being eligible for the NBA Draft, the best-of-the-best in college basketball have consistently bolted 

from their respective universities for greener pastures after just a year. Not only is this ineffective in terms 

of providing an education for college players, it wastes time and money used by public institutions to fund 

the players’ brief collegiate athletic experience. Spending only a year at college earns no degree, and the 

only possible positive effect that a player could have on the university in such a short time period is attracting 

attention to it. To many of basketball’s greatest prospects, college is just a road bump on the path to 

wealth in the NBA. 

So what needs to be done In my opinion, the NBA should change the rule to one requiring players to 

spend at least two years in college, or simply enter the draft from high school, bypassing college completely. 

That way, players’ time in college is at least somewhat meaningful or productive. And for the players 

who are eager to earn the riches: they can take a shot in the NBA, but without a meaningless year of 

college experience. 

College Basketball vs. College Football 

by Ambria Holmes 


When it comes to comparing college basketball to college football, I would have to say that football is more 

exciting. Also the collage fans make football season really fun. College basketball is not boring but I have to 

admit it is not all that exciting. 

During the college football season, schools have homecoming and host lots of events. You can tailgate and 

have a good time. Also, during halftime at football games the bands come and entertain the crowd. Sometimes 

they will have competitions against the opposing team’s band. 

The football playoffs also seem more exciting. It seems that way because everyone gets excited and makes a 

big deal about the playoffs in football. During basketball season that is not the case. 

So in my opinion, college football is better that college basketball. I went around and asked others for their 

opinion and most agreed that college football is better than college basketball. They also felt that college football 

is both more exciting and interesting. I am not saying college basketball is boring. However I am just stating 

that football is better. It seems that way because everyone gets excited and makes a big deal about football.

S 

ports 



Tennis Gets Ready for Regionals 

by Reed Malek 

Sports Editor 

After a four-match away streak, the Bearcat tennis team finally gets a home 

series tonight, against the West Monroe Rebels. Next week, the Bearcats will 

participate in the Regional tournament from April 23-26, and on April 30- May 

2 the ‘Cats play in the State tournament. 

On March 22, the team hosted a home series against the Ouachita Lions. Singles 

winners were Caleb White and Matt Oakes, who both won their matches 8- 

0. Doubles winners were the team of Courtney McKinney & Mary Hollis Graham 

(8-5) and Kellen Skains & Mary Conly Hammons (8-6). The team’s next 

series was another home competition against Cedar Creek, on March 27. Singles 

winners were Caleb White (8-0) and Jonathan Abernathy (8-0) and doubles winners 

were Hayden Smithey & Spencer Berry (8-4) and Jamie Hardy & Gabby 

Harpel (9-7). 

The Bearcats’ next two series were both on the road, the first against West 

Ouachita. The team’s lone singles winner was Jonathan Abernathy (8-0), and the 

team of Kyle Carter & Jonathan Abernathy made up the Bearcats’ only doubles 

victory (8-6). The next series was another against Ouachita, with three singles 

winners: Caleb White (8-2), Matt Oakes (8-3), and Hayden Smithey (8-2). The 

team’s only doubles winner was Kyle Carter & Jonathan Abernathy. 

Come out and support the Bearcat tennis team as they prepare for their Regionals 

and State tournaments! 

Sophomore Kaitlyn Heiden serves during a match in March. 

Sophomore Caleb White returns a volley. 

Junior Hayden Smithey plays against a Cedar Creek player at RHS.

S 

ports 



RHS Track & Field Prepares for Regional, 

State Meets 

by Reed Malek 

Sports Editor 

The Ruston High Bearcat track & field team is in the thick of the most important time of its season. 

Having participated at their District meet yesterday at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, 

the Bearcats are looking forward to their Regional meet next Wednesday, April 25. The next and last 

stop after Regionals is the State meet at LSU in Baton Rouge. 

The ‘Cats recent events on the road to District include the Lakeside Warriors Invitational on Friday, 

March 23, the RHS-hosted 

Hoss Garrett Relays on Friday, 

March 30, the mock time trials 

during Spring Break, and the 

Ouachita Christian Big School 

Invitational on Friday, April 

13. 

At the Hoss Garrett Relays 

on March 30, the Bearcats’ last 

home event of the year, Ruston 

High honored two seniors, 

Maya Robertson and Chase 

Millien, with the Outstanding 

Senior Runner award for their 

four years of hard work and 

excellence at their sports. 

As the ‘Cats prepare for 

their Regional and State Meets, 

they need all the support they 

can get! 

Above: Chase Millien and Maya Robertson with 

their Outstanding Senior Runner awards after the 

Hoss Garrett Relays on Friday, March 30. 

Left: senior Chase millien (middle left) and sophomore 

Eman Gwan (far left) run in the Lakeside Warriors 

Invitational on Friday, March 23. 

Top Left: junior Dominique Cheffin (middle) and 

Chase Millien (top left) run at the Super 1 Relays in 

early March.

S 

ports 



Bearcats Near Season’s End, Prepare for 

Playoffs 

by Reed Malek 

Sports Editor 

As they go into their last regular season game tonight at Byrd, the Bearcats are in great shape. With 

an 18-7 overall record and a 4-2 district record as of April 10, the ‘Cats held the lone first place spot in 

District 2-5A, and a strong couple of outings in the last few games of district play could put the team in 

an even greater position to make a deep run in the upcoming postseason. 

Earlier this month, the Bearcats played a series against their archrival West Monroe Rebels. After 

dropping the first game in a high-scoring 14-13 loss on Thursday, April 5, the team rebounded and defeated 

the Rebels 5-4 on Saturday, April 7. A 3-run home run from sophomore Shelton Wooley and an 

RBI single from senior Eric Goree helped to put the ‘Cats in position to win the game, and even better 

position in the district. 

The Bearcats this year have been led on offense by seniors Pierce Spangler (3 home runs and 23 

RBIs), Eric Goree (2 home runs, 24 RBIs), Clayton Cline (1 home run, 19 RBIs), Nick Letendre (4 

home runs, 17 RBIs) and junior Ivan Wilson (2 home runs, 21 RBIs). Pitching leaders on the team so 

far have been Clayton Cline (4 wins), Tanner Frasier (4 wins), Garrett Soileau (4 wins), and Nick 

Letendre (2 wins). 

Come out and support the ‘Cats as they get to a strong start in the playoffs! 

Top right: pitcher Clayton Cline 

Above: senior Eric Goree slides into second base during the Bearcats’ 14-13 loss to West Monroe on April 5. 

Right: freshman pitcher Chris Bishop pitches against West Monroe in the freshman ’Cats’ 12-11 victory over 

the Rebels. 

Photos obtained at: www.rustonleader.com

April 2012 Chatterbox - Ruston High School - Lincoln Parish School ...

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