January 2012 Chatterbox - Ruston High School

Box TopsBearcat News (2)Academia (3-6)Outside Our Box? (7)Teacher Spotlights (8-9)Editorials/Opinions (10-13)Service and Social (14)Clubs (15-17)The Arts (18)Senior Spotlights (19)Editorials/Opinions (20-23)Cheerleaders (24)Student Center (25)Fun Page (26)Sponsors and Staff (27)Bearcat Spirit (28)Sports (29-32)UpcomingIssuesFebruary 2012Mardi Gras: Pro/ConValentine’s WishesBasketball PlayoffsMarch 2012March Madness: Pros/ConsFBLA District ResultsBaseball/Softball Hits theDiamondApril 2012Graduation Noise: Pro/ConFBLA State ResultsTrack ResultsChatterboxThe Voice of Ruston High School900 Bearcat Drive, Ruston, Louisiana 71270http://rustonhigh.lincolnschools.org/chatterbox.htmlJanuary 19, 2012Governor Jindal Visits Ruston High Schoolby Elena Till and Polly Michelle GwanAssistant News Editor and Academics ReporterOn Monday, December 12, 2011, Louisiana’s governor,Bobby Jindal, visited Ruston High School and observedlife at Ruston High School. The purpose of hisvisit was to see the successful academic programs at RustonHigh. Governor Jindal has been touring schoolsthroughout the state of Louisiana that are getting the jobdone and have been labeled as pockets of excellence totalk to educators and local leaders about education reform.He was attracted to the school because of its high graduationrate, the innovation, and the objective that educationis the number one priority. Ruston High School is one ofthe highest performing schools in the state. Because of theschool’s excellent status, Governor Jindal hoped to learnfrom a school that was achieving their goal of properlyeducating today’s youth using modern concepts and technology,AP classes, and Dual classes.(continues on page 3).RHS Distinguished Alumni and Teachersinformation provided by RHS Alumni Associationby Elena TillAssistant News EditorOn Friday, October 24, 2011, the 8 th Annual Distinguished Alumni and Distinguished EducatorAwards Luncheon was held by the Ruston High School Alumni Association. At the luncheon, three distinguishedteachers and three distinguished alumni were honored and recognized. A young alumnus wasalso honored with a significant achievement award.The three distinguished alumni recognized and honored were as follows: in the category of Commerceand Industry, Captain Zane Skinner; in the category of Humanities and Education, Robert M. Lewis; andin Humanities, Duddy Burkhalter Garrett. The distinguished teachers honored were current teacher ElaineJohnson, retired teacher Bud Alexander (Coach Bud), and the late Mr. Morgan Peoples. Ryan David Dickwas 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 thesedistinguished alumni and teachers, covering one distinguished alumni or teacher each month. Last month,distinguished teacher Coach Bud Alexander was covered. This month, we continue the series on page two(2) with a report on distinguished alumni Zane Skinner.February edition will be distributed on February 14thValentines messages are due by January 30thInsideRHS School CelebrationSee Page 44-H Prepares to Earn Spotsat 4-H Achievement DaySee Page 15Cheerleads CaptureNational ChampionshipSee Page 24Soccer SeasonClosing StrongSee Page 32

Bearcat NewsChatterboxRuston High School January 19, 2012 Page 2Distinguished Alumni: Zane Skinnerinformation provided by RHS Alumni Associationby Elena TillAssistant News EditorZane Skinner was born November 14, 1925, to Charlie and Gertrude Trussell Skinner: the youngest of twelve children. Zanegrew up in the Antioch Community in Lincoln Parish, northwest of Ruston. His senior year at Ruston High School in 1941, heproudly played on the State Championship Football Team and graduated that following spring in 1942. After graduating fromRHS, Skinner continued his athletic career at Notre Dame on an athletic scholarship. Once again, he proudly played with a championshipteam as The Fighting Irish were National Football Champions in 1943. However, his athletics were put to a temporary stopas he was called into active duty for World War II. He served honorably with Army Transport in the Pacific Theatre and for hisservice he was awarded APO, ETO, ATO and Victory Ribbons.After returning from the war Zane continued his athletic career by playing in the minor baseball league for five years. He alsoserved as manager of American Legion Baseball, Post 52, Houston. To provide for his four children and wife, Zane Skinner beganhis career as a mariner by serving for the Lykes Steamship Company, West Indies Division for several years. He continued in hisrole as a ship pilot at the port of Houston where he served as Master Mariner for thirty-four years and then was Presiding Officer ofthe Houston Pilots Association.Zane Skinner has a great love for the community and his heart for service is seen in his membership in the Texas City and OklahomaCity Lodges as a 32 nd Degree Mason for over fifty years. Another way of showing his appreciation is by actively participatingin the Scottish Rite Body and Shriners; he can be found on Sundays at his Methodist church. Zane Skinner and his wife, LindaLivingston Skinner, have made a most gracious decision to give back to the community and what it has done for them. They havefounded the Zane and Linda Skinner Family Charitable Fund. This fund was established to benefit Ruston High School studentswho have excelled both athletically and academically. The award recipient is a student who wants to achieve their goals of a collegeeducation and is chosen by the RHS principal, Athletic Director, and Guidance Counselor. So far, two one-thousand dollar scholarships have been awarded. As the fundgrows and continues, more and larger awards will be given to future students. Captain Zane Skinner has been a great benefactor to his community and is a worthy recipient ofthis Distinguished Alumni Award.Teacher of the Year 2012-2013:Mr. Faltingby Whitney DurrettEditor in ChiefEvery year the faculty of RustonHigh votes for teacher of the year forthe next school year. Ruston High hasa reputation of having amazing teachersand great teacher of the year selections.For the 2012-2013 school yearalgebra teacher, Kyle Falting, wasselected as the teacher of the year.Mr. Falting has been a FreshmanAcademy teacher for 4 years at RustonHigh. He teaches Algebra 1 and does agreat job of it! He loves teachingfreshman classes. Mr. Falting graduatedfrom Louisiana Tech. RustonHigh loves Mr. Falting and is honoredto have him as the 2012-2013 Teacherof the Year.Saluting OutstandingStudent AchievementThroughout the Bearcat Nation

AcademiaChatterboxRuston High School January 19, 2012 Page 3Governor Jindal Visits Ruston High School (continued from page 1)The governor was very impressed with the classes he visited; he interacted with some of the students throughout his visit for a firsthand idea of the Ruston High Schoolstudents’ experiences. The teachers spoke with the governor about their teaching strategies while presenting the RHS curriculum. New Tech @ Ruston is a relatively newprogram that has proven to be successful and contributed to the reasons why the governor visited the school.Governor Jindal was impressed with the school and extremely pleased with the progress RHS students make every day. School officials were just as impressed with GovernorJindal. Cathi Cox-Boniol admits, “I was amazed by how he had done his homework. He researched very thoroughly before choosing to come to RHS; it is a great honorthat he selected Ruston High among so many other high schools in Louisiana.”For Ruston High School to be acknowledged was a great opportunity for not only the school, but also for all of Lincoln Parish and north Louisiana. Governor Jindal statedthat he now knows that Ruston HighSchool is one of the best/highest performingschools in Louisiana. Ruston HighSchool is paving the way in developing anew attitude towards the capability ofNorth Louisiana as well as a revolution ofeducation in the state of Louisiana. GovernorJindal can use RHS as an exemplaryschool for other schools statewide tomodel their implementation of the curriculumand objectives. The school is veryproud of their students’ hard work, determination,and progress and is excitedabout the future. As Ruston High Schoolcontinues to grow and improve, the levelof achievement for the students will continueto improve.Speech and Debate StateQualifiersby Jaisle BaileyNews EditorThe Ruston High Speech and Debate team has been hard at work. InSpeech and Debate, competitors strive to qualify for TC, the State Tournamentof Champions, which will be held at Pineville High School on March29-31, 2012. The following students have qualified for the State Championships:Jonathan Verret and Carter McWilliams in Advanced Cross ExaminationDebateMichael Davidson and Clark Pierce in Advanced Cross ExaminationDebateBen Sawyer and Barrett Moore in Novice Cross Examination DebateThristan Cecil and Conner Caudle in Novice Cross Examination DebateRebekah Barnes and Darby Guinn in Duet ActingSavannah Woods and Darby Guinn in Senior Oral InterpretationMlle Schroeder in Junior Oral InterpretationMlle Schroeder and Celia Dodson in Duet ActingColton Booth in Lincoln Douglas Debate and Extemporaneous Speaking.On January 6-7, the team travelled down to Comeaux High School inLafayette where partners Clark Pierce and Michael Davidson took first placein Advanced Cross Examination.The team hopes to add to the list of State Qualifiers as we compete aroundthe state this spring, starting with a trip to Lafayette again January 13-14, tocompete at St. Thomas Moore High School’s tournament.DRIVER’S EDUCATION• 6 – Hour Pre-Licensing Class• Course is State Approved• Must be 17 or older• Cost: Only $30For information, call: 251-1234

AcademiaChatterboxRuston High School January 19, 2012 Page 4Student Celebrationby Whitney DurrettEditor in ChiefIn December of 2011 students from Ruston High School gathered during 5 th hour at the football stadium for a celebration. The school was celebrating the hard work ofeach and every student at Ruston High for putting in the effort so Ruston High could achieve a high school performance score. Ruston High is one of the top schools in thestate of Louisiana with a school performance score of 119.7. Ruston High has always been a great school and is improving greatly with every new year, and new class ofstudents. Students were rewarded with soft drinks, snacks, ice cream, and a whole class period off. Ruston High and Lincoln Parish celebrate the students of Ruston High forseveral reasons every year. By doing this they encourage students to succeed and do better with their school work. Last year was a great year for Ruston High and hopefullythis year will be even better!¡Fiesta de Español!submitted by Kari HackbarthSpanish Club ReporterPictured Top Left: Students head to enjoy refreshmentsin celebration of their success.Pictured Bottom Left: Mr. Milstead draws namesfrom each grade level (10-12) for prizes and awardsgiven away in appreciation of student achievement.Pictured Top Right: Mr. Milstead congratulates allstudents at RHS for their outstanding achievement,and challenges them to keep it up!El 11 de diciembre, El Club Español tuvo una fiesta de Navidad en la casa de la Sra. Cazenave. Todos trajeron un plato casero de estilo mexicano. Algunos de estos incluyeronarroz español, enchiladas de pollo, tamales, salsa, queso, etc. Después de comer, nuestros presidentes, Carlos y Tomás, nos dirigieron en un divertido intercambiode regalos. En el Club de Español tendrás la oportunidad de experimentar la cultura como aprender a cocinar platos mexicanos y españoles.

AcademiaChatterboxRuston High School January 19, 2012 Page 5To the Freshman of Ruston High…by Polly Michelle GwanAcademics ReporterTime has flown by and the first semester of your freshman year has finally ended! But instead of slacking on your grades or taking an “academic” break, it is imperativeto finish out the rest of the school year strong. Many may not know this, but your two semester grades are combined together to make your final grade for the year. If youdid not achieve that “A” that you were shooting for or even barely passed with a “C” fear not! The second semester is your opportunity to turn over a new leaf and start offafresh! But remember, this semester can make you or break you. So plan to do your best academically these two last nine weeks and finish out the year with a bang! GoBearcats!New Tech @ Rustonby Thristan CecilClubs ReporterNew Tech @ Ruston has been focusing on its Global and Community Service learning outcome. The program continued its partnership with the Louisiana Tech UniversityArchitecture Department and the SOCA (South of California Avenue) Project, working at the Fall Block Party held in November. Freshman and sophomore studentsjoined teachers Sarah Wages and Tara Griffin, along with administrators Catherine Letendre and Cathi Cox-Boniol, to provide games throughout the event. Then for the firstyear, a New Tech team prepared an entry for the Lincoln Parish Library holiday wreath and tree event. Students created a "nontraditional" wreath entitled "A New TechChristmas" that was built from a giant '@' with greenery added along with NT@R accents. The wreath was then displayed in the hall between the Lincoln Parish Library andthe Events Center where it will hang until after New Years. For the second year, New Tech @ Ruston partnered with the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and LincolnACHIEVE for the annual Adopt-A-School holiday food drive for Christian Community Action. All New Tech classes contributed to the canned food collection while HenryThompson served as captain for the pick-up efforts. Malik Taylor, Stephen Hall, Keon Johnson, Jack Lindsey, Caleb White, and Adam Rankins served on the team withThompson and traveled with Rotarian Bill Cox, Super 1 Manager Chris Turner, and New Tech administrators Cathi Cox-Boniol and Catherine Letendre to visit every schoolin the district and load their food collections. Because of the hard work of the New Tech team, it was the most efficient and successful collection to date with 16 schools visitedand another record-setting load of food taken to Emmanuel Baptist Church for volunteers to sort for CCA and the use of those in need throughout our community.

AcademiaChatterboxRuston High School January 19, 2012 Page 6Rotary Club Winnersby Polly Michelle GwanAcademics ReporterValentines Editionby Whitney DurrettEditor in ChiefSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecemberJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayClark Pierce and Macy SutherlandKane Killen and Shelby GiddingsBraden Hilton and Anna FullerReed Malek and Neesha SiriwardaneJacob Clark and Kori TeagueTBATBATBATBAEvery year the Chatterbox newspaper does aspecial edition for the month of February. It iscalled the Valentines Edition. In this edition studentshave a chance to write Valentines notes toother students. This is a fun way to get a messageout to other students whom you care about.These messages cost $1 per message and cancontain any type of message you want, as long as it is school appropriate. Messages aredue by Monday, January 30th before the end of the day. If you do not turn them in by thistime they will not go in the newspaper!These are Valentines messages but they must be school appropriate and nice. Any messagesthat are inappropriate will not be put in the newspaper and the writer will not receivea refund. Show your love or friendship to another student by putting a message in the FebruaryChatterbox!LA National Guard Visits RHS!by Polly Michelle GwanAcademics ReporterOn January 6, 2012, some seniors were invited to attend a meeting to learn more about membership in the LouisianaNational Guard! The National Guard is one of the branches of the United States military, but unlike the others,the National Guard is mainly called to aid in domestic emergencies. Though this is true, National Guard memberscan be called up at any time to aid not just their state, but other states in the country, and various countriesoverseas. To become a member of the National Guard you must pass the ASVAB test with a 50 or higher, pass aheight and weight standard test, and pass a moral and physical screening. After membership is attained, you mustattend training camp for 9 weeks then you will be sent of f to job school. The great thing about the National Guardis that students can freely be an active member while attending college and not have to worry so much about missedclasses and tuition. If a student is called up during college when they return they are given the exact amount of timethey were gone to resume their studies and catch up. Also, tuition is completely paid for when students are in theNational Guard at any state funded school! The National Guard provides students with the unique opportunity toserve their country, for more information log onto www.nationalgaurd.com.Resumésubmitted by Emily GreerResumè Staff MemberGuys, it’s time to start ordering the 2011-2012 Resume Yearbook. The price is $50 as of December 1 st ! It would make a great gift for a graduating senior! See Mrs. Garrisonin room 315 for more information. Seniors it’s time to start thinking about your senior ads and pictures! Spring will be here soon enough. For more information pleasedon’t hesitate to see Mrs. Strickler in room 208 or a yearbook staff representative.

Outside Our Box? ChatterboxRuston High School January 19, 2012 Page 7Ruston Recycles!by Elena TillAssistant News EditorThe city of Ruston has never been really into recycling, but there are some people who are very enthusiastic about it. Primarily it is elderly people or those who havemoved into the area from other places; there are also some youth who are interested in the activity. The problem with recycling in Lincoln Parish is that it is difficult to find acompany who is willing to buy the recycled items. Some people may recycle plenty yet it does not matter if there is no one buying the goods. Due to this, the goal of the parishis to find a company willing to purchase the items. In select locations around the parish, there are recycling bins where you can place your used goods. A few can befound at the Lincoln Parish Police Jury Complex, churches around the parish, and at local grocery stores. Keep recycling, Lincoln Parish!Are You Involved?!by Lloyd R. BrunerChatterbox AdviserI have asked many students this question throughout my brief career at Ruston High School, and in way too many “answers” I am asked “Involved in what?” That answerin itself speaks volumes. However, to be fair, many students respond positively to this question and provide me with many details of their involvement in the many opportunitiesthat they have at RHS. My questions will continue every year for as long as I am here, and every year, I hope that the next generation of Bearcats can proudly say thatthey are involved in many things at RHS. Are you involved?Students—being involved doesn’t mean that you have to get so into everything that you do nothing else. It also doesn’t mean that you join a club or organization and contributenothing, and it certainly doesn't mean to join everything at RHS just to get out of advisory (you know who you are). Although many of you may be in several differentorganizations, ask yourself if you are making any real contributions to those organizations. In this day of joining everything to build up your resume’, let’s not forget thatunder these organizations, colleges and potential employers expect to see some type of achievement or recognition—not just that your paid your dues.Every student at RHS has the potential to be involved in something beneficial at RHS. As an organizational sponsor and a person who gets involved in, admittedly,probably too many things, I sit in total disbelief at so many students who seem to have no school spirit or involvement. Having graduated from a school with just over 200(and that included the junior high on the same campus), I don’t think many students even realize the opportunities that they have here at RHS. The teachers and staff at RHStake time from their busy schedules to ensure that there are so many opportunities to get involved, yet so many still do not. Are you involved?Don’t get me wrong—getting involved doesn’t mean just joining clubs and organizations either. We have a great band and choir that are always looking for new talent.We have a speech and debate team that could use you. We have social and foreign language clubs that are always looking for members. There are many ways to get involvedat RHS and support your school and your fellow students. Volunteer to help with the prom. Volunteer to tutor students who need it. Show up at basketball games and soccergames and all the other sporting events. Baseball season is around the corner - take in a few games. Not only may you get to see and support our athletic teams, you can hangout with other friends and get off of Facebook for a few hours. Are you involved?I encourage each student at RHS to get involved in something - at least one thing, while at RHS. In the few years that I have been here, I have seen clubs and organizationsand sporting teams have their ups and down, but regardless, student involvement is a must. Without student involvement, the level of excitement and excellence dwindles,and the willingness of leaders to continue providing these opportunities dwindles with it. As the saying goes—people tend to go where they are appreciated—not tolerated.So RHS students - do yourself, your friends, your sponsors, your advisers, your school, and future Bearcats a favor and get involved.

Teacher Spotlights ChatterboxRuston High School January 19, 2012 Page 8Coach David Aguilar teaches physical science and health and coachesgirl’s basketball. He has three children: Mateo, 4, Abram, 3, and Seely, 5months. His favorite thing about Ruston High is that it is a place wherestudents are challenged to be the best they can be by the teachers andcoaches and students; an educated Bearcat is thoroughly inoculatedagainst humbug, thinks for themselves and gives their thoughts, inspeech or on paper. His advice to students: if you keep doing the samething and expecting different results...well, you are insane.Mr. Britton Kilpatrick teaches algebra II and calculus. By his request, hewishes for there to be music played as you are reading his spotlight, so pleaseimagine either the paper playing “Eye of the Tiger” or Survival playing it justa few feet away. He is married to Mrs. Jenn Kilpatrick and has three children:Siriana, 4, Julian, 2, and Nash, 6 months. He is a graduate of TerrebonneHigh, which he claims is not nearly as awesome as Ruston High. While there,he was drum major, and he was involved in many clubs (the kind you paydues to, not hit people with). His algebra II and calculus teacher was so funthat he made sure to do all his homework, bring him lots of presents (snacks,coffee, etc.), never ask "When am I ever going to use this?" study hard forevery test, etc. His advice to students is don't underestimate the power of whatyou learn and how you use it. Regardless of what jobs you've had, diplomasyou've earned, or who you know, your real opportunities come from what youhave learned and what you do with it. So make the most of High School andlearn all that you can (in class, clubs, sports, community involvement, etc.).And after graduation? Never stop learning!

Teacher Spotlights ChatterboxRuston High School January 19, 2012 Page 9Coach Ed Colvin teaches New Tech geometry and coaches football. His wife of eighteenyears is Mrs. Kelli Colvin, a second grade teacher at Hillcrest. He has a sonnamed Joshua who is in seventh grade at RHJS where he plays football and is in GTart, and has a daughter named Bethany, a kindergartener at Hillcrest who loves todance and can’t wait to be an RHS cheerleader. He tells his students that believe it ornot, their high school days are the best days of their lives and that most of them willmiss high school. He hopes for a Ruston that supports and encourages its members;where truth is sought out rather than ignorant lies spread; a Ruston that is built up insteadof torn down from within. The most important thing he wants people to knowabout him is that he has a relationship with the one true God through his son.Mrs. Nancy Roger teaches financial math and read 180/ She ismarried to Mr. Jon Roger and has two daughters: Olivia, 11, andAmelia, 5. She would like to inform everyone that her name is Roger,not Rogers. Her favorite quote is “The dictionary is the only place thatsuccess comes before hard work. Hard work is the price we must payfor success. I think you can accomplish anything if you’re willing topay the price.” – Vince Lombardi.

Editorials/Opinions ChatterboxRuston High School January 19, 2012 Page 10It’s Your Life, So Where Are You Taking It?by Thristan CecilClubs ReporterHuman dependency is very important when you begin to look at it from several perspectives. We depend on the house that welive in to keep us sheltered, we depend on stores to have subsidence, and we depend on the water we drink and other life's needs tobe there for us, but how dependent are we on other humans? Seeing it as it is, we sometimes depend on our friends and family tomake decisions for us, mostly it being for the things we do in life. Remember, if you allow people to make decisions for you thenthey are technically “running your life”. But the questions that staggers the idea of decision making is if you truly want to be yourselfand live your own life and putting yourself before others in the course of decisions .The act of a decision maintains who you are and can greatly affect you as a person as well as greatly affecting your present futureas a human being. While the acting force of manipulation through feelings, commitment, and or loss and gain of certain emotionsthrough the decisions, is always in great in effect, you still have great control, and this is where the idea of life-balance comes in.A good way of making great decisions for oneself is to take responsibility, which is a big factor that has great impact. When youhave responsibility many more options become available. For example, when things don’t go according to plan then you never are avictim and you have the freedom to make a different decision as well as gaining respect for others. Remember, it’s easy to forget thatthe world is very chaotic and unpredictable, so being able to know a single step give more access to an outcome. Also remember to assess and update and learn what going onbefore a decision are made. That is one factor teenagers and young adults seem to forget when in a situations. Remember; give yourself permission to change your mind, becauseit may be the first step in changing your life. Make your own decisions, control your life. Be who you want to be.Parking Woesby Whitney DurrettEditor in ChiefAs a high school, Ruston High has many students who drive to school instead of having someone drop them off. Meaning, thosestudents have to have somewhere to park. Ruston High has three main parking lots, one in front of the gym, one in the front of theschool, and the “freshman” parking lot out by the stadium.There are more than enough spots to park in, but everywhere you park you have to walk a good ways to enter the school building.When it rains, students either get soaked coming in or have to use an umbrella and find a place to store it throughout the day. Then thereis the rule that teachers get the front parking spots. I personally think this is a great thing! Not only are teachers older than students, butthey are the ones teaching us. Students don’t complain about the parking spots. Be glad you don’t have to walk further than you alreadyhave to!Creating the Perfect Balanceby Elena TillAssistant News EditorI have always been an organized person (some of my friends may call me OCD but I just ignore them), however I still struggle to createthe perfect balance between school, family, and friends. I think this is something that many people struggle with. Often I find myselfneglecting my family and friends because I am too busy trying to perfect my schoolwork. The stress caused by my strenuous schoolworkcan make ne have a bad attitude towards anyone who interrupts me. Other people may have the opposite problem: they spend too muchtime just hanging out with their friends instead of concentrating on doing their schoolwork. This is a major problem as poor grades canultimately ruin your future.My advice is this: remember that your grades should not dominate over your family and friends. Rather you need to create a schedulethat allows you to spend time with your loved ones while maintaining good grades. One method that I find very helpful is utilizing a planner.If I write all of my homework down and any important dates, I can usually spend time with family and friends and get good grades.You just have to plan. Plan dates with your friends, time to spend with your family, when to study, and anything else that is important inyour life.

Editorials/Opinions ChatterboxRuston High School January 19, 2012 Page 11Closed Campus is Badby Carter CarrollGraphics Design EditorRuston High School has a closed campus policy; that is, students are not allowed to leave campus during our lunch break or schoolin general. This is mostly used to insure that students don’t just leave school. Before the policy was in place, kids would go to eat andthen go home. These kids would suffer consequences, of course, but the fact was that they could pretty much leave whenever theywanted to. The kids that cared about school, and not getting in trouble, didn’t leave. It was usually the kids that were trouble makersthat left. Many teachers would complain about missing students. So the school decided to implement the closed campus policy.I strongly feel that this policy should be lifted. I feel that being able to go out and get food would be nice because let’s be honest,lunches at school are a hectic mess. I’ve been stuck waiting in line at lunch until the last two minutes of lunch on more than one occasion.Honestly, it’s quite frustrating to be standing in line, hungry, and then not getting to eat. Being able to go out and get food somewherefaster like Sonic or Taco Bell would be so much nicer.The only problem with an open campus policy is that some kids might just leave. I feel that if Ruston High were to adopt an opencampus policy, they should make it a privilege, perhaps taking in a Trust Card idea like New Tech. If a student were to get in troublewith the open campus, the school would have the right to take away the trust card.Who Wouldn’t Want a Closed Campus?by Whitney DurrettEditor in ChiefThrough the years Ruston High has restricted students leaving campus even more. Years ago students could leave for lunch thenreturn, and then it was just upper classmen, then only seniors, now no one is allowed to leave. This makes students safer becausewhile leaving for lunch one day a student could have a car wreck; now that possibility is none. By not being allowed to leave forlunch, students are forced to eat in the cafeteria, bring their own lunch, eat something from concessions, or simply not have lunch.This is not a bad thing at all. If students could leave, most of them would get fast food every day which is not cheap and not healthy.By closing the campus of Ruston High to too many people coming and going, it makes our school a safer place. Not just anybodycan come in our school and do as they please. Anybody who wants to come in the school must go through the office and state theirpurpose, not just walk in. I feel safer because of that rule.I believe the purpose of this rule is not to make students mad and miserable; it’s to help keep our campus safe. With such a largeschool it’s a much needed rule to keep all the students of Ruston High out of danger and spending more time in the classroom!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, theChatterbox reminds you that all submissions are subject to staff, editor, and administrative review to ensure that the article provides information orpromotes school pride, and does so without materially disrupting work, does not cause substantial disorder, or does not invade the rights of these.

Editorials/Opinions ChatterboxRuston High School January 19, 2012 Page 12Why Grammar is Important… no really, it’s Importantby Emma JonesEducation ReporterHave you ever been in a situation where you accidently made yourself look stupid? It happens to all of us: we’ve said or done somethingthat degraded our actual intelligence because in the heat of the moment because we didn’t have the decency to think twice. Now,have you ever intentionally made yourself look stupid? If you are in the minority of people who answer yes, please take your disgracefuleyes off my article. I’ll check up on you in a good ten years to see how that’s going for you.As for the most of you, doing something to make yourselves look stupid / unintelligent is embarrassing and you probably want toavoid it at all costs, but what if I told you that you might be among hundreds of thousands of millions who intentionally and unfortunatelymake themselves look like their IQ is the same as those in a sanitarium. This is due to the dwindling presence of correct grammar. It’salmost disgusting to look at my Facebook news feed and see more people use incorrect grammar than correct. What people don’t care tounderstand is that grammar is simple and a habit to be formed just like any other, except it’s probably one of the easiest concepts onwhich anyone can pick up. It’s all about looking twice to make sure you’re not making your intelligence appear so minute that it’s basicallyobsolete.Grammar has basically become a lost art; it’s a novelty that society views as an indication of astuteness and intellect. While I do not oppose the idea that grammar is generallyonly used among the bluestockings of the world, I will contend that it should not be that way. Grammar should be an everyday concept that people should utilize withoutgetting worked up. The reason why most people don’t bother with grammar and view it negatively is because they feel as though it’s too meticulous. While I am awarethat in some cases, there are grammatical concepts that are just too pedantic to acknowledge, I would concede not every individual concept is that way. Most grammaticalrules apply to using one verb, adjective, pronoun, etc instead of another.So now to answer the ultimate question: why is grammar important? In our generation, most of us communicate in an informal setting, leaving us to believe grammardoesn’t really matter. But the danger is when you leave your informal setting of communication and must communicate in the real world. Not using correct grammar, to mostpeople at the top of the corporate food chain, is an indication of laziness, and diligence can often be what separates the successful from the unsuccessful. In your Englishclass, if you’re writing an essay full of incorrect grammar, you’ll get a bunch red circles on your paper and a few points knocked off. In the real world, if you’re filling out anapplication full of incorrect grammar, or your résumé is the same as well, you won’t get the job. So, consider this article a giant red octagon telling you that whether you likeit or not, using incorrect grammar may seem to be cool or relevant or whatever, but when you think about it, it will stunt your success and ultimately deter you from gettinganywhere in life, so STOP USING INCORRECT GRAMMAR.Great Ways to "Academically" Start the New Year Off!by Polly Michelle GwanAcademics ReporterMillions of people start the new year off in hopes of achieving something or reaching a goal they could not the year before. Many people haveresolutions ranging from losing weight to learning how to ride a motorcycle. On the other hand, some people fall short when it comes to decidingwhat to do. As students of RHS there are many great ways that you can start off the new year to better yourself academically. One way is by aimingto just to make better grades by studying more, texting less, and also staying awake during class. Another great resolution for students driving toschool, could be getting to school earlier. There are a variety of academic resolutions students can take. Like any resolution though, it takes timeand dedication but can be achieved with hard work!Still Rooting For No Uniforms!A girl with killer determinationby Sarah Kay BlaylockArts ReporterI was annoyed after reading one of those signs that the teachers like to put up in their rooms. You know, the ones that are meant to stimulateand boost our minds such as: “Just because you are not good at something does not mean you should not try; it only means that youshould try harder.” This is an extremely useful badge for my Algebra teacher’s wall, for me!I’ve read many signs that I have liked. However, this particular paragraph of false encouragement made me cringe. It says: “30 yearsfrom now, it will not matter what shoes you wore, how your hair looked, or what jeans you bought. What will matter is what you learned andhow you used it.” Okay, that was pretty awesome when you first read it, right? I totally thought similar, until I pondered the thoughts that ifit does not matter how I look now, then why are we forced into uniforms every day?Some will say that I over thought the poster but I think maybe teachers who support uniforms need to consider taking such things down,because keeping those things tacked to walls creates a false impression of Ruston High because we have a uniform policy. I understand thatthirty years from now only our education will be important to most of society, but wearing uniforms limits and shelters kids that may needfashion knowledge. Should our motivational signs not match our idea, Ruston High?

Editorials/Opinions ChatterboxRuston High School January 19, 2012 Page 13The Influences on Teen’s Lifeby Alex CockerhamSport EditorWhy have alcohol/drugs become the most influencing thing on some teen’s lives? Many teens don’t have any extracurricular activitiesafter school and some don’t even attend a school. Teens need more places to express their true selves and be able to stay focused atschool at the same time. Most schools have sports but it’s kind of hard to be picked if you’re not the best of the people who try-outwith you. Freshman, Alexis Felton said, “If they were given places to go and things to do, people wouldn’t do drugs and stay focusedon school.” More hang-out spots would be cool to have besides the things we go to after school. As a student, I, Alexandria Cockerham,at RHS we have sports and clubs that we can join without been left out. There are a lot of students that believe that drugs willhelp them do better, but that’s not true. If they gave students more options, there wouldn’t be as many doing drugs. Deja Young said,“If teens would be too busy with school work and hanging out with friends at a good place to hang at they wouldn’t have time for trouble.All teens need is to find something they are good at and something they belong in and they will do fine.Watch What You Sayby Carter CarrollGraphics Design EditorMany teenagers and young adults have a tendency to use words and phrases without thinking about whether or not they may beoffensive to other people. As this is a student publication, I obviously cannot come out and provide all the examples, but I believethat most of you know what I’m talking about. You have probably either said them or have heard others say them. I don’t mean cusswords or slang, but just words or phrases that could spark up bad feelings and thoughts in people.Teenagers and young adults seem to be the largest group of people who do this. Maybe it is due to lack of sufficient vocabulary.Most probable is that it is a result of our fast pace, digital age where it seems almost anything can be said and made popular almostovernight. Maybe we just get caught up in being cool and talking and sometimes forget – we all have an audience. For some, though,maybe it is because they do, in fact, have an audience, which makes it even worse.Without going into the obvious words and phrases that many of us use everyday, I challenge you to think about some of thethings that you have heard that you felt were inappropriate or that you said and realized that you just put “your foot in your mouth”.We all make mistakes and will all, at some point, say something we wish we could take back. However, that doesn’t mean weshould not make a conscientious effort to think more often before we speak.Although we all have the right to express ourselves, we really should take the time to see if what we are saying is what we want people to think we mean. Does it identifywith the character that we want others to see in us? Learning to watch what we say in public is a key quality to grasp. Knowing when to say something and when not to say itcan save you from embarrassment, save you from getting in trouble in many different situations, but most importantly, save you from hurting or offending others that we didnot intend to. So please, watch what you say around people; you never know what people have been through or what they are going through, and sometimes being cute –isn’t cute at all.Bathroom Talkby Jaisle BaileyNews EditorI have one question for the students of Ruston High. Why do most of you insist upon congregating in the bathroom to catch up on thedaily gossip? I mean, of all places, the bathroom? Considering there are only four minutes between classes, where do you even find thetime? I really hate when I am trying to run to the bathroom between classes and I can’t get through the mass of girls standing in the doorway giggling over silly things and examining themselves, picking apart all of their flaws in under four minutes. It is ridiculous.Apparently males do the same thing. Every morning one of my friends sits down and complains about not being able to go to the bathroombecause there are people blocking the doorway. Most people in the bathroom are just there to talk, no other reason. You guys needto relocate so that people who actually need to go to the bathroom can do so without having to find their way through a horde of peoplewho refuse to relocate.

Service and Social ChatterboxRuston High School January 19, 2012 Page 14PYPMby Ambria HolmesSports ReporterTo kick off the New Year, PYPM members will begin teaching second grade at Ruston Elementary. The group has gone to classrooms to observe so that they will knowwhat they need to do to be successful.They have not begun teaching yet; they’ve only introduced themselves. The members of PYPM created posters telling about themselves. The posters will allow the childrento remember them. PYPM is going to be very active. Their goal is to teach kids how to be safe. Though they teach serious topics, they do it in a very fun and interestingway!PCI Gives Back to the Communityby Alexandria CockerhamSport ReporterPre-College Initiatives (PCI) constructed a ginger bread house in the month of December and decided to give it away to someone who didn’t expected it to be given tothem. That was their way of trying to work on their way of giving.PCI collected can goods during December and took their collection of items to DART’s home for abused women. PCI is trying to show their appreciation and concern forour community as they give back.PCI will return to having their meetings on Monday afternoons from 3:30-4:30 P.M. They are now starting to prepare for their engineering competition at Grambling StateUniversity. If they succeed, they could receive trophies and certificates. PCI looks forward to representing RHS again this year and bringing home victories.What are We Looking For?1) Students interested in writing (notnecessarily in journalism).2) Students who actually know howto write and fact check.3) Students who love the art of expressingideas of today’s youngadults.4) Students who understand that gettingsomeone else to do peer editingis a good thing.5) Students who generally care abouttheir school and the many fineorganizations represented at HS.What are We Looking For?6) Students who can create ads andlove to create cartoons and funpages.7) Students who can be trusted in andout of class to interview and takepictures.8) Students who understand and canreport on happenings throughoutour community.9) Students with the ability to thinkoutside the box or who never wereinside the box with their ideas.10) Students who desire to managethe business aspects of the schoolnewspaper.APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED BEGINNING FEB. 15, 2012 FOR NEXT YEAR’S STAFF!

Clubs/Organizations ChatterboxRuston High School January 19, 2012 Page 15FFA Prepares for Leadership Competitionssubmitted by Mark MilsteadFFA AdvisorThe National FFA Organization at Ruston has been preparing diligently for the upcoming Leadership andFreshman Career Development Events. Leadership events will include Parliamentary Procedure, ExtemporaneousSpeaking, Creed Speaking, and the Geaux Teach events. Freshman Day events will include ParliamentaryProcedure, Opening/Closing Ceremonies, Creed Speaking, and Extemporaneous Speaking. The very first competitionwill the District II FFA CDE in Downsville on Friday, January 6th. Students that place in the top four intheir events will move on to the Area I competition at Louisiana Tech University on Thursday, January 12. TheState Parliamentary Procedure event will be on Tuesday, January 17 at the Louisiana Educational Youth Centernear Bunkie, LA while the State Speaking events will be held at the State FFA Convention in June. The top 2Parliamentary Procedure teams and speakers at Area competition move on to State Competition. This year'sParliamentary Procedure team will include Brandon Myers, Seth Nichols, Ryan Dooley, Jonathan Craig, MercedesFife, Dustin Thomas, and Keirstyn Sonnier. Creed Speakers will be Hannah Rhodes and Barrett Moore.Good luck at your upcoming competitions!4-Hsubmitted by Darby Rowland4-H Club ReporterRemember 4-Hers that you must participate in two parish activities to go to 4-H achievement day. A great way to be involvedin 4-H would be Junior Leaders. All 4-H members are able to participate, the junior leaders help conduct activitiesfor younger 4-H members and also have club meetings and activities of their own. The next meeting will be held on January23 at the 4-H office at 6:30.We need all club members to work on a design for the RHS 4-H club T-shirt. Turn your design ideas into Mrs. Thompson.One of the designs will be used on the shirt for Achievement Day. BE CREATIVE!Upcoming Events:*Lincoln Parish Foods Festival - February 20th*Shooting Sports Kickoff Meeting - February 4th*Honey Bee Essay - Due January 27thAll details for these events can be found in the January newsletter or atwww.la4h.org/lincoln.

Clubs/Organizations ChatterboxRuston High School January 19, 2012 Page 16RHS/RJHS Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)Give Back to the Communityby Elizabeth SmithFBLA PresidentOver the Christmas break, the Ruston High School (RHS) and Ruston Junior High School (RJHS) Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) officers were busy participatingin various community service activities. After participating with the Christmas Parade earlier in December, the members prepared special presentations for three of ourworthy community protectors and organizations: the Ruston Police Department (RPD), the Ruston Fire Department (RFD), and Christian Community Action (CCA).RHS officers Elizabeth Smith, President, Jared Spiller, Vice President, and RJHS Vice President Amber Smith kicked off the Christmas break by first visiting the RustonPolice Department to drop off gift baskets. FBLA members collected goodies and treats to go in the baskets. They also purchased Thank You cards as well for the officersand staff at the RPD. FBLA did this to show their appreciation for them working hard to keep us safe.Next, FBLA officers visited the Ruston Fire Department to show their appreciation with a special cake and Thank You cards. The RFD keeps us safe by providing valuablesafety tips and obviously provided their fire fighting and rescue services when needed. In addition, the RFD works with FBLA every year and provides us with firetrucks for the Christmas Parade, and they host our largest community service project: Hot Halloween Happenings.FBLA wrapped up the December service projects when RHS President Elizabeth Smith headed to Christian Community Action to present a $200 donation. FBLA membersfundraised and collected donations for the CCA to help them with funds to purchase items that may not have already been donated by other groups and the public.The RHS chapter of FBLA takes pride in our education, progress, and service. Although the bulk of our service projects are completed and we are now preparing for completion,we still have a few more service activities ahead. FBLA members are always grateful for our community and the support they give us and so many others, and we arethankful that we are able to do something to give back.RHS/District II Vice President Jared Spiller andRJHS Vice President Amber Smith thank the RustonFire Department for their support and service.RHS/District II Vice President Jared Spiller andRJHS Vice President Amber Smith present the RustonPolice Department with gift baskets..RHS FBLA President Elizabeth Smith presents a$200 donation to Christian Community Actionfrom RHS FBLA members.

Clubs/Organizations ChatterboxRuston High School January 19, 2012 Page 17RHS FBLA To Host the District II ConferenceLet’s Get It Startedby Jared SpillerFBLA District II Vice PresidentOn Feb. 9, 2012, Ruston High School Future Business Leaders of America will host the District II FBLA Leadership Conference at ULM. Our 2011-2012 state theme is“Business on the Bayou” for all conferences. Although most people may associate the bayou with the southern part of the state, I think it’s a fitting title for our district giventhat ULM is located “on the bayou”.Our chapter is hosting this year’s conference as required as I am the District II Vice President. As such, Mr. Bruner gets the pleasure of doing about 10 times as muchwork, and all the business teachers at RHS are joining forces to not only ensure we do well, but that the entire conference runs smooth. As the District II Vice President, Iappreciate all that these teachers do for us, as well as all of the assistance that we will receive from some parents as well to make this conference a success.Now, getting to my main point in writing this article, I want to address all the FBLA members who will be attending district. RHS FBLA President Elizabeth Smith and I,and our entire officer staff, want to encourage each member to represent yourself and our school well. With two state officers and two straight years of being the best chapterin the state, we don’t want to stop now. As RHS is the host this year for district – we should step up and represent our school. Anything less than our best – is unacceptable.With our first annual banquet scheduled for April 27, 2012, I hope that everyone attending district this year realizes the opportunity they have to be recognized again atthis event. Let’s be hospitable as hosts, but when the competition begins - RHS FBLA – it’s time to win again. Let’s get it started!Come visit Ruston’s Newest Full-ServiceConvenience Store!Home of Arby’sStop by for211 Farmerville Highway, Ruston, Louisiana101 South Service Road,Exit 85 and Highway 167Ruston, Louisiana

Editorials/Opinions ChatterboxRuston High School January 19, 2012 Page 23Who Knew?by Ambria HolmesSports ReporterWho knew that within the four or so minutes that we have to change classes, so much could happen. During that time, students have thepotential to get into all kinds of mischief. Sometimes you can hear students hollering at each other (whether it’s joking or saying hello orarguing—who knows), and we have all probably seen a few couples even break-up in that short period of time.The next time you are walking to your class take, time and look around. I guarantee you will be entertained. Walking the halls of a highschool is like watching a soap opera. You will walk into your next class thinking about the events that took place in that short amount oftime, and wonder—what if we had even more time. I doubt that will happen, as it seems some have too much time on their hands already!What Mid Terms Do to Studentsby Elizabeth SmithBusiness ManagerThose terrible tests we call mid terms are nowover and done with! Everyone can now relax, stoppulling out their hair, and finally get some sleep afterstaying up for a week straight studying for thosemean ole mid terms.We know that they are very important to our semestergrades as they count for a seventh of ourgrades and can be the difference between passing orfailing the first semester of school. Given that theyare so important to our grades, we stay up every singlenight until 2:00 or 3:00 in the morning startingthat Friday before the week of mid terms to beginstudying.Many students have to resort to energy drinks,sodas, coffee, or anything with a large amount of caffeine and sugar in it to stay awake duringschool.After the last stressful midterm had passed, one student found an old newspaper and made abed on the floor and pass out! They sleep on the floor of class and dream of having an A on theirreport card and not getting grounded. Hopefully that dream will come true Monday January 23,2012, as that is the date report cards will be given to students. Good luck to you all with yourparents and explaining how hard that midterm was!

CheerleadersChatterboxRuston High School January 19, 2012 Page 24Congratulations to the 2012 National Champion Cheerleaders!(More on this topic in the February Chatterbox)Ruston High Competition Squad celebrates their win of aNational Championship

Student CenterChatterboxRuston High School January 19, 2012 Page 25Ask Nicksubmitted by Nick LetendreStudent Council PresidentWhat were your favorite memories of 2011?My favorite memories of 2011 are definitely baseball memories. We made it to the semi finals of theplayoffs and that was a lot of fun. I also got to travel a lot over the summer because of baseball. I playedin Phoenix, AZ, Orlando, FL, and all over South Louisiana. My favorite memory, however, is going toSan Diego for the Poinsettia Bowl just before this Christmas. It was a lot of fun and a great experience!Ask the Staffsubmitted by Kori TeagueGuest ReporterHow can I prevent the second semester from killing my grades?Every year this happens. Right at the beginning of the third 9 weeks, all the classes seem to getharder. Be prepared now and maybe it wont hurt you as bad. Make a nightly study schedule so itwont pile upon you. Use the reward system too get homework done. Say, you have as essay towrite, get home and tell yourself if you get the paper finished before 8:00, you can take yourselfto get some ice cream, or another reward. Set wide time to relax so you don’t get too stressed.Articles, Rants and SuggestionsStudents 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.

Fun PageChatterboxRuston High School January, 19, 2012 Page 26Word SearchSign letterof the MonthPopular JanuaryMovie Releases

SportsChatterboxRuston High School January 19, 2012 Page 30Alabama Rolls Over LSU for National Championshipby Reed MalekSports EditorThe first matchup between the LSU Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide this year was a 9-6 overtime victory by LSU onAlabama’s own turf, which was a snoozer and a thriller at the same time. On January 9, the two national powerhouses met again,this time in New Orleans for the BCS National Championship. Things were not quite the same.The Crimson Tide’s suffocating defense completely shut down LSU’s offense, making Alabama’s 21-0 victory over LSU abreeze for head coach Nick Saban & Co.Early on in the game, it was apparent that LSU was having severe offensive problems. Not that this was a surprise, consideringthat the last time the Tigers and Tide played, only five field goals were scored—no touchdowns. Through the third quarter,this second matchup of the season looked to be more of the same. Alabama led 15-0 going into the fourth quarter, having kickedfive field goals.Late in the fourth quarter, after Alabama’s defense had quelled yet another LSU offensive drive, the Tide’s Heisman runneruptailback Trent Richardson added insult to injury with a 34-yard rushing touchdown, setting up a shocking final score of 21-0.The clearest storyline from this game is, not surprisingly, Alabama’s defense. They managed to hold LSU’s anemic offensebehind the 50-yard line until halfway through the fourth quarter. The Tigers’ quarterback Jordan Jefferson, who performed verywell all season, was shut down to only 53 yards passing. Whenever Jefferson tried to pass, receivers were covered. Whenever hetried to run an option, Alabama’s defense was right there in his face. LSU’s offense finished the game with 92 yards of offense.Though it appeared as if Alabama’s defense could stop an offense of Transformers, there is one bit of controversy that hasmany LSU fans in disbelief. Jordan Jefferson’s performance in the game was absolutely dismal, yet the Tigers’ head coach LesMiles kept him in the entire game. “Backup” quarterback Jarrett Lee is considered by many to be a better pocket passer thanJefferson, and it is a real head-scratcher that coach Miles kept the senior on the bench the whole game, even when LSU’s passinggame was nearly non-existent.Whatever the cause or consequence of LSU’s humiliating loss to Alabama, it must not be forgotten that LSU finished with aspectacular record of 13-1. Not many teams finish a 14-game season being able to say that.After Alabama’s victory on January 9, the Coaches’ Trophy will now reside in the state of Alabama for the third straightyear, and it will also belong to a Southeastern Conference team for the sixth straight year.Alabama head coach Nick Saban hoists theCoaches’ Trophy for the second time in threeyears.Photo obtained at: www.espn.comThe Alabama sideline celebrates.Photo obtained at: www.espn.comSoftball Season Kicks Off!by Alexandria CockerhamSports ReporterAlabama’s defense shut down Jordan Jefferson (#9) all night.Photo obtained at: www.al.comBaseball Hits the Diamondby Reed MalekSports EditorThe softball team began practice on the sixteenth of this month. They are preparingfor their season, which they hope will be as successful as last year’s state championteam.The Lady Bearcats will have their first scrimmage against Parkway on February 4.JV will play at 12:00 and Varsity will play at 1:00. Their first game will be against Airlineat home on February 20. Both JV and Varsity will be playing. I asked one of theplayers how they feel about the season beginning and she expressed how she is “excitedand will play hard to ensure her team win.” The team is working very hard, so come outand support them as they begin their season!Bearcat baseball is preparing to begin their season, as well. The team is currentlyundergoing rigorous practices to get them ready to begin their season on February 4in a scrimmage against Haughton.Last year, the Bearcat baseball team went far into the playoffs as underdogs. Thisyear’s team certainly has some big shoes to fill, being the team to follow up fromsuch success. However, there is no doubt that the ‘Cats can repeat last year’s greatness!Get ready to cheer the Bearcats on again, because spring is back—and so are the‘Cats!

SportsChatterboxRuston High School January 19, 2012 Page 31Bearcat Basketball Begins District Playby Reed MalekSports EditorOn Tuesday, January 17 the girls’ and boys’ Bearcatbasketball teams began their critical district play againstthe West Monroe Rebels. Starting tomorrow, the teamswill begin a streak of three straight district games, all ina week’s time.On Friday, January 6 the Lady Bearcats overcame adisappointing start to the season by defeating the DubachLady Hornets by a score of 51-48. Shadarria Crawfordled the ‘Cats in scoring with 21 points, followed byMiyata Bridges with 19 points. The Lady Bearcats haveimproved steadily since their disappointing beginning,and their victory over Dubach was the beginning of theBearcats’ turnaround.The Bearcat boys’ basketball team defeated the CalvaryCavaliers on Friday, January 6 in a blowout victory,76-56. Jerry Melton scored a career-high 43 pointswith 12 rebounds to lead the Bearcats in the game. JamayaBurr tacked on 17 points and 8 rebounds.Both Bearcat basketball teams begin their three-gamedistrict week tomorrow against Pineville in an awaygame. The ‘Cats then go on the road again to play Natchitoches,followed by a critical home game againstOuachita on Friday, January 27.The Bearcat offense maneuvers around Winnfield’s defense.Alli Brasuell receives an inbound pass.Jamaya Burr defends a Winnfield Tiger.Shadarria Crawford (23) sprints down the court.

SportsChatterboxRuston High School January 19, 2012 Page 32Bearcat Soccer Nears Season Endby Reed MalekSports EditorThe Bearcat soccer teams’ first district game of 2012came on January 3 against Pineville, and their secondcame a few days after, against Natchitoches Central onJanuary 6. The Bearcats lost these games, but tonightthey seek to get their revenge.The boys team found themselves down 2-0 late inthe game against Natchitoches Central on January 6.After halftime, the Bearcats came out firing. They reducedNatchitoches Central’s lead to one after a floatinggoal by Freddie Acosta. The Bearcats battled therest of the game, but never could get the equalizinggoal.Tonight, both teams look to gain some ground indistrict play as they face Pineville once again, this timeat Ruston Junior High. The Bearcats’ district journeycontinues with a rematch against Natchitoches Centralon January 23, followed by another match against fiercerival West Monroe on January 26.The Bearcat soccer teams’ regular seasons meet theirends with their Senior Day on January 28, followed byan away game against Neville on January 31 to finishout the season.Come out and support the ‘Cats as they finish theirseason strong!Marlin Rushing (middle) weaves through defenders.Freddie Acosta (far left) rears back to deliver a strike.Farryn Cooper (left) intercepts the ball from a Natchitoches Central player.Hannah Hearne (#4) charges downfield against Natchitoches Central.