March 15, 2012 - Ruston High School

Transcription

Chatterbox
The Voice of Ruston High School
900 Bearcat Drive, Ruston, Louisiana 71270
http://rustonhigh.lincolnschools.org/chatterbox.html
Box Tops
Bearcat News (2)
Academia (3-6)
Outside Our Box? (7)
Editorials/Opinions (8-14)
Clubs (15-17)
Temple Baptist Church Ad
(18)
The Arts (19)
Teacher Spotlights (20-21)
Building the Chatterbox
(22-23)
Service/Social (24)
Student Center (25)
Fun Page (26)
Sponsors and Staff (27)
Bearcat Spirit (28)
Sports (29-32)
Upcoming
Issues
April 2012
Graduation Noise: Pros/
Cons
FBLA State Results
Track Results
May 2012
Summer Camps: Pro/Con
Summer Plans
Baseball/Softball Results
June 2012
Senior Edition
Senior Cap/Gown
Awards Wrap-Up
March 15, 2012
US History Students Celebrate Ellis Island
by Emma Jones
Education Reporter
On Thursday, March 1st, Mrs. Reeder’s H/
Dual/AP US History students partook in a roleplaying simulation of Ellis Island. All of the students were assigned characters to take on, all
from different countries and different backgrounds. The students then found costumes and
wrote autobiographies in order to make their
characters come to life. Each of the students was
given an ID, passport, and evaluation sheet for
their character. Different checkpoints were set up
around the auditorium and groups of immigrants
would go through a line to get evaluated. Each of
the immigrants was evaluated on their documents,
vocation, character, and health. If they did not qualify to be a citizen, they could appeal to a judge. If the
judge did not think they were eligible for citizenship, they would be deported back to their home countries. If they attainted citizenship, they would finally repeat an oath, and their long journey to US citizenship would finally end.
All in all, this activity was a unique and exciting experience for the students to learn about the immigrants that came through Ellis Island in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. By experiencing
an idea of what the immigrants had to go through in order to become a citizen, the students were able to
understand and appreciate the importance of this topic in US History.
Inside
Committee Meets at RHS
See Page 2
FBLA Dominates District
See Page 16
RHS Distinguished Alumni and Teachers
information provided by RHS Alumni Association
by Elena Till
Assistant News Editor
The 8th Annual Distinguished Alumni and Distinguished Educator Awards Luncheon was held by the
Ruston High School Alumni Association was held on Friday, October 24 th. Three distinguished teachers
and three distinguished alumni were honored and recognized at the luncheon. Also, a young alumnus was
honored with a significant achievement award.
The three distinguished alumni recognized and honored were as follows: in the category of Commerce
and Industry, Captain Zane Skinner; in the category of Humanities and Education, Robert M. Lewis; and
in Humanities, Duddy Burkhalter Garrett. The distinguished teachers honored were current teacher Elaine
Johnson, retired teacher Bud Alexander (Coach Bud), and the late Mr. Morgan Peoples. Ryan David Dick
was the recipient of the inaugural Young Alumnus of Significant Achievement.
In the October edition of the Chatterbox, we began a series giving a detailed report on each of these
distinguished alumni and teachers, covering one distinguished alumni or teacher each month. In last
month’s edition, the distinguished alumnus Robert M. Lewis was covered. This month, we continue the
series on page two (2) with a report on distinguished alumnus Duddy Burkhalter Garrett.
Ruston High School Presents “Bearcats on Broadway” at the Dixie Theater
March 30, 2012 7 PM
March 31, 2012 2:30 PM and 7 PM
Art Students Compete
See Page 19
Baseball Starts
the Season Off
See Page 32
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Chatterbox
earcat News
Ruston High School
March 15, 2012
Page 2
Distinguished Alumni: Duddy Burkhalter Garrett
information provided by RHS Alumni Association
by Elena Till
Duddy Burkhalter Garrett has contributed huge efforts to Ruston High School. In 1984, the theme at RHS was “Bearcats Roar in ’84,” and
she definitely roared back into the halls of the school. She started the tradition of Bearcat Moms and spearheaded painting Bearcat paws on
the floors of the school. Duddy’s enthusiasm spread quickly by painting yard signs for players and coaches, making necklaces for moms to
wear, or painting posters to cover the town from city limit to city limit. Over the next decade, Duddy’s spirit reached many areas of RHS; she
started the Ice Cream Social which has now become Bearcat Madness. She also spurred the beginning of what has become an annual event:
the Thanksgiving Night Pep Rally for when we are in the football playoffs.
After her children graduated from RHS, Duddy did not forsake her alma mater. Duddy was instrumental in the beginning of Project
ACHIEVE. From these early planning meetings, she brought together members of the community to forge ideas to further enhance RHS. Her
involvement was instrumental in many ideas and projects that improved RHS. But her helpfulness to the community extends past Ruston High
as she is also a Sunday school teacher and the wedding director at Trinity United Methodist Church. Duddy has also lent her creative spark to
the City of Ruston; she has been a valuable source of help to The Dixie Theater, the Lincoln Parish Museum, LA Tech Faculty Wives, Garden
Study Club, and the Ruston Civic Guild. She always has a project going and her creativity shines through in all of them.
The Chamber Session Has
Commenced
by Moe Labbe
Clubs Reporter
On March 8th, the Leadership Lincoln class from the Ruston-Lincoln
Chamber of Commerce graced us with their presence. Mr. Milstead bragged
on our school culture. A panel of students talked about the ins and outs and
ups and downs of RHS. The panel also discussed the general environment in
the halls of our school. Patsy Bullock, with the District Attorney’s Office of
Truancy, covered schools and the judicial system. The meeting went over
well and we hope to have them back really soon!
Saluting Outstanding
Student Achievement
Throughout the Bearcat Nation
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Ruston High School
March 15, 2012
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Debating to State
by Jaisle Bailey
News Editor
Last month, the Speech and Debate team travelled to Acadiana High School and Caddo Magnet to compete in tournaments hosted by these schools. At Acadiana, Ben
Sawyer and Barrett Moore placed third in Novice Policy Debate and Darby Guinn placed second in Original Oratory and first in Oral Interpretation. At Caddo Magnet, Ben
Sawyer and Barrett Moore placed second in Novice Policy Debate and Carter McWilliams and Jonathan Verret placed second in Advanced Policy Debate.
The team will be travelling to Pineville High School in Lafayette to compete in the state competition TOC, or Tournament of Champions. They will leave on March 29th
and return March 31st.
National Honor Society: Relay for Life
by Jaisle Bailey
News Editor
National Honor Society is prepping for Relay for Life which will be on April 20 th. Show your support by donating money, helping out with the fundraisers, and participating in the relay. Relay for Life is a cancer fundraising event of the American Cancer Society. While Relay for Life helps raise money for cancer patients and cancer research, it is also used to spread awareness of cancer.
Join the fight against cancer and help out.
Rotary Club Winners
DRIVER’S EDUCATION
by Polly Michelle Gwan
Academics Reporter
September
Clark Pierce and Macy Sutherland
October
Kane Killen and Shelby Giddings
November
Braden Hilton and Anna Fuller
December
Reed Malek and Neesha Siriwardane
January
Jacob Clark and Kori Teague
February
Taylor Hogan and Maggie Ward
March
Abbie King and Jack Woods
April
TBA
May
TBA
• 6 – Hour Pre-Licensing Class
• Course is State Approved
• Must be 17 or older
• Cost: Only $30
For information, call: 251-1234
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Ruston High School
March 15, 2012
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Fiesta Del Clubo De Español!
submitted by Kari Hackbarth
Spanish Club Reporter
La Club Español recientamente tuvo una fiesta en la casa de Señora Cazenave. En una tarde muy bella, todos llevaron ingredientes (frijoles, crema, queso, carne, lechuga, etc.) para hacer tostadas, y estaban muy deliciosas! Nosotros jugamos un juego
de “washers” y tuvimos una competencia. Los equipos de “washers” practicaron, compitieron, y se vitorearon. Al final de todas
las competiciones, solo un equipo quedó: Carlos y Carla. El Club de Español ha diseñado la camiseta para este año. El dibujo
contiene las palabras, “El Final de Una Era”, porque este año es el último año final de Señora Cazenave enseñando en Ruston
High School.
Literary Rally
by Nathan Bennett
Academic Reporter
Literary rally is fast approaching later this month, with districts on March 24 th. Among those attending are: Abbie King in Accounting, Barret Moore in Agriscience I,
Jonathan Craig in Agriscience II, Laytan Richard in Agriscience III, Cameron Adams in Algebra I, Ben Serio is Algebra II, Nick Ruff in Biology, Macey Sutherland in Biology II, Ryan Duke in Business Computer Applications, Dara Smith in Calculus, John David Moore in Chemistry, Kendall Lopez in Civics, Michael Brewer in Computer
Science, Liam Norton in English I, Courtney McKinney in English II, Hayden Smithey in English III, Anna Fuller in English IV, Matthew Cardenas in English Literature,
Shelby Giddings in English Pronunciation, Daniella Alva in Environmental Applications, Hannah Rhodes in Family and Consumer Science, Brighton King in Financial
Math, Erick Huynh in French I, Emma Jones in French II, Austin Meng in Geometry, Mike Skipper in Intro to BCA, Whitney Durret in Journalism, Ashley Crook in Nutrition and Food, Shelby Knodel in Parenthood Education, Laura Cason in Physical Science, Chase Borden in Physics, Riley Thompson in Principles of Business, Emily Compton in Psychology, Sarah Wilkerson in Sociology, Adam Ramachandran in Spanish I, John Herren in Spanish II, Aaron Robertson in Spanish III, April Hooper in Spelling 9,
Rebecca Wheelis in Spelling 10, B.J. Findley in Spelling 11, Jake Kyte in U.S. History, Ben Sawyer in World Geography, and Clark Pierce in World History. Those who
place in their categories will qualify for state. Good luck to everyone going, you’ll probably do fine.
Scientifically Science!
by Moe Labbe
Clubs Reporter
As you all should know, the regional science fair was held last month. Good ole Ruston High school
came away with lots of dominating wins. Everyone who participated did a spectacular job and I’m personally very proud of them and would like to give them the spotlight. Congratulations in Behavioral & Social
Science 1st-- Dara Smith who also won 3rd place overall, 1st place Army Award, and Navy Award 2nd – Austin Meng & won American Psychological Society Award 3rd – Laura Cason & won Army award Biochemistry 2nd – Emily Colvin 3rd – Melissa Dosher Cellular & Molecular Biology 3rd - Rachel Hegab & won Army
Award Chemistry 1st Kaitlyn Heiden & won 2nd place Army Award, Navy Award, Metric System Award 3 rd
– Kane Killen Computer Science 1st – Michael Brewer & won Intel Computer Science Award Energy &
Transportation 1st – John Herron & won Army Award Engineering: Electrical & Mechanical 1st – Ty Oakes
& won Air Force Award 3rd – Chad Leachman & won Air Force Award & Yale Engineering Junior Award
Engineering: Materials & Bioengineering 1st – Neesha Siriwardane & Clark Pierce & won 2nd overall, Air
Force Award, & Navy Award 2nd – Nic McWilliams & won Professional Engineers Society Award 3 rd –
Seth Scriber Environmental Science 1st – Macey Sutherland 2nd – Alise Williams & won Rico Sustainability
Award 4th –Aubrey Simmons & won Atmospheric Meteorological Society Award & Junior Stockholm Junior Water Prize Gaby Harpel won Army Award Mathematical Sciences 1st – Matt Oakes & won Mu Alpha
rd
Theta math award 3 – Josh Owen Medicine & Health Sciences 1st – Channing Dorr & won 1st overall & Stockholm Junior Water Prize 4 th – Margeaux Smith Microbiology 1st – Braden Hilton 3rd – Erik Martinez-Rodriguez 3rd – Landon Sims Physics 1st – Courtney McKinney 2nd – Jonathan Abernathy 4th – Bethany Cardenas & won army
award Plant Science 1st – Jacob Duke & won Army Award & Society for in vitro Biology Award 2 nd – Ryan Duke All first and second place winners are eligible to attend
the state science fair in March. Congratulations to Chaning Dorr, Neesha Siriwardane, Clark Pierce & Dara Smith for qualifying for Intel’s International Science & Engineering Fair in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in May. All of the participants did a fantastic job! Keep up the good work and good luck next year!
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Ruston High School
March 15, 2012
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New Tech @ Ruston
submitted by Cathi Cox
New Tech Director
New Tech @ Ruston recently made its debut in the Louisiana High School Technology Challenge. A fourteen-man team composed of both freshmen and sophomores gathered in Mrs. Tinsley’s lab to participate in the PC-based competition. Working in small
collaborative teams, the students tackled an Internet Search (40 points) and three chosen
Tasks (20 points each) for a total maximum score of 100 points.
The group selected its Tasks from a list that involved the use of documents, presentations, spreadsheets, images, and HTML files. Choices included a one-page theme layout,
one-page poster, spreadsheet with formulas, description of an educational website, creation of a thematic web site, t-shirt design, description of something specific about a
school organization, description of a specified famous person or event, visual description of data, and a “surprise” category. During the Internet search, emphasis was placed
on writing clear, complete, grammatically correct sentences without spelling errors
while searching the Internet for reliable information and providing sources of all information from a variety of reliable web sites. A panel of judges provided all directions at
a specified time and the NT@R team had exactly 3 hours and 59 minutes to complete
the competition. The judges then determined the merit of the content, design, and layout
of each task selected.
For the NT@R team the most difficult aspect of the competition was adjusting back
to a PC after working on a MAC while in New Tech, something that affected the team’s
video submission. Because it wouldn’t play for the judges, the video only scored 10/20
for that part of the competition. However, the breakfast theme task scored 16.8/20, fund
raiser flyer 17.5/20, and the Internet Search 36/40. As a team, NT@R scored 80.3/100,
placing NT@R 20th out of 37 schools. However, it was encouraging to discover that
NT@R finished only 8 points behind the 5th place team (5 places were awarded) and
10.5 points behind the winner (Pineville High School).
NT@R is now excited to build on the foundation of its first-year experience and
reach greater success next year. Kudos to Jonathan Craig, Michael Tolar, Thristan Cecil,
Emily Compton, Kailee Rivera, Amber Crawford, Erik Martinez-Rodriguez, Zac Elawadi, New Tech @ Ruston students Emily Compton, Kailee Rivera, and Caleb White
collaborate to solve a problem during the Louisiana High School
Deb Adeyemi, Matthew Tolar, Janese Penegar, Paulina Lubbert, Caleb White, and Garrett
Technology Challenge.
Allen--this year’s team represented New Tech @ Ruston and Ruston High School extremely well with its positive attitude, collaboration, and work ethic evident while blazing
new trails with this technology challenge.
Let the Testing Begin!
submitted by Mrs. Pruden
Freshman Academy Coordinator
It is that time of year again – testing time! For the majority of freshmen, this will be a new experience for you since you will be taking an End-of-Course exam in Biology
and Algebra I. You may have been wondering why you have spent so many hours in the library using the Eagle program, well this is it - you have been practicing for the
EOC. If you are involved in any type of competitive activity, you know that the best way to see positive results is to practice in an environment that most closely mimics the
actual situation. The Eagle tests are the best way to practice for the EOC and your teachers want you to be completely prepared for the challenge. You are familiar with the
setting which is a computer lab, the task which is reading and answering questions/problems on a computer screen, and the technique which is using a piece of scratch paper
to make quick notes or work problems. You know the content from class activities, discussion, and projects, and you have already had the opportunity to make the necessary
adjustments so you can give your best performance. Stay focused and do your very best so your score will reflect all of the hard work you have put forth in your classes this
year.
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Chatterbox
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Ruston High School
March 15, 2012
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Plans for the June (Senior)
Edition of Chatterbox
by Lloyd R. Bruner
Chatterbox Adviser
Chatterbox is preparing right now to work on the special senior edition of the Chatterbox
that will be published and distributed after graduation on June 7, 2012. The senior edition will
be similar to last year’s senior edition it will again include complete coverage of graduation,
including providing a list of all graduates, honors, scholarships and awards presented to all seniors, along with many other special features to close out the 2011-2012 school year.
Features will include students who excelled in academic pursuits, winners of academic
awards, recognition of achievements from various organizations, and top performers at the State
Literary Rally. Chatterbox will also feature will be our senior sports section and recognition of
sports teams/individuals that earned district/state awards. We are looking to include any student,
organization, group, or team that excelled at the State level and above this year, so ensure that
your sponsor or coach sends us the information in event to make sure that we catch it all.
Just as we did last year, senior ads will again be available for purchase as 1/8 page ($15) and
1/4 page ($25) ads. Ads will be black and white. If you desire color, ads prices are doubled. As
we will need to make space available for anyone who wishes to purchase an ad, and have time
to format these, all ads must be turned in by May 10, 2012 - but the sooner the better! All ads
are subject to space available with business advertisements taking precedence and will be accepted on a first come, first in basis and be placed . Don‘t wait - May 10, 2012 will be here before you know it!
Pictured above: An example of a Senior Ad
Gray Taylor Receives NSPA Recognition for The Dark Nutt
by Whitney Durrett
Editor in Chief
The RHS Chatterbox is a member of the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) and submits articles and cartoons to be considered as the Best of the High School Press. For the 2010-2011 year, Chatterbox submitted The Dark Nutt cartoon, drawn by Gray
Taylor, for the Best of Newspaper Comic Strips. Gray Taylor created an ongoing story line about the secret identity of RHS teachers
through The Dark Nutt. Every month students got so excited to see what would happen next in the plot.
To be voted The Best of Newspaper Comic Strips for the NSPA is an honor! This cartoon competed with cartoons all over the
country and winning this was not easy. Chatterbox and Ruston High are extremely honored and proud of Gray Taylor’s original creation of The Dark Nutt and its achievements.
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Chatterbox
utside Our Box?
Ruston High School
March 15, 2012
Page 7
RJHS Performs for the First Time at District
submitted by Elizabeth Smith
FBLA President
Ruston Junior High School (RJHS) competed for the first time ever at the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) District II Leadership conference at ULM. Competing against high school students, the young students from RJHS performed well in their first year of competition. They also learned much and experienced the rigors of
FBLA competition in one of the most competitive districts in the state.
Students who represented RJHS in their first year of competition were Leann Alejos, Shelby Billberry, Tiffany Burks, Eboni Cahee, Chris Castro, Tyrece Harbor, Katelyn
Mall, John Mardis, Rebecca Norris, William Ponder, Edwin Silas, and Amber Smith. Most of these members were 7 th grade students, so next year looks even more promising for RJHS and in the distant future for RHS FBLA. Edwin Silas earned RJHS’s first ever Superior rating and qualified for state competition, earning his way competing in
Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure. Katelyn Mall added to RJHS’s winning by placing Excellent in Introduction to Technology Concepts.
Edwin Silas will be joined by five other RJHS FBLA members will be taking their state level projects to their first competition at the State Conference in Lafayette on
March 25-27, 2012. They are all hoping to become the first RJHS members to place at state competition. RJHS members are not allowed to compete at the National Conference; however, each has been guaranteed a spot as a guest of RHS FBLA if they qualify.
Excellent winner Katelyn Mall
Superior winner Edwin Silas
All RJHS District competitors
Ruston Welcomes a Plethora of New Businesses
by Preston Ponder
Social Reporter
As many of you may already be aware of, Ruston has recently become subject to lots of commercial change. Ranging from new restaurants to new roads and bridges Ruston is growing in the direction of becoming on the map.
To tee it off with, two new restaurants have purchased property, and begun construction on their building. These two restaurants, Logan’s and Santa Fe Cattle Co., offer a
brand new variety of food and entertainment to Ruston’s community. Logan’s, being known for its infamous peanuts allows customers to enjoy music, and toss peanut shells
on the floor while enjoying food and friendly conversations. On the other hand Santa Fe Cattle Co. gives customers the opportunity to enjoy western style meals such as
grilled steak, pork chops, and barbeque with their close friends and family.
On the business and shopping side of the bracket we can look to Ruston’s newest North Village Plaza where multiple lots are open for sale or lease. Already several businesses have taken the leap and purchased lots along the outside including Eskamoes Frozen Custard & More, The Teriyaki Grill, and a local commercial insurance company.
Also, many renovations are being made in downtown Ruston to many of the shops and surrounding walk ways.
Finally, one of the last changes being made to Ruston is how several roads and bridges are constructed. Several sites have received renovation or altogether new roads
including downtown Ruston, Farmville highway, and roads leading off of 167. While this may be a hassle for daily travel around Ruston for a few months, it is well worth it.
With more businesses moving in the streets are becoming busier and dangerous, which is why the current construction is going on. Roads are being made to where they are
wider, and bridges are being constructed so they aren’t as dangerous as they formerly were.
With all of this being said, Ruston is definitely growing. Who knows what the next 10 to 20 years may bring for the citizens of Ruston. One thing is for sure, I’ll be sticking around to find out!
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ditorials/Opinions
Ruston High School
March 15, 2012
Chatterbox
Page 8
Odd Warning Labels
by Jaisle Bailey
News Editor
You see at least one warning label a day, most likely more. Warning labels state the obvious, so why are they there? The answer is people who
lack common sense and are oblivious to the obvious. “Warning: This beverage is hot.” This label is on every coffee cup across America in order to
avoid any unnecessary lawsuits. If someone was to be burned by coffee and there was not a warning label present, they would have the right to
sue. At this point common sense should set in. Of course, the coffee you just purchased is hot unless it is an iced coffee. For someone to sue for
their own dumb mistakes is ridiculous, but people do.
There are warning labels on everything in order to prevent injury, but you shouldn’t have to be told to remove your child from a stroller before
folding it up or to not use a straightener near your eyes because it might damage them. So, do me a favor. Don’t be that person that blames everyone else for their mistakes, it never ends well.
Blockbuster is Closing
The Most Depressing Story of All Time
by Thristan Cecil
Graphics Design Editor
As most of you may know by now, the Blockbuster on North Trenton Street is set to close on March 23 rd. This is the most
depressing moment I have ever experienced. Because of its inability to keep up with competition, Netflix, Redbox, etc.,
Blockbuster has fallen behind. Blockbuster declared bankruptcy on September 23, 2010 and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
protection due to its whopping $900 million debt. Dish Network bought the business on April 6, 2011 for $320 million in an
auction against SK Teleco. On April 19, 2011, Dish Network announced that it would only keep 500. This a big difference
considering there used to be over 1400 stores nationwide when Blockbuster was at its peak. Dish Network announced this
month that they would be closing over 500 of the remaining 1,500 stores. “We continue to evaluate the impact of certain factors, including, among other things, competitive pressures, the scale of our Blockbuster retail operations and other issues impacting the store-level financial performance of our Blockbuster retail stores. These factors, or other reasons, could lead us to
close additional Blockbuster retail stores. There is no assurance that we will achieve the expected benefits from the Blockbuster acquisition,” Dish Network stated in documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
As I bid farewell to all of the Blockbuster employees in Ruston, I can’t help but be depressed about the closing. Not just that but the 1,500+ job losses. When Blockbuster
closes its door for the last time it will be like losing a close friend. Since my family’s membership that was started in 2003, I had fallen in love with the franchise. I loved my
family nights when me and my family travel almost every Friday to rent 2 movies, the countless summers spent playing and watching an array of movies and video games,
and the trips with friends. In fact, it’s one of the reasons I’m going into film directing and writing. Looking back I remember the car rides taken and the countless movie conversations started with the employees and now that I look at myself now, almost days away from obtaining my driver’s license, I find myself losing a close friend and the
adventures we’ve had. While realizing such options as Netflix and Redbox, it will not be the same, and now I’ll have to rely on the internet. My deepest condolences go to
the employees losing their jobs and such companies as Warner Bros and Twentieth Century that have lost millions in the process.
The bottom line is that things can change. Businesses have to adapt and go with the flow, finding cheaper and easier solutions to keep the human race at an uprising in
pure laziness. I feel like movie night out with family may die, and that I may not to share the same experiences with my future children, but who knows, change can be good
and bad. Farewell Blockbuster. You were truly a victim of technological advancements in laziness. The world is changing, growing and, adapting.
Why Travel?
by Elena Till
Throughout my life, I have traveled to various locations within the United States (and Canada). Traveling has always been a passion of
mine because I love seeing the different places and learning the history behind them. My parents have always been sure to travel to a different place each summer for as long as I can remember. As I have grown more mature I have come to appreciate the benefits this traveling has given me. Traveling is a great opportunity to learn about things that you may not be accustomed to. For example, if you go to the
Grand Canyon, not only do you get to view one of the wonders of the world but you also have the chance to learn about the lives and customs of early Native Americans. So instead of spending your money on useless things such as tattoos, ten cars, and hundreds of CDs,
explore the world! And if you do not have the money now, then save it up and take your family with you when you are older. Trust me; it
is well worth the effort.
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ditorials/Opinions
Ruston High School
March 15, 2012
Chatterbox
Page 9
Shoes, Khakis, and Polos!
School Dress Code
by Erin Maxson
Clubs Reporter
At Ruston High, we are required to wear closed toed shoes and uniforms. But I find it hard to see a problem with open toed shoes and
regular clothes. Students shouldn’t have to be limited on what footwear or attire they have to wear at school. I think that it’s unreasonable
for the school to say that we must wear clothes that might be an extra expense that some students and their families cannot afford.
Personally, I think that students should wear whatever they’d like to school within a reasonable dress code. I don't normally own
khakis, polos, and shoes that will coordinate with school colors. I think that if you have to pay for something that you’ll never wear outside of school, then you shouldn’t have to pay for it at all. By spending money on clothes that students don't regularly wear, our parents
are inevitably spending more money buying two wardrobes instead of just one. Because students are told they must wear uniforms, our
families have to spend money on uniforms. This could be a HUGE expense if you have more than one kid that attends school at the same
time. It’s hard for my parents to afford everything between my sister and me like daily items especially when you add the expense of
uniforms. It’s just a large chunk of money that is torn from their pockets. Many parents are forced to limit their kids to school uniforms
only as they are not able to afford extra clothes. Schools are looking for solutions to lower the poverty rate at schools in Ruston, but aren't
looking at all the expenses a student's family must pay in order to attend school. If families didn't have to spend money on uniforms, this
could help that are living under the poverty line.
I don’t think that uniforms make everyone look or feel equal either. By having uniforms, schools are saying that they want everyone to look the same and be the same. I
think uniforms defeat the purpose of being in a school environment because it limits your creativity and ability to learn. To me uniforms are uncomfortable. I think that I
would learn better by being allowed to wear what I wanted to school. If I wore more comfortable clothes that I picked out instead of the school board, I think that I would be
in a better mood and participate more in school activities. School seems more like a prison than a learning experience when we all have to wear the same clothes every day.
Uniforms and closed toed shoes seem to be something that many a student has dreaded putting on every weekday morning. Even the kids that have been wearing uniforms
since elementary school complain about it on a daily basis in high school. I think that if we didn’t have these restrictions, our school would seem less controlling and all the
students would feel better about having to come to school every morning. Although many leaders throughout the schools think that uniforms are a good idea, students
strongly disagree. Hopefully in the near future students will be allowed to wear the clothes that they already own, and help put a little money back in our parents' pockets,
too!
Are I.D.s REALLY Necessary?
Academics Reporter
So picture this: you woke up very late. Your hair is a mess, your clothes are wrinkly, and you’re desperately trying to cram a bagel
down your throat without choking. As you scramble out the car in the school parking lot, you run through a mental checklist to make sure
you have everything, but as you walk into the school you feel like you’re missing something very important. Then a teacher catches a
glance at you and calls you over and then it hits you. “Mr. /Ms. So and So,” he says, “you have no I.D.! DETENTION!”
Like everyone else, I have either been in the scenario where in a hurried frenzy I have left my I.D. in the most random of places or
have left it in my purse or locker and have just forgotten to put it on, but when I get in trouble for it I always have to wonder, “Why do
I.D.s matter so much?”
When I was a junior I remember my counselor, Mrs. Humphries, telling me that every year she takes the time to learn the name and
face of each and every one of the students in the junior grade and if you think about it, so do many of the teachers. Even though not everyone has the same students each year many teachers see the same students walking the halls so much that they become acquainted with
their faces. Also since Ruston High is a closed campus, students are required to wear uniforms, and because of the camera system it is a
little hard for random strangers to come roaming onto the campus without being suspected or caught. Personally I do not disagree with
having I.D.s I think they are a very good idea to help keep some things in order, but I do disagree with having students wearing I.D.s
around their neck. Since many, if not all, of the students are known by the principal, teachers, and counselors there really is no use for
I.D.s to be worn around students neck. I think that if students can keep I.D.s on their person, but don’t have to wear them around their
necks it will be better not just for students, but for the faculty as well!
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ditorials/Opinions
Ruston High School
March 15, 2012
Chatterbox
Page 10
They Are Approaching
Zombie Apocalypse Set-Up
by Moe Labbe
Clubs Reporter
Afternoon people of earth, it’s time. You may be asking yourself “Time for what oh great Moe of Awesomeness?” Well kids, it’s
time to prepare for the possibly possible inevitable Zombie Apocalypse. You know what I’m talking about right? You’ve seen at least
one of the movies: Zombie Land, Dawn of the Dead, 28 Days Later, or Night of the Living Dead. If you’re a gamer then zombie mode
on Call of Duty, or other zombie filled games would suffice. If you are neither a gamer or haven’t seen any of these movies, you
should do your research. Now for you that are educated you already know the types of zombies we may be faced with. We may have
the Hollywood conjured slow walkers or maybe the more realistic human-turned-zombies that can run, jump, and maybe even out
smart us.
Our best defense for now is to be prepared in any way we can. That’s where I come in. In my next few articles I will be setting up
different worst case scenarios for you to face to make sure you know how to be ready for anything thrown your way. First things first,
you have the unfortunate opportunity to have me deciding what’s going to happen to you. On the night of the zombie attack, you are
stranded at school with one friend of your choice. Unfortunately, all of your fellow classmates are now flesh eating zombies that want
to eat your brain and are surrounding the school threatening to break in. So now you must first barricade yourself in, find food and water, and arm yourself. Good luck, and
may the odds be ever in your favor!
Ah, the Warmth of Summer!
by Sarah Kay Blaylock
Arts Reporter
Tan lines, bare feet, pink lemonade, and sleeping in! Who is ready? I mean really! Who is ready?! For some, summer may be a time
to kick back without a care in the world! However, it will probably benefit us all to start thinking about getting jobs or enrolling into
summer classes at Louisiana Tech for some college credit!
Two summers ago, freshmen year, I would have never wanted to get a job or deal with more school during summer time! Actually, I
probably was not old enough to do either one of these. Nevertheless, underclassmen can become just as active as upperclassmen! Volunteering is not always fun, but at least it is something productive and helpful for our community, right? Also, there are ‘side jobs’ that
frosh and sophoies can do, such as babysitting a friend’s younger sibling while he/she is away at 4-H or band camp for a week!
As for you, juniors and seniors, a job is hard to find in Ruston but very much worth it once found! Stashing away a nice amount of
cash can really help you out a bunch later! Mommy and Daddy may pay for everything at the moment, but graduation and college is not
too far ahead of us all! Even if your parents or TOPS are paying for your college, you totally will need some money one day when you
get married and are looking to purchase your first home! Sorry, too far ahead? I bet your head hurts!
Here is some more college chat: taking any summer classes at Tech can and will benefit us all in some way. I want to major in interior design and I will need loads of art classes to do so. Guess what? I can begin taking some of Tech’s art classes when I am not working! These should count as college credit, but if they do not, what do I have to lose?!
With all that being said, I hope you all feel obligated to not be couch potatoes this summer! It’s important for us to be active. We are the next generation to change this
world, which is empowering! Get a job!
Is Health Class Necessary?
by Thristan Cecil
Club Reporter
To graduate from Ruston High, the school requires all students take a semester of health. Through personal experience and those of
my fellow students, I’ve realized that health is neither easy nor fun. Health class is aimed towards educating students about their own
physical, mental, and spiritual health, but isn’t it obvious knowledge? Well, not exactly. You’d think you would be able to learn these
things through personal experiences of stress and even life in general. Because of teenagers’ ability to use cognitive thinking, teenagers
tend to think less and act more; forgetting how to physically and mentally apply themselves and put forth effort to manage themselves.
Health is a very important class and is one of the most important classes you can take in high-school. It teaches you the good and
the bad of certain life qualities and focuses on teaching students information that could be crucial for their upcoming years in adulthood, such as learning how to effectively gain knowledge about managing stress, time, overcoming key obstacle in dealing with depression, and using cognitive thinking and psychology to handle certain situation; which would be helpful to a vast majority of Ruston
High.
Since starting Health this past semester, I’ve found myself in the front row in the class. It may sound boring at first, but once in, the
knowledge that can be obtained through the class can be an eye opener for many and a passing grade for others. Just listen; you might
learn something that might change your life in the years to come.
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ditorials/Opinions
Ruston High School
March 15, 2012
Chatterbox
Page 11
The Sanity of March Madness
by Reed Malek
Sports Editor
Two days ago, one of the most exciting times of the sporting year began as the NCAA kicked off the Division I basketball tournament, more commonly known as March Madness. The preliminary round of the tournament began yesterday; today and tomorrow will
feature 32 games of the second round of the Madness. Even though March Madness is one of my personal favorite times of the year, and
also the favorite of countless others across the country, there are some people who see a flaw in the one-and-done loss system of the
tournament.
Many people who believe this is a flaw would like to see a series champion system, as in the NBA. In the professional basketball
playoffs, teams advance to the next round in a best-of-seven series of games. Granted, this system probably guarantees that the truly
better one of the two teams moves on to the next round; however, this is missing the grand point of a playoff system in the first place.
The objective of a tournament playoff is to determine the best team in the league in an efficient manner. March Madness does exactly
this, so what need is there to change it?
Though the one-and-done style of March Madness could be considered a bit harsh on teams who, say, had a bit of bad luck or didn’t
quite feel right on game day, it justly determines the best team in the country once the dust settles. If a team is unable to be fully prepared on the day of their biggest game of the season to date, then is that team really the best in the country? If a single team is able to
win five or six straight games in a tournament against the best teams in the nation, then there should not be any question that the team is
the best. So what need is there for a series playoff system? A one-and-done tournament works just fine. March Madness works just fine.
The Cons of March Madness
Academics Reporter
March Madness, the highlight of the college basketball season, seems to be completely and totally positive. But think, even though
many teams and players have the honor to participate in such a prestigious tournament there are sure to be many problems and flaws.
One problem is the fairness of the competition; some teams are initially placed against each other even though it isn’t a fair fight. This is
not fair to the underdog teams who had hopes of becoming champions. I understand that someone has to be the underdog in every game,
but the current bracket system makes the situation worse as teams are placed in brackets that are often played in locations all the way across
the country. Imagine a lower level team seated #16 from some small college in Louisiana having to travel past the southern region and play
their first round game against the #1 team seated from California - in California. It is probably going to be a predictable game.
Another problem relates to finances. The additional cost for some teams is high should they make the tournament, again referring to the
situation I just mentioned previously. If there is to be a tournament, why not make regional tournaments truly regional. With current budget
restraints at so many universities, this would seem to be the prudent thing to do.
I understand it is now traditional to have March Madness and it does bring excitement to the sport of basketball. However, in my humble opinion, the tournament could be altered at least to make the games more competitive and more regional, resulting in less expense for
many of the teams involved, especially the underdogs. Some of the selection and places teams have to travel are indeed, madness.
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.
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ditorials/Opinions
Ruston High School
March 15, 2012
Chatterbox
Page 12
Resentment or Reality?
by Emma Jones
Education Reporter
Recall every book you’ve ever been forced to read in your academic career. Chances are, you probably despise most of not
every book that you had to read for class. But why? What was so awful about that book that you feel as though throwing it in a
trashcan would be a compliment to the book, so instead you burn it in a pit of fire? What did that book ever do to you? When
you consider it, the book probably wasn’t that bad. The book actually had the potential to be quite enjoyable. It was just yo ur
resentment for reading the book and doing the assignments that made you hate it.
I remember the first time I realized this was in eighth grade when I had to read To Kill a Mockingbird. Originally, I despised
the thought of reading this book because I despised every other book I had been forced to read, so I never knew differently. But
out of sheer curiosity, I wanted to see just what would happen if I did what I was supposed to do and read the book. I actually
gave this book a chance and realized that I truly was enjoying the story and I couldn’t wait to see what happens next. When I let
go of all resentment I had for the book, I did significantly better on all my assignments pertaining to it and my grade overall improved. Even now the boldness of the tale and the dimension of the characters still resonate with me, four years later.
Now, does this mean I gave every book I had to read a chance? Of course not. I’m still guilty of falling into the habit of hating a book and everything it stands for simply because of all the work I have to do along with it. While I loved studying Flowers
for Algernon, The Odyssey, Romeo and Juliet, Freakonomics, Brave New World I can remember detesting Beowulf, Rebecca,
Great Expectations, Lord of the Flies, and Jane Eyre. Then again, no one except Emily Howell likes Great Expectations, so I
consider it an exception to my next point. There really wasn’t anything necessarily wrong with the books I didn’t like reading, it’s simply because I read these books with a
different mindset, one fueled by lethargy and stubbornness. There are even some cases where I read two different books by the same author, and because I had a different
attitude with each one, I ended up loving one and loathing the other. I absolutely hated having to read Animal Farm by George Orwell. It made no sense to me and I knew
nothing about what the book was supposed to be replicating. When I had to read 1984 last year, another book by Orwell, I told myself that I would forget all the resentment I
had for Orwell and Animal Farm and actually try to enjoy the book, which I did, very much so. I would even say that 1984 is definitely now one of my favorite books, which
I find hilariously ironic due to my still present dislike of Animal Farm.
The moral of this cautionary tale is to just keep a positive attitude with every book you start reading in class. My advice is to tell yourself that you’re going to find something good about the book, something that’s worth liking. Continuously make a reading schedule for yourself too, because getting behind on my assignments with the book
was probably the biggest contributor for my hatred of a perfectly good story. Try to read ahead if you’re allowed to as well, so that you can go back and annotate more effectively. Even though Sparknotes is a great temptation, it is not and never will be an alternative to reading the book, but it does actually work to your advantage. Once you read
what you’re supposed to, see if Sparknotes can clarify anything you came across in your reading which you couldn’t exactly understand. When you actually give the book a
chance, not only will you do significantly better on all of your assignments, but you’ll find that the depth of the story and the elements that make it unique will stick with you
for the rest of your academic career. That is something that hating the book or pretending to read it will never give you, and believe me, whether you’re reading for an assignment or pleasure, that is truly one of the most gratifying aspects you can gain from reading.
Roaring Twenties
A true style and behavior adjustment
by Sarah Kay Blaylock
Arts Reporter
According to u-s-history.com, “The 1920’s era went by such names as the Jazz Age, the Age of Intolerance, and the Age of
Wonderful Nonsense.” I cannot help but agree with those names because they are just so self explanatory! The 1920’s was a
turning point to a more modern America for the world and the fashion trends that were set back then still exist today. However,
most do! Also, a great deal of woman feverishly snipped away their long innocent braids and abandoned their modest farm lady
buns for super chic bobs.
As much as I adore rambling about fashion and cosmetics, that is not the only valuable thing that the famous “Age of wonderful nonsense” is admired for! The music and art aspects also began to create contemporary advances in our country such as
the Jazz genre. Honestly, I think our country was truly interested in having a good time to replace the grief that was caused by
World War I. With that being said, things obviously got to be too great to handle and our economy crashed.
Though this era did not last very long or end great for our stock market, I tend to admire it because it was probably the first
time when women passionately rebelled with unusual fashion statements and made history by doing so. Prada and I are so honored!
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ditorials/Opinions
Ruston High School
March 15, 2012
Chatterbox
Page 13
The Office: Post Michael Scott
A Tribute to the World’s Best Boss
by Erin Maxson
Clubs Reporter
As Season 8 of The Office is coming to an end, I must say that I am truly sad that my second favorite character from this show is
gone. I was hoping that Mr. Scott would return in at least one of the episodes of Season 8, but I wasn’t so lucky. My love for this show
has died down a bit since his character has left the show, but I hope that Michael will return in at least one of the episodes later on.
Michael Gary Scott was known as the “World’s Best Boss”, mostly by himself, but also a few others. He was always willing to talk
about things that he thought mattered like when he hit Meredith with his car and “saved” her from getting rabies. He was a man of loyalty to Dunder Mifflin until the days of the Michael Scott Paper Company and even after that his heart remained at the Scranton branch
of DM. He thought of his work place as a home full of family members, and he loved each and every one of them, minus Toby
Flenderson (Human Resources).
Scott received his job as manager at the company after years of being the best salesman there. He became the best boss that the office would have for years and years. Don’t get me wrong he had his mistakes and weaknesses. He told David Wallace once, “I work
too hard. I care too much. And sometimes I can be too invested in my job.” Most of the time, his weaknesses caused him problems.
He didn’t have the heart to fire employees during downsizing because he cared too much. Whenever Stanley told Michael he was moving to the Utica branch, Michael worked so hard to find a new Stanley that he had to lay on the couch. Even when he stepped on his
Foreman Grill as he woke up, he still made it to work. He was a dedicated man that showed his weaknesses every day.
Even though Mr. Scott’s weaknesses seemed more like strengths, he also had many other achievements to be proud of: multiple Dundies Awards, participating in
Phyllis’s wedding, and working at the Scranton branch for a total of 9,986,000 minutes. He was also quite the movie producer and finally showed his movie, Threat Level
Midnight, to the world. He was also a very successful comedy man that had many hilarious characters like Ping, Prison Mike, and Michael Klump. Michael was always
there to make your day.
Michael was the boss that made you laugh and even sometimes cry, but he was and will always be remembered as the best boss Dunder Mifflin would ever have. Even
though he has been replaced and moved to Colorado with Holly, he will forever be in my heart. Dunder Mifflin will never be the same, but I thank Michael for all his time
well spent. Thank you, Michael.
**Sorry if you’ve never seen The Office and this has spoiled it for you!
Patience is a Virtue…and it’s Virtually Nonexistent
by Emma Jones
Education Reporter
I’m a kind of person who pays attention to detail. It’s a blessing because I often notice things that other people overlook or disregard, but in more ways it’s a curse. Probably one of the worst ways is that I always hover on topics of conversation. What I mean by
that is when I’m listening to someone talk, I pay really close attention to what they’re discussing. Not surprisingly, everyone likes to
hover on one topic of conversation, but that topic changes from person to person. I know a lot of people that like to talk about other
people (generally the people I try to avoid). I also know a lot of people who like (or more like LOVE) to talk about themselves and
their accomplishments. Some people seem like they’re only able to function when they’re talking about sports, academics, or politics.
Either way, everyone lights up at the thought of some subject, but the worst of the worst of the worst are people who only open their
mouths to complain.
I know, it’s kind of hypocritical of me to say I hate it when people complain. But “complain,” is such a vague verb isn’t it? See,
there’s nothing wrong with complaining as long as you have a valid reason to be upset and only do it to an extent, or at least before
somebody gets hurt. However, I’m talking about the kind of complaining where someone has a problem, yet they refuse to be proactive and do something about it. Or worse, when there’s nothing they can do about it so instead of keeping their mouth shut in order to
get the job done faster, they waste most of their time going off on a rant. They would rather complain about it because for some reason in their minds when they complain, the problem might go away. Unfortunately that doesn’t work.
In those kinds of situations, I’ve always been a “just suck it up and do it” kind of person, so you can probably see why constant complainers irk me so much. In the end,
the key is to have patience, which I feel like is so devalued in our society that it’s a concept kindergartners won’t be learning ten years from now. However, you’d be surprised by how far a little patience can go. First of all, if you’re in a situation where you’re being forced to do something you don’t want to do (e.g. school), instead of focusing all your existence on being upset, think about the benefits of it, short term or long term. The job will go by a lot faster if you center yourself on finishing diligently. Secondly, where do you have to be? What better things do you have to do? And why are you so high, mighty, and important that a simple task is unworthy of your time? Always
ask yourself questions like that in any given situation.
And most importantly, if you’re stuck waiting in line, see it as a blessing. You’ve been given time to reflect on the good events of your day, or plan for something you’re
looking forward to, or just thank God for giving you time to pray. When you don’t concentrate on complaining so much, a world of opportunity opens and most of the time it
can turn your entire day around.
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ditorial/Opinions
Ruston High School
March 15, 2012
Chatterbox
Page 14
Don’t Dish Out What You Can’t Do
by Preston Ponder
Social Reporter
In today’s modern day and era we, as society, often tend to go along with laws and rules set by officials and government
without even beginning to think if the ones who the set law(s) actually follow them as closely as we are forced to. Not to say
that we shouldn’t follow laws set by officials, but we should always make sure that laws are just on all levels.
To put this on a local platform, take a look at our school’s uniform policy. As stated in our handbook there are specific guidelines for every student to follow regarding the ways they dress while on school grounds. While I am a supporter of uniforms I
believe that the rule enforced here is highly unjust to student’s rights at school. Nearly every day the students are reminded by
principals, vice principals, and discipline enforcers to abide by the dress code regulations, which there is nothing wrong with.
However, these individuals have never or seldom ever worn a Ruston High uniform themselves. This in my opinion, as a student, makes it very hard for me to want to follow the dress code regulations as strictly as we are told to do. Being told to tuck in
your shirt, don’t wear a certain kind of shoes, or not have a logo on your jacket by someone who is makes the request register in
my mind as hypocritical.
Personally, I believe that if all the teachers and staff were required to wear uniforms they could more effectively request that
students do the same. Just like congress, they claim that they pay income taxes on their congressional salaries, but they have
awarded themselves salary perks to offset the difference. I believe that no matter who the enforcer is, who the rule is set upon, or
overall whoever is affected by the rule or law everyone should have to follow it. To set an example one has to be the example.
Does It Matter if You Matter?
by Erin Maxson
Clubs Reporter
In all the movies you’ve seen about high school, what seems to matter most to the students? Being popular has been the theme to
many movies. Most people today would say that all they want to do in high school is be the one that is noticed the most. Why does it
matter so much if we’re the people that everyone wants to know? Does this “popularity” thing even matter?
Popularity is defined as, "the state or condition of being liked, admired, or supported by many people." But I think that people think
it is much more than that. By being popular, teenagers think that they are more likely to 1) accomplish things, 2) get away with bad
behavior and wrongdoings, and 3) have everyone like them. All of this is not true. If you're popular in high school, you won't always
be the big dog on campus in college. You won't always make the good grades in order to play football. You definitely won't have
everyone like you, especially if you're stepping on other people's toes. Popularity is a term that limits the non-popular and convinces
the popular that they are invincible.
For everyone else that isn't popular, does it matter? I think not. My mom always said, "Being popular won't help you in the long
run." I'm willing to say my mother is a smart woman that knows what she's talking about. Just because you're not the prettiest, the
tallest, or the most athletic doesn't mean that you won't get what the popular kids have or are going to receive. If you work your hardest and try your best, you'll be at the top from all the hard work you did. Be yourself and push yourself to do what you want rather
than relying on your popularity.
In the end, being popular isn't always the most important thing in your life. In high school it seems like you should do and be what the popular kids are doing and acting
like, but really you should be your own person. And if that lands you in the popular seat or at the bottom of the food chain, you can accomplish everything you've dreamed
of doing. True friends and opportunities will come your way when you are yourself instead of worrying about your popularity.
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lubs/Organizations
Ruston High School
FFA Gears Up for Career
Development Events
submitted by Mark Milstead
Agriculture Department
The National FFA Organization at Ruston High School is preparing its members
for annual Career Development Events and award applications in March. District
Judging competitions will be at the Louisiana National Guard Armory in Ruston on
March 13th while the District Mechanics events will be at the Louisiana Technical
College in Ruston on March 14th. Area competition will be at Louisiana Tech University on March 23rd. The top 4 teams from Area contests will move on to the
State Career Development Events in Baton Rouge the following week on March
29th. State Champion teams will represent Louisiana in each event at the National
FFA Convention in October. State FFA Degree applications and Proficiency
Award applications are also due to the State FFA Office on March 26th.
Teams that will be competing this year for Ruston will be General Livestock
Judging, Dairy Cattle Judging, Dairy Foods Evaluation, Meat Judging and ID,
Poultry Judging, Nursery and Landscaping, Welding, Small Engines, and Electricity. Most teams have 4 members per team except for the mechanics teams. A
school can have up to 2 teams participate in an event. FFA members are working
diligently on their events during and after school to prepare to represent Ruston
High School to the best of their abilities. Good luck to all the FFA members in this
month's competitions.
March 15, 2012
Chatterbox
Page 15
4-H
submitted by Darby Rowland
4-H Club Reporter
Remember 4-Hers that you must participate in two parish activities to go to 4-H Achievement Day. Achievement Day will be held at the Lincoln
Parish Expo Center on May 2nd. If you still need an activity - Bring a box of macaroni and cheese to Mrs. Thomason’s room with your name on it to receive credit and
help with the parish wide food drive.
The Lincoln Parish Community Wide Cleanup will be held March 17th at Railroad
Park in Ruston. Cleanup is from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and each participant will receive a free lunch and a free T-shirt. This is a great way to help the community and
receive credit to attend Achievement Day.
The next Jr. Leader Meeting will be held at Pizza Inn on Monday, March 12th at
6:30. We will be discussing 4-H University. 4-H University would be a great way to
get involved in 4-H. 4-H University is a camp for 7-12 graders to compete in different
competitions or to participate in Clover College. It is held on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge - June 19-22.
Congratulations to all the participants and winners of the Parish Foods Festival
that was held on February 20th. Our club has several members participating in the
regional shooting sports competition being held this month in Grand Cane, Louisiana.
We would like to wish all of our Shotgun and Archery Team members - Good Luck!!
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Chatterbox
lubs/Organizations
Ruston High School
March 15, 2012
Page 16
FBLA Claims Record Number of District Championships
submitted by Elizabeth Smith
FBLA President
Ruston High School (RHS) FBLA claimed a record 10 district conference championships at the District II conference held at ULM on Feb. 9, 2012. As the District II
Vice President is our own Jared Spiller, and RHS hosted the event with ULM, it seemed only right that RHS performed well. RHS FBLA competed in every event at district,
with 13 members capturing excellent ratings in 9 events; 37 members capturing superior ratings in 23 events; and 12 students walking away as district champions in 10
events.
Students placing excellent at the district conference were Jordan Bruner (Business Math), Benicia King (Business Procedures), Thristan Cecil (Cyber Security), Erick
Huynh (Cyber Security), Michael Davis (Mr. FBL), Jonah Doxey (Personal Finance), Miracle Washington (Sports Management), Justin Welch (Technology Concepts), Jonah Doxey and Robert Thompson (Banking & Financial Systems Team), and Reed Malek, Nathan Parks, and Nick Parks (Current Events Team).
Students placing superior and qualifying to attend the state conference were Abbie King (Accounting I), Elizabeth Smith (Accounting I), Elizabeth Smith (Accounting II),
Kari Hackbarth (Business Communications), Elena Till (Business Communications), Ty Oakes (Business Math), Michael Brewer (Computer Applications), Phillip Alva
(Computer Problem Solving), Carter Carroll (Computer Problem Solving), Christan Dillard (Health Care Administration), Christan Dillard (Hospitality Management),
Robert Thompson (Introduction to Business), Kari Hackbath (Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure), Michael Brewer (Introduction to Technology Concepts), Polly Gwan
(Job Interview), Elena Till (Ms. FBL), Phillip Alva (Networking Concepts), Robert Martin (Sports Management), Shelby Stinson (Spreadsheet Applications), Michael Skipper (Technology Concepts), Madeline McCullin (Word Processing I), Jaisle Bailey and Reed Malek (Desktop Publishing Team), Kelli Greene, Polly Gwan, and Riley
Thompson (Entrepreneurship Team), Jacob Clark, Nathan Parks, and Justin Welch (Global Business Team), Sarah Kay Blaylock, Robert Martin, and Shelby Stinson
(Marketing Team), and Michael Davis, Ty Oakes, Ben Serio, and Shelby Stinson (Parliamentary Procedure Team).
The record number of district championships were earned by 12 members in 10 different events. District champions included Abbie King (Accounting II), Ben Serio
(Business Calculations), Carter Carroll (Computer Applications), Emma Jones (Impromptu Speaking), Riley Thompson (Introduction to Business), Chaning Dorr
(Introduction to Business Communication), Jonathan Craig (Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure), Eric Huynh (Introduction to Technology Concepts), Thristan Cecil
(Networking Concepts), and Savannah Bassett, Whitney Durrett, and Benicia King (Emerging Business Issues Team).
With her first place finish in Accounting II, Abbie King secured a $400 scholarship at ULM in the first year it was offered. Her and all RHS FBLA members listed above
should be commended for their achievements. Every student who placed superior and all district champions have earned the right to represent RHS at the state conference,
where they look to three-peat as the best chapter in the state. In addition, members who worked on state projects will also work to keep the winning tradition going for RHS.
Excellent Winners
Superior Winners
First place winners
715 W. California Ave
318-255-1110
www.hitechruston.com
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Chatterbox
lubs/Organizations
Ruston High School
March 15, 2012
Page 17
Whitney Durrett Prepares to Run for Future Business Leaders of
America (FBLA) State President
by Elizabeth Smith
FBLA President
On February 6, 2012, Miss Whitney Durrett, Chatterbox Editor in Chief, decided to run for the office of Future Business Leaders of
America State President. She had been considering putting her name in the hat to run for several weeks, and after talking to two of our
state officers, Jarred Spillers and John Herren, she feels confident that she could run and win. Whitney is also a Varsity Cheerleader and
a member of First Priority at RHS. She hopes to make Ruston High proud and to show the rest of the state how great our school is.
Whitney is busy preparing her campaign speech that she will give at the State Conference at the end of March. She will be working
closely with President Elizabeth Smith and District II Vice President Jared Spiller to get her campaign together as they have both run
for state office before and know how things work. They also know how to win over the voting delegates.
Whitney will give her campaign speech at our chapter meet on March 15 th. Our chapter and the junior high chapter are supporting
her and hoping for the best at the state conference. Good Luck Whitney Durrett!
Come visit Ruston’s Newest Full-Service
Convenience Store!
Home of Arby’s
211 Farmerville Highway, Ruston, Louisiana
Stop by for
101 South Service Road,
Exit 85 and Highway 167
Ruston, Louisiana
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emple Baptist Church
Ruston High School
March 15, 2012
Chatterbox
Page 18
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Chatterbox
he Arts
Ruston High School
March 15, 2012
Page 19
To District and Beyond for the Bearcat Choir
by Emma Jones
Education Reporter
On Thursday, February 23rd, The Bearcat Choir competed in the District Rally competition. At this competition, choirs from around the district come and perform three
songs. After their performance, they are tested on their sight-reading skills. Both the performance and sight-reading are rated on a scale of 1 to 4, 1 being superior and thus
qualifying the choir for state. Both the Treble Choir and the Concert Choir performed the same numbers from the Charles Bruffy/Blake Henson concert back in January. After their performances and sight-reading evaluations, both choirs came away with an overall 1. They are now also both qualified for the state competition May 1-4 in Natchitoches.
Bearcats on Broadway is now only a matter of days away. The choir is rehearsing daily for the performances. This year, the performances will be 7:00 pm on Friday,
March 30, and 2:30 pm and 7:00 pm on Saturday, March 31 at the Dixie Theatre. The choir is working very hard on their performances and hope to see the house packed this
year!
RHS Band Prepping For Festival!
Academics Reporter
The Ruston High School Symphonic and Concert band have been preparing for the LMEA District Festival Competition. On March 1, 2012, the Symphonic Band participated in the South Central Regional Music Conference and Festival Exhibition to get advice from various directors. Along side of this, Ruston High band members have
been participating in other great music programs. On March 1-3, 2012, selected band students had the honor of participating in the South Central Regional Music Conference
and Festival Honor Band in Monroe, Louisiana. These musicians are Anna Scroggins, Polly Michelle Gwan, Matthew Cardenas, Sam Haskins, Melissa Dosher, and Ben Serio. These students had the opportunity of working alongside other musicians from Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and Arkansas. They also got to work with Eugene Corporon, director of the University of North Texas Wind Symphony. “I really enjoyed this weekend,” stated flutist Anna Scroggins, “It was an honor to work with Mr. Corporon and I had a blast learning new music!”
Resumé
by Emily Greer
Resumé Staff Member
You can now order your 2011-2012 yearbooks! Its $50 as of December 1 st. Please see Mrs. Garrison in room 315. Seniors it’s time to start thinking about this year’s senior ads! See Mrs. Strickler or a yearbook staff member for an order form or more information. Don’t hesitate to see her. It’s not too early to start taking your senior portraits.
April 13th is last day for turning in your Senior Pictures (indoor/outdoor, and cap and gown) and senior ads. We will be having a spring bake sale! So come out and support
your Resume!
RHS Students Compete in Art Competition
submitted by Mrs. Ashworth
Art Teacher
Ruston High School students did an excellent job in the art competitions this year, winning 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in ALL categories, even Best in Show. The Kiwanis Club
Youth Art Festival is an annual event to encourage young high school artist in Lincoln Parish.
The winners are:
Drawing: 1st- Ashley Greer
2nd- Kendal Martin 3rd- Mike Skipper
Painting: 1st- April Hebert
2nd- Neesha Sirwardoane 3rd- Rachel Huckaby
Pottery: 1st- Spencer Hinton
2nd- Chase Bordon 3rd- Brittany Dowdy
Photography: 1st- Brianna Worley
Best of Show: Charlotte Hudson
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Chatterbox
eacher Spotlights
Ruston High School
February 14, 2012
Page 20
Mr. Lloyd Bruner teaches H/Dual Accounting, Principles of Business, Digital Media I & II
(Chatterbox), Sports & Entertainment Marketing, and IBCA.
Mr. Bruner also sponsors FBLA and advises Chatterbox. As the sponsor for FBLA last year, the
chapter made history as they won the Louisiana Advisor of the year, won two state offices, won
seven state championships, and placed top ten in the nation in PLAW.
His advice to students is to take advantage of all that RHS offers to its students. If you are going
to join anything, do something in it and don’t just do it to have something annotated in the yearbook.
Anyone can be a member of an organization—be special. If in FBLA—plan to be the best as we have
the best chapter in Louisiana, or you will stand out during awards day. He enjoys teaching at RHS
and especially enjoys teaching and advising those students who push themselves to excel in Accounting, FBLA, and Chatterbox. He expects his students, and especially the ones that want to be active in FBLA, to always do their best. He does his
best and in return he expects them to do their best. If you do your best, you will never regret it and can hold your head up! Anything less is unacceptable.
Mrs. Helene Shaw teacher Family & Consumer Science I, Clothing, and Hospitality. She has two
wonderful grandsons who are five and six months old.
Her best encouragement to students is: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who
gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5.
Mrs. Harryette Tinsley teaches COE, IBCA, and BCA, and sponsors 4-H. She is married to Mr.
Sutton Tinsley and has two daughters: Hannah, 17, and Lauren 10. She says she is blessed with the
best friends in the world. She graduated from Natchitoches Central High School and went on to study
at NLU, LSUS, and Tech.
At first, she didn’t want to be a teacher because both her parents were teachers, but she says working at Ruston High is a wonderful experience, and that the faculty and staff are very caring and giving
people. Whenever she does anything wrong, which is a lot, she tells people her named is Kay Peters.
Students and Faculty get them mixed up a lot.
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Chatterbox
eacher Spotlights
Ruston High School
March 15, 2012
Page 21
Mrs. Jessie Bryan is a Career Counselor and Student Council Sponsor at RHS, and Counselor &
Graduation Coach at Dubach Hight, IA Lewis, Choudrant High, and Simsboro High. She is married
to Mr. TJ Bryan and has a daughter named Madison and a dog named Newt.
Her advice to students is to enjoy high school, because these can be the best years of your life.
She offers some great verses for students: “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord,
‘plans for you to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will
call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when
you seek me with all of your heart.’” – Jeremiah 29:11-13, and “Even youths grow tired and wearing, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like Eagles; they will run and not grow weary, the will walk and not be
faint.” – Isaiah 40:30-31.
Mrs. Jane Tatum teaches English IV, and sponsors Student Council and Ambassadors. She is married to Mr. Danny Tatum and has two sons, Tyler, 24, and Ryan, 23. She has two dachshunds named
Shep and Doc.
Her advice to students is to enjoy their years at Ruston and, “I can do all things through Christ
who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13
Mrs. Janet Maxwell teaches PYPM, Bachelor Survival, Nutrition & Food, and ProStart, and sponsors BUMS. She is married to Mr. Gary Maxwell and has four children: Ashley, a junior at Tech, Haley, a freshman at Tech, Melanie, a junior at RHS, and Seth, a freshman at RHS. She graduated from
Cedar Creek and then went on to graduate from LA Tech.
She has taught at RHS for eighteen years. She loves RHS and so do all her children. Her note of encouragement is Isaiah 40:31 (read above). She likes to travel and her favorite spots are Hawaii, Branson, MO, and Gatlinburg, TN.
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uilding the Chatterbox
Ruston High School
Chatterbox
March 15, 2012
Page 22
What Goes Into Making the Chatterbox?
by Whitney Durrett
Editor in Chief
Every month Ruston High Chatterbox staff puts in days and days of work to publish the best newspaper possible. They put in hours of thinking of the most interesting
editorials, writing down ideas, turning those ideas into the best article they can write. After writing a minimum of three editorials per month, they must cover clubs, sports,
and other important things going on around Ruston High. All of this must be completed within the time period given so all articles can be edited, and then passed to the editor in chief, who formats the paper and puts every article on the pages and makes sure the pages are full.
It’s not easy being a journalist, even if it is for a high school newspaper. Every job and every staff member is equally important. Without each staff member doing their
part to the fullest, the paper can be delayed. Each staff member has specific clubs and organizations they cover every month and they are responsible for getting with the advisor for that club, the reporter for that club, or someone in the club that knows what is happening. Chatterbox feels that every club is important and what they do deserves to
be published. The Chatterbox cares about every organization at Ruston High and wants them to be recognized!
Each edition of the Chatterbox takes a while to put together. Writing a several paragraph article is not an easy task, especially when you have to do multiple articles in a
week and sometimes in a day. This year’s staff does a great job of getting things done and getting them turned in on time. When one thing is late it puts everything behind
schedule and jeopardizes the publication not coming out on time.
After the whole paper is done, it is taken to Ruston Daily Leader where they reformat it to fit their software then they print it. Hundreds of copies of the Chatterbox are
printed every month. These prints are passed out throughout the school and throughout Ruston for the whole city to enjoy!
Chatterbox hopes everyone enjoys each edition and understands how much time and effort goes into creating the newspaper!
2011-2012 RHS Chatterbox Staff
Moe Labbe and Jaisle Bailey writing articles for
the March edition of the Chatterbox!
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uilding the Chatterbox
Ruston High School
Chatterbox
March 15, 2012
Page 23
The Path of Every Article Published
by Whitney Durrett
Editor in Chief
Articles start with the reporter. After the reporter has all the information, they write the article. Once they finish the article, they proof read it and send it to their news
editor. The news editors read every single article that is published.
News editors take the articles, read them, make grammatical corrections, and check to make sure everything is worded correctly. After they finish proofing an article, the
news editors send their articles to the editor in chief. Once the article gets to the editor in chief, it is reread, checked for any mistakes the news editors could have missed, and
then posted on a page.
The subject of the article depends on which page it goes on. Once the page is done, each page is printed out for further checking. Each staff member reads each page and
corrects any mistakes overlooks. Once all pages have been looked over by each staff member, Mr. Bruner, Chatterbox advisor, looks over everything once more. Finally, Mr.
Milstead previews the work as well and gives us any recommendations.
Then the paper is off to the printer. Once printed, the papers are sorted into stacks to be distributed and enjoyed throughout the school and the parish!
Who works on the Chatterbox?
Editor
in
Chief
Whitney Durrett
Business
Manager
Elizabeth Smith
News
Editor
Jaisle Bailey
Graphics
Design Editor
Thristan Cecil
Clubs Reporter
Moriah Labbe
Sports
Editor
Reed Malik
Education Reporter
Emma Jones
Academic Reporter
Nathan Bennett
Sports Reporter
Alex Cockerham
Assistant
News Editor
Elena Till
Sports Reporter
Ambria Holmes
Academics Reporter
Polly Gwan
Arts Reporter
Sarah Kay Blaylock
Clubs Reporter
Erin Maxson
Social Reporter
Preston Ponder
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Chatterbox
ervice and Social
Ruston High School
March 15, 2012
Page 24
Congratulations PCI
by Alexandria Cockerham
Sport Reporter
Congratulations to our PCI club! Wednesday, February 15 PCI traveled to Grambling State University for the Engineering
Competition. Grambling’s Crayton A. Wiley Engineering Day, the PCI club won many awards. 1 st place in the poster competition was Te’ Air Douglas, Jasmine Franklin, Diamond Melton. In the Bridge building competition, Diamond Melton placed 1 st
place.2nd place was Tatyanna Jenkins. 3rd place was Te’ Air Douglas, but her bridge never broke. The Electrical Circuitry Competition was Jasmine Franklin and Tatyanna Jenkins, who placed 2 nd.
Keywanettes Keep On Keeping On!
Academics Reporter
The Ruston High Keywanettes have planned to keep up their service activities this semester by not only serving their school, but their community as well. On March 17,
2012, the Keywanettes will be participating in a community wide cleanup project called Keep Lincoln Clean. Along with many other service organizations, they will be helping clean up the community and make it a better place! Also, Keywanettes will be taking applications for members for next school year beginning on March 26. See Mrs.
Martin or Mrs. Jackson for an application.
Grecian Romance: Time for Prom
by Jaisle Bailey
News Editor
It’s that time of the year again, ladies and gentlemen. Prom. Something every Junior and Senior dreams of attending. Ruston High School Junior and Senior Prom will be
held next weekend on March 24, 2012 at the Louisiana Tech Student Center where it was held last year. It is from 9 PM to 12 midnight. The theme this year is Grecian Romance. Mrs. Griffin, in room 220, along with the prom committee continues to meet and plan the event.
If you plan on going to prom, go ahead and snag your ticket. As of now Juniors and Seniors who did not pay as a Junior will pay $35.Seniors, if you paid as a Junior, you
will not have to repay as a Senior. Guests of Junior and Seniors do not have to pay. However, all Juniors and Seniors, male and female, who attend Ruston High School and
plan to attend the dance must pay. If you purchase a ticket, you will receive it a week before prom with your name on it.
PYPM Raps up This Year
by Ambria Holmes
Sports Reporter
On Thursday March 8, 2012 PYPM visited Ruston Elementary to teach their last lesson. The lesson was called “A Very Scary Ride”. The lesson taught the kids how to
protect themselves if they ever found themselves riding in a car with a driver who was not alcohol-free. They taught the kids five rules that would keep them safe, the five
riles were as follows: 1) Sit in the back seat. 2) Buckle up tight. 3) Put everything on the floor. 4) Don’t bother the driver. Be quiet. 5) Tell a trusted adult immediately about
any unsafe ride. This was the eighth lesson they taught to the kids and it was their final lesson.
On March 15, the will be returning back to the elementary to throw a party for second grade. That same week they will be making characters out of bottles and they will
use those characters and go read a Dr. Suess story to the students.
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Chatterbox
tudent Center
Ruston High School
March 15, 2012
Page 25
Ask Nick
submitted by Nick Letendre
Student Council President
Are you excited about the
school year coming to an
end? Are you ready for college? Why?
Is this even a question? I’ve
been ready for school to end
since it began in August? I
didn't think “Senioritis” was
real until this year. I know
people say your going to miss
high school and I know I will
but as of right now I’m extremely excited this year is
coming to an end. As for college, I can’t wait! The freedom will be nice
and no full days of school is what I’m looking forward to.
Teenage Remedy
submitted by Andre Allbritton
The thoughts of love rang in my heart
Never been in love, but I will like to start
Criss cross- mixed emotions
Her kisses are like a love potion
She whispers I love you as I hold her in my arms
She looks into my eyes as I tend to get warm
My mouth is drying up, idk what to say
Looks like ima use the L word today
My heart beats fast as the words come out
I stutter here and there, im scared no doubt
I smile to make it seem like I mean it
A tear fell, I hope she didn’t see it
Did I lie or did I tell the truth
I don’t love her, or maybe I do
Moments roam through my mind as the time unwinds
All of our time together as a couple was divine
What is this feeling, this feeling that I am feeling
Tingling sensation and my head is killing
Throbbing from my heart pounding sound
Love has been caught, love has been found
Articles, Rants and Suggestions
Students who like to write and would like to have their articles published in Chatterbox are asked to submit articles to chatterbox@lincolnschools.org.
If you have a particular rant, comment, or suggestion about anything Chatterbox has printed, or wish to present your side in an editorial, we would love to hear from you.
Bring your thoughts in writing to Room 318, pass it along to a Chatterbox member, or email it to chatterbox@lincolnschools.org.
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Chatterbox
un Page
Ruston High School
March 15, 2012
Word Search
Popular
March
Movie
Releases
Page 26
Sign Letter of
the Month
Did you know?
Enemies in angry birds were inspired by
the swine flu?
On good Friday 1930, BBC announced, “
There is no news.”?
Obama’s favorite cartoon character is
Spongebob?
Japan has vending machines that give
you random girls’ phone numbers?
Calling 1(781)452-4077 will put you
through Hogwarts Hotline where you can
learn more about the school?
People with higher I.Q are more likely to
stay up till late night?
Micheal Jackson has a morning meeting in
one of the Twin Towers on September 11,
2001? He missed the meeting cause he
overslept.
Sudoku
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Chatterbox
ponsors and Staff
Ruston High School
March 15, 2012
Page 27
2011-2012 Chatterbox Sponsors
Platinum Level Sponsors: ($200 +)
Mark and Donnie Bartlett
Green Clinic
First National Bank
Bank of Ruston
Ruston High School Alumni Association
Community Trust Bank
Gold Level Sponsors: ($100 - $199)
Jack Fluck Realty
RHS Business Department
Embellishments
Lloyd and Christy Bruner
Richard and Nancy Durrett
RHS FBLA, Chapter 617
Silver Level Sponsors: ($50 - $99)
Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office
Robert Temple, Agent (State Farm)
McCarter Financial Group
Tom Sumrall
Jo ey and Juanita Coker
Danny Carroll Appraisal
Bert C. Hogg
2011-2012 Chatterbox Advertisers
Business/Organization
Lincoln ACHIEVE
Chironetwork Chiropractic Clinic
Driver’s Education
King of Hearts
Hi-Tech
Pow Wow
Owner/Manager/Contact Agent
Cathi Cox-Boniol
Bob Rendina
Coach Ricky Durrett
Pat Murray
Richard Raue
Manuel and Nilda Chinchilla
Page of Advertisement
2
2
3
15
16
17
Village Market
Manuel Chinchilla
17
Temple Baptist Church
Casey Williams
18
Please thank and support these businesses, organizations, and individuals for making your Ruston High School Chatterbox possible!
With special thanks to Principal Mike Milstead for all his support!
2011-2012 RHS Chatterbox Staff
Editor in Chief
Business Manager
News Editor
Sports Editor
Graphics/Design Editor
Academics Reporter
Academics Reporter
Arts Reporter
Clubs Reporter
Clubs Reporter
Education Reporter
Social Reporter
Sports Reporter
Sports Reporter
Guest Reporter
Whitney Durrett
Elizabeth Smith
Jaisle Bailey
Reed Malek
Elena Till
Thirstan Cecil
Polly Michelle Gwan
Nathan Bennett
Sarah Kay Blaylock
Moriah Labbe
Erin Maxson
Emma Jones
Preston Ponder
Alex Cockerham
Ambria Holmes
Kori Teague
Adviser/Sponsor: Mr. Lloyd R. Bruner, chatterbox@lincolnschools.org
Junior
Senior
Junior
Senior
Junior
Sophomore
Senior
Junior
Junior
Junior
Junior
Junior
Sophmore
Sophomore
Sophomore
Senior
The Chatterbox is a member of the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA).
The purpose of the Chatterbox is to provide information and to promote school pride. We strive to meet the criteria set by the National Scholastic Press Association for student journalism. In addition, if
a reasonable basis or belief that a publication would materially disrupt class work, involve substantial disorder, or invade the rights of these, it will not be published in keeping with the guidelines of
Hazelwood School District vs. Kulkmeier (1998). Signed editorials may be sent to Ruston High School, 900 Bearcat Drive, Ruston, Louisiana 71270.
Access the current edition of the Chatterbox at: http://rustonhigh.lincolnschools.org/whatsnew.html and archived editions at: http://rustonhigh.lincolnschools.org/chatterbox.html
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earcat Spirit
Ruston High School
Chatterbox
March 15, 2012
Page 28
The Belles Competition
Sports Reporter
The RHS Bearcat Belles Competition Team competed March 4, 2010 for
the first time ever in the National Dance Alliance Championships held in
Orlando, Florida. The Belles placed 6th place in the Small Hip-Hop Competition.
One of the competition Belles, Lauren Jenkins, said “It was a wonderful
experience and I can’t wait for next year, because as a Belle we will work
hard and do our best so that we become number one.”
Members of the Competition Team are: Eva Edinger, Megan Franks,
Maegan Goss, Emily Hearne, Lauren Jenkins, Brittany Kelly, DeNinia Melton, Marley Ratcliff, Ashlyn Thompson, Avery Woodard and Ebony Wright.
Congratulations to the Bearcat Belles on a job well done at Nationals!
Pictured above are the 2011-2012 Bearcat Belles who competed in their first NDA National Championship in Orlando, Florida from March 2-5.
Top row first: Megan Franks, Ebony Wright, Eva Edinger, Avery Woodard, Marley
Ratcliff, Emily Hearne, Brittany Kelly, Lauren Jenkins, Maegan Goss,
Ashlyn Thompson, and De’Ninia Melton.
Orlando, Florida’s Hard Rock Café, the site of the 2012 National
Dance Championship.
Obtained at: www.varsity.com
Above: a screenshot of the Belles’ recorded performance at the NDA
National Championship in Orlando.
Obtained at: www.varsity.com
The Bearcat Belles impressed the judges at their first NDA National Championship to
nab 6th place honors.
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Chatterbox
ports
Ruston High School
March 15, 2012
Page 29
Say ‘Goodbye’ to the Kickoff
by Reed Malek
Sports Editor
On February 21, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) followed by the National Football League’s example by approving a new rule requiring kickoffs to be done from the 35-yard line instead of the 30, like in the past.
Conceived as a method of lowering the number of injuries caused by vicious collisions on kickoffs, this new law in college
football is an inherently respectable one. However, as seen by the NFL’s same rule change this past year, moving kickoffs up
by five yards basically eliminates kickoff returns and replaces them with the disappointing touchback (which, by the way, has
been moved to the 25-yard line on kickoffs to encourage returners to let the play settle for a touchback).
I think I can speak for most football fans when I say that there are few more exciting plays in the game than the kickoff
return. They can have huge impacts on the game, depending on the caliber of the return or the events that transpire during it. A
kickoff return for a touchdown or a turnover on a kickoff return are two of the most momentum-swinging plays in the game,
and it is an absolute shame to see them disappear , for whatever reason. Not to mention, I would rather watch a football game
begin with a player speeding down the field with the football in arm than watch him catch it and take a knee.
It’s hard to argue against a rule that attempts to heighten players’ safety on the field. Nobody, whether fan or teammate or
coach, wants to see a player from any team on the ground injured. But when the game itself loses its most exciting play for the
sake of safety, the rule changing has gone too far. I am all for taking precautions regarding players’ safety, but there comes a
point when these rule changes take the toughness out of the rough-and-tumble game of football that captured America’s heart
more than a century ago.
Is It Worth It?
by Ambria Holmes
Sports Reporter
If you played a sport in college, and it was your championship game, and someone offered you a good sum of money to
throw away the game, would you?
Well, some people have done this. Losing a championship game on purpose for money is wrong and it is not worth it. The
money may sound nice but you have to think about how your teammates would feel. Also, you are giving up the title as
“Champions”.
In college, professional team scouts may be watching, observing, and if you limit your skills so you can lose the game then
you may lose out on a major opportunity. Many players have thrown away games knowing they had a good chance of winning.
If someone offered you a million dollars to lose your game on purpose, would you? Before you answer think about the
affect this could have on you and others. In my opinion, it is not worth it.
What Would We Do Without Sports?
Sports Reporter
What would we do without sports? Sports are the main reasons why some kids are still in school. Have you ever just
thought about what it would be like if a school took out sports? There would be a lot of students failing and dropping out of
school. Some would think that since they have nothing to keep their grades up for, then they are not going to pay attention nor
want come to school.
Playing sports keeps some kids out of trouble. Not just at school, but at home too. They have something to look forward to;
they don’t have to go find trouble. A student, who wished to remain anonymous, said that if his school didn’t have sports then
he would not come, because that’s the only thing that keeps his day going.
I think that you should still keep your grades up even if we didn’t have sports. Sports are not the only things that can get
you to college; your mind can also. You just have to put your mind to it and make sure you listen and do your work. There is a
world after sports.
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Chatterbox
ports
Ruston High School
March 15, 2012
Page 30
Softball Hits District Play
by Reed Malek
Sports Editor
Coming into the week with a 4-8 overall record, the Lady Bearcats of softball are optimistic about district play, which they began this past Tuesday against the West Monroe Rebels.
Leading the Lady ‘Cats in batting this season so far are: Sage Heard with a .400 batting average and .483 on-base percentage (OBP), Kendall Smith with a .346 batting
average and a .452 OBP, and Larkin Nelson with a .368 batting average. The Bearcats’ leading pitcher on the season has been Allison Tryon.
Come out and support the Lady Bearcats as they try to rebound from their rough start to the season on a tough schedule!
Track & Field Dominates Super 1 Relays
by Reed Malek
Sports Editor
On Saturday, March 3 the Ruston High track & field team participated in the Super 1 Relays at the University of Louisiana-Monroe (ULM). At the meet, the boys’ team
placed second overall and the girls took home first place honors. Along with a fantastic overall performance at the meet, the Bearcat teams had several great individual performances that contributed to the first- and second-place finishes by the teams.
First place winners for the boys at the Relays were: junior Dominique Cheffin in the 800m Run, senior Chase Millien in the 1600m Run, sophomore Sam Haskins in the
pole vault, and senior Brandon Hearn in the javelin throw.
Lady Bearcats who placed first at the meet are: sophomore Rebecca Wheelis in the 100m Dash and pole vault, freshman Hannah Siegmund in the 400m Dash, senior
Maya Robertson in the 800m Run, and 1600m Run, freshman Morgan Winstead in the 3200m Run, sophomore Keke Williams in the 100m hurdles, freshman Savannah
Webb in the high jump, and junior Alli Brasuell at the javelin throw.
The Bearcats’ next meet is a Neville High invitational, hosted by the Tigers tomorrow, Friday, March 16.
Sophomore Rebecca Wheelis reached 11;6: at the Super 1 Relays at ULM
Sophomore Jamarius Washington (left) finishes a relay race at
the Super 1 Relays.
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Chatterbox
ports
Ruston High School
March 15, 2012
Page 31
Bearcat Tennis Update
by Reed Malek
Sports Editor
Ruston High’s tennis squad is seeking to
bounce back after a bumpy start to their season. With matchups every Tuesday and Thursday during March and April, the season is a
tough and busy one for the Bearcats of tennis;
but that also means many opportunities for
Bearcat fans to come out and support the
teams.
One of the Bearcats’ first performances
came against their archrival Neville Tigers on
February 27. Neville took home wins 6-2
against the boys and 5-1 against the girls. In
singles matchups, Ruston’s Kaitlyn Heiden
was the lone Bearcat to take home a victory,
by a score of 8-2. In doubles, the team of
Jonathan Abernathy & Caleb White defeated
Neville’s Carter Cascio & Will Harrison by a
shutout score of 8-0.
Three days later, on March 1 the Bearcats
hosted Caddo Magnet, who defeated the RHS
girls 5-1, while the RHS boys won 5-4. In
singles, Caleb White defeated Caddo Magnet’s Sean Nathan 8-2, while Phillip Alva beat
Nafay Hayat 8-5. In doubles, the duo of Abbie
King & Kaitlyn Heiden beat Caddo’s Ali Tran
& Hannah Lowry by a score of 8-4.
Next Tuesday, March 6, the Bearcats beat
Cedar Creek in singles 4-2, but lost in doubles
4-2 as well. In singles, Caleb White, Hayden
Smithey, and Phillip Alva had victories for the
boys, while Kaitlyn Heiden won 8-0 for the
only girls’ singles victory. In doubles, the
combos of Kyle Carter & Matt Oakes won 85, and Tristen Huff & Matt Oakes won 6-4.
Bearcat Hayden Smithey finishes a serve against Cedar Creek.
Kaitlyn Heiden of RHS serves to a Cedar Creek player.
Above right: Caleb White returns a Cedar Creek volley.
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ports
Ruston High School
Chatterbox
March 15, 2012
Page 32
Tournament Season for
Bearcat Baseball
by Reed Malek
Sports Editor
Ruston High’s Bearcat baseball team is about to reach the end of their
long streak of tournament participation in preparation for district play on
March 22. Today the Bearcats begin participation in the Chevron Classic at
Ouachita, the fourth and last of a series of ‘classics’ in which the ‘Cats have
played. Earlier in the month, the Bearcats played in and hosted several
games in the Trey Altick Louisiana Prep Classic, hosted by the Trey Altick
Foundation.
In the tournament, the Bearcats went 3-1, setting their overall record at 62 after the Classic. The ‘Cats’ first two games in the tournament were blowout victories, the first behind the arm of senior Nick Letendre 12-1, and the
second a 12-2 win with junior Tanner Frasier on the mound. The Bearcats
lost their next game 8-3 to Parkview Baptist, and then defeated Calvary Baptist 6-5 for the last game of the tournament with junior Lain Kranz the winning pitcher.
Tonight, the Bearcats start off the Chevron Classic at Ouachita. On
March 22, the ‘Cats begin district play in a three-day, three-game series
against Ouachita. Come out and support the ‘Cats as they hit the thick of
their season!
Above: junior Bearcat Tanner Frasier releases a
pitch in the Trey Altick Louisiana Prep Classic on
the weekend of March 1-3. Ruston High was one
of 10 north Louisiana schools to host games during the event.
Photo obtained at: rustonleader.com
Left: senior Nick Letendre rears back to pitch the
ball in the Trey Altick Classic.
Photo obtained at: rustonleader.com
Below: the logo of the Trey Altick Foundation and
their “Hope 7” theme, an acronym for “Helping
Others in Places Everywhere.” 7 is the “Biblical
number of completion & perfection.”

March 15, 2012 - Ruston High School

Transcription

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