Chatterbox - Ruston High...

Chatterbox Ruston High School September 24, 2009

Box Tops

Academia (2-3)

Guidance (4)

Editorials (5-9)

Student Center (10)

Coaches (11-14)

Clubs (15-17)

The Arts (18)

SR Spotlights (19-26)

Sponsors/staff (27)

Comics (28)

Sports (29-32)

Thank You Ruston High by Mrs. Elaine Johnson

Teacher

I would like to thank the Ruston

High School student body and staff

for all the prayers and support I have

been given over the past few months.

Many of you know that I was diag-

nosed with cancer in September of

2007, Synovial Sarcoma, a soft tis-

sue sarcoma. This is a rare form of

cancer which usually occurs near the

joints of the arm or leg; mine was in

my abdominal wall. Synovial sarco-

mas can occur in patients of any age,

but it is most common in the young.

After first being diagnosed, I had the tumor removed

and was given radiation treatment. I was then to have

check-ups every three months. It was during one of

these check-ups that the cancer was found to have me-

tastasized to my lungs. There were three spots.

My family encouraged me to go to MD Anderson in

Houston, TX. This is a large cancer hospital and they

have a sarcoma center. There they decided to give me

chemotherapy, which was very gruesome. The chemo

eliminated all but one of the spots, but it did shrink it

considerably. I had surgery this summer to remove

the last spot. Right now I am happy to be free of can-

cer. This has been quite an experience, but I have

learned how generous people can be. I cannot tell you

how much your encouragement has meant to my

family and me during this time. Your phone calls,

texts, and emails truly made me feel as if you were

with me even when I was in Houston having treat-

ment. I appreciated so much the spirit shirt day that

you had for me last spring and the special gift from

the French club; your generosity truly overwhelmed

me. Ruston High has been wonderful to me. The stu-

dents and staff have been a great support group. I want

to thank each and every one of you for all you have

done.

9/11: In

Remembrance by Drew Boyd

News Editor

I was in fourth grade when the

tragedies in New York City took

place. Like many people, I remem-

ber exactly what I was doing, where

I was, and how I felt. I‘m not going

to bore you with my personal story;

I only mention this to emphasize a

point. My memory is very hazy

concerning my fourth grade year,

but one thing I will always remem-

ber is virtually everything that took

place after I heard the news. These

memories are as clear as if they had

just happened yesterday.

I can imagine many of you feel

the same way. The attacks on our

nation hit us all very hard – even I,

a 10-year-old boy with a small bit

of innocence left and virtually no

knowledge of how the world

worked, felt anger and sadness. I

didn‘t quite understand why those

people did what they did, and in

retrospect, I still don‘t. The feelings

I harbored when the attacks took

place have not left me since. In a

way, this is a good thing – we

should never forget what happened,

and we should forever look upon

those who died and the heroes who

worked tirelessly in the aftermath to

save others with the utmost rever-

ence and respect.

In the eight years following the

attacks, we have become more pa-

triotic. The attempts of the terrorists

to weaken our spirits backfired; in-

stead, we have become a much

stronger nation than we were be-

fore. But this renewed strength

came at a terrible cost. The attacks

reminded us that although we live

in what is arguably the greatest

nation in the world, we are never

without enemies, and we are

always at risk. Thus, I ask all of

you reading this right now to not

take things for granted. If you

have a personal hero in your life,

let them know your appreciation.

Enjoy the little things….work hard

to be the best person you can be.

We were vividly reminded on

September 11, 2001 that we

should not take our lives

for granted. That day will

live in infamy forever, and

I hope that its impact, how-

ever it affected you as an

individual, forever remains

in your heart.

Academia Ruston High School September 24, 2009

Chatterbox

National Merit Semifinalists by Jessica Herren

Senior Reporter

Two Ruston High School seniors, Matt Robertson and

Collin Smith, have been named National Merit Semifinalists

for the 55th annual National Merit Scholarship program. They

are two of 16,000 semifinalists from across the nation. Next,

they have the chance to compete for one of the 8,200 National

Merit Scholarships. Congratulations Matt and Collin and

good luck in the next round!

Students Place in

Writing Contest by Stephany Arias

Reporter

Every year at Ruston High School, students compete in the

National Writing Project‘s ―Louisiana Writes‖ contest. More

than 900 students from different schools competed in this event.

For the third year, a Bearcat has placed highly in this competi-

tion. Brittany Dubose won 2nd place, and Sarah Kilpatrick, a

Chatterbox member, received an honorable mention for her

memoir ―Hearts Wide Open,‖ with both pieces to be published in

an anthology. The award presentation ceremony will be attended

by Brittany in Baton Rouge this October. Ruston High School

should be proud of these two young ladies and of all other RHS

students who competed in this year‘s contest. Great job girls!

AFJROTC –

A New

Commander on

Campus Submitted by Lt Col Simonsen

ROTC Instructor

It‘s a new day in Air Force Jun-

ior ROTC! Our school‘s detach-

ment, LA-792, has a new Senior

Aerospace Science Instructor, Lt

Col Dan Simonsen. He comes to

Ruston High after twenty-three

years in the Air Force and three

years at Louisiana Tech Univer-

sity. With his experience at the

college level and by serving on

numerous scholarship boards, he

brings a wealth of knowledge on

how to succeed in college.

When asked, Colonel Simonsen

will tell you, ―I want Ruston High

students to succeed. I‘m here to

help. If you have a question about

things, I‘ll tell you what I know,

including the good, the bad and the

ugly. At the end of the day, I want

you to be where you want to be.‖

Soon you‘ll be seeing Ruston

High AFJROTC cadets walking

around campus in their uniforms.

Perhaps you have seen the RHS

AFJROTC Color Guard presenting

the Colors during the national an-

them at our home football games.

Maybe you‘ve seen AFJROTC

raising and lowering the flags at

the start and end of every day.

Maybe you‘ve even seen or heard

cadets marching on the boulevard.

That‘s just the tip of the iceberg.

More great things, from flying

flight simulators to building and

launching rockets, are in

AFJROTC‘s near future. You may

be wondering: what is AFJROTC

all about and is it for me? Master

Sergeant Tony Rutherford, in his

third year here at Ruston High, is

more than willing to tell you:

―AFJROTC‘s mission is to de-

velop citizens of character dedi-

cated to serving their nation and

community. We‘re not here to re-

cruit you into the military. Simply

put, we‘re here to help you

realize your dreams.‖

Collin Smith and Matt Robertson

Nation Merit Semi-finalists

Academia Ruston High School September 24, 2009

Chatterbox

Mexican Independence Day

16 de Septiembre: El Grito de Independencia by Stephany Arias

Reporter

El 16 de septiembre de 1810 Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, un cura del pueblo de Dolores, en el actual estado de Guanajuato, alzó la ban-

dera de la rebelión demandando el fin del mal gobierno, pero sin desconocer el poder del rey español Fernando VII. A pesar de que inicial-

mente tuvo éxito, la rebelión de Hidalgo no sobrevivió mucho tiempo. El cura fue capturado por las fuerzas realistas y ejecutado en Chihua-

hua en 1811.La Independencia de México marcó una etapa muy importante ya que se dejó de depender de España y se convirtió en un país

libre y soberano, pero no fue sencillo obtenerla ya que el proceso duró 11 años de extensa lucha del pueblo Mexicano por obtener su liber-

tad. Tratar de conseguir la independencia de México fue uno de los procesos más largos de America Latina. Muchos de los Mexicanos que

viven en los Estados Unidos Celebran este día con mucha emoción. En Miami este día es celebrado al máximo empezando el mes de sep-

tiembre, en el cual las personas pueden aprender más sobre la cultura mexicana y disfrutan la comida típica de México.

La Rentrée by Mrs. Greenwood

French Teacher

Au mois d’août, les français du pays entier, partent en masse pour leurs destinations de vacances favorites. « La Rentrée » est l‘expression

qu‘on utilise pour décrire le moment á la fin d‘août où tout le monde rentre à l‘école ou au travail. Avant de partir en vacances, les gens ne di-

sent pas « A lundi » mais « A la rentrée ». Il y en a qui envoient des cartes postales électroniques à leurs amis, pour leur souhaiter « une bonne

rentrée. »

Les élèves peuvent trouver leur liste de fournitures scolaires (composée par le gouvernement) en ligne. Cette année, le gouvernement a es-

sayé (sans succès) de limiter le coût des fournitures scolaires à 40€ mais les citoyens se plaignent qu‘ils ont du dépenser 80€. Voici quelques

fournitures sur la liste :

- trois cahiersclasseur rigide

- feuillets mobiles perforés

- stylo à bille (1 bleu, 1 noir, 1 rouge, 1 vert) – pointe moyenne

- pochette de douze crayons de couleur

- gomme

- rouleau de ruban adhésif

Die Mauer: 20 Jahren submitted by Mrs. DeMattos

Reporter

Die deutsche Mauer ist von 1961 bis zum 1989 als eine Trennung zwischen die Demokratische Länder und die Kommunisten Länder ges-

tanden. Im November dieses Jahr feiert Deutschland 20 Jahre nach dem Mauer. Im 1989 war die Grenze zwischen Ost und West nicht mehr: ein

Land ohne Grenzen. Seit diesem 20 Jahren haben die Deutsche viele Änderungen erlebt. Zuerst müssten sie nicht nur das Geld wechseln aber

auch ihre Mentalität. Sie nennen ein ander immer noch eben heutzutag die Ossies und die Wessies. Das ist zu sagen dass es einen Unterschied

nach 20 Jahren immer noch gibt. Es ist wichtig dass wir uns diesen Teil unserer Geschichte erinnern.

RHS FOREIGN LANGUAGES: CHECK WITH YOUR SPANISH, FRENCH, OR GERMAN TEACHER FOR THE SOLUTIONS!

Meet The Guidance Ruston High School September 24, 2009

Chatterbox

Kellye Ratcliff 9th Grade Counselor

Family: Wade (husband), Marley

and Sydney (daughters -13 and 11)

High school attended and year:

Magnolia High in Arkansas/1987

College attended/major: LA

Tech/Math Education, Masters in

Counseling

Teaching experience: 3 years

RJHS, 8 years RHS

Most embarrassing moment:

My first quarter at Tech I was sit-

ting in class when the person be-

hind me told me the price tag was

hanging from the underarm of my

jacket.

Favorite quote: ―What is popular

is not always right, and what is

right is not always popular.‖

Favorite thing about RHS: Eve-

ryone is important and loved, and I

like that we are family.

What do you want students to

know about you? That I want

your years at RHS to be fun, that

you always have fond memories of

high school, and that I will help

any student!

Dawna Keys 10th Grade Counselor

Family: George (husband), 5 sons,

2 grandchildren

Pets: 2 labs


Jonesboro—Hodge High School


Tech/Business Administration,

Secondary Counseling

Teaching experience: 20th year at

RHS

Favorite restaurant: Copeland's

Favorite childhood memory: Christmas at my grandparents

Favorite quote: ―Only I can

change my life; no one can do it

for me.‖ - Carol Burnett

Favorite thing about RHS: The

people I work with.


know about you? I am here to

help them in any way that I can,

and my office is always open to

them.

Kay White 12th Grade Counselor

Family: Russell (husband), sons

Jon (15) and Graham (12)

Pets: 3 dogs: Buddy, Coach and

Archie; 2 cats: Newt and Ziggy

Favorite subject: English


Natchitoches Central High/1983


Tech—majored in Accounting for 3

years then changed to Business

Education with a minor in English.

Also have a Master‘s degree in Sec-

ondary School Counseling.

Teaching experience: RHS 1989-

90; Counselor at Ruston Technical

College from 1992-2000; RHS

2000-present.

Favorite childhood memory: On

my 5th birthday, my dad gave me

my very own puppy with a big bow

around her neck.

Favorite quote: ―The most wasted

day of all is that on which you have

not laughed.‖


students and faculty members with

whom I work.

Diana Humphries 11th Grade Counselor

Family: Ben (husband), 3 teenage

daughters: Kelly, Molly, and

Maggie.


High school attended and year: Ruston High/1980

College attended/ major: LA

Tech: Bachelors in English, Mas-

ters in English and Counseling


Favorite restaurant: Log Cabin

Favorite childhood memory: The perfect childhood with won-

derful parents.

Favorite quote: ―Watch your

words; they become actions.

Watch your actions; they become

habits. Watch your habits; they

become character. Watch your

character; it becomes your des-

tiny.‖


juniors.


know about you? I love students.

Set goals, work hard, and we will

have a great year!

Editorials/Opinions Ruston High School September 24, 2009

Chatterbox

Become a Part of

the ―Bearcat Na-

tion‖ by Mr. Lloyd R. Bruner

FBLA /Chatterbox Adviser

Ruston High School offers

many opportunities for students to

become a part of the Bearcat Na-

tion. With opportunities to partici-

pate in academic pursuits, extra-

curricular organizations, clubs, and

sports – every student can find a

place in the ―Bearcat Nation.‖

With numerous organizations at

Ruston High School, and a sports

program that is second to none in

its offerings, everyone should be

able to find a place. If you want to

show your support for our student

athletes, we have the Pepettes, the

BUMS, and our Bearcat Belles.

We have the Fellowship of Chris-

tian Athletes (FCA) for every clas-

sification of student. If you like

music - join the band or choir.! Of

course, be ready to play a part and

do some acting too if you wish

with Bearcats on Broadway! For

students who like agriculture,

forestry, horticulture, welding, car-

pentry, animal science, or any of

the many other trade skills – we

have the Future Farmers of Amer-

ica (FFA) and 4H. Interested in

family and consumer sciences?

We have that covered too with the

Family, Career, and Community

Leaders of America (FCCLA).

For students who love debate,

we have the Debate Team and

Young Lawyers. Why not try out

the French, German, or Spanish

Clubs, or take a serious look at

our Air Force Junior Reserve Of-

ficer Training Corps (AFJROTC)

program, Louisiana Youth for Ex-

cellence (LYFE), the National

Honor Society, the Key Club, and

the Keywanettes? Interested in

business, public speaking, all as-

pects of computers, community

service events, project participa-

tion and management, and leader-

ship opportunities - the Future

Business Leaders of America

(FBLA) is looking for you.

Regardless of your interests,

Ruston High School offers stu-

dents many opportunities to be in-

volved. Although sign-up day has

passed for most organizations,

check with the adviser or sponsor

if you are really interested in

enhancing your high school ex-

perience. If school seems like a

―bummer‖ to you – maybe it‘s be-

cause you aren‘t involved. I en-

courage each of you to seriously

consider joining one or more of

these organizations and make a

difference in your school and in

your own lives. As we hear from

the Student Council almost daily:

―Make it a great day or not – the

choice is yours.‖ I‘ll take that one

step further by saying ―Get in-

volved – become part of the Bear-

cat Nation. The choice is yours–

enjoy your days at Ruston High

School and participate during your

short time here, or not – the choice

is yours!‖

In Defense of

Wikipedia by Logan Taylor

Senior Editor

Let‘s say you have an important

paper due tomorrow on an obscure

topic in which the only adequate

online source is Wikipedia. For

most of us, this is quite the quan-

dary because Wikipedia vexes us

as the top Google result (most of

the time), but at the same time,

most teachers forbid its use as a

research tool. Most teachers be-

lieve Wikipedia to be an unreliable

source based on the website‘s most

distinguishing factor: anyone can

make changes to an article. That

means you are getting information

from a source that is not solely

composed of pipe-smoking Har-

vard professors. It‘s a shock, I

know.

However, Wikipedia only re-

ceived this sullied reputation dur-

ing the early years of its conception

when the creators of the site didn‘t

know they had a smash-hit on their

hands. The site we know today is a

far cry from the proto-site of yes-

teryear. It is now heavily moder-

ated by respected sources and

seeded throughout with education-

respected references and valid cita-

tions. More important articles

(often including those that docu-

ment current events and biographi-

cal pages of many popular figures)

are barred from public editing.

To test my theory of a more re-

sponsible online encyclopedia, I

decided to change the music genre

on the Metallica article to Disco (it

is unassailably metal). I then re-

freshed the page thirty seconds

later to see if my alteration was

still in effect, and lo and behold, it

had already changed back to metal.

These strict measures to sustain

accurate and informative articles,

while at the same time gathering

knowledge from anyone willing to

offer it, is why Wikipedia deserves

to be on the list of credible re-

search sources. If we don‘t act

now, students may have to resort to

clicking the second link listed by

Google.


Chatterbox

Bearcat Box

Office by Logan Taylor

Senior Editor

District 9

It is very rare these days

to truly be sucked into the

plot of a movie as if the sil-

ver screen was actually a

giant window, and the

events on the other side

could come bursting

through at any second.

However, I felt a very real-

istic connection to a movie

that is so steeped in fantasy

as aliens becoming stuck on

Earth. This is possible be-

cause of the way the faux-

documentary style captures

the humanity of the alien

―prawns‖ and the actual hu-

man response to their pres-

ence.

The movie begins with a

series of interviews of those

associated with the main

character, Wikus van de

Merwe, who is a pencil-

pusher at MNU, the organi-

zation created to direct the

operations of alien opera-

tions as they stay on Earth.

This part can be quite slug-

gish, especially when com-

pared to later parts of the

movie that are pumped with

adrenaline infused action.

The interviews at the begin-

ning may drag on a little,

but they provide important

background information on

Wikus and the prawns,

while at the same time

drawing you into the world

the movie has created be-

cause, quite frankly, it looks

just like something you

would see on the Biography

Channel.

The movie then recounts

the events leading up to the

less-than-savory conditions

Wikus has found himself in.

It starts with Wikus being

sent on a mission to District

9 (a walled off slum that

contains the aliens) to evict

the prawns, so they will be

forced to move to a new

compound further away

from the general human

populace of Johannesburg –

the location where the

prawn‘s ship became inop-

erative. The scenes dis-

played as Wikus evicts the

aliens are a clear representa-

tion of poverty and despera-

tion that can be seen any

time you watch news cover-

age on third world coun-

tries. And just as poverty

breeds crime amongst hu-

mans, so too does it work its

magic on prawns. This is

why Wikus must also search

for contraband that the

prawns may have: weapons,

human technology, eggs,

etc. During a raid on the

home of a prawn, named

Christopher, Wikus comes

across a tube filled with a

black substance. He acci-

dentally sprays himself with

the liquid, and what happens

next is where the real story

begins and is where this

movie truly shines.

Wikus slowly begins to

transform into the very

thing he controls: a prawn!

This is when the action of

the movie really starts to

kick in, but this isn‘t your

grandparents‘ action. Be-

cause most of the events of

the movie are recorded by

various non-movie cameras,

it feels like you are right

there beside Wikus as he

evades the man-hunt after

his unprecedented physical

mutation. While on the run

from the very company he

worked for, it is hard not to

feel sympathetic for him

when considering any sem-

blance of his old life has

been forever lost. He is

practically forced to live

with the prawn, but he is not

welcome there either be-

cause his arm is the only

fully transformed part of his

body. Wikus eventually

makes friends with Christo-

pher because they can help

each other, and the compan-

ionship they form is that of

forced reluctance but even-

tually evolves into some-

thing more.

Needless to say, I was

completely engrossed in this

movie in ways that few

movies have ever achieved.

It is a truly epic movie on a

small scale that combines

action and drama seamlessly

all with a science-fiction

wrapper.

A Second Opinion by Drew Boyd

News Editor

District 9 can be summed up as an action movie that starts off slow,

picks up speed in the middle, and gets progressively better from there

on out. At the beginning of the film, I was slightly bored, and began to

wonder if I had wasted $7 on seeing it. As the plot and characters de-

veloped, my interest steadily rose, until I became fully engrossed in the

movie a little over halfway through. (This slow beginning is the sole

reason I am not giving the film a full 4 stars out of 5).

The strength of the film lies, in my opinion, between the two main

characters: Wikus and Christopher. Wikus is a human who is steadily

turning into an alien after being exposed to an alien substance. His fear

and desperation, especially as he is running from his captors, is bril-

liantly acted out and is highly believable. It hits home to viewers, as

the raw human emotion he exhibits is likely how most people would

react to his situation if it were to happen to them. In the same vein,

Christopher is an actual alien who displays very human characteristics

through his manner and speech. As crazy as it sounds, viewers are able

to see a little bit of themselves in Christopher, despite his status as an

alien. This is what makes the film work: we are able to connect with

two characters that would otherwise be considered vastly different

from ourselves, making the film interesting and intriguing.

Wikus van de Merwe

Christopher Johnson

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Chatterbox

The Day the

Internet

Stood Still by Drew Boyd

News Editor

On one of the first days

of school this year, I logged

on to the internet to check

Blabbermouth.net, a music

news website I have

checked nearly every day at

school since I was a fresh-

man. I was shocked to find

that it was blocked. The

web page stated that Blab-

bermouth was blocked be-

cause it was classified as

―entertainment.‖ I then de-

cided to go to every Bear-

cat‘s favorite website to

visit while at school – ad-

dictinggames.com. Sadly, I

discovered that our favorite

website shared a similar

fate.

Apparently, this year the

Lincoln Parish School

Board has decided to block

any and all websites that

cannot be considered

―educational.‖ As much as

we probably do not want to

admit it, this was done for

the good (and safety) of the

students, as computers at

school should only be util-

ized for educational pur-

poses. However, entertain-

ment and education some-

times overlap, which pre-

sents a few problems. For

example: I recently wrote a

report for English class on

the music industry in

America….do you see

where this is headed?

While doing research in the

library for this paper, I

found it rather difficult to

find adequate web sources

that were not blocked, as

almost anything having to

do with the music industry

is considered entertain-

ment. Obviously, this made

the research process rather

difficult.

If you find yourself in a

similar bind in the future,

(if you genuinely need to

access a website that is

blocked for a school pro-

ject) sites can be appealed.

Of course, this does not

mean any site you wish to

visit will be unblocked sim-

ply because you ask nicely

– I won‘t be asking for

Blabbermouth to be un-

blocked, as I already know

what the answer would be.

If you feel a site truly does

not deserve to be blocked,

prepare a few valid reasons

to support your case and

ask a teacher you trust to

notify the school board.

It may be re-evaluated and

possibly set free from its

chains. (Only teachers can

ask for a site to be un-

blocked – students cannot,

so don‘t try). Keep in mind,

however, that what the

school board says is final.

With that said, though, it

doesn‘t hurt to try….happy

surfing, Bearcats.

RHS Open House Night by Anna Garland

Reporter

Ruston High Open House Night was a great night for our parents to

meet all of our teachers and to find out the changes at Ruston High. The

night began in the auditorium with a few words from Mr. Milstead. He

introduced the principals, guidance staff, and faculty to our parents. After

introductions, Mr. Milstead discussed the new Ruston High School pro-

grams. One program that will be coming to RHS is a HighTech High

School. This program is nothing less than an educational revolution and

will give the students here at Ruston High 21st century skills. Mr. Milstead

announced that our school received a $500,000 Enhancing Education

through Technology Grant. This is a great opportunity for our school and

we will be able to accomplish more in the technology revolution. Once

Mr. Milstead was done, Mrs. White came to the podium. She explained to

our parents how to use the schedule to get from class to class. The impor-

tance of PSAT and the PLAN tests were also explained. Once the parents

were dismissed from the auditorium, they began to follow his/her child‘s

schedule to meet the teachers. In the halls, the Student Ambassadors were

there to guide any lost parents. The Ruston High Competition Cheer

Squad held a silent auction to raise money for their competition costs this

upcoming year. After going to all of their students‘ classes, parents were

free to leave, ending the Open House Night of 2009.


Chatterbox

Get a Clue and Prevent the Flu by Natasha Alva

Reporter

Did you know that on average, about 5%-20% of the United States population gets the flu? And guess what?

More than 200,000 of these people become hospitalized from flu-related complications, and even worse, about

36,000 of these people die every year. This is all just from the seasonal flu, but now we also have the Swine Flu

to worry about.

Some of the symptoms of the flu are persistent coughs or sneezes, a sore throat, headaches, body aches, or a

fever of 100 degrees or more. None of these sound very appealing, so here are some tips from the Centers for

Disease Control (CDC) to help you prevent catching this bit of misery.

You should make sure that you and your family members receive the seasonal flu vaccine and the 2009 H1N1

vaccine (for swine flu) as soon as the vaccines become available. Apart from vaccines, there are other cautionary

steps everyone should take everyday to prevent the flu. They are simple, and you probably already know what

they are. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands often, try to avoid touching

your face too often, eat healthy, and keep your distance from those who are already sick. These precautions are

both simple and easy to follow. If you just take the small amount of time to do these things, you‘ll likely save a lot

more time not feeling miserable. It‘s worth it.

The Grey Man - Part 1 by Seth Bentley

Reporter

This is my fiction column. I’ll have a story in each issue; usually, they’ll be serials. My writing may not appeal to everyone, but I hope you enjoy

it regardless.

In an old, far place…

The sky was filled with red, pillowy clouds as the Grey Man floated through. Below, the Stone Sea roiled and churned and fused and melted.

The Grey Man‘s thoughts dripped lazily outward. sO BOreD So LiTTle tO seE. He drifted about the air, contemplating his next diversion. He

mentally tallied the realities he had visited. He had been to so many. What was left? It came to him. eARtH IT iS UnsCarReD wHaT tOY tO

SENd… pERhapS ThE teAr… yEs iT WiLl Do. The Grey Man smiled a wicked smile, a wrong smile. He pulled from the air a small stone,

shaped as a drop of emotion. Inside its translucent shell flowed an impossible liquid. It was clear and yet simultaneously opaque, possessing all

colors and none. It should not be. Yet it was. He smiled his twisted smile once more and sent the tear on its way.

In a place not so long ago and closer than you think.

Caleb was half-asleep, as usual. Matt was grandstanding, as usual. Iris was taking him seriously, as usual. And I was shaking my head in dis-

gust, as usual. Nothing out of the ordinary. ―And now, the long anticipated-‖

―Quit your showboating, Matt. Instead, you can tell us why you wanted us all to come here.‖ He frowned.

―Ah, Bartholomew. Ever the pragmatist. I suppose I should get to the point. Master Caleb looks to be fatigued.‖

―Ooooooooh! Can I be Mistress Iris? I‘ve always wanted a title.‖

―Of course, Mistress Iris. I-‖

―ENOUGH! Get. To. The. Point.‖

―Very well, Sir Bartholomew.‖ Caleb looked up, blinked slowly, and fell back asleep. Come to think of it, I‘d

never seen him awake for more than five consecutive minutes.

―The reason I‘ve called you all here is to reveal a stunning secret, a secret as old as time. The secret of the

Chaos Tear.‖

TO bE COntiNuED…


Chatterbox

Senior Tips:

What to Know

For College by Anna Garland

Reporter

Hey Seniors! Can you believe

we have only one more year of

high school? I sure can‘t. Soon

after graduation, we‘ll all be

heading off to college. Confused

and worried about college? Here

are a few tips to calm you down a

little.

First, you need to apply for all

the colleges of your choice. Go

ahead and apply to all of them,

because you never know when

you might need a Plan B. Also,

apply early. The earlier you ap-

ply, the sooner you can find out

where you got accepted. And the

sooner you find that out, the

quicker you can get all your

housing info. Housing is usually

first come, first serve, so if you

know where you‘re going by De-

cember or January, then you can

get the better choice of housing.

Now that you‘ve figured out

where you want to go to college,

it‘s time to discuss payment. Be-

cause we live in Louisiana, we

have a great opportunity called

TOPS. This program pays for a

lot of our college tuition. But if

you‘re planning on going out of

state, TOPS doesn‘t help much.

Even so, this doesn‘t mean there

isn‘t any way to get money for

college. There are countless

scholarship opportunities out

there, you just have to look. An

easy way to find these scholar-

ships is a website called Fast-

web.com. This site gets your in-

formation and helps you find

scholarships matching your pro-

file. It‘s quick, easy, and defi-

nitely worth it. You can find so

many cool scholarships based on

your major, family background,

or even because you were born in

a certain year.

Still confused? Well luckily,

our school has the Career Center

located in the Library. This is

solely dedicated to helping sen-

iors with after-graduation plans.

You can go by any time during

school and get help with college

essays, scholarships, and your

college applications. Don‘t

worry, we still have a year left of

high school and there are plenty

of people around to help you out

whenever needed.

Amnesia,

Anyone? by Amber Brown

Reporter

Hello Bearcats! Now that the

school year has officially begun,

students will need a hobby;

something to do in their spare

time. Well, I have a pretty good

idea!

Over the summer, I made an

―amnesia book‖ because I am

accident prone and tend to hit my

head a lot. The point of this book

(yes, it does have a point) is just

in case you ever get amnesia

(severe memory loss), you will

remember what you want to re-

member about yourself. This

―book‖ has been filling up quite

quickly, and I‘ve decided to go

ahead and let the school know,

just in case someone else might

be as accident prone as I am and

is interested in compiling lists

about themselves.

My inspiration for the

―amnesia book‖ was, of course,

myself (and my various injuries

during the summer). Anyone can

make one (it‘s not like I copy-

righted it). All you need is a note-

book and some colorful pens or

pencils! An example of a list I

made is ―20 Things Everyone

Knows About Me,‖ but you can

make up any type of list you

would like! My objective is to fill

up my notebook – I mean, my

―amnesia book‖ – and keep it to

read later on. I have had fun

working on it, and some of my

friends and peers have also de-

cided to create one. I hope that if

anyone chooses to make a book

like this about themselves, they

will enjoy it as much as I have!

Thanks, Club Sponsors! by Jessica Herren

Senior Reporter

Sometimes elementary students are under the false impression that their teacher lives at school. The day they see their teacher out in the real

world, they are shocked and may ask the teacher why he or she is not at school. The teacher laughs because the child‘s misunderstanding is cute,

but we sometimes forget that our teachers have lives outside of school as well. Ruston High teachers not only work hard to prepare us for the

next phase of our lives, but they do so on top of raising children, socializing with friends, and being active in the many other important things in

their lives. Our teachers who are also club sponsors give up even more of their time so that we can participate in organizations such as Key-

wanettes, Young Lawyers, and FCCLA. Sometimes we are guilty of thinking like the elementary school students, and forget that our teachers

who sponsor our clubs are doing so on their own time. On behalf of everyone who participates in clubs or organizations, I want to thank our

teachers for giving up their time for us. Thank you Club Sponsors!

Student Center Ruston High School September 24, 2009

Chatterbox

Finally a Senior! submitted by Amber Grafton

Student

It feels so weird being a Senior this year. I remember

last year when I was a Junior, I couldn‘t wait to gradu-

ate. But now that it‘s close to actually happening, I‘m

like…whoa, slow down! I know I‘m ready to be out of

high school, but at the same time, I‘m definitely going to

try my best to enjoy my last year. After all, it‘s our last

year to be goofy and occasionally irresponsible (for

some of us, anyway). This is my…excuse me, our last

year to hang out with our ―peeps!‖ It‘s also our last year

to be our best and to be good influences on the lower

classmen. I know ya‘ll are anxious to graduate too, but

try to make the best of it, because you only get to experi-

ence high school once.

Lots-o-Love, Amber G.

Ask Carlos by Carlos Wilson

Student Council President

Who is your favorite teacher?

My favorite teacher would be,

hmm…Myself! I don‘t learn

the material, I invent it then

know it; moreover, I AM the

material. I have what it takes

and what cannot be taken.

I am the foundation of funda-

mental education by my own

participation with multiple

conglomerations of legislations

of which I am [still] awesome-ation.

What is your opinion of RHS?

Ruston High is not just a school; it‘s a high school – meaning a school of

high greatness (such as myself). Here at RHS, winning is not just a some-

times thing, nor is it an all-time thing, it‘s a way of life. If you snooze you

lose. This is not just a place to learn, not just a place to meet friends, not just

a place to play sports….this…is…SPARTA!!!!!!!

When I Grow Up… submitted by Jarod Mardis

Student

―What do you want to be when you grow up?‖ Remember your teacher asking this question? I certainly do. The most common choices

seemed to be an astronaut or the President. Can you believe I wanted to be President of the United States? I know what you‘re thinking –

―Why do I care if you wanted to be President?‖ I‘ll tell you why.

As I got older, I realized becoming President of the United States was an unrealistic goal for me. Eight years ago, if a ten-year-old, Afri-

can American boy told me one day he‘d be President, I would have probably laughed (on the inside of course). In the more than 200 years

the United States has existed, all 43 Presidents have been Caucasian males. This past election made history; the first ―non-Caucasian‖ Presi-

dent of the United States was elected.

I no longer desire to become President, but if I change my mind, I have something I didn‘t have eight years ago…hope. Hope that if

there‘s another little boy or girl out there with the same desire to become President as I once did, or to reach any other large personal goal,

this recent election has inspired them to not give up on their dream.

NOTICE

Articles on these pages were submitted by

students. We encourage any student who wishes

to submit articles for consideration to do so

Seniors: The Chatterbox will cover all seniors this year. When asked,

please reply promptly. Due to space limits, some answers given may

be omitted, but we will try to get all your comments in! Thank you!

Chatterbox Staff

Meet the Coaches Ruston High School September 24, 2009

Chatterbox

Name: Coach Bush

Family: Wife and three sons

Favorite subject: Basketball

Subject you teach: African American

History/ P.E.

High School/class year: Campton ‗89

College/major: University of the

Cumberlands: History/Political science


Favorite restaurant: Chili‘s

Favorite childhood memory: Riding

horses with my father

Favorite sport/team: RHS Bearcats

If you had one wish, it would be… End

all pain and suffering.

Favorite thing about RHS: There are

people here who push young people to be

better than they were yesterday.

Pet peeves: Sagging, rudeness, lazy

people, and senseless reality shows.

Favorite quote: ―There are only two op-

tions regarding commitment: you‘re either

in or you‘re out. There is no such thing as

life in-between.‖

What should students know about you?

I am not as mean as some people may

think, I just want all students to challenge

themselves to be better academically, so-

cially, and athletically.

Any last words: Everything is possible

for him who believes.

Name: Billy Laird

Family: Brenda (wife), Kim (daughter),

Brad (son), Keelie-13, Kenzie-10,

Brianna-6, Brock-3 (grandchildren)

Your position at RHS: Athletic

Director/Head football Coach

High School/class year: Woodlawn

(Shreveport) ‗62

College/major: LA Tech: Health & P.E.

Teaching experience: 36 years (18 in

College, 18 in high school)

Favorite restaurant: Lei‘s Cajun Café

Favorite childhood memory: Playing little

league baseball with Dad as Coach.

Most embarrassing moment: 1st year in

college coaching, my job was to scout the

next opponent. I thought the game was at

7:00 p.m., and I showed up at 6:00 p.m. and

found out the game was played at 1:00 p.m.

Favorite team/sport: New England

Patriots/ football

If you had one wish, it would be... Com-

plete upgrade of all athletic facilities.

Favorite thing about RHS: The great tradi-

tion of all athletic teams.

Pet peeves: All players must be dressed

alike, including the socks!

Favorite quote: ―Do the right thing.‖

Name: Chris Brister

Family: Amy (wife), Noah and Jacob (step

-sons)

Pets: Sadie, Lexus, Mojo, and Belle

(dogs); Mitch and Jasper (cats)

Subject you teach: Athletic Training

Your position at RHS: Teacher/Trainer

High School/class year: Sibley ‗93

College/major: LA Tech: Fitness Well-

ness; Univ. of Tenn. –Chattanoga -

Athletic Training

Favorite childhood memory: Playing

catch with Daddy with the ole ball and

glove.

Most embarrassing moment: Getting

tackled on sidelines at football game 5

years ago.

Favorite quote: ―If you love what you do,

then you will never work a day in your

life.‖

Favorite thing about RHS: The feeling in

the air at 7:00 on Friday nights in the fall.

Pet peeves: Sagging pants, slouching down

on desks, and sleeping in class.

What should students know about you?

That I am passionate about sports med. and

want all my students to become passionate

about what they are.

Any last words: ―Do all things for the

Glory of God, and always remember not to

do things for wealth, rank, or honor, but for

personal worth and character.‖ -C. Brister


Chatterbox

Name: J.P. Dunbar

Family: Felicia (wife), Trey, Colt,

Traci, Jodi (kids)

Pets: Tattoo, Garth, Otis (all dogs)

Favorite subject: History

Your position at RHS: Supervisor of

Buildings and grounds/Football coach

High School/class year: Declambre

‗76

College/major: Northwestern: Health

and P.E., LA Tech: Masters, Gram-

bling


Most embarrassing moment: Too

many to tell about!

Favorite restaurant: Taco Bell

Favorite childhood memory: Catch-

ing fish with my Uncle.

Favorite sport: Football

Favorite quote: ―All I know, is I don‘t

Know!‖

If you had one wish, it would be…To

be rich, so I could help a lot of people!

Favorite thing about RHS: Tradition

of being the best!

Pet peeves: When things aren‘t where

they are supposed to be!

What do you want students to know

about you? That I care for them and

want the best for each and every one of

them.

Name: Shelly Risher

Family: Skye, Taylor, Kourtney,

Brendon, and Layton

Pets: Lady (dog) and Cats

Favorite subject: History and P.E.

Your position at RHS: P.E. Teacher,

the one who causes pain and girls to

look sweaty all day

High School/class

year:Downsville‗92

College/major: NLU (NOT ULM):

Health and Human Performances


Favorite restaurant: O‘ Charley‘s


softball in the ‗91 state championship

Favorite team/sport: New Orleans

Saints/Football

Favorite quote: ―I can do all things

through Christ who strengthens me.‖

If you had one wish it would be to:

Provide for my family and have them

know I love them, everyday!

Favorite thing about RHS: Pride and

tradition.

Pet peeves: Repeating myself


about you? What you see is what you

get. Laid back and easy going, unless

you need me to put on my disciplinary

hat.

Name: Ed Colvin

Family: Kelli (wife), Joshua (son), and

Bethany (daughter)

Favorite subject: I guess I should say

math, but it‘s really Football.

Subject you teach: Algebra 2

Your position at RHS: Teacher/

Football Coach

High School/class year: Bernice ‗89

Clubs/organizations: FCA

College/major: NLU-Health and P.E.


Favorite restaurant: The ones with

food in them.

Most embarrassing moment: Parents

taking me to church in my underwear.

Favorite team/sport: RHS Bearcats/

Football

If you had one wish, it would be…

Build a new locker/training/weight/

practice/meeting/coaches facility @

RHS.

Favorite thing about RHS: Relation-

ships: we‘re not all the same, but we

can find common ground and, for the

most, part enjoy each other.

Pet Peeves: Not walking your talk

What should students know about

you? I‘ve been where most of them

have been or are at.

Any last words: Romans 8:1-2

Name: Chad Reeder

Family: Heather and Hannah Reeder

Pets: Daisy (dog)



Football coach

High School/class year: Springhill ‗93

College/major: NLU (Indians)-health

and human performance/ social science

Favorite restaurant: Log Cabin

Favorite childhood memory: Camp-

ing, hunting, and fishing with Dad

Most embarrassing moment: My 1st

year of teaching, I overslept and

missed all of 1st period.

Favorite team/sport: Saints/Football

If you had one wish, it would be...

One more chance to play the good

game of football.

Favorite thing about RHS: Friday

Nights in the Fall

Pet peeves: People that are not

motivated.

Favorite quote: “Man‘s finest hour is

the moment when he has worked his

heart out in a good cause and lies

exhausted on the field of battle,

victorious. ‖


about you? I will have my own fish-

ing show on ESPN in the Spring!


Chatterbox

Name: Adrian L. Hill

Family: Bryce A. Hill (son)

Favorite subject: Math

Your position at RHS: Basketball

coach, Para, and bus driver

High School/class year: Minden ‗96

Clubs/organizations: Basketball

teams

College/major: NSU: Bachelor of

Arts

Teaching experience: 3 yrs. Special

ed. Teacher and 5 years Para.

Favorite restaurant: Olive Garden

Favorite childhood memory: Driving

my girlfriend around in the car at age

12.

Favorite sports: Football/basketball

Favorite quote: ―Do unto others, as

you would have them do unto you.‖


Cure the world from diseases.

Favorite thing about RHS: Tradition

Pet peeves: People touching me, and

people talking with a mouthful of

food.


about you? Get to know me before

you judge me.

Any last words: Make your money

first and play later.

Name: Doc Hoefler

Pets: 3 Dogs

Subject you teach: PE

Your position at RHS: Freshman

football and girls basketball

High School/class year: Ruston

‗99

College/major: LA Tech: Educa-

tion

Favorite restaurant: Outback

Favorite childhood memory:

Playing for a football state champi-

onship.

Favorite sport: Football

If you had one wish, it would

be… Win the lottery.

Favorite thing about RHS: Great

academic and athletic atmosphere.

Pet peeves: Not giving your all.

Favorite quote: “We do, what we

do.‖

-Coach Dunbar

Name: Chris Taylor

Family: Angie (wife), Sarah Kate

(daughter)

Pets: Precious (poodle)



Coach (football and baseball)

High School/class Year: Bogalusa ‗96

College/major: University of Southern

Miss ‗01: Coaching and sports admin.,

LA Tech ‗08: Masters– Curriculum

and Instruction



outside.

Most embarrassing moment: Ran

into a glass window in 2nd grade. I

thought it was an open door.

Favorite quote: ―I can do all things

through Christ.‖ Phil. 4:13


Have 3 more wishes.

Favorite thing about RHS: School

spirit (could get better).

Pet peeves: Students asking questions

that I just answered.


about you? Teachers really do teach

for the benefit of the students.

Any last words: Enjoy your high

school years. They only come once!

Name: Bob Garrett

Family: Karen (wife), Lily (daughter)

Pets: Judge (Labrador Retriever),

Rowdy and Petinuia (Yorkshire Terrier)


Your position at RHS: Health teacher,

assistant football coach, and assistant

track coach

High School/class year: Jonesboro-

Hodge;1984

College/major: LA Tech-Football,

L.S.U.– Social Sciences

Teaching experience: RHS, RJHS,

Adams Christian Natchez, Cedar Creek,

Opelousas High

Favorite restaurant: ―Fat Mamas‖

Favorite childhood memory: Feeding

cows with my Dad

Favorite team/sport: Bearcats & Bull-

dogs (All sports)

Favorite quote: ―Endeavor to

persevere‖

If you had one wish it would be… Not

to have an aching right elbow.

Favorite thing about RHS: Friday

Night Lights

Pet peeves: Litter


about you? I‘m here to build your self-

esteem.


Chatterbox

Name: Lynne Roberts

Family: Coach Roberts (husband),

Samantha, Kristin, and Jamie(daughters)

Pets: Taffy-cat, Taz—Yorkie

Favorite subject: Sociology

Your position at RHS: Civics, Free

Enterprise, Sociology, Softball

High School/class year: Goldonna ‗78

College/major: NSU– Major: Health &

PE, Minor: Social Sciences

Teaching experience: School system

(teaching/coaching): 27 years, School

counselor: 11 years.

Favorite childhood memory:

Summertime swimming at the creek, and

skiing on the lake.

Most embarrassing moment: Too

many to count!

Favorite team/sport: Softball/RHS

Lady Bearcats

Favorite quote: ―Never let the fear of

striking out keep you from playing the

game.‖ - Babe Ruth

If you had one wish, it would be… Sell

my house, so I can buy a house.

Pet peeves: People starting rumors and

talking about people.

Any last words: Treat others as you

want to be treated! If you see someone

without a smile, give them one of yours!

Name: Kyle Kavanaugh

Family: Meghan– Wife

Pets: Maddie -cat

Favorite subject: Biology

Your position at RHS: Teacher/Asst.

Basketball coach

High School/class year: Benton High

College/major: LA Tech: Education

and Psychology

Favorite restaurant: WoW

Most embarrassing moment: I‘m not

sure– I‘m probably suppressing that.

Favorite childhood memory: Every

Christmas morning!

Favorite team/sport: LA Tech

Football and Basketball—Go Dawgs!

Favorite quote: ―Failing to prepare is

preparing to fail.‖

If you had one wish it would be…

More wishes, of course!

Pet peeves: Having to repeat myself,

and people who smack their food.


about you? Played basketball and the

drums in high school. Spent 4 years on

LA Tech‘s Drumline and the last 2 years

worked for LA Tech‘s Men‘s Basketball

team.

Any last words: I‘m very excited about

the opportunity to be here at RHS.

Looking forward to basketball season!

Name: Coach Frasier

Family: Kristie (wife), Chase and

Tanner (son)

Pets: Callie

Favorite subject: Geography

Subject you teach: P.E.


Coach

High School/class year: RHS ‗83

(1982 state football champs)

College/major: LA Tech


Favorite restaurant: Outback


Pitching a high school baseball

game with a broken zipper.

Favorite childhood memory: Get-

ting run over by a car, and living to

tell about it.

Favorite team/sport: Cubs Base-

ball

Favorite quote: ―It‘s not the win,

but the will to prepare, that makes

the difference.‖

If you had one wish it would be…

Good health.

Pet peeves: Extension cords and

water hoses

Name: Nick Brown

Family: Mandy (wife), Baylee

(daughter), RJ (son)

Pets: Vegas (Golden Retriever), Junk

Food (Bichon), Mr.Beasley (Multi-poo),

and Fish


Your position at RHS: Teacher/coach

High School/class year: In Jackson, AL.

The year is not important. I graduated.

Clubs/organizations: FCA

College/major: Auburn-Radio,TV,film/

LA Tech– Education, Masters in

Technology

Teaching experience: RHS, Simsboro

Favorite childhood memory: Family

vacations to my Aunt‘s house in

Minnesota.

Favorite team: RHS, LA Tech, and Au-

burn.

Favorite quote: ―Speak up, you are talk-

ing in my bad ear!‖ - Coach Laird

If you had one wish, it would be… Have

more hair, be taller, and catch more fish

than Coach Reeder. Oh wait, that‘s 3, just

out fish Reeder. I can live with short and

bald.

Favorite thing about RHS: Friendships,

co-workers, and great students!

Pet peeves: People who don‘t speak, and

those who think school can‘t be fun.

Clubs Ruston High School September 24, 2009

Chatterbox

A Successful LYFE by Sarah Kilpatrick Business Manager

Want to learn how to live a better, more successful life? A life based on good decisions and on striving for excellence? Then LYFE is the

club for you. One of these good decisions we believe in is abstinence until the day you say ‗I do.‘ You might be thinking, ―Wait a second. Good

decisions… abstinence …that sounds very familiar.‖ That is because LYFE existed at Ruston High School last year. You just knew it by an-

other name, GPA. Ring any bells? In the past, the Governor‘s Program on Abstinence has supported and directed GPA Clubs in junior high and

high schools throughout the state. In the summer of 2009, the GPA began a new chapter of junior and high school clubs called LYFE

(Louisiana Youth For Excellence). The LYFE Club will promote leadership, responsibility, goal setting, integrity, and other characteristics

related to our entry into the world of adulthood. In LYFE, we will strive for excellence in all that we do. We will be shown what success looks

like and how to attain it for ourselves. Does a successful life built on excellence sound good to you? Then see you in LYFE. (Though we al-

ready had our first meeting, it is not too late to join. Just bring your $5 fee to our awesome sponsor Mrs. Howell at Room #305).

Green to the

Core – FCCLA submitted by Hannah Wheeler

Vice President of Public Relations

and STAR Events

FCCLA stands for Family, Ca-

reer, and Community Leaders of

America. Our mission is to pro-

mote personal growth and leader

ship development through Family

and Consumer Sciences Education

by focusing on the multiple roles

of family member, wage earner,

and community leader. To be eli-

gible, members must be enrolled

in or have completed a Family and

Consumer Sciences course. Mem-

bers of this club gain leadership

skills, participate in community

service, and also have the opportu-

nity to compete in STAR Events.

STAR stands for Students Taking

Action with Recognition. Mem-

bers who participate in STAR

Events can compete at regionals at

Louisiana Tech and at the State

Convention.

This year our slogan is ―Green

to the Core.‖ In our meetings we

will be discussing how to live a

healthy lifestyle and how we can

maintain the health of our planet.

We are participating with Trail-

blazer to have recycling bins at

our school, as well as learning

how to make organic household

products. We also plan on having

a 5K sometime in the spring or

late winter.


Chatterbox

FBLA 1st Annual Senior

Scholarship—Hannah Allen by Drew Boyd

FBLA President

The 1st annual Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Senior

Scholarship has been awarded to Hannah Allen, a senior from last year.

This scholarship is awarded to a senior in FBLA every year. The recipient

of the award is honored for demonstrating the most loyalty in FBLA and

for continuous and extensive participation in the organization throughout

that recipient‘s high school career.

Hannah Allen served as the President of RHS‘ FBLA chapter during the

2008-2009 school year. She participated in many fundraisers and commu-

nity service events throughout the year, and attended District and State

competition. She even ascended to the greatest heights an FBLA member

can by attending the National Conference in 2008. For her outstanding ser-

vice to the organization, she was presented with a $250 scholarship to any

institute of higher learning of her choosing. Hannah has chosen to become

a Louisiana Tech Bulldog, and has plans to major in Kinesthesiology (the

study of the movement of muscles and joints within the human body). Con-

gratulations to Hannah, and as her successor, I wish her good luck.

General FBLA

Information by Drew Boyd

FBLA President

Attention FBLA members: polo shirts are

now available for order. These are the official

shirts for Ruston High‘s FBLA chapter, and

can be worn as a normal school uniform shirt

on any school day (due to the logo representing

an official student organization of RHS). Wear

them with pride, and represent Ruston FBLA

wherever you go! If you would like to purchase

one, see Mr. Bruner.

FBLA officers are still selling Bearcat Pride

buttons for $1 each. However, regular mem-

bers are now encouraged to sell them as well.

Selling these buttons provides members with

excellent salesmanship experience, a character-

istic highly valued in FBLA. Members who

wish to sell buttons should see Mr. Bruner to

pick up the amount he or she wishes to sell.

Once the buttons leave the room with the

FBLA member, they become that member‘s

responsibility to get them sold.

As a quick reminder, FBLA members

should begin considering what event(s) they

would like to compete in, and getting a head

start on studying for your event(s) is not a bad

idea. Also, members are encouraged to periodi-

cally check for updates on www.lafbla.org and

the FBLA bulletin board located on the third

floor across from Ms. Peters.

On September 15, 2009, the FBLA Officers

attended a meeting to determine the details of

the ―Hot Halloween Happenings‖ event to ap-

propriately take place on Halloween. Similar to

last year, the event will take place at the Rus-

ton Fire Department and will be a group of fun

games for young children that teach them about

fire safety. FBLA members help out with this

community service event every year, and we

are looking forward to continuing this tradition.

All members are encouraged to help out, and

may sign up with Ms. Peters. (As always, sign

up only if you seriously plan to attend)! That

being said, we hope you will lend a hand with

us this Halloween, and I hope to see all you

FBLA members there!

EDUCATION

SERVICE PROGRESS


Chatterbox

FBLA Officers Attend The 4th Annual

Marbury Lecture Series at Cedar Creek by Drew Boyd

FBLA President

On Tuesday, September 15th, the officers of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) had

the privilege of attending the Fourth Annual Marbury Lecture Series at Cedar Creek School. This lec-

ture series was founded in 2006 and takes its namesake from William Ardis Marbury, Jr. and his wife

Virginia. Both Marbury and his wife graduated from Louisiana Tech and went on to start William A.

Marbury and Company, Inc., which was an insurance agency. At its peak, this company was the larg-

est insurance agency in the entire state. Commercial Union bought the company in the 1950s, and in

that same decade, Marbury founded Bankers Life of Louisiana, a credit life insurance writer. These

companies have stood the test of time and are still very successful in Ruston. The purpose of the lec-

ture series is to honor the Marbury‘s significant contributions to our community and to present a se-

ries that honors the business ethics that the Marbury‘s instilled everyday.

The speaker for the 4th annual Marbury Lecture was Karen D. Taylor. Mrs. Taylor is the Senior

Vice President as well as the Human Resources and Chief Diversity Officer for RRI Energy. She

graduated from Ruston High School and also holds a degree in Accounting from Louisiana Tech Uni-

versity. After giving a shout-out to Ruston High School

students in attendance, Mrs. Taylor spent her time at the

podium reminding the Cedar Creek students and the FBLA

officers the importance of how you are supposed to act in the

business world. Emphasis was placed on how much of what

used to be considered ―private‖ is now ―public‖ thanks to the

internet and other forms of mass communication. In other

words, we should all be careful when deciding what to write

in that e-mail or text message- very sound advice that every

teenager should heed. Also, much to my appreciation, she

mentioned that in the texting age, spelling does still matter.

(Really, how much time do you save when typing ―u‖ instead

of ―you‖ - two seconds, maybe?). The remainder of her

speech was about always being ethical and trying your best to

do the right thing in any situation, business or otherwise.

Mrs. Taylor‘s speech was very insightful, and Mr. Bruner

and the FBLA Officers owe our thanks to Cedar Creek for

inviting us to attend for the fourth straight year.

The Arts Ruston High School September 24, 2009

Chatterbox

Speech & Debate

Team Rocks Out

America! Submitted by Nina Breeland

Student

In preparation for the 2009-2010 school

year, all members of the Speech and Debate

Team participated in preparatory camps across

the country!

Layton Garlington, Nina Breeland, Mathew

Cardinez, Ashlyn Thompson, Tanner Givens

and Tiffany Lewis carpooled all the way to

Western Kentucky University for dramatic in-

struction. Tiffany then flew to Whitman De-

bate Institute for debate training. Also in Ken-

tucky, Walker Holmes studied Lincoln-

Douglas debate. Stephen Zhong, Elizabeth

Sawyer, Prenicia Gant, and Gursimran Bola

worked on their Lincoln-Douglas skills and

Raine Blunk prepped for the drama competi-

tion with at-home study. Josh Phillips, Linda

Cross, and Clark Pierce traveled to the Spartan

Debate Institute for Cross-Examination debate

while Neesha Siriwardane, Emma Norton, and

Morgan Wilfong went to Baylor University.

Stephanie Arhin represented Ruston on her

own at Capitol Classic Debate Institute, and

Arrian Christian also went solo at Gonzaga

Debate Institute.

After a long summer of research, these ad-

vanced and intermediate members came back

to Ruston High to train their talented novice.

Darby Guinn, Savannah Wood, and Rebekah

Barnes were instructed in drama at the Ruston

Novice Camp by advanced members and their

coaches Monica Olsen and Anton Overby.

Jared Spiller, Jaisley Bailey, and Zach Davis

learned the basics of Lincoln-Douglas debate.

Avery Woodard, Sam Phillips, Kembreanna

Starks, Josh Pate and Jonathan Verret were

shown the ropes of Cross- Examination. Carter

McWilliams and Conner Haskins showed

other campers how to Cross-Examine Bearcat

style at the University of Texas.

The team is now preparing to host their

annual tournament, The Bearcat Classic.

Teams from all over Louisiana will attend.

The Ruston High School Speech and Debate

Team is grateful for the continued support

from the Bearcat Nation and the Ruston com-

munity. If you would like to assist us in any

way, contact Monica Olsen in Room 006.

The Cats Meet Copland by Sarah Kilpatrick

Business Manager

This year Ruston High

School‘s Bearcat Band is

marching to the sounds

of Aaron Copland with

his songs: Fanfare for

the Common Man, Outdoor Overture, The Promise of Liv-

ing, and Copland Finale. Competitions are just around the

corner, and the band is hard at work perfecting the show, a

feat that the band hopes to accomplish as the band brought

home superior ratings at both District Festival and the Cot-

ton Country Festival last year. The band can be seen every

morning in first period and Tuesdays and Thursdays from

3:30 to 5:30 marching to the beat of Aaron Copland, but

the real fun begins on Friday. The drum line, lead by Mrs.

Ratcliff, spreads spirit though the school every Friday

morning, pumping up the Bearcats for the coming win.

The band then helps to bring the school day to a close with

a pep rally to fire up the students and the team alike before

the game. The Bearcat Band is also there, loud and proud,

at every football game, near or far, cheering the Cats to vic-

tory. Whether preparing for competitions or supporting the

Bearcats under the Friday night lights, the Bearcat Band

always strives to be on the top of its game.

Senior Spotlights September 24, 2009

Chatterbox

Dee Brazil Age: 17

Family: Vonda (Mom), Jay

(Brother), Tyson Hall (Father)

Hobbies: Playing Madden and

NCAA Football

Favorite subject: Football

Favorite color: Black and Red


Really? I don't get embar-

rassed. My swag is 2 legit for

that.

What do you like best at

RHS: The school has nice

hallways.

Clubs: FCA

Hero: God

College/major:

Hines Community College

Favorite book/magazine:

Bible

Advice: Step your game up

because I‘m killing y‘all with

my legitness.

Kimberly Harris Age: 18

Family: Dad (Charles Harris), Mom

(Fredda Harris), Brothers and sisters:

Too many to list.

Hobbies: Band and Track


Favorite movie: All of Tyler Perry‘s

movies.

Favorite animal: Bearcat

Favorite color: Sky blue


When I tripped on the steps.

What do you like best about RHS:

Football Games

College/ major: Tech to be a musi-

cian and a counseling psychologist

Hero: Jesus Christ

Clubs: 4-H, German club

Quote: “I can do all things through

Christ that strengthens me.‖

James Williams Age: 17

Family: Dad (James), Mom

(Velma), Sister (Jade)

Hobbies: RHS football, play-

ing ball, and chilin

Favorite subject: Computer

Architecture

Favorite animal: Eagle

Favorite color: Aqua Blue

College/ major: LA Tech,

Grambling, or ULM

Most embarrassing mo-

ment: None


To Kill a Mockingbird

Hero: My parents

Quote: ―Live life as it comes

at you.‖ James Williams

Advice: Do your best in your

classes because an education

is the key to having a suc-

cessful life.

Lizeth Medina Age: 17

Family: Mom, Dad, Fabian,

Yesica, Francisco, Noe

Hobbies: Talking on the phone

and spending time with my

family.


Favorite movie: Matilda

Favorite animal: Bunny

Favorite color: Pink

College/ major: Undecided


When I tripped going up the

stairs freshman year.

What do you like best about

RHS: The football games

Quote: “The best way to cheer

yourself up is to try to cheer

somebody else up.‖ Mark

Twain

Advice: Enjoy high school

while it lasts because it goes by

really, really fast.

Ruston High School

Brought to you by: Devin Easley


Chatterbox

Carlos Wilson Age: 18

Nicknames: The One, Los

Daddy, Leonitus, D.L.L., Live

25, King of Syllogism

Family: Carlos Sr. (Father) ,

Vanessa (Mom), Carrington

(Sister)

Hobbies: Winning, Being

Awesome, Blinking, Breath-

ing, Being Legit.

Favorite subject: Football,

Syllogism 101, Spartanlogy

300

Favorite movie: 300, Friday

Night Lights, Seven Pounds,

Hannah Montana, Sisterhood

of the Traveling Pants 1&2

Favorite color: Clear

Clubs: All

Quote: ―I Win.‖

Advice: Shoot for the Moon

because if you miss, you are

still among the stars...until you

run out of oxygen.

Marquesha Levingston Age: 18

Family: Mom

Pets: 3 Dogs: Jda, Cookie, Tass


Hobbies: Playing with my dogs

Favorite movie: Anything scary

Favorite animal: Dogs, Horses

Favorite color: Purple

Clubs: GPA, 4-H, FCCLA,

Peer leaders

College/ major: Northwestern;

Childcare/ Psychology

Hero: My mom and brothers

What do you like best about Rus-

ton High: Football games

Quote: ―Walk by faith, not by sight.‖

Advice: Underclassmen, take your

school years seriously but have fun

with it because you will be gone be-

fore you know it.

Colby Johnson Age: 17

Family: Greg (Dad), Liz (Mom),

JJ (Brother), Hannah (Sister)

Pets: Popeye and Sadie– Dogs

Hobbies: Sports and Fishing


Favorite movie: The Hangover

Favorite animal: Dog

Favorite color: Red

College/ major: Play baseball at

Louisiana Tech

Hero: My mom

Quote: ―Don‘t be ning‘in no-

body who don‘t need ning‘in.‖ -

Redneck Ninja

Advice: Keep your grades up at

all times.


Getting a concussion in the

Destrehan game last year and

asking a lot of dumb questions.

Joel Gwan Age: 17

Family: Mom, Grandma, Polly-

Michelle, Eman, Oneke

Hobbies: Eating, Sleeping,

Napping

Favorite subject: Band

Favorite movie: The Dark

Knight

Favorite animal: Puma

Favorite color: Yellow

Clubs: Band, Soccer

College/ major: LSU

Hero: Jesus


RHS: Football Games

Quote: “Imitation is suicide.‖


Disney World 2007: If you

were there - you know what I‘m

talking about.

Ruston High School


Chatterbox

Susan Rainer Age: 17

Family: Kirby (Dad), Laura

(Mom), Reed (Brother)

Pets: 2 HUGE kitties: Rascal

and Fat Louie

Hobbies: Tennis, Mascot


Favorite movie: 17 Again

Favorite color: Lilac, Sky-

blue/ Cerulean

Clubs: Rusty the Bearcat,

Yearbook, Keywanettes, Ten-

nis, FCA, NHS, Diamond Girls

Quote: ―Don‘t you DARE

learn a wrong lesson while I‘m

trying to teach you a right les-

son!‖

Advice: Don‘t drive off with

your books on top of your car!!


RHS: The Class of 2010!!!


I laugh at myself too much to

be embarrassed.

Morgan Hammons Age: 18

Family: David and Donna

Hammons, Meagan Hammons

Pets: 2 Dogs– Bella and Lucy

Favorite subject: Science

Hobbies: Reading, Doing puzzles,

Texting, Hanging out with friends

Favorite movie: 16 Candles


Favorite color: Yellow

Clubs: Varsity Cheerleading, Am-

bassadors, FCA, Yearbook Editor

College: Louisiana Tech

Hero: My Grandmother

What do you like best about Rus-

ton High: Friday night football

games

Quote: “The most wasted of all days

is the one without laughter.‖ -E.E.

Cummings

Advice: High school flies by… So

make every experience count.

Phillip McClain Age: 17

Family: Cynthia (Mom), Lee

(Dad), Labresha (Sister)

Pets: Kobe and Jada– Dogs

Hobbies: Playing sports

Favorite subject: American

History

Favorite movie: Facing the

Giants and Transformers 2

Favorite animal: Lion

Favorite color: Red

College/ major: Major in Law

Enforcement (College

Undecided)

Hero: Coach Laird

Quote: ―How do I feel? I feel

undefeated!‖

Advice: No matter what, keep

yo head up.

Most Embarrassing Moment:

Last year when I came to school

with a gap in my head.

Lyle Smithey Age: 18

Nickname: SmitDawg #68

Family: Momma, Woodro

(Dad) Hayden and Jack (little

brothers) Jackie Patton (2nd

Mom)

Hobbies: Football and Food

Favorite subject: Football

Favorite movie: Remember

the Titans

Favorite animal: Bearcat

Favorite color: Red

Clubs: Football

College/ major: Find a college

to play football.

Hero: Mrs. Winstead


RHS: Football Games

Quote: “Life is like a box of

chocolates, you never know

what you are gonna get.‖ -

Forrest Gump


Breaking Mrs. Elaine‘s chair

when I was in ACT

tutoring.

Ruston High School


Chatterbox

Megan Huckaby Age: 17

Family: Mom (Beckie), Dad

(Jay), and Sister (Rachel,

Sophomore)

Hobbies: Anything involving

music, Guitar Hero

Favorite subject: Band

Favorite color: Red

Favorite book: Pilgrim at

Tinker Creek ( haha, no)


I fell down the stairs in front of

the auditorium freshman

year… in a skirt. Ahh!

What you like best about

RHS: Uniforms… Just kid-

ding!

Clubs: Drum Major in Band,

FBLA, NHS.

Quote: “So… who likes pan-

cakes?‖

Advice: Be excellent to each

other, and party on dudes!

Colleen Butler Age: 17

Family: Mom (Kathy), Daddy (Jeb),

Brother (Carl)

Hobbies: Sleeping, eating, and

exercising!

Favorite subject: Financial Math

haha.

Favorite movie: The Ugly Truth

and The Hangover

Favorite animal: Monkey

Favorite color: Pink!

Most embarrassing moment: My

freshman year I fell down the front

steps in front of basically all the sen-

iors.


Our sports and the football games.

College/ plans for the future: LSU

Hero: God

Quote: “The brave might not live

long, but the cautious do not live at

all.‖

Lauren Fuller Age: 17

Family: Mom (Donna), Dad

(Kenneth), Brother (Graham),

Sister (Anna), Step-dad

(Richard)

Pets: Rufus (dog), Betsy (Cat)

Hobbies: Cheerleading, piano,

hanging with friends, going to

church

Favorite subject: Algebra

Favorite movie: The Notebook

Favorite animal: Horse

Favorite color: Pink

College/ major: Tech or ULM;

major undecided


Falling backstage at my 8th

grade play where everyone heard

it....

Quote: ―But God chose the fool-

ish things of the world to shame

the wise; God chose the weak

things of the world to shame the

strong… so that no one may

boast before Him.‖ 1 Corinthians

1:27-29

Kirsti Roundtree Age: 17

Family: Mom (Carla), Dad

(Bill), Brother (Heath)

Hobbies: Hunting, running,

painting/drawing.

Favorite subject: English Favorite movie: Breakfast at

Tiffany‘s, Without a Paddle

Favorite animal: White Tiger

Favorite color: Yellow, Pink

Clubs: FCA, Science Club,

Spanish Club

College/ major: Tech


RHS: They let seniors have 5

classes.

Favorite book/magazine: I‘m

gonna have to say Cosmo.

Quote: ―It‘s the friends you can

call up at 4 a.m. that matter.‖

Advice: Don‘t stress. It will all

be okay!!

Ruston High School


Chatterbox

Hannah Wheeler Age: 17

Family: Mom, Dad, Brother

( Noah), Sister (Gabrielle)

Hobbies: Dance, cheerleading

Favorite subject: Biology II

Favorite movie: Center Stage

Favorite color: Turquoise

Favorite animal: Giraffe


Getting dropped from a stunt

at cheer nationals.


RHS: Friday night football

games!

Clubs: FCCLA, FCA, Varsity

cheer, Ambassadors, Cheer

competition squad, and

Keywanettes.

Quote: “We are the fierce

girls, from RHS!‖

Kyle Whittington

Advice: Work hard, but more

importantly , enjoy these four

years! Everyone says how fast

they fly by, but you don't truly

understand until the time is al-

most over.

Todd Elmore Age: 17

Family: Pat Elmore, Kelli and

Tomekia Elmore

Hobbies: Football, listening to music


Favorite movie: Paid In Full

Favorite animal: Dogs

Favorite color: Black

Most embarrassing moment: Fell

up the stairs and dropped my books.


Playing Football

College/ plans for the future: Have

my own business .

Hero: 2-Ro

Quote: “Avoid running at all times.

Don‘t look back. Something might be

gaining on you.‖ Satchel Paige

Advice: Don‘t do drugs.

Matt Boydstun Age: 17

Family: Mom (Karen), Dad

(Keith), Brothers R.P (27); Ben

(15)

Pets: Zeus, Albi

Hobbies: Playing guitar

Favorite subject: Mrs. John-

son‘s Advance Math

Favorite movie: Braveheart

Favorite animal: White Lab

Favorite color: Ruston Red

College/ major: I plan on going

to Tech and majoring in mathe-

matics or kinesiology.


When I quit the football team

sophomore year and had to

watch from the stands.

Quote: “Get your depth‖ as

made famous by Coach Hall

Advice: Be yourself and don't let

anybody change you for their

benefit. You are the way you are

for a reason.

Christian Hanna Age: 17

Family: Mom (Christine), Dad

(Tommy), Brother (Trey)

Hobbies: Playing music; box-

ing; playing Super Nintendo;

riding bikes through treacherous

trails.

Favorite subject: Canine care

Favorite movie: Rocky IV

Favorite animal: Turtle


Clubs: Drum line

College/ major: Find my long

lost twin bother and going to

Grambling State for football.

Hero: Rocky Balboa, and the

people‘s champ THE ROCK

( Dwayne Johnson)


RHS: Wrecking shop on my

drum line.

Quote: “Do you smell what the

Rock is cooking!!!‖


Taking Spanish II with

Mrs. Rivera.

Ruston High School


Chatterbox

Haden Bryan Age: 17

Family: Russell and Marilyn

Bryan (Parents), Jennifer

(Sister)

Pets: Dog (1)

Hobbies: Hunting, Fishing




None


RHS: The unity and school

spirit that everyone has.

Clubs: FFA

Hero: My parents

College/major: Engineering,

LA Tech

Advice: Don't wait until senior

year to worry about your

grades.

Mary Lloyd LeBlanc Age: 17

Family: Mom (Holly) , Dad

(Richie), Brother (Ben)

Pets: Dog (Sam)

Hobbies: Piano, Reading, Painting

Signs


Favorite movie: Flicka, Post-Grad,

The Borne Series


Favorite color: Green

Most embarrassing moment: Not

having anyone to sit with at lunch

my first day of High School.


Fridays during football season

College/ major: I‘m hoping to at-

tend a disciple training school (DTS)

with Youth With a Mission

(YWAM)

Hero: My Grandmother

(AKA Dooda)

Quote: ―Comparison is the thief of

joy.‖

Courtney Williams Age: 17

Family: Gloria Williams (Mom),

Robert Gipson (Dad), Dustin

Williams (brother)

Hobbies: Singing, dancing, read-

ing, partying


Favorite animal: Tiger

Favorite movie: Daddy‘s Little

Girls

Favorite color: Red

College/ major: Nursing


Falling up the stairs in front of a

boy I liked.

Hero: God

Quote: ―Your setback is a setup

for your comeback.‖

Advice: Never let the fear of

striking out keep you from play-

ing the game.

Damian Morris Age: 17

Family: Robert and Debora

Simmons, Kira Morris, Demet-

ric Morris, Gabrielle Simmons

Hobbies: Sing, write songs,

play video games, watch TV


Favorite movie: Training Day

Favorite animal: Bear

Favorite color: Blue

Clubs: FCA

College/ major: I don't know.

I‘ll see when it comes.


RHS: I like the sports - football

and basketball.

Quote: “I can do all things

through Christ who strengthens

me.‖

Advice: You got to give respect

in order to get it.

Ruston High School


Chatterbox

Natalie Rabb Age: 17

Family: Mike Rabb, Kaye

Rabb

Hobbies: Going to see movies,

hanging out with friends

Favorite subject: Algebra III

with Mrs. Johnson


Favorite book: Twilight


Catching my foot on a hurdle

and falling flat on the track.


RHS: Football games

Clubs: Cross Country, Bearcat

Belles, FCA, GPA,

Keywannettes, Track

Quote: “We are what we re-

peatedly do, therefore, excel-

lence is not an act but a habit.‖

Advice: Don't slack off, it‘s

hard to get back up, and all

your work will be worth it in

the end.

Tae Kinsey Age: 17

Family: Mom, Dad, 2 Brothers,

and 1 Sister

Hobbies: Poker, Fishing, Ping

Pong, Weight Lifting


Favorite movie: Jumper




Don‘t have one.


RHS: Spending time in Coach

Garrett‘s class.

College/ plans for the future:

LA Tech, Engineering

Hero: Lance Armstrong

Clubs: FCA, German Club

Advice: Soak up your time in high

school. It goes by fast.

Mary Taylor Carwile Age: 17

Family: Mom (Stephanie), Dad

(Guy), Little Sister (Parker)

Hobbies: Dancing on Belles and at

the Linda Lavender Studio

Favorite subject: Math and Marine

Biology

Favorite animal: Panda


College/ major: LSU, undecided

for major


Probably when Jojo hid my shoe in

a bookshelf in the library, and I had

to walk around with just one shoe

on looking for it.

Hero: My mom

Quote: ―My hand hurts‖-Jojo

Advice: Don‘t let stress diminish

your high school experience, be-

cause high school should be fun

even though it‘s still school.

Trashun L. Pringle Age: 17

Family: Mom (Latricia), Dad

(Ruben), Brother (Ty), Sisters

(Isha, Ru‘Nija)

Hobbies: Football, tennis,

weight lifting, my job

Favorite subject: ROTC,

Science

Favorite movie: Passion of the

Christ, Black Hawk Down

Favorite animal: Pitbulls

Favorite color: Black, Red,

Brown, Orange

Clubs: German Club, ROTC,

Football, FCA, PCI

College/ major: I‘m probably

going to the army, but if I don't

–LA Tech or Grambling.


RHS: The different sports you

can choose from and the

coaches/football.

Quote: ―It‘s not the size of the

DAWG in the FIGHT, it‘s the

size of the FIGHT in the

DAWG.‖

Advice: Stay on your P‘s and

Q‘s and always put God 1st in

whatever you do.

Ruston High School


Chatterbox

Bruce Rushing Age: 17

Family: Marlin Rushing

Hobbies: Sports, video games


Favorite color: Red


Sports Illustrated


None


RHS: Football games

Clubs: FCA

Quote: “Losers quit when they

are tired. Winners quit when

they have won.‖

Advice: High school goes by

fast, so take your time.

Raine Blunk Age: 17

Family: Lucy (Aunt), Jerry

(Uncle), Will (Cousin), Emery

(Cousin)

Hobbies: Photography, being tall,

NOT PLAYING BASKETBALL

Favorite subject: My non-existent

2nd hour

Favorite movie: Eternal Sunshine

of the Spotless Mind

Favorite animal: Logan Crume

Hero: My mom

Favorite color: Purple and Green

like Barney

Most embarrassing moment: Re-

alizing you could see my under-

wear through my shorts at camp.

Clubs: Speech and Debate, Key-

wanettes, Yearbook Staff, French

Club, FBLA

Advice: No matter how tired you

are, sleeping in the aisle of a school

bus is a BAD idea.

Amber Mixon Age: 18

Nickname: Amix

Family: Deborah (Mom), Bill

(Dad), Lace Ann (Sister)

Pets: Sassy (Dog)

Hobbies: Going to the movies with

friends and spending time with my

church youth group.


Favorite movie: Madea Goes to Jail

Favorite animal: Penguins

Favorite color: Lime Green

Clubs: Pom Squad


Falling down the stairs.

Hero: My best friend Jordan

Quote: ―God takes ordinary people

and enables them to do extraordi-

nary things.‖

Advice: Enjoy high school while it

lasts because it goes by extremely

fast and make as many memories as

possible.

Karley Newsom Age: 17

Family: Karen (Mom), Keith

(Dad), and Kramer (brother)

Pets: 2 fish: Bonnie and Pepper,

and a Dog, Losi

Hobbies: Running


Favorite movie: Without a

Paddle and Sweet Home Alabama

Favorite animal: Zebra

Favorite color: Green

Clubs: FCA, FCCLA, Belles,

Cross Country, Softball

College/ major: Louisiana Tech–

Nursing


Tripping up the stairs as a senior!

Hero: Todd Boddie

Quote: ―Some things are meant

to be broken. It‘s the universe‘s

way of providing contrast. It‘s

how life is.‖

Advice: Don‘t wait till the last

minute to fill out your senior

spotlight sheet, because you

won‘t have any good advice.

Ruston High School

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2009-2010 RHS Chatterbox Staff

Senior Editor Logan Taylor Senior

News Editor Drew Boyd Senior

Graphics/Design Editor Devin Easley Senior

Senior Reporter Jessica Herren Senior

Reporter Seth Bentley Senior

Reporter Anna Garland Senior

Business Manager Sarah Kilpatrick Senior

Sports Editor Christian Amos Junior

Reporter Natasha Alva Junior

Reporter Stephany Arias Junior

Reporter/Photographer Amber Brown Junior

Adviser/Sponsor: Mr. Lloyd R. Bruner, [email protected]

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 journalism. 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.

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Comics Ruston High School September 24, 2009

Chatterbox

Rusty the Mingling Bearcat

Submitted by Rachel Huckaby

Students Just Wanna Have Fun

submitted by Joe Murphy

The Boolevard: Monthly RHS Comic from Logan Taylor

Sports Ruston High School September 24, 2009

Chatterbox

BUMS Raise Spirit by Jessica Herren

Senior Reporter

Bearcats United Making Spirit (BUMS) is a group that promotes spirit

for all RHS sports by decorating the halls and sponsoring spirit activities.

Membership is open to any sophomore, junior, or senior girl with a mini-

mum GPA of 2.0 who is willing to work hard whenever called upon by

the President or sponsor. This year‘s BUMS President, Lauren Hearn,

says the girls will be busy making goody bags for the teams and going to

games together this year. The BUMS formal this coming January is some-

thing else you have to look forward to if you decide to join BUMS. Dues

are $25 for membership and, as an extra incentive, members get a cute

spirit t-shirt.

Cats Deserve Student Support by Jessica Herren

Senior Reporter

Friday night football games at Ruston High are a ton of fun!

The marching band marches, the cheerleaders cheer, the dance

line dances, and the students‘ spirit is evident as the football

players dominate the field! Unfortunately, not all of this is true

as the student section, better known as the Catbox, has been

slacking these first few games and our spirit is rather hard to

spot. Part of being on the football team is about winning games

for the morale of the student body. Yes, obviously it makes them

feel good to win, but they are playing for us just as much (if not

more) than they are for themselves. It is our job as their class-

mates to support them, and frankly, they deserve more support

than we have been giving them. Bearcats, we need to go on Fri-

day nights and support our team. These are our guys, and

whether they win or lose, they should do it with us in the stands.

Our team is full of real talent, and they deserve to be rewarded

with a crowd of screaming students in the Catbox. For those of

you that are coming to the games and are actually supporting

your team, keep doing what you‘re doing. The guys really appre-

ciate you. Bearcats, come out on Friday nights and give our team

the support they deserve!

Bearcats to Swimcats by Christian Amos

Sports Editor

Bearcats can run, play football and

soccer, shoot hoops…. and now, we can

also swim. Beginning this year, RHS

will have its own swim team. The

coach for the new swim team will be

Paulette Crawford. Mrs. Crawford is an

instructor in the Department of Kinesi-

ology at Tech who specializes in Aquat-

ics. In Missouri, she taught Physical

Education and Swimming. She is also

certified to teach lifeguard training.

According to Coach Laird, there was a meeting held for stu-

dents interested in the swim team and about 10-12 students

showed up. Of these students, approximately nine are still inter-

ested in joining. The team will consist of both males and females.

They will all work and train together, but different meets will be

held for each gender. RHS is growing and becoming stronger

every year, and the addition of our first-ever swim team is proof of

that. It is very exciting for the school, and I wish our swim team

the best of luck this year. GO CATS!


Chatterbox

Grade First Name Last Name Title

Senior Amber Mixon Captain

Senior Lizeth Medina Co-Captain

Senior Markedra Wheatley Co-Captain

Junior Audrianna Gunn Squad Leader

Junior Fre'drecia Payne Squad Leader

Junior Dejanee Silas Squad Leader

Junior Chelsea Streets Squad Leader

Junior Alexis Thompson Squad Leader

Junior Phillissia Wesley Squad Leader

Junior Myketrian Amacker Member

Junior Sapharia Lewis Member

Junior Morgan Melissa Member

Junior Murphy Kawaii Member

Junior Roberson Deandrea Member

Junior Jasmine Tibbs Member

Junior April Wright Member

Sophomore Savannah Bassett Member

Sophomore Notorious Clemens Member

Sophomore Te-Air Douglas Member

Sophomore Hailey McCalman Member

Sophomore Diamond Melton Member

Sophomore Kimberly Moore Member

Sophomore Lindsey Nichols Member

Sophomore Markeisha Richards Member

Sophomore Jasmine Robeson Member

Sophomore Lauren Townsend Member

Sophomore Brianna Williams Member

Freshman Maddie Huckabee Member

Freshman Adrianne Jackson Member

Freshman Reyna Jackson Member

Freshman Shelby Knodel Member

Freshman Stasia Lowery Member

Freshman Andrea McMurry Member

Freshman La'Asia Millage Member

Freshman Destiny Mitchell Member

Freshman Maggie Morgan Member

Freshman Savannah Payne Member

Freshman Kembreanna Starks Member

Freshman Chelsea Stringfellow Member

Freshman Lauren Taylor Member

Freshman

Freshmen

Shelby

April

Webb

White

Member

Member

Freshmen Paige Williams Member

RHS Pom Squad Roster Bearcats in 4-A by Christian Amos

Sports Editor

―Just because we dropped an A doesn‘t mean we‘re automatically going to the

State Championship.‖ This straight-forward quote from Coach Billy Laird means

that for all Bearcat sports, we have to work just as hard because we have moved

down to 4-A. The football team is going to have to develop into one well-built

squad to be victorious in the 4-A division. But with this division adjustment, we

become better matched with the enrollment of the new schools. (Some 5-A schools

have 1,000+ more students than Ruston High.) Becoming better matched with 4-A

schools will potentially boost crowd size at all RHS sporting events. Also, staying

in the same district, Northeast Louisiana, for all sports will attract more dedicated

Bearcat fans. On the 2009-2010 football schedule we still play three 5-A teams,

such as the Ouachita Lions. ―We play some very athletic teams, such as Richwood,

which gives us a tougher schedule and that‘s what I wanted.‖ said Laird in an inter-

view. With new opponents such as Sulphur and West Ouachita, we hope to draw in

a horde of Bearcat fans this year. The future of this Bearcat football season is look-

ing very bright, and on that note, here‘s to good luck for all Bearcat sports.

Bearcats are 3-0, Stats After 2 Victories by Natasha Alva and Christian Amos

Sports Reporter and Sports Editor

The Bearcats are 3-0! Ruston defeated Byrd, Many, and Ouachita. The main

reason for this great outcome is that Ruston has great players. On defense there is

Cyril Noland (#2) who has the first and so far the only blocked punt or kick. Also,

Kentrell Brice (#6), Quintin Crowe (#28), Ladarius Maxwell (#69), and Phillip

McClain (#91) all caused fumbles. The following tables show the great contributions

to Ruston High‘s football team as of the first 2 victories only:

Top Five Defensive Players

Player (#) Year Position Tackles

Tra Pringle (#43) Senior Linebacker 15

Madison Wiggins (#7) Junior Linebacker 14

Quintin Crowe (#28) Senior Linebacker 13

Raymond Robertson (#12) Junior Defensive Back 8

Ladarius Maxwell (#69) Senior Defensive Line 8

Rushing Yards

Jared Johnson(#21) 200 yards 2 touchdowns

Carlos Wilson(#25) 74 yards 3 touchdowns

Roderick Long(#23) 17 yards 1 touchdown

Receiving Yards

Carlos Wilson(#25) 124 yards 1 touchdown

Jared Johnson(#21) 30 yards 1 touchdown

Quarterback Stats

Colby Johnson(#5) 193 passing yards 2 touchdowns

OFFENSE: 329

rushing yards,

193 passing

yards. With an

average of 261

yards.


Chatterbox

Cheerleading a ―Sport‖? by Christian Amos

Sports Editor

How would you like to risk yourself to support your school‘s football team? Personally, I wouldn‘t want anyone to

throw me into the air at a pep rally or any sporting event. Our RHS cheerleaders put themselves in harm‘s way every-

day at practice and at games. How would you like a broken nose while doing a cheer? Well, that‘s exactly what Kirsti

Roundtree received while working hard to show her school spirit. How about getting a cut under your eye and getting

eight stitches? Cheerleader Ashley Davison got exactly that showing spirit. Now, our Cheerleaders aren‘t just clumsy

or don‘t know what they‘re doing, they just risk the possibility of numerous mishaps happening to them. According to

Kirsti Roundtree, ―I mean, we don‘t [stink] because girls get dropped when thrown in the air, it‘s just the risk.‖

I have also learned that not only do RHS Cheerleaders get injuries; our Bearcat Belles do some pretty dangerous stuff

as well. At one practice, Mary Taylor Carwile accidentally kicked De‘ninia Melton in the face during a dance routine.

OUCH! Another ―ouch‖ is when Marcie Mctyer kicked Brittany Kelly and Megan Franks on the arm.

I asked Kirsti Roundtree how she would defend cheerleading against those who say it‘s not a sport. She replied,

―Cheerleading should be considered a sport because we do lift, we just lift girls [instead of] weights, and it takes a lot of

athletic ability.‖ True words from one of the many brave cheerleaders that risk personal injury doing this school activ-

ity. I‘m not saying to be afraid of being a cheerleader; if you like the adrenaline rushes, then go for it. One thing is for

certain, though: It is definitely a sport. Well cheerleaders, all I can say is good luck with all that you do and thank you

for risking personal injury to inject some spirit into our school.

New Positions in Football by Christian Amos

Sports Editor

This summer was a very productive session for the football team ac-

cording to Coach Laird. The Bearcat football team attended three 7-on-7

tournaments during the summer. They attended a NSU and an OCS tour-

nament (were victorious in both), and they held their own 7-on-7 here at

RHS. The tournament held at Ruston High took place every Tuesday and

Thursday for several weeks. The summer workouts made for a very suc-

cessful improvement for the squad in many areas. The players improved in

their old and new positions. ―With excellent participation during the sum-

mer workouts, we should be rewarded this season.‖ says Laird.

In the Bastrop scrimmage the final score was 20-0, Bastrop. But with

Bastrop keeping their first team in for the entirety of the game, all teams of

the Bearcat squad won with great execution. Coach Laird said ―Tonight‘s

game (Jam at the Joe) is the final tune-up before final selection of posi-

tions.‖ New positions such as Colt Dunbar as kicker (Reid Brasher seized

this position last year) is one hope at success. Another position change is

Madison Wiggins taking on the role of punter, which was Nick Rome‘s

position last year. With these new positions and good execution, there is a

great chance of Ruston High being the talk of the state. This year is going

to be a slight adjustment for the Bearcats, but we are Bearcats and we are

great at adjusting. So, Bearcat fans, do your best to support Bearcat Foot-

ball and to support our players who are taking on new challenges.


Chatterbox

Bearcat Belles Submitted by Mary-Kyle McDonald

Student and Belles Member

The Bearcat Belles have had an

extremely successful start to the

2009-10 school year! We attended

the American Dance/Drill Team

camp in Shreveport this summer.

Our squad took home several

awards consisting of Gussie Nell

Davis Team of the Day, Gussie

Nell Davis Team of the Week, All

American Team of the Day and

Super Sweepstakes Award. All

together, we brought home a total

of 107 ribbons for our perform-

ances. Also, Natalie Rabb, Marcie

McTyer, Elizabeth Moor, Karley

Newsom, Hannah Maud, Ashlyn

Thompson, Maegan Goss, Mary-

Kyle McDonald and Mary Taylor

Carwile were awarded All Ameri-

can. Completing our summer, the

Belles put on a ―Beach Bash‖ for

our annual Style Show.

Starting in ninth grade, our

freshmen Belles are Marley

Ratcliff, Megan Franks, Brittany

Kelly and De‘Ninia Melton. We

have two sophomores, Ashlyn

Thompson and Maegan Goss,

along with four juniors: Mary-

Kyle McDonald, Hannah Maud,

Elizabeth Moore (Jr. co-captain)

and Marcie McTyer (Jr. co-

captain). Lastly, our three seniors

are Natalie Rabb, Karley Newsom

(Captain) and Mary Taylor Car-

wile (captain). The three women

that make Bearcat Belles possible

are our two incredible sponsors,

Emery Pendergrass and Melanie

Garrison and our dance choreog-

rapher, Jennifer Cantebury. Our

dance-line consists of thirteen

amazing girls, and I am blessed to

call each of them my friends.

Practicing for hours each day after

school, we maintain a close bond

and are ready to perform dances

for our fellow Bearcat family each

week.

Several Bearcat Belles and Mrs.

Garrison are selling raffle tickets

for $75.00 in gas. The price is

$1.00 per ticket. Drawing will be

held at the next home game which

is October 2, 2009.

RHS Pep Rallies:

Something to be

peppy about! by Amber Brown

Reporter/Photographer

Fellow students- what is it that

you look forward to on Fridays? Is it

the football games, the weekends, or

the pep rallies? Well, it should be all of

the above! There are themes chosen for

each Pep Rally Friday; first it was ―Nerd

Day‖ (Byrd is for Nerds) and ―Luau‖

with a limbo contest (One will win, but

Many will fall). The themes are thought

up by Mrs. Reeder. The varsity cheer-

leaders help Mrs. Reeder get the themes

ready and make them as fun as they are!

Pep rallies allow you to show your

unrestrained school spirit. Your class

could possibly win the ―spirit stick,‖ and

that is an honor! Also, at some point in

the future, jeans passes will start being

sold for Pep Rally Fridays, and that just

adds to the excitement! Have fun with the

pep rallies while our football season lasts,

and keep up all the fantastic spirit Bearcats.

It keeps our school alive!

Ruston ATA MMA

205 North Service Road

East

Ruston , LA 71270

318– 513-9853

Rule the Cage and the Streets

Once a Bearcat,

Always a Bearcat!

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