January 2012 Chatterbox - Ruston High School

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.