Chatterbox - Ruston High School - Lincoln Parish School Board

Chatterbox 

Ruston High School December 16, 2010 

Box Tops 

Outside Our Box (2) 

Academia (3-6) 

Teacher Spotlights (6-8) 

Editorials/Opinions (9-13) 

Service and Social (14) 

Clubs (15-17) 

The Arts (18) 

Foreign Languages (19) 

Senior Spotlights (20-24) 

Student Center (25) 

Fun Page (26) 

Sponsors/staff (27) 

Bearcat Spirit (28) 

Sports (29-32) 

RHS Alumni Series 

See Page 2 

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

RHS Distinguished 

Alumni and Teachers 

information provided by the RHS Alumni Association 

by Natasha Alva 

News Editor 

When the Ruston High School Alumni Association held 

their annual awards luncheon, three distinguished teachers 

and three distinguished alumni were honored and recognized. 

The distinguished teachers honored were current teacher Julie 

B. Stephenson, retired teacher Ruth C. Potts, and the late Mrs. 

Murrie Lee Turnbow. The three Distinguished Alumni recognized 

and honored were as follows: in the category of Commerce, 

Ruston businessman Johnny Maxwell; as Humanitarian, 

Cherry Pratt Kirkpatrick; and as Physician, Scientist, and 

Educator, Dr. Joan Blondin. 

In the October edition of the Chatterbox, we began a series 

giving a detailed report on each of these distinguished 

alumni and teachers in a six part series, covering one distinguished 

alumni or teacher each month. To date, we have covered 

Dr. Joan Blondin and the late Mrs. Murrie Lee Turnbow. 

This month, we continue the series with a report on Mr. 

Johnny Maxwell. 

Congratulations Amber Brown! 

by Elizabeth Smith 

Business Manager 

Ruston High School‘s very own 

Amber Brown has won Louisiana‘s 

Future Business Leaders of 

America October Member of the 

Month Award. She has been 

picked as member of the month 

out of all nominated Louisiana‘s 

FBLA members. Ruston‘s FBLA 

Chapter 617 is very proud of her 

for all of her hard work in FBLA 

and is extremely happy that she 

has been chosen as Louisiana‘s FBLA member of the month. Amber said 

this about her finding out that she had been selected member of the 

month, ―Upon learning of being awarded Louisiana‘s October Member 

of the Month, I felt overwhelmingly grateful to my adviser, Mr. Bruner, 

and to my fellow FBLA members who have stood behind me since I 

became a student at Ruston High School. Thank you all. I appreciate it 

so much!‖ (Amber is pictured with State Adviser, Mr. Andrew Ducote.) 

FBLA NFLC Page 17 

Cross Country 

Championships 

See Page 31 

SPS Celebration: THANK YOU! 

by Amber Brown and Natasha Alva 

Senior Editor and News Editor 

On November 17 th , the Lincoln Parish School Board and Ruston High 

School came together in an effort to say ―Thank You‖ to each and every student 

who worked hard on the standardized tests last school year. Ruston High 

School Principal Mike Milstead and the Superintendent of the Lincoln Parish 

School Board, Dr. Danny Bell, spoke to the student body as they sat in the 

stands at James Stadium. Mr. Milstead commended the students for the results 

of their testing last spring. Dr. Bell also spoke about how proud he was 

of our student body‘s great tests scores. 

The result of each student‘s dedication is shown generally through the 

School Performance Score (SPS) which has been raised to 108.9. Seventy 

percent of that score comes from the students performance on standardized 

tests (ILeap, GEE, and EOC). Higher test scores by the majority of students 

raised the overall scores for Ruston High. This reflects well on not only the 

students, but on our teachers and faculty at Ruston High. Bearcats should be 

proud of doing their best on the tests. 

After Mr. Milstead and Dr. Bell spoke, students received three tickets to 

receive snacks and drinks served by volunteer parents of Ruston High School 

students. Students socialized as they enjoyed the rewards of their hard work. 

Preyish Govin said, ―It was very rewarding and I am thankful that RHS 

shows appreciation for the students‘ hard work!‖ It was an honor and privilege 

for RHS students to be rewarded in such a kind way! A big thank you 

goes out to Mr. Milstead and Dr. Bell for the SPS celebration, and to the parents 

and teachers who helped put together this special event! 

Amber was chosen as member of the month because of all her 

hard work in FBLA. She assisted her adviser Mr. Bruner with planning 

the March of Dimes, Hot Halloween Happenings, CCA charity drive, 

Ruston Police Department Gift Baskets, and Christmas Parade. She 

recruited sixteen new members in her chapter. She was the leading 

sales person in the Spirit Button Fundraiser with over 100 sales, Meat 

Snack Fundraiser with approximately 360 sales and Candle Fundraiser 

with 20 sales. One of her greatest achievements was publicizing and 

supervising the March 

of Dimes Jeans Pass 

Fundraiser, raising 

$150 for the March of 

Dimes. Amber has truly 

been an amazing and 

outstanding member 

and deserves this award 

more than anyone else.

O 

utside Our Box? 


Ruston High School December 16, 2010 Page 2 

Distinguished Alumni: John E. Maxwell 

information provided by the RHS Alumni Association 


News Editor 

John E. Maxwell was born January 27, 1937, in Ruston, Louisiana, to H.B. and Bess Maxwell. Johnny Maxwell graced 

the halls of Ruston High School from the Fall of l951 to the Spring of 1955. Mr. Maxwell was active in many service organizations, 

played football, and ran track. All of these activities set the stage for his future success in the business community. 

After graduating from RHS, he attended Louisiana Tech and then to Oklahoma State University where he earned his BS 

degree in Business Administration. He then went to Tulane University and earned a Masters in Finance in l960. While in 

New Orleans, he won the heart of Jo Anne Zerkus, a nurse from Pascagoula, Mississippi. They married and made their home 

in Ruston and had two children. 

Mr. Maxwell began his career by teaching in the Business Department at Louisiana Tech. In l962, he established the Holiday 

Inn of Ruston and served as Innkeeper until l976. He owned and operated Lincoln Courts and Maxwell‘s Restaurant. In 

subsequent years, he built Holiday Inn Express and was an investor in several hotels in various locations. He was elected to 

the Board of Directors of the International Association of Holiday Inns in l970. 

Concurrent with his career as an innkeeper and restaurateur, he was active in the banking business. In l966, Mr. Maxwell 

was asked to serve on the Board of Directors for Ruston State Bank. He was named executive vice president and then president 

where he served until June of l994, when the bank was sold to Premier Bank of Louisiana. The bank sold again in l996 

and became Bank One of Louisiana. Subsequent to both of these changes of ownership, Mr. Maxwell was retained and 

served as executive vice president and vice chairman of the Board, a tribute to his skills and banking knowledge, since in 

many instances of changes in ownership, prior personnel are replaced by employees of the new corporations. These banks 

recognized that Mr. Maxwell was a man of integrity—his word was his bond. Through the years, he was actively involved in 

various banking associations. 

Mr. Maxwell was also very active in civic organizations, which are too numerous to name. He has been honored with several prestigious awards. He was named Ruston‘s 

Outstanding Young Man of the Year, was presented with the Sertoma Club of Ruston‘s Service of Humanity Award, received Alumnus of the Year award from Louisiana 

Tech, and received the Robert E. Russ Award sponsored by the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce for outstanding community service. As a lifelong member of Trinity 

United Methodist Church, Mr. Maxwell chaired the United Methodist 1,000 Club helping to raise money to build other Methodist churches across Louisiana. Mr. Maxwell 

has been instrumental in fund raising for many organizations such as Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Dixie Center for the Arts, Eddie Robinson Memorial Museum, and 

North Louisiana Exhibition Center. 

Johnny Maxwell‘s loyalty and friendship to his fellow men, willingness to work for worthy causes, and integrity have all assured his success in business and in life. It is 

not a wonder that he also received the Distinguished Alumnus award in the category of Commerce and Industry. 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 

from the RHS PTA!! 

Saluting Outstanding Student 

Achievement 

Throughout the Bearcat Nation

A 

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Bearcats wear…PINK? 

submitted by Elizabeth Sawyer 

NHS Member 

The RHS National Honor Society sponsored a 

(belated) pink ribbon week from November 8 to November 

12. NHS members sold a raffle ticket and pink 

―Bearcats wear PINK‖ package for $2.00 each. These 

bracelets and raffle tickets were sold in order to raise 

money toward the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation 

that supports the fight towards breast cancer. The 

raffle tickets were for a chance to win 1 of 6 prizes donated 

by local businesses including Chili's and Raising 

Canes. The winners of the drawing are as followed: Cody 

McCullen won a Little Caesar‘s gift card; Ashley Darwin 

won a Starbuck‘s card; Taylor Condie won a Starbuck‘s 

and Chili‘s gift card; Beth Lyons won a Subway card; 

Chris Taylor won a Raising Cane‘s gift card; and Katherine 

Chisholm won a gift card from The Fashion. In addition 

with a chance to win a prize, the pink bracelets 

were passes for a ―pink shirt day‖ at school on Thursday, 

November 11. At the end of the week, the National 

Honor Society achieved their goal of raising $500.00 to 

donate to Susan G. Komen for the Cure to help fight the 

war against breast cancer. 

Coming and Going With Accounting 


News Editor 

Six senior members of FBLA taking Accounting 

started out with many questions and little clue as to what 

accounting was. After getting through the first four 

chapters of the book, the light bulbs above their head 

illuminated. There are many reasons why each of these 

students enjoy accounting and appreciate what that 

knowledge means, but the most prominent is its great 

potential and direct relations to real life. 

John Sachs, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) 

came to RHS and instructed us on the basics of accounting. 

Mr. Sachs spent his entire career doing various accounting 

work for many different types of industries 

ranging from government auditing to budget and tax 

accounting for a multi-national drilling industry and 

thus is very qualified and knowledgeable in accounting. 

Mr. Sachs reintroduced the accounting equation (assets 

equal liabilities plus stockholder‘s equity) and using a 

simple realistic example demonstrated what this equation 

means. John Sachs now writes a weekly commentary 

for the Ruston Daily Leader. 

On Tuesday November 9 th , the accounting class left 

Ruston High School and took a ―field trip‖ to Barr and 

Woodward, L.L.C. as guest of Chris Barr, a Certified 

Public Accountant. They were served pizza for lunch 

and then were able to listen to working accountants and 

hear about what each person‘s specific job was and how 

much they enjoyed their job. The accountants explained 

that for their jobs they never did the same thing day in 

and day out. The students were also shown the accounting 

software that was used in the company and how it 

worked. This was a great review of the accounting equation 

and how to apply it. A tour was taken of the building 

and then it was time to go back to the school. 

Thanks goes out to John Sachs and Barr and Woodward, 

L.L.C., and the great insight that they gave into 

accounting and how it works in the real world. For students 

considering accounting or any other business career, 

taking accounting at Ruston High School is a great 

start, and students can even gain dual credit in Accounting 

201 at Louisiana Tech University. 

Mr. Sachs explains the 

basics of accounting. 

Mr. Barr talks accounting 

with RHS students.

A 

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New Tech @ Ruston: 

To Infinity and Beyond! 

submitted by Mrs. Cox-Bonial 

New Tech @ Ruston Coordinator 

As the 2010 year wraps up, the work of New Tech @ Ruston students can be seen beyond 

the walls of Ruston High School. 

For the first time each NT@R student can now be a walking billboard for the program with 

a brand new t-shirt on their back. Structured as part of the orientation ―Get Real‖ project, different 

original designs created by the student groups were judged by graphic design students 

from Louisiana Tech University. The winning design features ―New Tech @ Ruston‖ in red 

on the front of a slate gray t-shirt; on the back a large red Bearcat paw has ―14‖ within it to 

mark the graduation year for the class with this winning slogan beneath it: ―New Me, New 

School, New Tech.‖ Students responsible for the design being worn by the NT@R class include 

Johnia Johnson, Gracie Lewis, Tasha Pastor, Stephen Hall (chief designer), and Breanna 

Cooper. Well done group! 

Students in Ms. Kay Peters‘ second period Animation and Visual Effects class provided the 

original design work for the Keep Lincoln Beautiful Board‘s holiday awareness campaign. 

Ibrahim Al-Alagha, Tray Brown, Jordan Bruner, Cristal Cano, James Capello, Kristen Clark, 

Lillie Perry, Phyquasia Poe, Katie Sawyer, Dusty Thomas, Tyllor Townsend and Muriel 

Woodard, worked collaboratively to create the winning design that features a turkey and Santa 

Claus cleaning up beneath a peach tree filled with holiday lights as confetti cascades from the 

sky. The tag line of ―Keep Lincoln Parish Beautiful for the Holidays‖ caps off the festive artwork 

that clearly states the intent of the parish-wide initiative. The student group then teamed 

up with Donnie Bell of Ruston‘s Donnie Bell Design to complete the graphic design and have 

the artwork camera ready for reproduction. The design was then transferred to small color 

magnets that are being distributed throughout the parish by the Lincoln Parish Sheriff‘s Department 

DARE team. This project represents the type of global and community awareness 

set to be a critical component in the foundation of the New Tech program. Great work students! 

Finally, those outside of RHS will soon have more than one window‘s view of the work 

going on within NT@R. The renovation of the program‘s new space is now in its final phase 

with completion scheduled by the end of the first semester. The large classrooms designed for 

collaboration and project-based learning will provide a more efficient and effective learning 

environment for the students and offer greater opportunities for teachers and students alike. 

NT@R will be hosting the mid-January School Board meeting within its new space, and already 

has multiple visits scheduled from stakeholders throughout the community and state to 

observe the program‘s growth while learning more about the exceptional experiences available 

at Ruston High School. 

COE Sells Secret Santas 

by Polly Michelle Gwan 

Academics Reporter 

From December 7 th to December 14 th , the Ruston High COE held their annual 

Secret Santa Sale. A Secret Santa is a sweet message that anyone could send to a 

special friend, teacher, or crush wishing them a Merry Christmas and a Happy 

New Year along with a special treat. Anyone could purchase one and the COE 

was busy selling them before school in room 332 and during both lunch shifts in 

front of the office for just 50 cents each. These treats helped raise the Christmas 

spirit around the school with students anticipating the holiday break. These gifts 

are one of many ideas to make the Christmas holiday joyful and jolly. Have a 

Happy Holiday Bearcats!! 

SHARP CATS 

submitted by Mrs. Thomason 

Freshman Academy Teacher 

RHS Freshman Academy recognizes December Sharp Cats! 

The Ruston High School Freshman Academy is proud to recognize some of 

our outstanding students each month by naming them Ruston High Sharp Cats. 

The academy faculty feels that honoring exceptional students is an important part 

of supporting and encouraging our freshmen. It is with great pride that we present 

to you these students...for they are truly Sharp Cats! 

We are so proud of our freshmen, and we hope that you will join us in our 

appreciation of these extraordinary students: Schyler Dumas, Gage Heard, Trey 

Houston, Michael Tolar, Ghenet Tseggai, and Alexis White. 

KOM and Mentees Got That 

Christmas Spirit! 



The KOMs started off the season right as they got in the spirit of giving and 

participated in their Christmas community service project. The KOMs, along 

with their freshman mentees, began by spending their Monday meeting, right 

after the Thanksgiving Break, bringing toys, school supplies, and various gift 

items and placing them in shoe boxes. These shoe boxes were then sent to Ruston 

Elementary; the elementary schools adopted by Ruston High, and were 

given to children who usually are not able to receive Christmas presents every 

year. 

The next day, the KOMs and freshman gathered in the girls‘ gym for their 

―Santa‘s Workshop‖ Christmas Party. They had fun decorating the boxes they 

had filled, eating Christmas sweets, relaxing, and playing various games, such 

as Ninja. After the work was completed the KOMs and mentees excitedly made 

signs to take with them to the basketball game they would be attending later in 

the day. This community service project was not only a great way for KOMs 

and freshman to learn the true meaning of Christmas, but also time for them to 

spend some great bonding time together out of regular school time. Happy Holiday 

Bearcats!

A 

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Student Council is BUSY, BUSY, BUSY! 



While the RHS Student Council has been anticipating the closing of the first semester, they have 

been busying themselves with multiple school and community service projects. During the football 

play-off season, the Student Council made goodie bags for the players. They also made goodie bags 

for the swim team‘s state meet and Ruston‘s injured police officer, Marchale Canty. The Student 

Council has not only supported and aided the school in various projects, but they have extended 

their hands and aided the community by adopting Mrs. Deborah Lynch‘s Cypress Springs first grade 

class. In October, they assisted in giving the children a treat and threw them a very exciting Halloween 

Party. The Student Council is also in the process of reading the children stories once every two 

weeks and helping with a Christmas Party for the class. While the Student Council may be busy 

with their service projects, they still took time to enjoy a fun-filled Christmas Party for themselves 

on December 13, 2010. The Student Council welcomed the newest editions to the council from the 

freshman class including: Baylee Wright, Shelton Wooley, Haley Harris, Colton Booth, Beth Ramirez, 

and Alexandria Cockerham. Merry Christmas Bearcats and have a Happy New Year! 

Information About Your Yearbooks 

submitted by Max Cook 

Resume Clubs Editor 

Do you want your own page in the yearbook? Maybe your own section of a page? Well, guess 

what? You can! Just purchase a personal ad from the yearbook. See Mrs. Strickler in room 208 for 

an application and prices for a personal page. 

Also, SENIORS, please get your outdoor pictures in to the Resume (room 208) as soon as you 

can (please be appropriate). If you want a book from this year or previous years you can purchase 

them for $45. 

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 

Teacher Spotlight: Mrs. Stephenson (Teacher of the Year-2010! 

Pictured Above: Mrs. Stephenson with her mother, Mrs. Bartlett. 

Name: Julie Stephenson 

Family: Kiley (husband), Tatum and Cooper (kids) 

Position at RHS: English 2 and 3 

Club/organizations you advise: NHS 

High school attended/year: Denham Springs High School 1995 

College attended/major: LA Tech Spanish, English 

Teaching experience: 11 years 

Favorite childhood memory: Family dinners 

Favorite team/sport: Team Edward 

Pet peeve: Complacency 

Favorite quote: ―It‘s a Bearcat Friday!‖ Kellye Ratcliff 

Is there anything you would like the students to know about you? 

I don‘t ask anything of them that I wouldn‘t do myself. 

Rotary Club Winners 

table provided by Polly Michelle Gwan 


Month Students 

September Elizabeth Sawyer 

Valerie Wheat 

October Christopher Taylor 

Kate Warner 

November Elizabeth Moore 

Hannah Rose McIntire 

December Ashley Davison 

Mary Glenn Lyons 

January TBA 

February TBA 

March TBA 

April TBA 

May TBA 

Ruston High School Online Training for Students and Teachers 

Website: http://lincolnschools.simplek12.com/ 

Students' User ID is firstnamelastname and password is password. 

LOGIN EXAMPLE: Randy Foster would be randyfoster and password. 

Click CONTINUE to access online courses such as: 

"What Students Need to Know About the Internet," Web 2.0 Tools, and 

Microsoft Office Training. 

If questions, please email Debbie Pender (dgpender@lincolnschools.org) or 

call her at LPSB (255-1430).

T Name: 

eacher Spotlights Chatterbox 


Emily Howell 

Family: Jason 

Position at RHS: English 1 

Club/organizations you advise: LYFE 

High school attended/year: Byrd 2002 

College attended/major: LA Tech, English 

Teaching experience: 5 years at RHS 

Most embarrassing moment: Falling down in the car line at RHS 

Favorite childhood memory: Hanging out with my sister 

Favorite team/sport: Bearcats! 

Pet peeve: Whistling, kids saying, ―What test, essay, homework, etc.?‖ 

Favorite quote: ―Hope is a person; truth for the heartbeat.‖ 

Name: Lora Hammons 

Family: Hayden, Ross, and John Cullen (sons), Mary Conly (daughter) 

Position at RHS: English 1 and Read 180 

High school attended/year: RHS 1982 

Favorite team/sport: RHS Bearcats! 

Pet peeve: Ignorance 

Favorite quote: ―You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… until you 

climb in his skin and walk around in it.‖ 

Name: Alisia Thomason 

Family: Neil (husband), Max and Maggie (dogs) 

Position at RHS: Freshman English, Freshman Academy Student Services 

Club/organizations you advise: 4-H Club, KOM 

High school attended/year: Haynesville High School (1999) 

College attended/major: La Tech, computer information systems, English education 


Most embarrassing moment: I was singing the national anthem and forgot the words...the audience had to help me finish! 

Favorite childhood memory: Making up songs with my sister! 

Favorite team/sport: LSU football, Duke basketball 

Pet peeve: ―I can go to the bathroom‖ Is that a statement of a question? 

Name: Beth Yenser 

Family: Zach (husband), Maggie Moo (dog) 


High school attended/year: Nashville HS 2004 

College attended/major: Henderson State University, English 


Most embarrassing moment: I air balled my first free throw shot in my first high school basketball game. 

Favorite childhood memory: Cooking with my grandmother 

Favorite team/sport: Arkansas Razorbacks and LA Tech football 

Pet peeve: Arriving late and disrespectful people 

If you could have one wish what would it be? End poverty and suffering 

Is there anything you would like the students to know about you? Ruston High has been my favorite place to work by far! 

Name: Larkin Norton 

Family: Emma, Dean, Lian (kids) 


High school attended/year: Cedar Creek 1983 

College attended/major: University of Alabama and LA Tech, English 


Favorite childhood memory: Family road trips 


Pet peeve: Disrespectful students 

If you could have one wish what would it be? Make a difference in my students‘ lives!

T Name: 



Monica Olsen 

Family: Nicholas (husband), Maximus and Ella (kids) 

Position at RHS: Speech, drama, English, debate 

Club/organizations you advise: Debate team 

High school attended/year: Ruston High School 1993 

College attended/major: LA Tech, Speech Communications 


Most embarrassing moment: Tripping off the stage during a speech class. 

Favorite childhood memory: When my grandma made chicken-n-dumplings and we got to taste to see if they were done. 

Favorite team/sport: Hockey Grand Rapids Griffins 

Pet peeve: whining and complaining 

If you could have one wish what would it be? Be truly humble 

Name: Merideth Boyd 

Family: Montana (husband), Molly (on the way), Buck and Bella (dogs) 


Club/organizations you advise: Pom Squad Co– Advisor 

High school attended/year: Northwood HS 2000 

College attended/major: LA Tech 


Most embarrassing moment: Falling down in front of the class many times! 

Favorite childhood memory: Too many to count! 

Pet peeve: Tapping pens and popping gum! 

Is there anything you would like the students to know about you? If you are nice to me, I will be nice to you! 

Favorite team/sport: Football lots of teams! 

Name: Tara Griffin 

Family: Miles, Ellis, Neil (kids) 

Position at RHS: Public Speaking and English 3 

Club/organizations you advise: KOM 

High school attended/year: Lassiter High School 

College attended/major: Mississippi State, communication, University of Houston, Speech 

Favorite childhood memory: Camping and reading 


Favorite quote: ―Be true to your word, your work, and your friends.‖ 

Pet peeve: Lying and gossiping 

Name: Donnie Bartlett 

Family: Mark (husband), Jennifer, Julie, and Chais (kids), Bonnie and Abby (dogs) 

Position at RHS: English 4 and Duel enrollment 

Club/organizations you advise: Co-Sponsor National Honors Society 

High school attended/year: Robert E. Lee HS (San Antonio) 1967 


Favorite childhood memory: Working word puzzles with my father 

Favorite team/sport: RHS (of course) I‘m partial to soccer. 

Favorite quote: ―Life has rules; play fair.‖ 

Pet peeve: People who don‘t accept responsibility for their actions 

Name: Jane Tatum 

Family: Danny (husband), Tyler and Ryan (sons), Shep and Doc (dogs) 

Position at RHS: English 4 and counselor in Career Center 

Club/organizations you advise: Student Council and Ambassadors 

High school attended/year: Ruston High School 1978 

College attended/major: LA Tech, English 

Teaching experience: 28 years at RHS 

Favorite team/sport: Bearcats and Saints 

Favorite quote: ―I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.‖ Philippians 4:13 

Pet peeve: Whining

T 



Name: Faith Moss 

Family: Jeff (husband), Jenny and Andie (daughters) 


Club/organizations you advise: KOM Team Leader 

High school attended/year: Ouachita Parish High School 1981 

College attended/major: LA Tech Education 


Favorite childhood memory: Christmas time traditions 

Favorite team/sport: Horseracing! 

Pet peeve: Drivers who text and talk on the phone! 

If you could have one wish what would it be? Have a vacation home on the beach. 

Name: Vanessa Wilson 

Family: Carlos 1 (husband), Carlos 2, and Carrington (kids) 

Position at RHS: English 1 and 3 

High school attended/year: Leesville High School 1986 

College attended/major: Grambling State and LA Tech, English 


Favorite team/sport: All sports in the Bearcat Nation! 

Favorite quote: ―I can‘t think about today; I have to worry about tomorrow.‖ 

Pet peeve: Explanations that start with ―See what happened was…‖ 

If you could have one wish what would it be? ―World Peace‖ and a Lamborghini 

Name: Anita Greenwood 

Family: Zeno (husband), Mary (daughter) 

Position at RHS: French 

Club/organizations you advise: French Club 

College attended/major: Auburn University French 


Favorite team/sport: Horseback riding, running, and tennis 

Pet peeve: People who are always late. 

If you could have one wish what would it be? Find a cure for Diabetes. 

Name: Corinne Leyden 

Family: Reece and Chloe (children) 

Position at RHS: German 

Club/organizations you advise: German Club 

High school attended/year: Lassiter High School 1991 

College attended/major: University of Georgia, foreign language 


Favorite childhood memory: Camping in Idaho with my family and annoying my sister! 

If you could have one wish what would it be? Spend my summer traveling 

Pet peeve: Students who speak those other languages which shall not be named in my classroom. 

Name: Annie Rivera 

Family: Norman (husband), Kailee, Daniel, Gabriel (kids) 

Position at RHS: Spanish 1 and 2 

Club/organizations you advise: KOM Team Leader 

High school attended/year: Bonnabel High School 1989 

College attended/major: University of New Orleans 


Favorite childhood memory: Going to my grandparents house in New York every summer! 

Favorite team/sport: Soccer Spain 

Favorite quote: ―Even a fool when silent is considered wise.‖ 

Pet peeve: People that don't pick up after themselves!

E ditorials/Opinions Chatterbox 


2012: “The End” for Humanity 

by Lauren Townsend 

Assistant News Editor 

We have heard the rumors and theories, and some may have even seen the movies. The end of the world was predicted by the Mayans hundreds 

of years ago and even today it is debated by modern scientists and religions. Multiple people believe that this theory holds truth; as for 

others, this so called ―prediction‖ is nothing but myth. Upon arguing the validity of this Mayan prophecy, people fight over how this conjecture 

will take place. Will science be behind this theory with polar switches and solar alignments, or will religion come out strong with fire? That‘s 

right, we are not talking about any ―End of the World‖ prediction; we are talking about December 21 st , 2012. 

Before getting into details on how the world is doomed, we need to know where this information came from. As you have learned in history, there was once a great empire 

known as the Mayans which lived in what is today‘s Latin America. The Mayan empire is considered one of the greatest and most intelligent civilizations in history since its 

people had an understanding in mathematics, astronomy, and science. They used their astronomical skills to create a calendar, but their calendar isn‘t like the calendar we 

know. Unlike our calendar, the Mayan calendar comes to a dead end on December 21 st , 2012, which is the day of the Winter Solstice. Many people of both scientific and religious 

backgrounds believe that the Mayans predicted the apocalypse; others get a laugh out of it. People ask all the time, ―Did the Mayans forecast the end?‖ Moreover, if the 

Mayans did, how will humanity meet its maker? 

As people ask about how the world will end, there have been many theories developed on what is to come. One possible 2012 disaster that has 

been rumored is +80ft tsunami that will crash upon the Atlantic coast of the U.S. Another is a 6.9 magnitude earthquake in the Mississippi River 

Valley between Illinois and Indiana. Some people predict that there will be a +195 mph hurricane that will hit Florida. Others rumor that there will 

be an ocean disruption in the Atlantic Ocean that will cause major climates, destroying habitats of wildlife with extreme temperature change. The 

two most famous forecasts is the prediction of an attack of an active sunspot from the Sun and the threat of a polar switch, which means that 

Earth‘s magnetic poles will move and switch places. These assumptions are only a few of the hundreds of calculations on how Earth will change 

dramatically and destroy life as we know it. 

From religion to science to craziness, everyone has a personal opinion on 2012. Some base their beliefs off the Bible and say that ―there will be 

fire set upon the Earth‖ since there has already been a ―great flood‖; others base their theories on science and discuss ideas on a wide range of predictions, 

such as meteors, polar shifts, a series of natural disasters, and solar sunspots. Then there are some who just look at theorists like they are 

insane and go on with their lives. Who knows? Maybe it is just a big case of paranoia. What do you think? 

Online Sports Betting Defined 

by Keekee Williams 

Sports Reporter 

Sports‘ betting is the activity of predicting sports results and placing a wager on the 

outcome. Aside from simple wagers such as betting a friend that one's favorite baseball 

team will win its division or buying a football "square" for the Super Bowl, sports‘ 

betting is commonly performed through a bookmaker or through various online internet 

outlets. Bookmaking is the profession of accepting sports wagers. A bookmaker 

acts as a market marker for sports wagers, most of which have a binary outcome: a 

team either wins or loses. The bookmaker accepts both wagers, and maintains a spread 

which will ensure a profit regardless of the outcome of the wager. The Federal Wire 

Act of 1961 was an attempt by the U.S government to prevent illegal bookmarking. 

However this Act does not apply to other types of online gambling and the Supreme 

Court has not ruled on the meaning of the Federal Wire Act as it pertains to online 

gambling. Odds for different outcomes in single bet are presented either in European 

format (decimal odds), UK format (fractional odds), or American format (money line 

Click it or Death Hit? 

by Emily Moore 

Arts Reporter 

On November 30 th , RHS juniors and seniors were called out of fifth period to the 

auditorium. No one knew exactly what the assembly was about until they arrived, and 

what a shocker! An unknown lady tells the story of a girl who made one mistake that 

affects millions everyday! This girl‘s story demonstrates how not buckling up your 

seat belt and driving safely is not only illegal but deadly. 

Tickets are the least of your worries when it comes to safe driving. Stories about 

consequences of not driving safe brought several students to tears. Rachel R.‘s tale 

was a heartbreaking one. A fifteen year old girl was one of three in a pickup truck. 

Her, her boyfriend and his father were all in the cab of the truck and none of them 

were buckled. It was seemingly no big deal since they were only traveling about five 

miles from his house to hers, but they soon learned that it would spin their lives into 

regret and pain. A group of five teenagers traveling in oncoming car swerved into the 

odds). In European nations bookmaking is regulated but not criminalized. In the USA 

it is illegal to operate a scheme except for in a few states. 

The term tipster refers to someone who on a regular basis provides information 

(tips) on likely winners in sporting events. A tip in gambling terms is a bet suggested 

by a third party who is recognized to be more knowledgeable about that subject than 

the bookmaker who sets the prices. Tipsters are often insiders of a particular sport able 

to provide bettors with information not publicly available. 

There is a big ongoing debate right now regarding sports gambling. Although many 

people are not affected by the gambling, Polly Michelle quotes ―There‘s nothing wrong 

with betting on the games, but when you have intentions to sabotage the other team in 

your favor, then that is totally wrong.‖ Those who are strongly against it believe that it 

will lead to games being fixed. In reality, it's not likely to happen in professional sports 

as it would be quite difficult to have players, coaches, referees, and owners all to be 

involved to fix the outcome of all games. Those that are in favor of sports betting are 

saying that it's just something for people to do for purely entertainment purposes while 

they watch the game. My personal opinion is that sports gambling will eventually take 

from you, everything that you own. 

wrong lane. Only two or three were buckled. Those two or three walked away from 

the incident in good condition. Some other unbuckled citizens in the crash were lucky 

this time. One boy was critically injured yet recovered, but Rachel didn‘t get up from 

the scene. 

Something as simple as buckling a seatbelt can save a life. She‘s not the only one 

who lived a short life due to ignoring her car safety. According to the National Highway 

Traffic Safety Administration, in 2009 there were about 30, 797 vehicular fatalities. 

Of that number, 17,640 were drivers, 6,770 were passengers, and 4,092 were 

pedestrians. That‘s just in the United States. Around 10,457 drivers that died were not 

restrained and 11,512 of those passengers lost their lives. 

It‘s sad that something so preventable happens to be one of the top killers of 

Americans today. Safety is rightly named because safe driving can save lives! It was 

so clear that many people in the assembly were just completely apathetic about it. 

Most teenagers have the mindset that ―it couldn‘t happen to me‖ or ―I‘m a good 

driver‖. In real life, everyone can fall victim to violating driving safety and wrecks, no 

matter how rare accidents may be.

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ditorials/Opinions Chatterbox 


Celebrate Everyday! 


Arts Reporter 

From October to January, holidays are celebrated back to back. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years…it‘s non-stop 

stress and non-stop partying! However, for those who want something to celebrate every day, literally, there are other ―special‖ days. 

December: January: 

16- Chocolate Covered Anything Day 2-Cream Puff Day 

17- Maple Syrup Day 4-Spaghetti Day; Humiliation Day 

19- Oatmeal Muffin Day 5-Whipped Cream Day 

21- Flashlight Day 11-Step in a Puddle and Splash Your Friend Day 

24- Eggnog Day 13-Penguin Awareness Day 

26- Candy Cane Day; Whiner‘s Day 16-Appreciate a Dragon Day 

27- Fruitcake Day 19-Popcorn Day 

There are many other national days to celebrate and they can be found on the Internet. Days like these give happiness and fun! 

It‘s important to remember that laughter and fun are keys to self-fulfillment. Life is meant to celebrate; so go celebrate it! 

Christmas Records for the Record 


Arts Reporter 

-The Largest Group of Carol Singers was recorded at 9,100 people on November 15, 2010. The Credit Union Christmas Pageant 

of Adelaide, Australia, performed for fifteen minutes. 

-The Tallest Living Christmas tree is a grand fir in Coeur d'Alene, ID, USA that measures at 162 feet tall. It is at the Coeur 

d‘Alene Resort and more than 30,000 lights decorate it while two miles of extension cords are used to power it. 

-The Tallest Artificial Christmas tree is in Mexico City, Mexico. It measures at 295 feet high and 114 feet wide. It is made of 

steel wires and is located on Reforma Avenue. It lights are red, white, and blue with no green. 

-The Largest Gingerbread Man is 26 feet and 2 inches tall. It was made by Dave Bowden in Madison, Wisconsin. 

-The Largest Gathering of Santa Clauses is in Porto City, Portugal. A whopping 14,200 people dressed as Santa gather to raise 

money for charity. 

-The Largest Santa Claus Ice Sculpture was made in Harbin, China. It measured 525 feet long and 79 feet high. The Santa‘s beard 

and hat were made using 4,000 cubic meters of artificial snow. 

-The Tallest Snowwoman is the ―Olympia Snowe-woman‖ in Bethel, Maine. She is 122 feet and 1 inch of snow. She has wreaths 

for eyes and skis for lashes. Her arms are trees and her buttons are five foot tires. Her red lips are made from painted tires. She has 

hair made from 2,000 feet of rope. 

Diabetes: New To It? 

by Amy Gibson 

Clubs Reporter 

Black Friday 

by Jocria Thompson 

Social Reporter 

The only word I have to describe 

Black Friday is ―WOW!‖ Black Friday is 

the Friday after Thanksgiving where hundreds 

upon hundreds of people bombard 

the stores and shop for Christmas at great 

prices. For example, the new Xbox 360 

was $279.99 to $299.99 on Black Friday 

compared to the everyday price of 

$388.99. Many shoppers camp out in 

their cars or even right beside the stores 

in order to catch the awesome sales that 

took effect at 5 o‘clock in the morning; it 

was a mess. Stores were packed and people 

were grabbing up anything with a 

sales tag. Black Friday is known for being 

very violent; one year a Wal-Mart employee 

was trampled on and killed because 

the crowd was so aggressive and 

determine to get into the store. Some people 

ask about whether or not the great 

sales are worth getting trampled on. One 

thing is for sure, Black Friday is an experience 

that will bruise you forever. 

Diabetes is nothing new…unless you have it for the first time. It is hard for teenagers who find themselves with such a disease. It‘s nothing bad though, just another learning 

experience. Having diabetes myself allows me to speak on a personal note, so I‘m going to explain a few things in a very detailed manner. Diabetes really can‘t be summed up 

because everyone is different. When asking for others opinions on the subject, Ms. Jade Williams, whose family members have also been diagnosed with diabetes, ―It‘s not the 

end of the world,‖ she said ―those who enjoy life will live it to the fullest and those who don‘t take care of their diabetes will be miserable and sick and allow life to pass them 

by.‖ For example, I am a type 1, juvenile, insulin resistant diabetic. Type 1 means that I have no choice but to take manual injections, juvenile means that it developed while I was 

a child, and insulin resistant means that my body rejects a majority of the insulin I take. If you don‘t know what insulin is, it‘s basically a chemical that breaks down sugar and 

allows your body to use it in a good way for energy, which is what the pancreas does for a normal person. I don‘t necessarily have to change my diet; I just have to watch how 

much I eat and make sure it‘s healthy. Plenty of exercise and water and I‘m good to go. Now, as for other diabetics, it may be totally different. Some have to change their whole 

diet just to accommodate a healthy balance for their sugar, some have to let go of things they used to do, and some have nothing to worry about. Diabetes can be good or bad depending 

on how you feel about it. Denial and stubbornness is not the way to go. You have to accept the extra responsibility and learn to coexist with it. If you know someone with 

diabetes, care for them, support them, and let them know that you‘re there! Don‘t pressure them because we all know ourselves and at the end of the day we all have to take care 

of ourselves. If you‘re like me, independent, then you don‘t want people telling you what to do with ―your‖ diabetes. Don‘t push people away because of this. Rather, let them 

know what you want and don‘t want, and ask them very nicely to mind their own. It‘s what I did! Anyway, diabetes is complicated but not unbearable. You can manage it efficiently 

yourself, with the help of others, and you don‘t have to be scared that it‘ll ruin your life. I still play softball, sing, draw, write, hang out with friends, and eat plenty of 

food. Speaking of food, MERRY CHRISTMAS! And for all you diabetics out there: please choose to eat responsibly!

E 



Santa, YU NO GIVE ME NO TROPHY?! 

by Gray Taylor 

Graphics Design Editor 

(See ―Cross Country: State Runner-ups‖ article on page 31) 

Crank That Ellen Hopkins! 


Arts Reporter 

Lights, Snow, VACATION 


Arts Reporter 

Smell that? *WIFF*, the holiday 

spirit is in the air! The hustle 

and bustle, the stress, the need for 

escape! Everybody is in a swirl 

of a holiday epidemic! Thanksgiving 

and Christmas are two of 

the biggest holidays for traveling. 

The question is where to go? The 

choices are numerous. 

Disney World is a family fun 

place to go. There were several 

Ruston High students and their 

families who went to Disney 

World for Thanksgiving. There 

are things for everyone in the 

family. Rides like ―the Tower of 

Terror‖ and ―the Rockin‘ Roller 

Coaster‖ will keep the more daring 

family members occupied. 

There are plenty of rides and 

characters to entertain the 

younger ones. The Disney Christmas 

Parade is always entertaining 

and the fireworks are excep- 

tional. Everyone who goes to 

Disney World comes back ready 

to go again. 

New York is another ―mustsee‖ 

place to visit during the holidays. 

The lights and snow are 

magical. Attending a Broadway 

musical is a must for tourists to 

New York. The Statue of Liberty 

is a largely visited site for New 

York. The architecture is amazing. 

New York is America‘s 

―Paris‖ for shopping. New York 

is a great place to travel. 

Vacations are a great way to 

get away from stress and pressure. 

They also allow people to 

spend time with family and 

friends. In the busy days of modern 

America, vacations are important 

and needed. They are 

great at relieving stress and an 

opportunity to have fun. Have 

fun on your Christmas vacation. 

Ellen Hopkins is a bestselling author from Carson City, Nevada. She has written and published Crank, Burned, Impulse, Glass, Identical, Tricks, and Fallout. Hopkins‘s 

works are written in an interesting format; her books are all written like poetry. 

Crank and Glass both focus on one girl named Kristina Snow and her walk with a ―monster‖ of an alter-ego named Bree. These books illustrate how much bipolar monsters 

can ruin lives. Kristina, a normally shy girl, loses control of herself to Bree and becomes an out-of-the-box type person. Her story continues through three different but common 

people in the book Fallout. Hopkins has also written books off this same theme. For example, Burned features Pattyn Scarlet Von Stratten has always been a good, quiet Mormon 

girl. That‘s all changed when she decides she is tired of her lifestyle and feels like she is being controlled. The book follows Pattyn‘s story of her need for escape and her 

journey to create her own path. Another book, Identical, is about two twins with a broken home. However, there‘s a surprise and somewhat creepy twist to it. Other books include 

Impulse, which has three completely different teens are brought together in a mental asylum, and Tricks, which is a riveting story that tells about five different teenagers 

and how their lives intersect. 

All of Ellen Hopkins‘ books are uniquely written and entertaining for readers. These stories are all real and raw. They tell about real-life events that happen every day and 

how people struggle through them. For some real, riveting heart pounding books, Ellen Hopkins is the place to look!

E 



Presents Gone Electronic 

by Lauren Townsend and Shamario Daniel 

Asst. Editor and Clubs Reporter 

Christmas 2010 is near and at least 99.99% of the world‘s youth has a Christmas list 

2 ½ miles long. Each group of kids ask for different things: babies want baby guitars 

and stuffed animals; toddlers and elementary kids want baby dolls, trucks, and bikes; 

and teens want the most expensive clothes and electronics such as cell phones, iPods/ 

iPads/iPhones/iTouch, Hollister jackets, Uggs, and maybe even a new car - which 

probably isn‘t going to happen. This year there is an endless range of electronic devices 

on the Christmas list. Many teens are asking for the following electronic toys: 

Xbox 360 or Elite, Xbox Kinect, Wii, Playstation 3, iPods/iPads/iPhones/iTouch, Nintendo 

DS, laptops, cameras, cell phones, games, and vehicles. These are some of the 

most awesome gifts but also some of the most expensive; so remember, it‘s OK to ask 

for presents like these, but try not to drain your parents‘ or Santa‘s wallet this year. 

Some of the following devices above are very new and popular among today‘s 

crowd. The Playstation 3 Slim is the latest version of the PlayStation3 and also the best 

it has a slimmed down case, The PS3 Slim offers video streaming and the best yet is 

the Blue-Ray player. The HTC Droid incredible is the best android cellular device on 

the market at the time. The Xbox Kinect is brand, spanking new with new technology 

that makes ―you the controller‖. Like Sony‘s Playstation Eye-toy, the Kinect scans the 

players‘ bodies and turns the scan into game characters. Moreover, your movements 

move the character and there are no X, A, B, R1, L2, or any other buttons to push; 

YOU are the controller. Now you don‘t have to worry about thumb energies. Another 

new electric toy is the iPad. Basically it is a giant iPhone, expect it doesn‘t make phone 

calls. Like its i-cousins, the iPad can have music, games, Safari internet, and any other 

app available in the iTunes store. Some people are concerned with the sensitive touch 

screen and the high chance of being broken, but now there are Otterbox coverings 

available that protect the i-device from breaking. Talk about high-tech present. 

Christmas is a jolly time of year, especially when you get free presents. The presents 

listed above are some really great gifts, but to get great gifts you must have 

greater behavior. Santa only answers those who have been nice and gives nonelectric 

coal to those who are naughty. Moreover, remember not to ask for everything; your 

parents‘ wallet can only stretch so far. Enjoy your Christmas holiday Bearcats and your 

new toys too! 

Some REAL Christmas Movies 


Graphics/Design Editor 

―It‘s the most wonderful time of the year‖ where apparently every TV channel we turn to is playing 

some sort of Christmas movie. Every station feels the need to feature the beloved Christmas classics 

such as A Christmas Story, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Christmas Vacation, A Christmas Carol, 

The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Santa Claus vs. the Martians. But every year, the same question 

always comes to my mind: how come they never show the more lesser-known Christmas films on TV? 

The aforementioned titles are all decent, if not borderline mediocre (just kidding), but the films that 

come to my twisted mind when I think of good old holiday cheer are Gremlins, Die Hard, and Batman 

Returns. Any normal schmuck off the street will tell me that these films have absolutely nothing to do 

with Christmas, but that is beside the point. Just because a movie is set during the holidays does not 

exactly mean it has to be all about Christmas. For example, Gremlins is the story of a boy who receives 

a very unusual Christmas present, which multiplies and wreaks havoc on the town. Die Hard 

stars Bruce Willis as a loose-cannon cop visiting his ex-wife for the holidays, which somehow becomes 

a one-man battle against a group of terrorists led by Alan Rickman (Snaaaaaaaape!!!). Finally, 

Batman Returns features the Dark Knight spreading his own brand of holiday justice by protecting 

Gotham City from The Penguin and his evil army of….penguins. Kudos, Tim Burton, kudos. Are 

these lesser-known Christmas flicks for everyone? Probably not. But if you‘re looking for some holiday 

cheer outside of the mainstream, then these are definitely the movies you want. 

Die Hard is owned by 20 th Century Fox. Gremlins and Batman Returns are owned by Warner Bros.

E 

Christianity 

by Whitney Durrett 

Photographer/Reporter 



Christianity is the largest religion in the world with around two billion followers globally. Samuel Taylor Coleridge once said, ―Christianity is not 

a theory or speculation, but a life; not a philosophy of life, but a living presence.‖ Christianity is based off the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The 

life of Jesus Christ is told in the Holy Bible. The Bible was written over 1400 to 1800 years ago with forty authors from all different generations. 

Christians believe that Jesus Christ, the son of God, came to earth to die on the cross for our sins, was buried, resurrected, and thereby offers salvation 

to anyone who will receive Him by faith. Unlike other religions, Christianity is not about religious practice but about an intimate relationship with 

God. Also, they believe mankind was created to have a relationship with the Savior and bring others to believe this as well. 

Jesus is the Son of God. God sent Jesus to earth to be crucified to take away the sins of everyone. Jesus was born of Mary, a virgin. Jesus, even as 

a child, told everyone he came in contact with the good news of God. Jesus chose twelve disciples to leave everything they had and follow Him and 

teach everyone they came in contact with the new gospel of God. Jesus performed many miracles during His travels. During this time period, hanging 

on the cross was the most cruel and disgraceful death penalty. Jesus came with His followers to Jerusalem during the Passover. He was involved in a 

disturbance at the Temple when He overturned the tables of peddlers there. Later, He was betrayed by one of His apostles, leading to His arrest. The 

Romans ruled the city and the Jewish authorities of the city had to arrest people in order to obey Roman orders to maintain the peace of the city. Jesus' 

disciples went into hiding after He was arrested. Jesus was sentenced to death of the cross. Jesus died on the cross, was buried and three days later 

rose from the dead and walked the earth. 

The Christian religion is based off of His life. Christians follow the teachings of Jesus while He was on earth. They also believe in order to go to Heaven when they die, they 

must have a relationship with Jesus and have faith He is real. One must also repent from one‘s sins and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. God is a forgiving and loving God, so 

what took place in one‘s past is completely forgiven. He is often referred to as the Lion and the Lamb because He is gentle and loving but has a wrath also. God wants to have a 

relationship and loves everyone. ―If we walk one step towards God, He will run 10 steps toward us.‖ He thrives for a relationship with every person on earth in order to get them 

to heaven. 

Ever Heard of a Mormon? 


News Editor 

Here in the ―Bible Belt,‖ as it is often called, religion and religious beliefs are quite openly stated and discussed. When asked the name of your 

church, you will proudly and promptly say ―Oh I go to (your church‘s name here).‖ When I‘m asked to identify the church I attend, do you know 

what I say? ―I‘m a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but most people just call us the Mormons because we believe in a 

book called The Book of Mormon.‖ Huh? What? I usually hear something along the lines of, ―That‘s cool… I have no idea what that is.‖ Yeah most 

teenagers don‘t but that‘s ok. 

The members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are Christian. They believe in many of the same things that other Christian faiths 

believe. There is one God and His Son Jesus Christ is our Savior because He atoned for our sins. If we believe in Him and strive and work to do His 

will and keep His commandments, then we will get to return and live with Him again. Sound familiar? Now this is where it gets a little different. 

Mormons believe in the Bible; the Old and New Testaments for they tell of Christ‘s ministry among the people in the Middle East, but we also believe 

in another book called The Book of Mormon, which is ―Another Testament of Jesus Christ‖. The Book of Mormon tells about Christ coming to 

the Americas and visiting and preaching to the people here after His resurrection. Both the Bible and The Book of Mormon are equally important in 

our religion. In early morning seminary (an extra class each day that starts at 6:30 am and ends before school starts), we spend an entire school year 

studying the Old Testament. Another year is spent on the New Testament, and another studying the Book of Mormon. All three are studied because 

they all teach of Christ and His teachings. 

If you typed ―Mormon‖ into Google, you would find all sorts of things written and said about the Mormons. Things like Mormon Temples, Mormon Underwear, and definitely 

things about some guy named Joseph Smith Jr. You may also have heard that Mormons are polygamists, but I can tell you that you are confusing us with a different church 

that broke from the LDS Church and started their own church but use a very similar name. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints only have one wife or one 

mother depending on where they fall in the family. Just like everything else on the Internet, there is plenty of false propaganda and I hope that you would look to the more reliable 

sources (Like a site put out and maintained by the LDS church itself. Hmm, maybe a site such as mormon.org). 

That is a little about what a Mormon is. We are a church and our members, just like members of other churches, are striving for salvation and they want to know the whole 

truth. There happens to be twelve students at Ruston High who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You may have a class with them or play in the 

band or play soccer with a couple of them. They are astounding people and I‘m glad I know them. I hope you get to know them too, and if you have questions, ask them. We 

would love to give you the answer.

S ervice and Social Chatterbox 


Shout Out to the School Board 



Chatterbox sends out a big shout out to the Lincoln Parish School Board for all the support 

they have given to Chatterbox and Ruston High School in general. The Chatterbox staff strives 

to repay this support by publishing a newspaper that reflects the pride and professionalism expected 

by the school board. Ruston High School continues to receive outstanding support from 

the school board in many ways that every student should be thankful for. Their support of our 

athletic program is apparent with the new facilities planned for the future. The technology emphasis 

and programs ensure that Ruston High School will be prepared for the future. With the 

Celebration of Champions, they recognize all the state champions in every endeavor. They also 

provide resources and funding for many of our extracurricular activities and organizations that 

compete throughout the state and the nation. All said, the Lincoln Parish School Board deserves 

the appreciation of every student at Ruston High School, and Chatterbox is honored to send this 

shout out to them this month. Thanks for being great supporters of the Bearcat Nation! 

First Priority 

by Whitney Durrett 

Photographer/Reporter 

First Priority has had great success at Ruston High! First priority is a club in which the Gospel 

of Christ is presented to other students to encourage them to reach for Christ. So far eleven students 

have given their lives to Christ and this organization hopes for many more! 

Every week a student speaker, small group discussions, or guest speaker presents the Gospel 

to the students attending the meeting. By having a mixture of student lead studies and guest 

speakers, students never get bored and have a chance to hear from many different points of view. 

First priority meets every Thursday in the band room during both lunch shifts and anybody is 

welcome to come! 

Santa joins RHS FBLA Again! 

Keywanettes’ 

Jingle Bell Rock 

by Jocria Thompson 

Social Reporter 

The Keywanettes held their annual Christmas Party, ―Jingle Bell Rock‖ on 

December 9, 2010. Austin Wright, the Keywanettes‘ beau, was also in attendance. 

The beau, a specially selected guy who gets to join the Keywanettes, 

also had the privilege of going to the party. These energized teens rocked the 

holidays with their own spin on holiday fun. They enjoyed different types of 

foods and games, including ―Dirty Santa,‖ their all-time favorite. Dirty Santa 

is a strategic game much like the traditional Secret Santa, but in this game, you 

also have to protect your gifts because others will try to steal them. The Keywanettes 

partied and rocked out the holidays, Keywanettes style. Merry 

Christmas, Bearcats! 

Keywanettes Celebrate ―Jingle Bell Rock‖ 

Mrs. C. Martin with the ―Beau‖ 

Santa Joins FBLA at the Christmas Parade 



Over 40 FBLA members participated in the Ruston Jaycees Christmas Parade on Dec. 10, 2010. For the 

2nd straight year, Santa joined many of the FBLA members on the Ruston Fire Department‘s parade truck. 

After helping Santa find a comfortable chair, everyone joined him in throwing candy and singing as the 

parade ran through downtown Ruston. With the mild temperatures, everyone was able to enjoy the night 

and participate along with the several other Ruston High organizations in the parade. 

With so many members attending this year, FBLA once again had to count on using two vehicles for the 

parade. Thanks to Eric Brazzel, students also rode behind the fire chief‘s truck on a trailer/float. Danielle 

McCoy, FBLA president, ensured that everyone on the float was safe and that the RHS flag waived proudly 

throughout the parade. Amber Brown, FBLA vice president, ensured the safety of members on the parade 

truck and that the FBLA banners waived proudly as well. All members brought candy and entertained each 

other as well as the large crowds that lined the parade route. 

FBLA members enjoying the ride with Santa!

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lubs/Organizations Chatterbox 


Forestry Team Ranked 4th at State Event 

submitted by Mr. Milstead 

FFA Adviser/Sponsor 

Congratulations to the Ruston FFA Forestry 

Team for all of their accomplishments this year. 

Over 80 teams participated this year statewide in the 

Louisiana FFA Forestry Program. On Wednesday, 

November 6, 2010, the top 20 teams in the state competed 

at the State Forestry Career Development 

Event in Leesville, LA. Ruston's team consisted of 

Savannah Best, Will Edmiston, Layton Richard, and 

Zach Hannibal who received 4th place state ranking 

for 2010, which qualified the team to compete at the 

4 state Southern Regional Forestry competition this 

coming spring. Layton Richard was named the 

State's Highest Individual in the Map Reading event. 

Savannah Best scored a career best 412 points in the 

event and led Ruston to its 4th place ranking. Congratulations 

to the Forestry team for this year and 

good luck at Southern Regional's in May. 

FFA Members Host State Officer Event 

submitted by Robert Gilbert 

FFA Reporter 

The Ruston FFA Chapter held a meeting for the Louisiana State FFA Officers so 

that they could meet others and learn more about them. Ruston was one of the schools 

on the State officers Good Will Tour, where chapters travel to different schools to 

introduce themselves. It was a good chance for the chapter to meet and get to know 

more about the other chapter members.. The night started with our regular meeting in 

the auditorium at 6 p.m. It was nothing new but Ruston had to be on their toes in front 

of their guests. During the meeting the state officers performed a skit to show how 

cooperation in everyone can improve the whole organization. It was informative as 

well as inspirational to change how we act towards the FFA. It illustrated how every 

part of FFA works together makes the organization so great. 

After adjourning the meeting the chapter officers moved everyone into the welding 

Congratulations to Savannah Best, Will Edmiston, Zach 

Hannibal, and Layton Richard on their recent 4th place 

ranking at the Louisiana FFA State Forestry Competition. 

shop for the food and socialization part of the night. Everyone piled into the Ag 

Building where they sat around the table eating good food and talking to old friends 

while making new ones. It was a great opportunity for the younger members to get 

involved with the chapter and see the good times this organization can offer. Hopefully 

more members will get involved and get the best experience out of this organization. 

Special thanks to the Food Committee who cooked and prepared the food, and to 

the Recreation Committee for helping set up for the meeting. Finally, thanks to 

Forrest Toney for filling in the Sentinel officer position. We couldn‘t have made this 

meeting without all of you.

C 



The Supply and Demand of American Enterprise Week 

by Christian Amos 

FBLA Multi-media Officer 

The United States of America observes both Free Enterprise week and American Enterprise Day on October 11-15 and November 15, respectively. Free enterprise means that 

business is not restricted by government funding or regulations. Under this system, a business can support itself with its own capital and adapt its own regulations. Businesses 

typically operate under the power of supply and demand. If a product or service is in great demand but supply is low, then it becomes more valuable to the consumer. Thus the 

price goes up. When supply is high and demand is low, the price falls. Competitions between businesses ultimately become a value to the consumers. To keep customers coming 

back for more, business owners offer their products and services at a reasonable price. 

American Enterprise Day began with Jimmy Carter‘s Presidential Proclamation on August 8, 1980. In the 1980‘s, the Chevron Corporation funded the ―Getting Involved‖ 

program to expose young people to capitalism through the Future Business Leaders of America. FBLA Chapters observe American Enterprise Day not only to celebrate the 

American Free Enterprise System and the advantages of doing business within this system, but also to educate other people about it such as in their school and /or community. 

The FBLA Chapter 617 decided to observe and educate the entire student body of Ruston High through a popular comical P.A. system announcement. Members Maxwell 

Cook and Lauren Townsend took part in a broadcasted script reading on November 15 th . The reading featured a well informed male of the American Enterprise system (Maxwell) 

and an oblivious female companion (Lauren). In the script, Maxwell‘s character seemed well endowed on the subject of the free enterprise system. Maxwell started off naming 

many items desired in the American dream such as a sports car, yacht or a vacation home. He continued by noting that many Americans at one time fantasize about owning their 

own business. In the reading, Lauren thinks that owning your own business is all about the money, but Maxwell reassures her that perks like the desire to be your own boss and 

set your own hours is at hand. This announcement provided the student body with a list of characteristics of the economic system under which we live. 

President Carter Proclaims 

American Enterprise Day 

Davis 

& Co 

318-255-4030 

The American Bald Eagle 

Symbol of Freedom and Strength

C 



RHS FBLA Officers in New Orleans! 

submitted by Amber Brown, Jared Spiller, and Elizabeth Smith 

RHS FBLA Vice-President (Service), Reporter, and Technology Coordinator 

A few of the Ruston High School officers of the Future Business Leaders of America 

went to New Orleans to attend the 2010 National Fall Leadership Conference. This 

amazing conference‘s theme was ―Breaking Barriers‖ and lasted for two days; it was a 

very rewarding experience. We were able to assess what kind of leader we were and the leadership skills that we already 

have. We also attend various lectures to learn about the different aspects of the business world, which included 

relationships, accounting, entrepreneurship, and many others. We listened as a few of today‘s business leaders share 

their experiences of successfully overcoming their obstacles. It was a privilege to hear each speaker‘s secrets to success. 

All the speakers were motivating, and truly inspired us to be better, stronger, and successful leaders. One of our 

favorite parts of the conference was the dance! We danced for hours. It was so much fun to socialize with friends and 

meet new people from all over with similar interest. Overall, we found the conference to be a greatly successful learning 

experience because we came away with new friends and a better knowledge of leadership. 

FBLA Chapter 617 officers: Jared Spiller, Amber Brown, Elizabeth Smith, and Justin Welch. 

4-H 

submitted by Darby Rowland 

4-H Club Reporter 

Officers with National President Trever Eymard. 

Ruston 4-H would like to thank everyone who participated in our December 

Sock Drive. Our club partnered with LYFE to collect new/unused socks to 

benefit HUB, an urban ministry to the homeless people of Shreveport. RHS 4- 

H would like to continue to have community service activities throughout the 

year. 4-H members who have ideas about future community service activities 

should contact Aubrey Simmons, the RHS 4-H community service chairperson. 

To be eligible to attend Achievement Day in May, every 4-H member must 

participate in two events. There are several upcoming events to choose from: 

Beef and Dairy Contest posters are due on December 17th to the 4-H Office. 

Any 4-H member who is sixteen years or older can apply for the Key Club 

Award. This application is due on Jan 7, 2011. Be sure to read all the 

requirements for these activities in the newsletter. 

Honey Bee Essay Contest submissions are due by Jan. 26th, 2011 to the 4-H 

Office. The topic is "U.S. honey: A Taste for Every Preference" Awards. 

Cash prizes will go to the top 3 National Winners: 1st Place $750; 2nd 

Place $500; 3rd Place $250. National winners receive an appropriate book 

about honey bees, beekeeping, or honey. See our December newsletter for 

further details. 

Our 4-H Shooting Sports Program is growing every year. This last year Lincoln 

Parish was represented extremely well in our State Competition. If 

you would like to be involved in one of our shooting sports areas, contact 

either Brad Martin for Shotgun at 318-251-1095 or Jeannie Rowland for 

Archery at 318-777-8788. Don't miss out on this exciting and fun 4-H program. 

Please visit http://www.lsuagcenter.com/en/our_offices/parishes/Lincoln/ 

for more information about upcoming 4-H events for the Lincoln Parish.

T 

he Arts 



Band Brings Forth Spirit 


Arts Reporter 

The Ruston High School Bearcat Band is as lively as ever. They‘ve been very busy 

with their upcoming performances. In fact, they held symphonic and concert band auditions 

from November 29 th - December 1 st to see who would be performing with whom. The 

outcome was magnificent and all went well. 

On December 10 th , joy and holiday spirit was sparked in Ruston with the beginning 

band performance and the annual Christmas Parade. During school, the beginning band 

played carols in the cafeteria during both lunch shifts and gave Ruston High students ―a 

dinner and a show‖. Later on that day, the city lights were shining as various Ruston High 

School affiliations rode on floats, fire trucks, and the like through the town. Candy was 

thrown, songs were heard, smiles were seen, and it was a memory to keep. There were 

FBLA members, cheerleaders, and plenty of other students representing the RHS groups. 

However, one that all citizens of Ruston look forward to is the Bearcat Band. Band members 

marched the streets of Ruston and entertained watchers by playing Christmas carols. 

Tonight, December 16 th , the band will perform in the Christmas concert. The RHS 

auditorium doors will open at 6:00 pm. and various carols will be played. It is sure to be a 

grand show! On the 17 th , the halls of Ruston High will be filled with more melodies to 

wish students a Merry Christmas on the last day of school before the Christmas Break. 

The Band has stayed busy working on performances scheduled for the New Year. The 

Band is a wonderful part of the school and brings Ruston Bearcats pride! 

Art Takes a Field-Trip 


Arts Reporter 

The Fine Arts classes loaded up and headed out on November 30 th and December 1 st . 

They traveled to Shreveport, Louisiana, to the R.W. Norton Art Gallery to get hands on 

learning! On the way there, they stopped at McDonald‘s to enjoy a yummy breakfast and 

then hurried on their way. Everyone was excited to get to the museum. 

Upon arrival, a guide met the students to give them a personal tour of the gallery. 

There were sculptures, paintings, and tons of neat art pieces. Afterwards, students were 

given freedom to roam and check out the works on their own time. Some wandered to the 

gift shop, while others took pictures with the interactive displays. The students were 

rounded up and led to the IMAX theatre to watch ―Extreme‖ (Sports). They gathered up to 

leave, but not before they enjoyed some delicious sandwiches for lunch. Most everyone 

claimed to have had a good time! 

Choir Makes Joyful Noise 


Arts Reporter 

The Ruston High Bearcat Choir has been making an impression on Ruston. On 

Monday, December 6 th , the choir held their annual Coffee, Cakes, & Carols at the 

Ruston Civic Center at 7:00 pm. What a sight to behold! The choir performed under 

the direction of Mindy Martin and was accompanied by Madelyne Godley. 

They sang everything from ―God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen‖ to ―Carol of the 

Bells‖. The coffee was rich, the cakes were yummy, and the carols were beautiful. 

On December 16 th and 17 th , the choir will perform their Sing-O-Grams. The 

talented young singers will go caroling wherever clients wish! They will sing from 

five to ten songs at businesses, parties, hospitals, nursing homes, and even private 

homes! Wouldn‘t it be wonderful to open the front door to the sounds of Christmas 

cheer? The choir continues to bring joy to Ruston High. 

We have all your music needs at 

Piney Hills Music!! 

214 N. Trenton Street 

232-3002

F oreign Languages Chatterbox 


Learning How to say “NO” 

by Stephany Arias 

Senior Reporter 

When it comes to peer pressure, it easier for people to say ―YES‖ and harder to say ―NO.‖ People begin to believe 

that consequences to saying ―no‖ will be the loss of respect of their friends; of the popular people. What I mean by this is 

that there are moments in our life where you can choose the right thing to do or the thing that everyone says you should 

do. I know that many of you out there have decisions to make in an everyday life… And some of those are whether you 

will use drugs or drink alcohol. If something like that ever happens to you, then I want to give you some tips that may 

help you get away from it: 

Just say, ―I‘m sorry. I can't do this right now.‖ Try saying it nicely but firm, letting them know that there is 

something else really important that you have to do. 

It‘s OK to say, ―Let me think about it and I‘ll get back to you.‖ It will make them think that you may do it later, 

and they may even forget about it. 

But if you are one of those persons that know that doing things like that is the wrong thing to do, then I encourage you to say a big ―NOOOOOO‖. Because you know 

you can do better than that. 

Always remember that you own your life, and only you can decide what to do with it. That also means that you are the only one who is responsible for what happens to it. I 

would like to encourage you to take the time to think before you act and do what is in the best interest for you not what everyone else may say. Your life is in your hands always 

keep it up don‘t ever drop it for someone else‘s opinions or ideas when they are not right. 

Père Noël 

Submitted by Mrs. Greenwood 

French teacher/club adviser 

En France on fête Noël le 24 décembre. 

Ils vont à l‘église pour la messe de minuit. 

Après la messe, ils rentrent à la maison pour le Réveillon. 

Ils mangent un grand repas avec de la dinde farcie. 

Comme dessert, il y a une belle Bûche de Noël qui ressemble à une branche d‘arbre. 

C‘est un gâteau avec de la crème dedans. 

Les enfants ne mettent pas de bas devant la cheminée, mais des sabots (les chaussures en bois). 

Père Noël vient dans la nuit pour y mettre des petits cadeaux. 

Festividades Navideñas 

by Stephany Arias 

Senior Reported 

La Bûche de Noël 

Este mes del año es uno de los más importantes e interesantes para muchas personas. Ya que en este se celebra el 

nacimiento del niño Jesús y también es importante porque en este mes las familias se reúnen para pasarla together. 

Even before the beginning of this month people go shopping and get ready for it. En muchos países hispanos, las 

familias decoran su casas con mucha felicidad, algunas familias encojen tener solo el ―Nacimiento‖ que representa 

el nacimiento del niño Jesús y no el ―Arbolito de Navidad‖, y otras prefieren tener ambos. Algo muy importante 

también es la comida ya que todos los países no tienen el mismo tipo de alimentos. Pero este es servido sobre todo 

el 24 de diciembre en la noche buena y también el último día del año que es el 31 de diciembre. So I wish everyone 

a Happy Christmas and the best of all while spending time with the people you love. 

Language Fest with Holiday Spirit 



Un Sabot 

On December 4 th , the Ruston High Spanish, German, and French Clubs gathered together to host their annual Language Festival. This year the language fest was held at St. 

Thomas Catholic Church from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. The language clubs provided various foods from each culture and displayed projects done by their students. Of these projects 

were banners, which hung all around the hall so that people were able to view them and vote on the best for each language club. 

This year‘s Christmas music was provided by the various students from the RHS Choir and the Language Fest Band, composed of various RHS Band students. ―I really enjoyed 

the Language Fest this year,‖ says German Club member and Language Fest Band flutist, Anna Scroggins, ―the food and displays were great and the music was lively.‖ 

The Language Fest is not just a fun time to try food from different culture, but it‘s a time for people to enjoy the holiday season. Merry Christmas Bearcats!

S enior Spotlights Chatterbox 


Name: Dinah Diaz 

Age: 17 

Family: Eliot & Nancy (Parents), Sarah (sister) 

Favorites... 

Subject: Algebra 2 Movie: Pride and Prejudice Animal: Koala Color: Green Book/Magazine: Jane Eyre 

Quote: ―There is therefore now no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus‖ Romans 8:1 

What do you like best about RHS: My fro-sister Mrs. Wooley 

Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: NHS, Adv. Choir, FCA, LYFE, Tennis (Varsity) 

College plans: LA Tech/ Mechanical Engineering 

Your hero: Julie Stephenson 

Name: Adam Bryant (Biggin‘) 

Age: 17 

Family: Mom, Stepdad, and Sister 

Favorites... 

Subject: Physics Movie: Tombstone Animal: Dog Color: Red 

Quote: ―Give a man a fish you feed him for a day, teach a man to fish you feed him for a life time.‖ 

Most embarrassing moment: When I fell down the stairs my Freshman year 

What do you like best about RHS: Ag class 

Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: FFA 

Your hero: My Grandfather 

Name: Emma Norton...Emma isn‘t really a nickname friendly name 

Age: 17 

Family: Larkin (Mom), Dean (Dad), Liam (brother) 

Favorites... 

Subject: Not math...World History Movie: Sister Wendy or Luther Color: Blue Book/Magazine: 1984 & To Kill a Mockingbird 

Quote: ―Men are not prisoners of fate, but only prisoners of their own minds.‖ -FDR 

What do you like best about RHS: Free day Friday in Star Commander Nutt‘s AP Civics class or yearbook pizza Thursdays 

Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Debate, Mentors, Key Club, Keywanettes, National Honor Society, Ambassadors 

College plans: LSU/ either Political Science or Communications 

Your hero: Mr. Elliott 

Name: Zach Davis 

Age: 17 

Family: Michael (Dad), Connie (Stepmom), Kelsey (sister), Jennifer (Mom), Larry (Stepdad), Adam, Cammy (Stepbrothers), Vannessa 

(Stepsister), The Holmes (2nd family) 

Favorites... 

Subject: Science Movie: Sherlock Holmes Animal: Ferret Color: Black 

Quote: ―Life is a river, there are no floaties, shutup and swim‖ - Random old guy on a Chicago Train 

What do you like best about RHS: Pride 

Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Debate 

Your hero: Jordan Holmes 

Name: Christopher Taylor 

Age: 18 

Family: Dwight & Phyllis Taylor (parents), Phylisha & Christen Taylor (siblings), ―Lay-Lay‖ (niece) 

Favorites... 

Subject: Music (Choir) Movie: August Rush Color: Blue 

Most embarrassing moment: My wireless mike fell during a duet at Bearcats on Broadway my Sophomore year. 

What do you like best about RHS: School spirit, club variety, and availability of college credit courses 

Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Varsity Tennis, Adv. Choir, KOM council, National Honor Society, FCA, Spanish club, Leading Lincoln 

College plans: LSU or NSU/Journalism or Music Education 

Your hero: My mom - Love you!



Name: Marci McDowell (Marci Lou) 

Age: 17 

Family: The Methodist Children‘s Home 

Favorites... 

Subject: Biology (Mrs. Winstead is Awesome!) Movie: The Grinch who Stole Christmas Animal: Rubber Ducky Color: Green 

Book/Magazine: Bible 

Quote: ―Believe in yourself!‖ 

What do you like best about RHS: The Lady Bearcats basketball team of course! 

Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: FBLA, Art club, 4-H, and Basketball manager 

College plans: ULM/ Construction management 

Your hero: Ms. Rashida Taylor 

Name: Cecil Gray (Cecil the Diesel, Big C, Big Daddy) 

Age: 18 

Family: Cecil Sr. (Dad), Charlene (Mom) 

Favorites... 

Subject: Social Studies Movie: Friday Animal: Dogs Color: Red 

Quote: ―I rather be hated for who I am than loved for who I‘m not‖ 

What do you like best about RHS: A Bearcat Friday 

Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Football 

College plans: Somewhere close to home 

Your hero: My parents 

Name: Destanie Roberts (Ke-Ke, D-Rob, Becky (soccer girls) 

Age: 93 

Family: Mom, Granny, Aunt, cousin, sister, brother, god brother 

Favorites... 

Subject: Mrs. Norton‘s English Movie: Wrong Turn 1,2,3 Animal: House dog Color: Purple Book/Magazine: Ruston Daily Leader 

Quote: ―What‘s done in the dark comes to the light‖ 

What do you like best about RHS: The fun/cool teachers 

Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Soccer all day 

College plans: Pat Goins Beauty School 

Your hero: My Grams 

Name: Keke Sims 

Age: 17 

Family: Antonio (Dad), Tashica (Mom), Antonio II (brother), Zariah (sister), Kyler (god brother) 

Favorites... 

Subject: English IV Movie: The Hangover Animal: Monkeys Color: Pink 

Quote: ―A word of encouragement during a failure is worth more than an hour of praise after success.‖ 

What do you like best about RHS: Friday night football, and Soccer season 

Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Soccer, KOM, FCA 

College plans: LSU/ Biomedical Science 

Your hero: My Mom 

Name: Valerie Wheat 

Age: 17 

Family: Robbie (Mom), Rick (Dad), Victoria (sister) 

Favorites... 

Subject: Choir Movie: Remember Me Animal: Nessie! Color: Blue Book/Magazine: Alice in Wonderland 

Quote: ―Ultimately love is everything.‖ -M. Scott Peck 

What do you like best about RHS: The awesome teachers 

Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: KOM, Choir, Spanish club, FBLA 

College plans: LA Tech/ Biology 

Your hero: My parents



Name: April Lashun Wright 

Age: 18 

Family: Nette, Elliott, Tran, Hannah, Tori & Ta‘Niyah, Romekia, Marlo Mike (Cousin) 

Favorites... 

Subject: Certified Nursing Assistant Animal: My dog, Speed Color: Pink 

Quote: ―I love my haters‖ 

What do you like best about RHS: The pep rallies 

Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Pom Squad, FCA, PCI 

College plans: Grambling State University/ Nursing 

Your hero: God 

Name: Bryan Moss (bReaL) 

Age: 18 

Family: Brian (Dad), Christine (Mom), Ryan (brother), Curenity Emerison (sister) 

Favorites... 

Subject: Ag III; woodworking Movie: Pineapple Express; Friday Animal: Pit bull Color: Green Book/Magazine: Sports Illustrated 

What do you like best about RHS: Leaving school early; Jean‘s Friday 


College plans: CTC or Delta 

Your hero: My Grandma & Mother and Mark Milstead 

Name: Jessie Joyner 

Age: 17 

Family: Barry (Dad), Debbie (Mom), Joshua, Jacob (brothers) 

Favorites... 

Subject: STEM Physics Movie: Anchorman; The Legend of Ron Burgandy Animal: Hank (my dawg) Color: Blue 

Quote: ―So, like, What is an egg? A vegetable?‖ -Hannah Maud 

Most embarrassing moment: When Gauge Meeds popped me with a towel in the locker room 

Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: RHS Cross Country 

College plans: LA Tech/ Engineering 

Your hero: Jesus 

Name: Lauren Prescott 

Age: 17 

Family: Bill & Stacy (parents), Taylor, Jordan (brothers), Dani (sister) 

Favorites... 

Subject: Algebra III with Mrs. Johnson Movie: Pride & Prejudice Animal: Dog Color: Turquoise Book/Magazine: Redeeming Love 

Quote: ―Mexicooooo!‖ -Caroline Oakley 

What do you like best about RHS: 4th hour with Brody Neal 

Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Soccer, FCA, LYFE, KOM 

College plans: Mississippi College/ International Business 

Your hero: Caroline Oakley 

Name: Michael Thompson 

Age: 17 

Family: Jenifer (Mom), Fred (Dad), Clay, Robert, Zack (brothers) 

Favorites... 

Subject: Physics Movie: Bill & Ted‘s Excellent Adventures Animal: Dog Color: Blue 

Quote: ―Whatever floats your boat‖ 

What do you like best about RHS: Mr. E‘s Physics class 

Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Soccer 

College plans: LA Tech/ some kind of Engineering



Name: Raylyn Rist 

Age: 17 

Family: Mom, Stepdad, sister, 2 puppies 

Favorites... 

Subject: COE Movie: Dear John Animal: Puppies Color: Blue 

Quote: ―The players play, the helpers help, the watchers watch, and we don't get them confused‖ -Coach Hall 

What do you like best about RHS: Beat Neville pep rallies; Traveling with softball 

Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Trainer for football and softball trips 

College plans: Northwestern/ Physical Therapy; Nursing 

Your hero: Mom 

Name: Avneet Bola 

Age: 17 

Family: Mom, Dad, brother 

Favorites... 

Subject: Chemistry Movie: Spirited Away Animal: I like Twuhrtles Color: Teal 

Quote: ―Life is not measured by the breathes we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.‖ 

Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: NHS, Debate 

College plans: ULM/ Pre-Pharmacy 

Name: Patrick Beatty 

Age: Almost a Senior citizen 

Family: The Ruston High Soccer team 

Favorites... 

Subject: every class with Mary Cox...she‘s so fine Animal: My anaconda Color: I like my color like I like my women...tan 

Book/Magazine: Euro sport (Soccer Bible) 

Quote: ―Text it….BEAST MODE!‖ -Coach Walsh 

Most embarrassing moment: When Robbie D. completely pantsed me in front of the girl‘s soccer team Freshman year...actually I wasn‘t 

embarrassed 

What do you like best about RHS: I just love all the popular, preppy cliques that think they run this school 

College plans: None, my GPA is 1.2...but one point higher than Jessie‘s 

Your hero: Coach Joe ―too cool‖ Harris 

Name: Mary Glenn Lyons (MG, Princess Glennie, Glennie, MGL, Marge, Ole Two Name) 

Age: 17 

Family: Pat (Dad), Beth (Mom), Jonathan (brother), Anna Hitt (sister), Brandy (sister-in-law), Lyle Hitt (brother-in-law), Luke (nephew) 

Madison Meyer (princess sister) 

Favorites... 

Subject: World History with Sutt Dawg Movie: Love Actually Animal: Tuwwwwtle Color: Green 

Book/Magazine: Cold Tangerines & Blue Like Jazz 

Quote: ―Preach and if necessary use words.‖ -Charles Spurgeon 

What do you like best about RHS: Randall Lynn‘s puppet pals in Physics 

Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Keywanettes, Key Club, BUMS, National Honor Society, Bush‘s Boys, FCA, KOM 

College plans: LSU/ Early Child Development; Family & Child Studies 

Your hero: Nick Richardson (du) lolz 

Name: Justin Wilkinson 

Age: 17 

Family: Roger (Dad) 

Favorites... 

Subject: Ag. Movie: Hangover Animal: Kangaroo Color: Green Book/Magazine: Car and Truck Magazine 

Most embarrassing moment: Went to the wrong class for three days and didn‘t even know it 

What do you like best about RHS: Leaving early and being a Senior 


College plans: Work and go to the lake everyday then look at college 

Your hero: Ninja Turtles



Name: Savey‘a Payton (Savion) 

Age: 18 

Family: Daphne, Queen, Octavia, Devontez, Derasquez, Trey 

Favorites... 

Subject: PE Movie: Step Up Animal: Snow leopard Color: White Book/Magazine: ESPN Magazine 

Quote: ―Life is a beach; I‘m just playing in the sand‖ 

What do you like best about RHS: Playing basketball, and the Dance line and Cheerleaders 

Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Basketball 

College plans: Go to LA Tech, Grambling, or out of state 

Your hero: Mom 

Name: Sarah Gordon 

Age: 17 

Family: Olivia (Mom), Phil (Dad), Abby (sister), Dipper & Buddin (cats) 

Favorites... 

Subject: American History Movie: Ratatouille Animal: Buckeye Color: Purple Book/Magazine: Chatterbox duhh? 

Quote: John 10:10 

What do you like best about RHS: The new healthy cafeteria meals 

Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Softball, Cheer, Comp. Squad 

College plans: LA Tech/Elementary Education 

Your hero: Mrs. Cochran 

Name: Jedaven Goldsby (Jai) 

Age: 19 

Favorites... 

Subject: English Movie: Baby Bay Animal: Pit bulls Color: Orange 

Quote: ―When it all unfolds it will be a brighter day‖ 

Most embarrassing moment: I fell in the mall 

What do you like best about RHS: The football games 

College plans: Delta 

Your hero: My Grandmother 

Name: Demario Freeman 

Age: 19 

Family: Angela Williams (Mom), Lannie Williams (Stepdad), Lamant Freeman (brother) 

Favorites... 

Subject: English four Movie: All Animal: Tiger Color: Black, white, green, red 

Quote: ―Know who you know has your back and never ever bite the hand that fed you‖ 

What do you like best about RHS: Learn from the teachers and fellow students 

Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Played football (9th-11th) 

College plans: LA Technical College/ Undecided 

Your hero: Lamant Freeman 

Name: Robert Gilbert 

Age: 18 

Family: Beth Toney (Mom), Brian Gilbert (Dad), Eva Best, Brianna Toney, Brienna Gilbert (sisters), Lucas Gilbert, Forrest Toney, Brandon 

Gilbert, Brandon Tone (brothers) 

Favorites... 

Subject: Ag Movie: Never Back Down Animal: Dogs Color: Brown Book/Magazine: Heroes Don’t Run 

Quote: ―If you want it, get it. If you can‘t reach it, climb a little higher‖ 

What do you like best about RHS: Being a Senior 


College plans: NADC/Auto Mechanic 

Your hero: My sister Brienna Gilbert

S tudent Center 



Ask Russell 

submitted by Beau Russell 

RHS Class President 

What is the meaning of Christmas? 

―And it came to pass in those days, that there 

went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all 

the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was 

first made when Cyrenius was governor of 

Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into 

his own city. And Joseph also went up from 

Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, 

unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; 

(because he was of the house and lineage 

of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused 

wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, 

while they were there, the days were accomplished 

that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped 

him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in 

the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch 

over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the 

Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear 

not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto 

you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a 

sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And 

suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.‖ – Luke 2:1-14 KJV 

Do you prefer having the midterms before or after winter break? 

Before! ‗Cause between December 25th (Christmas), December 29th 

(BEAUtiful‘s birthday), and January 10, 2011 (Auburn becomes national 

champs…keep hatin‘ LSU…), I ain‘t even going to be thinkin‘ about 

school! Nuh uh! No sir/ma‘am! Have a GREAT HOLIDAY RHS! I less 

than three y‘all!

F 

Sudoku 

Un Page 


Graphics/Design Editor 

12 

8 

4 



DRUMMERS 

DRUMMING 

LADIES 

LUNCHING 

RIVAL 

CLASSES 

11 

7 

3 

CHEERLEADERS 

CHEERING 

COACHES 

SCREAMING 

FOREIGN 

LANGUAGES 

“Sorry, guys, I’m not here this month. I’ve decided to go on vacation 

early. So enjoy this RHS-themed 12 Days of Christmas. See you 

guys next semester, and Merry Christmas. Ho ho ho and stuff.” 

10 

6 

2 

TEACHERS 

TEACHING 

SLACKERS 

SLACKING 

DRUM 

MAJORS 

Christmas Word Search 

An extra SPECIAL THANKS to the Chatterbox staff, for helping me put this together! 

You guys are the best! - Gray Taylor 

9 

5 

1 

R 

H 

S 

BELLES 

A-DANCING 

CHAMPIONSHIP 

RINGS (not really) 

AWESOME 

CHATTERBOX! 


2 

0 

1 

0

S 

ponsors and Staff Chatterbox 


2010-2011 Chatterbox Sponsors 

Platinum Level Sponsors: ($200 +) Mark Bartlett, LLC First National Bank 

Ruston High School Alumni Association Garrett Foundation (Grant) 

Gold Level Sponsor: ($100 - $199) RHS FBLA, Chapter 617 

Silver Level Sponsor: ($50 - $99) Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office Lloyd and Christy Bruner RHS Business Department 

2010-2011 Chatterbox Advertisers 

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

Lincoln ACHIEVE Cathi Cox 2 

Ruston PTA Melinda McIntire 2 

BESTWAY Michael Kolb 3 

Bell Jar Irie Ewers 4 

Driver‘s Ed Ricky Durrett 5 

The Strand Christin Cross 12 

The Strand Jessica Farris 14 

King of Hearts Pat Murray 15 

Davis & Co Dana Davis 16 

Pow Wow Manuel and Nilda Chinchilla 17 

Piney Hills Music Nick Goff 18 

Geri G. Taylor Geri Taylor 28 

Nick Brown Show Nick Brown 29 

Power House Tumble & Cheer Susan Simoneaux 31 

Pack & Mail Scott Knowles 31 

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

If interested in sponsoring or advertising in the Chatterbox, email us at chatterbox@lincolnschools.org 

2010-2011 RHS Chatterbox Staff 

Senior Editor Amber Brown Senior 

News Editor Natasha Alva Senior 

Assistant News Editor Lauren Townsend Junior 

Graphics/Design Editor Gray Taylor Senior 

Senior Reporter Stephany Arias Senior 

Sports Editor Christian Amos Senior 

Business Manager Elizabeth Smith Junior 

Academics Reporter Polly Michelle Gwan Junior 

Arts Reporter Emily Moore Junior 

Clubs Reporter Amy Gibson Junior 

Clubs Reporter Shamario Daniel Junior 

Education Reporter Benicia King Junior 

Social Reporter Jocria Thompson Junior 

Social Reporter Patricia Duhart Junior 

Sports Reporter Reed Malek Junior 

Sports Reporter Arquisia Williams Sophomore 

Photographer Savannah Chrisman Sophomore 

Photographer Whitney Durrett Sophomore 

Guest Reporter Kori Teague Junior 

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

S ports 



Swim Team Finishes 

Season at State Meet 



Bearcat Football Recap 

by Reed Malek 


On November 12, 2010 the Bearcats completed another fantastic and exciting season, finishing with an 

overall record of 6-5 and a 4-1 District 3-4A record. Their season had an unfavorable start; the ‗Cats lost 

three of their first four games including a heartbreaker to Ouachita Parish, 28-26. Ruston turned their season 

around after their Homecoming loss to Sulphur, winning five of their six remaining regular-season 

games including a victory over their archrival Neville Tigers 20-19, a game which will never be forgotten 

by its witnesses. Their only loss during these six games was a 44-41 defeat at the hands of the Bastrop 

Rams. 

The ‗Cats rolled into the playoffs in high spirits after a 57-6 trouncing of the Franklin Parish Patriots, 

but these hopes were crushed by the Woodlawn Panthers in the first round of the playoffs as Ruston was 

defeated 35-14. This marks the second consecutive Bearcat football season which did not survive past the 

first round of the playoffs. 

Though this is very frustrating for Bearcats and their fans, we should not dwell in the past but instead 

look forward to another great season next year. 

On Nov. 17-18, the swim team attended the LHSAA State Championship 

in Sulphur, LA to mark the end of their season. The championship 

was a two day preliminary finals meet and was for qualifying 

swimmers in 4A schools. 

The participants were: Chaning Dorr, Natalie Dyke, (freshmen) A.J. 

Brown, Maddie Huckabee, Jake Kyte, (sophomores) Chase Borden, 

(junior) and Taylor Kaufman (senior). Each team member contributed 

points to the total result and did well in their individual events. Chase 

Borden came in 9 th place in the 100-meter breaststroke and 17 th in the 

50-meter freestyle. AJ Brown placed 24 th in the 50-meter freestyle and 

Chaning Dorr sited an 11 th place in the 100-meter breaststroke. Natalie 

Dyke had a place of 14 th in the 100-meter fly and 21 st in the 100-meter 

backstroke while Taylor Kaufman took the 5 th place in 100-meter backstroke 

and 10 th in the 200-meter individual medley. Jake Kyte took 

home a runner-up win in the 500-meter freestyle and a 4 th place finish 

in the 200-meter freestyle. The ladies relay squad of Taylor Kaufman, 

Chaning Dorr, Maddie Huckabee and Natalie Dyke came out of the 

water with an 8 th place finish for the Girls 200-meter Freestyle Relay. 

Ultimately, the girls finished in 12 th place overall out of the 20 

teams that participated. The boys came in at 13 th overall over the 18 

competitors.

S ports 



The Other Football Season Begins 

by Reed Malek 


Bearcat boys‘ and girls‘ varsity soccer teams have recently begun their seasons 

and both are off to pleasing starts. 

Boys Soccer 

The boys‘ varsity soccer team has started the season 5-3 and continues to work 

hard after school and at games. Leading scorers for the boys as of mid-December 

have been Patrick Beatty with 6 goals and Rafael Lucayo with 5 goals. After a rough 

tournament down south, the Bearcats look to rebound and improve their winning 

record. A notable triumph for the boys came in their first game, which they won over 

Minden 9-0. Patrick Beatty and Rafael Lucayo each had three goals and Josh Beatty, 

Cameron Perez, and Logan Sanderson each had one goal. 

Girls Soccer 

Ruston girls‘ varsity soccer has begun the season marvelously, winning 6 games 

and losing only 2. A notable win for the girls this season was against Minden. The 

Bearcats demolished the Minden Crimson Tide 7-1. Caroline Oakley and Traci Evans 

each had one goal, Lauren Prescott (December Player of the Month see page 30) 

had two goals, and Garielle Dupree scored three goals. 

Ex-Bearcat Dan Childress to Join Father 

in LHSAA Hall 


Sports Editor 

Dan Childress who competed in football, baseball and 

track for Ruston High from 1980-83 will be inducted into 

the Louisiana High School Athletic Association Sports Hall 

of Fame, along with seven other individuals on January 26. 

Childress will join his father, former Ruston head football 

coach Jimmy ―Chick‖ Childress, in the esteemed hall 

of fame. During his four years playing for his father at 

RHS, Dan Childress led the Bearcats to the state champ title 

in 1882. Childress‘ other school records include 278 completions 

out of 475 attempts, a 3,350 yardage proof, and 29 

touchdowns. 

On the baseball diamond he was a Bearcat outfielder. At 

the plate Childress placed a .356 batting average. As a sen- 

Academic Eligibility 


Sports Editor 

The Louisiana High School Athletic Association, the 

governing body of all high school athletic teams in the 

state, established a set of minimum requirement for all its 

member schools. The LHSAA requirements are that a 

student-athlete must maintain a GPA of at least 2.0 or 

―C‖ average and must have six state-approved courses on 

their transcript from the previous semester. But the case 

is different for student-athletes who are seniors. Seniors 

who have earned 20 or more scholastic units must take at 

least four subjects each semester, but these can not be 

courses previously passed by the student. For seniors 

attending schools using the block schedule, they must be 

enrolled in at least two courses per semester to compete. 

So what happens if a student-athlete is found academi- 

ior he increased his already outstanding record 

to a .401 batting average. Dan Childress 

also was a district track and field champ in 

javelin. Coach Shannon Frasier who played 

with Dan Childress in high school says, ―He was 

a leader, he was a team captain, he was a student 

of the game‖ 

Other honorees to be inducted alongside Childress 

will include basketball idol Alana Beard, 

track and field Olympian Hollis Conway, basketball 

legend Gayle Hatch, Coach Dahrie Koenig, 

competitor-coach Frances Lyles and football 

coach Donnie Perron. 

cally ineligible? For Students who are ineligible, it‘s not 

the end of their athletic career. They may work to recapture 

their eligibility the following semester. 

Besides making requirements for student-athletes, the 

LHSAA also recognizes student-athletes that stand out 

academically with their Academic All-State Program. 

This is just one of many ways the LHSAA strives to develop 

the athlete, as well as the student. 

Here are some responses to the question, ―Should the 

LHSAA raise the standard 2.0 GPA or leave it the 

same?‖ 

―It should be raised most definitely to at least a 2.5. 

My parents don‘t let me play sports if I have a ‗C‘‖- 

Madison Meyer, senior student-athlete 

―It doesn‘t matter; West Monroe is still going to get 

their player eligible so if Ruston wants to start competing 

we should do the same‖-Nick Richardson, senior studentathlete 

―I definitely think the standards should be higher. If 

‗student‘ athletes cannot handle juggling school, life, & 

extra curricular activities when they are young how will 

they handle life as an adult, which is exponentially 

harder. Remember you are STUDENT athletes, where 

student comes first!‖- Tamara Pisciotta, parent of studentathlete 

In conclusion, students, perform well in the class as 

you do on the field or on the court, your athlete career 

may depend on it.

S ports 



Player of the Month: Lauren Prescott 


Sports Editor 

Lauren Prescott, a senior, has been one of the 

leading scorers for the girls soccer team for the 

past two years. 

As a junior Lauren was voted MVP (Most 

Valuable Player) and her stats so far this year 

show that she is worthy of that title already dribbling 

in more than 10 goals this year. This 

month Lauren was voted ―Player of the Month‖ 

by her very own team mates, instead of by the 

usual coach‘s vote. Other awards this remarkable 

soccer player has been graced with are making 

first team all-district her freshman, sophomore, 

and junior years, and during her junior year she 

was district offensive MVP. 

Off the field, this center-mid is a regular high 

school student participating in clubs such as 

LYFE, KOM, FCA, and Spanish Club. Besides 

playing soccer Lauren‘s hobbies include hanging 

Girls Basketball Achieving 

High Status 


Sports reporter 

The girls‘ basketball team started 

their season with a Jamboree that was 

held on Nov. 18 with many teams participating. 

On Nov. 23, the Lady Bearcats 

played in the Ouachita Tournament 

and brought home three wins. 

First the Ladies went head-to-head 

against Walker High School and passed 

them with a score of 66-60. The next 

game was matched up against Barbe 

High School, and the Ladies also swept 

the scoreboard with the total points 

rounding out to 76-26. The next competition 

was versus 

University Lab High. 

The ladies prevailed 

once again with a 

close outcome of 54- 

53. The Lady Bearcats 

were down by 

one point in the University 

match-up, 

when Chelsea Rogers 

came just in time to 

shoot a jumper at the 

buzzer! 

Nov. 30 posed yet 

another challenge 

against Ouachita Par- 

“I think without her on 

the team, we wouldn’t 

be a team” 

ish. Unfortunately, the Lady ‗Cats came 

down with a loss of 41-46. Jasmine 

White scored 12 points while Chelsea 

Rogers (#14) and Byroneshia Santiago 

(#30) resulted with 8 points each. While 

getting over the loss to Ouachita, the 

Ladies came back to face Athens in the 

Homer Tournament on Dec. 2. Proving 

to not get another loss, these alert ladies 

got back on the fast track and dominated 

Athens. Byroneshia marked the 

board with 19 points and Chelsea 

Rogers shot accurately to score 7 

points. Shadarria 

C r a w f o r d ( # 2 3 ) 

achieved 10 points and 

got 10 rebounds resulting 

in a double-double. 

These ladies are really 

working hard toward 

obtaining a championship 

title. By currently 

being power ranked as 

#7 in the state and having 

a recent record of 4 

-1, they are really 

proving to be more 

than worthy to be 

marked Champions. 

out with friends and eating pomegranates. She 

plans to major in International Business but is 

undecided on a college so far. 

All I have to say is that she is an amazing 

player; she really helps me out and most of the 

others she is a really good player and has awesome 

skills‖ says Helen Ayim, a fellow team 

mate ―I think without her on the team, we wouldn‘t 

be a team‖ 

Lauren‘s planned goals for the 2010-11 season 

is to win district as a team. As a personal goal she 

plans to increase her goal record from last year. 

For every away game Lauren eats a pomegranate 

on the bus with her best friend senior Caroline 

Oakley as a pre-game ritual. 

Number fifteen on the field but number one in 

your heart, Lauren Prescott says, ―Go Lady Bearcats!‖ 

Bearcat Basketball Tips Off 

by Reed Malek 


As the weather gets 

colder and the holiday 

seasons roll around, Ruston 

High basketball is 

beginning to heat up! 

The Bearcats began the 

season 2-3, though 

merely eight points were 

their largest margin of 

defeat for those three 

losses. 

Bearcat basketball 

began their regular season 

on November 22 

against Southwood High 

School at a tournament 

in Shreveport. The Cats were defeated 44 

-36 by the Cowboys. Ruston‘s key players 

were Jamaya Burr (18 points, 3 assists), 

Jerry Melton (8 points, 6 rebounds), 

and Ronald Spivey (4 points). 

The Bearcats gained their first win of 

the season in their next game on November 

24 against the Byrd Yellow Jackets. 

Jamaya Burr had 14 points and 2 assists 

and Tray Mateen with 9 points and 11 

rebounds. The Cats pulled away with a 

24-19 victory, evening their record at 1- 

1. 

Ruston then faced the Ouachita Parish 

Lions at Denmon Carter Court at home 

and won 60-52. The Bearcats were led in 

scoring by Tray Mateen (18 points, 13 

rebounds, 3 assists) and Jerry Melton (17 

points, 8 rebounds), giving the Cats a 2-1 

record. 

The Bearcats then traveled to Campti, 

Louisiana to play in a tournament at 

Lakeview High School. Ruston was defeated 

62-57 by Winnfield High in their 

first game and 52-50 to Lakeview High 

in their second. Tray Mateen led the 

Bearcats in scoring for both games; he 

had 19 points and 11 rebounds against 

Winnfield and 17 points and 13 rebounds 

against Lakeview.

S 

ports 



Cross Country: District Champs 


Sports Editor 

Both the girls and boys Cross Country teams 

shutout the competition on November 9 at the 

district race. 

In the opening of the race, the Lady Bearcats 

stuck together for the most part. Then three 

Lady Cats broke from the pack to dominate the 

district 2-4A Championship. These Ladies were 

sophomore Anna Hall, senior Casey Pierce 

(November Player of the Month), and Haven 

Schroder. All three girls crossed the finish line, 

with hands in tacked as district champions! This 

continued a long tradition of district champions 

for Ruston High. 

Junior Matt Cardenas 

sprint to the finish line. 

The guys stand as champions! 

After a heart breaking trophy snatch by the 

judges (reference article to cartoon on page 11), 

the boys cross country team stood up with their 

heads high to accept their state runner-up trophy. 

Ruston was represented by two runners in the 

top ten. The boys were lead by Chase Millien at 

sixth place. Chase finished the race with a time 

of 16:58.14. Dominique Cheffin rounded off the 

top ten by crossing the finish line for tenth place 

at 17:14.48. 

In the boys‘ race, the speed demon, Chase 

Millien dominated the district 2-4A race. At 

start, Chase broke from the pack at a steady 

speed to win the race. Chase finished the race 

with a time of 16:03.41, a personal best. Behind 

the state champ, was sophomore Dominique 

Cheffin with a time of 16:39.92. All Ruston 

boys finished in the top ten: Matt Cardenas 

(4th), Dylan Maud (5th), James Davison (6th), 

Emanuel Gwan (7th), and Jordan Rushing (8th). 

The boys crushed the competition with an 

average time of 16:40.81 and the girls dominated 

with 20:22.29. 

Haven Shroeder, Casey Pierce and Anna 

Hall Crossing the Finish line as Champs. 

Cross Country: State Runner-ups 


Sports Editor 

Seniors Haven Shroeder and Casey Pierce 

finished their state competition at a close margin. 

Haven at sixth with a 20:27.03 time, and 

Casey finished seventh with a 20:27.05. Behind 

the two seniors was sophomore Anna Hall. Anna 

finished in the eighth place. The time Anna finished 

the state race was 20:35.70. 

These excellent times earned these two teams 

the title of class 4A state runner-up. 

Millien leads the pack. Ruston, in black, weaves through the competition.

B earcat Spirit 



RHS Cheerleaders Bring Home 3 Championship Titles 

submitted by Mrs. Reeder 

Cheerleader Sponsor 

The Ruston High School Competition Cheer squad 

recently returned from the National Cheerleaders Association 

(NCA) Classic Championship in Little Rock. The 

squad of 33 competed on December 4 in four divisions: 

Non-Tumbling Performance, Timeout Cheer, Timeout 

Dance and Fight Song. 

This is the third year for Ruston High to have a competitive 

cheer team, and they are making a strong name 

for themselves and the Bearcat Nation with the NCA. 

2010 brings a new challenge for the competition squad— 

competing in four different categories with four new routines. 

We Are Back! 

Submitted by Beau Russell 

Student Council/Bush’s Boys President 

Hello beautiful people! This is your Student 

Council President/ Bush‘s Boys President, 

Beau Martin Russell! I want to encourage 

you to become one of the few, the proud, 

the Bush‘s Boys! Btft…Join! 

Bush‘s Boys is a fan group for our boys 

and girls basketball teams. We go to the 

home and most of the away games. Basically, 

we scare the other team, in a non-violent 

way. Boys and girls can be a part of the 

greatness. The only requirements are first buy 

the $10.00 Bush‘s Boys t-shirt featuring a 

new design and be prepared to yell until it is 

The squad placed first in Non-Tumbling, Timeout 

Dance and Fight Song, and second in the Timeout Cheer. 

The NCA Arkansas Classic boasted over 30 teams and 

RHS finished with the highest overall score out of any 

school with 94 out of 100 in the Fight Song. 

The performance division, where the team performs 

the non-tumbling routine, involves two minutes and thirty 

seconds of stunts, jumps, dance, and a cheer section. To 

work in RHS tradition, the fight song from last year has 

been updated with the cheerleaders spelling out ―CATS‖ 

like we do at halftime during football season with the 

band. The Timeout Cheer, Timeout Dance and Fight 

impossible for you to 

talk anymore! 

Recently, the vicepresident 

Conner Haskins 

and I designed a new t-shirt 

and got sponsored by the 

following: Community Trust 

Bank, Skip Russell State 

Farm, Tommy‘s Tees, and 

Super 1 Foods! We want to 

thank our sponsors and of 

course YOU! See you in the 

stands…okay bye

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