Chatterbox Ruston High School August 26, 2010

Box Tops Outside Our Box (2)

Academia (3-6)

Teacher Spotlights (7-8)

Editorials/Opinions (9-13)

Service and Social (14)

Clubs (15-17)

The Arts (18)

Meet the Staff (19-24)

Student Center (25)

Fun Page (26)

Sponsors/staff (27)

Bearcat Spirit (28)

Sports (29-32)

Garrett

Foundation:

History &

Winners

See Page 6

FBLA Nationals

Winners

See Pages 16-17

Bearcat Madness – See Pages 31-32

What is a BEARCAT? submitted by Mike Milstead

Principal

BEARCATS! All of us have

used that word at some time or

another, maybe even today. It

reflects our interest in our school.

It speaks of our school spirit. It is

a connection to other ―Bearcats‖

who have graduated over the

years and are part of our family of

―Bearcats.‖ Sometimes we

shorten the word and simply refer

to ourselves as ―CATS.‖ I think

of 4 things when I think of us as

CATS.

C = Character (One who under-

stands and does the right thing)

A = Attitude and Achievement

(Can be positive when things do

not go well in order to achieve in

the future)

T = Teamwork (Working together

RHS can become the best)

S = Scholarship (Our top priority

is doing our best in the classroom)

Remember, Bearcats Ever

Alert and Ready, Cats Always

True and Steady. Let‘s continue

to have a great school year, doing

your best in the classroom and

representing our school appropri-

ately everywhere we go.

Who: Everyone is invited!

What: Back-to-School Bash

for Lincoln Parish.

When: Thursday, August 26,

2010, 4:30 – 6:00 P.M.

Where: Ruston Civic Center

Why: To Promote and learn

more about Lincoln Parish

Schools, our community, and

our sponsors.

Sponsor: Lincoln ACHIEVE

Booths: 49 community

booths and 15 public school

booths.

Discovering New Tech @ Ruston by Natasha Alva

News Editor

New Tech? What in the world is that? Hey, don‘t feel stupid. A lot of people are trying to figure out

what it is. Thanks to Ms. Cathi Cox, the Director for New Tech @ Ruston, here are many of the an-

swers to your questions about New Tech.

Q: What is New Tech?

A: New Tech centers on the students and engaging them in 21st Century teaching and learning through

a nontraditional model and environment. It is technology rich, encourages community involvement,

and helps create global awareness. ―We want to be putting a better citizen or product into the commu-

nity,‖ says Ms. Cox.

Q: What is New Tech‘s nontraditional method of learning?

A: It is totally project based learning. This means that the students are given a problem and they must

work together with their assigned groups to identify and use resources that will help them find the solu-

tion. They will be ―scaffolding‖ or building their solution within a project. First they will start with an

entry document that will state the problem. Next they will receive their rubric. After reviewing their

project rubric, they will collaborate with their group to form a plan to find the solution. Each groups

plan may be different. This will allow students an opportunity to maximize their strengths while ad-

dressing their weakness at the same time.

Q: What do you hope to achieve with New Tech? What is its main purpose?

A: Its main purpose is to get students completely engaged in their work so that they can reach their

maximum potential and achieve at higher levels. And this is exactly what has resulted at each of the

nine New Tech sites our team has visited across the country. The hope is that with New Tech we will

be putting more "tools in the student's toolkit" so that they are better equipped for their path of choice

after high school.

For more information and pictures concerning New Tech, turn to page 5.

utside Our Box? Ruston High School August 26, 2010 Page 2

Chatterbox O

Saluting Outstanding Student Achievement

Throughout the Bearcat Nation

Oil Spill by Emily Moore

Arts Reporter

On April 20, 2010, history was made—the British Petroleum oil spill in the Gulf of

Mexico off of the Louisiana coast. It began with an explosion and fire on the drilling rig

called the Deepwater Horizon. The blast killed 11 people and injured 17 others. Initially, it

was announced that it was just an accident, but it quickly turned out to be a large manmade

disaster. The BP oil spill is now the worst oil spill in history. It‘s worse than the 1989

Exxon Valdez oil spill that dumped over 11 million gallons, and more than the 1977 Ha-

waiian Patriot that released 30.4 million gallons. The BP oil spill even surpasses the 1979

Ixtoc I oil spill that wasted 140 million gallons.

It is not possible to measure how much oil leaked into the gulf. Estimations vary from

1,470,000 gallons to 4,200,000 gallons per day. After 87 days, the well was capped on July

15, 2010. Unofficial estimates of the total spill indicate that over 190,120,055 gallons of

oil leaked into the Gulf of Mexico. The effects of the oil and the dispersants used on the

environment are still unknown.

The spill has dam- aged the Gulf‘s

fishing industry harshly, causing

seafood sales to go down. It has

caused innumer- able losses and

grief for gulf fish- erman and other

business owners. The tourism

industry is down also. All along

the coast, busi- nesses are strug-

gling. Because of the spill, people

are hesitant to visit anywhere

along the coast. Beaches and

hotels are suffering. Some have had to close down. Marine wildlife habitats have been

destroyed. Efforts to clean up this mess are still being put into action. Dawn dish detergent

has teamed up with scientists to wash animals, and the help break up oil particles. And

they‘re not the only ones. Even regular, every day people have gone down to the coast to

help all those affected by the spill. There are numerous ways to help out. If you‘re inter-

ested in helping, the internet has many links that will point you in the right direction.

Recently, Arizona‘s governor,

Jan Brewer, signed a bill into law that

will allow police officers to check any

person‘s immigration status while

enforcing other laws. The law also

requires immigrants to prove that they

were authorized to be in the country,

or risk state charges. Soon after,

Judge Susan Bolton of the Federal

District Court put several parts of the

bill on hold, ruling that they were

unconstitutional.

Now there is apparently much

chaos, as the American side of the

border has become more and more a

place of danger. However, this law is

only the beginning of the immigration

debate. Many states are discussing

following Arizona‘s lead. Many agree

with Arizona and that action needs to

be taken now. However, not everyone

is for it.

In fact, talk of President Obama‘s

administration raising a lawsuit

against Arizona has been all over the

news. Further, the President has de-

cided that he would like to make

changes to current federal immigra-

tion laws. President Obama has de-

cided that he would like to pass legis-

lation to address the same immigra-

tion reform that has been debated for

the past five years.

Reforms being discussed would be

based on a merit system of some sort

and would make it easier for current

illegal immigrants to obtain green

cards. Talk that it would pardon all of

the current illegal immigrants is also

around. This ―Immigration Reform‖

has only been proposed so far, but the

President is now pushing for it as this

issue continues to gain more coverage.

As part of the latest reform bill, the

President and Congress have approved

$600 million to increase border secu-

rity and train more agents. This will

include sending several thousand ad-

ditional troops to the border. This will

help in time with border security;

however, it still does not address the

current status of the illegal immigrants

already in the United States.

As the federal and state govern-

ments continue trying to address this

issue, the courts have been called

upon to determine which level of gov-

ernment can enact and enforce laws.

Although most illegal immigrants are

from Mexico and lawmakers focus on

them, there are many illegal immi-

grants from many other countries as

well. The questions is—what can be

done—and who can do it.

Immigration Reform by Emily Moore

Arts Reporter

cademia Ruston High School August 26, 2010 Page 3

Chatterbox A

PARISH WIDE INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF WORK-

DAYS (9 MO SUPPORT STAFF NOT INCLUDED)

MONDAY, AUGUST 16- WEDNESDAY, AUGUST

18,2010

ALL STAFF FACULTY MEETINGS AT SCHOOLS (9 MO SUPPORT STAFF ARE INCLUDED)

THURSDAY, AUGUST 19, 2010

STUDENTS‘ FIRST HALF DAY OF SCHOOL (FULL DAY FOR EMPLOYEES)

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2010

STUDENTS‘ FIRST FULL DAY OF SCHOOL MONDAY, AUGUST 23, 2010

LABOR DAY MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2010

COLUMBUS DAY MONDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2010

THANKSGIVING MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22-FRIDAY, NOVEMBER

26, 2010

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL BEFORE CHRISTMAS (HALF DAY OF SCHOOL)

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2010

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR MONDAY, DECEMBER 20-FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31,

2010

END OF FIRST SEMESTER (FULL DAY OF

SCHOOL) FRIDAY, JANUARY 14, 2011

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY MONDAY, JANUARY 17, 2011

PRESIDENTS‘ DAY MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2011

TESTING – PART 1 TUESDAY, MARCH 22 – THURSDAY, MARCH 24,

2011

SPRING BREAK MONDAY, MARCH 28 – FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2011

TESTING – PART 2 MONDAY, APRIL 11 – WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25,

2011

EASTER FRIDAY, APRIL 22 – MONDAY, APRIL 25, 2011

*STUDENTS‘ LAST DAY OF SCHOOL – HALF DAY THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2011

*INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF WORKDAY – HALF DAY (9 MO SUPPORT STAFF NOT INCLUDED)

FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2011

2010-2011 LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL CALENDAR

2010 – 2011

Bell Schedule by Polly Michelle Gwan

Academics Reporter

This incoming school year, many things have

changed, including the bell schedule. This year school

starts at 7:40, finishes at 3:23, and you only have 4

minutes in between classes, unlike last year when we

started at 7:50, finished at 3:20, and had 5 minutes to

get to class.

The changing of the bell schedule will allow RHS

to make way for the new advisory period in the sched-

ule. To allow it to be added, and to eliminate wasted

time spent in the hallways, the time reduction between

classes is being implemented. Refer to your hand-

books for more information.

Each year the state of Louisiana

names a high school teacher of the year.

This honor is awarded to the teacher who

shows the greatest dedication to his/her

students‘ education. They are teachers

who do more than teach. Ruston High

School has the honor of having the 2011

High School Teacher of the Year teach-

ing in one of its many classrooms. The

exemplary teacher who holds this title?

Well her name is Mrs. Stephenson; Eng-

lish teacher at Ruston High School.

Mrs. Stephenson had already been

named District and Regional Teacher of

the Year and rightly so. She engrosses

herself into her students‘ education. She

even took the ACT last year to see if the

test changes over time and make sure

that she is doing all she can to prepare

her students to take the test also. For

many people, the ACT is not an experi-

ence that they will choose to put them-

selves through even if it is for the benefit

of others.

Congratulations Mrs. Stephenson for

being named Louisiana Teacher of the

Year and thank you for all the effort and

work that you have put into improving

and educating your students! It is making

a difference and it will continue to do so.

Louisiana’s High School Teacher of the Year is a Bearcat by Natasha Alva

News Editor

Advisory Period? by Gray Taylor

Graphics/Design Editor

Something new this year is the Advisory Period

between third and fourth hour classes. For those who

do not know, students will report to their homeroom

for twenty-five minutes each day, except when we

have Pep Rallies This will be used for the reading

program, GEE review, studying, doing homework,

and even for peer tutoring. In addition, clubs will

meet as announced during the Advisory Period, except

for FBLA, FFA, and FCCLA, which will have their

own hour-long meetings as announced separately.

cademia Ruston High School August 26, 2010 Page 4

Chatterbox A Surprise, We’re Back! by Amber Brown

Senior Editor

Okay, so now that school is back in full swing and everyone is getting used to their

schedules, the first edition of this year‘s Chatterbox has already been published, proc-

essed, printed, and passed-out! See, before the 2010-2011 school year was officially under

way , many Bearcat faculty and students were hard at work helping better RHS, including

the band, peppettes, ambassadors, Chatterbox, staff, and many more. And, thanks to the

diligence and hard work of those team members, here we all are, in a nice, safe, and clean

environment!

Well, this year‘s Chatterbox staff is trying our best to make this school‘s newspaper

the best yet! We will all gladly take suggestions from anyone willing to offer them. As

everyone already knows, this is a paper ―for the students, by the students.‖ We are also

trying to cover more things that are happening outside of school, as well as in it, including

local, state, and national news! Teachers and students, please feel free to submit articles

anytime for consideration into our newspaper, so that everybody feels welcome in our

Bearcat Nation! This paper is meant to be enjoyed by everyone, and it has reached those

expectations so far. I don‘t plan to allow anything to stop us on our way to being the best!

The Chatterbox is a part of the NSPA, and we were rated 2nd Class last year. Setting the

bar even higher this year, we are working hard to earn a 1st Class rating as we strive for

the distinguished national All-American rating! Let‘s all have a great year, Bearcats!

New Faces in the Faculty by Natasha Alva

News Editor

With each new school year, there come a few changes. These differences in

the school may be minimal or much larger. For example, each school day has had

an additional thirteen minutes added (yes, my fellow students, this is a terrible

change but we must endure). There is also New Tech @ Ruston, which happens

to be a colossal alteration and improvement in how a hundred freshmen are being

taught. Another example is the new teachers who will be gracing Ruston High

School with their presence.

Ruston High has nine new faces that will be hanging out in the teachers‘

lounge. You may recognize and know a couple because they were student teach-

ers and such from last year. First up are David Aguillar and Jill Cheek who will

both be teaching science and girls‘ basketball. Next are William Major and Allen

Whitaker who will be in Special Education. Third up is Britton Kilpatrick, who

will be teaching Math. There is also Darryl Savage who will teach Math at New

Tech. Mindy Martin will be the new choir and piano instructor and Kelsey

Whitlock will be in the Freshman Academy teaching Social Studies. Last but not

least is Beth Yenser who will be teaching English. Welcome new teachers to

Ruston High School, home of Rusty the Bearcat. Have a wonderful year!

Hola!!! Otra Vez by Stephany Arias

Senior Reporter

Bienvenidos!!! Esperamos que este nuevo año escolar sea uno de los mejores. Yo al

igual que mis compañeros de Chatterbox queremos darles la bienvenida a todos nuestros

viejos amigos pero también a esos nuevos estudiantes a los cuales se les hará un poco

difícil acostumbrarse a la escuela en general y a los profesores. Pero animo porque este

será un año magnifico. Y aquellos nuevos estudiantes que quisieran saber sobre Chatter-

box o FBLA no tengan pena de acercarse a mi o a cualquiera de mis compañeros. Tanto

Chatterbox como FBLA enseñan mucho sobre la vida,

en el mundo real.

We Went to Nerd Camp! by Whitney Durrett

Photographer

During the week of August 2nd through August 7th, six upcoming sophomores (Elena Till, Melanie Maxwell, Paige Ward, Han-

nah Tinsley, Whitney Durrett, and Joshua Pate) spent the week at Louisiana State University Shreveport at an Animation and Visual

Effects Physics and Rocketry Camp. They learned how to build a rocket out of household items, make 3D animations, and put to-

gether a video. Melanie Maxwell said, ―I liked getting to learn more about using the [Mac] computer, making new friends, and get-

ting to hang out with the ones I already had!‖ Joshua Pate also had something to say about the camp: ―It was fun and we learned

valuable information!‖ At the end of the week a team/school was awarded a trophy for overall best. Minden High School won 1 st

place, followed by Caddo Magnet School in 2nd , Parkway High School in 3rd , Ruston High School in 4th, Green Oaks High School

in 5th, and Plain Dealing in 6th. All teams worked hard and had a great time! The students from Ruston often called the camp ―nerd

camp‖, but it turned out that they all had a lot of fun!

―Tradition. Pride.

Bearcat.‖

cademia Ruston High School August 26, 2010 Page 5

Chatterbox A

Mrs. Cox‘s ―wing woman‖,

Mrs. Letendre

The NT@R staff watch their work come to life.

New Tech‘s Coach, Mrs. Collins,

will be assisting Mrs. Cox.

Welcome to Ruston High

School! The next four years of

school will be filled with opportu-

nities to excel, challenges to over-

come, and memories to share.

During this exciting time, be sure

to remember that your freshman

year is the most important year of

your high school career. Now is

the time to become involved in

one of the many clubs and organi-

zations that Ruston High has to

offer. Try something new and you

may just surprise yourself with

what you can accomplish. Set

high academic goals and make

plans to reach them. The grades

you make during your freshman

year can lay a solid foundation to

build upon during the next three

years. So, come to school ready to

learn and keep your grades up,

and never be afraid to ask for

help. The 9th grade faculty wishes

you the best of luck and looks

forward to working with each one

of you during the 2010-2011

school year.

To the Graduating Class of 2014 submitted by Mrs. Pruden

Freshman Academy Coordinator

Bearcat Open House! by Elizabeth Smith

Business Manager

Open House is set for

September 16, 2010 at

RHS. This is a day where

every Bearcats‘ parents,

guardians, family members,

and friends get to visit the

school and their students‘

teachers.

Guests will meet in the

auditorium and the RHS

PTC will discuss member-

ship and their mission at

RHS. Afterward, guests will

visit each class for a few

minutes as they follow their

students‘ schedules. Every-

one is encouraged to attend,

and meet their teachers and

get information on their

students‘ classes.

―Empowering Students

For Success In The 21st

Century.‖

Mr. Bruner, Principal Milstead and Superintendent

Mr. Danny Bell discuss New Tech @ Ruston.

New Tech @ Ruston: Kick-Off Celebration! by Amber Brown

Senior Editor

On August 17th, 2010, a ―dinner, meet-n-greet, and more‖ was held at Argent Pavilion at the Joe Aillet Sta-

dium on the LA Tech campus in honor of New Tech @ Ruston. Principal Mike Milstead began the

―celebration‖ by blessing the food and then recognized Mrs. Cathi Cox for stepping up and helping make this

dream a reality. Ms. Cox gave a huge thanks to Mr. Danny Bell, the superintendent of the LPSB, because none

of this would be possible if he hadn‘t trusted and believed in RHS from the very beginning. She also thanked

the many local businesses and partners who have helped make this possible, and then introduced all of the

New Tech @ Ruston staff, who have traveled across the country for this program. Mrs. Cox gave the floor to

Mrs. Letendre, her ―right-hand woman,‖ who thoroughly explained the packets that the students‘ parents re-

ceived at the dinner. Mrs. Cox and her staff concluded the evening by showing a video that the staff made

about the first project their students will be working on together. The video also said thank you to all parents

for helping their children with their education. After dismissal, many people stayed to converse with the New

Tech @ Ruston staff about their questions and to gain an even deeper understanding of what a great program

New Tech will be. Good luck to all teachers and students in New Tech @ Ruston. It is going to be a great year!

Discovering New Tech @ Ruston (Continued from page 1)

Q: What needed to be done to establish New Tech @ Ruston High?

A: First, the School Board among other people needed to be convinced that New Tech was a very beneficial

program. Next, funding was needed. New Tech requires that there is a one to one ratio of students to computers

and other forms of technology. Also, because of the nontraditional teaching taking place, classrooms need to be

twice the size of a normal classroom. Then you also need excellent teachers and of course, willing students.

Q: How many students are involved?

A: 100 freshmen, or in other words, one team in the Freshman Academy. Within four years there should be

400 students, freshman through seniors, involved in New Tech.

Q: What did these students have to do to be admitted into New Tech?

A: The students only needed to be incoming freshmen and apply. To actually enroll, it is also required that you

have passed the 8th grade LEAP and be on a diploma track. Because so many students applied for our first

year, a lottery system was used to randomly and fairly select the 100 students.

Q: What is the hope for New Tech in the future?

A: First, we would obviously like for New Tech to expand as rapidly as possible in order to positively affect

as many students as possible. Our staff strongly believes that this initiative will have a major impact on student

achievement. Because all students deserve the opportunity to experience fully engaged teaching and learning,

not just at Ruston High School, it is certainly hoped that this dynamic, project-based model will begin showing

up in more and more traditional classes as well as trickling down into the middle grades and out into other

school campuses. Plus, we already have districts outside of Lincoln scheduling visits and it has somehow man-

aged to generate early buzz at the national level. Hopefully, all of the efforts being put into this program will

also gain further recognition for Ruston High and Lincoln Parish. Who knows? Maybe, one day, this

"nontraditional" approach will become the norm for the parish and thus become the "new" traditional model.

cademia Ruston High School August 26, 2010 Page 6

Chatterbox A

Freshmen began their first day of being a Bearcat with a bang! They were greeted

by friendly faces as soon as they got to the school, thanks to the Kick Off Mentors!

KOM directed the students to where they needed to be: from the gym to the audito-

rium, and then to their KOM groups. KOM showed the students around the school

and played fun games with them, introducing themselves to the freshmen, and the

freshmen to their fellow classmates in their group.

After spending most of the morning playing games and getting comfortable with

being at the high school, the freshmen were off to go through their normal school day

―Mini-Schedule.‖ They got to spend 8 minutes in every class and learn a little about

what their classes were going to be like for the year.

Once they made it though their first day of classes it was time to go to every Bear-

cat‘s favorite Friday scholastic activity, the pep rally! They did all the cheers that the

Bearcats love to do at pep rallies. They got to watch the talented Bearcat Belles and

Cheerleaders perform. The day ended with the new members of the Bearcat family

returning home to anticipate the great year ahead.

The auditorium is crowded with Freshman students

and club members on August 19th. KOM puts on a show for the Freshman

during Freshman Day.

Freshmen Get First Taste of Bearcat Experience! by Elizabeth Smith

Business Manager

The Garrett Foundation Supports RHS by Lauren Townsend

Assistant Editor

The Garrett Foundation is a board of faculty and supporters of Ruston High that awards funds to clubs

and aspiring organizations every year. This year, $2,700 is being given to Ruston High to support the

Chatterbox and the RHS Hall of Champions. Of the $2,700, $1,700 is going toward the Chatterbox and

$1,000 toward the RHS Hall of Champions. Dr. Pat Garrett came last Thursday, August the 21st, to pre-

sent Mr. Bruner, the Chatterbox Advisor, and Coach Anderson, the RHS Track coach, with separate

checks.

The Garrett Foundation started fifteen to twenty years ago when an anonymous alumnus of the 1940‘s

gave a generous amount of money to Dr. Garrett and his sister Loyce Garrett Miller, asking that it be used

in the memory of their parents to support Ruston High. The Garrett family consists of more than students

and teachers; they were a major part of RHS academics, athletics, spirit, and tradition. Dr. Garrett‘s father

was a coach at Ruston High starting in 1937, and his mother came to RHS in 1950, to be an English and

Latin teacher. Both of them taught using techniques that not only helped students with impressive grades,

but also helped students who required extra assistance. Dr. Garrett came to RHS as a student and was a

part of the Chatterbox staff. His sister was an English teacher at Ruston High. Many people still honor

and praise the Garrett family through generous donations to the Garrett Foundation.

Mr. Bruner will be using the Garrett Foundation Award to buy the Chatterbox a laptop and a digital

camera that will be used to improve the school‘s newspaper; it will also be used to help out with printing

costs. Dr. Garrett and the foundation‘s committee decided to support the Chatterbox because he considers

it ―the mouth piece‖ of RHS because it allows students to communicate freely in front of the entire

school. They are also supporting the Hall of Champions because Ruston High trophy cases are continually

running out of space to place and display awards and trophies. With the money, Coach Anderson will be

able to make more room for trophies, plaques, and photos of champions that will be displayed in the Hall

of Champions. Ruston High School can never fully express the gratitude it has for Dr. Garrett‘s family

and the Garrett Foundation.

At the end of Dr. Garrett‘s interview with the Chatterbox Assistant News Editor, he stated, ―We all

need to know our legacies, and if you don‘t know your heritage, you‘ll miss a richness that brings value.

That is what this foundation, this administration, and this school have always stood for.‖ With the Garrett

Foundation‘s and the students‘ support, Ruston High will be able to move forward and prosper in pride,

confidence, and spirit. Ruston High thanks Dr. Garrett and his magnificent foundation for supporting Rus-

ton High and its Bearcats.

Mr. Bruner accepts the award from Dr.

Pat Garrett and the Garrett Foundation.

Dr. Pat Garrett presents the award to Coach Anderson.

Coach Anderson, Principal Mike Milstead, and Dr. Pat Garrett

discuss plans for the Hall of Champions

Pep Rally Action! KOM members!

eacher Spotlights Ruston High School August 26, 2010 Page 7

Chatterbox T

Name: Rick E. Cason

Pet peeve: whining

Family: Susan (wife), Julie, Daniel, Laura, David (kids)

Message to the students: ―Grow up. Take responsibility for your actions.‖

Position: Assistant Principal

Favorite quote: ―There is a God and it is not you.‖

Clubs/Organizations you advise: Literary Rally

Favorite team: Tech, all sports

High School Attended: RHS 1975

Most embarrassing moment: too many to list

College Attended/Majors: LA Tech, Health and P.E., Sociology, Adapted P.E., Education, and Administration

Favorite childhood memory: fishing and hunting with dad

Name: David M. Crowe

Favorite Childhood memory: thought I could fly!

Family: Margaret J. Crowe (wife), Jason and David Jr. (son)

Favorite team/sport: L.A. Lakers, basketball

Position: Assistant Principal

Teaching experience: 34 years

Favorite quote: ―Sorrow looks back, worry looks around, faith looks up.‖

High School Attended: RHS 1971

College Attended/Major: LA Tech, Physical Education, English

If you could have one wish what would it be: put prayer back in school

Anything special you want the students to know about you: I ran track for Ruston High School in 1970-71. I set a new

school record for the 440 yd. dash at 47.6 seconds. A special person came along and broke that record with a time of 46.91,

April 2010, Trey Hadnot.

Name: Larry Darnell Lewis

Favorite Subject: Business

Position at RHS: Assistant Principal

High School Attended: Grambling High School, 1975

College/Major: Grambling State, Business and Counseling and Education

Teaching Experience: 22 years

Favorite Restaurant: anywhere with good food!

Favorite Childhood Memory: fishing with grandparents

Favorite Sport: basketball

If you had one wish what would it be: that I have a position of influence on the students here

Is there anything special you want to say to the students: ―I believe that there is a way that things should be done and those that know

me understand me.‖

Name: Mike Milstead

Favorite Team/Sport: Ruston High! All sports

Family: wife, son, and daughter

Pets: dog

Favorite Childhood Memory: wonderful parents

Teaching Experience: 40 years

Favorite Subject: Civics/ American History

Favorite thing about RHS: the students

Position at RHS: Principal

Pet Peeve: disrespect

High School Attended: Weston High School, 1967

College/Major: Louisiana Tech, Bachelor‘s and two Master‘s degrees

If you had one wish, it would be: that RHS excel in all of its pursuits.

Favorite Restaurant: Waterfront Grill

Favorite Quote: ―What‘s in front of you and what‘s behind you aren't nearly as important as what‘s inside you.‖

Is there anything special you want the students to know about you: ―I love RHS!

eacher Spotlights Ruston High School August 26, 2010 Page 8

Chatterbox T Name: Catherine Letendre

Family: Sgt. 1st Class Chris Letendre (husband), John, Nick, and Matthew (sons)

Pets: Duke, Chevy, and Pete (dogs); Miss Priss and BJ (cats)

Favorite subject: History

Position: Initiative Coordinator for New Tech @ Ruston.

High School/class year: Byrd High School ‗81

College/Major: LA Tech– B.A., M.A., and +30.

Teaching experience: 22 years, grades 1-12. Have been a principal.

Most embarrassing moment: In 1st grade, my teacher told me to wait my turn to go to the bathroom, and when I couldn‘t wait

anymore, I asked again– then wet my pants!

Favorite team/sport: Baseball and football. RHS Bearcats, Atlanta Braves, N.O. Saints, LSU and Tech.

Favorite quote: ―Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.‖

If you had one wish, it would be… for people to see everyone as equals and not to judge by what they wear, the color of their skin,

or where they come from.

Pet peeves: Hypocrites, and rule-breakers.

Name: Pam Pruden

Favorite team/sport: soccer; both kids play

Family: Jeff (husband), Jackson and John (sons)

Pet peeve: unoriginal thinkers

Position: Freshman Academy Coordinator

Teacher Experience: 13 years

High School Attended: Sam Houston High School 1990

College Attended/Major: LA Tech, Ag Education, Leadership, Curriculum, and Instruction

Favorite childhood memory: going to grandparents‘ house to watch Dallas on Friday nights

Favorite quote: ―If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.‖ Abraham Maslon

Anything special you want the students to know about you: I love my job!

Name: Cathi Cox

Favorite Quote: ―Anybody can wrestle a bear for a little while.‖ (thanks daddy!)

Family: Big Bill, Miss Minette, and Tiki Bob

High School Attended/ Year: Cedar Creek High School, 1977

Position at RHS: New Tech @ Ruston Director

College Attended and Major: Louisiana Tech, BS/MS/Ed Specialist

Favorite Team/ Sport: I‘m a Bearcat and Bulldog far across the board!

Pet Peeve: lack of character/integrity, fake people, laziness, excuses, and irresponsibility

Clubs/ Organizations you advise: ACHIEVE Coordinator for Lincoln Parish

Is there anything special that you would want the students to know about you: I learned to walk again at age 31, I‘m full of

metal.

Favorite Childhood Memory: laying under the blinking Christmas Tree with my brother as we looked through the Sears Wish

Book

If you could have one wish what would it be: To have met and had a conversation with Elvis

Teaching Experience: Choudrant High School 16+ years, Louisiana Tech 9 years, Lincoln Parish ACHIEVE 4 years

Most Embarrassing Moment: ―Confusing Lonestar and Rascal Flatts to their face when working at the ACM Awards in

Las Vegas— it still haunts me!‖

Dear Teachers: Concerning Your Spotlights... by Natasha Alva

News Editor

Teachers, we thank you for your participation in filling out our ―Teacher Spotlight‖ questionnaires for the Chatterbox last year. We ask that when you receive the ques-

tionnaires this year that you please fill out it out again or please e-mail the Chatterbox (chatterbox@lincolnschools.org) and notify them to use your spotlight from the past

year. Also, please let the Chatterbox staff know if you would like a new picture taken or your picture from last year to be reused. We prefer to use ―action‖ shots—but you

are the bosses. Thank you for your cooperation in making the ―Teacher Spotlights‖ possible; the students really enjoy reading them.

ditorials/Opinions Ruston High School August 26, 2010 Page 9

Chatterbox E Oil Spill by Jocria Thompson Social Reporter Some students were very interested

in the oil spill, and other students didn't

even know it was happening. I have

asked many people their opinions about

the oil spill and received several good

answers about it.

A sophomore said that the oil spill

was very dangerous and it could has

really affected the people who live near

the Gulf of Mexico and even some peo-

ple here. Other students stated that it is

the biggest oil spill that has ever hap-

pened, and many wonder what will hap-

pen to our food supply and drinking

water.

Ms. Freeman stated, ―When I ini-

tially heard about the explosion on the

Deepwater Horizon in April, my first

thought was sadness for the families of

the eleven men who were killed. I then

began to hear about the quantity of oil

which was spilling into our gulf waters.

It is difficult for us to comprehend the

magnitude of the oil spill or predict the

outcome of its effects. Twenty years

ago, the Exxon Valdez spilled about 20

million gallons of oil along the coast of

Alaska. Dispersants and other clean

methods were used to the spill. In 2007,

more than 26,000 gallons of the oil re-

mained in the sand along the shoreline.

Even today, if you visited the area and

picked a rock on the beach, you would

find oil beneath the rock. The BP spill

released about 207 million gallons of oil

along the gulf coast. BP claims to have

recovered about one-fourth of the oil,

which would leave about 53 million

gallons in the gulf. However, data from

several sources suggest that the actual

amount of oil in the gulf is about 80%,

or about 170 million gallons. Based on

the data from the Valdez spill, we will

have to contend with oil in the gulf wa-

ters for many decades to come. The

south can expect long-term economic

effects due to loss of tourism, fisheries,

and recreational sports on the gulf

coast‖.

One ten year old said that it might

affect some of the food he enjoys eating

such as seafood and vegetables. I have

asked myself the same question and

personally I don‘t have an answer to it,

but I am praying that somebody will

find it.

Opinions vary on the effect the spill

will have on the environment as well as

on Louisiana‘s economy. What do you

think about it?

www.birds.cornell.edu

Designed by Gray Taylor

Chatterbox Graphics/Design Editor

ditorials/Opinions Ruston High School August 26, 2010 Page 10

Chatterbox E What Do People Think About Immigration? by Stephany Arias

Senior Reporter

Over the years, the government and citizens of the United States of America have been trying to work out an Immigration Reform Bill. Some people are

against it, and some are not. Today you can find out the opinions of some of your fellow RHS students. Even if you do not agree with these opinions, please

keep in mind you need to respect them.

―I feel that as long the immigrants are going about in a legal way, there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. I am not one of those people who think they

are taking our jobs; I honestly believe that they deserve to live the life we do.‖ (Amber Brown)

―There is nothing wrong about immigration. People want to make a living and actually do something with their lives. So, they come to the

U.S.‖ (Benicia King).

―I say the more the merrier!...as long as it is legal.‖ (Gray Taylor).

―Um… Well… it is okay as long as people move to countries legally.‖ (Elizabeth Smith).

As we see, some young students think that immigrants are not taking American people‘s jobs. They just think that immigrants can come over to America as long as they are

legal. Immigrants are not ―aliens,‖ as everyone else seems to call them. Immigrants are people just like you and I are. They are trying their best to better themselves and support

their families. They just want a better future for themselves and their families.

Shout Out to the Custodians! by Keekee Williams

Sports Reporter

The Chatterbox sends out our first shout out to all of our custodians. We just want to thank you guys (and ladies) for hanging in there all these years and

cleaning up behind the big kids who litter the hallways. Everyone knows that you work hard to clean up and make sure our school stays presentable and

sanitary. We also know that it takes time, hard work, and lots of patience to deal with the students (especially the freshmen), as well as the teachers. To my

fellow students: don‘t ever disrespect our great custodial staff because they are just like teachers - we depend on them to keep our school a place that is

clean and safe so that we can learn and have fun. They deserve our respect too. Even though their jobs may not appear appealing to everyone, their work is

critical to our needs and education - and it must be done. So, to all the custodians who work so hard all day long doing jobs that too often are overlooked,

we hope that you have a great year at RHS and that you take the time to read this newspaper. We give this shout out to you, thanking you for all that you do

for us - and are grateful for the pride that you put into your jobs and Ruston High School. Thank you!

Think Before You Vote by Benicia King

Education Reporter

Well, homecoming is coming early this year! To be exact, it‘s coming in September. So get your dresses

ready, dates checked, and just start planning ahead. Also, that means you have to vote for the homecoming

court. Be respectful with your votes, and think smart. Don‘t just vote for your friends or the ―popular kids,‖

consider the ones who honestly deserve it. Hey, just have fun during the homecoming season!

The Great Year Ahead by Patricia Duhart

Reporter

As a new student at Ruston High, I have to say I‘m ecstatic to experience the new activities and people of Ruston High School! Every school year

is different from the last. From the new teachers and activities of a new school, the excitement is overwhelming. Walking into a new year of school

also brings new yet harder teachers. Rumor has it that your junior year is the hardest, but every year was said to be your hardest. Going up a year is

always another chance to bring your grades up and face the new challenges of more advance classes. Besides the classes and work, the new clubs and

sports of a new year balance the school year out. Since I‘ve been at Ruston, one thing I could not help but to notice was the love for football the entire

school has, which makes me excited to kick off the Bearcat football season and the other sports here at Ruston High! Over all, I feel that attending

Ruston High will put a great year ahead of me!

ditorials/Opinions Ruston High School August 26, 2010 Page 11

Chatterbox E Random Facts by Lauren Townsend

Assistant News Editor

1. Dialing 90# on your office phone and then hanging up can give an outside

caller unrestricted access to your line.

2. Deer like to eat poison ivy.

3. Sixty-four percent of all murders by poisoning go undetected.

4. ―Pignocher‖ means to paint with small strokes.

5. Ants don‘t sleep.

6. There is no living descendent of William Shakespeare.

7. On average, American hospitals treat 120 people a day injured by toilet

seats.

8. It is illegal to hunt camels in Arizona.

9. Eggs don‘t have to be refrigerated to keep.

10. Francis Woodward is the inventor of Jell-O.

11. Ketchup was sold as medicine in the 1830‘s.

12. Ostriches don‘t bury their heads; the color of their scalps blend in with the

sand, making their heads appear buried.

13. Male mosquitoes don‘t bite.

14. No one knows where Mozart is buried.

15. Joseph Cayetty invented toilet paper in 1857.

16. Kangaroos can jump 30 feet.

Study Skills for High School by Amber Brown and Christian Amos

Senior Editor and Sports Editor

Info from: www.Buzzle.com

High school is a busy time, filled with many activities, leaving little time to study. Incor-

porate study skills to optimize this time. Throughout high school you should find the perfect

balance between studies, extracurricular activities, and social life. There are few techniques

that have always proved effective for learning, and can help you achieve that perfect bal-

ance. Here are some study skills for high school.

Create a Schedule ―Procrastination is a thief of time.‖

The key step to effective studying is to make a schedule and follow it. This will include

distributing how many hours and which part of the day you will spend studying. Among the

vital study skills for high school students, is the ability to prepare a schedule that takes into

consideration the time you will spend doing assignments or homework, as well as manage to

include some real study time over and above this. Try to ensure that your study time takes

place after you have rested, so that you are fresh, alert, and able to absorb what you are

studying. Also studying at the same time every day will help you to focus and concentrate

better. Last, it is a good idea to study the same fraction that was covered in class during the

day; it will be fresh in your mind.

Where to Study It is important to pick a place to study that will help you concentrate. Any place with dis-

tractions will cause you to waste significant study time. The spot you pick to study should be

serious, without the presence of any harsh colors, pictures, or loud sounds. Besides studying

at home, libraries, study lounges and private rooms are also good options.

Compressing Another key step in effective studying is to compress information to about one-third of its

original size, including only the important dates. This method, that also applies to study

skills for middle school, makes reviewing and revising very easy.

Survey, Question, Read, Recite and Review High school as well as middle school study skills include this method; often referred to as

SQ3R. The first step is to survey. It involves highlighting all that needs to be covered (make

bullets and points) and getting a general understanding of the subject. The next crucial step

is reading which must not be a mechanical process, but an open one. The next step is recit-

ing which will tell you how effective your reading has been. One way to do it is read one

section, and then explain it to yourself (without looking at your book), to check how much

you have retained. The importance of doing this is that information is better retained in your

own words. The last step, reviewing, is often the most important one. It is often said that

information that appears before us a few times, gets transferred from our temporary memory

to our permanent one. Review and revise any material about three times, before it firmly

takes root in our minds.

Apart from these study tips, you can come up with several of your own study skills for

school. By making good notes, you've won half the battle! Highlighting important text in

books has also proved helpful. However, you should know that elementary school study

skills, such as reading aloud, have been proved ineffective. Reading aloud or moving your

lips while reading, only slows you down. Lastly, remember that time is the most valuable

resource you have. All the techniques and study skills for high school will amount to noth-

ing, if you don't use your time wisely!

accessed at www.wcl.govt.nz

ditorials/Opinions Ruston High School August 26, 2010 Page 12

Chatterbox E

Labor Day is a celebra-

tion that marks the end of

the summer. It falls on the

first Monday in Septem-

ber. Labor Day is a holi-

day where you and your

family get together to

spend time with one another. It provides a time for se-

rene relaxation and meditation. It not only gives you

personal time but also brings food. This is one of the

many holidays where the grill is in use. Hot dogs, ham-

burgers, and chicken are just a few traditional foods

grilled for the Labor Day holiday. For students this is a

special day. Not only do you get to spend time with

your family and enjoy the food, but you also get a day

off from school. Labor Day is packed with BBQ and

laughs with your loved ones. But it also tackles the

beginning of NFL and NCAA seasons! For this reason

alone, Labor Day is a United State favorite for every

age group. Overall, Labor Day is an exciting and fun

filled holiday for all Americans of all ages!

Goodbye Dear Summer! by Emily Moore

Arts Reporter

Ah, summer is over. No

more staying up until 3 a.m.

then waking up at 12 p.m. The

week day parties, vacations to

the beach, road trips, and every-

thing else are over for the year.

No more spending a week with

your best friends. The worries

of homework, upcoming tests,

avoiding detention, and the like

are back. Tragic, I know. The

worries floated off with the epic waves in the summer,

but now they‘ve returned, as killer pains, like always.

You can ask almost anyone and they will tell you that

summer is their favorite season. That‘s cool, but I‘m

not like them. My favorite season is autumn. Summer is

too hot for my taste, and I like school. Yes, I‘m a nerd,

but we all knew that. Even though I love the cool au-

tumn, I do love the thought of summer. So for those

who live for summer, I ask, ―Why does it have to end?‖

Simple, it doesn‘t. Take a page from my book.

Why not keep summer going? Personally, I live

summer all year by keeping a summer state of mind on

weekdays and doing things I‘d do during the summer

on weekends and holidays. Summer carries a chill vibe.

During summer, I really just relax. I stay cool and hang

out. Go with the flow, you know? That‘s what week-

ends are for. I throw my parties on the weekends and,

of course, spring break. I hit up my aunt when I want to

swim because her pool is heated. Boating is fun even

when it‘s cold. Barbecues are for all year. It‘s much

more fun in cooler seasons because you can even have

a bonfire. There are so many ways to keep the spirit of

summer alive. So wave goodbye to summer heat but

hold the summer state of mind all year long.

Labor Day by Patricia Duhart

Reporter

The Beauty of Poetry by Amy Gibson

Clubs Reporter

I like to write because it‘s a release. Poetry is my favorite thing in the whole world because, for some

reason, rhyming words helps me think. Something great about poetry is that it doesn‘t have to rhyme unless

you want it to. Poetry is simply a series of random words with the intention of expressing yourself. I write

poems about anger, love, people, loss, nature, and other random stuff…pretty much everything. Feelings and

emotions… that‘s what poems are really about. The best writings come when you are deep in an emotion,

and vulnerable to your surroundings. When I write it‘s usually because I‘m going through something, and

poetry is what I turn to. It is my outlet. For example, my two best friends are sometimes extremely annoying

and I wrote a simple stanza describing them…Childish you act, like you haven‘t a clue. I‘ve never under-

stood immaturity, which is probably why I don‘t understand you…yes people, I made that up. Poetry is sim-

ple, expressive, and beautiful. Try writing a poem…you might like it.

Let’s be Ready to be Happy for this Year! by Stephany Arias

Senior Reporter

Hello Bearcats!!! I know some of you are not ready for this 2010-2011 school year. So here is a little tip: ―The reason people find it so hard to be happy is

that they always see the past better than it was, the present worse than it is, and the future less resolved than it will be‖. In other words, just try to be happy about

your life and enjoy it while you can. You won‘t be a high school student your whole life. Freshmen - it might look hard for you the first few weeks, and you

might even think that everybody else hates you, but is not like that. So keep going and do your best!

ditorials/Opinions Ruston High School August 26, 2010 Page 13

Chatterbox E Inception: The Movie of My Dreams by Reed Malek

Sports Reporter

As I looked across the electronic list of movies at Ruston‘s Celebrity Theatres, the likes of movies such as Salt, Dinner for Schmucks,

and Charlie St. Cloud caught my eye. They were movies I had yet to see, and I will admit that I was very tempted to buy a ticket to see

one of them. But I knew why I was there. ―One for Inception, please‖ I said. I said this…for the third time. That‘s right, folks. I pulled off

an Inception hat trick at the theaters—a personal record for me. I felt no shame that I had spent eight dollars to see a movie I had already

seen twice before because even though there were several movies at the time I hadn‘t seen, watching Inception a third time was more

satisfying than watching any of the others for a first.

Inception is the story of a troubled man named Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) who is hired by various corporations to use a form of

thievery called ―extraction‖ to enter the dreams of leaders of rival corporations and steal information or ideas. Cobb was forced to leave

his children in the United States after he was wrongly charged with murdering his wife Mal (Marion Cotillard), who killed herself think-

ing that it would awaken her from what she believed to be a dream. Cobb feels guilt for his wife‘s death because, in a trip together to the

state of ―raw, unconstructed dream space‖ called Limbo, Cobb plants the idea in Mal‘s subconscious that the world they were living in

was not real. However, Cobb did not know that this idea would grow in her mind and consume her thoughts even when she awoke. Ob-

sessed by the belief that she was in a dream, but unwilling to leave the ―dream‖ without Cobb, Mal devised a plan to get him to ―wake

up‖ with her. She committed suicide and framed Cobb in an attempt to get him to go with her so that they could be in reality together, which they were already living in. Before

he left his home and fled the country, Cobb watched his children playing outside; they ran away before he can see their faces one more time. Haunted by this memory and

memories of his wife, Cobb searches desperately for a way to return to the States and see his children again, and rid himself of the terrible guilt he feels for Mal‘s death.

Inception is an incredibly complex movie in that there are so many different terms, ideas and stories the viewer has to focus on, to the point that watching the movie once is

just not enough to understand it fully. In Inception, Cobb is able to perform extraction by entering the dreams and manipulate the subconscious of the ―Mark,‖ or victim, so that

he/she unknowingly gives away the information the extractor was hired to attain. Cobb is hired by a corporation called Cobol Engineering to use extraction to steal expansion

plans of a major energy corporation owned by a Japanese businessman who is simply called Saito. Cobb and his extraction team fail their mission, forcing Cobb and Arthur to

flee in fear of the wrath of the henchmen of Cobol Engineering. Impressed by their efforts, Saito offers Cobb the opportunity to return home to his children—but only if he can

perform ―inception,‖ the fabled art of planting an idea in someone‘s mind, rather than stealing one. Saito challenges Cobb to go into the dreams of Robert Fischer, the son of

the dying owner of Saito‘s rival energy corporation and heir to the corporation, and alter his subconscious so that he breaks up his father‘s empire.

It is an extremely difficult task to put into words how good Inception was. Epic, captivating, amazing, addicting, thrilling, suspenseful, consuming, brilliant, enthralling—

every positive adjective except for ―cute‖ and ―fuzzy‖ can be used to describe Inception. It has redefined the way I watch movies because every movie I watch from now on

will disappoint me. After seeing it three times I can say with complete sincerity that Inception is what I have been waiting a long time for. Inception takes hold of viewers‘

minds and refuses to let go. I found myself overwhelmed by thoughts and memories of the movie days after seeing it. It is such an intelligent movie that one cannot afford to

leave for more popcorn or go to the restroom. Every second is critical to a full understanding of the movie.

Inception is the movie of my dreams (no pun intended). In a year filled with movies defined by ridiculous special effects such as Avatar and Iron Man 2, Inception stands

alone as one of the few truly good movies produced in a very long time. A movie containing the hidden message that reality is whatever we want it to be, Inception is not the

summer blockbuster we expected; and for some special-effect junkies, not even the one we wanted. But it was certainly the one we needed.

Who was Born in August? by Natasha Alva and Reed Malek

News Editor and Sports Reporter

The month of August is the month of birth for several notable people throughout history. Among those born in August are several musicians, actors and actresses, three United

States Presidents, and the Queen of England. Here is a list of every day in August and a famous person born on it:

17th Robert DeNiro (1943) – actor

18th Rosalynn Carter (1927) – First Lady

19th Bill Clinton (1946) – President of the United States

20th Emily Bronte (1818) - author

21st Hayden Leslie Panettiere (1989) – actress

22nd Ray Bradbury (1920) – science fiction writer

23rd Gene Kelly (1912) – actor, dancer, film producer, choreographer, and

producer

24th Ray McIntire (1918) – chemical engineer who invented Styrofoam

25th Billy Ray Cyrus (1961) – country music singer, songwriter, and actor

26th Irving Levine (1922) – journalist and correspondent for NBC

27th Lyndon B. Johnson (1908) – President of the United States

28th Shania Twain (1965) – country pop singer and songwriter

29th Michael Jackson (1958) – musical artist

30th Ellen Arthur (1827) – First Lady

31st A Provost Idell (1889) – inventor of modern volleyball

1st Francis Scott Key (1779) – writer of the ―Star Spangled Banner‖

2nd Carroll O'Connor (1922) – actor, director, and producer

3rd Martha Stewart (1941) – television host, author, and magazine publisher

4th Queen Elizabeth (1926) – Queen of England

5th Neil Armstrong (1930) – first astronaut to walk on the moon

6th Edith Roosevelt (1861) – First Lady

7th David Duchovny (1960) – actor, writer, and director

8th William Bateson (1861) – British geneticist

9th Sam Elliot (1944) – actor

10th Herbert Hoover (1874) – President of the United States

11th Lloyd Nolan (1902) – actor

12th Dominique Swain (1980) – actress

13th Alfred Hitchcock (1899) – film director

14th Magic Johnson (1959) – point guard for Lakers

15th Joe Jonas (1989) – musician and actor

16th Angela Basset (1958) – actress

ervice and Social Ruston High School August 26, 2010 Page 14

Chatterbox S Joining Clubs by Benicia King

Education Reporter

Ruston High School has a variety of clubs to offer. Joining a

club is a great way to make friends, develop leadership skills, and

it adds a spark to your college resume. Many colleges look to see

that students are involved outside the classroom. If there is not a

club you are interested in, start your own! All you need is a group

of students who will support your idea and the persistence to make

your club successful. You just need to show that you are serious

about it. There are so many clubs and organizations to choose

from, from academic to athletic to community service. Join a club that you truly feel

passionate about.

Ruston High‘s clubs and organizations include: Ambassadors, Art Club, Band,

Bearcat Belles, BUMS, Chatterbox, Cheerleaders, Drama Club, Debate Club/Team,

FCA, 4-H, French Club, FBLA, FCCLA, First Priority, FFA, German Club, GPA

Club, Homecoming Court, Junior-Senior Prom Committee, Key Club, Keywanettes,

KOM, Mr/Mrs. RHS, NHS, Pepettes, PCI, Pom Pon Girls, Quiz Bowl/Academic

Competition, The Resume, SADD, Science Club, Spanish Club, Sports, Student

Council, and Young Lawyers.

Freshman year is full of surprises, new beginnings, and new

friendships. You are treated more as an adult and you are given

more responsibility than you had when you were in Junior High.

Yes, there are upperclassmen that pick on you and yes, you will

trip going up the stairs sometime during the year but just think;

if you didn‘t have fears, you would never have anything to over-

come. My freshman year was an amazing first year in my high

school journey.

Freshman year would have been completely boring if I had

not become an active student at Ruston High. My freshman year

would never have been the great experience it was if I had not been a cheerleader and

joined the clubs. I was in the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), the Fel-

lowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), the Peppettes, and the Student Council.

Ruston High offers so many different clubs and there is one for everybody. If you

join a club, you won‘t be bored and you will fill connected because you will make

new friends that have the same interests as you do. You don‘t have to join a whole

bunch of clubs, but don‘t just sit back and be a bum your whole high school career!

Get out and get involved; high school flies by! You will have soooo much more fun if

you become an active and involved Bearcat!!!

Freshman, Get Involved Now! by Savannah Chrisman

Photographer

Write to Chatterbox by Benicia King

Education Reporter

To start off the new school year, I am reminding former students and letting the freshman students know that you can submit drawings, articles, or small

comics to Chatterbox, but it must be appropriate. When Chatterbox staff writes our opinions, feel free to write to us or give us your own. Students, faculty,

clubs, organizations - everyone, is encouraged to submit. With so many events and happenings in and around Ruston High School, there is no way that we will

know it all. If you don‘t tell us, we may not know. If you have an event and want it covered, let us know.

If you do submit an article, make sure you have your name somewhere in the email or submission. If it is a drawing or comic, add your name at the end of

it, scan the drawing or comic, and send the picture in an email. Make sure you have a title or we will add one for you. .

At Chatterbox, we want everyone to feel that they are part of Ruston High. Although we reserve the right to decide what ends up in print, please know that

we will do our best to publish everything within reason. Send everything to the Chatterbox email at chatterbox@lincolnschools.org.

The Chatterbox reminds all students that we all have 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, adviser, and administrative review to en-

sure that the article provides information or promotes school pride, and does so with-

out materially disrupting work, does not cause substantial disorder, or does not invade

the rights of these. Email comments or opinions to chatterbox@lincolnschools.org

lubs/Organizations Ruston High School August 26, 2010 Page 15

Chatterbox C Wilson Elected to State FFA Office submitted by Mr. Mark Milstead

FFA Adviser

Congratulations to Antonio Wilson from the

Ruston High School National FFA Organiza-

tion! At the Louisiana State FFA Convention in

June, Antonio was named the State Area 1 Vice

President for the Louisiana FFA Association.

He is one of ten state FFA officers chosen from

a Louisiana FFA membership of over 10,000

members. Antonio will be representing several

parishes and districts in North Louisiana for

this school year as well as the Louisiana State

FFA Delegation at the National FFA Conven-

tion in October. He has attended the National

Leadership Conference for State Officers in

June, has conducted Leadership Camp for three

weeks in July, and also participated in other

regional and state leadership workshops this

summer. Antonio holds the State FFA Degree

and served as the Ruston FFA Chapter Presi-

dent for the 2009-2010 school year. His chap-

ter advisors are Mr. Mark Milstead, Mr. James

Sandifer, and Mrs. Sharon St. Andre. Antonio's

State FFA Advisor is Dr. Ronald Mayeux. In

the past ten years, Ruston FFA has had seven

members elected to State FFA Office.

Can You Handle the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)? by Elizabeth Smith

Business Manager

What is FCCLA? by Shamario Daniel

Club Reporter

FCCLA is a nonprofit national career and technical student organization for men

and women through their high school years. FCCLA stands for Family, Career and

Community Leaders of America. The organization was established in 1945, and since

then it has been making differences in people‘s lives throughout the world. There are

over 219,000 members in FCCLA in the world and there are over 6,500 chapters in-

volved in this fantastic organization. Most people in FCCLA have said that it has

developed their leadership skills and potential as well as life skills. The mission for

FCCLA is to promote personal growth and leadership development through consumer

science and family. FCCLA is the only in-school organization with family as its main

focus. All students enrolled in a Family and Consumer Science or those that have

taken the class in past years may join. Dues are $20.00. See Mrs. Maxwell or Mrs.

Shaw for more information.

Ruston High School‘s Future Business Leaders of

America (FBLA) Chapter 617, enjoyed much success

in the past school year, and is excited and looking for-

ward to this new school year. They cannot wait to see

how many new members they can recruit! Just in case

you don‘t know, FBLA is an organization which pro-

motes student development in the social, service, and

education aspects of their life. FBLA does many fun

things throughout the year, such as attend the district,

state, and national leadership conferences. They also

organize and participate in various community service

projects and events.

At the district conference, the members take a day

out of school and compete against all the other schools

in District 2 –Northwest Louisiana. At the state confer-

ence, participants take 2 or 3 days out of school, if it‘s

not during Spring Break, and head down south to Ba-

ton Rouge to compete against all the other schools in

the state. As this is considered a distinct honor to qual-

ify and attend, we stay in condominiums -not simply in

hotel rooms. Most members only have one day that

they have to compete and the rest of the time is spent

having fun. At the national conference, members take a

week during the summer and go somewhere fun such

as Orlando, Nashville, San Antonio, Chicago, and Ana-

heim. We usually stay in upscale hotels. Members that

make it to nationals usually spend about five days as

tourists, visiting both educational and fun sites. Every-

one has fun as they compete in one or two days of

competition and attend state and regional meetings and

various workshops.

Community service projects are also full of fun. Hot

Halloween Happenings is the biggest community ser-

vice project that the Ruston High FBLA Chapter or-

ganizes each year. Your FBLA Vice President, Amber

Brown, says: ―Hot Halloween Happenings is the most

fun project that we do.‖ During this community ser-

vice project, the members promote fire safety in young

children by playing fun games with them. They keep

the children interested in the games by rewarding them

with candy when they do the right thing. This was a

great way for the members to give back to the commu-

nity, because they have fun and educate young children

about fire safety. Another fun community project is the

Christmas Parade. During this, the members have fun

singing and throwing candy to the people watching the

parade. Your FBLA Secretary, Natasha Alva, says: ―I

am looking forward to my last year in FBLA and I plan

to make the most out of it. I really feel that FBLA is a

great organization that helps students gain experience,

have fun, and learn all at the same time.‖

lubs/Organizations Ruston High School August 26, 2010 Page 16

Chatterbox C

Chapter 617 of the Ruston High

School Future Business Leader‘s of

America (FBLA) rocked Nashville,

Tennessee over the summer, with sev-

enteen members attending the National

Conference. This was the largest num-

ber of members to ever qualify for and/

or attend a National Conference. All

attending members represented Ruston

High School proudly as they went head

-to-head against the best business stu-

dents in the nation. To date, the results

of this conference have been the chap-

ter‘s best!

For the first time in recent history,

Ruston High School had members win

Top 10 finishes at the National Confer-

ence. In Business Math, John Herren

won tenth place. In Entrepreneurship,

Josh Cristelous and Collin Smith won

tenth place. It is believed that these

three members are the first Ruston

High School students to ever place at

Nationals. For their efforts, each of

these Top 10 winners received a $250

scholarship from the RHS FBLA

Chapter in addition to their tenth place

trophy. The Entrepreneurship team

received a $100 check from a national

sponsor and the chapter also received a

$100 payment.

As each state is allowed to send two

representatives in each event at Nation-

als, all members who attend are recog-

nized as being at least in the top 100 in

the nation, with team events narrowed

to the top 50 in most events. In addi-

tion to the three students earning top

10 honors, the following students also

gave strong performances at Nationals:

Economics – Grady Sanders; Emerging

Business Issues Team – Drew Boyd,

Felipe Ortega, and Brittany White;

Business Financial Plan Team – Bevin

Cline and Danielle McCoy; Business

Plan Project Team – Natasha Alva,

Christian Amos, and Kori Teague;

Partnership with Business Team – Am-

ber Brown, Amanda Dunn, and Jared

Spiller; and Web Site Development

Team – Michael Davis and Elizabeth

Smith. In addition, the Ruston High

School Chapter was awarded the Hollis

and Kitty Guy Gold Seal Chapter

Award of Merit, given to the top 15%

of chapters nationwide.

(continued on page 17)

RHS FBLA: National Recognition and Fun submitted by Lloyd R. Bruner

FBLA Adviser/Chatterbox Adviser

YOUR STAFF WELCOMES THE 2010 FRESHMAN CLASS!

Catherine Letendre, Daryl Savage, Missy Wooley, Sarah Wages, Kim Goree, Kay Peters, Lindsay Bolton, Cathi Cox, and Tara Turner

lubs/Organizations Ruston High School August 26, 2010 Page 17

Chatterbox C RHS FBLA: National Recognition and Fun (continued from page 16)

Members also enjoyed the city of

Nashville while at the conference. Vis-

its included a trip to the Nashville Zoo,

Adventure Science, the Nashville Mu-

seum, and the Parthenon. Members

also saw ―old school‖ country as they

visited Cooter‘s (home of the Dukes of

Hazzard) and the Willie Nelson Mu-

seum. Short visits to local shopping

areas and eateries also included the

annual FBLA National Dinner at Rot-

ier‘s. In a night not soon to be forgot-

ten, students were entertained with a

theatrical performance of ―Funny

Money‖ at Chaffin‘s Barn Dinner

Theater. For a night out, members split

evenly and attended the Nashville

Ghost Tours. Half the members took a

lantern led tour of haunted Nashville

areas, while the other half braved the

night and Nashville‘s haunted sites as

they rode around in a New Orlean‘s

style hearse. There are stories to go

along with each tour and event, so find

one of the members and ask them

about it. Without a doubt, each student

enjoyed the entire conference and the

closing ceremonies.

Ruston High School FBLA thanks

all individuals and local businesses for

their financial support in making their

attendance at Nationals possible. These

businesses include Allstate – Danna

Rundell; Blakley Inc. Jefferson Corner;

Cranford‘s Grocery; Genesis Energy,

LLC; Henderson Financial Services

LLC; Ivan Smith Furniture; Mr. John

Lee; Kimberly Dunn; New Creation

Veterinary Clinic; Northside Furniture;

Owens Memorial Chapel; Rexel Inc.;

Sherwin Williams; Waltz Pharmacy

Inc.; and Williams S, Carter, Jr., P.C.

They also would like to give a special

thanks to the Lincoln Parish School

Board and the Ruston High School

administration and business depart-

ment for their outstanding financial

support and training.

FBLA members strike a pose at the National Conference in Nashville.

Top 10

Entrepreneurship:

Josh Cristelous

and

Collin Smith

(pictured left)

Top 10

Business Math:

John Herren

(pictured right)

Enjoying Chaffin’s Barn

Fun at Adventure Science

Who You Gonna Call? Pop the clutch, Ms. Peters!

Think this will get curfew extended?

Caged at the zoo—where’s the cab?

he Arts Ruston High School August 26, 2010 Page 18

Chatterbox T

We have all your musical

needs at

Piney Hills Music!! 214 N. Trenton Street

232-3002

Ruston High School

Band Camp by Polly Michelle Gwan

Academics Reporter

At 8:00 a.m. on August 12, RHS band students

new and old gathered together in the band room to

prepare for the upcoming school year. The first week,

August 2-6, consisted of band staff members and sec-

tion leaders teaching and drilling incoming freshman

on various marching skills such as forward marching,

about facing, and right obleking. ―I was really excited

for band camp this year‖ says freshman percussionist

Melissa Dosher, ―even though it was insanely hot out-

side I had fun learning the new music and formations,

seeing old friends, and making new ones.‖ The follow-

ing week, August 9-13, the pros came back to practice

perfect fundamentals and start preparations for the

RHS pregame show, which will be traditionally per-

formed before every RHS home football game, and a

new halftime show

themed Spies and Other

Mysterious People.

Samantha Dosher, RHS

Senior, states, ―I was

super excited about this

year‘s music, the half-

time show is going to be

amazing and I think the

freshman are going to

do great!‖

Band kids have fun playing a game of ―Ninja.‖

Mr. Moss teaches the band students music

for the upcoming season.

Practice, practice, practice!

eet the Press Ruston High School August 26, 2010 Page 19

Chatterbox M Amber Brown Senior Editor

Hello Ruston High School! It‘s great to be back and

it is a pleasure to be returning to this year‘s Chatterbox

staff, as the Senior Editor! Everyone should know me

by now, but if you don‘t, my name is Amber Rene‘e

Grace Brown, and some of my friends and family call

me ‗Brownie.‘ I‘m still just 16, but my birthday is com-

ing up on September the 1st! I live at the Methodists

Children‘s Home, and I am on the highest level

(Honors). I have two siblings, a sister, Julie, 22, and a

brother, Trevor, 10. I am also the FBLA Vice-President

of Service, and a member of the Keywanettes.

About all of that other stuff… I have many hobbies

and interests, including: photography, friends, reading,

writing, scrapbooking, softball, soccer, shopping, and

BEING RANDOM! I genuinely love Ruston High

School, it is the best school out of all that I have ever

attended (and trust me, I have been to plenty). There

are a ton of reasons RHS is ―Simply the Best,‖ but my

favorite reason would have to be how amazing the

teachers are and how much they care for their students.

My main reason for joining Chatterbox the 1st time

was because of Mr. Bruner, this time it was because I

wanted to help make the schools paper even better than

last year‘s! (I hope that I can live up to everyone‘s ex-

pectations.) My journalism experience is not nearly as

limited as it was last year, after having written articles

to be submitted for various things. As most students

already know, my new position in Chatterbox, as the

senior editor, requires me to put the paper together in

order to meet all deadlines and allow everyone to hold

this paper in your hands. Okay, for those of you who

honestly don‘t know me, I will write about a very

eclectic collection of topics; so if anybody has any sug-

gestions on something I should write about, just let me

know, I will happily consider any and all.=]

Good day to you Ruston High! My

name is Natasha Alva. I am 17 years old,

a senior, and I would like to say that I‘m

excited to be your News Editor for the

Chatterbox for this school year.

I became a member of the Chatterbox

staff my junior year and enjoyed my time

learning and gaining experience as I

worked as a reporter. Now I hope to take

what I have learned and continue to be-

come an even better writer and a leader.

As News Editor it will be my responsibil-

ity to proofread and then proofread again.

Our staff and advisor strive for perfection,

and grammatical errors are not a part of

perfection.

Here are a couple of other things about

me: A few of my hobbies are reading,

writing, and running. I also play soccer

(the greatest sport in the world), and am a

member of FBLA, Deutsch Klub, LYFE,

and of course, the Chatterbox staff.

I am a full-time sibling, as I‘m the

oldest of eight children (five boys and

three girls). We also have four dogs and a

hamster named after Gandalf the Grey.

That‘s pretty much me, myself, and I in a

nutshell. I look forward to this year and I

hope that all of you do too. Also have fun

reading the Chatterbox; we always have

fun writing it.

Lauren Townsend Assistant News Editor

My name is Lauren Townsend, and I am

a Junior and the Assistant News Editor for

the Chatterbox. The Assistant News Editor

basically checks reporters‘ articles for any

grammatical or spelling errors and then

sends it to Amber, the Senior Editor, to get

published. I also write editorials and what-

ever I am assigned to write.

I joined the Chatterbox because I have

written pieces before which were either

graded or published and I want to do some-

thing productive with my writing skills. Be-

sides working for the RHS Chatterbox, I am

also an Ambassador, a member of FBLA, a

PomPom girl, and a member of National

Honor Society.

In my free time, I like to make videos

and sing karaoke whenever possible. If

I am not playing around, I am usually at

the school doing something for a club or

teacher. I try to help in any way possi-

ble, and I even tutor students who need

help in a major course. At Ruston High,

I am able to participate in organizations

to help myself and others and prevent

myself from being bored by keeping

busy. Plus it‘s awesome to miss out on

cleaning the kitchen because I‘m at a

community service event or something!

Natasha Alva News Editor

eet the Press Ruston High School August 26, 2010 Page 20

Chatterbox M Gray Taylor Graphics/Design Editor

My name is Gray, and according to

popular belief, I‘m Batman. I am 17

years old and a senior at this fine insti-

tution. I live with my parents, Philip

and Geri Taylor, and my 12 year old

brother Ross. I have a brown dog

named Hero and a grey fat cat named

Storm.

My hobbies include drawing, play-

ing video games, watching movies, and

hanging out with my friends.

I joined the Chatterbox because this

is my last year at Ruston High, and I

decided that I need to leave a lasting

impression on the students and faculty

before I graduate. I don‘t have much

experience in journalism, but excel at

creating comic strips.

If you are reading the Chatterbox

and you see a comic strip or an editorial

cartoon, chances are I made it.

Elizabeth Smith

Business Manager

Hey, my name is Elizabeth Smith. My friends call

me E-Lizy or Ash. I am a junior. I live with my

mother Michelle Brown, stepfather Donnie Brown,

sisters, Amber Smith and Atlis Britt, brother, Austin

Smith, and dog, Patches.

I enjoy playing soccer and hanging out with my

friends. My academic interests are Desktop Publishing

and German. Those are the two classes I look forward

to attending every day. I am a member of Future Busi-

ness Leaders of America. I was Sophomore Affairs

Officer last year and I am the Technology Coordinator

this year. I love the clubs and sports at Ruston High.

I love going to the games and showing my Bearcat

Pride. I joined Chatterbox so I could irritate Mr.

Bruner, just kidding. I joined because I enjoy writing

and it is a productive and fun way I can use my writ-

ing skills. I was a guest writer a few times last year.

This year I am the Chatterbox Business Manager. I

will be the person that has to collect money for ads, go

around selling ads, and distributing papers to the busi-

nesses that buy ads. I will also most likely be writing

about random little things that we need to add into the

paper.

Stephany Arias Senior Reporter

Hey ya‘ll! My name is Stephany

Arias and I‘ll be the Senior Reporter in

Chatterbox during my last year at Rus-

ton High School. I‘m eighteen years old

and Latina (which means I‘m not Mexi-

can, and just for your information, I‘m

from Venezuela). I have a two year old

son named Michael Arias who I love

and care for more than anything in this

entire world.

I‘m not really a sports fan but I try

my best to fit in and cheer for our sports

teams. I love to dance, listen to music,

and spend as much time as I can with

my son and my boyfriend (Trent Coun-

cil). I have been a member of FBLA

since my freshmen year. FBLA is a fun

club to be a part of because there are so

many things you get to do and have a

fun time as well.

I joined Chatterbox because I enjoy

the work I do and it has given me a

chance to learn more about all that it

takes to put a newspaper together,

which is not an easy job to do.

To end this article, I‘d like to say

that I believe there is not just one good

thing about RHS. I think everything

about it is the best, starting with the

teachers who spend most of their time

worrying about us and helping us to

succeed. They know they are preparing

not only us for the future but preparing

us because we are the future. They hope

to help us to become great citizens who

will be a benefit to our community.

eet the Press Ruston High School August 26, 2010 Page 21

Chatterbox M Christian Amos Sports Editor

I return this year as the Chatterbox

Sports Editor to improve the already awe-

some sports section with two new Sports

Reporters at my command. With the help

of these reporters the sports section will

deliver more detailed coverage on sporting

events and spirit groups.

This year, as a senior, I will serve as the

co-Drum Major of the Bearcat Band. I am

also a member of the best school club:

FBLA. I have made great accomplish-

ments in this club such as serving as the

Multimedia Officer for the 2010-2011

year. I was also the leader of the Business

Plan Team which took first place at the

State Leadership Conference with my two

other team mates Natasha Alva and Kori

Teague.

The reason I join Chatterbox was be-

cause I wanted to pursue a career in Jour-

nalism and high school is the best time to

get a head start on your career visions.

What I like most about RHS is that

there is something new added each year

and nothing is the same. This year I will

most likely write about more controversial

topics and things like Cheerleading being

a sport.

Reed Malek Sports Reporter

Hello Ruston High! Let me tell you

a little bit about myself. My name is

Reed Malek, and I am a sports re-

porter for your Chatterbox. This year I

will be writing about the sports that

you, as Bearcats, care about most.

I am a junior here at RHS and I

live with my younger brother, mom

and dad, two cats, and one dog. I also

have an older brother, Greg, who is in

college.

Here at Ruston High I am decent to

good at every subject except math. I.

Hate. Math. There are many things I

enjoy about RHS, however. Especially

hall traffic and Mr. Nutt; these are two

best things about the school.

I am a member of the German Club

and FBLA, along with Chatterbox of

course. I joined Chatterbox to be a

part of the best organization at Ruston

High and write about the things that I

love—sports. All the best, Ruston

High!

Hook ‗em Horns!

Polly Michelle

Gwan Academics Reporter

Hey guys! My name is Polly Mi-

chelle, but my friends usually call me

Polly or Michelle. I am sixteen years

old and a junior at Ruston High. I live

with my mom and step-dad and my

siblings who are Joel Gwan, LSU stu-

dent, Emmanuel Gwan, RHS sopho-

more, and Oneke Gwan, 5th grader at

Hillcrest Elementary.

I enjoy running, shopping, and

especially eating! My all time favorite

subject is Spanish. I participate in the

Ruston High Band, Spanish Club,

FBLA, and KOM, and I do All-Star

Cheerleading with Powerhouse Gym

of Ruston. I absolutely adore the Lan-

guage Fest that the language clubs do.

What I like best about Ruston High

are the Friday pep rallies and football

games. They make me proud to be a

Bearcat because I don‘t think any

other school allows their drum line

and band kids to parade around the

school every Friday to promote spirit.

I joined Chatterbox because I feel

that I have something to share with the

Ruston High student body. I am the

Academics Reporter for Chatterbox

and I basically write about the Aca-

demics highlights of the school.

eet the Press Ruston High School August 26, 2010 Page 22

Chatterbox M Emily Moore

Arts Reporter

The name is Emily. Emily

Michele Moore to be exact. When

I become a famous rapper, you‘ll

hear ―E-Milli‖ instead of Emily

(just kidding, I can‘t rap, but

some of my close friends do call

me that). I‘m sixteen and entering

into my JUNIOR year! Repre-

sent! Aunt Judy and Uncle

Woody are my family for the

most part. I have a Chihuahua

named Charlie, and he‘s also part

of the family. He even has his

own seat at the table. Shadow is

our outside cat, but everyone calls

him ―Bad Cat‖.

My life pretty much revolves around

my friends and music. I play guitar and

when no one is close enough to hear, I

even sing. I really love photography. I

take pictures and edit them during my

spare time.

Clearly I am in Chatterbox, which by

default means I am in FBLA. This year, I

have joined Art Club and Spanish Club. I

am also in band. That‘s all I know so far,

but maybe I‘ll find another nifty RHS

group to join. I‘d have to say that my fa-

vorite classes are Chatterbox (duh!), Art,

English (I‘m not a nerd), and Math (okay,

maybe I am a little) in that order. Ruston

High isn‘t so bad. My favorite thing about

RHS is the many friends I‘ve made and

the tons of memories and laughs that have

come with them. And of course, the teach-

ers and the loads they‘ve taught me.

I joined Chatterbox because it‘s not

only awesome but also because I love to

write. It‘s pretty astonishing to think I

could be reporting news and enlightening

people to things they may not have

known. I‘ve never written for any type of

newspaper, but I‘ll do my best to be a

splendid reporter. I plan to bamboozle

people with my articles about all the art

affiliations here at RHS. It‘ll leave people

flabbergasted when they read my pieces

on the band and choir performances. I am

the Arts Reporter, so those topics will be

my main focus, but with the fabulous Mr.

Bruner as our main man and the indescrib-

able Amber Brown as our senior editor,

you never know who‘s writing what or

when or where (just kidding, we are all

very organized). So remember to read my

articles, because I‘m Emily, I‘m awesome,

and you are too (unless you don‘t read my

articles, then you aren‘t)!

Shamario

Daniel

Club reporter

Hey! My name is Shamario Daniel

(Some call me Mario). I am a junior at

Ruston High School. I am 17 years old.

I love to hang out with my family and

friends. I have three best friends who

are: Jelisha Warren, Jasmine Baker, and

LaBresha McClain.

I really like to visit Houston, TX

because I have stayed there for like 7

years and have family and friends there.

My family and I are nice people and

love to meet new people. I also have 5

fish, and one is even a shark. I have

many hobbies such as talking on the

phone, partying, driving my car, sing-

ing, and going to church.

My high school academic interests

are math and civics because of the

teachers. I am in four clubs, but I only

remember three of them which are 4-H,

Young Lawyers, and ROTC, which is

now no more. (Note from Mr. B—the

4th club is FBLA). I have also been

chosen to be a freshman mentor this

year. My school life is neutral. The

things I love about RHS in the school

spirit and the pride everyone has in one

other and their school.

The reason I joined Chatterbox is

because I like to write and I always

wanted to be involved with something

where I can write freely and the whole

school gets to see it‘s cool. I have some

experience in journalism and being in

Chatterbox will improve my skills. My

position in Chatterbox is Club Reporter

and I update the school about what‘s

going on in certain clubs. The topics I

will most likely write about are upcom-

ing events, and important news.

KeeKee Williams

Sports Reporter

My name is Arquisia Williams and I‘m

happy to be presented as your sports re-

porter this year for Chatterbox. You can

call me Kbreezy, Kbangz, and many peo-

ple call me Keekee. I have twelve brothers

and sisters (yea I know) in which only

three are here to follow me around and

they are: Jamarion, Chelsea, and Lizzie.

I have a pet rat named Chelsea (genetic

experiment), a yellow hyena named Lizzie

(mixed breed), and a dog named Chewy.

Since I am a sports reporter, I will obvi-

ously be reporting about sports (duh). I do

many things that you don‘t need to know

about or probably care about, but at least

you know who I am.

eet the Press Ruston High School August 26, 2010 Page 23

Chatterbox M Savannah

Chrisman Senior Spotlights

My name is Savannah Chrisman, I am

a sophomore and 15 years old. My parents

are Sam and Carla Chrisman. I have an

older sister, Samantha, who attends Lou-

isiana Tech and a younger brother, Joshua,

who is a freshman at RHS. We have 6

miniature daschunds.

I am taking all honors classes. I am

involved in several clubs at RHS. I am a

member of FBLA, FCA, Student Council,

and Diamond Girls. I am also a JV cheer-

leader. I love all the school spirit at RHS

especially during football season.

Chatterbox was another way to get

involved and be a part of RHS. As a

Chatterbox member I am responsible for

senior spotlights and taking pictures

around the school. As the senior spotlight

person, I get to take pictures of the seniors

and ask them questions about themselves

to help you get to know the Big Cats in

the school. I also hope to be able to dis-

cuss information concerning clubs that I

participate in and other information that

would be useful for underclassmen at the

high school.

Whitney

Durrett Photographer

My name is Whitney Ann Durrett! I

am 15 years old and will be a sopho-

more this year. I am the middle child in

my family right in the middle of Ashley

(19) and Katie (12) Durrett. My parents

are Polly Durrett, a school teacher, and

Ricky Durrett, a principal.

This year at RHS, I will be in the

clubs First Priority and FCCLA. My

favorite thing about Ruston High is the

awesome school spirit! Every sports

team and their games are recognized

and supported at RHS!

My favorite subjects are math and

writing! I joined Chatterbox staff be-

cause I love to write and take pictures,

and the position I have allows me to do

both. I am one of the two photographers

the Chatterbox has. I cannot wait to

start this school year off on Chatterbox

Staff!

Benicia King

Education Reporter

Hello! My name is Benicia, but many

people call me Benny, Baneenee,

Bonecia, and a bunch of other nick-

names. I‘m a junior and I cannot wait

until I graduate from high school. I live

with my mom and I have an older

brother; he went to Ruston High, when

we first moved here, which was back in

‘90 something before uniforms were

even considered. I have two dogs; a Jack

Russell Terrier and a Black Lab.

I like photography and filming. I

mostly spend my time on the internet

editing something and listening to mu-

sic. My favorite subject would be math;

some people find it hard, but it‘s really

easy to me. I‘m a member and the pho-

tographer for French Club. In French

Club, we get together and come up with

ideas for the Language Festival, French

Week, Mardi Gras, and other activities.

What I like best at RHS is when the

school bell rings to go home.

I joined Chatterbox because a certain

person said that I could be the photogra-

pher, but things always change. My po-

sition in the Chatterbox is the Education

Reporter, and I will most likely write

about specific educational organizations,

like Chatterbox itself, 4-H, French Club,

German Club, and others.

eet the Press Ruston High School August 26, 2010 Page 24

Chatterbox M Patricia

Duhart

Reporter

Hey Ruston High Bearcats! My

name is Patricia Duhart or as my

friends know me; Tricia! I am now a

junior. That means I am almost

done, and it‘s about time (LOL).

I am from Houston, TX. I moved

to Ruston in the beginning of March

and have been here ever since. I visit

Texas very often with my family,

and I go at least twice a month. On

our visits, our time is mostly spent at

AAU basketball games.

Basketball and photography are

my first loves! Then texting, hang-

ing with friends, and reading is next.

My high school academic interest

are, of course, reading and math.

There are many things I like

about Ruston High, but the main

thing that I like is the school spirit.

There is so much Bearcat pride, and

it is basically contagious. I am not

involved in any sports at RHS, but I

am on the Chatterbox staff. I joined

Chatterbox because I love journal-

ism and reporting news. Before at-

tending RHS, I was in Journalism I

and Communication Graphics,

which is basically journalism and

photography. My current position on

the Chatterbox staff is the Social

Reporter. My job is to report the

social events in school such as

Prom, Dances, Homecoming Court,

KOM, and the Ring Ceremony.

Well, that is pretty much every-

thing about me. If you want to know

more you are welcome to ask.

Amy Gibson Clubs Reporter

Hello…just thought I‘d introduce

myself to the public. My name is

Amy Gibson (aka shadow). I‘m in

the 11th grade, and, well, I think I‘ll

start with my family. I live in the

Methodist Children‘s Home, and as

upsetting as that is, the people there

are the best family I‘ve ever had.

I love to play softball, sing, and

draw. I‘m a member of FBLA, and,

naturally, the Chatterbox staff. A

few things that I like about Ruston

High are my fellow Chatterbox staff

members, my best friends, Marci

and Amber, and a few people that I

met last year during school.

I joined Chatterbox because one

of my best friends (Amber) sug-

gested that it would be a very happy

and knowledge gaining experience.

Unfortunately, I don‘t have much

experience in journalism…just a

few articles here and there, but

that‘s about it.

My job in Chatterbox is to report

on certain clubs. Throughout the

year, I will most likely write about

topics that may seem a little de-

pressing to some people and the

ways you can overcome your issues.

I hope you enjoy my contributions

to the Chatterbox.

Kori Teague Guest Writer

My name is Kori Anne Teague and

I am a junior at Ruston High. I live

with my mom, dad, sister, four cats,

and dog.

My hobby is photography and Eng-

lish is my favorite subject. I am a

member of the RHS band, Key Club,

National Honor Society, LYFE,

FBLA, and Resume Staff.

I joined Chatterbox because I sug-

gested the newspaper have an advice

column. Mr. Bruner, in turn, presented

me with the opportunity to join the

staff as a guest and write it myself.

This will be my second year writing

answers to questions that I hope you

want the answers to.

I am currently a guest writer in

charge of the ―Ask the Staff‖ column.

If you have a question, let me know.

If you have a question that you would like the staff to answer -let us know. Give your questions to Kori, drop

them by room 318, or email us at chatterbox@lincolnschools.org.

tudent Center Ruston High School August 26, 2010 Page 25

Chatterbox SAsk the Staff by Kori Teague

Guest Reporter

How does it feel to be a junior?

Quite frankly, after hearing

from those who survived junior

year, I'm slightly afraid. Junior

year is legendary for its hard work

and stressful schedules. All the

clubs, AP classes, ACT, SAT, pre-

paring for college, and still trying

to squeeze in a social life on top of

that, 11th graders hardly manage

the year! However, I know that

with constructive study habits and

time management, any junior can

handle any schedule. Good luck

juniors, and everyone else.

CLASS OF 2012!

Ask Russell Intro submitted by Beau Martin Russell

Student Council President

Welcome to Ruston High School! Welcome to the red and white!

Welcome to Bearcat Nation! Welcome to Friday nights! Wel-

come to the top school in the land!

I am Beau Martin Russell, your student council president, and

I would like to be the first to welcome you to our prestigious

school. These 4 years will be some of the best years of your life. I

strongly encourage you to be as active as you possibly can. Here

at RHS we have numerous clubs and organizations, both educa-

tional and recreational. From FCA and FBLA to football and

softball, there is something for everyone. We are so glad that you

are now a part of our family at RHS. When you wear that red and

white be proud to be an ambassador of RHS and walk with pride,

tradition, and excellence. Make this next year one you will talk

about for years to come. Again, welcome to RHS and please do

not hesitate to ask me anything about our school or just say

―hello!‖

With Bearcat Pride,

Beau Martin Russell

Not Quiet There (Yet) by Natasha Alva and Amber Brown

News Editor and Senior Editor

Last year there were many improvements made to our school‘s newspaper, the Chatterbox. We had

great and hardworking advisors and editors, plus an amazing staff. We would like to thank them for all

of the hard work that they have done over the past year alone. These improvement could not be made

without their dedication. The 2009-2010 editions of the Chatterbox were recognized by the National

Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) as Second Class, which we feel was a great accomplishment in

itself for Chatterbox’s first year to ever enter into such journalistic competitions.

Still, this year we are looking forward to enhancing the paper‘s legitness and winning the NSPA

award of First Class, or even better, All-American. We feel confident that we will be able to perform

our jobs and carry out our responsibilities, but that is not enough. We want to soar to new heights,

reach for the stars, and exceed all expectations. We are striving to always improve. Last year it was

the guys turn, but this year, the girls get a chance to rock out. We don‘t like to be boring, or for that

matter, average. Our paper is the person with the neon colored hair, while everyone else continues to

be ―natural.‖ We take pride in what we do, and we hope that you, the reader, will too, because this is a

paper for the students by the students, but is made possible by our awesome advisor, Mr. Bruner.

Without him, our paper would be nonexistent, we thank him for cracking the whip and making us

work, because some of us have major AHDH plus procrastination issues. We believe in ourselves be-

cause he believes in us. So let‘s make the 2010-2011 school year newsworthy!

―Our paper is the person

with the neon colored

hair, while everyone else

continues to be ‗natural.‘‖

Beau addresses RHS Freshman

students at the freshman assembly.

un Page Ruston High School August 26, 2010 Page 26

Chatterbox F

The Dark Nutt By Gray Taylor

Graphics/Design Editor

Sudoku Puzzle “Back to School” Word Search

ponsors and Staff Ruston High School August 26, 2010 Page 27

Chatterbox S 2010-2011 Chatterbox Sponsors

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

First National Bank

Ruston High School Alumni Association

Garrett Foundation (Grant)

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

Silver Level Sponsor: ($50 - $99) Lloyd and Christy Bruner

Bronze Level Sponsor: ($25 - $49) RHS Business Department

2010-2011 Chatterbox Advertisers

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

Lincoln ACHIEVE Cathi Cox 2

Crowder Concepts Kathy Crowder 2

BESTWAY Michael Kolb 4

McGivens Brent Givens 9

New Tech@Ruston Cathi Cox 16

Pow Wow Manuel and Nilda Chinchilla 17

Jim Taylor Ford Crystal Carrico 18

Piney Hills Music Nick Goff 18

Geri G. Taylor Geri Taylor 29

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

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

Access the current edition of the Chatterbox at: http://rustonhigh.lincolnschools.org/whatsnew.html and archived editions at: http://rustonhigh.lincolnschools.org/chatterbox.html

2010-2011 RHS Chatterbox Staff

Senior Editor Amber Brown Senior

News Editor Natasha Alva Senior

Assistant News Editor Lauren Townsend Junior

Graphics/Design Editor Gray Taylor Senior

Senior Reporter Stephanie Arias Senior

Sports Editor Christian Amos Senior

Business Manager Elizabeth Smith Junior

Academics Reporter Polly Michelle Gwan Junior

Arts Reporter Emily Moore Junior

Clubs Reporter Amy Gibson Junior

Clubs Reporter Shamario Daniel Junior

Education Reporter Benicia King Junior

Social Reporter Patricia Duhart Junior

Social Reporter Jocria Thompson Junior

Sports Reporter Reed Malek Junior

Sports Reporter Kee Kee Williams Sophomore

Photographer Savannah Chrisman Sophomore

Photographer Whitney Durrett Sophomore

Guest Reporter Kori Teague Junior

Adviser/Sponsor: Mr. Lloyd R. Bruner, chatterbox@lincolnschools.org

The Chatterbox is a member of the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA). The purpose of the Chatterbox is to provide information and to promote school pride. We strive to meet the criteria set by the Louisiana Scholastic Press for student jour-

nalism. In addition, if a reasonable basis or the 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

Dr., Ruston, LA 71270.

earcat Spirit Ruston High School August 26, 2010 Page 28

Chatterbox B Cheer Camp by Savannah Chrisman

Photographer

All three Ruston High School cheerleading

squads, Freshman, JV, and Varsity, went to cheer

camp in Little Rock, Arkansas on June 16-19. For

some girls, it‘s their first time to go to cheer camp

such as JV cheerleader, DeJayla Chambers. She

said, ―It was my first experience of cheer camp…so

I thought it was very intriguing!‖ Every day spirit

sticks were awarded to many teams, the Varsity, JV,

and Freshman all got a spirit stick each night and

all brought home a spirit stick on the last day. They

learned many cheers and chants at camp and com-

peted for different awards on the last day, June 19.

The days at camp were long and the girls worked

very hard each and every day. Beth Ramirez, a

freshman, said ―I thought it was tough getting up

early and practicing all day, but it was well worth

it.‖ Caitlin Elliott commented, ―I‘m glad we go be-

cause it brings us closer together as a squad and we have lots of fun.‖ The girls

learned many new cheers that they brought home to use at different Bearcat events.

Mrs. Reeder says, "Ruston High represented our school and community very well

at camp this year. The camp at UALR is the largest in the Southeast region with

over seven hundred girls. All of our squads received bids to compete at NCA Sen-

ior and Junior High Nationals and the famous spirit stick for school spirit and team-

work. Varsity and Freshmen took home top awards in their divisions for Game Day

Top Team and Champion Chant, a major accomplishment for the size of camp.

Varsity won the Herkie TEAM Award for leadership and teamwork, awarded by

the staff to only one high school. Mary Hollis Graham, freshman captain, received

the Leadership Award. Be on the lookout for Rusty III--he made his first appear-

ance at camp and will definitely make RHS opponents tremble this year. All 45

girls worked hard and made the Bearcat Nation proud!‖. The RHS Varsity won the

Herkie Award, Game Day Top Team, and Champion Chant. RHS JV won the

Herkie Award as well. The Freshman won Game Day Top Team and Champion

Chant in their division. Some of the RHS cheerleaders made the All-American

team, they are as followed: Shelby Eggen (Varsity), Anna Fuller(Varsity), Brooke

Fraiser (Varsity), Reagan Lopez (Varsity), Eva Edinger (JV), Mary-Margaret Man-

ning (Freshman), Kendall Lopez (Freshman), and Emily Compton (Freshman).

Front row: Mary-Kyle McDonald, Elizabeth Moore, Captain; Marcie McTyer,

Co-Captain; Hannah Maud 2nd row: Ebony Wright, Ashlyn Thompson, Jr. Co-Captain; Molly Humphries, Marley

Ratcliff; Alicia Love, Aranaye Clay Back row: De‘Ninia Melton, Maegan Goss, Brittany Kelly, Emily Higginbotham,

Baylee Wright, Ashley Reynolds, Megan Franks, Lauren Jenkins

2010-2011 Ruston High Bearcat

Belles submitted by Ms. Garrison

Belles Sponsor

The 2010-2011 Ruston High School Bearcat Belles recently returned from a Na-

tional Dance Alliance (NDA) summer camp. The camp was held at University of

Arkansas, Little Rock, and attracted over 200 dancers from the surrounding states.

Over 50 ribbons were awarded to individual dancers throughout the camp. The Rus-

ton High School Bearcat Belles received the following awards at the NDA summer

camp: Spirit Stick – presented to teams showing the most sincere spirit and enthusiasm for

the day, taking into account being on time, cooperation, relationships with other

teams, and leadership. Technical Excellence Certificate – A daily award presented to teams that exemplify

strong dance and performance technique. Team Dance Circle of Winners - Superior– Awarded to the teams that performed in

the Team Dance Run-Off with overall superb technique, showmanship, precision and

memory. Home Routine Trophy and Ribbon - Superior rating. Awarded trophy for Supe-

rior Technique. NDA National Championship Bid Winner – This tremendous accomplishment is

awarded to teams exemplifying the best overall skill and dance technique. Eligible to

compete at the NDA National Dance Championship at Hard Rock Live in Orlando,

Florida. In addition to the above team awards, awards were received by the following: Team Leader Circle of Winners – Silver – Awarded to Elizabeth Moore, Captain,

Marcie McTyer, Co-Captain, and Ashlyn Thompson, Jr. Co-Captain. Awarded for

displaying strong leadership qualities during Leadership Classes and camp, and dis-

playing superb technique, showmanship, precision and memory during performance. All American Winners – Elizabeth Moore, Marcie McTyer, Ashlyn Thompson and

Ebony Wright. Top Gun Kick Finalists – Elizabeth Moore and Ebony Wright. Top Gun Leaps and Turns Finalists – Elizabeth Moore, Megan Franks and Ebony

Wright. Top Gun Leaps and Turns Winner – Megan Franks Top Gun Hip Hop Finalists – Marcie McTyer, DeNinia Melton and Lauren Jenkins. Top Gun Hip Hop Winner – Marcie McTyer

ports Ruston High School August 26, 2010 Page 29

Chatterbox S Saints Looking for a

“Two Dat” by Reed Malek

Sports Reporter

As the 2010-2011 National Football League season kicks

off, the defending Super Bowl Champion, New Orleans

Saints, look to become back-to-back champs!

Last season, the Saints reached their first ever Super

Bowl by defeating Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings

with a game-winning overtime field goal. The Saints went

on to defeat the Indianapolis Colts 31-17 in one of the most

dramatic Super Bowl victories ever, which created a historic

celebration in New Orleans and across Louisiana.

The Saints now have their sights set on winning a second

straight Super Bowl as they kick their season off on Thurs-

day, September 9, against the team they beat to get to last

year‘s Super Bowl, the Minnesota Vikings. Led again by

their star quarterback Drew Brees, the Saints seek to be the

eighth NFL team to win consecutive Super Bowls (Packers,

Dolphins, Steelers, 49ers, Cowboys, Broncos, and Patriots).

Fun fact: New Orleans‘ back-up quarterback for this year

will be ex-RHS football star Patrick Ramsey.

“Jam at the Joe” Is the

Way to Go by Keekee Williams

Sports Reporter

For those of you that have no idea what ―Jam at the Joe‖

is, you are missing out on something very fun and entertain-

ing. ―Jam at the Joe‖ is a ten-team jamboree at the Joe Alliet

Stadium on the Louisiana Tech‘s campus. This is the site for

what is becoming one of the top jamborees for the LHSAA

and the date is set for August 28. The attendance for this

preseason event is due to attract as many as ten thousand

spectators beating out last year‘s attendance of about 8,000

people, in which the action was temporarily delayed because

of the late afternoon rain showers. Ruston High will be rep-

resenting holdover, Coach Laird, consequently. Laird pre-

ceded the Bearcats to eight regular season wins in 2009 be-

fore a 12-9 first round 4-A loss to Shreveport Huntington

High in the LHSA playoffs. Ruston will brace and challenge

Shreveport Calvary Baptist in the final game of the ―Jam at

the Joe‖. Eight other North Louisiana schools will be fea-

tured in this preseason event which will kick-off at 2p.m.

with Homer taking on Caldwell Parish before a trial match

up with Cedar Creek against Haynesville. At 6 p.m. Monroe

Ouachita faces West Ouachita and Ruston High and Shreve-

port Calvary Baptist will wrap up the action at 8 p.m. night-

capper. Tickets can be purchased before hand with prices

starting at $7 prior to and $10 at the gate for all five

games .This year with new teams added into the competition

now making it five games and ten teams, it‘s going to be a

bigger and better ―Jam at the Joe‖.

accessed at www.reservationforsix.com

ports Ruston High School August 26, 2010 Page 30

Chatterbox S

Cheerleading a Sport: Fans Rule or Judges Rule? by Christian Amos

Sports Editor

Many cheerleading fans have heard of the federal court decision made by U.S. District Judge Stefan Underhill. Judge Underhill disagreed that a competitive cheerleading

squad does not deserve the equal opportunities other sports enjoy such as volleyball. This was the first time the issue of Cheerleading was decided by a judge. The judge ar-

gues that the activity of cheerleading is not organized enough to be considered for varsity athletic participation.

Many certified athletic coaches such as Coach Aultman of RHS seem to disagree with the judge‘s ruling of the activity. ―Yes [Cheerleading] is a sport‖ Aultman says ―,

they do athletic stunts and anything you compete in is a sport.‖ Coach Aultman adds that cheerleaders compete for trophies and spirits sticks. And let‘s not forget about those

bragging rights.

Another Athletic Coach agrees with Aultman that cheerleading is a sport. Coach Anderson says, ―[Ruston] has a competition squad that competes against other squads, so

the competition aspect of cheerleading is like a sport‖ Many fans of cheerleading argue that the organization is very much athletic, but the true debate remains- can it be con-

sidered a Sporting event?

RHS student athlete Antonio Wilson says, ―Cheerleading is not a sport because a sport requires hard work and cheerleaders just run around being cheerleaders, not ath-

letes, so cheerleading is definitely not a sport!‖ Another student athlete and sports fanatic,Aaron Boersma says, ―Since cheerleading was ruled not a sport in a federal court

[in the state of Maine], it is not a sport.‖

But cheerleading was ruled not a sport in one state at the college level, what about the other 49 states and territories that recognize cheerleading at many different levels?

This event requires the participates to show a lot of athleticism is their stunts and moves. Gymnastics, a hugely supported sport at the Olympics, is directly used with cheer-

leading choreography. Many competition squads like Powerhouse Gym of Ruston use highly dangerous gymnastics stunts in their routines. So if cheerleading stunts are ex-

treme enough to be gymnastic stunts, why doesn‘t cheerleading deserve to be called a sport itself?

Judges Rule:

Cheerleading is NOT

a Sport! by Keekee Williams

Sports Reporter

It is official, cheerleading is not a sport. Though

it requires an amazing amount of athleticism, disci-

pline, and commitment, apparently cheerleading

can‘t be placed in the same category as football.

The decision was made when a judge was required

to choose whether a Connecticut college could cut

its women‘s volleyball team for a competitive cheer

squad. According to U.S District Judge Stefan Un-

derhill, competitive cheer may qualify as a sport

under Title IX sometime in the future. That's the

word from a federal judge, who ruled Wednesday

that Quinnipiac University failed to provide equal

opportunities for its female athletes when it tried to

cut women's volleyball and offer competitive cheer-

leading instead. An activity can be considered a

sport under Title IX if it meets specific criteria. It

must have coaches, practices, competitions during a

defined season and a governing organization. The

activity also must have competition as its primary

goal — not merely the support of other athletic

teams. ―Cheerleading is more of a spirit group cre-

ated to support and encourage players on winning a

sports challenge,‖ states a college student. This ends

the conspiracies that all cheerleaders and sports fans

have been contemplating; cheerleading is indeed not

a sport.

accessed at highschoolsports.mlive.com accessed at beijing2008.cn

accessed at beijing2008.cn accessed at czathletics.com

ports Ruston High School August 26, 2010 Page 31

Chatterbox S Ruston High Football

Kicks Off by Reed Malek

Sports Reporter

As this glorious summer comes to an end and we begin another

school year, we will soon see the return of the Friday night lights!

Ruston High Football will play the Calvary Cavaliers on August

28 in a preseason game at the ―Jam at the Joe‖ at Louisiana Tech‘s

Joe Aillet Stadium, then kick off the regular season against the

familiar Byrd Yellowjackets. The Bearcats‘ regular season begins

September 3. Remember to buy your tickets from the athletic di-

rector‘s office for $6 as the price will go up at the gate.

RHS Football looks to have another exciting year! Here is the

2010 Varsity Football schedule, not including playoff games:

Incoming Frosh Football Comes Un-

defeated by Christian Amos

Sports Editor

The incoming freshman class of nearly 350 brings many high hopes to

RHS, but most importantly they bring with them a first-rate football team.

Ruston could gain significant standings from the two-year undefeated

team. Many upperclassmen and former RHS athletes have bragged about the

class of 2014. Many students

think the freshmen are a hard-

working squad, such as senior

Belles Captain Marcie Mctyer. ―I

think the incoming Frosh Foot-

ball team seems hard-working

and determined to get some wins

for their new Bearcat Nation!‖

says Mctyer.

With hard work comes team

work, and former Bearcat Foot-

ball player Bevan Cline thinks

working well with others will

advance the already outstanding

team. Cline says, ―I believe if

they continue to work hard with

our coaching staff, there is only

room for success.‖

In an interview with a fresh-

man football player, Kristian

Scroggins said, ―We will raise

the football status.‖

So it seems everyone is opti-

mistic about the freshmen team,

but only time and of course hard-

working attitudes will tell if they

are worthy enough to be champs!

2010 FOOTBALL VARSITY SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT/EVENT LOCATION TIME

August 28 Jam at the Joe (Calvary) TECH 8:00 PM

September 3 Byrd AWAY 7:00 PM

September10 Many HOME 7:00 PM

September17 Ouachita HOME 7:00 PM

September24 Sulphur (Homecoming) HOME 7:00 PM

October 1 Richwood AWAY 7:00 PM

October 8 *Neville HOME 7:00 PM

October 15 *Bastrop HOME 7:00 PM

October 22 *West Ouachita AWAY 7:00 PM

October 29 *Wossman AWAY 7:00 PM

November 5 *Franklin Parish HOME 7:00 PM

November 12-26 Playoffs TBA 7:00 PM

Bearcat Madness 2010 by Christian Amos

Sports Editor

Bearcat Madness 2010 was a success! After the Cats scrimmaged the Rayville Hor-

nets with a 20-12 win, they prepared for the annual press day known as Bearcat Madness.

Now you may be thinking it was only Bearcat Madness, but behind the scenes it took

much planning to accomplish this event. This event is an excellent opportunity for differ-

ent clubs and organizations to sell merchandize and gain recognition. These organiza-

tions displayed and sold Bearcat T-shirts, flags, and many other products.

Speeches were given by

coaches and team sponsors such

as Ruston‘s Head Coach Billy

Laird and the RHS Belles spon-

sor Mrs. Garrison. Coach Laird

introduced the 2010 football

Coaching staff, followed by the

invincible freshman football

players, then this year‘s varsity

football team.

Besides the members of the

football squad getting publicity,

other squads, including the

Bearcat Belles, Cheerleaders,

and Pom Squad, were intro-

duced to the devoted crowd.

Principal Mike Milstead and

other RHS administration

graced us with their presence.

Over the past five years,

Bearcat Madness has become

more than just a press day for

the football team. It has evolved

into a gathering of the Bearcat

family!

For more pictures from this

year‘s Bearcat Madness, see

page 32. 2010-2011 Freshmen Bearcat Football

ports Ruston High School August 26, 2010 Page 32

Chatterbox S

Pom Squad‘s new uniforms GO CATS GO -freshmen Cheerleaders THE BAND!! Mrs. Reeder enjoys

the shade.

Coach Laird engages

the crowd.

Some Freshmen football players pose

for the camera.

The Bearcat Belles take over the field. The band has the BEST concessions.

The crowd was awesome! Class of 2011 is the BEST! The Ladies of the 2010-11 Pom Pon Squad Everybody loves Rusty!

This is new….and outstanding! The 2010 RHS Bearcat Football Team Bearcat down!! Coach Frasier and

Coach Garrett