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NOVEMBER 14, 2007 RAIDERS’ Digest Page 3Archbishop Rummel High School: Icons and SymbolsAs the Archbishop Rummel students walkthe halls each day, they pass many icons andsymbols that are rich in history and tradition.At times, this history can go unnoticed orunknown by the everyday Raider. TheRaiders’ Digest feels the need to educate theeveryday Raider and the outsider alike aboutour many icons and symbols that are displayedthroughout the school building.RumpusOne of the lesser-known icons of Rummel is Rumpus.Rumpus, for those that do not know, is the horse on whichRufus proudly resides. In 1978, the Rummel student bodyhad an election to name the then unnamed horse. Afterreviewing hundreds of possibilities, the students voted on“Rumpus” and the name has been the same ever since.“He’s pretty awesome. Every Raider needs a strong horseto ride, you’re not a true Raider without a horse,” saysFreshman Ryan Duvernay.The SealDespite its presence on every Raider uniform, many studentsfail to realize that the school has a school seal. Mr. ThomasMoran, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement,says, “We want everyone to know what Rummel is about- our purpose, our mission, and what we do well.”The crest symbolizes the school in a fourfold manner anddisplays to all Rummel’s mission and purpose. The starsymbolizes the faith of the faculty in the youth and the faithwith which they seek to foster in their students. The huntinghorn symbolizes the man himself, Archbishop JosephFrancis Rummel. The open book symbolizes the knowledgeprovided by Archbishop Rummel High School. And lastly,the state seal of Louisiana represents the devotedness thatshould characterize each Rummel student.RufusIn 1966, Archbishop Rummel asked NewOrleans artist John Chase to draw the thenunnamed Raider on horseback. Also thatyear, Brother John Fairfax, the then principalof Rummel, made a deal with a Raider trackteam member’s mother. He promised Mrs.Puffy Cressend that if her son Rufus, whohad a broken arm, were to win his race, themascot would be named after him. Cressendwon the race and the mascot has been knownas Rufus ever since. Rufus Raider remainsvery popular among the student body. SeniorJonathan Vitale says of Rufus, “He’s coolbecause he shows the Rummel mentality of astrong character.”The “R”The newest addition to the Archbishop Rummel community iswhat has become known as “The R”. “The R” has become the officialsymbol of Archbishop Rummel High School and has already succeededin infiltrating the metro area. Driving around the metro area one caneasily find an “R” on one of the surrounding cars. “The R” has takensome fire lately, as many people complain that it is taking the placeof Rufus. Rufus is and always has been Rummel’s mascot; he is notthe symbol that represents the school. In many ways, Rufus is likeMike the Tiger of LSU. Mike the Tiger is LSU’s mascot; however, theschool’s official symbol is the decorated letters LSU – not Mike theTiger. Despite contrary belief, “The R” is not taking Rufus’s place it ismerely supplementing him and giving the school an official symbol togo along with him.Brother Baker Continues to PromoteService Across Communityby Michael Truxillo ‘09Brother Baker is a very active religionteacher at Archbishop Rummel High.He has done great things in the citysince Katrina and has contributed to therevitalization of the area.To get things organized he announcesto the students to meet on the RummelCampus to travel in a caravan to theplace of interest. Brother Baker hasassisted Mr. Whitman and the YRNO withgutting houses. Brother Baker was alsoin attendance with the Beacon of Hopeorganization when they worked in thedevastated Lakeview area.Brother Baker commented, “On anygiven day we usually have up to twentystudents working and get up to four hoursof work done.”Some of the greatest people BrotherBaker has met are the volunteers that comefrom the schools and it gives him a thrillto see good, caring people come togetherunder one purpose.Ever since the Rummel Raider Baseballteam assisted Brother Baker with hisservice projects, more coaches have beeninspired to become involved with hisservice projects. Many of the serviceprojects simply include cutting the grass,weeding the gardens, and chopping downtrees for the elderly or for those peoplewho have yet to return from Katrina.Brother Baker said, “The thing thatmakes me do this is to help break down thestereotypes for the homeless and the poor.Students begin to genuinely understand thehardships of poverty.”Most of all, Brother Baker feels that theprojects have brought people together andtruly helped those in need. He mentions,“You get more out of it than help, and it’sa commitment, and a sacrifice. It’s morethan just giving a handout, but giving ahand up.”Brother Baker absolutely enjoys thechanges he sees in students’ perspectives.Brother Baker is invigorated when he,“Sees that people are people and have loveand compassion.”– • –¤ SERVICE - The Raider baseball team recently volunteered their time withBrother Baker to cut the grass and clean the Lakeview area. Pictured issophomore Jared Gonzales, freshmen Ryan Womac, and sophomore StephenPisa.