Ruston High School January 20, 2011 Box Tops Crazy Pajamas Mrs
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Ruston High School January 20, 2011 Box Tops Crazy Pajamas Mrs
District Honor Band: See Page 18 RHS Cheerleaders National Champions! See Page 32 RHS Alumni Series See Page 2 http://rustonhigh.lincolnschools.org/chatterbox.html Chatterbox Ruston High School Box Tops Outside Our Box (2) Academia (3-6) Teacher Spotlights (7-9) Editorials/Opinions (10-13) Service and Social (14) Clubs (15-17) The Arts (18) Senior Spotlights (19-22) Entertainment (23) Student Center (24-25) Fun Page (26) Sponsors/staff (27) Sports (28-31) Bearcat Spirit (32) January 20, 2011 Mrs. Howell: Teacher of the Year by Whitney Durrett Photographer/Reporter Every year the faculty of Ruston High School vote on a teacher of the year. The teacher of the year is an honor that is given to one teacher for a school year. For the 2011-2012 school year Mrs. Howell received the honor of teacher of the year. She has been a teacher at RHS for five years. Mrs. Howell teaches ninth grade CP, Honors, and Pre-AP English. Former student Elena Till told Chatterbox, ―Mrs. Howell is a fantastic teacher! I loved her class and looked forward to it every day! She challenged us and helped us to become better students!‖ Mrs. Howell told Chatterbox she has wanted to be a teacher since she was a kid. For fun, she used to teach her stuffed animals and dolls in a ―classroom‖ her parents let her set up in her dad‘s weight room. Oddly she always wanted to teach freshmen. She absolutely loves teaching and never gets bored. Mrs. Howell loves her students and she ―love[s] seeing them get excited about something they‘ve noticed in a text or improvement they have made in their writing.‖ Mrs. Howell considers teaching freshman English at Ruston High School to be a privilege. Mr. Milstead, our principal, demands ex- RHS Distinguished Alumni and Teachers information provided by the RHS Alumni Association by Natasha Alva News Editor In the October edition of the Chatterbox, we began a series giving a detailed report on each of the 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 as Distinguished Alumni in the category of Physician, Scientist, and Educator, the late Mrs. Murrie Lee Turnbow as a Distinguished Teacher, and Johnny Maxwell as Distinguished Alumni in the category of Commerce. This month, we will continue the series with a report on Distinguished Teacher, Ruth Potts. In the months to follow, we will cover Distinguished Alumni Cherry Pratt Kirkpatrick, in the category of Humanitarian, and Distinguished Teacher Julie B. Stephenson. cellence and equips teachers to do their jobs well. There have also been many colleagues who have helped Mrs. Howell become the teacher that she is today. Mrs. Jane Tatum was her mentor under whom she student taught, and she helped her see the importance of being kind, being encouraging, and treating students with respect. Mrs. Howell‘s first year, Mrs. Faith Moss not only helped her with curriculum, but she also helped her just get from one day to the next and always exhorted her to keep the right perspective. Mrs. Julie Stephenson has taught Mrs. Howell so much about teaching English and challenging students; she challenges her to never stop learning. Mrs. Alisia Thomason is Mrs. Howell‘s right hand and is extremely grateful for all that she does for her. Mrs. Howell has found that ―A teacher is only as good as the faculty with whom she works‖ in her time she has been at RHS. Students of Mrs. Howell‘s English classes have fun, learn a lot, and are challenged to think outside the box every day. Mrs. Howell told Chatterbox she was ―honored and very excited‖ to receive this honor. By receiving teacher of the year Mrs. Howell is eligible to apply to be teacher of the year for Lincoln Parish. She is hoping to become teacher of the year for the Parish so that she can then move on to the state level. Congratulations Mrs. Howell! Ruston High is very proud to have you represent RHS as teacher of the year! Crazy Pajamas by Jocria Thompson Social Reporter Mrs. Shaw‘s clothing and textile class designs pajamas pants every year and this year continued the tradition with her crazy pajama fun. A lot of her students really enjoyed making their own pajamas pants before the Christmas break. Jasmine Baker, one of her students, told Chatterbox that they really enjoyed doing this project. Instead of making regular and boring pajamas, the class made pajama-making very exciting with various designs and patterns. One of Mrs. Shaw‘s students had a pocket down her leg; how weird but unique is that? Some of the students that are not in Mrs. Shaw‘s Mrs. Shaw‘s class wearing their wacky pajamas. class were very upset because they could not do this unique project, but if you are really interested in pajama-making then join Mrs. Shaw‘s clothing and textile class. O Chatterbox utside Our Box? Ruston High School January 20, 2011 Page 2 Distinguished Teacher: Ruth Collins Potts information provided by the RHS Alumni Association by Natasha Alva News Editor Ruth Collins Potts attended Northeast Louisiana University and La. Tech University earning both bachelor and masters degrees as well as a +30 certification. She obtained additional instruction from Catholic University of the West in Angers, France, from Tufts University in Boston, and from The University of California at Santa Cruz. Her philosophy that ―Doing less than your best is not acceptable.‖ was simple; she lived it and she expected all of her students to do the same: She did not accept laziness; she knew that all students could learn and she found a way for them to learn. Ruth Potts‘ teaching career began in the late 1950‘s at Vinton High School. After taking a break to raise her two children, she returned to the classroom as a substitute teacher where in the spring of 1977, she was hired as a speech teacher at Simsboro High School. She then moved to Glen View Junior High where she taught French I and II for a year. Ruth Potts began her RHS career in the fall of 1978 where she served as an English I teacher for twenty-two years. During the 198788 school year, Ruth Potts was named Ruston High School‘s Teacher of the Year as well as the Lincoln Parish Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Potts‘ involvement at RHS was not limited to the classroom. She also served as Keywanette Sponsor, Pepette Sponsor, and as a Student Council Campaign Sponsor. For any Pepette during Mrs. Potts‘s career, the sight of her doing ―Beat‘em, Bust‘em, Go Big Ruston‖ will always be indelibly etched in their memory. To say that Ruth Potts loved Ruston High school is an understatement. In the fall of 1983, she penned ―The Bearcat Heart.‖ She felt that being a Bearcat was one of the most important lessons she could give to her students. In one passage she stated, ―Within a true Beracat is a heart that swells with pride for Ruston High School and the City of Ruston. However, the Bearcat heart is not puffed up, is not arrogant. The Bearcat heart believes we can do anything we want to do….‖ Mrs. Potts taught all of her students that they could achieve anything they wanted. She gave them the tools to be successful and the power to believe that they could overcome any obstacles that they encountered. Although retiring in 2001, Ruth Potts hasn‘t slowed down. She is currently very active at Temple Baptist Church, as a Board Member at CCA, and as a volunteer tutor at Glen View Elementary School. Saluting Outstanding Student Achievement Throughout the Bearcat Nation A Chatterbox cademia Ruston High School January 20, 2011 From the Resume’: Senior Ads Speech and submitted by Max Cook Resume’ Clubs Editor Debate SENIORS: If you want an ad in the yearbook, come to room 208 to pick up a form (if not received in advisory) for information. The prices range from $50 to $140 depending on your selection of page size. You can select what you want the ad to look like (as long as it is appropriate) such as the pictures. Don‘t wait too long though to get your ad and money in, its all due by March 11th. Also yearbooks are now $45 for all students who would like to pre-order. Freshman Academy Olympian Festival by Polly Michelle Gwan Academics Reporter On December 6th – December 9th , the freshman class participated in the first ever Ruston High School Olympian Festival. The festival was a fun exciting way to not only get the freshman class more involved in school, but also to help them better understand Greek history. On Wednesday, the Olympian Festival started off with a bang as English freshman classes had the opportunity to tour the Teacher‘s Lounge and view the projects they and their classmates had worked so hard on. In previous years Ruston High‘s freshman classes had the opportunity to do projects such as these, but this year the freshman class was able to vote on the projects and pick which one they thought was the best out of each category. Project winners are as follows: 1st—Ghenet Tseggai, 2nd—Rafael Lacayo and John Oakes, and 3rd—Victoria Ned in the A-Z Scrapbook category; 1st—Cannon Brausell and Bayley Braddock, 2nd—Kendall Martin and Aubrey Simmons, 3rd—Chris Strickler and Hunter Coker in the Mount Olympus Model category; 1st—Stephanie Jackson and Alise Williams, 2nd—Carter Carroll, 3rd—Trey Houston in the Newspaper category; 1st—TyQueisha Poe, 2nd—TiJanae Matthews and Phynecha Richard, 3rd—Alexandria Cockerham and Ambria Holmes in the Gossip Magazine category; 1st—Sage and Gage Heard, 2nd—Clayton Porter and Tristen Huff, 3rd—Melissa Dosher and Colton Boothe in the Pandora‘s Box Model category; 1st—Chaning Dorr and Rachel Cowell, 2nd—Hunter Humble, 3rd— Deondray Spivey in the Parthenon Model category; 1st—Victoria Wheat, 2nd—Reagan Turner, 3rd—John Lee in the Original Short Story category; and finally 1st—Garrett Sutherland, 2nd—Taylor Brazzel and Keirstyn Sonnier, and 3rd—Doc Wilkerson in the Children‘s Book category. Special Congratulations to all these freshmen! The Olympian Festival fun continued the next day as each freshman from Mrs. Hammons, Mrs. Howell‘s, and Mrs. Thomason‘s English classes competed against each other for glory and prizes. This was not your ordinary competition though; instead the freshman had a chance to compete Greek style. The freshman participated in arm wrestling competitions, three-legged man race competitions, ultimate Frisbee competitions, and toga competitions. Points were tallied at the end of each round and then finally at the end of the competition, and in the end Mrs. Thomason‘s English classes were victorious and crowned champions of the Olympian Games. ―I really enjoyed the Olympian Festival,‖ said freshman Blake Vanlandingham ―it was really fun and helped me understand the history a lot better!!‖ by Benicia King Education Reporter Page 3 nd brought home a 2 place Sweepstakes Trophy. Students who contributed to the trophy are the following: in Novice Lincoln Douglas Debate - 1st place - Brianna Worley; in Advanced Lincoln Douglas Debate - 1st place Walker Holmes; in Novice Cross Examination Debate - 4th place - Savannah Woods and Preston Ponder; in Advanced Cross Examination Debate - 3rd place - Stephen Zhong and Josh Phillips; in Jr. Extemporaneous Speaking - 2nd place - Jonathan Verrett; and in Sr. Extemporaneous Speaking - 3rd place Josh Phillips. Congrats to all these speech and debate participants. The rest of the years competitions are as follows: The Speech and Debate team recently competed at Grapevine High School in Dallas, Texas, against multiple students from seventy-nine different schools and representing eight different states. Stephen Zhong and Clark Pierce made it all the way to the octofinals with preliminary round records of 4-1. Clark Pierce also received a plaque for Top Speaker Award. The Speech and Debate club also participated in the BPCC InvitaOct 1-2 Bossier Parish Community College tional. There were nine students that Oct 15-16 Teurlings in Lafayette proudly represented Ruston High and Oct 22-23 Green Oaks in Shreveport Nov 5-6 Lafayette High Nov 12-13 Bolton in Alexandria Dec 3-4 Captain Shreve Jan 14-15 St Thomas More in Lafayette Jan 28-29 Pineville High Above: Freshman Academy students compete in one of the many Olympian challenges. Feb 4-5 Alexandria Senior High (maybe Feb 25-26) Mar 4-5 CFL Championship Quals at STM Lafayette Mar 11-12 NFL Championship Quals at Acadiana Apr 7-9 State Tournament of Champions at Captain Shreve May 27-29 CFL National Championships in Washington, DC Left: Freshman Academy Olympian Challenge Week Winners. Below: More students compete in difficult challenges. A cademia Ruston High School Chatterbox January 20, 2011 NHS Helps Invisible Children Physics Takes another Step at Tech by Lauren Townsend Asst. News Reporter by Amber Brown and Gray Taylor Senior Editor and Graphics Designer ―We are storytellers. We are visionaries, humanitarians, artists, and entrepreneurs. We are individuals‘ part of a generation eager for change and willing to pursue it.‖ – Invisible Children For the month of January, the National Honor Society decorated recycled Coke bottles as containers to collect change for Invisible Children, a non-profit organization devoted to stopping child abductions and imprisonments into the military. Everyday in Northern Africa, children are kidnapped from their homes or villages and forced to serve violent leaders via military service. These children suffer abuse, neglect, poor living conditions, and faced with life-or-death situations. Invisible Children‘s goal is to stop this inhumane act and spread knowledge of the poor conditions and injustice of Uganda, and other parts of Northern Africa, to the West. With the money collected, the Ruston High will help support Invisible Children‘s war against the cruelty taking place in Uganda. If you wish to donate change towards the Invisible Children organization, see your th 4 period teacher for a donation bottle. If you cannot find one, see a NHS member or Mrs. Bartlett. Page 4 On December 10th of 2010, the same ―chosen ones‖ as back in October continued on their journey toward knowledge and confusion! Robbie Davenport, Gray Taylor, Amber Brown, Will Byargeon, Walker Holmes, and Michael Thompson were aided by Mr. Elliott in more bridge building at Tech-Step, Louisiana Tech‘s engineering program for high school students. The engineering students at Tech presented their large, steel bridge model to all the visitors and explained the nationwide college competition for constructing the most efficient bridge. Their bridge placed 26th out of more than fifty entries! Afterwards, the Tech professors then explained the upcoming project and assignment for all Tech-Step attendees. Each group was required to put together a presentation as well as construct their own functional bridge of any durable material. The competition part comes in where the schools can be awarded for certain aspects of their bridge, like whose bridge is the cheapest and the most durable and the other for the most durable bridge meaning being able to hold the most weight. The final Tech-Step is going to be held January 28th, which is when the students listed above will go and represent Ruston High! Wish them the best of luck! A Chatterbox cademia Ruston High School January 20, 2011 Freshman Academy: Stay Strong submitted by Mrs. Pruden Freshman Academy Coordinator As we settle into the New Year, I would like to encourage the all of the freshmen to stay strong. Many upperclassmen can testify to the fact that if they had one more year as a ‗do over‘ it would be their freshman year. During this time, you have the unique opportunity to develop habits that will take you through the next three years. Setting academic goals and developing a plan to reach them, establishing good study habits, asking questions, staying after school for tutoring, and creating study groups are essential to a successful high school career. Take full advantage of the fact that your most important job is to get your education. That is something no one can take from you!! SHARP CATS submitted by Mrs. Thomson Freshman Academy Teacher 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: Gage Heard, Jerquez Holland, Melinda Martin, Tyquieshia Poe, Caleb White, and Cydney Wood. Page 5 New Tech’s Transition submitted by Jonathan Craig New Tech @ RHS Student Reporter On Wednesday, January 5th, Ruston High New Tech students moved into their new classrooms. The new building was built underneath the band and choir rooms. The new area includes four extra large classrooms for each of the New Tech classes and two offices for Mrs. Cox-Bonial and Mrs. Letendre for their role in the New Tech Program. In the Science room there is also a fully equipped science lab as well as extra closet space. Each teacher received a new SMARTboard and two Windows Desktop computers which are for students who have lost their Trust Card. Each classroom has an area for desks as well as an area for workshops. The walls in the new area are made of glass so that it is possible to see into the other classrooms. Many of the New Tech students were excited about moving down into the new space, but stated that it was going to be interesting to see the reactions of their other non New Tech classes. Science teacher Mrs. Wages says that her room is a science teachers ―dream‖. Mrs. Bolton, one of the New Tech Global Studies teachers, says that ―The transition between upstairs and downstairs went smoothly and she is glad to have a bigger closet for storage. All in all, the majority of the students and faculty consider the move to their new facilities a success. A KOM Christmas submitted by Chris Taylor and Aisha Jackson KOM Council Members This holiday season, the Kick-Off Mentoring program of Ruston High School treated 32 elementary students to an early Christmas with presents provided by the KOMs and freshmen. Throughout November as a community service project, the KOM organization collected special toys and treats for gift boxes to be donated to Cypress Springs Elementary School. After a successful Santa‘s Workshop Party in late November during which the KOMs and freshmen wrapped gifts for each child; the KOM Council then delivered the presents to the students at Cypress Springs Elementary. Ready with gifts, food, games, and Santa hats, the Council hosted a Christmas party on Monday, December 13 th, where the children enjoyed refreshments and opened their boxes of gifts. All of the students were excited to have received such special gifts and were very grateful to all of the RHS students involved. The KOM organization is looking forward to future endeavors with Cypress Springs Elementary. KOMs should be reminded that Monday, January 24, 2011 marks the next meeting date with their freshmen. KOM Monday Meeting Dates for January/ February: January 24 (w/ freshmen) January 31 (w/ freshmen) February 7 (cafeteria - no freshmen) February 14 (w/ freshmen) February 28 (w/ freshmen) NT@R‘s addition is finally complete, and here are the results! A Chatterbox cademia Ruston High School January 20, 2011 Page 6 Soldier and Former Bearcat Visits RHS by Reed Malek Sports Reporter On Tuesday January 4, 2011, second-hour senior English classes and American History classes were visited by guest speaker and Ruston High alumnus Lieutenant-Colonel Reggie Williams of the United States Air Force. Lieutenant-Colonel Williams was on leave from service in Afghanistan for the holidays, where he was stationed at Camp Eggers in the capital city of Kabul. Williams graduated from Ruston High School in 1985 where he was a member of the state champion precision drill team in ROTC. He was a second-generation Bearcat; his mother graduated in 1967 and was one of the first three African-Americans ever to graduate from Ruston High! After graduating, Mr. Williams attended Grambling State University where he obtained his Master‘s degree in psychology. Lieutenant-Colonel Williams went back to Afghanistan on Monday, January 10th where he will spend eight more months. After his time served, he hopes to return home to Ruston permanently to live with his family. Lieutenant-Colonel Williams is pictured above with Principal Milstead and a few other students aspiring to be in the army. Megan Hammons accepted into MANTA Program! by Polly Michelle Gwan Academics Reporter Congratulations to Ruston High‘s very own Megan Hammons for being accepted into the MANTA Program. The MANTA Program gives students the opportunity to take a 14 day trip to the British Reginald and study Marine Biology. Megan had to go through an application process in which she was asked numerous questions about her grades, the courses she participates in, her GPA, and her ACT score. She also had to write an essay explaining why the MANTA Program was interesting to her. While she is abroad, Megan will have the chance at learning more about the marine habitats and reefs, she will receive 4 different diving certifications. ―I was pretty pumped when I was accepted,‖ states Megan excitedly, ―I was really excited. It‘s not every day that you get to travel to the British Reginald!‖ Once again congrats to Megan Hammons!! Rotary Club Winners table prepared by Polly Michelle Gwan Academics Reporter 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 Caroline Oakley Taylor Kaufman 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 ([email protected]) or call her at LPSB (255-1430). T Chatterbox eacher Spotlights Ruston High School January 20, 2011 Name: David Aguilar Family: Amanda (wife), Mateo and Abram (sons) Position at RHS: Health, Biology, and Physical Science Club/organizations you advise: Girls Basketball High school attended/ year: Brownsboro High School 1991 College attended/major: East Texas State, Kinesiology Teaching experience: 15 years Favorite team/sport: Basketball Pet Peeve: a person‘s inability to deal with consequences and repercussions of their actions If you could have one wish what would it be? To raise a healthy family Is there anything you want the students to know about you? If you give all you have everyday, you can look at yourself in a mirror and be proud of yourself. Name: Jill Cheek Position at RHS: Freshman Biology Club/organizations you advise: Assistant coach for girls basketball High school attended/ year: Riverfield Academy 2004 College attended/major: LA Tech, kinesiology and health promotion Teaching experience: 2 years Favorite team/sport: LA Tech football and basketball Favorite quote: ―Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God.‖ Jim Elliot Pet Peeve: Clutter If you could have one wish what would it be? Love people and love God more. Name: Coach Bush Family: Debbie (wife), Chris Jr., Dee, Willie (sons) Position at RHS: Geography and African American History High school attended/ year: Campti High School 1989 College attended/major: Cumberland College, History/Political Science Teaching experience: 11 years Most embarrassing moment: Last seasons basketball record Favorite childhood memory: riding horses with my father Pet Peeve: People who are too selfish to follow simple rules and sagging pants Favorite quote: ―Real teammates are willing to sacrifice themselves for the good of everyone else.‖ If you could have one wish what would it be? I would wish for more wishes. Name: Dan Gressett Family: Jamie (wife), Addyson (daughter) Position at RHS: Environmental Science Club/organizations you advise: Baseball High school attended/ year: Lake High School 1996 College attended/major: East Central Community College associate of arts, LA Tech secondary education Teaching experience: 9 years at RHS Most embarrassing moment: Whitney Durrett catching a bigger fish than me on several occasions this summer. Favorite childhood memory: Hunting with my uncle and grandfather Pet Peeve: lack of respect, being lazy, bad drivers, hot dogs on both lines! Favorite quote: ―A word to the wise ain‘t necessary– it‘s the stupid ones that need the advice!‖ Bill Cosby Page 7 T Chatterbox eacher Spotlights Ruston High School January 20, 2011 Name: Felicia Dunbar Family: J.P. (husband), Trey Evans, Traci Evans, Colt Dunbar, and Jodi Dunbar (children) Position at RHS: Geometry and Algebra Club/organizations you advise: PCI High school attended/ year: Iuka High School 1983 College attended/major: University of MS math education Teaching experience: 24 years Favorite childhood memory: Riding bikes with my brothers Favorite team/sport: Too big of a sports fan to have a favorite! Pet Peeve: Dishonesty If you could have one wish what would it be? Love more. Name: Kyle Falting Family: Misty (wife), Lila (daughter) Position at RHS: Algebra 1 High school attended/ year: Parkway High School College attended/major: LA Tech Math education, M.S. administration Teaching experience: 5 years Favorite team/sport: UNC basketball Pet Peeve: Giving up before you try Favorite quote: ―Be the change you wish to see in the world.‖ If you could have one wish what would it be? Eliminate hate Is there anything you want the students to know about you? I love what I do. Name: Terry Antee Family: Rhonda (wife), 4 children, 4 dogs, and a 3/4 cat Position at RHS: Geometry High school attended/ year: Rioer High School 1972 College attended/major: Midwestern State University accounting, Sam Houston State University business Teaching experience: 19 years Favorite childhood memory: Learning from my dad Favorite team/sport: Baseball Pet Peeve: Laziness and dishonesty Favorite quote: ―He who has never learned to obey can not be a good commander.‖ Aristotle Is there anything you want the students to know about you? It is a pleasure to help any bearcat student succeed! Name: Debbie Martin Family: Ron (husband), Kali (daughter), Tyler (son), Ashley (almost daughter-in-law), and Daisy (baby dog) Position at RHS: Geometry High school attended/ year: LaSalle High School College attended/major: NLU Speech, Hearing, Language Specialist, Deaf Education Teaching experience: 13 years Favorite childhood memory: Doing things with my older sister, which usually involved getting in trouble! Favorite team/sport: RHS– of course! Pet Peeve: Kids who don't try their best! If you could have one wish what would it be? Live on an island, snorkel every day, and have no worries! Is there anything you want the students to know about you? I love to travel. I love to read. I love the islands. Math is fun! Name: Patricia Cochran Family: Carrol (husband), Brandon (son) and his wife Audrey Position: Algebra II teacher High School/class year: Sarepta High School ‗63 College/Major: LA Tech– Double Major– Math and Elementary Education Teaching Experience: 38 years Most embarrassing moment: The day I wore a blouse backwards. Favorite team/sport: RHS! Favorite quote:―Live one day at a time.‖ Favorite thing about RHS: Students. Page 8 T Chatterbox eacher Spotlights Ruston High School January 20, 2011 Page 9 Name: Nancy Roger Family: Jon (husband), Olivia and Amelia (daughters) Position at RHS: Financial Math, Read 180 Club/organizations you advise: KOM High school attended/ year: E.D. White 1994 College attended/major: Nicholls State, English Education Teaching experience: 13 years Favorite childhood memory: Going to my grandparent‘s camp Pet Peeve: Dress code violations Favorite quote: ―The dictionary is the only place success comes before work.‖ Vince Lombardi If you could have one wish what would it be? For all my students to have the support they need to succeed. Name: Elaine Johnson Family: Carl (husband), Emily, Maggie, and Katie (daughters) Favorite subject: Math, is there any other subject? Position: Trigonometry and Algebra III dual teacher High Schools/class year: Carl Albert, Oklahoma, OK, Rudyard, Rudyard, MI, and Bossier College/Major: BS, MS, and LA Tech– Math Education Teaching experience: 27 years Favorite childhood memory: Visiting relatives Favorite team/sport: RHS Cross Country and RHS Softball Favorite thing about RHS: Great students. Pet peeves: When someone I know calls my house and asks for my husband before saying ―Hello‖ to me. Name: Britton Kilpatrick Family: Jenn (wife), Siriana (daughter), and Julian (son) Position at RHS: Algebra 2 and Calculus High school attended/ year: Terrebonne High School 1999 College attended/major: LA Tech, Electrical Education Teaching experience: first year at RHS Favorite childhood memory: My brother and I caught a 5 foot long alligator living in the ditch by our house. Pet Peeve: When people act completely confident about something when they have no way of knowing for sure or are just plain wrong. If you could have one wish what would it be? To have 28 hours in a day instead of 24! Name: Danny Roberts Family: Lynne (wife), Samantha, Kristin, and Jamie (daughters) Position at RHS: Education for Careers Club/organizations you advise: Football and Softball High school attended/ year: Zwolle High School 1981 (valedictorian) College attended/major: Northwestern State University, Health and Human Performance Teaching experience: 6 years Favorite childhood memory: Duck hunting and working cattle with my grandparents Favorite team/sport: Bearcats, LSU Tigers, NSU Demons, Saints Pet Peeve: Lazy people E Chatterbox ditorials/Opinions Ruston High School January 20, 2011 Page 10 School’s Out! Also see page 11 for the article on RHS’ Snow Day! How Technology Affects by Gray Taylor Graphics/Design Editor Our Generation by Keekee Williams Sports Reporter :..Reading in Braille.:. by Lauren Townsend Asst. Editor Everywhere we go there are words, letters, numbers, and symbols that we see and read. We have always known how to read with our eyes, but what if suddenly your entire world went black? You‘re blind which means no more color, light, or anything based off of sight. Too bad we don‘t have any radioactive spiders around to give us Spidey-Sense. Relax; there is still a way to read the world around you. Instead of reading with your eyes, you can learn to read with your fingers through Braille. Reading with Braille is just like reading a book, but instead of reading words you read through feeling 3D dots and markings with their own meanings. You simply run your fingers over the 3D symbols and interpret the dots. It‘s kind of like playing Connect the Dots with a blindfold on. Being blind isn‘t the end of the world. You have other senses to help you see the world around you; methods such as Braille allow people with disadvantages to still be able to understand their surroundings. Because Braille helps out the blind, January is dedicated to supporting Braille Literacy. However, most of Ruston‘s residents don‘t see the importance of Braille or probably think, ―Braille is important, but how does this affect Ruston?‖Believe or not, Ruston has invested a lot of time and resources into helping the blind; for starters, Ruston is home to the Louisiana Center for the Blind. People living at the Louisiana Center for the Blind used Braille to read books and Bibles during church, write letters, fill out forms, and even write letters to President Barrack Obama. Some of Ruston‘s elementary schools have invested into teaching children Braille so that they will not be entirely dependent on their eyes, whether to allow them to understand blindness or just in case they become blind in the future. Braille may seem like a bunch of dots, but it provides a new way to read and see the world around you. Society has found ways to communicate throughout history, from symbols on cave walls to flags on ships. In modern days, we have cell phones, e-mail, radio, television and friend-finding Web sites. While I understand how important technology has become, my issue with it is how the generations before the ―Net Generation‖ are adapting to the new forms of communication. One of the things I fear is how the oldest generations are adapting to the sudden surge of technology. What happens in an emergency when a grandmother can‘t call her doctor because her new cell phone has 20 different features and she keeps taking photos and videos of her feet? This could be the same woman who has trouble setting her VCR but her son bought her a TiVo. There are steps that need to be taken to relieve the added stress that the new technology is creating for senior citizens. Technology is also creating a larger gap between parents and children. When in the past parents only had to deal with television and friends distracting their children, they now have to face cell phones, the Internet and a real lack of communication skills. The younger generation, known as the ―Net Generation‖ because it‘s never known a world without the Internet, is used to interacting with people through e-mail, text messages and cell phones. They no longer know how to socialize in person, which is very different from how their parents grew up and causing the communication gap between the parent and child to get bigger. The perfect example of this is the cell phone commercial where a mother questions a daughter about her excessive text message usage and is replied back with letters and incomplete words that is somehow supposed to replace an actual conversation. Another issue with the new communication technology is the waste it‘s creating. People are getting new cell phones at an average of once a year, so what happens to their old one? What happened to all of the pagers that were so popular in the 90s? While many are being recycled, too many are being thrown away, collecting in landfills. We must find a place for all of the used cell phones, pagers and computers to go. We should use technology prudently and make sure it doesn‘t deprive us of our time or our lives. E Chatterbox ditorials/Opinions Ruston High School Valentine’s Day: Coming Soon! by Jocria Thompson Social Reporter Guys! Do not forget about that special person you enjoy looking at everyday in the hallways. You can surprise her/ him with a sweet poem and a box of chocolate. Or maybe a big bear that said ―I love you.‖ If you just do not have enough money to buy that expensive gift, coming soon you have a chance to buy a rose or put something special in the Chatterbox. So look deep down in your brain cells and think of a poem or something special about that person and write it down and bring it on down to Chatterbox. You can make your valentine message a hard-thinker about a person who really likes her, make her guess, and when the time is right, you put a little note in her locker and tell her who you are. But do not wait until the last minute because somebody might get there before you do and then you are just dateless. So do not wait until February 15th and try to apologize because she probably will not take you back. Martin Luther King Day! January 20, 2011 Page 11 Jack Frost Leaves His Mark by Amber Brown and Emily Moore Senior Editor and Arts Reporter We‘re in Louisiana and in the Pelican State the weather is as unpredictable as the future. On January 9th all of the students of Ruston were huddled around TVs and radios listening intently for the announcement of ―No School Monday!‖Facebook statuses were changed from ―Is school cancelled?‖ to ―Yea! No school!‖ A joyous cheer rang out through the city of Ruston when school was pronounced cancelled for Monday due to the visit of Jack Frost. Texts were sent and calls were made to make plans for the day off! The worst weather couldn‘t ruin anyone‘s fun! Everyone gets excited when school is cancelled, but who gets excited when school is open? School or no school, the beauty of winter left its mark on Ruston, as well as surrounding cities and towns. Ice froze on trees and icicles were hanging from ―icicle lights‖ that were still up from Christmas! The air was frigid and biting really giving meaning to the old Christmas song ―Jack Frost is nipping at your nose‖. by Patricia Duhart Social Reporter Martin Luther King, Jr., born as Michael Luther King Jr., was an outstanding activist and leader to numerous people. He wanted change and believed in a Nonviolent America! ―Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can't ride you unless your back is bent.‖ - Martin Luther King, Jr. He preached that we all were brothers and sisters in God‘s eyes and that the bondage of others would not make us better as a nation. Dr. King strived for the unity of all races, and fought (in a nonviolent way) for a unified America until his last breath. Dr. King didn‘t get to see the change and the difference he made, he got a holiday in memory of fighting for his dream and bringing America together as one. Martin Luther King Day is a United States federal holiday celebrating Dr. King‘s birthday. This day has a reserved spot on the third Monday of January. It took years after King‘s assassination for the idea of this holiday to become a reality, 15 years to be exact. The suggestion was offered four days after King was assassinated. This holiday was signed in to law with an overwhelming vote of 338-90 on August 2, 1983, by Ronald Reagan. Some states were hesitant about making it a holiday, but in 2000, all 50 states were celebrating MLK day. Best of all, this national holiday gets us out of school! Protect Those Peepers! by Emily Moore Arts Reporter January is National Eye Care Month, more specifically glaucoma. Nearly three million people have glaucoma, but half of them don‘t even know it! Glaucoma is not the only cause of blindness. Cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration are three other main reasons people become blind. Many people become blind through work related incidents. But don‘t stress because prevention is possible and easy! Seeing an optometrist routinely is the first step. It is helpful to know if a family has a history of eye troubles because many eye problems are hereditary. Adding fruits and veggies to a diet can help fight diseases that cause blindness. Maintaining a healthy weight is important because obesity can lead to diabetes, which causes diabetic retinopathy in some cases. ALWAYS use protection for the eyes! When working with anything that can be harmful it is important to wear goggles or safety glasses. Shades are a great fashion item but what‘s even cooler is that they provide protection from harmful UV Rays! Spending a lot of time focusing on one thing can strain the eyes, so try the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look away about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds. Preventing blindness and taking care of your eyes is important! E Chatterbox ditorials/Opinions Ruston High School January 20, 2011 BLOOD! Gross… by Lauren Townsend Asst. News Editor Warning: If You Are Squeamish Towards Blood, Don‘t Faint! Blood usually gives the impression of pain, violence, injury, and death; however, blood actually symbolizes life and health. Varieties of living things, such as dogs, elephants, tigers, and humans, live with blood in their bodies. Even vampires, despite the fact they are dead, live off blood (JK). Blood is like Fed-X but instead of transporting mail, it transfers nutrients and oxygen throughout the body, keeping the body healthy and alive. Even though blood is gross and stomach-curling, it is beneficial and necessary for life. Like I‘ve said, blood is one of the ingredients of many that people need to live; in other words, blood is something you can‘t go Page 12 without. Since we are human, people suffer all kinds of tragedies and accidents that cause major blood loss. Every day, every hour, and every minute, someone needs blood to save them from death. But where in the heck are you going to get blood? The answer is blood donors. American Red Cross is constantly looking for healthy blood donors 17 years or older and weigh more than 110 lbs. By ―healthy‖, that means that you can perform normal activities and don‘t feel ill. Other aspects of health are discussed as part of the donation process before any blood is donated. Brief examinations are given and temperature, pulse, blood pressure and hemoglobin are measured. Right now, 3 out of 100 U.S. citizens donate blood. Donating blood is not a gross activity, but it is giving life. If you want to learn more about donating blood and where you can give blood, visit www.redcrossblood.org or call:1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733 2767). Tips for Being Eco-Friendly by Benicia King Education Reporter Changing My Future by Amy Gibson Clubs Reporter Changing your schedule is no big deal for some people, but for me it is a life saver! You see, I‘m not exactly slow, but I do need a little extra help with my work, and that‘s hard to get with twenty-five other kids in a classroom (no offense). To put it bluntly, I‘m failing…miserably and I‘ll tell you my most current options: 1) proceed as I am, and fail the 11th grade, 2) drop out and get my G.E.D., or 3) change my classes. I have chosen to change my classes. Yes, I‘ll miss my friends and also my teachers (especially Mr. Bruner), but I‘m doing what‘s best for me. Unfortunately, I‘ve given up going to a four-year college after high school. If truth be told, that wasn‘t my plan anyway. Don‘t get me wrong, I want to go to college, but I don‘t know what I want to be yet. It would be a serious waste of time and money because I‘m the kind of person who learns from experience, so I know that before I could ever decide what to do or who I am, I must do a bit of exploring…all I know for now is that I love to write poetry. So I‘ve dropped my entire core four classed except the ones that I need to graduate. I must officially admit that if not for the opportunity to change my classes, I would‘ve ended up making Fs all year. No, I‘m not ashamed to say that I currently have six Fs. So I suppose that‘s how the schedule change is my life saver. My plans as of now? Graduate from Ruston High, walk out of the door with my High School Diploma, go live in Mississippi with my family, get some experience in the world, attend a nice two year community college (don‘t judge me!). And go from there…I‘m babbling now, so I‘ll just say that for some people (like me) the schedule change can be potentially helpful. We should all be familiar with the three R‘s; Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Reusing packaging material saves more energy than recycling. Trash is mostly made out of yard and kitchen waste, so compost or better yet if you have some sort of pet that eats anything, give them the scraps on your plate after eating instead of throwing it out. Be sure to reuse plastic bags or don‘t use them when you really don't need them. When brushing your teeth, don‘t let the water run and run the dishwasher only when it‘s full. The number one cause of rainforest deforestation – which has 35 million acres lost – is cattle farming. If everyone were to consume less meat, we'd save more rainforest land, millions of gallons of water, 15 tons of soil, over 45% of the world's grain, and other resources used up by meat-making each year. Tell friends, family, and anybody how important to preserve the environment is. 3 Ways to Start it Right by Polly Michelle Gwan Academic Reporter January 2011 is finally here and with a new year comes new goals and resolutions. Ok I know January is pretty much over, but the year is never too old to start those ―new year‖ resolutions. Here are three perfect ideas to start the year off right: 1. Kick the snacks to the curb and eat right: We all know eating right is important. It not only keeps you feel stronger and healthier, but also makes boosts your self-esteem. This year, make it a thing to cut out the chips, candies, and sodas in your diet and add fruits, veggies, and water. That way halfway through math class you‘ll feel refreshed and renewed not sluggish and tired. 2. Get up and make those grades: We all would love to make ―The Grades‖. What better way to achieve them by starting off the New Year by turning off the television and hitting the books. In the long run you‘ll make ―the grades‖, not get grounded, and watch that episode of Jersey Shore that you wanted to see so badly. 3. Reach for the Stars: We all have a dream, and know that to achieve a dream it takes hard work and dedication. Start the year off great by making a resolution to work hard and stay dedicated to your dream and maybe one day your dream will come true. HAPPY NEW YEARS EVERYONE! ditorials/Opinions E Ruston High School Chatterbox January 20, 2011 Page 13 Every Day is One to Celebrate Don’t Worry, Be Happy! by Emily Moore Arts Reporter by Savannah Chrisman Photographer/Reporter It is 2011 and it is time to celebrate! Everyone makes resolutions such a dieting, exercising, and the sort. However, the greatest resolution to make is to celebrate life! Treat each day as if it is the last. With a holiday to celebrate every day there is always something to look forward to! For the rest of the year there will be a nifty list such as this and last months to inform all Chatterbox readers of the importance of each day! It‘s a great thing to observe these rad days or even make up some! As the old song goes, ―CELEBRATE good times, come on!‖ January: 16- Nothing Day 19-Penguin Awareness 21-Hugging Day/Squirrel Appreciation 22-Polka-Dot Day 25-Opposite/Compliment Day 26-Peanut Brittle Day 27-Toilet Day 28-Blueberry Pancake/Kazoo Day 29-Cornchip Day/Puzzle Day 31-Backwards Day February: 2-Groundhog Day 4-Popcorn Day 5-Weatherperson‘s Day 6-Frozen Yogurt Day 9-Hershey‘s Chocolate Founded 11-White T-Shirt Day 14-Valentine‘s Day 15-Gumdrop Day 17-Random Acts of Kindness Day 18-Pluto Discovered 20-Hootie-Hoo Day Shout-Out: DEAR Day by Amber Brown Senior Editor There is exciting news concerning Ruston High‘s Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) day! The principal, Mr. Mike Milstead, proposed that all of the large clubs at Ruston High School donate some money to help buy the school a collection of all new books, seeing as it would be expensive to order them and have them shipped. Most clubs that were asked complied with ease, including FFA, FBLA, and many others! Thank you to all of the clubs who agreed to give money to this cause, seeing as there are now two DEAR days a week (Wednesday and Friday). Worry. It is only one simple yet pretty strong five letter word. Many people worry about grades, tests, or just school in general. Others worry about whether their friends talk bad about them behind their back or if their boyfriend or girlfriend is cheating on them. Some even worry about their outward appearance: make-up, clothes, and hair. All of these are small worries. There are bigger worries that certain people have such as if they will wake up in the morning, if they have a home, if they will have anything to eat that day, or even clean clothes to wear. The Dictionary.com definition of worry is, ―to torment oneself with or suffer from disturbing thoughts; fret.‖ That is not a positive definition and worry very seldom has positive effects on a person emotionally. When you begin to worry and feel overwhelmed, remember what Jesus said to his disciples in Luke 12:22-24: ―Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens; they do not sow or reap, they have no store room or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!‖ So why do we worry? Is there a point? No, the Lord told us that God feeds the birds and we are more valuable than the birds. God will help us through whatever we are going through. So, continue living your life and working hard we do not have to worry when we are doing what is right. 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 S Chatterbox ervice and Social Ruston High School January 20, 2011 Page 14 Ready for Prom? by Patricia Duhart Social Reporter This year‘s Prom is getting closer as we speak! On March 19, 201, Louisiana Tech University Student Center (TONK) from 9 p.m. - 12 a.m. Know who you want to ask? If you don‘t know yet, you better find out soon. Tickets will start being sold this month. Seniors who didn‘t pay last year, your cost is $35. Seniors, if you paid last year as a junior, your cost is free. For juniors, tickets are $25 in January, $30 in February, and $35 in March. Mrs. Debbie Martin and Mrs. Julie Stephenson will be taking up the money and handing out the invitations. This all sounds exciting right? Want to be the one to help get the prom amazing? If you are interested in helping with prom, please come by Room 220, which is Mrs. Griffin‘s room, and sign up. All juniors and seniors are welcome! Mrs. Susan Griffin is in charge of prom again this year, so let‘s get ready. PYPM in Action by Shamario Daniel Club Reporter Protecting You, Protecting Me (PYPM) members are on the roll. They are teaching and doing hands on activities to show the Kids at Ruston Elementary how to practice safety. Car safety should be practiced more in the world. Statics say that there were nearly 6,420,000 auto accidents in the United States in 2005. The financial cost of these crashes is more than 230 Billion dollars. 2.9 million People were injured and 42,636 people killed. About 115 people die every day in vehicle crashes in the United States one death every 13 minutes. Brittany White built a car out of a card board box to show the kids at Ruston Elementary the safest seat to sit in when riding in a car, van, or truck. The car had seat belts so the kids could practice buckling it in. PYPM continues to teach students how to protect themselves in different situations. Important People in a Teen’s Life by Elizabeth Smith Business Manager There are a few very important things that teenagers need to be successful in life. First they need a sound education. Without an good education, teens will struggle to attend and be successful in college or to attain a high paying job. Next teens need a positive role model. They need someone who can teach them how they should act. Teens need someone they can look up to and get advice from, so they will be able to figure out what they want out of life. With a positive role model in place, teenagers find it easier to set goals and actually attain them. Lastly, and most importantly, teens need a supportive, motivating, guiding influence from a trusting person. This person can be anyone, but is commonly found in a teacher, coach, or advisor. Teens spend most of their time with a teachers, coaches, and advisor during the school year. These people hold so much power to influence each student because they spend so much time with them. They are there supporting and motivating them to be their best; as well as helping guide them to make smart choices in life. Without these teachers, coaches, and advisors in their lives teens would not be able to live up to their full ability. Teenagers should be so thankful for these people and really take the time to listen to what they have to say. Next time one of these great people is giving a teen some help, remember to express thanks. Holocaust by Savannah Chrisman Photographer/Reporter In school today students are taught about the Holocaust. They are shown pictures, watch movies, and even hear some of the drastic facts about what truly happened. Still, despite much of the horror that is taught, teachers water down the truth about the Holocaust. Because of this censoring, some students do not understand exactly everything that happened. The Holocaust began in 1933 and finally came to an end in 1945. During that time Jews and anyone that resisted the Nazis were killed or forced into hard labor and eventually died. An estimated eleven million people were killed in this tirade. Six million of them were Jews. About 1.1 million children were killed. Wow! Just imagine your little brother or sister, your older brother or sister, your friends, classmates, cousins, what if they did not surpass Hitler‘s Nazi soldiers and they were thrown into a Concentration camp. What if you were thrown into a Concentration camp? Concentration camps were not pleasant places. During the time of the Holocaust 20,000 camps were opened to imprison the millions and millions of victims. There were three different kinds of concentration camps. There was forced-labor, transit, and extermination. A forced-labor camp was where thousands of the victims died due to exhaustion, starvation, and exposure. The living conditions were horrid and they did not give them food in which they would die and then be thrown in to a pile or cremated. The Nazis decided to start using gas chambers at one point in which to increase killing efficiency. One of the major camps that Jews were sent to was the camp known as Auschwitz. There were forty-eight camps in all at Auschwitz. About 70,000 people died at this camp in particular. The Holocaust changed history. Maybe this article will make you want to read more about the Holocaust and learn about what all the terrible things that the people went through during this time. C lubs/Organizations Chatterbox Ruston High School January 20, 2011 Ruston FFA Dominates District and Area Leadership Events Page 15 submitted by Robert Gilbert Ruston FFA Reporter District Parliamentary Procedure third place and Area 1 Champions are Chris Calhoun, Jonathan Craig, Seth Nichols, Ryan Dooley, Mercedes Fife, and Josh Chrisman. Creed Speakers Rebecca Wheelis (2nd place District; Area I Champion) and Sara Jones (3rd place District; 2nd place Area) District Parliamentary procedure Winners and Area I Runners-up are Brandon Myers, Savannah Best, Will Edmiston, Antonio Wilson, Seth Wells and Adam Bryant (not pictured). District Extemporaneous Speakers Beau Russell, (3rd place District; 2nd place Area) and Kane Killen (4th place District; 4th place Area). PROM IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER…………. Dresses available only at our Monroe Location Monroe: Tuxedos, Bridal & Formals 1707 Hudson Lane (318) 322-6274 Ruston: King of Hearts Tuxedos 1406 Farmerville Hwy (318) 251-1254 www.king-of-hearts.com KING OF HEARTS Ruston FFA recently competed in the annual Leadership Career Development Events consisting of Parliamentary Procedure, Creed Speaking, and Extemporaneous Speaking. District, which is a qualification contest for Area, was held on January 5 th in Jonesboro, Louisiana, at the Jackson Parish Community Center. The two teams from Ruston placed in the top four teams. The Blue team was awarded first and the Gold team third. Blue team members are Antonio Wilson, Will Edmiston, Savannah Best, Adam Bryant, Seth Wells, and Brandon Myers. Gold team members are Jonathan Craig, Josh Chrisman, Ryan Dooley, Mercedes Fife, Seth Nichols, and Chris Calhoun. At the Area 1 contest, the very next day, every team competed in hope to gain the spot in the State competition. Before the end of the night, Ruston walked away with both 1 st and 2nd place spots filled. The Gold team was given first place and the Blue team won second, advancing both teams for State competition on January 18th and beating out the two teams from Choudrant High School. For the first time in Ruston FFA history, two P-Law teams will compete at the State level against six other of the best teams in the State. The night was not only about the Parliamentary Procedure team; the Creed Speakers also did outstanding in their competition. Rebecca Wheelis and Sara Jones stood up to the challenge to win first and second place at the Area competition on February 6 th. The contestants were required to learn and recite the FFA Creed in front of two judges as well as answer questions pertaining to its meaning. This is a freshmen event so the two girls showed a lot of courage to stand up to compete their first year. The two girls will represent Ruston on the State level. Last but not least, congratulations to Beau Russell and Kane Killen on their performances in the Extemporaneous Speaking events. In this contest contestants wrote a 4 to 6 minute speech on a subject given at the competition and had only 30 minutes to prepare. They then had to give the speech to a panel of judges. After the contest, Beau took second and Kane was awarded fourth. Beau will move onto to the State Competition in June. Congratulations to all the participants and winners, and good luck at State. C Chatterbox lubs/Organizations Ruston High School January 20, 2011 Page 16 4-H Club submitted by Darby Rowland 4-H Club Reporter Attention Ruston 4-H members -Achievement Day is coming up fast. To be eligible to attend you must participate in at least two parish events. If you have not already done so, there are several events coming up! Honey Bee Essay Contest submissions are due to the 4-H office by Jan. 26, 2011. The topic is ―U.S. honey: A Taste for Every Preference‖. There are several cash prizes available for the National winners. Be sure to check out the official rules in the January newsletter. The annual 4-H Foods Festival will be held on February 21 st at I.A. Lewis School. See the January newsletter for further details. Black History Posters are due to the 4-H office by February 25th. Night at the Mudbugs Hockey Game will be Saturday, March 12, 2011. Tickets are $12.00 each and you must register by February 15, 2011. We have several students involved in the Junior Leader Club. They are selling hot sauce to raise money for 4-H University and other trips. They also participate in community service events and assist with contests and activities for younger 4-Hers. Junior Leaders meet at the 4-H office once per month. Jr. Leader Meeting Community Service Project- Brought presents to needy family. A Morning with the Hornets by Christian Amos FBLA Multi–Media Officer On the morning of December 6, 2010 Chapter 617 of the Future Business Leaders of America paid a visit to its sister chapter in Dubach, LA. This meeting included the FBLA members at Dubach and the officers of RHS‘s FBLA Chapter. The main purpose of the meeting was to show Ruston High‘s support for the rising chapter of the Dubach Hornets. In the past Ruston High FBLA has teamed with Dubach taking trips with the chapter to the State Leadership Conference in Baton Rouge. The meeting opened up with Ruston‘s Chapter adviser Mr. Bruner talking about how Ruston‘s Chapter can better Dubach‘s Chapter. ―It benefits both chapters as far as sharing experiences, materials, and transportation aspects, to lower overall costs and gives us a united Lincoln Parish front when we run candidates for state office,‖ Mr. Bruner says. The student leaders of Chapter 617 also shared a few words with the Dubach chapter about FBLA. Danielle McCoy, FBLA President, talked about Ruston‘s membership size and increasing a chapter‘s membership through recruiting. Vice- president Brittany White talked to the Dubach chapter about how to prepare for district and state conferences. Practice, practice, practice! Next, Louisiana‘s cheery October FBLA member of the month gave a prep talk on motivation, leadership, and the many different events Chapter 617 participates in, such as the chapter‘s annual Hot Halloween Happenings. Amber was followed by FBLA‘s secretary Natasha Alva. Natasha talked about the importance of organization and shared ideas on how to be organized in chapter meetings by taking minutes and having a meeting agenda. Jared Spiller used the crowd as a sample audience for his candidacy speech when he runs for district vice president. This meeting not only benefited Dubach‘s chapter, but Ruston benefited from the gathering because it built character and public speaking experience for the officers of Chapter 617. Dubach benefited from being supported and being able to learn how to improve by the best FBLA chapter in the state! C Chatterbox lubs/Organizations Ruston High School January 20, 2011 Page 17 Vote Jared for FBLA District II VP submitted by Amber Brown FBLA Vice President Service Jared Spiller will have his hands full of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) business. For the year 2011, Jared Spiller will run for District II Vice-President during FBLA‘s annual District conference. The conference this year will be held on February 10th at ULM. Jared, who is a sophomore, meets all qualifications to run and even exceeds in some aspects. For example, his Speech and Debate background will be in place to help him as he gives his campaign speech. Jared has been working on his campaign speech and persuasive techniques for the Voting Delegates. And if all of that is not enough, Jared has his Future Award for the Business Achievement Awards (BAA). Jared is also preparing to run for Mr. FBL at District and is helping work on a chapter project for state! Ruston High FBLA is behind Jared 100% of the way and knows he can do anything that he puts his mind to! So, everybody wish Jared ―Good Luck!‖ Students Reminders for January January 25th—28th: After school study for the District Conference. January 26th: Payments due to waiver any late fees. January 28th: Projects, Resumes, Web Site, and Speeches to Adviser. Student Reminders for February February 1st: BAA Awards Due for credit for State Conference. February 1st—4th: After school study for the District Conference. February 4th: Printed projects, resumes, web site, speeches due. February 5th: Last date to turn in any district fees and forms. February 7th: Officers meet after school. February 8th: FBLA District Meeting in auditorium (advisory period) February 8th-9th: After school study for the District Conference. February 10th: District II FBLA Conference at ULM (Depart 6 A.M.) February 11th” All automatic State Items 100% February 11th: Candy Bar Sales Begin (As Approved by Sign-up) February 14th: Automatic State Items—After School workshop! February 15th: Last day to sign up for BAA Awards for officers TBD. February 18th: Jeans Day Sponsored by FBLA! February 24th: Mandatory Parents Meeting for the State Conference! February 25th: Last Day to complete BAA Awards for this year! February 28th: End of Candy Bar Fundraiser—All funds turned in! SPECIAL NOTES BAA Awards: Members must be enrolled and active by Feb. 15th to run for FBLA office for next year. Our elections will be in March of this year—so time is running out! T he Arts Ruston High School Chatterbox January 20, 2011 Page 18 Bearcat Band Begins With a Bang! by Emily Moore Arts Reporter Ruston High‘s Bearcat Band has started the New Year off with a bang! Saturday, January 8th, was the All District Band try-outs and the bearcats left their mark! An estimated ten schools and over one hundred and fifty students tried out for District Band. Ruston had about twenty of its band members audition and out of those twenty, fifteen made the All District Band. When asked if he was nervous, Sophomore Cohen Stockman stated, ―Yes, extremely nervous! It was like going into a room with people that wanted to attack you!‖ When Senior McKenzie Rhodes was asked what she felt going into audition, she replied humbly, ―What can I say? I‘m awesome! I made 4 th chair out of seven to try-out!‖ RHS Junior and band member Kori Teague was helpful enough to list off the other great musicians who will represent RHS in the All District Band. Kori Teague has honored RHS by making 1st chair Oboe and Taylor Condy made 2nd chair. Jacob Hashimoto made 2nd Tenor Sax and Aaron Robertson made 4th Alto Sax. For Clarinets, Polly Michelle Gwan made 4th chair while Michael Davis holds the 13th chair. John Herren is the All District 2nd Trumpet, Michael Tolar is 4th and Cohen Stockman made 10th. Chaning Dorr will stand for Ruston High as 8 th chair Flute, while Andrew Serio is the 6th French Horn. Ronnie Irby will play loud and proud for Ruston as 4 th Tuba and Cody Briscoe will be right beside him as 3rd Trombone. The last two band members representing the bearcats are McKenzie Rhodes as 4th and Melissa Dosher as 6th both in Percussion. Ruston High is surely full of talented students. RHS Band members that were honored with a chair at the All-District Try-Outs We have all your music needs at Piney Hills Music!! 214 N. Trenton Street 232-3002 S Chatterbox enior Spotlights Ruston High School January 20, 2010 Page 19 Name: Kristin Roberts Age: 18 Family: Danny (Dad), Lynne (Mom), Samantha (big sis), Jamie (lil sis), Lil Lynne (cat) Favorites… Movie: Harry Potter movies Animal: Giraffe Color: Rainbow Book/Magazine: “The life of a G” by Robbie D. Quote: ―hey sweet mama…‖-Robbie D. Most embarrassing moment: That time in the OJ with Laura Gearhart What do you like best about RHS: Only being here for 3 hours College plans: NSO/ Psychology or nursing Your hero: Robbie Davenport Name: Jonathan Jones Age: 18 Family: Greg (Dad), Karin (Mom), Patrick (brother) Favorites... Subject: Calculus Movie: Step Brothers Animal: Shark Color: White Book/Magazine: VeloNews Quote: ―What it takes to be #1‖ -Vince Lombard What do you like best about RHS: Harassing Mr. Nutt Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Baseball, Young Lawyers, FCA, Mathletics College plans: Tulane/ Pre-Med Your hero: Kevin James Nutt Name: Myketrian Amacker (KeKerz) Age: 17 Family: Stella (Mom), Kenta (Stepdad), J.J. Ford (brother) Favorites... Subject: Spanish Movie: Their Eyes Were Watching God Animal: Monkey Color: Lime Green Book/Magazine: The Hobbit Quote: ―Don‘t frown...ya never know who‘s falling in love with your smile!‖ :) What do you like best about RHS: I love the traditions and actually having an Alma Mater song Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Varsity Cheerleader, FCA, Diamond Girls, KOM, Spanish Club, Leading Lincoln College plans: I enlisted into the U.S. Navy and my job in there is an information system technician (IT) Your hero: God Name: Megan Jackson Age: 18 Family: Vickie (Mom), Octavious (brother), Adrianne (sister) Favorites... Subject: English Movie: Jason Lyric Animal: Humming bird Color: Gold Quote: ―Live, Laugh, Love‖ What do you like best about RHS: School spirit College plans: Cosmetology school Your hero: God Name: Seth Wells Age: 17 Family: Herbert (Dad), Alisha (Mom), Amber (sister), Robbie (brother) Favorites... Subject: Ag Movie: Varsity Blues Animal: Monkey Color: Purple & Gold Book/Magazine: Outdoor life Quote: ―Without labor neither knowledge nor wisdom can accomplish much.‖ What do you like best about RHS: The Ag shop Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: FFA College plans: LTL/ Welding Your hero: Dr. Mike Strain Picture Not Available S Chatterbox enior Spotlights Ruston High School January 20, 2010 Name: Tyler Perkins Age: 17 Family: Leslie (mom), Brian (dad), Jesse (brother) Favorites... Subject: Construction Tech Movie: Grown Ups Animal: Dog Color: Blue Quote: ―Life is like a box of chocolate, you never know what you‘re gonna get‖ -Forrest Gump Most embarrassing moment: Tripped over a desk in Coach Bush‘s class freshman year What do you like best about RHS: Friends Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: FFA College plans: Louisiana Tech Name: Casey Young Age: 17 Family: Peter (Dad), Louis (Mom), Chris, Stewie (brothers), Meg (sister), Brian (dog) Favorites... Subject: Band Movie: “Something, Something, Something, Dark side” Animal: Kylie Howard Quote: ―AHHHhhhh...Stop!‖ -Mindstorms Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Band College plans: Louisiana Tech/ Computer Science Your hero: NATE Name: Mason Dean (New Money) Age: 17 Family: Fred (Dad), Pam (Mother), 4 brothers, 3 sisters Favorites... Subject: Life Movie: Fast ’n’ Furious Animal: Mufasa Color: Blue Book/Magazine: The Bible Quote: ―If you can beat me rockin‘ you can have my chair‖ -Fred Dean Most embarrassing moment: Losing Homecoming What do you like best about RHS: Football Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: FBLA, FFA, Track and Football Your hero: God Name: Jasmine Baker (Pookie) Age: 18 Family: Felisha (Mom), Stephan (Dad), Jekevdrick Carter (big daddy), four siblings Favorites... Subject: English Movie: Love & Basketball Animal: Marlo Mike Color: Red, Yellow, & Orange Book/Magazine: Black Hair Quote: ―Know your place and play it well if your not first than your last and trust me I‘m always first!‖ -First Lady Carter Most embarrassing moment: When I was basically entertaining real love and the unfortunate What do you like best about RHS: I come late and get out early College plans: Beauty school and then GSU/ Nursing Your hero: God!! Name: Sheniqua (Niqua) Age: 18 Family: Sheila (Mom), Kayron (Dad), Jelly (sister), Molly & Tori (cousins), CJ (baby) Favorites... Subject: Prostart 2 Movie: Ghetto Stories Color: Blue & Pink Quote: ―Imma do me regardless don‘t care what you think bout me‖ -Niqua What do you like best about RHS: Get out early Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: BUMS College plans: LA Tech/ Accounting Your hero: Granny & Uncle Sed Page 20 S Chatterbox enior Spotlights Ruston High School January 20, 2010 Page 21 Name: Megan Danielle Hobson (May-May) Age: 18 Family: Melissa (Mom), Jamie (Dad), Mike (Step dad), Cody, Josh (step brothers), Racheal, Morgan (step sisters) Favorites... Subject: Canine Care Movie: Beauty and the Beast Animal: English Bull Masstiv Color: Red Quote: ―Be happy with what you got! Instead of what you don‘t!‖ What do you like best about RHS: All the Bearcat spirit Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: FFA, FBLA (11th), Pom Squad (9th & 10th) College plans: Delta Tech/ Business & Management Your hero: My Mom & my brother, Cody Name: Alexis Thompson Age: 17 Family: Kim (Mom), Joe (Dad), Hilary (sister) Favorites... Subject: Biology Human Anatomy Movie: Takers Animal: Yorkie Color: Pink Book/Magazine: Of Mice and Men Quote: ―You can do all things through Christ.‖ Most embarrassing moment: When this boy pushed me down the stairs my Freshman year. What do you like best about RHS: The school spirit and pep rallies. College plans: Louisiana Tech/ Biological Sciences Your hero: My parents Name: Haven Schroeder (―Merle‖, ―Havo‖, ―Haveen‖) Age: 17 Family: Claire (Mom), Bernd (Dad), Samantha, Nicole, Mlle (sisters) Favorites... Subject: Organic Chemistry Movie: Heavyweights Animal: Emperor penguin Color: Gray Book/Magazine: Crazy Love by Francis Chan Quote: ―For I know the plans for you,‖ declares the Lord, ―plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.‖ Jeremiah 29:11 Most embarrassing moment: Freshman year at the Northwestern track meet. It was my first time running the two mile and I ran 7 laps instead of 8. Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Cross Country, Track, NHS, KOMs College plans: Louisiana Tech/ Biology major with a chemistry minor concentration in Pre-med Your hero: Christ Name: Ja‘Ren Johnson (Eastside Superstar) Age: 17 Family: Sha‘Ron Johnson, Shakala Johnson, Jawaun Johnson, LaDerrick Brown Favorites… Movie: Friday Animal: Bearcat Color: Red Quote: ―It‘s not how good you are, it‘s how bad you want it.‖ Most embarrassing moment: Losing in the 1st round of the playoffs for the last two years. What do you like best about RHS: Football Fridays Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Football Your hero: Ladaiman Tomlinson; Torrence ―Lil Boosie‖ Hatch Name: Laura Gearhart (Lolly) Age: 18 Family: Christy (Mom), Jerry (Dad), Adam (brother), Cookie Bear & Candy Cane (dogs) Favorites... Subject: Biology II w/ Gare & Griff Griff Movie: Tommy Boy Animal: Chinchilla Color: Purple Quote: ―Laura, you‘re an embarrassment to the squad, go sit down.‖ -Heather Reeder What do you like best about RHS: Griff Griff works here! Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Varsity Cheer College plans: ULM/ Pharmacy Your hero: Griff Griff S Chatterbox enior Spotlights Ruston High School January 20, 2010 Page 22 Name: Staci Barnett Age: 18 Family: Dad, Mom, Jake, Bren, Stuie Favorites... Subject: Library Movie: Grease Animal: Monkey Color: Yellow Book/Magazine: Cozmo Most embarrassing moment: Falling down the stairs Freshman year What do you like best about RHS: Football games Your hero: My Momma Name: Rebecca Bertrand Age: 17 Family: Steve, Dana, Dillon Favorites... Subject: Advisory Movie: Madea’s Family Reunion Animal: Bradlee Martin Color: Gray Quote: ―Don‘t waste your time with people that aren‘t worth your time.‖ What do you like best about RHS: The fact that I‘m almost out of here….:) Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Band Your hero: Jesus Name: Markeece Bolds (Keece) Age: 19 Family: Vickey (Mom), Kathy W. (Mom 2), Jerry (Dad), Billy W. (Dad 2), small group (brother) Favorites... Subject: Math Movie: Aladdin Animal: Cheetah Color: Red Book/Magazine: Lion, Witch, & Wardrobe Quote: ―PUNT TEAM READYYY!!!‖ What do you like best about RHS: Coach Anderson & the Track team Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Football, Track, Cross-Country, KOM College plans:Texas/ Sociology Your hero: The Flash Senior Spotlights are done as a courtesy to all Seniors to acknowledge their dedication to complete their high school education and to give each Senior an opportunity to appear in the Chatterbox. Any Senior who has not appeared in the Chatterbox and wishes to have their spotlight in this year needs to see Savannah Chrisman or visit us during 4th hour (or either lunch shift) and ensure that an information sheet is processed and an appropriate picture is taken. Seniors may send in their own photos (as long as they are appropriate). Chatterbox will only run Senior Spotlights through the April edition or until we have less that 20 Seniors turn in their sheets again. Once Senior Spotlights are announced as discontinued, they will not return for the remainder of the year. Show your Bearcat Pride and get your spotlights in! E Chatterbox ntertainment Ruston High School January 20, 2011 Page 23 PDA: Published Display of Affection (Chatterbox Ads) by Natasha Alva News Editor So as everyone knows, PDA (public displays of affection) are not allowed at school, but in the February edition of the Chatterbox, you will be allowed to ―Publish‖ a sentence proclaiming your affection to someone you admire. The cost is only $1. All you need to do is fill out the little form at the bottom of this page and get a separate form from Chatterbox. After that, all you need to do is locate one of the friendly Chatterbox staff members and give the form and your $1 to them to turn in. Forms will not be taken without payment. Remember, the only thing is that you must write things that are appropriate. If something is deemed inappropriate, it will not be published. Cussing can get you in trouble…! But you can stop “NOW”! by Stephany Arias Senior Reporter Cuss words or swear words whatever you choose to call them seem to be a really popular part of a teenager‘s vocabulary. To some people it seems pretty normal, but the truth is that the majority of the time when someone cusses, they are being rude and inconsiderate by doing such a thing, and such rudeness can end up hurting somebody is feelings. Cussing is a bad habit for many people and is hard to get rid of but it can be broken and taken away if you allow yourself to work hard. Here are some tips to help you on your way to a ―NON CUSSING‖ success. You need to recognize that you have a problem and that you want to get rid of it. This desire to change is perhaps the most important thing that will drive you to actually change your ways and to stop cussing for good. Also, begin by stopping any casual swearing. Sometimes it helps to make a distinction between swearing that is brought on by a difficult or frustrating situation and swearing in casual conversation with other people. Think about what would your Dad or Mom would say or do if heard you saying something inappropriate for no apparent reason. Changing the way you think will help a lot. Remember the thoughts that we think will become the things that we say. Pay attention to what you say while you talk to others. Think before saying something, but if you end up saying a cuss word stop replace the bad word with a more appropriate word then continue on with your conversation and try your best to not do it slip up next time. We all know this can be hard to accomplish but not impossible, so try your best and show the world that you are a good person who is working to become an even better person. I Wish I Could Be Perfect by Shamario Daniel Club Reporter Sometimes I wish I could be perfect So people will think the best of me I‘ll be so perfect that they will think I‘m the President If I make a mistake, everyone will be mad Because I‘m the man that had the talent everyone doesn‘t have The talent has my name on it and I have to claim the surprise The fact of accepting it was so hard but it‘s something I couldn‘t walk by Being perfect is something I always wanted to be I, having this talent, will probably make history People will be jealous and hate me because I‘m the best And with them not having this talent will make them want to try they‘re best I‘m so happy I‘m somewhat close to perfect When I walk by, people will wish they were me In addition to the standard $1 ads advertised for students (and faculty) to purchase for the February edition, any RHS student or faculty member may take out a regular ad if you wish to include a picture or a very special note. Special rates just for Valentine‘s Day are as follows: 1/8 page, Black and White: $ 10 1/8 page, Color: $15 1/4 page, Black and White: $20 1/4 page, Color: $25 Any school recognized organization may also purchase a special ad as follows: 1/2 page Black and White: $ 25 Full page Black and White: $50 1/2 page Color: $40 Full Page Color: $80 Note: Full page and color ads subject to availability of space. Valentine’s Message (Chatterbox) Cost: $ 1 per message TO: ____________________________________________________ (______________________________________) FROM: ____________________________________________________ (______________________________________) MESSAGE: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Messages can only be 2 lines. Print legibly. Ensure that the TO and FROM is exactly how you want it presented. In parentheses, place your real name if you use an alias. Any message that is deemed inappropriate in ANY way will not be published and there will be no refund. No pictures are allowed. S Chatterbox tudent Center Ruston High School January 20, 2011 Page 24 Greetings, Programs (TRON: Legacy Review) by Gray Taylor Graphics/Design Editor Back in 1982, Walt Disney Pictures released a live-action film with revolutionary computer-animated visuals simply called TRON. It was a huge bomb. Not because the film was terrible, but because hardly anyone actually went to see it. Fast-forward a few years later, a bunch of nerds decided that the movie was pretty good, giving Disney the idea to plan a sequel. Fast-forward again to now, and that sequel has finally been made. TRON: Legacy is, in one word, a blast, although I think in order to fully understand the movie, one might need to watch the original. Having seen the 1982 cult classic, I think it‘s interesting to see just how far we‘ve come with computer-generated effects. Much like the original, Legacy’s story is not the best, but everything else makes up for it. The visual effects are some of the coolest I have seen in a while. You can tell how much work went into the design of everything you see in the world of ―The Grid‖. On top of that, the music by Daft Punk is awesome and really adds a kick to the experience. My biggest problem with the storyline was that even though the name of the movie is TRON: Legacy, the actual character is barely in it. In the original film, Tron was more of a secondary character, but in this one it seems more like a cameo appearance. TRON: Legacy, like the original, is not a masterpiece but it doesn‘t have to be. It‘s cool to look at and fun to watch, as well as a worthy sequel. I give it 3 ½ identity disks out of 5. TRON: Legacy is owned by Walt Disney Pictures Dead Space and Dead Space 2 are owned by Electronic Arts and Visceral Games Necromorphilia: A Love for Dead Space 2 by Gray Taylor Graphics/Design Editor Back in 2008, EA Games introduced a newcomer to the survival/horror video game genre simply known as Dead Space. The game was widely praised mainly because it managed to do what most games of the genre had recently failed to do: be scary. The game follows futuristic engineer Isaac Clarke who is following a team answering a distress call sent from the mining spaceship USG Ishimura, which has mysteriously gone offline and seems to be abandoned. Almost as soon as they land on the massive ship, Isaac witnesses most of the team slaughtered by a zombie-like mutant race called Necromorphs. Throughout the rest of the game, Isaac must battle the monsters, armed only with mining tools for weapons instead of guns, while trying to restore power to the ship and solving the mystery behind the events prior to his arrival. That‘s just the game in a nutshell. Aside from its engaging storyline, the game excels at being scary. The thought of being alone at the end of a long, dimly-light hallway and not knowing what might be around the corner is truly terrifying, especially if you are playing the game alone with the lights turned off. Now in 2011, the next chapter for Isaac Clarke begins… Dead Space 2 takes place three years after the nightmarish events on the Ishimura. Isaac now finds himself on The Sprawl, a giant space station orbiting one of Saturn‘s moons. Unfortunately for our guy, he is unable to remember the events of the first game and is also suffering from horrible dementia. To make matters worse, the Necromorphs have returned. Now armed with some new weapons and a more advanced spacesuit, Isaac is prepared for another round of ‗strategic dismemberment.‘ In other words, he‘s ready to kick some asteroids. The game comes out for Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and PC on January 25 th. So be sure to check it out. Shh! It’s Private by Emily Moore Arts Reporter Kate Brian is the New York Times bestselling author of the Private series. This series consists of twelve books and a prequel that is full of action and drama. Reed Brennan has always dreamed of escaping her horrific home life to Easton Academy. Her dreams come true with a soccer and lacrosse scholarship. When a girl from the prestigious House of Billings gets expelled and Reed is offered an invitation to become an admired Billings Girl, she feels like everything is going good. Being a Billings Girl is a privilege that girls would kill for, but one that comes with a high cost. Reed soon finds that she has to pay that cost. The question she must ask herself is if it is worth the price. This series not only has action and drama, but it is jam packed with mystery that will keep readers guessing and romance that will keep everyone on their toes. At Easton Academy nothing is what is seems and no one can be trusted. The Private series is one that can capture anyone‘s attention. Two thumbs up! S Chatterbox tudent Center Ruston High School January 20, 2011 Ask Russell Ask the Staff submitted by Beau Russell RHS Class President by Kori Teague Guest Reporter Do you have any New Years’ Resolutions? Well, I don‘t like to call them ―resolutions‖; I just like the word ―goals‖ better, but I have goals that deal with my spiritual life, relationships with old and new friends, physical appearance, and college! What do girls like about Valentine’s Day? What are some of your favorite memories of 2010? Wow! There‘s a lot! Hands down One Way Week is the best week of my life EVERY year! (One Way is a church camp that takes place in Happy, Texas in the middle of a canyon) At the beginning of this year Nick, Maddie, G-Pub and I saved a man from blowing his hand up. ―It‘s a bomb! Put it down! It‘s a bomb!‖… and during the summer I rode 4wheelers with Shelby and the 4-wheeler broke down 3 miles away from civilization hahaha man good times. 2011 will be a GREAT year!!! Bfrt… and if you wanna know about any of these stories just ask! I‘d love to share. What I Do Know Page 25 Well, many girls like nothing about Single Awareness Day. But if a girl has a beau, she likes the extra attention she gets from the guy. Boys, don‘t be afraid to show how you feel! Chocolate, flowers, presents are all appreciated. And girls, give your guy some appreciation, too! Life doesn‘t have to do everything. by Amy Gibson Clubs Reporter I know that anger can destroy you And that jealousy can spoil your feelings I know that pain can cloud your judgment And that your mind isn‘t always willing I‘m young and don‘t know a lot But I do know that love is not to be treated lightly You can‘t just play games with people‘s hearts Because you won‘t make it very far I know that life doesn‘t always deal you a fair hand And I know that the going can get tough But I also know that with persistence You can make it no matter how rough I know that you should be patient And to others always kind You must always respect people And keep their feelings in mind I know that life is filled with disappointments Because it‘s not too often that you‘re winning But this is a new year with new opportunities And I know that this is a new beginning A SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM CHATTERBOX All students are asked to begin thinking about whether or not you would like to join the Chatterbox staff next year. Applications will accepted beginning in mid-February for several positions. If you like to write, are proficient or can learn Microsoft Office (especially Publisher), have special artistic or graphics skills, or simply love to write or cover the news for the school - we may have a place for you on our staff. All staff members are required to sell ads and get sponsors. Chatterbox is educational and fun, and obviously, it is one sure way to make sure that you get your name and picture in our school newspaper. Our class size is limited to 20—so make sure you get your application in early when announced! The Chatterbox reminds all students that everyone has a right to an opinion on issues. If you have an opinion and wish to write an article, the Chatterbox reminds you that all submissions are subject to staff, editor, and administrative review to ensure that the article provides information or promotes school pride, and does so without materially disrupting work, does not cause substantial disorder, or does not invade the rights of these. If you would like your article considered for submission, please email it to [email protected] or turn it in in electronic format to one of our staff. Only signed editorials and articles will be considered. Fun Page Ruston High School Sudoku December Answers: by Gray Taylor Graphics/Design Editor NOTE: The following comic contains entirely fictional events. Chatterbox January 20, 2011 2 0 1 1 Page 26 Word Search S Chatterbox ponsors and Staff Ruston High School January 20, 2011 Page 27 2010-2011 Chatterbox Sponsors Platinum Level Sponsors: ($200 +) Mark Bartlett, LLC Ruston High School Alumni Association Gold Level Sponsor: ($100 - $199) RHS FBLA, Chapter 617 Silver Level Sponsor: ($50 - $99) Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office First National Bank Garrett Foundation (Grant) 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 Crowder Concepts Kathi Crowder 2 BESTWAY Michael Kolb 4 Wells Fargo Julie Guillot 10 Driver‘s Ed Ricky Durrett 13 King of Hearts Pat Murray 15 Mayfield Construction Beth Mayfield 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 of Ruston Susan Simoneaux 31 Space Available Space Available Space Available Space Available Space Available Space Available Space Available Space Available Space Available 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 [email protected] 2010-2011 RHS Chatterbox Staff Senior Editor News Editor Assistant News Editor Graphics/Design Editor Senior Reporter Sports Editor Business Manager Academics Reporter Arts Reporter Clubs Reporter Clubs Reporter Education Reporter Social Reporter Social Reporter Sports Reporter Sports Reporter Photographer Photographer Guest Reporter Amber Brown Senior Natasha Alva Senior Lauren Townsend Junior Gray Taylor Senior Stephany Arias Senior Christian Amos Senior Elizabeth Smith Junior Polly Michelle Gwan Junior Emily Moore Junior Amy Gibson Junior Shamario Daniel Junior Benicia King Junior Jocria Thompson Junior Patricia Duhart Junior Reed Malek Junior Arquisia Williams Sophomore Savannah Chrisman Sophomore Whitney Durrett Sophomore Kori Teague Junior Adviser/Sponsor: Mr. Lloyd R. Bruner, [email protected] 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 Chatterbox ports Ruston High School January 20, 2011 Page 28 Power Balance Wristbands Scams by Amber Brown Senior Editor One of the newest ―fads‖ is the colorful silicone wristband called the ―Power Balance‖. The wristbands themselves are not a new invention; they have been around since 2009. Multiple students of Ruston High School can be seen wearing these colorful wristbands pictured below, and some even say that it does improve their skills on the field/court. Many owners of these Power Balance wristbands insist that when wearing them their athletic performance becomes greatly improved. The product is even endorsed by famous athletes, such as Shaquille O‘Neal and Drew Brees in advertisements, where a simple ―Balance Test‖ is given. Whether we are athletes or just regular people working out to stay in shape, this wristband that taps into our energy and gives us the encouragement we all need to be motivated enough to keep being healthy and moving! Power Balance boasts that it doesn‘t make promises, it simply delivers results! Oh, and according to the commercials, you can have all of this for a mere (the lowest price seen available) $29.95; please keep in mind that these wristbands cost less than a dime to manufacture, even though it doesn‘t sound like it. The ―scientific facts‖ of the wristband: Power Balance uses Mylar Holographic Disks (the same substance used to keep static electricity from damaging electrical components) has been imbedded with an electrical frequency that restores your body‘s electrical balance, promoting a free exchange of positive and negative ions and aligns your body‘s energy pathways. Apparently, the high density disk acts much like a ―switch‖, resonating within your system and turning on your energy field while it clears the pathways so the electro-chemical exchange functions like the welltuned generator it was designed to be. When the static Power Balance Hologram comes into contact with your body‘s energy field, it begins to resonate in accordance with each individual‘s biological, creating a harmonic loop that optimizes your energy field and maintains maximum energy flow. LHSAA Redistricting Sends Ruston to 5A by Reed Malek Sports Reporter Every two years, the Louisiana High School Athletic Association makes changes to the high school athletic districts in the state. Which district a school belongs to depends on its student population; 5A schools must have populations of 1102 or more. Because Ruston High has surpassed this mark, it is being moved to the largest district in the state for the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 school years: 5A. RHS will be placed specifically in district 2-5A along with Natchitoches Central, Ouachita, Pineville, and West Monroe. Student population and athletic performance almost directly correlate in high school athletic districts; the larger the district population requirements, the better the athletic competition. Now that Ruston High is a member of district 5A, a lot of pressure is going to be put on its athletics. Though the competition will be much greater, Ruston High‘s athletes have a common feeling of determination. Says junior soccer player Sebastian Pisciotta: ―If we don‘t step up our game now, then we‘ll be in trouble for next year. So freshmen, sophomores, and juniors all need to practice over the summer.‖ When asked about the move to 5A, junior offensive lineman Brandon Hearn gave a sheepish grin and said ―We‘ve got the athletes to compete in 5A. I think we belong in 4A based on population. But as far as athletics go, we have the talent to be competitive in 5A.‖ Now that you know this, do you still look at your band in the same way? ―Before it just seemed like a couple of stickers and a rubber band,‖ exclaimed an avid wearer and collector of the wristbands. But does that make them any more effective when being worn? No, as a matter of fact, recently an Australian court has actually forced Power Balance to admit that its claims about the wristbands aren‘t backed by any credible scientific evidence. As of the beginning of the New Year, Power Balance has admitted that their wristbands are indeed a scam. The actual statement is as follows: ―In our advertising we state that Power Balance wristbands improve your strength, balance, and flexibility. We admit that there is no credible scientific evidence that supports our claims and therefore we engaged in misleading conduct in breach s52 of the Trade Practices Act 1974. If you feel you have been misled by our promotions, we wish to unreservedly apologize and offer a full refund.‖ This true statement was printed in all Australian medias and caused these scammers to be publicly humiliated; Power Balance is not the first to scam so widely or to be busted for their wrong and unlawful actions, they will most certainly not be the last. S Chatterbox ports Ruston High School January 20, 2011 Page 29 The Super Bowl: Then and Now Information accessed athttp://football.about.com/cs/superbowl/a/bl_superbowl1.htm by Reed Malek Sports Reporter On January 15, 1967 the very first ―Super Bowl‖ was played between the Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. The game was the first to pit the best teams from the two football leagues at the time: the American Football League (AFL) and the National Football League (NFL) and was bluntly named ―The First AFL-NFL World Championship Game,‖ rather than ―Super Bowl,‖ which would not be coined until later. Led by their legendary quarterback Bart Starr and also legendary head coach Vince Lombardi, namesake of the Super Bowl trophy today, the NFL champion Packers defeated the AFL champion Chiefs 35-10 in front of an audience of 61,946. First to strike was Green Bay via a 37-yard touchdown pass from Starr to wide receiver Max McGee, who was actually a backup for wide receiver Boyd Dowler. This quarterback-wide receiver duo would dominate the game‘s offense and will forever exist in Super Bowl lore. Bart Starr finished the game as Most Valuable Player, having completed 16 of his 23 passes for 250 yards. McGee alone caught seven passes for 138 Accessed at www.espn.com yards, two of which were touchdowns. The game was a close one at halftime, with the Packers leading the Chiefs only 14-10. However, Green Bay pulled away in the second half, scoring three touchdowns and allowing none by Kansas City. Forty-four years later, America once again prepares itself for the big game. This year, Super Bowl XLV will be played on February 6 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, when the best of the National Football Conference (NFC) will face the best of the American Football Conference (AFC). Though there is no more Bart Starr or Vince Lombardi in the NFL, the Super Bowl remains the biggest sports attraction and one of the most money-making events in the United States. Auburn Wins BCS National Championship Information accessed at http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=310102483 by Reed Malek Sports Reporter On January 10, 2011 the Auburn Tigers defeated the man runner-up LaMichael James. Still down by two Oregon Ducks 22-19 in the BCS National Champion- points after the touchdown, Oregon was forced to go for ship game in the University of Phoenix Stadium in the two-point conversion. Thomas handled a bad snap, Glendale, Arizona. Led by their Heisman Trophy- ran right, and threw the ball the other way into the back winning quarterback Cam Newton, the Tigers were able of the end zone to wide receiver Jeff Maehl. Maehl to respond to a late Oregon rally and win with game- leapt in the air and caught the ball over the head of a winning field goal as time expired. defender for the successful two-point conversion. HowComing into the game, there ever, there was still one probwas much anticipation for a high lem: they now had to kick the -octane offensive duel between ball off to Auburn and give it the two teams. However, hopes into the hands of Cam Newton of such a game were crushed with just over two minutes left early. Neither team scored until in the game. the second quarter and the third Auburn drove down the field quarter was scoreless except for relentlessly and eventually setan Auburn field goal. Despite tled down comfortably with the lack of great offense, this only inches from the end zone. was a fantastic game to watch; Kicker Wes Bynum came onto rarely does a championship the field with two seconds left in game come down to the very last the game and kicked an easy 17second. yard field goal as the clock ran out, giving Auburn its first naWith 2:33 left in the game, tional championship since 1957, down 19-11, Oregon scored a touchdown via a two-yard pass and the Southeastern Conferfrom quarterback Darron Thoence its fifth consecutive BCS mas to running back and HeisNational Championship. Accessed at www.espn.com BUMS Donate to DART submitted by Jordan Crume BUMS Reporter Over the Christmas break BUMS hosted a Christmas party at Pizza Inn. At the Party the group decided to donate canned goods to the Domestic Abuse Resistance Team (DART). When Ruston High‘s BUMS club showed up to deliver the groceries, the officials at DART were very appreciative and impressed by the hard work. DART was so impressed by the hard work they asked for more help with future community services. The decision to donate was discussed at the January club meeting. Also the meeting, the group prepared goody bags for both the soccer and basketball teams. Everyone is excited to see what new things RHS BUMS will bring in with the New Year. Anyone interested in donating to DART can bring canned goods to Mrs. Maxwell‘s room or give them to Jordan Crume. Remember BUMS semi-formal is February 5th! You can pick up your dance contact in the office and return them to Mrs. Maxwell. After you return the contract you can receive your ticket. S Chatterbox ports Ruston High School Lady Bearcat Soccer Continues Dominance by Reed Malek Sports Reporter After beginning its season with six wins and only two losses, the Lady Bearcat soccer team continues their greatness in the months of December and January. During this time, the Lady Cats won twice and tied twice, making their overall record (8-2-2). The girls played St. Frederick‘s on December 7th and ended with a scoreless tie. However, the Bearcats made up for this lack of scoring with an 8-1 rout of Wossman on December 13th. Lauren Prescott scored four times and Traci Evans, Darby Guinn, Hannah Hearne and Danielle Finley had one goal each. The girls played St. Frederick‘s again in a tournament during December 17-18 and tied once again, this time 1-1 thanks to a goal from Lauren Prescott. On December 20th, the Lady Bearcats went to Ouachita High School and won by a score of 4-0 with two goals from Lauren Prescott and two from Traci Evans. January 20, 2011 Page 30 NFL Teams Lose Value by Christian Amos Sports Editor In the National Football League (NFL) the most profitable teams are the Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins, and New England Patriots. In the 2009 season, these three teams earned an average of $105 million, which was three times the league‘s average. The typical NFL team was worth about $957 million in 2009. Another way to see this is that the NFL is worth more than Major League Baseball and the National Basketball Association combined. The most valuable team in the country is in the NFL, the Dallas cowboys. The Cowboys high revenue status led to their building of a brand new stadium costing $1.2 million. Even in these troubling economic times, many teams still have the fan base and capital to hire more staff. However, most teams are facing cut backs and percentage losses. The Jacksonville Jaguars faced a -16% value decreased in 2010. The future will be rough for teams like Jacksonville as they will continue to lose money and maybe even a huge fan base. So not only are NFL teams losing value, but they are losing fan‘s support which is the foundation of any team. Lady Cats Rise to Success by Keekee Williams Sports reporter During the month of December, the Lady Bearcats held and also attended many tournament games and boasted countless victories. The first match was held at Homer High. The squad squared off against Athens, Minden, and Summerfield in which they outdid all of the competition. On December 2 in the round against Athens, the phenomenal Lady ‗Cats wiped the floor with Athens and racked up big points with a whopping score of 61-29! On the same day they also hammered Minden with a great score of 68-49. The next opponent and game on December 4 posed no threat to these ladies because they showed no mercy to Summerfield. They took home another win with a 5734 score. They also won three more nontournament games after coming from the Homer tournament. Our ladies hosted the next round of competitions on their own court at their own home. They represented Ruston High well with 4 Accessed at www.dallasobserver.com more wins from this tournament. They continued to be on the winning streak until they attended the Bossier City Airline tournament. First they faced Calvary Baptist, but they weren‘t a challenge so they swept up a victory of 69-37. Then came the real threat. Plain Dealing defeated the Lady Bearcats by only six points. The end of the game resulted in a score of 52-58. Not to be down for long, the Ladies were ready to defeat their next challenger. They had three double digit scorers in the win over Benton. Leading the team was All -State candidate Byroneisha Santiago with 19 points followed by Toni Greene with 14 points and Chelsea Rogers with 11. Santiago also ended with 13 rebounds while Rogers had 6 and Shadarria Crawford picked up 5. Greene had a key fourth quarter run connecting on five-of-six of her free throws. The team did an excellent job of shutting down Benton and claiming the last win of the 2010 year, making them 16-3. S Chatterbox ports Ruston High School January 20, 2011 Page 31 Player of the Month: Patrick Beatty by Christian Amos Sports Editor The sports section is proud to honor Patrick Beatty as the January Player of the Month. Patrick, number 18, is a center-mid soccer player for the Bearcats. He has played soccer for Ruston every year since his freshman year. So far, this year Patrick has scored over 17 goals, with 6 of them being scored midDecember. This year Patrick plans to aid the team to make it past the second round in the playoffs. Patrick was honored to be on the first team all-district and second team allNortheast. Patrick is a true MVP for his team. He plans to major in Nursing at Louisiana Tech University. Patrick is an active mentor in RHS‘s KOM organization and an active athlete in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. As a before game ritual, Patrick eats shot blocks and energy beans to get hyped for the match. Patrick‘s word to his team is, ―Try your hardest and your efforts will pay off and remain loyal to each other.‖ Bearcat Basketball Surges by Reed Malek Sports Reporter After starting their season off to a disappointing 2-5 record, the boys‘ basketball team has turned its season around. The Bearcats now claim a 10-6 record thanks mainly to an eight-game winning streak stretching from December 15, 2010 to December 29, 2010. During the streak the ‗Cats played some interesting teams including Loyola Prep, whom Ruston defeated 56-50. Jerry Melton led the Bearcats with 15 points and 13 rebounds. Once their streak was broken by the Neville Tigers on December 30, 2010 the Bearcats rebounded quickly, winning against Arcadia on January 4 th by a close score of 46-45. Jamaya Burr led the Bearcats in scoring with 14 points and Jerry Melton accumulated the most rebounds, with 13. The Bearcats look to keep the winning going, especially as they go into district 3-4A play. Bush’s Boys… UNFORGETTABLE! submitted by Beau Russell Bush’s Boys President Ayyyy Ohhhh!! It‘s your president, Beau Martin Russell here. I want you to know that it‘s not too late to be a part of the best, the bold, the Bush‘s Boys! All we need from you is your shirt size, $10, and your soul! It‘s important that you act fast because district play is going on and pretty soon the playoffs will be around the corner. These are the most important games of the season and we need YOU! Yes you, with the eyes and the mouth. Every RHS student is invited to the games, it‘s not free but it is the experience of a lifetime. All 1100 students should be at every home game to cheer on the teams. So give me a holla when you get a chance and we can make this thing happen! B Chatterbox earcat Spirit Ruston High School January 20, 2011 Page 32 RHS Cheerleaders Are NATIONAL CHAMPIONS submitted by Mrs. Reeder Cheerleader Sponsor The Ruston High Cheerleaders made school history on January 8, 2011, by becoming the 2011 NCA GameTime National Champions. The Game Time division requires teams to compete with three routines: TimeOut Dance, TimeOut Cheer, and Fight Song. Ruston won with a combined score of 188 in their Fight Song and TimeOut Cheer, defeating twenty other teams from all over the country. National Cheerleading Association (NCA) is the only cheerleading corporation in the nation that hosts a GameTime National Championship. The team received the popular golden megaphone trophy and black jackets to bring home. Five months of hard work, practicing every Saturday and at least twice a week after school paid off! To hear the Bearcats named National Champions was an amazing feeling these ladies will never forget. After winning the National Championship, they went on to compete in another division, Non-Tumbling Performance, and brought home 3rd place in that as well. RHS placed in the top three along with United South High School and Lyndon B. Johnson High School, both of Laredo, Texas, and both former/reigning National Champions in the Non-Tumbling division. Ruston High has only been competing for three years so both the title of National Champions and a top three finish is such an honor for the team and their coaches. The school will host an assembly soon to honor these ladies. They are grateful for the support and encouragement of their peers and teachers. The team is coached by Heather Reeder, Olivia Gordon and Abby Gordon. The squad is made up of: Emaleigh Bickham, Tiffany Carprue, DeJayla Chambers, Savannah Chrisman, Emily Compton, Kelsey Davidson, Te-Air Douglas, Shelby Eggen, Caitlin Elliott, Ansleigh Faile, Anna Fuller, Laura Gearhart, Sarah Gordon, Shelby Griffith, Chandler Haddox, Morgan Hitt, Katie Hopkins, Carley Jones, Raven Kelly, Chelsea Koonce, Kendall Lopez, Reghan Lopez, Mary Margaret Manning, Larkin Nelson, Alex Osborne, Lauren Pate, Savannah Payne, Beth Ramirez, Lauren Taylor, Sidney White, Paige Williams, Sydni Wilt, and Deja Young. You can go online to www.varsity.com and watch the girls compete in all routines and an interview with senior Shelby Griffith and the team right after winning.
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