Ruston High School February 14, 2011 Box Tops Bearcat Café

Transcription

Valentine’s Day Shout-Outs See Pages 12-13
Sports Player of the
Month see Page 31
RHS Alumni Series
See Page 2
http://rustonhigh.lincolnschools.org/chatterbox.html
Chatterbox
Ruston High School
NHS Helps Invisible Children
Box Tops
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Outside Our Box (2)
Academia (3-6)
Teacher Spotlights (7-8)
Editorials/Opinions (9-11)
Valentine’s Messages (12-13)
Service and Social (14)
Bearcat Baseball Ad (15)
Clubs (16-17)
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)
February 14, 2011
by Lauren Townsend
Assistant News Reporter
―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
Invisible Children is a non-profit organization devoted to stopping child abductions and imprisonments into the military. Everyday in Northern Africa, children are kidnapped from their homes
and forced to serve violent leaders via military service. These children suffer abuse, neglect, poor living conditions, and are faced
with life-or-death situations. Invisible Children‘s goal is to stop this
inhumane act and spread knowledge of the poor conditions and injustices of Uganda and other parts of Northern Africa to the west.
This fight for humanity and peace is burdening and enduring, but it
is a fight for a purpose that can‘t be lost.
With the money collected, Ruston High will help support Invisible Children‘s war against the cruelty taking place in Uganda. During January, the National Honor Society decorated
recycled Coca-Cola and Sprite bottles to collect
change to donate towards the Invisible Children
foundation. To promote RHS Bearcat donations,
NHS got creative and decided to turn it into a competition. Coke bottles were distributed to 4th hour
teachers and students were informed that if their
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, Johnny Maxwell as Distinguished Alumni in the category of Commerce, and Distinguished Teacher Ruth Potts. This month, we will continue the
series with a report on the last Distinguished Alumni, Cherry
Pratt Kirkpatrick, in the category of Humanitarian. In the
March edition of the Chatterbox, Distinguished Teacher Julie
B. Stephenson will be the last report for this year.
class collected the most
money, they would win a
pizza party for their class.
Money was collected all
around the school, and
Mrs. Winstead‘s class won
the party by raising $143;
Mrs. Freeman‘s class came
in 2nd place for the most
money collected. After all
was said and done, the
Ruston High National
Honor
Society
raised
$1,151 to donate towards
the Invisible Children‘s movement to end conflict and child abduction in Northern Africa. Congratulations to Mrs. Winstead‘s and
Mrs. Freeman‘s 4th periods classes and all the students who donated
toward this worthy cause.
If you wish to learn more information or if you would like to
make a donation towards the Invisible Children organization, visit
www.invisiblechildren.com/.
Bearcat Café Ready for Business
by Elizabeth Smith
Business Manager
On Friday, January 21, 2011, the Ruston High School Bearcat Café officially opened for business. The café is
sponsored by Ms. Saunders and her second hour class. The class takes the orders and prepares the food all on
their own. Ms. Saunders only supervises to make sure that no one gets hurt while cooking, and that the food is
prepared in a sanitary manner. The students are learning skills that they will need to know to make it on their own
in the real world. Through the Bearcat Café, the students get real life experience as they learn how to cook. They
also learn how to take orders correctly and prepare them, which
would come in handy in the service
industry. As of right now, the Bearcat Café is only open to Ruston High
staff. Ms. Saunders is hoping that
one day they will be able to open the
café to all of Ruston High.
Students deliver the first meal.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at RHS
O
Chatterbox
utside Our Box?
Ruston High School
February 14, 2011
Page 2
Distinguished Alumni: Cherry Pratt Kirkpatrick
information provided by the RHS Alumni Association
by Natasha Alva
News Editor
Cherry Pratt spent the years 1957-1960 as a student at Ruston High School. The amazing life story of
Cherry Pratt Kirkpatrick and her husband Vance Kirkpatrick living for forty-six years in the deep bush of
Kenya has resulted in their now being considered as Angels from America.
Cherry Pratt went to Louisiana Tech in the early 1960s. It was there that she met Vance Kirkpatrick and
was married. They were on the same wavelength as they determined that "service to others" was where their
future lay. Mrs. Kirkpatrick wanted to make life better for people in a third world country, so she armed herself with dual degrees in Home Economics and English.
Upon completion of her degree in 1964, the Kirkpatricks joined the newly formed Peace Corp. They
would be part of the first group to go to Africa. Once in Kenya, Mrs. Kirkpatrick taught at one of only ten
high schools for girls on the continent and her husband taught at a traditional boys' school. Each of
them earned twelve and a half cents per hour or a total of eighty-eight dollars per month! Their transportation
consisted of one bicycle that they shared, and they lived at the girls' boarding school where Mrs. Kirkpatrick
taught. After fulfilling their two year commitment with the Peace Corp, they returned to the U.S. to further
their studies in preparation for their return to Kenya as missionaries.
The Kirkpatricks returned to Kenya in 1972 where they established the first Baptist high school. At that time, educational opportunities for women in Africa were very limited
due to societal attitudes and restrictions. Cherry Kirkpatrick became fluent in Swahili and began teaching life-altering survival skills and literacy to the native young women who
boarded at the school. When asked why she felt this calling was of particular importance, she responded saying ―Because when you educate a woman over there, you educate an
entire family." In 1981, the Kirkpatricks established the Kenya Baptist Theological College where both taught and from which four year degrees are granted in conjunction with
Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, Texas.
With much credit due to Mrs. Kirkpatrick, native women learned not only to read and write but also about nutrition, agriculture, sanitation, health care, personal hygiene, parenting, and giving back. They also learned the importance of educating the youth. Today, after forty-six years in Kenya, Cherry Kirkpatrick says that the biggest change in that
country is in education, as now schools are prevalent and there are enough educated native born citizens to do the teaching. Mrs. Kirkpatrick says one of the most beautiful and
heart-warming aspects of educating Kenyans are that, "When you teach a disadvantaged person, they never lose their passion."
Although both are now officially retired, the Kirkpatricks continue to reside in Kenya where they have built a one thousand two hundred square foot home. They also continue
to bring education, hope, and a better way of life to disadvantaged Kenyans. Cherry Pratt Kirkpatrick continues an initiative to educate pastors' wives so that they can fulfill their
potential and better assist their husbands.
Got Gas?
by Emily Moore
Arts Reporter
Students here in Ruston may rely on their parents for gas
money if they have no job, and those with a job may not
have extra money to spend after paying for gas. A large
percentage of Ruston High students drive to school at an
extra cost. Gas prices have sky-rocketed to an outrageous
$3.00 at local gas stations and even higher in other areas.
Mr. Moss gave his opinion on the matter. ―They [gas
prices] are fake. They only raise the prices when it‘s convenient for them. They use any global crisis to raise the prices. It‘s centered on the price of a
barrel.‖ It‘s said to be raised even higher in the future. The price of a barrel has reached $90
and is predicted to rise even higher, which will have some Americans paying $4.00 or more
at the pumps.
However, there are ways to save gas. Combine your trips to town. If you‘ve got several
errands to run, run them all when you‘re in town instead of making more than one trip. You
can shop online instead of driving all the way to Monroe or other surrounding cities. Companies often have discounts online and the online store has more selection than the actual
store! Carpool with your friends and you both save gas and money! If you live in town, ride
a bike or walk. Exercise is good for you! Find the cheapest gas prices on your route and stop
there. Pay with cash instead of a credit card and there is no interest! Cutting back on driving
would save gas and money. If everyone cut back, it would reduce prices. We‘d have cleaner
air, fewer accidents, and less congestion on the roads. Like every other problem in the country, the solution resides in unity and the determination to change.
Saluting Outstanding Student
Achievement
Throughout the Bearcat Nation
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February 14, 2011
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One Giant Step for Physics
by Amber Brown and Gray Taylor
Senior Editor and Graphics/Design Editor
On January 28th, the ―Chosen Ones" from Mr. Elliott‘s Physics class attended the final Tech Step bridge competition at
Louisiana Tech University. After spending two weeks of designing and testing their bridge and presentation, the team was
ready to present to the judges. Other high schools from Louisiana also attended, as well as schools from Texas and Arkansas. At the start of the day, the team laid out the bridge plans and began then constructing using the building material –
manila folders. After three hours of building (without even stopping for lunch), they were nervously ready to tackle the
next phase: presenting to the judges. Each team stood before the judges and the class while each member explained
through their slideshow presentation what they did and how they did it. After each presentation, the judges would ask
questions regarding designs or formulas. The judges also had a machine that measured the amount of force in Newtons put
on the bridge. Ruston High‘s held a total of 105.81 N! Then came the best part: the award for Most Creative Design went
to those darn kids from Ruston High, seeing as they were the only ones with a Deck Truss (inverted)! The winning students would like to thank Mr. Elliott and Mr. Kilpatrick for all their help. They all had a great time at the Tech Step learning and participating in the program.
2011 RHS Science Fair
by Polly Michelle Gwan
Academics Reporter
On January 25, 2011, RHS hosted its annual science fair. The science fair took place in the Ruston High School auditorium. The science fair contestants consisted of STEM
students from 9th-12th grade doing projects in various categories. Ruston High students compete in the science fair in hopes of making it to the regional and state fair. The following students were winners of the science fair:
Animal Science: 1st – Peyton Huff and 2nd – Bethany Cardenas; Behavior and Social Science: 1st – Taylor Condie, 1st – Elizabeth Moore, 2nd – Courtney McKinney, and 2nd
- Macey Sutherland; Biochemistry: 1st – Josh Owens; Cellular Biology: 1st – Savannah Woods; Chemistry: 1st – Kaitlyn Heiden, 2nd – Casey Pierce, and 3rd – Hannah Rose
McIntire; Computer Science: 1st – Stephen Zhong; Mechanical Engineering: 1st – Clark Pierce, 2nd – Kate Warner, 3rd – John David Moore, and 3rd – Garrett Soileau; Materials Engineering: 1st – Neesha Siriwardane, 2nd – Matthew Cardenas, and 3rd – Caroline Oakley; Environmental Science: 1st – Taylor Kaufman; Mathematical Science: 1st –
Dara Smith, 2nd – Sam Phillips, 3rd – Ben Serio, and 3rd – Mayisha Nakib; Microbiology: 1st – Braden Hilton, 2nd – Kane Killen, and 3rd – Ashyln Thompson; Physics: 1st – John
Herren, 2nd - Jake Kyte, 3rd – Channing Dorr, and 3rd – Holly Grisby.
Congratulations to all of these students! On February 11 th they participated in the Regional Science Fair at Louisiana Tech University, these results will be posted in March
Edition of the Chatterbox.
COE Application Due in March
Academics Reporter
Attention all upcoming seniors! COE will be accepting applications for their program until the end of March. COE is a program that allows seniors to have a job during
school, receive pay, and still get good grades. If you are interested in signing up for the COE program, please talk to Mrs. Tinsley, but hurry up before it‘s too late!
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Ruston High School
February 14, 2011
Speech and Debate Succeeds
submitted by Jonathan Verret
Speech and Debate Member
The Ruston High School Speech and Debate Team recently competed at Caddo High
School. After a few weeks of preparation, the team found many opportunities for sucess,.
Zhong and Clark Pierce placed 2nd in Policy debate. Prenicia Gant, Elizabeth Sawyer, and
Jonathan Verret placed first, second and third in Extemporaneous Speaking, and Elizabeth
Sawyer and Colton Boothe got 1st and 2nd place in Lincoln-Douglas debate.
Always seeking new challenges and opportunities throughout the state, some team members headed to Alexandria for the Alexandria Senior High tournament. As if local and state
tournaments weren‘t enough, a few of the members of the RHS Speech and Debate headed
west to Dallas for Colleyville heritage.
The Ruston High School Speech and Debate Team continues to represent the Bearcat Nation proudly and looks forward to continued success in future tournaments. With the schedule
heading into the final stages, it is obvious that they are well prepared and ready to take on all
schools as the season comes to a close and students prepare for state level and beyond. Of this,
there is no ―debate‖. Or is there?
Making English Class Count
by Stephany Arias
Senior Reporter
Some students find it extremely challenging to concentrate during English class. One reason may be that students feel that teachers make them read too much. Yet another reason may
be that students feel that teachers make them write too much. Some may feel that both apply.
But if you do not pay attention to your teachers and lessons, you may find that it will lead to a
sad goodbye to a high ACT score.
English may be considered very boring to some people. However, the truth is that if you do
not try your best and put some effort into your English studies, sometime in the future you will
regret it. You will see that not spending thirty minutes of your time studying for the things/
class work that you thought were too dumb to even worry about it will catch up with you. So, I
encourage you to spend some quality time to your English classes and assignments in school,
just as you would any other subject. You will benefit from it later on, and be glad that you did
when you are sitting in college one day preparing one of those reports or breaking down one of
those rhyming schemes that you thought you‘d never need in high school.
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Le Carnaval de Québec
Le vrai jeu d’hiver
du 28 janvier au 13 février
submitted by Mrs. Greenwood
French Teacher and Club Adviser
Il fait froid au Canada. Mais on s‘amuse beaucoup au Carnaval de Québec.
Le Bonhomme de Neige
Le Roi de la fête
Quelques activités sont:
La course de traîneaux à chiens du Carnaval
Le canot à glace
Bain de neige COLD-FX - Soixante-quinze courageux et courageuses affrontent le froid et la neige avec comme seule arme leur maillot de bain.
Jeu de Soccer Géant -Faites partie d'une équipe de 9 personnes et jouez à
un véritable jeu de soccer sur table mais… à échelle humaine!
La sculpture sur neige.
Visitez le site web officiel pour regarder des photos et vidéos de cette fête
fantastique: http://www.carnaval.qc.ca/#
Amor Y Amistad
by Stephany Arias
Senior Reporter
Se acaba de ir un año más, pero este
nuevo año trae muchas bendiciones para
todos nosotros. Y uno de los mejores
―Holidays‖ que trae el principio del año
es; ―Valentines Day‖. Este es muy conocido como el Día del ―Amor y La Amistad‖,
no solamente amor entre parejas, pero amor entre amigos. En este día tan
especial muchas de las personas se preparan para regalar obsequios que simbolizan el amor y la amistad que se tienen entre ellos. La historia dice que un
santo cristiano llamado San Valentín fue sacrificado porque se dedicó a casar
parejas aun cuando el emperador lo había prohibido en la Roma del siglo III.
Al parecer, el dirigente romano tenía la creencia de que los soldados casados
no eran tan buenos y eficientes como los solteros. Gracias a San Valentín hoy
día nosotros celebramos en el mes de febrero ―El Día del Amor y La Amistad‖. Así que aprovechemos mientras podamos y demostrémosles a esas personas especiales para nosotros lo mucho que significan en nuestras vidas.
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February 14, 2011
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New Tech Presentations
submitted by Jonathan Craig
New Tech @ RHS Student Reporter
On Friday, January 21st, the New Tech at Ruston Geometry students
presented their newly created websites. The websites were created to
help students who are struggling in geometry. Each website showed a
description of every single Geometry Grade Level Expectation (GLE) as
well as a video on each GLE. For each GLE, an interactive quiz and
practice problems were included. In attendance were many people from
the community, including an engineering professor, an engineer, and
several teachers. While the guests were at Ruston High, they received a
People from the community came to watch
A New Tech student pitches his own vertour of the New Tech facility and had the opportunity to see the presentathe students of New Tech present their
sion of The Cask of Amontillado under the
tion of the websites. Geometry teacher Mr. Savage says that he was very
web-sites and movie scripts.
watchful eye of Mr. Savage and others.
pleased with the presentations and that they went smoothly.
In the New Tech Global Studies classes, students wrote a movie script depicting a modern day version of Edgar Allen Poe‘s The Cask of Amontillado. The purpose of the assignment was to keep the overall storyline of the story but add a modern twist. The students also wrote a pitch telling why SONY Pictures should pick their movie. Each group
presented their pitch and read part of their script to the class, who then voted on the best film. The class was then given the chance to compete in the R-Squared Film Festival. The
winning group of the festival receives $200 and an iMac computer that would be used for the New Tech movie editing. Global Studies teacher Mrs. Goree says, ―I think that
many of the screen plays that we read had great potential of winning the film festival.‖
Freshman Academy:
Keep On Keeping On!
Academics Reporter
Freshman! The year is already halfway done and school seems to just keep getting more intense, but instead of giving up just keep on keeping on! Your teachers know that you
may be tired of doing the same routine every single day, but they know that if you just press on a little more you can succeed! So freshman, just push forward a little more effort,
and you can and will succeed!
KOM Resource Center
submitted by the KOM Council
KOMs are reminded that there is now a KOM Resource Center in the Freshman Academy Office on the 3 rd Floor. If
you need information about your freshmen, whether it concerns note cards, birthday cards, or anything else, you can
find it all here. Please make sure to keep up with your contact log sheets. These are due to Mrs. Thomason or your
KOM Council Member by Monday, April 4 th.
The upcoming meeting dates for February and March as listed in the chart below:
KOM MONDAY MEETING DATES FOR FEBRUARY AND MARCH
February 14
Meet with Freshmen
February 28
Meet with Freshmen
March 7
Cafeteria; no Freshmen
March 14
Meet with Freshmen
March 21
Meet with Freshmen
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February 14, 2011
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Senior Pictures
Seniors need to turn in two (2) different pictures for the yearbook: an outdoor picture and a cap & gown picture. Both are due no later than March 1st to the Resume‘ staff in
Room 208 (Rebecca Strickler,advisor). Hard copy portraits may be turned in, but the most convenient method is to send them electronically to [email protected] . If
you use a professional/freelance photographer, he/she can electronically send your picture. Please note that we CANNOT use pictures from Facebook; they become fuzzy and
pixelated once printed.
Tim Garlington with Portraits Plus will be coming to RHS Thursday, February 24 th to take pictures of any senior that has NOT had an outdoor portrait or cap & gown portrait
taken. A make up picture day will be March 1st.
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Cap& Gown Portrait Requirements:
a) Guys-a white dress shirt and tie
b) Gals- a v-neck top/dress (the gown is V-neck)
c) Everyone is to turn in a picture with the cap ON the head, not holding it
d) Traditional look - do NOT accessorize with sunglasses, big ‗bling‘ jewelry, or other distracting items
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Outdoor Portraits:
a) No weapons or dead animals will be allowed in the yearbook pictures
b) Students are difficult to recognize in full body shots because the face is smaller. Choose a pose that allows viewers to see you
c) Be certain the background is flattering. Do NOT have cars or people behind you; it does not look professional
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Senior Yearbook
The 2010-11 yearbook is in progress and will be ready to pick up in August 2011. For those interested in getting your name on the ―paid list‖, bring $45.00 to Room 208 to
receive a receipt OR buy one in August; there will be extras.
Senior Recognition Ad: Making it to that senior year is a huge milestone...celebrate your child‘s success! Buy a space in the yearbook to honor your 2011 senior.
Prices are: Full page-$140.00 ½ page-$90.00 ¼ page-$75.00 1/8 page-$50.00
The personal ad forms may be picked up from any yearbook staff member OR simply come by Room 208. For information or questions, contact the Resume‘ staff at
[email protected] or contact Rebecca Strickler (advisor) at 255-0807 (RHS Main Office).
Chatterbox Senior Ads
Parents/students may also purchase a Senior Ad in the Special Senior Edition of the Chatterbox, published in June 2011. Details will be provided on the March edition of the
Chatterbox and seniors will be provided the order forms with their March 2011 edition. If you have any questions – email [email protected] .
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Chatterbox
eacher Spotlights
Ruston High School
February 14, 2011
Page 7
Name: Mark Milstead
Family: Allison (wife)
Position at RHS: Agriculture Department Head/Agriculture teacher
Club/organizations you advise: FFA
High school attended/ year: Weston High School (1993)
College attended/major: LA Tech Agriculture Education, administration
Teaching experience: 12 years
Most embarrassing moment: Driving into the back of a school bus when I was in college.
Favorite childhood memory: Going to Tech football games.
Pet Peeve: Laziness, inefficiency, dishonesty
Is there anything you want the students to know about you? I hope each of you end up as productive and successful citizens of our society.
Name: Mrs. St. Andre
Family: Dave (husband), 3 kids, 6 grandkids
Position at RHS: Ag1, Canine Care, Floristry
Club/organizations you advise: FFA Advisor
High school attended/ year: Natchitoches Academy 1974
College attended/major: Northwestern University P.E., Elementary Education, LA Tech Masters in Ag Education
Most embarrassing moment: Falling flat on my face this year in front of my 4th hour class.
Pet Peeve: Disrespect
Favorite childhood memory: Wonderful family, playing outside with neighborhood kids until dark.
Is there anything you want the students to know about you? I also work in a vet clinic.
Name: James Sandifer
Family: Carla (wife)
Position at RHS: Agriscience teacher
Club/organization you advise: FFA advisor
Clubs advised: FFA
High School/class year: Winnfield Senior High ‗79
College/Major: LSU– Fire Science degree; LA Tech– Masters degree in Vocational Ed., and National Board Certified Teacher
Favorite childhood memory: Fishing and hunting with my grandfather.
Favorite team: Dallas Cowboys
Pet peeves: Tardiness and laziness
Name: Nick Brown
Family: Mandy (wife), R.J. and Baylee Auburn (children), Amber Brown (niece)
Position at RHS: Biology
Club/organizations you advise: FCA
College attended/major: Auburn, LA Tech, Radio, TV, Film, Education
Favorite team/sport: Auburn Tigers
Pet Peeve: The lunchroom serving big portions to big people. How did they get big? Duh!
Most embarrassing moment: It was embarrassing for me to out fish Coach Reeder and Mr. Elliott
If you could have one wish what would it be? Get as much food at lunch as Coach Aguilar and Coach Bush
Is there anything you want the students to know about you? I host a radio show on ESPN 97.7 FM from 8-10 on Saturdays. Mr. Elliott,
Coach Reeder and I are going to start a Bass Club.
Name: Susan Griffin
Family: Emily (daughter), Ben (son-in-law), Jonathan (son), Allison (daughter-in-law), Addison and Adelynn (granddaughters)
Position at RHS: Biology 1, Biology 2 Anatomy and Physiology, and Biology 2 Plant Science
Club/organizations you advise: Prom Committee
College attended/major: Clemson University and University of Maryland
Teaching experience: 17 years at RHS
Pet Peeve: Bellowing
Favorite quote: “Mighty oaks from little acorns grow.‖
Favorite childhood memory: Traveling around Europe with my family.
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eacher Spotlights
Ruston High School
February 14, 2011
Name: Susan Freeman
Family: Danny (husband), Daniel and Laura (children)
Position at RHS: Chemistry 1 and Chemistry 2
High school attended/ year: Quitman High School 1976
College attended/major: LA Tech microbiology
Favorite team/sport: baseball
Pet Peeve: Whining and excuses
Favorite childhood memory: Summer vacations with family and friends
Favorite quote: ―Your talent is God‘s gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God.‖
Name: Melinda Jackson
Position at RHS: Biology
Family: Josh (husband) Abby and Jayden (kids)
High school attended/year: Drew Central 2000
College attended/major: University of Arkansas Monticello– Biology, LA Tech Teaching
Favorite team/sport: Arkansas Razorback Football
Pet peeve: Laziness and disorganization
Name: April Winstead
Family: Scott (husband), Morgan and Chloe Mae (daughters)
Position at RHS: Biology 1 and Biology 2 AP
High school attended/ year: Cedar Creek 1991
College attended/major: LA Tech Secondary science education
Favorite quote: ―Speech‖
Favorite childhood memory: Licking the salt off the goldfish and putting them back in the bag for my brother to eat later.
Pet Peeve: Waking up early.
If you could have one wish what would it be? Be an official mattress tester.
Name: Randall Elliott
Family: Kristi (wife), Abby and Jack (children)
Pets: Lazyboy (Basset Hound)
Position at RHS: Physics and Chemistry teacher
High School/year: Ouachita Christian 1990
College attended/ major: AA Tech Comp. Info Systems, and Master of Arts in Teaching
Most embarrassing moment: Diving for a rack of ribs that fell off the grill at a birthday party.
Favorite childhood memory: Farming as a kid with my dad.
Favorite quote: ―I hate to complain but…‖ —Nick Brown
If you had one wish what would it be? For my hair to have turned gray instead of turning loose.
Pet peeves: People who act like they are better than others.
Name: Amy Guerin
Family: Dave (husband), Ben and Jake (sons), and Maddie (daughter)
Pets: Samson (dog), Coral (fish)
Favorite subject: Science
Position: STEM Biology, STEM Robotics, STEM Marine Science teacher
High School/class year: Loveland High ‗91
College/Major: Eckerd College – B.S. Marine Science; Nova Southeastern University– M.S. Science Ed.
Teaching experience: 8 1/2 years
Most embarrassing moment: Too many to write down – ask and I might share one or two.
Favorite childhood memory: Family vacations.
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Ruston High School
Valentine’s Day for
All the Singles
by Gray Taylor
Graphics/Design Editor
For all the singles out there: you all have to face Valentine‘s
Day alone each year. This isn‘t necessarily a bad thing, considering how overrated this commercial holiday really is. It‘s all about
showering your significant other with material things and hoping
they don‘t plan on leaving you any time soon. But fear not, loners,
there are ways to celebrate like everyone else instead of sitting at
home watching romantic comedies and crying yourself to sleep.
First of all, get a grip on yourself and know that you are not the
only one spending V-Day alone. Second, remember that you are
saving yourself hundreds of dollars by not buying anything for
someone else. The money you save could go to much more important things, such as yourself. Third, get your other single
friends together and go somewhere. Chances are you will have
more fun partying with your friends than becoming a fire hazard if you had a dinner by candle light. Valentine‘s Day should not be restricted to just couples, so do not mope or cry
but go out for some fun.
February 14, 2011
Page 9
Glasses vs. Contacts
Academics Reporter
Glasses and contact lenses- it seems that everyone is wearing one or the other. It is said that over 160
million Americans wear either contacts or glasses today, but which one is better? Many people tend to prefer
glasses over contacts because they like the look and feel of glasses.
Glasses wearer Lauren Townsend prefers glasses ―because they help you see better, even though they
tend to get a little annoying‖. Many glasses wearers also enjoy the various styles, shapes, and sizes that meet
their needs or just plainly find the price of glasses in their budgets. Others, such as Zach Hannibal have various reasons why they wear glasses. ―Glasses are better because I wear them,‖ he states, ―You should be like
me and wear them too.‖
Not everyone thinks glasses are the way to go though. Many prefer contact lenses because they get a more natural look that glasses fail to offer. ―Contacts are more convenient
and are better for my peripheral vision without my frames getting in the way,‖ says Kimberly Miles. Mary Conly Hammons ads that ―contacts are better because they‘re more comfortable and they look a lot better.‖
Whether you‘re like Cody Briscoe who believes that ―glasses are better because all you
have to do is slide them on in the morning‖ or Ashlyn Thompson who just plainly ―likes
contact lenses better,‖ you can rock your eye wear any way you please.
Celebrate Everyday!
by Emily Moore
Arts Reporter
February
12-National Plum Pudding
15-Gumdrop
19-Chocolate Mint
24-National Tortilla Chip
26-Pistachio Day
28-Toothfairy
March
1-Nat. Pig/PB Lover‘s Day
5-Multiple Personality Day
6-Nat. Frozen Food
12-Fanny Pack
14-Nat. Potato Chip Day
17-Submarine
DON’T BE LIKE THIS GUY:
“Senioritis”
by Gray Taylor
14-Ferris Wheel/National Heart to Heart
18-Thumb Appreciation
23-International Dog Biscuit Appreciation
25-Pistol Patent (Samuel Colt)
27-International Polar Bear Day
18-Awkward Moments Day
21-Commoncourtesy Day
22-Goof-off Day
23-Nat Chip and Dip Day &Kick Butts Day
24-Nat. Choc. Covered Raisins Day
Quotes to Live By
by Emily Moore
Arts Reporter
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―Gravitation is not responsible for people falling in love.‖ – Albert Einstein
―I don't understand why Cupid was chosen to represent Valentine's Day. When I think about
romance, the last thing on my mind is a short, chubby toddler coming at me with a weapon.‖ –
Unknown
―You have to walk carefully in the beginning of love; the running across fields into your
lover's arms can only come later when you're sure they won't laugh if you trip.‖ – Jonathan
Carroll, "Outside the Dog Museum"
―We are all a little weird and life's a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness
is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love.‖ –
Unknown
―Are we not like two volumes of one book?‖ – Marceline Desbordes-Valmore
―Who would give a law to lovers? Love is unto itself a higher law.‖ – Boethius, The Consolation of Philosophy
―Falling in love is so hard on the knees.‖ – Aerosmith
"Death cannot stop true love; it can only delay it for a little while.‖ – The Princess Bride
―It doesn't matter if the guy is perfect or the girl is perfect, as long as they are perfect for each
other." – Good Will Hunting
―Love is a friendship set to music.‖ – E. Joseph Cossman
E
ditorials/Opinions
Ruston High School
February 14, 2011
“Green – The Color of Love”
Chatterbox
Page 10
The green M&M is not the only
M&M that has been accused of
having powers. In 1976, the red
M&M was also tagged as a romance-powered candy as well; it
was also taken off the market by the
FDA for using red dye #2, which
was believed to cause cancer. The
red M&M was also been believed
to grant wishes. As for the other
M&M‘s, the orange M&M is believed to be the good luck M&M; whereas, the brown M&M, the original M&M, is
bad luck; and the yellow M&M means that you should call in sick and stay home if it‘s
the last one in the bag. Most interesting of the M&M‘s though is the blue M&M, as
recent studies have shown that the blue M&M helps heal spinal injuries. It‘s amazing
what people can find out about an M&M.
With all the rumors and myths attached to such a small candy, you can really never
know what‘s true and not true; right now, the only power M&M‘s have is ―being the
candy that melts in your mouth and not in your hand.‖
by Lauren Townsend
Assistant News Editor
When it comes to coloring a Valentine‘s Day, people usually stick with the basic
love colors of pretty pink, pleasant purple, and romantic red; everything is decked out
in these girly colors. However, there is one exception: the green M&M. In 2008, the
Mars Company started selling individual packs of nothing but green M&M‘s, tag lined
―Green – The Color of Love‖, for the season of sweet amore. But what makes the
green M&M pop out of all that pink and red?
The green M&M‘s fame came from the myth ―Green M&M‘s cause people to fall
in a love-like state‖. The Mars Company, the producer of M&M‘s, did not come up
with the myth, but used it to promote M&M‘s sales. The company made the green
M&M character an attractive woman based off the green M&M‘s romantic powers.
The rumor began in the 1970‘s by students who were experimenting with its rumored
romance quality. Why the green M&M gained such a reputation is unknown; some
believe that is has to which green‘s relation to health and fertility. Green jelly beans
and gummi bears have also been claimed to have these magical love-guru powers.
Candy companies cannot explain, scientifically or medically, why these candies have
these effects on people.
What Not To Do On Valentine’s Day
by Benicia King
Education Reporter
February 14…the day of love. It‘s the day your boyfriend breaks up with you and you sit at home listening to ―7 Things‖ by Miley Cyrus; it‘s the
day Mr. Cason is roaming the halls carefully looking for couples too close together, committing a PDA felony. Whether you‘re indifferent, upset, or
excited, there are some things you should not do on February 14 th.
1. Go on a first date – first dates are hard enough as it is and it is not a good idea to go on one on Valentine‘s Day because it makes the situation even more awkward.
2. Complain – I don‘t think anyone wants to hear someone complaining all day about their lack of prospects and abundance of heartaches. Save yourself some dignity, get
over yourself, make jokes about you being single if you must, and then save it for your private online blog.
3. Call your ex – WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?! Step away from the phone. Avoid the Valentine‘s Day emotional hangover and don‘t attempt a reconnect.
4. Be alone – You‘ve got friends, right? Well, get together with a bunch of them and go see a movie or something.
At the end of the day, what really matters is…well…I guess you‘ll have to find that out for yourself. Have an awesome, non-gloomy, and cheerful Valentine‘s Day!
To All the Singles Out There
by Lauren Townsend
February is the month of romance. This usually means couples start scurrying
about in frenzy over romantic dinners, delicious candy delights, and sweet smelling
roses and teddy bears. People go coo-coo-ka-choo over the holiday, running around
like chickens with their heads chopped off trying to be as romantic as possible for
their sweethearts. It‘s usually all about who‘s with whom doing whatever romantic
activity on Valentine‘s Day, but what about all the singles?
Singles shouldn‘t stress over not having a sweet heart for Valentine‘s Day. Personally, I believe singles have more fun. Instead of fighting with your sweetie over
what to eat or do on Valentine‘s Day, you can take yourself out for a little fun. Go out
to eat, tour the town, party with some friends, and just go all out crazy. If you are
really bothered about being alone, go out and get a sweetheart. You‘re single and
young, so be brave and go for it. You never know who you can meet. Moreover, Valentine‘s Day isn‘t just for the lovebirds. Take friends out for a night on the town and
have some fun. If you‘re tired, invite them over for all the
chocolate and cake they can eat and play some games. There‘s
no excuse on why you can‘t have fun on Valentine‘s Day.
So all you singles out there, throw your hands in the air
and go have some fun. You can have fun partying solo, or go
out and find a partner for the next Valentine‘s Day. Just remember to keep it legal and safe. Most importantly, enjoy
your Valentine‘s Day!
Shout Out: Behind the Scenes
by Whitney Durrett
Photographer/ Reporter
Just because you are behind the scenes doesn't mean you're not important! To all the
men and women who volunteer to help Ruston High School with all the extracurricular
activities, Ruston High and Chatterbox thank you! Without the help of many unseen and
unheard parents and spouses, many Ruston High organizations wouldn't be functioning
as well and be able to do the things they do when or where they do them! So this shout
out is dedicated to you! Without you, RHS wouldn't be as successful in so many areas!
E
Chatterbox
ditorials/Opinions
Ruston High School
February 14, 2011
Page 11
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Abe Lincoln!! Mardi Gras Madness
Academics Reporter
On February 12, 2011, the United States of America
celebrated the birthday of our nation‘s 16th president: Abraham Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12,
1809, in a log cabin in Hardin County, Kentucky. His father, Thomas Lincoln, was a skilled carpenter and little is
known about his mother Nancy Lincoln. He had an older
sister, Sarah Lincoln. He also had a younger brother, Thomas Lincoln Jr., who died as a baby. Many Americans
assume that Abraham Lincoln easily made his way into the
government, but surprisingly he had a couple of failures at
the beginning. In 1832, Lincoln ran unsuccessfully for the
Illinois Legislature. But two years later, he was elected into
the lower branch of the legislature for the first of four successful terms.
In 1836, Lincoln became a lawyer and met his soon to be wife Mary Todd. Together they had four sons: Robert Todd (1843-1926), Edward Baker (1840-1850),
William Wallace (1850-1862), and Thomas ―Tad‖ (1850-1862). In February 1860,
Lincoln made his first presidential appearance and later went on to win the presidential election defeating the Northern Democrat Douglas, the Southern Democrat
John C. Breckinridge, and the Constitutional Union candidate John Bell.
Abraham Lincoln is most famous for helping the U.S. survive during the tragic
Civil War. Lincoln's victory in that election thus changed the racial future of the
United States. It also agitated Southern-sympathizer and Negrophobe John Wilkes
Booth, who began to conspire first to abduct Lincoln and later to kill him. On April
14, 1865, five days after Robert E. Lee's surrender to Grant at Appomattox Court
House, Lincoln attended a performance called Our American Cousin at Ford's
Theatre in Washington. There Booth entered the presidential box and shot Lincoln
in the head. The next morning at 7:22 Lincoln died.
Lincoln's achievements--saving the Union and freeing the slaves--and his martyrdom just at the war's end assured his continuing fame. No small contribution
was made by his eloquence as exemplified in the Gettysburg Address (Nov. 19,
1863), in which he defined the war as a rededication to the egalitarian ideals of the
Declaration of Independence, and in his second inaugural address (Mar. 4, 1865),
in which he urged "malice toward none" and "charity for all" in the peace to come.
Happy Birthday Abraham Lincoln!!
by Patricia Duhart
Social Reporter
Mardi Gras for me was always that time of year where you turn on
the news channel and see ―Another Mardi Gras Madness‖ or hear about
people fighting at a bar. Mardi Gras is also known for the thousands of
people from all over the country who go to New Orleans to celebrate. What about the story
behind the parties, the history in the celebrations, or the constant mask? I never knew that
Mardi Gras meant ―Fat Tuesday,‖ where Catholics indulge in various foods before Ash
Wednesday where the fasting begins; this event is the seventh Wednesday before Easter.
Catholics use ashes to remind them of death and the sorrow they should feel for their sins.
Mardi Gras has been celebrated in New Orleans since the French settlers arrived in the early
1700‘s. Masks were worn to hide the spirits they weren‘t allowed to express. So, if you ever
wondered why all the crazy parties, mask, and food, now you know.
Bloody Valentine
by Lauren Townsend
When Valentine‘s Day comes to mind, people usually think of love,
hearts, free chocolate, etc… No one ever thinks of massacre. Why
would there be blood and murder on the day of romance? Believe it or
not, there is one Valentine‘s Day no one will ever forget; in 1929, Al
Capone ordered a bouquet of slaughter instead of chocolates, leaving
seven dead in a garage on the north side of Chicago. There was not any
―Happy Valentine‘s Days‖ shared during the St. Valentine‘s Day Massacre.
So what exactly happened? Al Capone arranged for George ―Bugs‖
Moran, a Chicago mobster, and his followers to be eliminated on February 14, 1929. Al Capone‘s henchmen decided to lure Moran and his
gang to a warehouse on the north side of Chicago, believing that they
were receiving a shipment of cheap alcohol. At 10:30 a.m., Al Capone‘s
men, who were disguised as policemen, opened fire on the unaware men
and killed seven. The among victims were: Jon May, an auto mechanic
hired by Moran; Frank and Pete Gusenburg, who had previously tried to
murder Machine Gun Jack McGurn; James Clark, Moran's brother-inlaw; and Reinhardt Schwimmer, a young optometrist who often hung
around for the thrill of sharing company with gangsters. Even though
by Christian Amos
this massacre has won fame in history, the plan was actually a failure
Sports Editor
On November 29, 1876, America was introduced to a prestigious woman that since Al Capone‘s Moran target escaped the slaughter by being late.
would later pioneer many features of the United States‘ government. Nellie Tay- Moreover, the mass killing only brought more federal attention than it
lor Ross is foremost known as the first woman to serve as governor in the United did help. This must be how the real mafia spends Valentine‘s Day.
Happy Valentine‘s Day everybody!
States.
Nellie Ross: First Woman Governor
To this date, she remains the only woman to serve as governor of the state of
Wyoming. Ross, the 14th governor of Wyoming, was also a staunch supporter of
Prohibition during the 1920s. She also was appointed to director of the U.S. Mint
from 1933-1953 by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Besides being deeply
involved in politics, Ross was also a kindergarten school teacher.
After her husband William Ross died in 1924, Nellie Ross was nominated by
the Democratic Party to run as governor in a special election. She refused to campaign for the seat, but remarkably she won the race and on January 5, 1925, she
became the first woman governor in the history of the United States. As governor, Ross carried out the
policies her late husband established. Also as governor, she pushed the state of Wyoming to ratify a
federal amendment prohibiting child labor.
Nellie Ross was a lady of many firsts while participating in American polotics. Not only did she
build a rich heritage for women everywhere, but she truly shaped countless parts of our nation‘s structure just by taking charge in times of need.
Left: Al Capone
Right: George ―Bugs‖ Moran
V
alentine’s Messages
Ruston High School
Chatterbox
February 14, 2011
To: Alexis Johnson
From: DeAnna Nunn
To: Sam Haskins
From: Boom Boom Pow
You’re the best! Thanks for the dollar to buy this!
You are so awesome and I just want to let
you know I love you!
To: Amber My Bae
From: You Know Who
I know we have our ups and downs but ur are still my bae.ILY!
To: Meche
From: Lex
To: My Friends
From: Monkey
To All my friends and family! I love ya’ll and
wouldn’t trade ya’ll for anything!
Happy Valentine’s Day Lil’ Ugly! (lol) Just kidding! Love ya!
To: Cat Woman
From: Batman
To: Ke$ha
From: Katy Perry
Hey you! You make one purrrfect sidekick! @ friends forever!
I love you tons and remember that you’re sassy but classy! LOL –
insider
To: Mrs. Sutton
From: “Delta Tango Foxtrot?”
To: Resume’ Yearbook Staff
From: Mrs. Strickler
Roses are red, violets are blue, let’s make our deadlines before they
are due! Happy <3 Day!
To: DeAnna Nunn
From: Alexis Johnson
Aww you love me! Butter Biscuits!
To: Shani & Kathy
From: Caroline
Love you brothers/roommates!
To: The Student Body
From: MDC
Love yourself for who you truly are. DO NOT change yourself for
anyone else, but you! :) <3
To: Mercie
From: FLO
Every time I see you I get diagnosed with déjà vu, every kiss,
every hug seem like I been here before./…./…, I love you.
To: My Team (Coach, Protégé, Mentors)
From: Little Orphan Annie :)
Well, I don’t know what to say in 2 lines except that you guys
are the best medicine I could ask for! Thanks for keeping me sane!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
To: Mr. Bruner
From: Chatterbox
Thank you for putting up with all of our nonsensical nonsense!
<3 You are a special little man! O+< (That’s a little man!)
Page 12
I really wish I would have been in your class this year with some
amazing people ;-)
To: Vicki Vale
From: Batman
Happy Valentine’s Day. I’m Batman.
To: Toni Greene (Best Frann)
From: Patricia Duhart (Best Friend)
Happy Birthday best friend! WORK TONI!
To: Mr. Billy “BRO”
From: Mac Moma “DEB”
We’ve only just begun. Happy Valentine!
To: Kamen
From: Jessica
Hey you are one of the sweetest guys I’ve ever met. I hope we
stay together a long time. =D
To: Ambersta Rhymes
From: Emix-a-lot
You are my BFFI and my Lady Friend and I’ll always be here
for you! I Love You BFFI! Happy Valentine’s Day!
To: Harryette Tinsley (Upstairs Nut)
From: Mindy Martin (Downstairs Nut)
Couldn’t do it without you!
To: Chatterbox
From: Mr. Bruner
Gotta love the Chatterbox! Ya’ll are doing great,
so keep it up!
V
alentine’s Messages
Ruston High School
February 14, 2011
To: Emily & Amber
From: Cookie
To: Rocky
From: Carrots
Here! I wrote one though you’re reading it out loud, Happy Valentine Day! To the both of you.
Te Amo, my Italian.
To: RHS Juniors
From: Diana Humphries, 11th grade counselor
One semester down; one to go. Work hard and do your best. I love
you!
To: Molly Sandefur
From: Gray Taylor
Even though you’re not at RHS anymore,
you’re still my #1. I miss/heart you! :)
To: Meche
From: Lex
Happy Valentine’s Day, Bae! What’s good Love ya!
To: The Kaveman
From: Spaz Kid
You’re an amazing friend and I’m glad I got to know you dude.
Crazy life and friends we got. Lol
To: Shelby Knodel
From: Matthew Cardenas
It’s been an amazing year with you so far. Thank you!
To: Milli
From: Sussi
When it is only showed unto any person so ever, it inciteth and
exciteth wonderfully unto love.
To: Meowcakes
From: BEAUtiful
Sup lil’ mamma ;)
To: Dalton Henry
From: John Alejos & Zack Sanders
Pancakes tomorrow at night.
To: Bradlee
From: Emily
Thank you. Happy Valentine’s Day and stuff. You make me
happy and I love you!
To: FBLA Members
From: Mr. Bruner
FBLA Rules! Happy Valentine’s Day! It may be postponed—but
district is still ours to rule. Then—we take State!
Chatterbox
Page 13
To: Ivana Kallova
From: Christian Amos
Prom?
To: Brittana
From: Me
You are the most ―awe-giving‖ friend I could ask for!
To: RHS Choir
From: Charles Ives
Thank you for all your hard work and love for my music! (And your
teacher loves you, so play nice!)
To: BFFI & Batman
From: BFFI∞
Hey, you two are the flowers to my garden and the milk to my
cheerios-How could I live without you?
To: Myketrian
From: La’ Blue
Hi Sweetie you have opened the doors of my heart, now it’s time
for you to walk thru. Will you be my valentine?
To: Batman
From: Catwoman
You are Batman! @ friends forever! Down with Anne Hathaway!
To: Meche
From: Lex
Happy Valentine’s Day, Bae! What’s good? Love ya!
To: Art I Students
From: Mrs. Strickler
Happy Valentine’s Day from your awesome art teacher! =)
To: The Band Geeks
From: The Class Clown
Keep Playing Band Geeks!
To: Christy
From: Lloyd
Happy Valentine’s Day. Love ya!
To: Mr. Bruner
From: FBLA Members
We appreciate you and all you do for us! We
will rock district, then roll state!
S
Chatterbox
ervice and Social
Ruston High School
February 14, 2011
Prom is Almost Here!
by Patricia Duhart
Social Reporter
Page 14
The Brain
by Shamario Daniel
Club Reporter
Almost a month until this year‘s Night of the Dragon prom! Found out who you are taking yet?
If you don‘t know, you better find out soon. Tickets are still on sale. Seniors who didn‘t pay last
year, your cost is $35. Seniors, if you paid last year as a junior, your cost is free. Juniors, your
costs are $30 in February and $35 in March per person. Mrs. Debbie Martin and Mrs. Julie Stephenson will be taking up the money and handing out the invitations. Prom is March 19, 2011, at
TONK. So be there or be square. See you there Bearcats!
Do you know that the brain is one of the most
important organs in your body? Well now you do.
PYPM has started another semester of teaching
second graders at Ruston Elementary. They are
teaching four classes; the first two lessons of the
new semester tell how important the brain is to your body. The brain is
―THE BOSS‖ because it is the control center of the body. Did you know it
takes at least 21 years for our brains to prepare us to live the rest of our
lives? Crazy, huh? But it‘s true. An adult brain weighs about 3 pounds
compared to the 1pound at birth. The brain controls your everyday life as
well as your future. In other words, it‘s a major source of your life. So
what would you do without it? PROTECT YOUR BRAIN BECAUSE
YOU ONLY GET ONE.
Rotary Club Winners
Academics Reporter
Month
September
DRIVER’S EDUCATION
October
November
Students
Elizabeth Sawyer
Valarie Wheat
Christopher Taylor
Kate Warner
Elizabeth Moore
Hannah Rose McIntire
Ashley Davison
Mary Glenn Lyons
Caroline Oakley
Taylor Kaufman
• 6 – Hour Pre-Licensing Class
• Course is State Approved
• Must be 17 or older
• Cost: Only $30
December
February
TBA
For information, call: 251-1234
March
TBA
April
TBA
May
TBA
January
Keywanettes News
by Amber Brown
Senior Editor
On February 8th, the Ruston High School Keywanettes officers were
invited to a breakfast event with the Sunrise Kiwanis. The event was for
them to discuss current and future projects that they would be participating in. The Keywanettes is a service club that has provided the school and
the community with many beneficial projects. As the school year dwindles the Keywanettes are now looking for new members to help with these
projects. But, be sure that all girls are aware of the requirements to become a member, such as a certain GPA, other activities, and recommendations from respectable people. Applications will be available at the start
of March. So hurry up and apply before it‘s too late!
B
Chatterbox
earcat Baseball Ad
Ruston High School
February 14, 2011
Page 15
2011 BEARCAT BASEBALL APPAREL
The RHS Baseball Booster Club will be selling Bearcat Baseball apparel through Wed. Feb. 16th. There
are two designs to choose from. You can get the red design on a t-shirt, sweatshirt or hoodie. The
black design is available on a long or short sleeve t-shirt only. Fill out the information below and return
it to the office along with your money by Wed., February 16th.
T-shirt (short sleeve only), sweatshirt, or hoodie available
T-shirt only with team rosters on back
Short and long sleeve T-shirt available
Name____________________________________ Phone #_______________________
School _____________________Grade_______1st hour Teacher____________________
Cost
Red
T-shirt
Red
Sweat
Red
Hoodie
Black
SM
MED
LG
XL
XXL
3XL
Total
Quantity
Total $
$25
long sleeve
$18
* 2XL and 3XL add $2.00
*All
YL
$20
$15
t-shirt
YM
$15
short sleeve
T-shirt
Black
YS
Total Amount Enclosed_________
orders must be paid for when ordering and must be paid in cash.
C
lubs/Organizations
Ruston High School
Chatterbox
February 14, 2011
Page 16
FFA State P-Law
4-H Club Reminders
submitted by Mr. Mark Milstead
FFA Advisor
submitted by Darby Rowland
4-H Club Reporter
Congratulations to the Ruston FFA Parliamentary Procedure
Team for their performance at the State Parliamentary Procedure
Career Development Event at the Louisiana Educational Youth
Center on January 18, 2011. Ruston's team was named the 20102011 Louisiana FFA State Runner-Up in Parliamentary Procedure. The team also had the highest written test average of all the teams in the competition. Students had to take a written exam on any subject material that comes from
Robert's Rules of Order, perform an eight to ten minute unprepared demonstration on
the motions given to the team, and answer oral questions related to the motion that each
member had to perform. Team members included Antonio Wilson, Will Edminston,
Seth Wells, Savannah Best, Adam Bryant, and Brandon Myers. Five of these six members are seniors and will be greatly missed next year. Congratulations on all the hard
work that you have put into this event for the past two years!
Attention Ruston 4-Hers -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!
 The annual 4-H Foods Festival will be held on February 21 st at I.A. Lewis
School. See the 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.
Community Service Project: We will be starting a new 4-H Club community service project during March. Please be on the lookout for further details.
PROM IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER………….
Monroe:
Dresses available only at our Monroe Location; Tuxedoes available at both!
Tuxedos, Bridal & Formals
Ruston: King of Hearts Tuxedos
1707 Hudson Lane
1406 Farmerville Hwy
(318) 322-6274
(318) 251-1254
www.king-of-hearts.com
KING OF HEARTS
State Parliamentary Procedure Runners-up team included Brandon Myers,
Savannah Best, Will Edmiston, Antonio Wilson,
Seth Wells and Adam Bryant (not pictured).
Hot Sauce Fundraiser: There are several students involved in the Junior Leader
Club. They are selling hot sauce to raise money for 4-H University and other trips.
They are also participating in community service events and assisting with contests
and activities for younger 4-Hers. Junior Leaders meet at the 4-H office once per
month.
C
lubs/Organizations
Ruston High School
Chatterbox
February 14, 2011
Page 17
FBLA Students Interact With
A. E. Phillips
What Will You Do
With Your Life?
submitted by Amber Brown and Brittany White
FBLA Vice-President- Service and Vice-President- Progress
by Shamario Daniel
Club Reporter
Recently, one of the Vice Presidents from the Ruston High School Future Business
Leaders of America volunteered at A.E. Phillips, as a requirement for FBLA‘s Business
Level of the Business Achievement Awards (BAA). Brittany White, along with her
friend Heather Tanner, read a well known book by Dr. Seuss, ―The Lorax,‖ and helped
the students plant sunflower seeds in cups to take home. The two students started off by
reading the Dr. Seuss book to the well behaved A.E. Phillips Kindergarteners. Brittany
and Heather read the book with much enthusiasm as the students enjoyed every bit of it.
After reading the book, the students moved into the activity space where they then
had a cup of starter soil handed to them to put in their own cup. Next, the students
passed around a cup with sunflower seeds in it and each took a seed to bury in their soil.
Brittany and Heather went around and watered each of the kindergarteners cups with
just enough water to start if off. The students were told to water their flower every day
with just a small amount of water. Overall everyone had a fun and joyful experience.
This was a great educational experience for both Brittany and Heather and especially
the kindergarteners.
To learn more about the BAA program, contact Brittany White, as she has now completed both the Future and the Business Level Awards and is now working towards
competing for the Richard D. Clanton Memorial Scholarship at the Louisiana FBLA
State Conference.
PCI has been meeting every Tuesday after
school in Mrs. Dunbar‘s room because students
from Louisiana Tech have been coming to
share knowledge about life after high school
and college choices. College is very important
and everyone should want to attend. These
delicate choices will determine where you end
up in life. There are several colleges around the
Ruston and Monroe area that students can attend. PCI is getting students ready for the future so they can excel and succeed in life. If
you‘re not ready for a 4-year university/
college, you can always attend a vocational
college. So what do you want to do with your
life? MAKE DECISIONS THAT WILL BETTER YOUR FUTURE!
Brittany and Heather In Action
Students with their projects.
T
Chatterbox
he Arts
Ruston High School
February 14, 2011
Busy, Busy Band!
Art
by Emily Moore
Arts Reporter
submitted by Mrs. Strickler
Art Teacher
On January 21, 2011, the band members got a surprise visitor, Sergeant Nash, a member of
the Marine Corp from Minden, Louisiana, who came to speak to the band about the Marine Corp
Band. He visits every year to educate band members on their talents that can be used for government jobs. When asked what she thought about the band, Anna Scroggins exclaimed, ―Have you
ever seen them [Marine Corp band]? They‘re great! I‘d love to play for them.‖ Other Ruston
High musicians had compliments to share as well. In reference to Sgt. Nash‘s presentation, Zach
Bertrand said thoughtfully, ―He had a lot of interesting things to say.‖ Other band members admired him for other reasons entirely, like Marcie McTyre who said, ―I like their uniforms. I like
their uniforms a lot.‖ Sgt. Nash gave serious musicians something to think about after graduation.
January 27th-29th was the District One Band Director‘s Association Honor Band Clinic. These
members were featured in last month‘s Chatterbox edition and traveled to the University of Louisiana in Monroe to perform with other band members from surrounding schools who made it.
The Courtside Cats have been playing at the basketball games to induce school spirit and will
continue playing for the rest of the season! Watching the game isn‘t the only reason to attend
anymore. On February 25, the South Central Regional Music Conference and Honor Band will
be held at the Monroe Civic Center. ―I‘m looking forward to playing with Bradlee and Sam
[fellow percussionist],‖ McKenzie Rhodes said. This conference is the pre-festival decision. It
leads up to the LMEA Large Ensemble Festival that will be held at West Ouachita High School
on March 8th and 9th. The Bearcat band will surely be busy in the upcoming months.
Singing with the
Stars
by Emily Moore
Arts Reporter
The month of January gave the choir a small
break, but this month they have to jump right
back on the train! During January, choir members were called to the auditorium for a special
concert by Southern Mississippi University‘s
Men‘s Choir. However, Ruston wasn‘t the only
party that felt honored to be visited by such
talent. John Flanery, Assistant Director of Choral Activates at SMU stated, ―Greg Odom
bragged that Ruston has some of the best singers in the state, so we decided to come check
out the school and do a little recruiting for
Southern Miss.‖ Southern Mississippi‘s choir
members heard good things about Ruston‘s
choir as well. ―I was referred [to Ruston] by
Greg Odom from West Monroe High School,
he pointed out that Ruston has the best Choral
program in the state of Louisiana,‖ member
Cameron Weatherford said. When Jonathon
Braannan, another member of the visiting college‘s choir was asked what advice he had for
students looking to major in music, he said,
―Go ahead and do whatever it takes to get
scholarships, and look everywhere, not just at
one college. Just go for it because music is one
of the most enjoyable majors.‖
Tomorrow, February 15th there will be a
Solo and Ensemble Festival here in Ruston. Jon
Page 18
Barker is going to judge for this event. This
festival is the district qualifier for the state
rally. The state rally will be held at LSU in
April and there‘s no doubt the bearcat choir
will dominate.
Charles Bruffy, whom was introduced in
earlier Chatterbox editions, will finally be arriving at the end of February. If you didn‘t read
previous choir articles, you may not be familiar
with who Charles Bruffy is. Charles Bruffy
conducts the Kansas City Chorale, Kansas City
Symphony Chorus, and the Phoenix Chorale.
He has received numerous awards including
ASCAP‘s Adventurous Programming award
and TWO ACTUAL GRAMMYS! He has performed all over the world in places like Carnegie Hall, the Sydney Opera House in Australia,
and in countries like South Korea and France.
The famous Charles Bruffy will be holding
workshops and rehearsals for the RHS choir on
February 24th and 25th, leading to a concert on
the 26th at 11:00 am in the Ruston High auditorium. All of the choir members are super excited and beyond anxious for his arrival. Christian Amos stated enthusiastically, ―I hope he
brings his Grammys!‖ Other members of the
bearcat choir share in his admiration for
Charles Bruffy. Andrew Serio made the compliment that ―Charles Bruffy is a god!‖
The choir members are getting chances of a
lifetime. It is an honor to work with these astute musicians. With celebrities like Charles
Bruffy, and Valerie Naranjo, who is coming to
help with ―Bearcats on Broadway‖ next month,
Ruston High is on its way to fame.
The Art Club slowed down through the holidays but is back in full swing
for the new semester! Members are challenging themselves as they take on
school and community service projects. The club officers have been elected
and they are President, Diamond Melton; Co Vice-Presidents, Haley McCalman and Mayisha Nakib; Historian, Jeb Rodriguez; and Co Secretaries,
Chelsea Jenkins and Anna Smith. They are brainstorming some great ideas
for the remainder of the school year. For example, several of the more artistic members will be helping me with the backdrop for the upcoming Bearcats on Broadway production in March. Plans are also underway to visit with
a pre-k or kindergarten group to complete an arts and crafts project. We look
forward to even more projects as the opportunities arise in the future.
We have all your music needs at
Piney Hills Music!!
214 N. Trenton Street
232-3002
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Chatterbox
enior Spotlights
Ruston High School
February 14, 2010
Page 19
Name: Amber Sanders (Big Mac, Marlay, AmBam)
Age: 17
Family: LaWanda (Mom), Stacy (Dad), Jalena, Laycie (sisters), Gracie, Chance, Jewel (horses)
Favorites...
Subject: Choir Movie: The Little Mermaid Animal: Horse Color: Green Book/Magazine: Where the Red Fern Grows
Quote: ―Dream as if you‘ll live forever, live as if you‘ll die today.‖ -James Dean
What do you like best about RHS: The school spirit and the Friday night football games and the basketball games.
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Basketball, FCCLA, Choir, GOT team, PYPM
College plans: Northwestern/ major in Elementary Education; minor in Music
Your hero: GOD and my sister, Jalena
Name: Daveon Jones (Dae Dae, Davy)
Age: 17
Family: Homer (Grandpa), Jean (Grandma)
Favorites...
Subject: 1st period Movie: Fight Club Animal: Dave Anderson
Most embarrassing moment: At Ruston, the first time Coach Anderson cracked jokes on me.
What do you like best about RHS: Track meets & World History
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Track & Field, KOM
College plans: NSU/ Secondary Education
Your hero: Coach Hall my bestie!!
Name: Aisha Jackson
Age: 17
Family: Ed (Dad), Victoria (Mom), Ashley, Adrianna, Andrea, Alexis (sisters)
Favorites...
Subject: Choir Movie: Vivah Animal: Platypus Color: Blue Book/Magazine: Chatterbox!
Quote: ―A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you‘ve forgotten the words.‖
What do you like best about RHS: Lunch Time (cause it means free time)
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Choir & KOM
College plans: NSU Demons!/ Music Education Major
Your hero: Jesus!!!
Name: Hannah Rose McIntire (Hannah ROOOOSE!, HooBoo)
Age: 18
Family: Mom, Dad, Sam, Joshua
Favorites...
Subject: Math Movie: Sahara Animal: African Giraffe Color: Blue Book/Magazine: “The Small Woman”-Gladys Alyward
Quote: ―He is no fool who gives what he cannot lose.‖ -Jim Elliot
What do you like best about RHS: My track family, my besties, the people, and the overall atmosphere.
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Track, LYFE, Spanish Club, and Keywanettes
College plans: John Brown University/ Graphic Design
Your hero: Aaron Boersma, Elizabeth Moore, The Howells...etc.!
Name: Elizabeth Moore (Lizzi, Ell, E-Moore, Lizzy-Beth)
Age: 17
Family: Mom, Dad, Matthew, Michael, John David
Favorites...
Subject: Drop everything and read! Movie: Pride & Prejudice Animal: anything that goes maaaah... Color: Blue
Book/Magazine: Jane Eyre
Quote: ―And this is love, not that we love God, but that He loves us and gave His son to be the perfect sacrifice for our sins.‖ 1 John 4
What do you like best about RHS: the best friends in the world and my mentees :)
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Belles, KOM, LYFE, FCA, Choir, Ambassadors, and Keywnettes
College plans: Mississippi College; major– English Literature, minor– Biblical Studies
Your hero: Starbucks
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Chatterbox
enior Spotlights
Ruston High School
February 14, 2010
Name: Brittney Washington (Lue)
Age: 18
Family: Mom, Dad, sister, Cujo (brother)
Favorites...
Movie: Baby Boy, Poetic Justice Animal: Stallion Color: Purple Book/Magazine: No More Playas
Quote: ―No weapons formed against me will prosper and I truly believe that my haters are my motivators.‖ -Nicki Minaj
What do you like best about RHS: Pep rallies
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: FBLA
College plans: Going to the Navy
Your hero: My Mother
Name: Byronesha Santiago (Playmaker)
Age: 17
Family: Josie (Mom), Bryon (Dad), Chelz (sister), Spalding (pet)
Favorites...
Subject: Spanish II Movie: Love & Basketball Animal: Dislike animals Color: Blue
Most embarrassing moment: I don‘t get embarrassed.
What do you like best about RHS: Girls Basketball
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Basketball, Basketball, Basketball
College plans: Play college ball.
Your hero: Jehovah
Name: Savannah Best
Age: 17
Family: Sammye & Jody (parents), Jordan & Raleigh (sisters), Ty (brother)
Favorites...
Subject: Ag Movie: Transformers Animal: Dog Color: Yellow Book/Magazine: Fallen
Quote: ―Peace begins with a smile‖
Most embarrassing moment: Freshman year, I fell out of my chair at the FFA banquet.
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: FFA
College plans: Louisiana Tech/ Ag Ed.
Name: Dexter Burks (Peterrabbit)
Age: 19
Family: Ruthie Burks (Mom), two brothers, one sister
Favorites...
Subject: Math Movie: Soul Men Animal: Dog Color: Black Book/Magazine: The Bully
Quote: ―Keep your head up and never let anything bring you down‖
What do you like best about RHS: Pep rallies, Football games
College plans: Louisiana Technical College/ Business & UTI
Your hero: God, Family
Name: Tyler Andrew Smith (TDog)
Age: 20
Family: Tony Allen Smith (brother)
Favorites...
Subject: Math Movie: Mall Cop Animal: Owl Color: Black and Red Book/Magazine: Naruto
Quote: ―It‘s not the size of the dog in the fight, it‘s the size of the fight in the dog.‖
What do you like best about RHS: Coach Brown Bio
College plans: Two year/ Law
Your hero: 50 Cent
Page 20
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Chatterbox
enior Spotlights
Ruston High School
February 14, 2010
Page 21
Name: Chelsea Rogers (C-C, Chelz, In your face Rogers)
Age: 17
Family: Sheronda (Mom), Marcheile (Step Dad), Mun (brother), Keith (brother), Kourtney (God-Brother)
Favorites...
Subject: Math Movie: Friday Animal: Dog Color: Pink
Quote: ―Trust God only because man will fail you.‖
What do you like best about RHS: School Spirit
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Basketball, BUMS, National Honor Society
Your hero: God and Mother
Name: Raven Kelly (Rae-Rae)
Age: 17
Family: Kendra Kelly (sister), Cheylor Kelly (brother), Melissa Kelly (Mom), Chad Sims (brother)
Favorites...
Subject: Spanish Movie: Baby Boy Animal: Zebras Color: Anything Bright Book/Magazine: Glamorous
Quote: ―If you don‘t stand for something, you will fall for anything.‖ -Lil Daddy
Most embarrassing moment: When I fell my Freshman year in a pep rally in front of the whole school. Ughh!!!
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Varsity Cheer, National Champion Competition Squad, FCA
College plans: Grambling State University/ Biology; plan to be a physical therapist after attending physical therapy school
Your hero: My Mother
Name: Dakota Nalitt
Age: 18
Family: Gail (Mom), David (Dad), Josh & Tyler (brothers)
Favorites...
Subject: Ag Movie: Friday Night Lights Animal: Dog Color: Red
Quote: ―Work hard, but play harder‖
What do you like best about RHS: Not having to come until 2nd hour and then leaving early
Name: Deja Silas
Age: 17
Family: Granny, Great-Granny, Drecia, Phe
Favorites...
Subject: English Movie: ATL Animal: Dog Color: Black Book/Magazine: The Child Called It
Quote: ―I love you.‖ (Deja)
What do you like best about RHS: Being able to be with the ones I love and RHS spirit and tradition
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Pom Squad, COE
College plans: ULL/Southern/ Nursing
Your hero: God
Name: Michael Palmer
Age: 19
Family: Paul Palmer (Father), Dennis Allen (Mom), Kimmberly Perez (Fiancée)
Favorites...
Subject: Math Movie: Transformers Animal: Dog Color: Red Book/Magazine: Harry Potter
Quote: ―It can be done.‖
College plans: Art School
Your hero: Grandma & God
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Chatterbox
enior Spotlights
Ruston High School
February 14, 2010
Name: Holly Holland
Age: 17
Family: Katina (Mom), Eric (Step Dad), Jalen (brother)
Favorites...
Subject: Lunch Movie: Baby Boy Animal: Charity (my dog) Color: Red
Quote: ―I got to much business of my own to be worried about somebody else's.‖ -Holly Cyrus
What do you like best about RHS: Pep Rallies
College plans: Go Army!
Your hero: God and my Mom
Name: Taylor Rose (T. Rose)
Age: 18
Family: Holden (brother), Dad, Granddad
Favorites...
Subject: Ag Movie: The Runaways Animal: Rottweiler Color: Black Book/Magazine: If I Stay by Gayle Forman
Quote: ―Phil? Phil?! Phil of Fortune?!‖ -Sarah Blaylock
What do you like best about RHS: Being a Senior
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: KOM, FFA
College plans: Police Officer with the Alameda County Sheriff‘s Office
Your hero: Nakendra Foster
Name: Jemorio Crowe (J Moe, Boss Crowe, Yo Yo)
Age: 18
Family: Jerry Melton (Dad), Dana Crowe (Mom), Jerry Jr. Melton (brother), Jermesha Melton (sister)
Favorites...
Subject: Lunch Movie: Friday Animal: Dogs (Bubbles, Mindmight), cat (Holly) Color: I don‘t have one I rock all of them
Book/Magazine: Bible
Quote: ―It‘s nothing to the kid, you can get it. It is what it is yo mama.‖
What do you like best about RHS: Choir
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Choir, I workout
Your hero: God
Name: Latoria Whitehead
Age: 17
Family: Mary (Mom), Allen (Dad), Jessie, Allen Jr., Emanuel (brothers), Latrice, Katrina (sisters)
Favorites...
Subject: English Movie: Baby Boy Animal: Cat Color: Purple Book/Magazine: Bluford series
Quote: ―Lie down with dogs you get up with fleas.‖
Most embarrassing moment: Falling down the stairs freshman year.
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: FBLA
College plans: Louisiana Tech/ Education
Your hero: My Grandma
Name: Justin Brazzel (Ju Ju, B)
Age: 17
Family: Gary (Dad), Amber (Step Mom), Taylor (sister), 2 step sisters, 1 step brother
Favorites...
Subject: Math Movie: Happy Gilmore Animal: Panther Color: Blue Book/Magazine: Chatterbox
Quote: ―Brazzel your incompetence is showing.‖ -Zach Davis
What do you like best about RHS: Friends
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Football
College plans: Louisiana Tech
Your hero: My Mom
Page 22
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Chatterbox
ntertainment
Ruston High School
February 14, 2011
Page 23
Are You Hungry for More?
by Amber Brown
Senior Editor
―The Hunger Games‖ by Suzanne Collins is by far a fantastic book, and that is not just in my opinion! Collins‘ way of writing gives the
reader a sense of being in the scene, even if her vocabulary is relatively simple. I will not give away any spoilers, because there are plenty of
people who still need to read this gripping book. However, the basic premise of the book is that in a post-apocalyptic world, the ―Capitol‖ is
the region where people are prosperous, abundant with food and money, and just plain spoiled. After what we all know as America is destroyed, there are twelve Districts, originally thirteen, who must always listen to the ―Capital.‖ One year, the districts rebelled (and thus the
13th district was then annihilated) against the ―Capitol.‖ But, the rebels lost and to prove that the Capitol would always be in control, they
created an annual event which is now known as ―The Hunger Games.‖ The rules: each district must send one boy and one girl (randomly
drawn at ―The Reaping‖) to represent the district. Each ―Tribute‖ will fight in an unknown and harsh terrain or arena until only one person is
remaining and all the rest are dead; they must kill each other to win, and become mentors for following tributes. It‘s the Capitol‘s way of
showing their superiority and punishing the districts from the rebellion many years ago.
The story follows our protagonist, Katniss, who volunteers to take her younger sister‘s place in the beginning of the Hunger Games. This
decision leads her to delving into a whole new world. If you are interested in learning more, then you will have to read for all of the fun and
excitement! Collins‘ does an amazing job when leading all three of the books of the trilogy into one another. The Trilogy can be found in our
school library. Oh, and don‘t hold your breath waiting for the movie, it doesn‘t come out until either late 2012 or early 2013!
Facebook is Shutting Down in March? Rumor Proved False!
by Amber Brown
Senior Editor
Recently, rumors of a Facebook shut-down on March 15th has spread like a wildfire on the site itself and Twitter, as well as other blogs, but the company has come out and stated that they have no intention of shutting down such a popular social networking site. The Weekly World News (the rumor
rags that are accused to have originally started this ridiculous rumor) gained many negative responses to Mark Zuckerberg‘s quote as saying Facebook
had ―gotten out of control and the stress of managing this company has ruined my life.‖ Mashable (a site that tried to help calm the rumor from causing
any more damage than it already has) said that the rumor spread just days after Facebook announced it had received $450 million worth of funding from Goldman Sachs and $50
million from Russian investment firm, Digital Sky Technologies. Mashable question, ―The fact that this absurd hoax spread so efficiently makes us wonder: will people believe
anything?‖ Some people even went as far as saying that you should go ahead and remove your personal information, including pictures, videos, etc., off of the profiles for good,
seeing as the website will be shutting down. This remark was commented on by tens of thousands of people, including Facebook‘s Director of Corporate Communication, Larry
Yu, ―The answer is no, so please help us put an end to this silliness; we didn‘t get a memo about shutting down and there is still a lot to be done, so we will keep cranking away
like always.‖
Miss America Pageant 2011
Academics Reporter
On January 15, 2011, fifty-two beautiful women gathered together to compete for the title Miss America in the
Miss America 2011 Pageant. The pageant was held in Las Vegas, Nevada, and was shown on the ABC channel.
The pageant contestants are women representing each state in the United States plus two more from Washington,
D.C. and Puerto Rico.
This year Kelsey Crain, from Monroe, Louisiana, proudly represented our state as Miss Louisiana 2011.
Though she and many others did not make it to the swim suit portion of the competition, the competition was still
vigorous. This year the Miss America Pageant added many new twist and surprises to the competition by letting
the contestants, people, and judges vote for the fifteen contestants who moved on into the swim suit portion including: Miss Nebraska, Miss Virginia, Miss Kentucky, Miss Delaware, Miss Arkansas, Miss Hawaii, Miss
Washington, Miss Oklahoma, Miss Oregon, Miss Utah, Miss Rhode Island, Miss New York, Miss Texas, Miss
California, and Miss Arizona.
The contestants went through not only a swim suit portion, but an evening wear portion, a talent portion, and a
question portion. In the end Miss Nebraska, Teresa Scanlan, was crowned Miss America 2011, being the youngest
woman ever to be crowned this prestigious title at age seventeen. Teresa Scanlan was not the only one making
history at this pageant though. The pageant was celebrating its 90 th anniversary, and this year to celebrate it they
invited forty-three former Miss America‘s back to the pageant to celebrate in this amazing accomplishment.
Teresa Scanlan will go on to compete in the 2011 Miss World pageant against many other countries later on this
year, and hopefully, with the support of her fellow Americans, return back victoriously.
Miss Nebraska gets crowned!
Miss America takes her
traditional walk.
Miss Louisiana Kelsey Crain
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Chatterbox
tudent Center
Ruston High School
February 14, 2011
Page 24
An Eagle Scout Walks the Halls of Ruston High
by Amber Brown
Senior Editor
Thomas Gray Taylor, both a member of Chatterbox and FBLA, has earned the Eagle Scout rank, and according to statistics, only four percent
of boy scouts across the country make it to this prestigious ranking.
Gray has been a member of the Boy Scouts since he was twelve, but was a member of the Cub Scouts since kindergarten. He is a member
Troop 59, along with other Bearcats: John Ramsaur, Nicona Lacy, Hunter Humble, Logan Young, and Mark Weir.
One of the requirements to become an Eagle Scout is to earn a minimum of twenty-one merit badges, but Gray excelled and earned a total of
twenty-five! As a another major requirement, a scout has to lead his own Eagle Project that benefits the community; as Gray‘s project, he chose to
help the Ruston Community Theatre renovate, organize, and relocate their props and set pieces with a group of other volunteers. Once the project
was completed, it was time for the most important part of a scout‘s life, the Eagle Scout Board of Review. He prepared for this monumental day
by studying the handbook and reviewing basics (knots, first-aid, etc.), and he ended up over preparing, but that goes along with the Scout‘s Motto
is to ―Be Prepared.‖ So, congratulations, Gray Taylor on your awesome achievement!
Happily Never After?
The Story of Divorce
Information accessed at: http://www.divorcerate.org/
submitted by Justin Welch
RHS sophomore
Divorce destroys family relationships faster than almost anything else. Not
only does it affect the parent‘s lives, it affects their children‘s lives drastically if
they have any. The United State ranks number one in divorces with Puerto Rico
at a close second. On average, 43% of the marriages in America end in divorce
every year. In 2009, there were 2,355,005 divorces and the number is constantly growing! For every marriage one person has after their first one, there is
a higher percentage rate of the next marriage also failing. Sorry ladies, but according to divorcerate.org, women who marry under the age of 20 years file for
divorce over twice as much as the men.
Fortunately though, 67% of all divorces are between two people who are
childless. Children of divorce typically act like things are okay or that they
don‘t care, but the truth is, most of them are feeling pain and it is sometimes
hurting them on the inside. They may go into a depressive state or feel like
there is nothing left for them. Parents and children‘s relationships get torn apart
because the children feel resentment towards parents for splitting up.
Kids also think that just because their parents don‘t live together, they have
to choose where to live. In most case, parents should have a joint-custody
where kids are allowed to go visit both parents on an equal time scale. Frankly,
divorce is never the answer but it all depends on how the divorce goes down in
court. No matter how bad things may seem, divorce only makes things worse.
So if your parents are divorced or choose to get divorced (which I hope
never happens), don‘t get yourself down. Hold your head up and go on with
your life and make sure that you don‘t make the same mistake when you
choose to get married.
According to enrichment journal on the divorce rate in America:
The divorce rate in America for first marriage is 41%
The divorce rate in America for second marriage is 60%
The divorce rate in America for third marriage is 73%
Age at marriage
for those who
divorce in
America:
Age
Women
Men
Under 20 years old
27.6%
11.7%
20 to 24 years old
36.6%
38.8%
25 to 29 years old
16.4%
22.3%
30 to 34 years old
8.5%
11.6%
35 to 39 years old
5.1%
6.5%
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Chatterbox
tudent Center
Ruston High School
Ask the Staff
by Amy Gibson
Guest Reporter
Lonely was I, when first we met
I had lost all hope in this world
But when you came, I opened myself
And decided to be your girl
I feel so safe when I am in your arms
Nothing can get to me when I‘m with you
All these things are new to me
And I am afraid of loving you
But I trust you with my feelings
Yes, I do trust you with my heart
I could never let you down
Because in my life, you play a huge
part
The way my heart speeds makes no
sense
But I don‘t mind it at all
I stumble over everything around you
Page 25
Ask Russell
by Kori Teague
Guest Reporter
submitted by Beau Russell
RHS Class President
What does it mean to love someone?
What are your thoughts on Valentine’s Day?
Jesus said to love others as He loved us.
What does that mean? ―For God so loved the
world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have
eternal life‖ (John 3:16).
Does that mean we have to give up our
children for others? Not really. Does that
mean that we have to go be crucified on a
cross for someone? Not necessarily. It just
means that we need to be willing to sacrifice
things in our lives when we love someone.
Surely, since God gave so much for us because He loves us, we can show His love in us
to others. Happy Valentine‘s Day!
You Complete Me
February 14, 2011
―I think it‘s a great time to share
with not only your significant other,
but also with your friends, and spoil
them on one of the ‗sweetest‘ days
of the year.‖
How do you attract the ladies?
―It‘s a God given talent. Period.‖
But your hand is always there to stop my fall
Your words are so soothing to my soul
Your touch comforts my pain
I pray that no matter what happens
Your feelings for me will never change
Grateful am I that we got to meet
Just seeing your face gives me chills
Experiencing your love makes my soul tremble
I love being with you…in your presence
Please always remember
Tears come to my eyes when I think of you
Because the love I feel is that strong
And I‘m not afraid to say
That I‘ve loved you all along
Unconditional love is what I feel for you
And on me you must never give up
Safe and secure I will always be
If you hold me tightly in your love
Truly I speak, when I say that there are no words
Then I do speak the truth
I cannot find any explanation
To describe my love for you
Only my love could ever see
That you complete me
But why should I need words
When all I need, I have
There is always a smile in my heart
In your love, I always laugh
You are that twinkle in my eye
And the blush appearing on my cheeks
I am blessed to call you mine
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
by Gray Taylor
January
Answers
Chatterbox
February 14, 2011
Page 26
Valentine’s Day Word Search
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Chatterbox
ponsors and Staff
Ruston High School
February 14, 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
BESTWAY
Michael Kolb
4
Seeker Springs
Tammie Slawson
6
Wells Fargo
Julie Guillot
10
Driver‘s Ed
Ricky Durrett
14
King of Hearts
Pat Murray
16
Kevin Beasley Photography
Kevin Beasley
17
Pow Wow
Manuel and Nilda Chinchilla
17
Piney Hills Music
Nick Goff
18
Dr. Rendina
Lynn Crowe
18
Geri G. Taylor
Geri Taylor
28
Nick Brown Show
Nick Brown
29
Ruston Locker Room
Yvonne Craft
31
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S
Chatterbox
ports
Ruston High School
submitted by Coach David Aguilar
Girls’ Basketball Head Coach
by Keekee Williams
Sports Reporter
-vaulters, Nick Richardson and
Daveon Jones; the distant runners,
Chase Millien and Dominique
Cheffin; the girls relay teams, javelin throwers and distant races.
There are an estimated 75 members
currently on the track team and
with both the boys
and girls finishing
in second last year
at the state meet,
Coach Anderson
says there‘s only
one way to improve and that‘s to
go up.
While Ruston will be moving
up from classification 4-A to a 5-A
redistricting, to Ruston‘s Coach
Anderson that change will not
change the competition. ―It wouldn‘t make a difference because it‘s
still very competitive in either
class‖, says Anderson.
His favorite aspect
about
coaching track should be so obvious, WINNING, which his teams
are known for!
Tennis Ready to Rally
It is hard to determine when a team comes player. She came to Ruston as a point guard
together and begins working as one. Some- and evolved into a strong presence at the block.
times it happens after a particularly hard pracAll five seniors have various skill levels and
tice or after a tough loss. Some teams never get diverse backgrounds. They also have one goal
there and are labeled as "coulda- woulda- to bring a championship to Ruston, the Bearcat
shoulda- teams." The Lady Bearcats are a group Nation. For this team which has a record of 21
of diverse young ladies that came together - 4 as this article goes to print, we are not sure if
every day attempting to better themselves and they have completely come together. "There are
play together and win. The seniors on the team moments that these girls put it all together and
get close to reaching
are a perfect mix of
talent.
their potential" Coach
Amanda
Aguilar
Byronesha Santiago
and
Chelsea
thinks. "Potential is
such a double edged
Rogers played key
sword, it can be your
roles in last year‘s
crutch or the challenge
team that played in the
you need to push
quarter finals and lost
to the eventual state
through."
champions.
Three
As these young laother seniors stand out
dies grow each day and
as well. Taylor Kaufbuild on their experiman, a state ranked
ences, the Bearcat NaThe Lady Bearcats vs. the Lady Rams
swimmer, and highly
tion waits for Tuesday
skilled student, raises
and Friday nights to see
the level of the teams play. Jasmine White what new challenges these girls will defeat and
played point guard for three years and this year what new skills they will display. The coaches
she has accepted the role of sixth man. For us are proud of what they have accomplished and
that is a defensive stopper, rebounder and offen- are hoping that someday soon they will evolve
sive threat to the opposing team. Amber Sand- into becoming the best they can be as individuers is a striking singer and multi-talented als and as a team.
by Keekee Williams
Sports Reporter
As tennis season bounces
around again, the players
start to make a racket during
practice sessions. Led by
assistant coach, Mallory
Smith and head coach Gavin
McKinney (currently on
leave), the RHS tennis team
are getting ready to start the
season with their first match.
Head
varsity
coach
Gavin McKinney is a United
States Professional Tennis
Association instructor and
he promotes the sport of
tennis in Ruston and the
surrounding areas. The tryout for the Bearcat Tennis
team was held on November
17 and they currently hold
practice from 7th period to
4:30. The girls that made the
team were Jordan Crume,
Dinah Diaz, Mary Hollis
Graham, Kaitlyn Heiden,
Abbie King, Mary-Kyle
McDonald,
Courtney
McKinney, Kellen Skains,
and Heather Tanner. The
males that joined the squad
were: Jonathan Abernathy,
Phillip Alva, Spencer Berry,
Kyle Carter, Matt Oaks,
Nathan Parks, Nick Parks,
Cody Sanderson, Hayden
Smithey, Chris Taylor,
Caleb White, and Jack
Woods.
Coach McKinney says, ―I
am very pleased with the
quality of players that participated in try-outs this
Page 28
The Lady Bearcats Are a Strong Team
RHS Track Preview
As the weather changes and the
seasons shift, there are also other
seasons that change, sports seasons. When spring comes around,
it‘s time to hang up those football
jerseys and put away those swimming caps.
Track and Field
is
all
about
strength
and
speed. If you work
hard and do what
RHS track coach
Dave
Anderson
advises you to do,
you will be a winner and if you don‘t you‘ll find out
what else he‘s good at besides
coaching. The track team‘s first
meet will be an indoor qualifying
meet on February 8. If they qualify
in that division, then the runners
will advance to the Indoor State
meet on February 19.
The outdoor season starts on
March 4. The key athletes and
events that everyone should be on
the watch for will be the boy‘s pole
February 14, 2010
year.‖ ―The great thing
about tennis is that there are
opportunities to participate
in groups and play tournaments year round.‖ Last year
the Bearcat tennis team
made it to state but didn‘t
quite make it all the way.
―This year we plan on going
back to state taking the boys
with us and winning‖, says
Coach Smith. The first
match is February 22 at
Neville High School and as
the season gets ready to roll,
we will show our support for
the Bearcat tennis team in
every possible way. Go
‗Cats!
S
Chatterbox
ports
Ruston High School
February 14, 2010
Bearcat Soccer Nears End
NICK BROWN
SHOW
by Reed Malek
Sports Reporter
As the month of February rolls in, Ruston soccer‘s regular
season come to an end.
After all the season‘s hard work, the Lady Bearcats finished their season with a record of 10-7-3 and the boys finished 10-8-1.
Both teams played their Senior Games against West
Ouachita High on Saturday, January 29. The girls pulled off a
close 3-2- victory and the boys dominated the Chiefs 7-1.
The last stretches of the Bearcat soccer seasons were
plagued by several game cancellations due to weather, but the
‗Cats rebounded and were able to end their seasons on a
strong note.
Page 29
Senior Lauren Prescott crosses a West
Ouachita (20) defender, during the senior
night match-up.
Saturday Mornings
8 A.M. – 10 A.M.
ESPN 97.7 FM Radio
The Bowl College Series
by Reed Malek
Sports Reporter
In the increasingly popular world of col- that teams in automatic-qualifying conferlege football, there is one infamous debate ences do.
that dominates virtually every discussion of
If Boise State (WAC, non-automatic
the sport: what to do about the Bowl College qualifying), Texas (Big-12, automaticSeries, more fondly known as the BCS.
qualifying), and Alabama (SEC, automaticThe BCS has been the governing body of qualifying) all finish their regular seasons
college football ever since its
with undefeated records, Texas
inception in 1998. The BCS
and Alabama will play in the
dictates which teams play in
BCS National Championship
which bowl games, an ability
because the BCS would deem
criticized by many as being
their schedules more difficult
monopolistic and unfair to the
than Boise State‘s. This scesmaller schools in the nonnario is nearly identical to the
automatic qualifying confersituation of the 2009-2010
ences such as the Mountain
college football season. The
West and WAC.
only difference is that Texas
In college football, there
Christian
University
are currently six ―automatic(Mountain
West,
nonqualifying‖ conferences: the
automatic qualifying) finished
Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-10 (soon
undefeated as well. Who
Accessed at
to be Pac-12), Atlantic Coast www.walterfootball.com played in the BCS National
Conference, Big East, and
Championship? Texas and AlaSoutheastern Conference (SEC). These con- bama. Boise State and TCU played in a
ferences are given the title ―automatic- smaller BCS bowl.
qualifying‖ because their winners receive
This BCS bias has many across the nation
automatic bids in the BCS Bowls.
outraged and calling for the expulsion of the
Of the ever-increasing number of bowl BCS from college football. Though I agree
games in the sport, there are five that are the with those who want the BCS gone, it is a
most money-making and most popular: the lost cause.
Orange Bowl, Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl, FiThe BCS is, ultimately, based off money.
esta Bowl, and the BCS National Champion- Teams in the Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, etc. have
ship game. The argument against the BCS many more fans and therefore bring in more
lies mainly in the unfairness of the selection money to the BCS if they play in their bowl
process of the participants of these bowls. games. In a way, the BCS is a monopoly.
Fans of the teams of non-automatic qualifyIf there is anything to be done about the
ing conferences like the previously named BCS, we must look at history. There is only
Mountain West and WAC are angry because one thing that has ever been able to end a
their teams do not receive the opportunity monopoly: government intervention.
Find us on
acebook!
Setting the Record
by Keekee Williams
Sports Reporter
There are a lot of records being set
all over the world today that they have
to be compiled into one big archive;
the Guinness World Records. Many
people have tried setting records and
also breaking them but many come
close and several fall short.
In sports there are some great but
weird achievements sought out to be
done. On October 19, 2008, 3,807
participants ran a hundred meters in a
twenty-four hour relay for the Latvian
Nations 90th Anniversary Celebration
at the Douglas Stadium in Riga, Latvia. On May 15, 1999, an American
man by the name of Michael Kettman
set the record for the most basketballs
spun simultaneously with a total of
twenty-eight balls. The longest softball game played was ninety-five
hours and twenty-three minutes, at Ed
Janiszewski Park in Quebec, Canada.
The longest volleyball game played
totaled a time of sixty hours by SVU
University in Amsterdam. On June 12,
2010, ‗Swim for Children‘ broke the
Guinness record for the most people
swimming one length in a twenty-four
hour relay with 5,028 participants
successfully completing a minimum
distance of sixty feet Padova, Italy.
At Ruston High, we have some
records of our own that have been set
and broken. Trey Hadnot set a record
in the 400M dash with a time of 48.02
seconds, beating Ruston‘s administrator/alumni David Crowe‘s old record.
The Ruston High School boys track
team is the only public school in the
Louisiana High School Athletic Association to capture a Class 5A championship(4 times to be exact). Coach
Anderson, the coach of the RHS track
and field team, has established 39 of
42 possible school records and more
than 300 marks have earned listings in
the national record book, during his
20 years of coaching at Ruston.
S
Chatterbox
ports
Ruston High School
February 14, 2010
Page 30
Green Bay Packers Win Super Bowl XLV
by Reed Malek
Sports Reporter
Forty-four Super Bowls ago, the Green Bay Packers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl I 35-10 behind their MVP quarterback Bart Starr and head coach Vince
Lombardi. In Super Bowl forty-five on Sunday, February 6, 2011, the Packers matched their victory in the first Super Bowl, winning 31-25 over the Pittsburgh Steelers giving
the franchise its fourth Super Bowl victory. Though they weren‘t led by the likes of the legendary Starr and Lombardi, quarterback Aaron Rodgers and head coach Mike
McCarthy proved that they could get the job done just as well.
Things got ugly quick; a botched national anthem by Christina Aguilera, a scene of Cameron Diaz hand-feeding popcorn into the mouth of Alex Rodriguez, and a 14-0
Green Bay lead at the end of the first quarter spelled doom for the night. The Packers struck first blood with a twenty-nine-yard touchdown pass from Rodgers to wide receiver
Jordy Nelson with 3:44 left in the first quarter and scored on a Nick Collins interception return-touchdown merely twenty-four seconds later. It appeared early that the black
and gold were going to be black and blue by the end of the day. However, the Green Bay beat-down was mitigated by a Ben Roethlisberger touchdown pass to Hines Ward
with thirty-nine seconds left in the first half, making the Packers‘ lead 21-10 at halftime.
Going into the fourth quarter, all speculation about a Green Bay blowout had diminished. Thanks to an 8-yard touchdown run by Rashard Mendenhall in the third quarter,
the Steelers had cut the Packers‘ lead to four points and shut the mouths of hasty critics. However, Green Bay took action quickly in the fourth quarter with an 8-yard touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers to wide receiver Greg Jennings, making the score 28-17. With seven and a half minutes left in the game, the Steelers cut the Green Bay lead to
three via a twenty-five-yard touchdown pass from Roethlisberger to Mike Wallace. The Packers then put together a solid, five and a half minute drive that culminated in a
twenty-three-yard Mason Crosby field goal, making the score 31-25 in favor of Green Bay. This score would remain on the scoreboard for the rest of the game.
In the end Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy hoisted the Super Bowl trophy, just as Bart Starr and Vince Lombardi did forty-four years ago in the very first Super Bowl.
Rodgers would be named the game‘s Most Valuable Player, having accumulated three hundred and four yards passing and three touchdowns, all on twenty-four completions in
thirty-nine passing attempts. Though a lot of factors went into Green Bay‘s victory, one glaring statistic undoubtedly made the difference in the game: turnovers. Pittsburgh
turned the ball over three times, while Green Bay went the entire game without doing so. Whatever the cause, the Packers will now carry the Vince Lombardi Trophy back to
Green Bay.
Accessed at www.jaywashere.com
Accessed at www.jaywashere.com
Bearcat Football Celebrates Season with Banquet
by Christian Amos
Sports Editor
The Bearcats of Ruston High School prevailed through
their 2010 season after starting off with a tough record. With
powerful weapons such as senior Ja‘Ren Johnson on offense
and senior Nick Richardson on the Bearcat defense, this
helped Ruston end ups and downs of the 2010 season with a
winning record!
On the night of January 26th, Ja‘Ren received the honorable Hoss Garrett award for his grand performance throughout the season. As a junior, he led the running game with
925 yards but bettering his senior performance by rushing
for more than 1,000 yards, with a career-best being against
the Wossman defense rushing 329 yards.
Nick was named in high spirits with the Kyle Williams
Defensive Player of the Year award. Nick‘s vitality stood
Athletic director and head football coach, Billy out with the defensive back totaling sixty-four tackles with
Laird introduces keynote speakers and award
thirty-three of them being unassisted and a pass interception
presenters at the annual Bearcat football banquet. he returned for a touchdown. Both Ja‘Ren and Nick shared
the team captains‘ award for the season.
The Michael Parker award is to a player who surpassed
an obstacle, generally an injury that could end a player‘s
career. Senior Michael Welch was honored this award after
he was stripped from the field after a knee injury in the game
against Byrd. Fellow team mate Casey Turner was honored
with the Scholastic award for his hard work in the classroom. Senior Linebacker Maddie Wiggins, was thrilled with
the awards of awards, the Chick Childress award.
―It‘s pretty sad to say it‘s my last [banquet], but I‘ve
gained some great memories‖ says Maddie Wiggins at the
post of the banquet.
Ruston High‘s Athletic Director and Head football coach,
Billy Laird, was named Coach of the Year for the parish for
his ever persevering coaching of the Bearcats through the
ups and downs of the season.
S
Chatterbox
ports
Ruston High School
February 14, 2010
Player of the Month: Jerry Melton
by Christian Amos
Sports Editor
Averaging nineteen points
per game and leading the Bearcat Basketball teams in points
and rebounds, Jerry Melton is
this month‘s Player of the
Month.
Melton (# 20) is the first
underclassman to be featured
as player of the month by
Chatterbox. As just a sophomore he has already received
offers from colleges such as
LSU, Baylor, and his home town‘s Louisiana
Tech. Melton is a first-rate forward and his
favorite hobby is of course basketball.
―This season I plan to
lead my team to the
championship‖ says Melton ―Anything is possible
with Jesus.‖
Melton‘s favorite thing
about playing basketball is
―the competition‖. His favorite thing about RHS is
the teachers.
Fellow team mate and
senior team captain Ron
Spivey says, ―[Jerry Melton] is the truth and
the future of Ruston High.‖ Spivey goes on to
say, ―He couldn‘t do it without me.‖
Bearcat Basketball
Enters the Last Stretch
by Reed Malek
Sports Reporter
Along with the Bearcat soccer teams, Ruston High‘s boys‘ varsity basketball team is coming to the end of its season and looks to
close on a strong note. The Bearcats have had a very exciting
stretch lately, including one 90-87 thrilling overtime victory over
the Franklin Parish Patriots on January 25th. The Bearcats‘ leading
scorer was Jerry Melton (February Player of the Month), who finished the game with 26 points. Melton also edged to team to victory
scoring the final 2 points in the overtime thriller.
With a record of 14-8 as of the beginning of this month, the Bearcats are looking to end the year with
a win as they face their arch-rival Neville Tigers on February 15th at RHS.
Lady Bearcats Are Balling
by Keekee Williams
Sports Reporter
Once again our Lady Bearcats are still on the ball (no pun intended).
They have been working hard time and time again to achieve each victory. But don‘t think every game is just a giveaway. Each game has
been a fight to the finish always resulting with the most competitive
team taking home the win.
On Jan. 18, 2011, the Ruston Lady Bearcats played against West
Ouachita resulting in a blowout match. The score toppled to a whopping
80 to 30. Byronesha Santiago, the all-state candidate rung up 25 points
while Shadarria Crawford put up 11. They brought another victory
home to add to their already fabulous record. On Jan. 21,2011, they
traveled to Wossman to take on the Wildcats. The Lady ‗Cats also used
Santiago Charges past a
the same tact to beat the Lady Wildcats. They accepted the score at 57Neville defender.
49. Byronesha Santiago scored 22 points and Chelsea Rogers scored 12
points. The team, no doubt about it, is still proving to be the most notorious basketball team compared to
all the competition. When it was time to face Franklin Parish, the Patriots, they still claimed a victory
with a 57-39 total. Byronesha Santiago had a total of 19 points and Chelsea Rogers added a total of 12
points. The Lady Bearcats are still going strong and continuing the winning success. Good job, Ladies!
Page 31
B
Chatterbox
earcat Spirit
Ruston High School
February 14, 2010
Page 32
RHS Celebrates Its National Champions Let the Mania Continue!
by Christian Amos
Sports Editor
The Ruston High Cheerleaders
Coach Reeder choreographed the
made school history on January 8,
entire Gametime routine!
2011, by becoming NCA National
―It makes me feel proud to
Champions. On January 19th, the
lead such a great group‖ says
entire Bearcat Nation gathered in
senior co-captain Sydni Wilt
Ruston High‘s gymnasium to
―everyone helped with leaderhonor the 2011 National Cheership and collaboration of this
leading Association (NCA) Gateam, and everyone worked tometime
Division
National
gether to achieve our goal.‖
Champs!
Ruston‘s cheer squad‘s numThe ceremony was not only to
ber one fan, Connor Haskins
celebrate the competition squad
says, ―Honestly, I wish I had a
Principal Milstead gives
but also for the school, as the giblack jacket of my own. I think
speech at the assembly.
ant golden megaphone trophy was
it‘s pretty cool my girls went to
presented to Principal Mike Milstead for the Dallas and beat out ‗twenty teams from Hawaii
entire student body. The theme of the ceremony to Maine.‘‖
was ―An Honor for the Bearcat Nation‖. The
These thirty-three ladies put together five
speakers at the ceremony consisted of Principal months of hard work to claim their National
Milstead and the squad‘s coach, Heather title. Since this is only Ruston‘s third year havReeder.
ing a competition squad, the school looks for―They went beyond their regular cheering ward to the squad ranking high in the future at
duties like cheering at
the national level.
The squad would
football games,‖ Reeder
said. ―We had girls getlike to thank the
ting their lips busted and
following businesses
knees scraped but they
and sponsors for
stuck with it through the
their generous donaend.‖
tions: Jim Taylor
Two senior squad
Ford; Super One,
members, Raven Kelly
Music
Mountain
and Shelby Griffith, also
Water;
Pam C.
provided a few expresJones, Tax Assessor;
sions to all 1100 students,
Ruston‘s
Locker
faculty and staff, and famRoom; Bill Roundily members gathered at
tree and Associates;
Danni Jones Physithe assembly. What was
RHS students give the National Champs a
cal Therapy; Radian
even more amazing was
standing ovation.
that the senior girls and
L. Hennigan, CPA.
by Christian Amos
Sports Editor
As both the boys and girls
The game is tomorrow, Febbasketball teams advance to
ruary 15th and the action will
the class 4-A playoff
tip off at 6:00 p.m. with the
bracket, the Louisiana
Junior
Varsity
facing
High School Athletic
Neville first followed by
Association might as well
the Varsity. Even though
add Ruston High School
the regular season is comBush‘s Boys to that bracket.
ing to a close it is still not
If you have ever wittoo late for you to join in
nessed the acts put on by this
the mania of Bush‘s Boys
group, then you know the
and help the teams gust
insanity they bring to the
through the playoffs.
court. When the Ruston boys
―The only thing more
important is God and
faced the Patriots from Franklin Parish, President Beau Rusbreathing,‖ says Bush‘s
sell led Bush‘s Boys whom led
Boys‘ President Beau
the students, whom led the rest
Russell on the importance
of
playoff
of the Bearcat fans in a rally
Alex West,
of all rallies to push the Patrigames. ―It‘s a time
ots out of Bearcat territory, winner of the for good memories. I
and helped the team claim 3-point shoot can still remember
victory in an overtime out at the Bas- freshman year against
trop game.
thriller.
East Ascension when
the entire student
Coach Bush‘s team looks
to end their regular season district body was there giving it there all
play with a home match-up for the Bearcat Nation; is still
against rivals the Neville Tigers
bring s a tear to my eye.‖
While the Lady Bearcats rest
during the February 15th game,
they are still in the winning
state of mind as they work toward the grand title of state
champs. So leave your couch at
home and join the action in the
bleachers to aid the Bearcats
and Lady Bearcats in bringing
home a victory!

Ruston High School February 14, 2011 Box Tops Bearcat Café

Transcription

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