Ruston High School November 18, 2010 Box Tops RHS

Transcription

FBLA Hot Halloween Happenings- Page 17
Playoffs!See Page 31
RHS Alumni Series
See Page 2
Chatterbox
Ruston High School
Box Tops
Outside Our Box (2)
Academia (3-6)
Teacher Spotlights (7-8)
Editorials/Opinions (9-13)
Service and Social (14)
Turbo Goat (15)
Clubs (16-17)
The Arts (18)
Senior Spotlights (19-24)
Student Center (25)
Fun Page (26)
Sponsors/staff (27)
Bearcat Spirit (28)
Sports (29-32)
http://rustonhigh.lincolnschools.org/chatterbox.html
November 18, 2010
HONOR CODE:
RHS PTA Grant: Who Got the Money? Honesty, Integrity, Respect,
by Whitney Durertt
and Responsibility
Photographer/Reporter
This is the fourth year of the ongoing partnership between RHS PTA and Lincoln ACHIEVE.
These groups remain committed to supporting
Ruston High School as it strives to become the
best high school in Louisiana at preparing students for their chosen paths. Their Mini Grant
Program is specially designed to help accomplish
this goal, by pumping $5,884.12 into teacher
classrooms on the RHS campus over the past
three years. The fall 2010 funding plan now adds
another $2,957.33 to that total.
To read on about the actual winners of the
PTA Grant and ―Who Got the Money?‖, please
turn to page two.
Mrs. Missy Wooley, Mrs. Melinda McIntire, Mrs. Anita Greenwood, Mrs. Cathi Cox
-Boniol, and Mr. Bruner participate in the RHS Mini Grant presentation.
RHS Distinguished
Alumni and Teachers
information provided by the RHS Alumni Association
by Natasha Alva
News Editor
When the Ruston High School Alumni Association held their
annual awards luncheon, three distinguished teachers and three
distinguished alumni were honored and recognized. The distinguished teachers honored were current teacher Julie B. Stephenson, retired teacher Ruth C. Potts, and the late Mrs. Murrie
Lee Turnbow. The three Distinguished Alumni recognized and
honored were as follows: in the category of Commerce, Ruston
businessman Johnny Maxwell; as Humanitarian, Cherry Pratt
Kirkpatrick; and as Physician, Scientist, and Educator, Dr. Joan
Blondin.
In the October edition of the Chatterbox, we began a series
giving a detailed report on each of these distinguished alumni
and teachers in a six part series, covering one distinguished
alumni or teacher each month. Last month Dr. Joan Blondin
was covered. This month, we continue the series with a report
on the late Mrs. Murrie Lee Turnbow on page two.
Student of the Year: Kate Warner
by Polly Michelle Gwan
Academics Reporter
Congratulations to Kate Warner, Ruston High School
2010 Student of the Year. To receive this high honor, Kate
went through a tedious process. Applications were sent out
to the best of the best students at Ruston High School with a
cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. Out of those, only about
twenty students were left in the running. The judges then
looked specifically at the students ACT scores, their records,
and their letters of recommendation given to them by various people not only in school but in the community. ―The
way they were graded was like a reverse point system‖ described Mr. Milstead, ―such as the way a game of golf is.‖
The judges were looking for students with the least amount
of points and found Kate Warner to be the best applicant.
Kate will now continue in the running to become Student of
the Year at parish level, then possibly the region and even 2010 Student of the Year, Kate Warner and
Principal, Mr., Mike Milstead
state level. The competition is fierce and requirements are
harder. These next levels include many interviews and a huge portfolio. Yet there is no doubt in our mind that
Kate will do the best that she can to earn the title and make Ruston High proud. Once again, congrats to Kate
and the Bearcat community wishes you good luck!!!
O
Chatterbox
utside Our Box?
Ruston High School
November 18, 2010
Page 2
Distinguished Teacher: Murrie Lee Turnbow
information provided by the RHS Alumni Association
by Natasha Alva
News Editor
The late Mrs. Murrie Lee Cheshire Turnbow was born December 31, 1921 in Jonesboro, LA. She graduated from Louisiana
Polytechnic Institute in 1942 and received her Masters Degree from LSU in 1949. Her teaching career began as a high school
teacher at Sarepta High followed by assignments at Dodson, Jonesboro-Hodge, and Winnfield High Schools. She then taught at the
college level; first at Florida State University and then at Southeastern Louisiana College.
In 1954, Mrs. Turnbow arrived at Ruston High and immediately began shaping Bearcat spirit into a culture that still exists today.
Mrs. Turnbow adopted Ruston as home and all the members of the various spirit groups at Ruston High as ―my girls.‖ To the students, who called her ―Mama T‖, she became surrogate mother, tennis and intramural coach, physical education teacher, and confidante. She continued in those roles for her entire tenure as a faculty member at Ruston High. She also became a loyal Bearcat fan in
every sport. Mrs. Turnbow saw to it that her girls not only developed as young ladies and leaders in the school, but that they also
had fun and did their part to promote school spirit among the entire student body and the faculty.
Beginning in August each year, ―Mama T‖ became a drill sergeant. Pepette practice took place every morning of the week and
her eyes were on every girl -- Marchers marched in formation, cheerleaders practiced cheering, and majorettes practiced twirling
and choreographing routines. When school began, practice moved to after-school, still under the watchful eye of ―Mama T‖. In
addition, she directed a pep rally every week during both football and basketball seasons with each class assigned a week to out-do
the other classes with a creative endeavor. The three classes not working on the pep rally were not exempt from the responsibility
of promoting school spirit. Posters and banners and daily tags had to be done, and she knew if someone skipped her responsibility.
Mrs. Turnbow also managed to teach classes, serve her turns on duty, organize and over-see intramurals, coach the tennis team,
sponsor spirit groups, make the out-of-town trips, and still find time for her family as well as encourage and nurture her charges at
RHS. All this she did with a wonderful sense of humor that made students and teaching friends alike love being in her company.
In every endeavor, she was a master. She was firm and fair and fun. Murrie Lee Cheshire Turnbow was a blessing to all the lives
she touched in her amazing career at Ruston High. Her spirit lives on in the Bearcat world because the standard she set remains a model for all Ruston High students and teachers, among them her daughter Jane Turnbow Tatum, an English teacher and career counselor.
RHS PTA Grant: Who Got
the Money?
(Continued from page one)
by Whitney Durertt
The PTA/ACHIEVE partnership is proud to fund the following projects:
“Resources for Education and Leadership for the FBLA,” Lloyd Bruner,
“Picture This!,” Anita Greenwood, and “Up, Up, and Away,” Missy Wooley. All three teachers are veterans of the mini grant process and previous
winners of grant awards. Members of the community judging panel for the
spring mini grants were Ricky Edmiston (Lincoln Parish Schools Secondary
Supervisor), Dr. Carolyn Talton (Louisiana Tech University SciTEC), David
Darland (Community Trust Bank), Nancy Bergeron (Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce), Lindsey B. Keith-Vincent (The IDEA Place), and Lucius
McGehee (Argent Financial Group).
The 2010-11 grant process follows the same format as the previous years‘
initiatives, awarding up to $1000 ($500 from the RHS PTA, $500 from
ACHIEVE) to the selected teacher projects each semester. This process has
helped to achieve the desire of the PTA to inspire learning and academic
achievement in the classroom while meeting the goals of the mission and vision of the PTA. The partnership plans to continue the plan with new applications available to RHS teachers in January 2011 and three more grant awards
presented.
Saluting Outstanding Student Achievement
Throughout the Bearcat Nation
A
Chatterbox
cademia
Ruston High School
November 18, 2010
Page 3
SPS Celebration Held at Ruston!
by Amber Brown
Senior Editor
Guess what Bearcats? Thanks to all of the amazing teachers and wonderful students at Ruston High School, the School Performance Score (SPS) has been raised to 108.9 and
70% of that is determined by how well students perform on spring testing (ILEAP, GEE; now EOC and GEE). The superintendent of the Lincoln Parish School Board (LPSB),
Mr. Danny Bell, and Ruston High School‘s principal, Mr. Mike Milstead, were both pleased to thank and congratulate the students by throwing a ―School Performance Score
Celebration‖, which unfortunately was postponed due to bad weather until yesterday, November 17, 2010.
As the SPS celebration was held after Chatterbox went to press, this article is written in the future (try doing that knowing Louisiana weather). The day‘s routine was as follows: students were presented with three ―tickets‖ during their advisory period and wrote their names on the back of each ticket. Students were accounted for in 5th period and
were then escorted to the home side of James stadium. Students then listened to Mr. Bell and Mr. Milstead speak words of praise and encouragement to them; then afterwards,
proceeded to the field where vendors redeemed their tickets for drinks, food, ice cream, etc. Students spent the remainder of class visiting with their peers and once everyone
finished eating, they were dismissed to finish out their 6 th and 7th hour periods. Mr. Milstead said to be sure to ―give a special ‗thank-you‘ to Coca-Cola, Blue Bell, and Super One
for helping us with this endeavor.‖ Check out the December edition to see if everything happened as forecasted and for pictures of the celebration!
Real Bearcats wear…
Speech and Debate
PINK?
submitted by Jonathan Verrett
Speech and Debate Member
submitted by Elizabeth Sawyer
NHS Member
The Ruston High Speech and debate team has earned a great
deal of success in these past few weeks. From Shreveport to Lafayette, the team has seen victory after victory. At Teurling Catholic
High School in Lafayette, Jared Spiller placed 3 rd in Lincoln Douglas debate. Clark Pierce and Steven Zhong; Emma Norton and Josh
Phillips; Connor Haskins and Joshua Pate; and Preston Ponder and
Savannah Woods placed 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 3rd again in Policy Debate,
respectively. Savannah Woods placed 1st in Dramatic Interpretation. In Oral Interpretation, Savannah Woods placed 3 rd and Rebekah Barnes placed 2nd. Darby Guinn placed 1st in Declamation,
and with Rebekah Barnes placed 1st in Duo Interpretation and 2nd in
Duet Interpretation.
At Green Oaks in Shreveport, Ruston achieved success in almost every event that its students participated in. Zach Davis
placed 1st in Original Oratory. Savannah Woods placed 1 st in Oral
Interpretation and 3rd in Declamation. Elizabeth Sawyer, Jared
Spiller, and Walker Holmes placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in Extemporaneous Speaking. Elizabeth also placed 3rd in Lincoln Douglas debate.
The RHS National Honor Society sponsored a (belated)
pink ribbon week from November 8 to November 12.
NHS members sold a raffle ticket and pink ―Bearcats wear
PINK‖ package for $2.00 each. These bracelets and raffle
tickets were sold in order to raise money toward the Susan
G. Komen for the Cure foundation that supports the fight
towards breast cancer. The raffle tickets were for a chance
to win 1 of 6 prizes donated by local businesses including
Chile‘s and Raising Canes. In addition with a chance to
win a prize, the pink bracelets were passes for a ―pink shirt
day‖ at school on Thursday, November 11. At the end of
the week, the National Honor Society achieved their goal
of raising $500.00 to donate to Susan G. Komen for the
Cure to help fight the war against breast cancer.
PTA Provides….
by Benicia King
Education Reporter
On Tuesday, November 9th, during both
first and second lunch shift, the Ruston High
School PTA provided lunch to all of our teachers. Why you may ask? Our school test scores
went up and the PTA just wanted to show,
―appreciation for the teachers‘ hard work‖.
While everyone consumed their food, a few
teachers were asked what they enjoyed from
the luncheon. Mrs. Wilson said, ―The time to
sit with the other teachers and to get to know
everyone better.‖ Before she sat down, Ms.
Griffin said, ―Pretty much everything.‖ And
before Mrs. Roberts could leave, she replied
with, ―The food was wonderful and I get to talk
to my colleagues.‖ From a student‘s point of
view, the food looked quite tasty and mouthwatering (well mostly because it was catered by
Porticos) too bad they didn‘t feed the reporter
covering this filling event.
Parish Library Tax Passes!
by Emily Moore
Arts Reporter
November 2, 2010, was Election Day; library tax was one of the many things to vote for. The library tax was passed by a vote of 5,925 votes (61%) to 3,866 votes (39%).
Since 1962, the library has been funded by a dedicated property tax. In 2002, the tax was 11 mils; then for 8 years it dropped to 8.29 mils; and for the last two years, it has been
5.99 mils. One mil, or mill, is equal to $0.001 and is usually only seen in property taxes in towns.
The tax will now be put into effect for the next ten years. The tax will fund the upholding and improving the Lincoln Parish Library. The Library Board of Control concluded
that 5.99 mils will be sufficient for the needs of LPL. The funding will also go toward services and community programs. It will build the children and reference sections. About
93% of the library funding is from the property tax. Proceeds from the state and federal funds are less than 2.5%. That is less than the 4.5% from fines, printing and copying, and
donations. The library gets no profit from the city of Ruston or even Lincoln Parish.
The funds will cover insurance, utilities, etc. for the library over the next ten years. It will also provide payment for advancing technology and increasing demands. The library will use the money from the tax to make improvements in the things it needs; this will help the library to meet state and federal standards. In addition, 38,000 people, 89%
of the parish population, have library cards according to the libraries records. According to a library tax information handout, ―in 2009, the following use was recorded:
-Patron visits to the library
278,957
-Total number of reference questions answered
40,710
-Attendance at programs
11,321
-Total number of items checked out
402,191
-Total number of patrons using electronic resources
73,003
Looking at the numbers above, it‘s easy to tell that the Lincoln Parish Library is very important to the citizens of Lincoln Parish. Many students of Ruston High rely on the
Lincoln Parish Library to research and complete assignments, and they aren‘t the only ones. Ruston Jr. High, as well as I.A Lewis, Choudrant, Dubach, and other local schools,
also depend on LPL for educational purposes. Adults around the parish need it for work purposes. Fortunately, the tax was passed and all may stay worry-free for their library.
A
Chatterbox
cademia
Ruston High School
November 18, 2010
Page 4
I.A. Lewis Checks Out Chatterbox
by Amber Brown
Senior Editor
On October 28, 2010, seven I.A. Lewis students joined Mr. Bruner‘s 4 th hour Digital Media I/II class,
better known as Chatterbox, for a chance to learn just how the journalism process works. Mr. Bruner,
Chatterbox adviser, and Mrs. Woodard, I.A. Lewis‘ Librarian, helped these 6 th grade students get a basic
understanding of what is needed in order for them to produce a real newspaper. The Chatterbox‘s editors
(Amber, Natasha, Lauren, Christian, Gray, and Elizabeth) all spoke to these bright, intelligent students
about the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA), the Ruston Daily Leader, ads, organization
techniques, etc. These seven privileged 6th grade students are: Cameron Roberts, Katelyn Pipes, Jeremy
Coleman, Alex Bennett, Tyler Nutt, Kelsey Davis, and Dawson Windsor. They were all excited to come
to Ruston High, and anyone could tell just by seeing how they all had a notepad and pencil to take notes
on everything being said by the Chatterbox‘s editors.
While Mr. Bruner was in the process of introducing the main editors of the Chatterbox, Mrs. Woodard
informed him of the parts of their paper that was already coming together thanks to the students. One of
the students, Cameron Roberts, editor-in-chief, chose the name for their newspaper, The Rampage, which
is a great first step! Katelyn Pipes, co-editor-in-chief, came up with the idea of the paper‘s members to
have special press pass IDs, another legitimate idea! Tyler Nutt (yes, that‘s Mr. Nutt‘s nephew) was so
happy to finally meet the famous Gray Taylor who draws a comic based on his uncle! The editors all
loved speaking to the students about the paper and seeing their excited reactions to the advice that was
given!
Katelyn Pipes, Amber Brown, and Cameron Roberts are all
editors of a newspaper, be it high school or elementary! :)
NOVEMBER SHARP CATS
OCTOBER SHARP CATS
(Back row) Deondray Spivey,
Chance Rhone, & Garrett Hipp.
(Front row) Chandler Haddox,
Ashley Reynolds, & Kaitlyn
Heiden.
(Back row) Brian McGowan and
Jamarius Washington
(Front row) Keanteria Wright,
PhyQuasia Poe, and Kendal
Martin.
(Not pictured) Adam
Ramachandran
La confianza no se Compra.
Se Gana!
by Stephany Arias
Senior Reporter
Muchas veces personas en las que confiamos y amamos nos hacen una mala jugada, o
simplemente dicen algo que nos hace perder la confianza en ellos (or what we called
trust). In other words is hard to trust someone after you had been betrayed by them. Y
después que el daño fue causado toma tiempo olvidar.
Pero lo más importante de todo es aprender a no odiar a
aquellos que nos hacen daño, porque solo hay una persona en este mundo que puede castigarnos y ese es nuestro querido Dios. Hay muchas personas que tratan de
comprarnos con tan solo regalos… It takes more than
gifts and money to make someone believe you and trust
you again. Así que si alguna vez has hecho algo por lo
que otras personas no confían en ti y ya no te creen.
Entonces es hora de que madures y pidas disculpas por
el mal hecho. I know it can be hard, but it would definitely be the best thing to do.
A
Chatterbox
cademia
Ruston High School
November 18, 2010
What’s New with New Tech @ Ruston?
Page 5
submitted by Mrs. Cox-Bonial
New tech @ Ruston Coordinator
New Tech @ Ruston wrapped up the first nine weeks
with special events for both students and staff. The
newly formed Student Advisory Board was announced
and the following students were named to the leadership
group: Kristen Clark, Emily Compton, Mary Hollis Graham, Stephen Hall, Jamarion Harris, Tonerical Hart,
Erick Hyunh, Keon Johnson, Kramer Newsom, Phyquasia Poe, Jermiran Spivey, Alexis White, and Shelton
Wooley. This student group will meet regularly with
NT@R Administrators to represent the entire student
body and assist with decision making and program objectives.
The first meeting took place informally in preparation
for a visit from Senator Bob Kostelka, Representative
Hollis Downs, national New Tech School Development,
Coach Starla Collins, and former BESE Board Member,
Tammie McDaniel. The students sat in on a panel discussion with the NT@R Staff and provided answers to
questions from the special guests. On November 2 nd, the
group had its first lunch meeting with Director Cathi
Cox-Boniol, Coordinator Catherine Letendre, and
Teacher Advocate Missy Wooley, and provided feedback on the successes, challenges, and future plans for
the NT@R program.
Members of the NT@R staff utilized Halloween
weekend to focus on one of the program‘s most important Learning Outcomes: Global and Community Involvement. On Friday evening, October 20th, CoxBoniol was joined by Kay Peters (AVE), Lindsay Bolton
(Global Studies), and Daryl Savage (Math) in Ruston‘s
Railroad Park for the ―Howl-oween‖ festivities. The trio
of teachers worked the Coke Wagon for the event and
Mrs. Cox-Boniol served as emcee for the Dog Costume
Contest. The next day Mrs. Cox-Boniol, Sarah Wages
(Biology), Kim Goree (Global Studies), and Tara Turner
(Student Support) continued NT@R‘s partnership with
Louisiana Tech University‘s Architecture Department by
working with the SOCA Block Party. The quartet sponsored a Slime Booth for the event as well as provided
food for the meal.
SHARP CATS
submitted by Mrs. Thomason
Freshman Academy
The Ruston High School Freshman Academy is proud to recognize some of our outstanding
students each month by naming them Ruston High Sharp Cats. The academy faculty feels that honoring exceptional students is an important part of supporting and encouraging our freshmen. It is
with great pride that we present to you these students...for they truly are Sharp Cats!
We are proud of our freshmen, and we hope that you will join us in our appreciation of these
extraordinary students: Kendal Martin, Brian McGowan, PhyQuasia Poe, Adam Ramachandran,
Jamarius Washington, and Keanteria Wright.
DRIVER’S EDUCATION
• 6 – Hour Pre-Licensing Class
• Course is State Approved
• Must be 17 or older
• Cost: Only $30
For information, call: 251-1234
In addition, Trust Card champs got to enjoy a sweet
treat as November got underway. All students who had
maintained their Trust Card for the entire first nine
weeks were treated to donuts and juice compliments of
the NT@R staff. Plus, the first drawings where held for
incentive prizes for those who had no Trust Card violations for the first two months. September winners of $20
Sonic Cards were Tristan Sasser and Dusty Thomas, and
October winners of $20 Celebrity Theater coupons were
Josh Chrisman and Keon Johnson. Congratulations to
these students on a job well done!
NT@R also welcomed Scott Brasuell from Pizza Inn
to its facilities to celebrate the recognition of the first
VIPS (Very Impressive Project Students). Pizza Inn is
sponsoring the incentive program and providing each
student honored with a free student buffet coupon in
recognition of their accomplishment. The Bearcat New
Tech program salutes Mr. Brasuell and Pizza Inn, along
with all the other stakeholders and partners, who have
helped make its first quarter an overwhelming success!
Visitors at New Tech
by Savannah Chrisman
On October 16, 2010, Ruston
High had some very important visitors on campus. Former BESE
(Board of Elementary and Secondary Education) member Tammie
McDaniel was accompanied by
Senator Bob Kostelka and Representative Hollis Downs to visit New
Tech @ Ruston High. They came to
gain working knowledge and understanding of exactly what New
Tech is and how it has been progressing as the year goes by.
Tammie McDaniel was responsible for getting New Tech involved
at the ground level; identifying Lincoln Parish and Ruston High
School as the perfect place for an
excellent New Tech site because of
the strong partnership with Louisiana Tech. She is interested in making Ruston High School‘s New
Tech program the premiere demonstration site for the state; this is
already gaining a national buzz.
She also wanted our policy makers
and stakeholders in Baton Rouge to
understand New Tech‘s potential so
that they can advocate for us when
funding and other types of support
are available from the state.
When these visitors came, they
toured classrooms, observed the
students hard at work on projects,
and then ended with an informal
question and answer session with
the New Tech staff and the New
Tech Student Advisory Board.
Lunch was also provided for them,
and they discussed some things
more in depth and reviewed a
packet of information that included
brochures, press releases, and copies of articles from local media.
Senator Kostelka sent a letter
after their visit that said, ―I want to
congratulate you on Ruston High
School‘s excellent New Tech High
School and thank you for allowing
me to view it and speak with the
teachers and students involved. I
have already spoken to several people about this excellent program
and particularly how it engages the
interest and concentration of the
students involved. I intend to champion it at any opportunity and am as
proud as if I was an alumnus of
Ruston High.‖
A
Chatterbox
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Ruston High School
November 18, 2010
Page 6
Former Editor Visits Chatterbox
by Whitney Durrett
On November 4, 2010, Mrs. Nancy Bergeron visited the RHS Chatterbox staff
and discussed journalism with the Chatterbox staff. The purpose of her visit was to
help critique Chatterbox as the staff continues to improve the content, layout, and
writing of the newspaper. Mrs. Bergeron, a past editor of the Chatterbox, is currently employed at the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, where she is responsible for communications including preparing newsletters, magazines, and
other promotional print. She has many years of experience in the newspaper industry and truly cares about the quality of Chatterbox.
Mrs. Bergeron briefed the entire staff and gave specific tips to each staff member on how to improve the overall quality of the paper. In her own dynamic and
entertaining way, she kept all of the staff‘s attention as she expressed her opinion of
the quality of the newspaper. Specifically, she believes that the current staff has
done an excellent job this year so far and that Chatterbox has improved greatly
since last year. As was the case last year, Mrs. Bergeron provided the staff with
information that she believes will help them improve even more. Having a great
staff this year will help set the foundation for years to come!
All the staff listened attentively as Mrs. Bergeron spoke her words of wisdom
and experience to the staff. Now, the staff will take what they learned and continue
to work toward the goal of All-American with the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA).
Dear RHS – From Resume’
submitted by Max Cook
Resume’ Clubs Editor
Currently the yearbook staff still has yearbooks left over from last year that you
may purchase for $45. You can also pre-order yearbooks for this year for $40. If
you are interested in getting a personal ad, you can talk to Mrs. Strickler in room
208 for questions and details. Senior outdoor pictures are due by March 11, and I
suggest not waiting until the last minute to do this! If you have any questions,
please ask a member of our staff or contact Mrs. Strickler. Do not forget to preorder your 2010-2011 yearbooks! It can save you money and help keep memories
forever! GO CATS!
Ruston High School Online Training for Students and Teachers
Website: http://lincolnschools.simplek12.com/
Students' User ID is firstnamelastname and password is password.
LOGIN EXAMPLE: Randy Foster would be randyfoster and password.
Click CONTINUE to access online courses such as:
"What Students Need to Know About the Internet," Web 2.0 Tools, and Microsoft Office
Training.
If questions, please email Debbie Pender (dgpender@lincolnschools.org) or call her at
LPSB (255-1430).
Hard Work is Recognized
by Savannah Chrisman
Photographer
On November 8, 2010, the Academic Awards Banquet was held at the Ruston Civic
Center to honor the students who worked hard last year and received a 3.5 or higher for
the previous year. This year there were sixtytwo first year students who were announced,
forty-one second year students, and thirty-five third year students. The students came from
five different schools. The schools represented were Ruston High School, Grambling High
School, Dubach High School, Simsboro High School, and Choudrant High School. The
students were announced individually and they walked across the stage and were given a
certificate and a small little gift.
The banquet started off with Mrs. Paula Pardue welcoming everyone and then a meal
served. Next Mrs. Stephenson, Louisiana High School Teacher of the Year, talked and
analyzed a poem. After all the students were announced, Mr. Danny Bell, Superintendent
of Lincoln Parish School Board, made a few comments and that was the conclusion of the
banquet. The students learned that hard work truly does pay off and that it is good to work
hard and reach for their goals.
Rotary Club Winners
table provided by Polly Michelle Gwan
Academics Reporter
Month
Students
October
Elizabeth Sawyer
Valerie Wheat
November
December
Elizabeth Moore
Hannah Rose McIntire
TBA
January
TBA
February
TBA
March
TBA
April
TBA
May
TBA
T
Chatterbox
eacher Spotlights
Ruston High School
November 18, 2010
Name: Kim Goree
Position at RHS: Global Studies and World Geography
Family: Burl, Logan, Brannon, Elizabeth, and Fluffy
Pet peeve: Lazy people
High school attended/year: RHS 1988
College attended/major: LA Tech
Teaching experience: 10 years
Favorite team/sport: RHS Bearcats and NOLA Saints
Favorite Quote: ―Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.‖ -Mark Twain
If you could have one wish what would it be? For students to make the absolute most of their time here at RHS! It will go by way too
fast!
Most embarrassing moment: I had to learn at a young age to laugh at myself. Otherwise, there would be too many to list!
Name: Daryl M. Savage
Position at RHS: New Tech Algebra 1 and Geometry
Family: Misty (wife), Hayden (son) Allie (daughter)
High school attended/year: Weston High School 1987
College attended/major: LA Tech Marketing/Management
Favorite team/sport: Atlanta Braves Baseball
Favorite Quote: ―To be or not to be.‖
If you could have one wish what would it be? Impact students whom I come in contact with.
Is there anything you would like the students to know about you? I did have hair at one time!
Pet peeve: Being late to anything!
Name: Sarah Wages
Position at RHS: New Tech Biology
Family: Chad (husband) Luke and Benjamin (sons)
Clubs/organizations : Key Club
Teaching experience: RHS 5years
High school attended/year: Tioga High School 1999
Favorite childhood memory: Going to Gulf Shores with my family every summer!
College attended/major: LA Tech Biology
Most embarrassing moment: Wearing two different shoes to school and having a student tell me!
Favorite team/sport: LA Tech and Saints Football
Favorite Quote: ―No one can make you fell inferior without consent.‖
Is there anything you would like the students to know about you? I love teaching!
Pet peeve: Apathy!
Name: Kay Peters
Family: Just me and Larry… my dog
Position at RHS: New Tech, Animation/Visual Effects
Clubs/organizations: FBLA
High School attended/year: Jonesboro-Hodge High School, 1985
College attended/year: LA Tech, Business Education
Teaching experience: 4 years at RHS
Favorite childhood memory: Fall harvest of cotton on my grandfather‘s farm
Favorite team/sport: Bearcat Football and Baseball
Favorite Quote: ―Who looks outside dreams… who looks inside awakens‖ Carl Jung
If you could have one wish, what would it be? Travel the world
Pet Peeves: Cheaters!
Page 7
T
eacher Spotlights
Ruston High School
Chatterbox
November 18, 2010
Name: Lindsey Bolton
Position at RHS: Global Studies, English 1
Family: Jamie (husband) Charlie (cat)
Pet peeve: Complaining and laziness
High school attended/year: C.E. Bird 2005
College attended/major: LA Tech, Speech Communication
Teaching experience: 2 years at RHS
Favorite team/sport: LSU Football, Duke Lacrosse
Favorite Quote: ―Hope in a person. Truth has a heartbeat.‖ -The Common ground Band
If you could have one wish what would it be? To see all my students ―get it‖ and be successful in their own right.
Is there anything you would like the students to know about you? I like Boosie!
Name: Tara Turner
Position at RHS: All subjects in New Tech
High school attended/year: Kilbourne High School 1990
College attended/major: Northeast in Monroe, health and human performance with minor in History K-12
Most embarrassing moment: Falling off the top of a cheerleading pyramid when my mom centered a light pole in the parking lot
Favorite childhood memory: shelling beans on my grandmother‘s porch– early summer mornings– listening to her tell stories
Favorite team/ sport: any team my daughter participates in
Favorite Quote: ―The highest result of education is tolerance‖ -Helen Keller
If you could have one wish what would it be? To live in Italy… oh yeah and world peace
Pet peeves: Smacking and disrespectful people
Is there anything you would like the students to know about you? I am the lead singer in a band
Name: Mrs. Sutton
Position at RHS: English 4, Duel, AP European
High school attended/year: Hall High School 1970
College attended/major: LA Tech History
Favorite team/sport: LSU
Pet peeve: Your car came without turning lights
Name: Kelsey Whitlock
Family: Husband
Position at RHS: 9th grade World Geography
Club/organization you advise: Girls head soccer coach
High school attended/year: Tara High School 2005
College attended/major: LA Tech Social Studies Education
Teaching experience: 1st year teaching!
Favorite team/sport: Soccer; Saints
Most embarrassing moment: I don't really have one. I usually just laugh about it!
Page 8
T
Chatterbox
eacher Spotlights
Ruston High School
November 18, 2010
Page 9
Name: Kevin Nutt (a.ka. The Dark Nutt)
Position: Teacher (Civics, Free Enterprise, Psychology, AP Gov‘t, AP macro-economics
Family: Yes
Favorite subject: Anything to do with American History and politics
College/Major: LA Tech Univ., Management
Teaching Experience: Almost 10 years; Grades 6-12
Most embarrassing moment: I don‘t know, I block all of that out...That‘s why I teach psychology! :-)
Favorite childhood memory: Realizing that my dream was to teach annoying kids who give me surveys.
Favorite quote: ―To sin by silence makes cowards out of men.‖ - Abraham Lincoln
If you had one wish, it would be… to never fill out another survey!
Favorite thing about RHS: Small school atmosphere
Pet peeves: Little blonde females asking me to fill out Surveys.
Message to students: Please don‘t ever bring me surveys to fill out.
Any last words: I don‘t like filling out surveys, if you can‘t tell!
Name: Kari McGuire
Position at RHS: World Geography
Family: Kane (husband) Colin (son)
Club/organization you advise: Pom Squad
High school attended/year: West Feliciana High 2001
College attended/major: LA Tech, Secondary Education Social Studies
Favorite team/sport: LA Tech football
Most embarrassing moment: Rolling down the stairs in front of the juniors and seniors when I was a sophomore in high school
Favorite Quote: ―Let the world change you, and you can change the world.‖
If you could have one wish what would it be? For everyone in the world to have full bellies
Pet peeve: closed minded people and intolerance
Name: Heather (Hay) Reeder
Position at RHS: U.S. history (Dual, Honors, AP)
Family: Chad (husband), Hannah (daughter)
High school attended/year: Ruston High, 1997
Clubs/Organizations you advise: Varsity Cheerleaders, Competition Cheerleaders, Pepette Coordinator
College attended/major: Louisiana Tech, Bachelor‘s, Master‘s
Favorite childhood memory: Going to the bookstore with my Papaw or to the beach with my whole, crazy family!
Favorite team/sport: Ruston High Bearcats! Football and basketball
Favorite Quote: We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face. We
must do that which we think we can‘t.
Anything special: Ruston High has always been a big part of my life… I‘m a 3 rd generation Bearcat. My dad coached, taught and was
the assistant principal at RHS for 34 years and I met Coach Reeder on the middle of the football field! One of our daughter‘s first words
to spell: R-U-S-T-O-N (no joke)!
Name: Lynne Roberts
Position at RHS: Civics, Sociology, Free Enterprise, Softball
Family: Danny (husband), Samantha, Kristin, Jamie (daughters)
Pet peeve: Cranky people!
High school attended/year: Goldonna High School 1978
College attended/major: Northwestern State University, Counseling, Physical Education
Teaching experience: lots of years! (29)
Favorite team/sport: Softball (duh!)
Favorite Quote: ―You can‘t change your past but you can change your future!‖
If you could have one wish what would it be? Well winning the lottery would be nice!
Is there anything you would like the students to know about you? I love my students even when I am not smiling!
Favorite childhood memory: Playing softball in the summertime with my friends!
E
ditorials/Opinions
Ruston High School
Chatterbox
November 18, 2010
RHS PTA Gives Grants!
Library Tax: Had it failed….
by Amber Brown
Senior Editor
by Gray Taylor
Graphics Designer
Page 10
As of fall 2010, the Ruston High School PTA and Lincoln ACHIEVE have had four years of a positive and
productive partnership. Everyone who has ever received a
grant is extremely grateful for these two groups‘ commitments toward our school and the students‘ education!
These grants are given specifically to those groups who
have a purpose or goal and are striving to better all students in life as well as in education.
As a proud officer of FBLA, I am excited to say that
Mr. Bruner was one of the three advisers to stand up and
walk away with a giant check for about $1,000, which
will be going directly toward ―Resources for Education
and Leadership for FBLA‖. When asked about how he
felt once he found out about being a receiver of this grant,
he said, ―I really appreciate the PTA helping support
FBLA and our goal of helping students improve their
chances in our competitive events!‖ (RHS PTA rocks!)
Congratulations to the other two grant winners as well,
Mrs. Anita Greenwood, ―Picture This!‖, and Mrs. Missy
Wooley, ―Up, Up, and Away!‖ And hopefully no one
forgets to thank the grants‘ sponsors, Ricky Edminston,
Dr. Carolyn Talton, David Darland, Nancy Bergeron,
Lindsey B. Keith- Vincent, and Lucius McGehee.
The 2010-2011 grant process follows the same format
as the past three years, which awards up to $1,000 to the
selected group(s)- $500 from each partner (PTA and
ACHIEVE). There are two sets of grants given each
school year, one for each semester, and they are given to
help encourage and inspire both teachers and students in
the classroom to meet their original goals of success. I
believe that without these grants and without the PTA +
Lincoln ACHIEVE partnership, many of the school organizations would not be as strong as they are today! So,
thank you RHS PTA and Lincoln ACHIEVE!
On behalf of the students of Lincoln Parish , Chatterbox thanks Lincoln Parish voters
for passing the continuation of the library tax and avoiding the above possibility!
Don’t Try This At Home (Jack*** 3-D Review)
by Gray Taylor
Graphics/Design Editor
―WARNING: The following movie features stunts performed by trained professionals. Do not attempt anything you are about to see.‖
Yeah. Whatever. There is nothing ‗trained‘ or ‗professional‘ about self-mutilation for comedic purposes. As the old saying goes, ―It‘s all fun
and games until someone gets hurt…and then it‘s hilarious.‖ This movie is a prime example of that saying. The third entry (and hopefully
final, before they get themselves killed) in the Jack*** film franchise, this one takes the previous two movies and kicks it up a notch. It has
been almost ten years since the show aired on MTV, but it‘s great to see the guys are still up to their old tricks. Johnny Knoxville gets
maimed, Bam Margera terrorizes his parents, and Steve-O can‘t do anything without regurgitating. The cast follows their standard shenanigans while adding fresh new ways of being stupid and gross.
If you‘re a sick person like me who finds other people‘s pain amusing, then I can‘t recommend this movie enough.
But, if you‘re either squeamish or a complete film snob, then I strongly suggest that your stay away from this one.
Other than that, I give it 4 ½ out of 5 stars.
E
ditorials/Opinions
Ruston High School
Chatterbox
November 18, 2010
*GOBBLE*
by Lauren Townsend
Asst. News Editor
It‘s November! That is the time to get out of school for the Thanksgiving holiday. Thanksgiving means getting fat off
of Granny‘s cooking, jumping into your grouchy neighbors‘ leaf piles, and the annual ―Throw a Pumpkin Pie Slice at
Mom without Getting Caught‖ competition. The most renowned thing about Thanksgiving is its symbolized American
turkey. Besides knowing that this prestigious bird is delicious either stuffed and baked or chilled on a sandwich, what do
we know about the turkey? Let‘s find out.
First off, why is a turkey called a ―turkey‖? Moreover, isn‘t there a country called Turkey? The turkey‘s name was
actually a result of mistaken identity between the bird and the country. Four hundred years ago, the Spanish came to
America and found the bird. They decided to take it back to Europe with them, where the English confused the name
―turkey‖ as the name of the bird, not the country; thus, the turkey was named a turkey.
The American turkey isn‘t just famous for being eaten at Thanksgiving; it has a series of facts and tales throughout its
history. This bird is one of the most renowned birds in the country and is especially popular to cooks around the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. It is also the world‘s largest game bird. One of our country‘s fathers, Benjamin Franklin,
wanted to name the turkey as the U.S. national bird rather than the American Bald Eagle. He thought the turkey should
have the honor of being the nation‘s bird because it conserves its food, whereas the Bald Eagle just hunts and consumes
on the spot. Can you imagine your country‘s mascot being a turkey?
So what comes to mind whenever you think of a turkey? Probably a big, brown bird being stuffed and shoved into an
oven. However, there are more to turkeys than what pictures and holiday tales illustrate. For starters, there are a series of
terms and classifications that organize turkeys. The scientific name for the entire turkey genus and species is Meleagris
gallopavo; moreover, a male turkey is a ―tom‖ or ―gobbler‖, a female turkey is a ―hen‖, and a baby turkey is a ―poult‖.
There are two main types of turkeys; wild and domestic. What‘s the difference? A domestic turkey is twice as heavy as a
wild turkey. Another difference is that domestic turkeys are raised on farms for profits and are fattened up with feed.
Wild turkeys live in North America‘s forests where they feed on a variety of nuts, seeds, insects, and berries. Plus, a wild
turkey can actually fly! And no, it doesn‘t use pixie dust…
I‘m betting $5 that you‘ll probably look at your ―turkish‖ differently from now on. Remember to always give thanks to
your turkey; that‘s why they made turkey the main dish on ―Thanksgiving‖. Moreover, if you research holidays and their
key symbols, like Christmas and Christmas trees, you can learn about it then act smart around your friends and family.
Learning a little about something can make a holiday celebration ten times more enjoyable. So, enjoy your turkey for
Thanksgiving, Bearcats!
What’s a “Thanksgiving”?
by Lauren Townsend and Polly Michelle Gwan
Asst. Editor & Education Reporter
Pilgrims, Indians, autumn leaves, turkey dinner, stuffing… those are the words that probably come to mind when you
think ‗THANKSGIVING‘! Thanksgiving is the time, that time being the fourth Thursday of November as proclaimed by
the United States Congress in 1941, to give thanks to food and goods harvested and fixed conflicts. This year, Thanksgiving will be on November 25, 2010. Schools will be letting out for this ―thankful‖ holiday, allowing students to enjoy a
delicious turkey dinner with their families. Ruston High School students will be dismissed between the dates of Monday,
November 22 - Friday, November 26, 2010.
Special Thanks to Advertisers and Sponsors
by Elizabeth Smith
Business Manager
The Chatterbox adviser and staff would like to thank all those who have made publishing the Chatterbox possible.
Without the help of the advertisers and sponsors, Chatterbox would not have the funding required to print the paper.
A special thanks goes out to the following advertisers: Lincoln Achieve, Bestway, Driver‘s Ed, The Hairport, The
Strand, Turbo Goat, PowWow, Piney Hills Music, Geri G. Taylor, Nick Brown Show, Ruston Locker Room, Jim Taylor
Ford, Power House Tumble & Cheer of Ruston, Seeker Springs, Davis & Co Hair Salon, Crowder Concepts, McGivens,
New Tech at Ruston, King of Hearts, Pack & Mail, and The Avenue Christian Bookstore! :)
Also a special thanks to the following sponsors: Mark Bartlett LLC, First National Bank, Ruston High School Alumni
Association, Garrett Foundation, RHS FBLA, Lincoln Parish Sheriff‘s Office, Lloyd and Christy Bruner, and RHS Business Department! Chatterbox appreciates all of your donations. Thank you so much and the best of luck for your businesses!
Page 11
Giving Thanks
by Amy Gibson
Clubs Reporter
What are we thankful for?
The breaths we take everyday
What are we thankful for?
The people who show us love in every way
Are you thankful for the hand?
That holds yours tight when you‘re alone
Are you thankful for the words?
That are whispered to comfort your soul
Are you thankful for your family?
And for all those who provide
Are you thankful for those few friends?
Who keep it real and never lie
Are you thankful for the smiles?
That pass across your face
Are you thankful for your life?
And God‘s saving grace
Are you thankful for the guidance?
That is there to lead you home
Are you thankful for those who give?
And go beyond the definition of some
Give thanks for the fact that you‘re here
And remember the ones who helped you
Give thanks for all the love
And hold onto the hands that pulled you through
Give thanks to the grandmother
Who made you cookies and a glass of milk
Give thanks for the mother
Who made your sores better with her lips of silk
Give thanks for the father
Who was always there for your dreams
Give thanks for the siblings
Who drive you insane
Give thanks for the rainbow
And all the colors in between
Give thanks for love
And the different things it means
For all the things in life that are good
You‘ll find us giving thanks
But also for all the bad things in life
You‘ll find us giving thanks
E
Chatterbox
ditorials/Opinions
Ruston High School
November 18, 2010
Page 12
A Book for this “Generation”
Love
by Emily Moore
Arts Reporter
by Shamario Daniel
Club Reporter
For anyone looking for a good read, look no further than Generation
Dead by Daniel Waters. This novel, along with its sequels Kiss of Life and
Passing Strange, will be impossible to put down once you‘ve started reading it. This book brings some new material to the teen fiction scene. Last
month‘s book review introduced a novel about angels, but this month something much creepier is lurking.
Generation Dead by Daniel Waters is a new novel about the living dead,
who are also known as zombies. No, there are no vampires, werewolves,
mummies, or whatever other monster you can think of. This book is all
about zombies. For some unknown reason, teenagers around the country
have been getting up after they‘d already been pronounced dead! No one
knows why, and some people don‘t even care. Instead, they are focused on
torturing and, in some cases, exterminating the zombies.
Phoebe Kendall is not like most humans; she finds the zombies intriguing and even develops a relationship with one, Tommy. Some differently
―zombiefied‖ teens are more advanced in their ―living actions‖ than others. For example, some take
minutes to say three words, while some, like Tommy, can speak and move more quickly. The enemy in
this story is Pete Martinsburg, who is a bitter, angry high school teen with a personal grudge against
zombies. Some other interesting characters appear as zombie teens fight for their rights as people. They
may not be alive, but they won‘t give up the fight. This book enters from a new approach towards the
underworld of literature. Relating to the struggle of teenagers and acceptance, this book will make you
think. It is a gripping novel that is sure to leave you wanting more.
Love is something that is hard work;
It‘s something that makes your heart want to burst.
Love is something that can get so deep,
Like a seal deep in the sea.
Some people fall so deep in love,
They forget the ones who they love the most
And sometimes the person of your dreams can hurt you the
most.
That‘s the part in life that gets so bad;
You will lock yourself in your room and be sad for days.
Love the ones that have been by your side
That never let their love slide.
Lovers can sometimes be friends
And sometimes friendship can come to an end,.
That‘s the part that hurts the most
Because friends and family are the ones you love the most.
Treat love ones right while you can because no man knows
when this life can end.
Permanently Bruised
by Patricia Duhart
Social Reporter
You told me you loved me, but you didn‘t mean it.
It‘s funny now because I feel like I live in cement.
Everything is hard; everything is tough.
I‘m just waiting for the day when I‘ve had enough.
I fell for you big time; hard as a rock.
Too bad our relationship was a flop.
I‘m invisible to you; that I can see.
You walk past me as we were never meant to be.
We go our separate ways and act like it didn‘t happen.
As if me and you never sat back and
Talked all night, texted all day, and laughed about life
in certain ways.
We had good times, I do give you that.
You made me smile; now that‘s a fact.
I never thought it would end, but it did.
Hopefully one day we can be friends.
I miss you dearly; I swear I do!
I wish I could reverse time and go back to me and you!
One day hopefully but for now
I‘ll continue to walk around with a fake smile. :)
Gone but Not
Forgotten
by Jocria Thompson
Social Reporter
Even though you‘re gone,
You will never be forgotten.
You showed me right from wrong,
Even though I was spoiled rotten.
When no one was there for me,
You were always there to show me the way.
But that day you left,
I thought I was going to faint.
Even though you‘re gone,
You‘re not forgotten;
You will always have a place in my heart.
S
Chatterbox
tudent Center
Ruston High School
Islamophobia
submitted by Mayisha Nakib
RHS Student
November 18, 2010
1.6 billion Muslims in the world
57 Muslim countries
Millions of Muslims living in nonMuslim countries such as:
160 million in India
30 million in China
20 million in Russia
30 million in Europe
7 million in US.
I recall in some classroom political discussion, some
student suggested that the United States should make all Muslims
leave the country. I knew this kid since the second grade and
assumed perhaps he has forgotten. ―Excuse me? I am Muslim.‖
The student later apologized and I thought nothing of it, but what concerns me is this
same mentality in society results in madness. If we don‘t regard others with open minds, we will
step backwards in time. Remember when Obama ran for president, news reports screamed concern for his Muslim background. In August, a cab driver in New York was stabbed by his customer because the customer found out that the driver was Muslim. North Carolina congressional
candidate Renee Ellmers launched an ad where she uses the words ―terrorist‖ and ―Muslim‖ interchangeably. The Ruston mosque used to have its doors wide open until someone decided to
break in and destroy furniture as a hate crime. For the first time, the mosque had to install locks.
Even in our relatively small town of Ruston, Islamophobia has infected the populace like the flu.
What‘s more, few frown upon it like we would for racism and anti-Semitism. Society seems to
find hatred and fear towards Muslims perfectly acceptable behavior.
What‘s strange is that this very nation, founded upon freedom from prosecution due to
religious affiliation, to this day, has people prejudiced against Islam. The media is partly to
blame. As Mr. Nutt says one of the first things they teach you in journalism school is ―if it
bleeds, it leads.‖ The more tragic and ugly the news, the more you hear it, and consequently, AlQaeda related news gets quite a lot of TV time even though they consists of a tiny handful of
people in the greater mass of the Muslim population. Ever since, the view points of real Muslims
have been silenced by ―koran burners,‖ negative campaigns, and anti-mosque builders (not just
in New York but in London, France, Texas, etc).
Historian Daniel J. Boorstin once said ―The greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance; it is the illusion of knowledge.‖ In this case, people who believe the myths circulated
about Islam refuse to open their eyes to the truth about Islam. Most people fail to realize that
Islam shares several similarities with Christianity and Judaism. The Quran contains the stories of
Adam, Noah, David, and Jesus among other prophets (peace be upon them all). Muslims believe in the same stories written in the Bible and Torah, we just believe previous books have
changed over time and the Quran came to correct it.
The other day, someone asked me why she never read the Prophet Muhammad‘s (peace
be upon him) name in the Bible and my answer was that Muhammad came around six hundred
years after Christ. We believe he was the last in a series of prophets sent to mankind. Our book,
the Quran, remains in Arabic to prevent loss of meaning through translation. (If you translate
anything from one language to the next,
Allah – means ―God‖ in Arabic (Christians and Jews
you lose a significant chunk of the
who speak Arabic also use this term)
original). A few weeks ago, Rev. Deborah Ramsey made a sermon from the
Islam – the name of the religion means ―peaceful
First Community Church of Columbus,
submission to the will of God‖ in Arabic
Ohio calling for religious humility in
America. In response to the recent
Muslim – a follower of Islam
wave of Islamophobia taking over our
country, she says ―This has got to stop.‖
Quran – the Holy Book in Islam in Arabic means
She draws similarities between three
―The Recitation‖ and is also referred to as ―The
faiths by saying ―the Quran was written
Book,‖ ―The Revelation‖ and ―The Final Testament‖
during a time when the Muslim people
were driven out of their homes and persecuted, the Old Testament was written during a time
when the Jewish people were driven out of their homes and persecuted;‖ the same she says for
the New Testament. From the other side, American Muslims part of Islamic Society of North
America (ISNA) and Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) are trying to build bridges of
peace by distributing food in poor neighborhoods where supplies are needed, providing shelter,
and other service projects. Speakers like Moez Masoed call for universal human understanding
saying ―we all have a common denominator; our numerators are different if I may use a mathematical term.‖ To Islamophobes out there, let me remind you that ―the war is on terror, not on
Islam.‖ To the rest of us, let us call for an end to the hatred around us. Together, let us hope that
the voice of peace will rise above the voice of hatred.
Common Myths about Islam
All Muslims are terrorist.
Just in case we should make
them leave the country anyway.
It would solve our problems.
Islam teaches violence.
Muslims hate America.
Muslims do not condemn the 911 attacks.
Page 13
Response
Refer to the population box on this article. 1.6
billion?… trust me, they‘re not all terrorist.
(There‘s only a few hypocritical lunatics manipulating religion for politics, but there‘s
also crazy criminals in every religion. Timothy McVeigh anyone?)
Remember the Trail of Tears and Japanese
Internment? Do you really want to repeat
that?
Holy Quran: ―whosoever kills another, surely
he is killing all of mankind, and whosoever
saves the life of another, surely he has saved
all of mankind.‖ 5:32
Then why do 7 million of us live here?
And why do around 4000 Muslims serve in
the US armed forces?
Why did Muslims die on 9-1l in the twin
towers and on the plane including an employee in the WTC who‘s wife gave birth to
their first child two days later along with a
hopeful Muslim woman on the plane seven
months pregnant with her first child.
Actually, every single Islamic institution has
spoken against the 9-11 attacks saying it was
a tremendous crime that has nothing to do
with Islam. This includes several Islamic
scholars around the world from Indonesia to
America and includes the chairman of Saudi
Arabia‘s judicial council. Muslims and scholars around the world are disgusted that the
persons involved used God‘s name.
That being said, the entirely un-Islamic matter
was entirely political for a certain corner of
the world and the politicians who control
Afghanistan (and at the time Iraq) had their
own opinions and decided to silence any
opinion that contradicts their own…
There is actually a family in Ruston who had
to deal with that issue and decided to run for
it (and come here) risking their own lives as
well as the lives of their children.
Muslims do not know what
their own religion says.
Islam is sexist.
In order to be Muslim, we must pray five
times a day and in order to do that, we must
recite from memory parts of the Quran. Whoever says Muslims do not know their own
religion has never met one.
Notice the Average Saudi Couple:
BBC.co.uk
Note that both of them are wearing more or
less the same thing?
Also notice what Islam forbids:
If you ask me, the woman in the censored
image is sexist to herself.
S
Chatterbox
ervice and Social
Ruston High School
Key Club Helps Out With UNICEF
November 18, 2010
submitted by Mrs. Sarah Wages
Key Club Adviser
Key Club members participated in the 60th annual Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF during the month of October. They raised over
$300 to assist Operation Uruguay, a project helping impoverished teens by providing education and health services. The service
project for November will be helping our local Kiwanis club prepare for their Pancake Day fundraiser. Each year, Key Club prepares close to 1,000 takeout boxes of pancakes and help the Kiwanis members cook bacon and sausage. This year was no exception as members met on November 12, 2010 at the Ruston Civic Center for Kiwanis Pancake Day. For December, members will
be collecting items for Operation Christmas Child. Members are reminded not to forget to bring two items to Mrs. Wages. December also brings our annual assistance with a Christmas party for teens at the Methodist Children's Home. Key Club thanks
RHS students, faculty, and staff for your support in our service projects!
Keywanettes Serve at Supper
submitted by Mary Glenn Lyons
Keywanettes Secretary
On, October 26, 2010, the Ruston High School Keywanettes served at the Poor Man‘s Supper at the Ruston Civic Center. The
junior and senior girls enjoyed serving food, refilling drinks, and visiting with some of Ruston‘s best. The Poor Man‘s Supper also
included a silent auction offering assorted gifts from businesses around town. Although most of us didn‘t take part in the silent
auction, we enjoyed serving our community and being involved in such a great fundraiser for a great cause.
KOM Service and Social Event
submitted by Chris Taylor
KOM Member
KOM Program Mentors and freshmen will be working together on a community service project to help 32 of
our local elementary students have a special start to the Christmas holidays. Each team of students will be responsible for donating 2 gift-filled boxes to the cause. We ask that all freshmen bring one or more items by November 29th. Students have been given information regarding the kids‘ ages, gender, etc. as well as a list of gift
ideas to help make appropriate gift purchases.
To coincide with our community service project, KOM will hold a social event, the Santa Workshop Party, on November 30th from 4:30-6 p.m. in the girls‘ gym. All mentors and freshmen will wrap gift boxes and celebrate the holidays with fun and games. Afterwards, the students and their KOM group are invited to attend the Ruston vs. Ouachita
Basketball Game, starting at 6 p.m. for the girls and 7 p.m. for the boys. Student tickets will be sold at a reduced rate
for this game.
GOT Halloween?
by Polly Michelle Gwan and Amber Brown
Academics Reporter and Senior Editor
On October 30, 2010 the GOT team participated in the 2010 Hot Halloween Happenings located at the old Ruston
Fire Department. The GOT team had the opportunity to set up groups at various old fire trucks and play with the kids.
―We let the kids honk the fire horns and we got to wear commander vest.. It was really fun!‖ said GOT president, Jordan
Crume. The following members also had the opportunity to participate in this great community service
program: Mary Cox (Vice-President), Kate Warner
(Secretary), Aaron Boresma, Hayley Maxwell, Lauren Slaughter, Morgan Stanley, Kristen Clark, Sam
McIntire, Jake Kyte, Ashyln Thompson, and Charis
Kennedy. There were many other GOT members
from various schools who participated in the Halloween Happenings. ―GOT is opened to any student,‖ explained Jordan Crume. ―It was founded by
the students and is for teenagers who want to prevent underage drinking‖. If you would like be a part
of the program feel free to email Jenny Crume at
jcrume@latech.edu.
Page 14
PYPM in Action
by Shamario Daniel
Club Reporter
PYPM members are on a roll! They are
teaching and doing hands-on activities to
show the kids at Ruston Elementary how to
be safe. Car safety should be practiced more
in the world; statistics say that there was
nearly 6,420,000 auto accidents in the
United States in 2005. The financial cost of
these crashes was more than $230 billion
dollars. More than 2.9 million people have
been injured and 42,636 people have been
killed. About 115 people die every day in
vehicle crashes in the United States, which
calculates into one death every 13 minutes.
PYPM participants used a series of activities to teach kids safety. For example, Brittany White built a car out of a card board
boxes to show the kids at Ruston Elementary the safest seat to sit in when riding in a
car, van, or truck. The car had seat belts so
the kids could practice buckling it in.
PYMP continues to teach students how to
protect themselves in different situations.
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Chatterbox
November 18, 2010
Turbo Goat
301 N. Trenton
(318)255-1538
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Chatterbox
Ruston High School
November 18, 2010
RHS FFA Attend National Convention
Page 16
by Robert Gilbert
FFA Reporter
During the week of October 18th – October 23rd Ruston FFA traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana for the annual National
FFA Convention. The fifteen hour drive on the packed bus was hectic but comfortable. We stopped to eat, stretch, and see
some really neat attractions along the way. First was the Corvette factory in Bowling Green, Kentucky. We witnessed an
actual Corvette car being made beginning to end. Piece by piece the car went from just a frame to a road monster.
Next we stopped at the Lost River cave, where some members rode in a boat through the mysterious underground caverns. Finally we arrived at the Convention Center, where there were over 50,000 people in attendance. Everywhere you
looked there was an FFA member in their official dress. When you slept at night, you dreamed of people in the blue jackets. It was breath taking to see how many members the organization has and this was just a few members from each chapter from all over the nation.
We attended many leadership workshops which gave us the insight of how to be a better and more successful leader.
Also we were able to sit in on the national speaking and parliamentary events. The top teams from each state come to compete in Prepared Speaking, Gulf of Mexico, Extemporaneous Speaking, and Parliamentary Procedure events.
Attending the 83rd FFA Convention during open ceremonies showed how big the FFA really is. There are over 525,000 (From left to right): Taylor Rose, Savannah Best,
members in the U.S. and there were people from every state. We dined at some amazing places from the Steak-and-Shake Annabelle Grossman, Will Edmiston, Mercedes
to the very tasty restaurant of Harry and Izzy‘s. Meeting new people, coming closer as a chapter, and making priceless Fife, Seth Wells, Robert Gilbert, and Mr. Milstead.
memories was how we spent the week. We left at 7:00 pm on Friday night and got home at 9:00 am Saturday morning. It
was a trip of a lifetime and I encourage FFA members to go.
4-H
submitted by Darby Rowland
Club Reporter
Ruston 4-H had several students participate in contests and events. Taylor Brazzel won 3rd place for Best Trained Dog and Best
Dressed Dog at the 4-H Pet Show held October 7th at Railroad Park. Katherine Ann Remides placed at the 4-H Talent Show in the Vocal
competition. Colton Boothe, Rachel Cowell, Sara Jones, Aubrey Simmons, Rebecca Wheelis, Alicia White, and Jasmine White participated in the Louisiana State Fair events, assisting the Lincoln Parish 4-H Club with AgMagic, an educational project.
During December, the RHS 4-H Club will be partnering with RHS LYFE to sponsor a Sock Drive to benefit the HUB. The
Officers: Aubrey Simmons, Community
HUB is an urban ministry to the homeless people of Shreveport. 4-H encourages all members to participate by bringing new/ Service Chairperson; Hannah Tinsley, Presiunused socks to donate. The sock drive will begin on November 29 th and end on December 10th. Collection boxes will be placed
dent; Amber Wyatt, Vice-President, and
outside the classrooms of Mrs. Howell, Mrs. Tinsley, and Mrs. Thomason.
Darby Rowland, Reporter.
Texting & Driving
is it really worth your life?
Law 665
No use of cell phones by novice drivers 17 or younger.
Fines for breaking Law 665: $417 - $492!
25-30% of accidents are caused by drivers distracted by cellphones.
Don’t text and drive!
Brought to you by……………
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Chatterbox
lubs/Organizations
Ruston High School
November 18, 2010
Page 17
Halloween Happenings are Hot
by Danielle McCoy
Ruston FBLA Chapter 617 President
On Saturday, October 30, 2010, Ruston High School Future Business Leaders of America
(FBLA) and the Ruston Fire Department held the annual ―Hot Halloween Happenings
(HHH)‖ event as part of the Students Appreciating Safe Streets (SASS) program. This community service project is designed to teach younger students about the importance of fire
safety, while providing them with fun activities to participate in. One activity was the ―Flame
Soaker‖ booth that awarded candy for putting out candle flames with water guns. This booth
demonstrated to children how to put out a flame while staying as far away as possible.
This year‘s turnout for HHH was the best yet. More than 600 children, chaperoned by their
parents, attended this year. Sixty-eight FBLA members and seventeen Ruston firemen were
on site helping to provide the kids with a fun filled day. FBLA members were excited to help
and reminisced on how much fun the community service project has been in the past years.
HHH was clearly a hit with all the families that showed up with their costume dressed children. With attendance growing each year, Ruston FBLA hopes to add even more games next
year.
Hot Halloween Happening‘s success required a lot of planning by the Fire Department and
RHS FBLA. Meetings were held to discuss the games and activities that were going to be
provided, how to run the day, and how to keep everyone safe during the event. Mr. Eric
Brazzel, Education Officer for the Ruston Fire Department, was a great key in working with
FBLA to ensure that Hot Halloween Happening was an enjoyable day for everyone. The assistance from all FBLA members and the entire fire department was greatly appreciated, and
everyone should be applauded for the time and work put into making this event a large success.
In addition to thanking Mr. Brazzel, thanks goes out to Mr. Bruner for dedicating so much
time and work into making Hot Halloween Happenings an organized and enjoyable event.
Even though FBLA members ran the booths and activities, Mr. Bruner provided invaluable
advice and kept everyone organized and on task. Hot Halloween Happenings is unquestionable proof that when FBLA members get together, they can accomplish great things.
PCI is on the Rise
by Shamario Daniel
Club Reporter
PCI has done many interesting things so far during their meetings. They
meet during advisory once a month and every other Tuesday after school to
plan various activities and do fun things like making things out of marshmallows. The members are all excited about being in PCI because of the fun activities planned by the officers and the Louisiana Tech students, which are designed to improve brain power. PCI has had three club competitions, one being
the Egg drop competition. The winner of this yolky race was Audrianna Gunn.
Congratulations Audrianna! Another competition PCI partook in was the
Marshmallow tower, in which there were three categories: the tallest tower
with Chris Eddy as the winner, the prettiest and strongest which went to Diamond Melton, and the most creative which was won by Nataja Hunter and
Alex Cockerham. The last competition was the NSBE trivia competition, and
everyone won that. Good Job PCI!
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Chatterbox
he Arts
Ruston High School
November 18, 2010
Page 18
Band Brings Bearcats Pride
by Emily Moore
Arts Reporter
Last month the Bearcat band traveled to compete against other Northern Louisiana high school bands.
On October 23, the band and color guard came to the school to practice. They loaded up two buses
around 3:00 pm and headed to Columbia. Band members stayed quiet and focused on what they needed
to do for the two hour trip. Band members from Caldwell Parish High School were assigned to greet
each band upon arrival and direct them.
The Ruston High band had about thirty minutes to kill and enjoyed the other bands that were performing. At 5:30 pm, all members went back to the bus to get focused. Caldwell High even had a place for the
bearcats to warm up. Around 6:25 pm, the band marched into the stadium. They performed with the
theme of ―Spies and Mysterious People‖; they started with the ―X-Files‖ theme and then converged to
―Mission Impossible‖. ―James Bond (For Your Eyes Only)‖ and ―Live and Let Die‖ completed the composition. After the performance, the band found seats in the stands to wait for the results. They didn‘t
have to wait long. Drum majors Christian Amos and Andrew Serio, along with Paul Hinton, McKenzie
Rhodes, and Christian Dillard, made their way to the field to accept awards on behalf of the Ruston High
band. The band was then called to attention and answered ―BEARCAT PRIDE!‖ They listened anxiously
for the scores and yelled proudly when they heard the results: Drum Major-1; Percussion-1; Auxilary-2;
Overall Band-1.The bus ride back was filled with laughter and discussion, and a sense of accomplishment, as well as exhaustion, filled the air. The Bearcats worked hard and it paid off, but they weren‘t
done yet.
On Tuesday, October 26, the band members loaded up on the bus again to travel to University of Louisiana Monroe. Upon arrival, the band got ready and set up to practice. They marched into the stadium
and onto the field with full focus. They performed their composition with flying colors; and despite their
worry, they pulled off some spectacular scores: Percussion-1; Auxilary-1;Overall Band-2, 2, & 1.The
Ruston band was one of the smallest schools at both competitions, but they had more heart and pride for
their music and school than many of the others there. They represented well and made Ruston proud.
Singing with Celebrities
by Emily Moore
Arts Reporter
The Ruston High School choir is more active than ever. Mindy Martin, the new
choir teacher came in this year and brought new exciting things. Under her direction,
the choir has gone a long way and they‘re only heading for more success. Out of 3,100
people to audition for ACDA national honor choir; four of Ruston‘s own made it.
Adam Ramachandran made it in the junior honor choir. Aisha Jackson is now a member of the ACDA women‘s honor choir. Chris Taylor and Andrew Serio made the men‘s honor choir.
They will travel to Chicago to perform their beautiful music. On December 6, 2010, the choir will have
their annual Coffee, Cakes, & Carols. This will be held at the Civic Center in Ruston, and begins at 7:00
pm and costs $10.00.
If you‘ve kept up with Chatterbox articles on the choir, then you know that Ms. Martin has arranged
for Charles Bruffy, conductor of the Kansas City Chorale, the Kansas City Symphony Chorus, the Phoenix Chorale, and the Director of Music at Rolling Hills Presbyterian Church, to come to Ruston High
School. He was awarded the ASCAP‘s Adventurous Programming award. In 2008, the Phoenix chorale
and he received a Grammy Award for ―Best Performance by a Small Ensemble‖. Mr. Bruffy will be
holding a three day workshop for the Ruston High choir on February 24 th, 25th, and 26th.
That isn‘t all that Ms. Mindy has set up. Valerie Naranjo is a percussionist, vocalist, and composer of
Native American decent and a resident of Manhattan, New York, and she is coming to Ruston High
School. She plays percussion and arranges for the Saturday Night Live Band and has recorded and performed with Broadway's The Lion King. Naranjo is traveling all the way to Ruston, Louisiana, to work
with the bearcat choir on March 17th and 18th. A few of the Ruston High percussionists will be lucky to
meet Valerie Naranjo and get a few tips as well. Before she leaves on her flight back
to Manhattan to play for ―Saturday Night Live‖, she will attend Ruston High‘s
―Bearcats on Broadway‖ performance of The Lion King in March.
It is clear that Ms. Mindy Martin has outdone herself! She has brought new
changes to the Bearcat choir and taken it to a new level. The choir is busier than ever
and will be for the remainder of the year. They have big plans and are on top of
them all. They‘ve done marvelously and will continue to do so. Keep making the
Bearcats proud, choir!
We have all your music
needs at
Piney Hills Music!!
214 N. Trenton Street
232-3002
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Chatterbox
enior Spotlights
Ruston High School
November 18, 2010
Page 19
Name: Max Cook (Cookie!)
Age:17
Family: Michelle Renee Fife (Mom), Rebecca Norris (sister)
Favorites...
Subject: Cooking Movie: Step Brothers Animal: Liger Color: Red Book/Magazine: The Lakehouse by James Patterson
Quote: ―It‘s not a purse, it‘s a satchel. Indiana Jones wears one.‖ -The Hangover
What do you like best about RHS: Game days
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: FBLA, German Club, Yearbook, Track
College plans: Culinary school at BPCC
Your hero: Sonic, the Hedgehog
Name: Fre‘Drecia Payne (Drecia)
Age:17
Family: Barbara (Mom), Frederick (Dad), Allana (sister), Rico (brother)
Favorites...
Movie: Love & Basketball Animal: Tiger Color: Purple Book/Magazine: Hotlanta Series
Quote: ―Just because I believe you doesn‘t mean I trust you & if I ever stop believing you I‘ll never truly trust you‖
What do you like best about RHS: Football games, Pep Rallies, seeing friends
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Pom Squad, Leading Lincoln, COE, Ambassadors, FCA, 4-H, KOM, Peer Leaders, First Priority
College plans: ULL or TCU/ Nursing
Your hero: God
Name: Will Byargeon (Itan)
Age: Ninjas never age
Family: Ninjas don‘t have family
Favorites...
Movie: The good ninja ones Animal: To kill: Dragons Color: Dark black Book/Magazine: Chatterbox
Most embarrassing moment: Ninjas don‘t get embarrassed
What do you like best about RHS: So many easy targets
College plans: LA Tech/ Engineering; graphics design
Name: Heather Strawbridge (Strawberry)
Age: Take a guess
Family: Joy (Mom), James (Dad), Amanda (sister), Chris (brother)
Favorites...
Subject: Math Animal: Wolf Color: Blue Book/Magazine: Too many books to name
Quote: ―Everyone has a photographic memory, some don‘t have film‖ -Anonymous
Most embarrassing moment: Being slung off my horse at my first barrel run.
What do you like best about RHS: My favorite teachers and friends
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: FFA and FBLA
College plans: Horse Trainer
Name: Preyesh Govin
Age: 18
Family: Shila (Mom), Bob (Dad), Ravi (brother)
Favorites...
Subject: World History Movie: National Treasure Animal: Mr. Bruner Color: Blue
Quote: ―If she‘s amazing, she won‘t be easy. If she‘s easy, she‘s not amazing. If she‘s worth it, you won‘t give up. And if you give up, you
aren‘t worthy.‖ -Lisa Patel
Most embarrassing moment: Falling on the front steps Freshman year (original)
What do you like best about RHS: Leaving at 1:25
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: FBLA (4 years), Spanish Club
College plans: ULL/ Business Management
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Chatterbox
enior Spotlights
Ruston High School
November 18, 2010
Name: Jasmine Terrika Tibbs (Tibby)
Age: 18
Family: Mom, Dad, 3 sisters, 4 brothers
Favorites...
Subject: Anything to do with social studies Movie: Baby Boy Color: Purple
Quote: ―Life is a beach and your just playing in the sand.‖ -Lil Wayne
Most embarrassing moment: Running into Mrs. Norton‘s door head first while talking
What do you like best about RHS: Being a senior and getting out at 1:25 or 12:55 on Fridays
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: FBLA, BUMS, Diamond Girls
College plans: University of Lafayette/ Criminal Justice; National Guard
Your hero: My Grandmother
Name: Samantha Talbert
Age: 17
Family: Drew & Dena (Parents), Hannah (sister), Cade (brother)
Favorites...
Subject: World History with Mrs. Sutton! Movie: Pride & Prejudice Color: Purple
Quote: ―Life is a journey, not a destination.‖ -Harold Talbert
Most embarrassing moment: When my ―calculator‖ went off in STEM with the ringtone ―Party in the U.S.A.‖
What do you like best about RHS: Being a Senior & having 5 classes!
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: FBLA & RHS Choir -not athletic
College plans: LA Tech or LSU/ Biological Science
Your hero: Mrs. Humphries for getting me through my crazy junior year
Name: Kasiya McCallister
Age: 18
Family: Marietta (Mom), Tunja, Kesha, & Anna (sisters), Tious (brother)
Favorites...
Subject: English Movie: Love and Basketball Animal: Dogs (yorkies) Color: Purple Book/Magazine: Uncle Tom’s Cabin
Quote: ―Everything is possible through Christ‖
What do you like best about RHS: Leaving at 1:25
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Football (trainer)
College plans: Cosmetologist
Your hero: God
Name: Stephany Arias
Age: 19
Family: Milagro Pyle (Mom), Jeni (Sister), Michael Arias (son)
Favorites...
Subject: Chatterbox Movie: pretty much everything Animal: Dogs Color: Purple Book/Magazine: A Walk to Remember
Quote: ―From success you get a lot of things, but not that great inside thing that love brings you ―
What do you like best about RHS: Pep Rallies
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: FBLA
College plans: LA Tech/ Psychology or Business
Your hero: God and my family
Name: Angelica Williams (Jelly)
Age: 17
Family: Angela (Mom), 6 brothers, 3 sisters
Favorites...
Subject: English Movie: Baby Boy Animal: Snake Color: Red Book/Magazine: A Child Called It
Quote: ―If you focus on what you left behind you will never see what lies ahead‖
Most embarrassing moment: Me being embarrassed...NEVER!
What do you like best about RHS: Getting out early
College plans: GSU/ Criminal Justice
Your hero: Fantasia Barriono
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Chatterbox
enior Spotlights
Ruston High School
November, 18 2010
Name: Marcus Hollyfield (Young Holy)
Age: 17
Family: Kisha (Mom), Marion (sister)
Favorites...
Subject: English IV Movie: John Legend Animal: Dogs Color: Black Book/Magazine: Ruston Daily Leader (lol)
Quote: ―If it doesn't make dollars, then it doesn‘t make sense‖
What do you like best about RHS: The teachers
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: FFA all day
College plans: Vo-Tech/ Welding
Your hero: My Mama
Name: Melissa Traylor (Lissa, Me-Me, Missy)
Age: 18
Family: Mable (Mom), Elroy (Dad), Margaret (sister), Marlena (niece), Lamarcus (nephew)
Favorites...
Subject: Science Movie: Love and Basketball Animal: Rabbit Color: Blue Book/Magazine: A Child Called “It”
Most embarrassing moment: Gave a customer raw fries by accident at work
What do you like best about RHS: The encouragement teachers give you to push you forward to be ahead of the game
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: FBLA
College plans: Major in Nursing
Your hero: God, Mom, sister
Name: Melissa Ramsaur
Age: 17
Family: James (Dad), Laura (Mom), Matthew & John (brothers)
Favorites...
Subject: Music Movie: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy Animal: Beluga Whale Book/Magazine: The Bible a.k.a the Book of Life
Most embarrassing moment: The first day of school my junior year, my car rolled in a ditch in the freshman parking lot. Thankfully, Daniel
Cason & Matt Cardenas helped push me out.
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Advanced Choir, NHS, KOM, Keywannettes, FCA
College plans: NSU/ Musical Theatre
Your hero: Jesus Christ
Name: Amber Renée Grace Brown (Brownie)
Age: 17
Family: Mr. and Mrs. Bruner, Jordan Bruner, Jadon Gray, Mrs. C. Martin, Emily Moore, Christian Amos, Natasha Alva,
Dustin Thomas, Alexis Baldwin, ―The Mayfields‖, Julie Marsden, and Trevor Brown
Favorites...
Subject: Algebra III Movie: Finding Nemo Animal: Zebra (duh) Book/Magazine: Redeeming Love by Fancis Rivers
Quote: ―I‘m the type of girl that will bust out laughing in dead silence, about something that happened….yesterday!‖
What do you like best about RHS: The diversity and acceptance of everyone here!
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: FBLA, Chatterbox, Keywannettes, and Leading Lincoln
College plans: LA Tech/ major: Photo Journalism; minor: Education
Your hero: My Grandparents
Name: Audrianna Gunn (Pooh)
Age: 17
Family: Tamara Gunn (Mom), Marquez Corprue (brother), Amiette & Ricky Combs (Grandparents)
Favorites...
Subject: English Movie: ATL Animal: Winnie the Pooh Color: Pink Book/Magazine: Jet Magazine
Most embarrassing moment: When my dress flew up when I sat down in the auditorium (Homecoming Court 2008)
What do you like best about RHS: Game days; the people/ teachers
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Pom Squad, LYFE, PCI, 4-H, Diamond Girls
College plans: LA Tech/ Education; I want to be a Kindergarten teacher
Your hero: God, my Papa, & my Mother
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Chatterbox
enior Spotlights
Ruston High School
November 18, 2010
Name: Emma-Lee Harris (Emma)
Age: 17
Family: Mom, Dad, little brother
Favorites...
Subject: German Movie: Short Circuit Animal: Cats Color: Black Book/Magazine: The Host by Stephanie Meyer
Most embarrassing moment: Standing in front of a class to tell off these boys who had been annoying to me.
What do you like best about RHS: That certain classes become like a family
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: FFA, German, LYFE
College plans: To become a vet
Your hero: Steve Irwin
Name: Markia Patton
Age: 18
Family: D. Patton (brother), Christy (Mom), Branson (brother), Pooh (sister)
Favorites...
Subject: Math Movie: Love & Basketball Animal: Dog Color: Pink Book/Magazine: The Lovely Bones
Most embarrassing moment: Falling out of the chair in the cafeteria freshman year
What do you like best about RHS: Sports
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Student Council
College plans: ULL/ Nursing
Your hero: Mom
Name: Cartez Campbell (I.T.A.N.)
Age: 17
Favorites...
Animal: Bear Color: Black
Quote: ―Stay in school kids, it‘s easier to find you that way‖
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: FFA, FBLA
College plans: Columbia/ Robotic Engineer
Your hero: Bear
Name: Gray Taylor
Age: Eternal Youth!
Favorites...
Subject: Me Movie: Too many to name! Animal: Tyrannosaurus Rex Color: Mud Book/Magazine: I can‘t read
Quote: ―IT‘S A TRAP!!‖ -Admiral Ackbar
Most embarrassing moment: When I came to school in my underwear! Oh, wait, that was a dream.
What do you like best about RHS: The ladies
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: FBLA, Chatterbox, Justice League
Your hero: The Batman!
Name: Ashley Davison (Textbook, Blondie, Ash-bash, qtpie)
Age: 17
Family: Todd & Renee (Parents), Brittany (sister), Thomas (brother), Harley (dog)
Favorites...
Subject: Biology II AP Movie: Sweet Home Alabama Color: Purple
Quote: ―We were in SPEEEEEECH!‖
What do you like best about RHS: Fabs, Winnie, & Morgan Bell
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Cheerleading, Student Council, Keywannettes, Key Club, Diamond Girls, FCA, Fab 5
College plans: UGA or UT/ Business
Your hero: Coach Gressett
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Chatterbox
enior Spotlights
Ruston High School
November 18, 2010
Page 23
Name: Samantha Dosher
Age: 17
Family: Karl, Lisa, Melissa, Timothy
Favorites...
Subject: Biology Animal: Penguin Color: Green
Quote: ―Some friends become enemies. Some friends become your family. Make the best with what you‘re given. This isn‘t dying. This is
living!‖
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Band, FBLA, Spanish Club, First Priority
College plans: LA Tech/ Nursing
Name: Jade Hardy
Age: 17
Family: Jasmine Hardy, Alex Osborne, Patricia, Danille McCoy
Favorites…
Movie: Save the Last Dance Animal: Cheetah Color: Red Book/Magazine: Rikki Tikki Tavi
Quote: ―What doesn‘t kill you will make you stronger‖
What do you like best about RHS: Football/ Basketball season
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Basketball (9th, 10th)
College plans: GSU/ Child Psychology
Your hero: GOD!
Name: Shelby Caryol Eggen
Age: 17
Family: Stan (Dad), Tina (Mom), Sloane & Paige (sisters)
Favorites...
Subject: Biology Movie: Up Animal: I don‘t like animals Color: Baby blue Book/Magazine: The Giving Tree
Quote: 1 Peter 5:8-9
What do you like best about RHS: Being a Senior
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Varsity cheer, Comp. squad, FCA, LYFE, First Priority
College plans: LA Tech, Baylor/ Biology
Your hero: Heather Reeder
Name: Austin Wright
Age: 18
Family: Scott, Marcie, & Baylee Wright, Pudge (dog)
Favorites...
Subject: Biology Movie: The Waterboy Animal: My Golden Retriever, Pudge Color: Red Book/Magazine: Sports Illustrated
Quote: ―SMB, SYB‖
What do you like best about RHS: Bio II AP class
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Football, Track, FCA, Dare Role Model, KOM
College plans: Undecided/ Kinesiology
Your hero: Nick Richardson. He‘s sooo cool
Name: Rachel Hill
Age: 17
Family: Joe (Dad), Edith (Mom), Katherine and Alison (sisters), Simba (dog), Pits (cat)
Favorites...
Subject: Biology AP Movie: Step Brothers Animal: Charles & Darwin Color: Rainbow Book/Magazine: Time Traveler’s Wife
Quote: ―SMB, SYB‖
What do you like best about RHS: Fab 5 plus Winnie
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Varsity Soccer, NHS, Keywannettes, Yearbook, Fab 5, Leading Lincoln
College plans: Clemson or Tulane; Spanish
Your hero: Katherine Hill
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Chatterbox
enior Spotlights
Ruston High School
November 18, 2010
Page 24
Name: Taylor Kaufman (TK)
Age: 17
Family: Ammi (Mom), Don (Dad), Madison & Tara (sisters), Anna Hall (twin), Jake Kyte (pet narwhal)
Favorites...
Subject: 3rd hour Animal: Mrs. Sutton Color: Pink Book/Magazine: Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard
Most embarrassing moment: Passing out at AEP during the choir trip
What do you like best about RHS: Big parallel parking places; Spanish III celebrations
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Swimming, Basketball, KOM, Ambassadors, Keywanettes, NHS, Choir
College plans: Undecided
Your hero: Mrs. Wooley
Name: Andrew Serio
Age: 17
Family: John (Dad), Ronna (Mom), Ben, John, Grant, and Chris (brothers), Rose (sister)
Favorites...
Subject: Band/Choir Movie: The Incredibles Animal: Pomeranians Book/Magazine: Children of the Mind by Orson Scott Cord
Quote: ―I need your help.‖
Most embarrassing moment: Turning the mikes off in church in the middle of mass. I thought they weren‘t on, turns out they were.
What do you like best about RHS: Definitely the people
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Band, Choir, NHS
College plans: Major in Music
Name: Holly Grigsby
Age: 18
Family: Kevin Nutt (Dad), Casey Jean Pierce (sister), Stephen Zhong (brother), Josh Phillips & Matthew Sanders (pet monkeys)
Favorites...
Subject: Biology II AP Movie: Toy Story 3 Animal: Mrs. Sutton Color: Heliotrope Book/Magazine: The Count of Monte Cristo
Most embarrassing moment: When Mr. Nutt got so angry at me and Josh for accidently tearing his Reagan poster that he threw his trash can
across the room.
What do you like best about RHS: Fab 5 & Winnie
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: Keywanettes, Spanish Club, The Fab 5
College plans: Biomedical Engineering
Your hero: Nancy Pelosi...JK! She ―lacks quality‖
Name: Morgan Bell (Morganbell, Mo-Bell)
Age: 17
Family: Mona (Mom), Joe (Dad), Dustyn and Trent (brothers), Tala (sister)
Favorites...
Subject: Biology Movie: The Hangover Animal: Biscuit Color: Red Book/Magazine: 1 Fish, 2 Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss
Quote: ―SPPEEEECH!!!‖ & ―SMB, SYB‖
What do you like best about RHS: Fab 5 & Winnie
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: FCA, Fab 5
College plans: LSU/ Biology
Your hero: My Mommy & Meghan Davis
Name: Jordan Wynn
Age: 17
Family: Evelyn (Mom), Ernest (Dad), Mark (brother)
Favorites...
Subject: English IV Movie: The Notebook Animal: Poodle Color: Pink Book/Magazine: The Pigman by Paul Zindel
Quote: ―I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me‖ (Philippians 4:13)
What do you like best about RHS: The mentoring program (KOM) that RHS provides for freshman
Sports/Clubs/Affiliations: President of PCI
College plans: Grambling State/ English Education
Your hero: Jesus and Mom
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Chatterbox
tudent Center
Ruston High School
November 18, 2010
Ask Russell
Ask the Staff
submitted by Beau Russell
Class President
by Kori Teague
Guest Reporter
Over Thanksgiving Break…
I am going to Disney World! Haha JK…bfrt. I‘ll be kickin‘ it with
Mickey, Minnie, P-Diddy, & Goofy… well not Diddy but still it‘s
going to be a blast and Jake and Hank will be there too…Disney
World will never be the same thanks to us…
What I look for in a girl…
1. A Christian
2. A real, actual girl
3. Nice to people
4. Eyes
5. Hair
6. Smile
7. Her family
8. Most of my friends and family have to approve!
Page 25
I can’t go to all the Bearcat games. How can I still
support our teams?
If your schedule doesn‘t allow for you to attend games,
you can always spread the Bearcat spirit! Send encouraging statuses/messages on Facebook. Rebecca Wheelis updates with a spirited status every Bearcat Friday. Say uplifting things to team members in the hallway. Wear a
spirit hoodie. On spirit shirt days, show your Bearcat spirit
by purchasing a pass! Little things you say and do will
spread our Bearcat
spirit!
Random...
Gah! I wish I could yell and just go crazy without people judging
me or getting in trouble…POOF! Ta Da! JOIN BUSH‘S BOYS! We
sit as a student section at home AND away basketball games and root
for our boys AND girls b‘ballin‘ teams! If you are interested then
come to the Jamboree TONIGHT! Don‘t be shy!
The Chatterbox reminds all students that everyone has a right to
an opinion on issues. If you have
an opinion and wish to write an
article, the Chatterbox reminds
you that all submissions are subject to staff, editor, and administrative review to ensure that the
article provides information or
promotes school pride, and does
so without materially disrupting
work, does not cause substantial
disorder, or does not invade the
rights of these. If you would like
your article considered for submission, please email it to chatterbox@lincolnschools.org or turn it
in in electronic format to one of
our staff. Only signed editorials
and articles will be considered.
Ouch! That Really Hurtby Jocria Thompson
Social Reporter
Chatterbox wants to hear from you. Contact
Natasha Alva, News Editor, or Amber Brown,
Senior Editor, and be heard at RHS!
On November 3, 2010, the teachers had a very painful moment getting
their Flu shots. Some of the teachers took it very well; but others well,
let‘s just say their children may be able to have took it better than them.
Getting their Flu shot took more than
getting a needle in your arm and getting a pretty bandage. They had to sign
some papers and also pay a fee. The
Flu shot is given to kill the virus and
also to prevent you from getting the
flu. Some people think the Flu shot
may be a waste of time but others think
that it is a very helpful thing to get. So
if you haven‘t gotten your Flu shot,
don‘t be scared to get a little needle in
your arm because it only hurts when
you lay on it. So good luck and stay
Flu-Free!
F
Chatterbox
un Page
Ruston High School
November 18, 2010
Sudoku
Thanksgiving Word Search
October Answers:
THE DARK NUTT
by Gray Taylor
Page 26
S
Chatterbox
ponsors and Staff
Ruston High School
November 18, 2010
Page 27
2010-2011 Chatterbox Sponsors
Platinum Level Sponsors: ($200 +)
Gold Level Sponsor: ($100 - $199)
Silver Level Sponsor: ($50 - $99)
Mark Bartlett, LLC
First National Bank
Ruston High School Alumni Association
Garrett Foundation (Grant)
RHS FBLA, Chapter 617
Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office
Lloyd and Christy Bruner
RHS Business Department
2010-2011 Chatterbox Advertisers
Business/Organization
Owner/Manager/Contact Agent
Page of Advertisement
Lincoln ACHIEVE
Cathi Cox
2
BESTWAY
Michael Kolb
4
Driver‘s Ed
Ricky Durrett
5
The Hairport
DeTorian Gipson
6
The Strand
Christin Cross
12
The Strand
Jessica Farris
14
Pow Wow
Manuel and Nilda Chinchilla
17
Piney Hills Music
Nick Goff
18
Geri G. Taylor
Geri Taylor
28
Nick Brown Show
Nick Brown
29
Ruston Locker Room
Yvonne Craft
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Jim Taylor Ford
Crystal Carrico
31
***** THIS MONTH’S SPECIAL AD: TURBO GOAT — COURTESY OF CHRIS BARTLETT — SEE PAGE 15*****
Please thank and support these businesses, organizations, and individuals for making your Ruston High School Chatterbox possible!
2010-2011 RHS Chatterbox Staff
Senior Editor
News Editor
Assistant News Editor
Senior Reporter
Sports Editor
Business Manager
Academics Reporter
Arts Reporter
Clubs Reporter
Clubs Reporter
Education Reporter
Social Reporter
Social Reporter
Sports Reporter
Sports Reporter
Photographer
Photographer
Guest Reporter
Amber Brown
Senior
Natasha Alva
Senior
Lauren Townsend
Junior
Gray Taylor
Senior
Stephany Arias
Senior
Christian Amos
Senior
Elizabeth Smith
Junior
Polly Michelle Gwan
Junior
Emily Moore
Junior
Amy Gibson
Junior
Shamario Daniel
Junior
Benicia King
Junior
Jocria Thompson
Junior
Patricia Duhart
Junior
Reed Malek
Junior
Arquisia Williams
Sophomore
Savannah Chrisman
Sophomore
Whitney Durrett
Sophomore
Kori Teague
Junior
Adviser/Sponsor: Mr. Lloyd R. Bruner, chatterbox@lincolnschools.org
The Chatterbox is a member of the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA).
The purpose of the Chatterbox is to provide information and to promote school pride. We strive to meet the criteria set by the National Scholastic Press Association for student journalism. In addition, if a reasonable basis or belief that a publication would materially disrupt class work, involve substantial disorder, or invade the rights of these, it
will not be published in keeping with the guidelines of Hazelwood School District vs. Kulkmeier (1998). Signed editorials may be sent to Ruston High School, 900 Bearcat
Drive, Ruston, Louisiana 71270.
Access the current edition of the Chatterbox at: http://rustonhigh.lincolnschools.org/whatsnew.html and archived editions at: http://rustonhigh.lincolnschools.org/chatterbox.html
B
Chatterbox
earcat Spirit
Ruston High School
BUMS
BUMS Encourage
Encourage All
All Bearcat
Bearcat
Teams
Teams
submitted
submittedby
byJordan
JordanCrume
Crume
BUMS
BUMSPresident
President
Ruston
RustonHigh‘s
High‘s most
most spirited
spirited club
club has
has been
been doing
doing some great work behind the
scenes
scenes for
for the
the football
football team.
team. The
The forty-four
forty-four members
members of
of the club made goodie
bags
bags for
for the
the Bearcat
Bearcat football
football team
team before
before the
the West
West Ouachita game and other
matches.
matches.
Besides
Besidesmaking
makinggoodie
goodiebags
bags
forfor
the the
football
football
teams;
teams;
BUMS
BUMS
has begun
has begun
to make
to
goodie
make goodie
bags forbags
the for
cross
thecountry
cross country
teams. The
teams.
clubThe
plans
clubto plans
provide
to provide
all Bearcat
all
teams
Bearcat
with
teams
bagswith
of inspiration.
bags of inspiration.
BUMS T-shirts
BUMSareT-shirts
in and are
sweatshirts
in and sweatshirts
will go on
sale
willsoon.
go onAll
saleBUMS
soon. All
are BUMS
encouraged
are encouraged
to wear their
toBUMS
wear their
T-shirt
BUMS
and T-shirt
supportand
all
Bearcat
supportteams
all Bearcat
with encouragement
teams with encouragement
during each during
season.each season.
Rusty's Final Fan of the Week
submitted by Mrs. Reeder
Cheerleader Sponsor
Rusty selected his last Fan of the Week at the final home football game of the
regular season on November 5th against the Franklin Parish Patriots. Herbert
Keblbeck, relative of Keblbeck,
senior football
relative
player
of Justin
senior Brazzel
football(#81),
playerwas
Justin
the obvious
Brazzel
choice to many other fans, including Rusty.
(#81),
Throughout
was the obvious
the game,
choice
Mr. Keblbeck
to many
detained a homemade sign showing his support
other fans,
for the
including
Bearcats.
Rusty.
He Throughwas constantly standing and cheering on the Cats out
as they
the game,
rolled over
Mr. Keblbeck
the Patriots
detained
to our
first district title since 1990. As basketballa season
homemade
rolls sign
around,
showing
Rustyhiswill
support
continue to search for more ―Fans of the Week‖
forduring
the Bearcats.
basketball
Heseason,
was constantly
so keep
up your Bearcat spirit!
standing and cheering on the
Cats as they rolled over the
Patriots to our first district
title since 1990. As
basketball season
rolls around, Rusty
will continue to
search for more
―Fans of the Week‖
during
basketball
season, so keep up
your Bearcat spirit!
November 18, 2010
Page 28
Rally the Troops
by Christian Amos
Sports Editor
Established in 2007 by Ruston High School Alumni Brandon Pierce, the
group Bush‘s Boys is the highlight of basketball games.
He started the group as a fan club for Ruston‘s Coach
He started
Chris Bush
the group
– hintsasthea
name ―Bush‘s Boys‖. The group printed up T-shirts
fan club
with for
Coach
Ruston‘s
Bush‘sCoach
face
and the rest was Ruston High history.
Chris Bush – hints the name
In the past, the group consisted of a horde of male
―Bush‘s
studentsBoys‖.
that reeked
The havoc
group
on the opponents of RHS Boys‘ Basketball teamprinted
by chanting
up their
T-shirts
legendary
with
chant ―O Leigh, O Leigh, O Leigh!‖
Coach Bush‘s face and the
Since then, the group has strived to involve the
restentire
was Ruston
studentHigh
bodyhistory.
in the
game to make a colossal sixth player. Bush‘s Boys
In the
soonpast,
evolved
the into
group
Bush‘s
cona horde
of down
male
Boys and Girls.
Each year the leadership of sisted
Bush‘s of
Boys
is passed
studentsStudent
that reeked
havoc
on
from a past senior to a new senior, and this year RHS‘s
council
president, Beau Russell, will serve as the cranium of Bush‘s
the opponents
Boys.
of RHS Boys‘
Today, Bush‘s Boys has quickly become a well-known
Basketball tradition
team byatchanting
Ruston
High in the past three years. So freshmen, sophomores,
their legendary
juniors, and
chant
seniors,
―O
Leigh, game
O Leigh,
O Leigh!‖
follow the crowd of Bush‘s Boys to EVERY basketball
because
they not
only support the Boys‘ team but all Basketball teams.Since then, the group has
strived to involve the entire
student body in the game to
make a colossal sixth player.
Bush‘s Boys soon evolved
into Bush‘s Boys and Girls.
Each year the leadership of
Bush‘s Boys is passed down from a past senior to a new senior, and this year
RHS‘s Student council president, Beau Russell, will serve as the cranium of
Bush‘s Boys.
Today, Bush‘s Boys has quickly become a well-known tradition at Ruston
High in the past three years. So freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors,
follow the crowd of Bush‘s Boys to EVERY basketball game because they not
only support the Boys‘ team but all Basketball teams.
S
Chatterbox
ports
Ruston High School
RHS Swimmers
Qualify for State
submitted by Jake Kyte
RHS Swimmer
The Ruston High School Bearcat Swim Team is off to a
promising start for the 2010 fall season. Several swimmers have already achieved great times that will send
them to the State Championships in mid-November.
In the first meet of the season, held at Pineville High
School, many of the nine swimmers were swimming competitively for the first time in the Pineville invitational.
November 18, 2010
The team finished fifth overall. ―This is only our second
season for Ruston High, so this is a great start and we will
have several students competing at the state championships in November,‖ said head coach Paulette Crawford.
Senior Taylor Kaufman, sophomore Jake Kyte, and junior
Chase Borden all placed times qualifying each for the
state championships. At the Sulphur Invitational on October 9, Chase Borden notched state qualifying times in
both the 50-yard freestyle and 100-yard backstroke.
At the Shreveport Area meet held October 13, the
Bearcat swimmers worked up the competition. Competing
against some of the best high schools in North Louisiana,
the Bearcats placed third overall with the following swimmers posting state times: Natalie Dyke, 100-yard back-
Page 29
stroke; Taylor Kaufman, 200-yard individual medley and
100-yard breaststroke and Jake Kyte, 100-yard freestyle,
200-yard freestyle, and 100-yard backstroke. Additionally, sophomore AJ Brown placed fourth overall in the 50
yard freestyle, Natalie Dyke placed sixth overall in the 50
yard freestyle, and the girls relay team of Taylor Kaufman, Chaning Dorr, Natalie Dyke, and Maddie Huckabee
placed fourth overall.
―I think we‘re starting to show people from across
Louisiana that the RHS Bearcats come to swim meets
ready to win,‖ said Coach Crawford. ―We may be new,
but I am confident that we will have a great season and do
well at State, and in 2011 we‘ll be right up there with the
best high schools teams in Louisiana.‖
The Real Bush’s Boys Anticipate a
Better Season
Girls’ Basketball Ready for Hoop
Season
by Christian Amos
Sports Editor
by Keekee Williams
Sports Reporter
After ending their 2009-2010 season
with a losing record, the boys basketball
team is looking forward to working hard
for a winning season.
Coach Chris Bush is looking to make
each individual player a stronger ingredient on the court. Beyond just individual
improvement Coach Bush looks forward
to each individual being a key leader in
some way, besides just having the pressure of leadership on the shoulders of one
group of players. ―It‘s hard to say who
will be the leader,‖ Bush says ―there are
several who are capable of taking on leadership.‖ Practice and hard work will be the
main key in the success of the team and
Coach Bush is confident that practice is
going very well and all his players are
practicing very hard. Last year‘s season
was the worse season Ruston has had
since Coach Bush has been the head
coach. It was also the worse season Coach
Bush has personally had in ten years.
Bush has high hopes that Ruston will
finish in the top two or three in district and
make it deep into the playoffs.
The Lady Bearcat basketball team for
the 2010-11 season is determined to win
the title of being called champions. Having the title as champion is not given to
anybody in the sports world today without
proving that you deserve it.
The Lady Cats have been working intensely to achieve that entitlement. Starting from the second day of school, they
have been conditioning during the school
period and lifting weights after school on
Monday and Wednesdays. Their conditioning so far has been mostly defensive
based preparing them to play full court
and ―man-to-man‖. The team will be led
by seniors Byronesha Santiago, Chelsea Rogers,
Amber Sanders, Taylor
Kaufman, and Jasmine
White. They will
relish every glorious moment of the
season.
The
coaches are David
Aguilar, Amanda
Aguilar, David Hoefler, and Jill Cheek.
Coach
Aguilar
―expects the girls to
change the common
myth that girls‘ basketball is boring. If
they are healthy, they
should provide exciting games for Ruston
High faithfully. The
excitement that the
girls have shown is
impressive.‖ He also states
―They are working hard to make sure that
they play an exciting style of basketball.‖
Everyone here at RHS should stop and
talk to one of the girls, and you will want
to come see them play. Although the
starting lineup and team captain has not
yet been determined, further information
will be provided at a later date. Want to
know how you can support the basketball
team? Each player is selling student
passes to ALL the basketball games at the
low price of $25 as well as the newest
basketball T-shirt. So go out and purchase
these tickets from the players and be there
at every game to cheer them on!
S
Chatterbox
ports
Ruston High School
Player of the
Month: Casey
Pierce
by Christian Amos
Sports Editor
Senior Casey Pierce is a strong leader
and a strong runner; this is why she was
chosen as the RHS player of the month for
Cross Country. The Cross Country team is
filled with many talented runners, but Casey stands out among the crowd.
Her fastest mile is five minutes, fortytwo seconds and her fastest 5K run is
nineteen minutes and forty seconds. On
average Casey runs six to seven miles a
day and eight to ten
miles on the weekend. Casey says, ―I
love being able to
just take off and run.
It is fun exploring
and falling into a
natural rhythm, especially with my iPod.‖ Prior to meets, Casey and her team regularly gather together
to eat pasta the night before and recite the
Lord‘s Prayer together at the starting line.
This outstanding runner has been rewarded for her progress in the sport of
running. She has received the Pettijohn
Most Improved Award and Fifth-man
Award. A large honor for Casey was being a part of the reigning district championship team at Ruston High. Further,
Casey ran for the 2009 RHS State Champ
team.
Casey Pierce‘s words to the team, ―It‘s
really not about winning- it‘s about everything that happens
prior to the race and
your attitude despite the outcome:
be it awesome
or not.‖
―I love being
able to just take
off and run.‖
Bearcat Soccer
Coming Soon
by Reed Malek
Sports Reporter
As football season comes to a close, Ruston fans can turn their attention towards a
different kind of football.
Ruston Soccer officially began their season on November 6.
While
Bearcat
football
has
had the spotlight, Ruston‘s soccer
teams have
been working very hard.
For returning
players to make
the team, they were
required to run a mile in less than seven
minutes, and freshmen players in less than
eight minutes. After-school practices for
players began on October 25, and stiff effort
has been endured since. Here is the schedule
for this season of Bearcat soccer:
November 18, 2010
Page 30
The Reigning Champs are Still
Unstoppable
by Christian Amos
Sports Editor
The RHS Cross country teams have been sprinting to victory in the state of Texas.
The Ruston Boys‘ team placed an overall first place at the Atlanta, Texas Invitational.
In the boys division Ruston was lead by junior Chase Millien. Millien ran the
course in 16:25.51, finishing second in the race. He was followed by Dominique Cheffin, a sophomore, at seventh place with a time of 16:55.33. To round off the top ten,
Dylan Maud finished the route at 17:08.42 in tenth place. ―I feel that we have a lot of
potential to win state‖, say Dylan Maud Ruston boys scored
an overall fifty-two points,
dominating the Meet.
In the girls division sixtytwo point were accumulated by
Ruston to finish in second
place overall. Anna Hall finished third place with an incredible time of 12:42.62, leading the Ruston Lady Bearcats.
Two places behind her at fifth
was senior Haven Schroeder,
coming in with a time of
12:45.32. Senior ―Player of the
Month‖ Casey Pierce came in
at thirteenth place with a time
Chase Millien surpasses his competition at the
of
12:56.42.
Atlanta Invitational.
S
Chatterbox
ports
Ruston High School
November 18, 2010
Page 31
Freshmen Football Ends a
Winning Season
JV Football Ends Challenging
Season
by Keekee Williams
Sports Reporter
by Keekee Williams
Sports Reporter
Ruston‘s freshmen football team finished its season with a 6-2 winning record by
capturing two victories in the latest action. The Bearcats won 20-6 over Monroe‘s
Ouachita on Oct. 11th and 21-0 over Neville on Oct. 18th.
In the game against Ouachita, Kedaydrion Crowe highlighted the offensive performance with two touchdowns. Trey Johnson added on a touchdown run and Shelton Wooley was superior on two-of-three point conversion attempts. Pacing the way
on defense were Jai Saulsberry, Trey Houston, Jahleel Hamlin, Solomon Jones, and
Chad Sims.
In the fight against the Neville Tigers, Shelton Wooley hurled two touchdowns
passes to Johnson and Crowe adding TD carries in the victory over Neville. Wooley
carried a perfect performance going three-of-three on conversions. Leading an outstanding offensive line effort were players Hunter Springfield, Joshua Chrisman,
Keon Johnson, Brian McGowan, Christian Scroggins, Austin Burgess, and tight end
Josh Owen. Coach Shannon Aultman of this amazing Bearcat team had high praise
for a season-long strong effort by the offensive line. Aultman also noted the outstanding job that Kramer Newsom did in the holding for Wooley on extra points and
field goals during the season. Keying the defensive unit against Neville were Jasiah
Foster, Chris Bush, Garrett Soileau, Jamarius Washington, Jacquel Owens, and
Clayton Porter.
Congratulations young Cats for the outstanding performance you‘ve demonstrated this year as a great freshmen football team. As you are promoted to the next
level of football greatness, we encourage you to keep up the great work!
In this football season, the Junior Varsity team faced a number of tough opponents
and ended their season with a 2-5 record. They had two victories against Farmerville
and West Quachita. The players gained valuable experience that they can use to contribute to the varsity team‘s Friday Night Lights next year. The defensive side was led
by: Jimetrius Adams, Jesse Parkman, Nick Letendre, Lanosius Williams, Marlon Harris, Sam White, Danny Burnham, Devin Price, Ju Ju Peterson, Sam Phillips, and Matthew Brewer. The offensive line was led by: Connor Haskins, Brandon Hearn, Braden
Hilton, Sid Bilberry, Dylan Burgess, Brody Sullivan, J.D. Moore, Alexio Williams,
Jhaffrey Clemons, Damian Washington, Jacob Clark, Garrett Patterson, Deketric
Johnson, Lamassio Ford, and Jon White.
S
Chatterbox
ports
Ruston High School
Bearcats Dominate West Ouachita
38-14
November 18, 2010
Page 32
Bearcats Run Over Wossman
41-19
by Reed Malek
Sports Reporter
by Reed Malek
Sports Reporter
On October 22nd, the Bearcats beat the West Ouachita Chiefs 38-14 to gain their second win in District 3-4A, putting Ruston at a 2-1 record in district play and a 4-4 record
overall. Once again the Bearcats‘ running game was critical in their victory; Ruston
accumulated a total of 269 yards on the ground.
Surprisingly, Ruston‘s running back Ja‘Ren Johnson did not lead the Bearcats‘ running game. It was junior quarterback Pierce Spangler who rushed for 107 yards on four
carries, most of which came on a 93-yard touchdown run near the end of the third quarter.
Ruston took a quick 14-0 lead in the first quarter thanks to 5-yard touchdowns by
both Pierce Spangler and running back Ja‘Ren Johnson. After a short touchdown run by
West Ouachita early in the second quarter, sophomore
quarterback Chris Millage joined in the scoring with a
44-yard rushing touchdown, giving the Cats a 21-6
lead. The Chiefs responded with a touchdown pass to make it 21
-14, but this turned out
to be the last score for
West Ouachita. Johnson and
Spangler would both score
two more touchdown runs
and freshman kicker
Shelton Wooley would
Running back Ja‘Ren Johnson (21) nail in a field goal to create
escapes the West Ouachita defense. the final score of 38-14.
On the frigid night of October 29th, the Bearcats traveled to Wossman High School
and handily defeated the Wildcats by a score of 41-19. The rushing game accounted
for most of Ruston‘s offense for the game, and it is pretty easy to guess who provided
it. Once again, Ruston‘s running back Ja‘Ren Johnson carved up the opposing defense,
accumulating a laughable 322 yards on the ground with two touchdowns.
Ja‘Ren took the very first play from scrimmage for a 38-yard gain and ran for a 13yard gain later in the drive, which was capped off by a 23-yard touchdown pass from
quarterback Pierce Spangler to tight end Matthew Manning. After the Bearcats kicked
off, Wossman took the ball and immediately threw an interception to senior defensive
back Nick Richardson, who took it back for a touchdown. Later in the first half
Spangler ran for a touchdown, giving the Bearcats a
20-6 halftime lead.
Towards the end of the third quarter, the Wildcats
attempted a touchdown pass but was denied
when junior Kentrell Brice leaped into the
air, reached and made a one-handed acrobatic interception at Ruston‘s three yard-line.
The Bearcats‘ first play of the following
drive was a 73-yard run by Ja‘Ren Johnson,
who scored later in the drive.
This victory gave the Bearcats an overall
winning record of 5-4 and a district record of
3-1. Most importantly, the ‗Cats tied Bastrop
for first place in District 3-4A with Tight-end Matthew Manning (83)
plows pass Wossman defenders.
their win over Wossman.
Ruston Smashes Franklin
Parish
Bearcats’ Season Falls Victim
to Woodlawn
by Reed Malek
Sports Reporter
by Reed Malek
Sports Reporter
With their 57-6 blowout victory over the Franklin Parish Patriots on November 6 th,
On the night of November 12th, the Bearcats traveled to Baton Rouge to face the
the Bearcats attained a part of the three-way tie for the District 4A-3 title along with Woodlawn Panthers. A 19th seed, the ‗Cats were an underdog to the 14th seeded PanNeville and Bastrop. This gave Ruston the 19th seed in Class 4A and also put them thers. Ruston suffered a heartbreaking 35-14 loss, ending the Bearcats‘ playoff run in
against the 14th seeded Woodlawn Panthers for their first playoff game of the season.
the first round.
It appeared very quickly that the game would be a blowout. Early in the first quarWoodlawn struck first blood with a 13-yard touchdown pass to open the first quarter, Ruston recovered a Franklin Parish fumble ter. Ruston responded with a 1-yard touchdown run from Ja‘Ren Johnson after going
and took it for a touchdown. The Bearcats
80 yards on a 12-play drive. The Panthers scored again later
would get four rushing touchdowns: three
in the quarter on a 12-yard touchdown run, after a 12-play
from Ja‘Ren Johnson, one from Chris Mildrive of their own. Down 14-7 with 29 seconds left in the
lage and a touchdown pass from quartersecond quarter Ja‘Ren galloped 70 yards downfield, setting
back Pierce Spangler to Toderick Jackson,
up a 3-yard touchdown run that he would score to end the
all in the first half! At halftime the scorefirst half and tie the game 14-14.
board read: Ruston 43, Franklin Parish 0.
Though the Bearcats‘ 244 rushing yards were greater than
After all was said and done, Ruston‘s
Woodlawn‘s 177, the second half was dominated by the Panrunning game was once again their oppothers‘ running game. All three touchdowns in the second half
nent‘s kryptonite. Running back Greg
were scored by Woodlawn‘s running back Kenneth Collins.
Hunter accumulated 95 rushing yards,
As the final seconds ticked off the clock Ruston students,
Johnson had 75, Jhafery Clemons had 67
players, coaches, and fans painfully watched their team‘s seaand Chris Millage with 65. After the imson come to an end. As heartbreaking as it may be for the
pressive 57-6 victory, the Bearcats looked
dream to end, it must not be forgotten that all great things do
ahead to their first playoff game against
come to an end; and this season was certainly great. Then
Ruston defense vanquishes
Ruston defender Nick Richardson (11)
Woodlawn
High
School
in
Baton
Rouge.
again,
the dream didn‘t end—it‘s just waiting until next year.
the
Panthers.
takes down a Franklin Parish offender

Ruston High School November 18, 2010 Box Tops RHS

Transcription

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