October 2013

Renaissance The LSMSA

October 2013 Volume XXXI, Issue 2 The Louisiana School 715 University Pkwy.

Natchitoches, LA 71457 Praecellemus

LSMSA goes pink for breast cancer awareness Soojin Lee Staff Writer

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the student body of the Louisiana School celebrated “Pink Week” from Monday, Oct. 7 through Friday, Oct. 11, 2013.

Throughout the week, clubs ran many different kinds of exciting fundraisers. For example, the Future Business Leaders of America club sprayed students’ and teachers’ hair pink during lunch hour.

Even some teachers participated in Eagle’s Wing’s fundraiser. For every goal achieved, a certain teacher would do something crazy.

Dr. Jason Anderson, for example, wore a pink tutu one day while Dr. Patrick Widhalm sported a pink smiley face on his forehead.

In total, $507 were raised and donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

There was also a symbolic celebration. Many students and teachers signed a pink banner that was left in the CPT atrium throughout the week. It is now dis-

Christine Savoie sprays Mrs. Shumate’s hair pink Taken by James Rodrigue

Students Emily Schultz, Helena Palmisano, and Hanna Li paint cupcakes for the lock-in.

Taken by Brandon Kongphongmany

played on the balcony in the CPT. On Friday at 4:30 pm, the biggest event took place: the 5K. Participants included all athletes of the Louisiana School, many non-athletes, some faculty and staff, and even members

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of the Natchitoches community wholly unconnected to the Louisiana School.

The victors of the race were as follows: River Scrantz with 20:27, Kenny Driggers with 20:56, and Jeffrey Sykes with 21:00 for

boys.

Elizabeth Cassibry with 23:47, Rebecca Lopez with 24:24, and Siobhan Prasad with 26:06 for girls.

Jackie Jacobi with 40:01 and Angela Jones with 40:03 for faculty and staff.

There were about 103 participants in total.

Even Smoothie King joined in by supplying the runners/walkers with free smoothies at the finish line.

The last event was the lock-in hosted by the Louisiana School Cheerleaders. Although Pink Week had technically ended on Friday, this event took place on Saturday October 12, 2013.

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In This Issue:

Eaglestock 2k13 It’s like Woodstock, but there aren’t drugs and Jimi Hendrix wasn’t here.

Students present at supercomputer conference It’s even more impressive than it sounds.

Susan Bernath joins the crew with LSMSA Crew You have no idea how long I’ve been waiting to make that pun.

What all does Dr. Patrick Widhalm do? Well, besides feeding hungry babies, saving , rescuing cats in trees, and curing the common cold.

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Each student was required to pay $3 for entrance, and about sixty students participated. There was food, music, games, and a movie (Mean Girls) at this lock-in.

Many students enjoyed the thrill of interacting with their friends of the opposite gender after curfew under supervision. It lasted until 3 am.

The great things the Louisiana School can do when its students, faculty, and staff come together are incredible.

The contributions, both monetary and non-monetary, were great and will go towards a great cause.

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Abbie Dowd mixes merit with sportsmanship You mean she’s good at sports too? Is there anything she’s not good at?

Cinema at Six releases a deluge of gore onto LSMSA I always knew gore was somehow educational...

Dr. Delery: the “Good Fairy” of administration What a fitting epithet for Dr. Delery.

(See? I did pay attention in English.)

Connections Weekend Living proof that there is life after LSMSA. #MythBusted

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...and more!

The Renaissance

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October 2013

Alumni say the darndest things

At Connections Weekend (go to pg. 11 to learn more), alumni are brought back to talk to encourage and inspire us. But sometimes, they just humor us.

“What’s wrong with Alexandria? Well, there’s the location... but otherwise it’s a nice town!” -Jeff Carpenter “Modeling is the least cerebral job you could ever have.” -Lindsey Long “I’m pretty sure my mom cried when I told her that I was leaving my full ride scholarships to become a swordsmith.” -Jeremy Bordelon “There are lots of distractions out there in college. Like parties ...and parties.” -Stacy Carpenter “It would have been nice to be a semester or so ahead in calculus... more so than I already was.” -Brittany Boudreaux

Coming Soon: Oct. 31

Trunk or Treat//6pm//HSB Courtyard Nov. 1

Girls Basketball Game//6pm//Gym

Boys Basketball Game//7pm//Gym Nov. 2

Dr. Ebarb’s Colloquium//10:30am//Recital Hall

LSMSA Today Colloquium//11:30am//Recital Hall

Tailgate BBQ//12:30pm//HSB Courtyard

“The Canal” Play//2pm//Blackbox

Alumni Basketball Game//3:15pm//Gym

Alumni Volleyball Game//4:30pm//Gym

Wesley Ducote Piano Recitall//4:30pm//Recital Hall Nov. 3

Doctor Who 5k Fun Run//8:30am//HSB Nov. 7

Veterans’ Day Assembly//4pm//Treen Auditorium Nov. 9-10

Fall Dance Concert//7pm//Treen Auditorium Nov. 11

Exploration Day//All Day//Across Campus Nov. 14

Robotics Day//All Day//Across Campus Nov. 15

Open Mic Nite//7pm//Caddo Lobby Nov. 16

Winter Formal//8pm//NSU Ballroom For more information on any event, contact us at: newspaper@student.lsmsa.edu

“Long after I’m dead... you know, two or three years from now.” -Dr. Feske “We can thank our hero Fig Newton for physics.” -Dr. Dalling Dr. Francis: “Nice eagle eye bracelet, did you get it from Turkey or Greece?”

Catherine Broussard: “I got it from Rue 21...”

“Everything is a function including the distance between your upper and lower eyelids.”

-Mz. Gleason “I think “Shazam” is one of my truisms in life.”

-Ms. Lillian Gray Allison Boudreaux: “Would you still be my friend if I wore my hair like this?”

Ms. Stephanie Barger: “I’d be your friend but I wouldn’t be seen with you in public places.”

“This was signed on February 14, 1960. Not to sound weird, but that was probably the day I was conceived since I was born on November 14, 1960.” -Dr. Francis

Corrections:

The photo of Mrs. Audra Allen dancing in the last edition was not approved and incorrectly attributed; the photo was taken by Danni Herrington.

We apologize for this misinformation.

The Renaissance

October 2013

Speech & Debate Team go to tournament Carlie Procell Editor-in-Chief

The LSMSA Speech & Debate Team attended its first tournament on Oct. 25 and 26. Four students competed at the Caddo Magnet High School Mustang Classic.

The students competed in a variety of events, including Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Extemperaneous Speech, Original Oratory, and Oral Interpretation.

Timothy Shertzer won 1st in Junior Extemperaneous Speech and 3rd in Lincoln-Douglas Debate.

Dr. Kui Chen gives talk on nanotechnology

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Carlie Procell Editor-in-Chief

Students Eli Langley, Jordan Thibodeaux, Susannah Cox, and Timothy Shertzer pose after the tournament.

Taken by Ms. Langley

Dr. Kui Chen, a Chemistry professor from LSUShreveport, gave a talk to interested science students on nanotechnology on Oct. 11.

He explained what exactly nanoscience is, and then gave an overview of the research he is currently doing at LSU-S. Dr. Chen’s research involves using gold as a photothermal coupling agent to kill lymphoid cells.

A digital interpretation of a nanobot.

From ExtremeTech.com

Eaglestock 2k13 Soojin Lee Staff Writer

On Saturday Oct. 12, 2013, the Louisiana School students took a break from studying and enjoyed a day out in the sun. Eaglestock is an annual event hosted by the Student Activities Board where clubs can participate in a large fundraising festival.

Sale items ranged from marriage ceremonies conducted by the Gay Straight Alliance club to “jello shots”

(jello served in large, fake syringes) sold by MedEx Club.

There were also tables for Oreo-cake balls, samosas, curry, henna, a cake walk, a hugging booth, and much more.

The biggest attraction this year was Interact Club’s dunking booth.

Students flocked from the dorms to dunk their favorite teachers such as Dr. Morelock, Dr. Costin, and Mr. Burkman.

There were also performances throughout

the event. Students who performed incude Victoria Wilson and Joseph Sampy.

Eaglestock will, in future years, continue to be a major school-wide function where students, faculty, staff, and children can all enjoy the many attractions such as food and the thrill of dunking that teacher who just happened to give you a bad grade in the previous year.

Sam Bush aims to try to dunk Dr. Morelock into Interact Club’s Dunking Booth.

Taken by Carlie Procell

Allison Smith, Mr. Burkman, and Josh Bright are detained in One World Club’s jail Taken by Carlie Procell

Victoria Wilson performs songs for entertainment.

Taken by Brandon Kongphongmany

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Students present at supercomputing conference Johnnette Johnson Staff Writer

On Sept. 30, 10 students and lecturer in mathematics Mr. Brad Burkman set out for a road trip to the Oklahoma Supercomputing Symposium.

Annalise Labutut, senior from Bachelor and Katherine Prutz, senior from Baton Rouge presented a creation of their own called “Safe with Sound.”

Combining their mutual love for espionage, Labatut and Prutz cre-

we’re high schoolers,” said Prutz.

Aside from presenting at and attending the symposium, students also paid a visit to Booster.

Booster is the name of a supercomputer located at Oklahoma University. The sight of this piece of technology stirred various emotions. “I felt a sense of awe and power at the fact that we could make changes in the world,” said Burkman.

The Renaissance

October 2013

Mr. Carey cooks up a colloquium Allison Boudreaux Staff Writer

Colloquia never fail to draw in students to see their favorite faculty members speak about some of the projects upon which they have been working.

On Oct. 6, Mr. Carey Hendrix gave his audience a crash course in solar cooker construction as well as the history, social impact, and science of the craft.

Hendrix, a self-proclaimed hobbyist, began working at LSMSA in 2005 after holding a variety of jobs and traveling for many years with the United States Air Force as an archivist, clarinetist, writer, and wing/base historian.

During the school year, he works in the college counseling center as an administrative assistant and is adored by students

for his eccentricities and his contribution to lunchtime morale through Weekly Wednesday.

He hosts many college recruiters, provides ukulele lessons, and organizes the college fair each year. However, during the summer, Hendrix works on independent projects.

“While you all are out of school, I like to try out these little projects,” said Hendrix. “This one was different, though. I spent a lot of time perfecting these cookers.”

His interest in the project was clear. He provided the audience with a brief history of solar cooking and systematically introduced each basic design and the variations thereof.

He suggested several recycled alternatives for components of the solar cookers and reiterated

Hendrix at his colloquium.

Taken by Allison Boudreaux

time and time again that this project could be cost-effective and fun for anyone.

By strategically placing short “factoids” throughout the presentation and supplying handouts to help the audience start building their own cookers, Hendrix made the presentation into an instructional lesson.

The Power Outages #BoardingSchoolProblems Allison Smith Staff Writer

Annalise Labatut and Katherine Prutz preparing to give their presentation.

Taken by Eric Dilmore

ated a software that generates an image of a face using 3D data proximity sensors. Along with Prutz and Labatut’s presentation there were several presentations done by companies.

Presentations were done by professors or employees of computing companies with a focus on the future of high performance computing, making Labatut and Prutz’s presentation the only presentation done by high school students. “They’re always shocked to find out

Out of the symposium, students gained an interest in high performance computing as well as a newfound knowledge of the machines themselves.

When asked what enjoyed the most, Labatut replied, “I mostly enjoyed the fact that I could present with my best friend as the only high school students who presented there, especially on a topic that impressed professors.”

Power. It has many definitions. The ability to do or act, political or national strength, the possession of control over others; power can be defined in many different ways.

At LSMSA it always seems to be the thing that is missing. To an LSMSA student, power is electricity and it’s always out.

Every student can give a story about the storms that have hit Natchitoches.

Third year seniors attest to the ‘Flood of 2012’ reminiscing about how even though the campus was underwater, they still managed to go to class.

Returning students flashback to the 36hour lockdown last

year when nobody was allowed to leave and it only drizzled.

Everyone has a story about a storm or two, but power outages are common amongst all.

During the present school year, there have been two power outages all without a cloud in the sky.

Every time the lights go out a stream of voices flow down the hallways shouting, “I don’t have time for this!” and “My computer is almost dead, I have a paper due tomorrow!” and many other complaints.

Every time the lights flicker off students flood social media with posts about the inconvenience. Students question whether or not assignments will be due.

Questions like “Will that American Govern-

ment assignment be due tomorrow?” and “What happened to my common app?”

But these complaints are within reason. When the power goes off, the necessities that high school students need to function go with it.

Air conditioning shuts off, wifi goes out, and if your phone is dead there’s no way to make sure you wake up the next morning.

Every year there’s a power outage or twenty, and every year LSMSA students still get up, go to class, and move on with their days.

It’s one of the many things that everyone has a story about. It brings the community closer together.

Not really, it is just another day with the lights out.

The Renaissance

October 2013

Susan Bernath joins the crew with LSMSA Crew Brooke Mendoza Staff Writer

LSMSA welcomed many new staff members and student life advisors this fall. One was Susan Bernath, SLA for Caddo Hall’s 2nd West.

Bernath attended high school in her hometown of Cambridge, Vermont where she participated in a number of different sports ranging from Nordic skiing to lacrosse.

Years later, Susan turned down a lacrosse scholarship to the University of Dallas to attend the University of Charleston where she spontaneously picked up rowing her freshman year. “I went onto campus, and it just really sunk in,” she said. “It felt right.”

“I wanted to continue sports in college, but my school didn’t have a lacrosse team,” said Bernath. She found herself

enjoying the team oriented sport of rowing. Some of her best friends today were from her college rowing team.

Bernath emphasized the bonds she made with her team. “It’s nice to share the moment with other people. When you get off the water and you’re like ‘we just won gold together.’ It doesn’t matter at the end of the race because you always leave everything you have on the water.”

Bernath also mentioned that there were many values that rowing taught her such as hard work, courage, determination, and teamwork. “It taught me to never give up, push your body to the extremes,” she said.

“I’ve competed in [rowing] competitions all over the Southeast and Northeast United States,” Bernath states. Two of

the bigger competitions that she competed in were SIRA, the Southern Intercollegiate Rowing Association, and DAD VAIL, the largest intercollegiate regatta in the United States. “The fun thing about rowing is you don’t just take home a trophy or a ‘oh yeah we won.’” Susan said.

“You actually get physical medals. I have gold, silver, bronze medals in my room and office.”

Susan rowed for all four of her years in college. “Once I started I was like ‘I can’t stop.’

It’s an addiction, and I still do it now,” she said.

She continues to try to best herself, her current time for a 2000 meter race being seven minutes and 22 seconds. Generally, women try to complete the distance under eight minutes, so her success was a good way to end

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LSMSA Crew athletes at practice at the boathouse.

Taken by Brooke Mendoza

her season.

Bernath hasn’t rowed since May which is a factor in why she is hesitant to row in the Masters competitions. “I was asked to race my single in Chattanooga, but I’m not comfortable,” Bernath explained. “I’m afraid I’m going to flip.”

Bernath is the current rowing coach at LSMSA. Practice is held twice a

week and included different land drills to prepare the students for their futures on the water.

If you have any questions about rowing, please feel free to e-mail Susan Bernath at sbernath@lsmsa.edu. The LSMSA rowing team practices Mondays and Thursdays at either 7am8am or 7pm-8pm.

LSMSA Faculty vs. Current Events: Are freshwater amoebae really brain-eating?

Kyle Welch

Assistant Editor

Recent reports in both local and national news suggest there is a braineating amoeba in the water supplies of many Southern states, including LA, AR, and FL. Curious about the specifics of such an “outbreak,” The Renaissance interviewed the biology faculty for their expert opinions on the matter.

“The amoeba is not actually ‘brain-eating,’” said Dr. Allison Landry.

“What it does is it causes encephalitis, which means it inflames nervous tissues, and that ends up harming and damaging them.”

The amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, is naturally found in warm, fresh bodies of water.

Additionally, most reported cases of deaths

Digital artwork of the “brain-eating amoeba.”

From buzzle.com

caused by this amoeba seem to be related to people who swam in fresh bodies of water in Louisiana and elsewhere.

Some sources claim Hurricane Katrina may have contributed to the development of the amoebae in the South.

“To be infected you have to actually force the water into your nose through your sinus cavity,” said Dr. Jason Anderson. “When you see these cases, they are mostly from kids who were horse playing in the water. And I’ve heard of some people dying from using Neti pots.”

“A lot of people do not want to use sinus medications because they might make their blood pressure rise or whatever,” said Anderson, “and that is where these people using Neti pots

get into trouble. Some of them just use their tap water instead of distilled water or saline, and they are forcing that infected water into their sinuses.”

“But these cases are very rare,” said Landry.

“Right,” said Anderson. “This disease is not new, and I think the CDC has maybe reported about 35 cases of it between 2005 and 2011.”

“It does raise questions, though, ecologically,” said Dr. Maggie Hodge. “For example, how do they get in the public water supply, where are they most present, and are they more common?”

“For me, the surprising thing is that they have gotten into the water supply,” said Hodge. “These things are supposed to be killed by the water systems.”

While officials report that the water is safe to drink, parishes affected are increasing their chlorine levels to get rid of the amoeba.

“I think this mostly raises awareness of microorganisms,” said Anderson. “People forget about them because they cannot see them. You do not know you are infected until you start suffering from the symptoms.”

“The main thing, though, is to not panic,” said Landry. “You should probably worry more about the flu than this amoeba.”

“Sometimes you wonder if it has been a slow news day, you know,” said Hodge. “I think the reports are sensationalized, but it is important that the public know, and that what they know is correct.”

The Renaissance

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October 2013

What all does Dr. Patrick Widhalm do?

Allison Smith Staff Writer

When most students past the front office, they see Ms. Erin King sitting behind her desk, an occasional work-service student, and if they look far enough into the back office, they get a glimpse of the man who runs the show.

Dr. Patrick Widhalm, also referred to as P-Widdy and Dr. Pat, came to LSMSA in 2001.

Before LSMSA, he served as an administrator at the Conservatory of Music at Capital University in Columbus, OH. He also founded the Dean of Arts and Academics position at the South Carolina Governor’s School for Arts and Humanities in Greenville, SC. After teaching for many years at LSMSA,

Dr. Pat took some time off before returning back to the school as the Executive Director, where he has remained for the past 12 years.

Every student at LSMSA knows that Dr. Pat is a busy and important person, but not that many students know all that he does.

When he is not running around campus or at a meeting, you can find him in his office insuring that the school runs smoothly.

Dr. Pat’s office is garnished with many different sentiments from his tenure at the school.

The front of his desk is adorned with wooden masks from a past exchange program with South Korean students.

He has a drawing of a blue box on his wall that took one of his friends over 500 hours to create.

A copy of Dr. Seuss’ Yertle the Turtle rests on one of his many bookcases. There is a plant in the corner of his office with Christmas decorations.

All of these little knick knacks help illustrate the story of his time here.

Although most students know Dr. Pat as “the important guy who runs the school”, he is more than just that. He makes an effort to get to know each and every student on a personal level and greets everyone by name while walking down the hallway.

Even with his demanding job, Dr. Pat constantly wears a warm, caring smile, which exemplifies his personality along with the spirit of LSMSA.

Dr. Pat’s Schedule for the Remainder of the Semester Oct. 17

Oct. 18 Oct. 19 Coming Weeks Nov. 17-19

Dec. 9

Meeting of the Bond Commission in Baton Rouge (this is where consideration is given to the funding to design a new residence hall.)

Connections Weekend, Grandparents’ Day Connections Weekend, Parents’ Council Luncheon Meetings of the Louisiana Partnership for the Arts in Baton Rouge National Conference of the National Association for Gifted Children, and serving on a panel discussing the role of the humanities in STEM education Board Meeting

Recital Review: Saxophones on Fire Brandon Kongphongmany Staff Writer

The mixed ensemble of LSMSA performed on October 2 in the CPT Recital Hall. It was dimly lit, having the only source of light come from the stage.

The stage was set with several chairs and in a semicircle to allow sound to flow naturally.

Dr.Benner sat at the end of the first row to usher his students onto the stage when it was time for their piece and to give commentary between songs.

The first song surprised me as I watched one of our own faculty members step onto stage.

Ms. Kimberly Rogers played oboe along with Marika Buchholz and Sammie McWilliams,

who played the clarinet, in a piece from Menuetto & Trio.

It was a beautiful song and was played very nicely. Everything mended well and was light to the ears. Straight A’s across the board.

The next piece was a bit troublesome. It was a trio--two strings and one oboe. Strings

are usually my favorite instruments in the ensembles, but something was off.

It seemed that one instrument was out of tune and made clashing sounds. At some points, things became light, soft, and easier to listen to, and I congratulate them on that. However, there is always room for

improvement.

Moving on, more clarinets came onto the stage and began to play. Since I had already heard a woodwind trio, I thought I was going to pass out with boredom, but I actually liked the song they played.

It was from Menuetto & Trio, like the past two, but this one stuck out, one clarinet in particular.

Mr. Nicholas Lipscomb began to ascend and descend in lip trills, and it was fantastic! It actually caused me to drop the lens cap off my camera.

By the time I had composed myself, the flutes had taken the stage. Truth be told, there’s not much to say about the flutes. They

were beautiful.

My favorite part of the whole concert was the saxophones. They were spectacular. When they played, it wasn’t like listening to just instruments; it was like listening to a person sing.

Each note that was hit was precise but with a swing. You could feel each pitch and every red-faced breath. I remember getting goose bumps from just listening to it.

The Renaissance

October 2013

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Abbie Dowd mixes merit with sportsmanship Kyle Welch

Assistant Editor

Abbie Dowd, recently named National Merit Semifinalist, has always been interested in sports.

“I’ve played sports like my whole life,” said Dowd. “Sports, for me, are just sort of a stress relief and a way to stay active. Keeping active is nice.”

Dowd plays volleyball and Frisbee at LSMSA, but how does she manage to play two sports and get so close to National Merit?

“I think the important thing for me is knowing academics come first,” said Dowd. “Using time wisely is also important because practices take up a lot of time.”

Putting academics first seemed to pay off.

Maybe there’s a secret formula to get those kinds of checks.

“I didn’t study at all the first time I took it as a sophomore,” said Dowd, “but I did the second time, and my scores improved dramatically.”

“They pretty much

just kind of tell you you’re a Semifinalist,” said Dowd, “and you have to apply to move on to be a Finalist.”

“I feel excited and honored,” said Dowd, “but mostly relieved because the college process will be a lot easier. I know a lot of the colleges I’m applying to have scholarships for National Merit Finalists and Semifinalists. Other colleges I’m not even applying to have sent me letters with scholarship offerings. I don’t even know how they

got my information.”

“I don’t think I would have achieved a lot without being here,” said Dowd.

Other National Merit Semifinalists include

Sean Cuff, Soojin Lee, William Ganucheau, and Derek Marshall. Isabel Milton was named a National Achievement Semifinalist.

Abbie Dowd, third-year senior and semifinalist.

Taken by Kyle Welch

College Counseling Center throws annual College Fair Carlie Procell Editor-in-Chief

The College Counseling Center, affectionateley referred to as the CCC, consists of a group of adults who devote their time specifically to ensuring the success of seniors post-LSMSA. One of the programs they put on every year to inform students about future opportunities is the annual LSMSA College Fair.

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Representatives and recruiters from approximately 50 colleges and universities attended this year’s fair on Sept.

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The fair ran from 1:20pm to 3:30pm and was hosted in the cafeteria with special classroom presentations in computer labs of the CPT. Though a good portion of the institutions that attended were

based in Louisiana, many were from out-ofstate.

Some out-of-state institutions that attended this year include: Grinnell College, Emory University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Oglethorpe University, Vanderbilt University, and Illinois Institute of Technology.

Seniors were given priority and allowed to walk into the caferia for

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general browsing for the first hour without underclassmen. The CCC implemented this to assure that seniors got all of their questions answered and the most quality time with recruiters.

Another change the CCC made to the fair this year was to not allow sophomores to attend. Juniors could only attend if they registered for it on Family Connec-

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tion.

The counselors made sure that these new rules were upheld by making sure students signed in before entering the cafeteria.

Counselors also stood by the doors of the cafeteria to make sure that students who weren’t supposed to be there weren’t and that students who were required to be there stayed there.

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Joseph Sampy & Kiana Frederick speak with an admissions representative from University of Louisiana, Lafayette.

Terra Allen speaks with an admissions representative from Hendrix College.

Photos taken by: Ethan Guerra & Christine Savoie speak with an admissions representative from Millsaps College.

Brandon Kongphongmany Annalise Labatut speaks with an admissions representative from Vanderbilt University. & Carlie Procell

The Renaissance

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October 2013

Summer Accomplishments Spotlight

Alex Robertson, Boys State Delegate Cosette Zacarias

Staff Writer Current senior Alex Robertson represented LSMSA at Louisiana Boys State this past summer.

Louisiana Boys State is a weeklong leadership program located on NSU’s campus in Natchitoches, LA. The program aims at gathering high-achieving and motivated students from all over Louisiana who are interested in learning about how the government functions at the city, parish, and state levels.

Robertson became interested in the program when Student Life Advisor John Shore mentioned the program and told Robertson that it would be a good fit for him. He didn’t know much about the program, but after consulting with his mother who is an

enthusiastic supporter of Boys State, he agreed to sign up. “Always have to make your mom happy,” said Robertson.

After successfully completing the interview process during the spring semester of his junior year, Robertson was selected to be a Boys State Delegate and attended the program in June.

At Boys State, Robertson and the other delegates experienced what it would be like to be a member of Louisiana’s government by writing speeches, running for offices, and participating in leadership activities.

Robertson ran for public defender and after being elected, he participated in entertaining mock trials that had a creative twist. The delegates in the court system were allowed to create funny

and spontaneous court cases for the public defender, defense attorney, witnesses, and judge to participate in.

At the end of the week, Robertson was rewarded with the title of Best Public Defender, and he walked away with a newfound respect for politicians.

“I learned that there’s more work to government than outsiders see,” said Robertson. “And that politicians should be respected more for the jobs they have to try and accomplish while considering the needs of the entire state.”

Robertson remarks that the experience was definitely beneficial to him, because it helped him prepare for his duties as SGO President by improving his speech writing and delivering

Robertson in his room in Prudhomme.

Taken by Cosette Zacarias skills, his confidence in for the connections he front of people, and his made and the unforgetability to walk up to a table late nights he spent complete stranger and chanting and bonding start a conversation. with his fellow Boys Although he is conState delegates, whom he calls his “brothers.” He sidering a career in the regrets that the program medical field, Robertson only lasted a week, but has learned from Boys he recommends it to any State that he would have LSMSA junior interested a great chance of success in leadership or governin the field of law. ment.

He remains grateful

Kesany Boupapanh: Science Research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Cosette Zacarias Staff Writer

Over the summer, Kesany Boupapanh spent six weeks doing science research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Summer Science Institute Program.

Her Distinction Project will be based upon the research she conducted over the summer

and will describe a new strain of rhizobacterium, IRBG74, that can colonize in non-legumes such as rice.

At the University of Wisconsin, she investigated the host spectrum and symbiotic abilities of the bacteria.

As part of the Summer Science Institute Program, she attended

Boupapanh really enjoyed her summer experience.

Taken by Cosette Zacarias

a statistics class, careers class, and presentation class in addition to working in labs.

The experience was completely new to Boupapanh, and although the reality of doing repetitive simple tasks differed from her expectations of conducting complex and swift research, she still learned a lot.

“I had never worked in a lab like that before,” said Boupapanh. “My mentor just gave my group the task and we just had to do it, which taught me a sense of independence.”

Other components of the program included a symposium and the completion of a research paper, which was no simple task. However, Boupapanh’s SSI family made the entire experience worthwhile.

“The counselors

helped us cope with the stress of the research paper and symposium, and the teacher stayed extra late to help with the paper,” said Boupapanh.

The experience wasn’t all science and stress, though. During her stay, Kesany also enjoyed going to the natatorium, playing ultimate Frisbee and soccer, and watching movies.

Her most memorable moment was the 5th floor sleepover during the last night of the program, when she spent hours joking and laughing with her friends. Boupapanh’s second most memorable moment was when she stuck her hand in a cow’s stomach.

Boupapanh feels as if her research experience will benefit her as she pursues a career in neuroscience. She plans

on interning in labs in college, and her research experience at the University of WisconsinMadison influenced her to apply to the university.

She still texts and calls her friends from the program and e-mails her mentor about the project.

Overall, Boupapanh’s summer research experience was very beneficial to her.

She gained new friends who shared the same passion for biology, and she gained a sense of independence from living so far away from home for six weeks.

“The most important thing I learned is that you are never alone in a new place. There will always be someone there to help you,” said Boupapanh.

The Renaissance

October 2013

The LSMSA Last Lecture Series: Mz. Linda Gleason Mz. Gleason Guest Writer

Less than two weeks ago I celebrated my 63rd birthday. It seemed appropriate for me to take stock of my 6.3 decades by answering a few questions.

Have I lived a good and full life? Made a positive effect on the people in my life?

Have any serious regrets? Is the world better or worse for my having lived?

My childhood was okay, although the moving from one base to another that goes with being a military “brat” was not pleasant. However, I am now thankful for those experiences. I have met people from all over the world, tasted their foods, listened to their stories, sung their songs, and so much more.

Indeed, “Viva la dif-

ference!” has become a cherished doctrine in my life. I heartily recommend the savoring of these differences.

They contribute so much to the life well lived.

My lifelong observations of variety have helped me accept my own differences and to value them.

The shy, self conscious child who dreaded transferring to yet another elementary school has become the woman who loves to travel and try. I am enjoying life with great relish.

Another lesson I have learned is there is comfort in trusting in a higher power. My faith in God has brought me the “peace that passes understanding”.

It took me nearly 35 years to start really trusting, and I am still working on it. Every

day is a new canvas I can fill with the colors, textures, and shapes of the life well lived.

I know I am never alone. I am always loved, appreciated, and understood. I am free to relax, open my eyes and mind to all creation and delight in its beauty, mystery, symmetry, expansiveness, surprises…

Life is a great adventure and will continue to be. Where that adventure takes me has always depended on my choices. When I chose poorly, I paid the consequences, some very unpleasant ones.

Those adventures taught me hard lessons. However, when I chose well, wonderful things resulted—from the birth of my amazing son to being hired for the best job in the world; from knee surgery that restored

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Mz. Gleason and her partner in crime, Molly.

Photo Courtesy of Mz. Linda Gleason

pain-free movement to friends that are so dear words cannot describe their dearness; from experiencing God’s love in his amazing answers to my prayers to that peace that passes understanding when all hell is breaking loose.

Reading over what I have written, I think “Does this seem too wordy and too general?

Does it deserve being entitled ‘My Last Lecture’?” Maybe. . .

But just in case, here

is an abridged version.

-Own the fact that you are unique.

-Enjoy and appreciate the uniqueness of others.

-Have faith in God. He loves you.

-Open your eyes and mind to our amazing universe, tiny to titanic.

-Relish life when it’s great or even when it’s not. It’s Life!!!

As for the answers to my original questions— yes, yes, no, and better, respectively.

Cinema at Six releases a deluge of gore onto LSMSA Kyle Welch

Assistant Editor

Do you remember that scene in Carrie when she kills her mother with kitchen utensils? Ever wonder why the director (Brian de Palma) may have chosen that method of homicide instead of Stephen King’s original telekinetic heart failure? The answer lies in Cinema at Six. A film series hosted

by English professor Dr. Pamela Francis on a weeknight (typically Tuesday) at 6:00 PM, Cinema at Six seeks to expose Louisiana School students to refined cinema classics as well as to simply enter-

From westernparadigm. wordpress.com

tain for those who may need the Expanded Orientation credit.

Generally, the selected films are relevant to the subject matters of Francis’s world and British literature classes and provoke a style of thinking similar to liter-

ary analysis.

Recently “premiered” was Akira Kurosawa’s classic, Throne of Blood, a transposition of Shakespeare’s Macbeth to feudal Japan and also the inspiration of Margaret White’s poetically just death in Carrie.

Throne of Blood adeptly preserves the motifs of Shakespeare’s Macbeth.

Kurosawa accomplishes this in a variety of ways including: alluding to themes of life and death, evoking a consistent imagery of blood and flesh, relying on wardrobe to continue Shakespeare’s numerous mentions of

garments, and developing a sense of darkness consistent with that of Macbeth’s delusions.

However, Kurosawa’s transposition of Macbeth contains no witches in a cave brewing a Caldron of double toil and trouble over burning fire.

Instead, they are replaced with a radically nihilistic forest spirit who spends his time taunting Washizu (Kurosawa’s Macbeth equivalent) by ominously chanting songs of human futility and impersonating the figures Washizu has slain.

Throne of Blood¸ overall, is a uniquely Japanese interpreta-

tion of Shakespearean drama with astounding visuals and very different sentiments that ultimately reflect the human condition in a way that is much more precise than Shakespeare.

It can appeal to audiences from a spectrum of different interests, including those who are fans of Shakespeare, Japanese culture and history, nihilism, and forest mystics. Because of this, it is recommended to everyone and can be watched for free on the internet television network Hulu.

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October 2013

Alumnus returns to perform recital Johnnette Johnson Staff Writer

On Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013 at 6:00 pm students gathered in the Recital Hall to see and hear a recital of “Musical Remembrances of Expelled Artists Before and After 1933” performed by soprano, Donna Lee and pianist Andrej Hovrin.

Lee, an American soprano, graduated from LSMSA in the year of 1987. She studied music at Loyola University in New Orleans, Louisiana, and received a master’s degree studies in Vocal Performance from the University of Colorado.

She did further study with Berlin Conservatory, Hanns Eisler. She’s performed at various places in the United States as well as in Ger-

many.

The concert was centered around pieces by four artists who were deceased before and after 1933. Kurt Weill, Sidney Corbett,and Hanns Eisler are classical composers who were popular during the 1930s.

When the lights dimmed, the expectant audience instantly fell silent. Lee and Hovrin, entered the stage to the audience’s immediate applause.

Before she starting singing “Buddy on the Nightshift,” Lee briefly mentioned the historical relevance of the song.

It was written in 1942

by Kurt Weill, as women worked shifts in factories. She then proceeded to adjust her character to that of the character in

the song.

Within the snap of a finger she seemed to have a totally different personality, one that matched those of the women featured in the song.

After she sung “Love and be Silent”, composed by Sidney Corbett and written by W. Shakespeare, she sung three pieces of Kurt Weill’s.

These, unlike the other songs she sung, were in French. They were written by Weill after he was exiled from Paris.

In closing, Lee sang a series of five songs titled “Songs from Letters” by Libby Larsen.

The letters dictated in the songs were stories realistically portraying the life of Wild West legend Calamity Jane. With

Donna Lee poses with a piano in the Recital Hall.

Taken by Johnnette Johnson

each song, the storyline developed and became clearer.

After her and Hovrin’s

last bow, the audience, respectively, stood and applauded their brilliant performance.

Dr. Delery: the “Good Fairy” of administration Sarah Thomas Staff Writer

At the end of the last school year, LSMSA said goodbye to Mrs. Natalie Istre, our former Director of Academic Services. However, in August of 2013, the administration welcomed a “new” member, Dr. Clayton Delery. Al-

though Dr. Delery is no prospie when it comes to LSMSA, the shift from full-time teacher to “head honcho” has obviously presented new challenges and learning opportunities for the English and Creative Writing teacher.

Dr. Delery first arrived as a faculty mem-

Dr. Delery, the good fairy, making a sandwich Taken by Brandon Kongphongmany

ber in 1989 after teaching at various colleges. He explained that LSMSA was his first (and only) job at a high school. Dr. Delery began teaching various English classes as well as creative writing classes.

When asked about the biggest differences between being a full time teacher and his new position in administration, he began by stating that he just “pushes a lot more paper.” He also said that he knows more about what’s going on “behind the scenes” now than he did before.

He also stated that having a private office can make him feel isolated at times, and also that he wants students to feel free to walk in if they feel the need to – which is why he leaves his doors open a majority of the time. He said

that it’s rare for students to stop in just to say hello, which happened all the time as a teacher, and that he misses that part the most.

He explained that his shift into administration makes him appreciate the classes he still teaches even more.

When asked about his feelings toward students now that he’s assumed an administrative position, he began by stating that his new job doesn’t make him see students in a new light, but it gives him a completely different sense of responsibility.

“Before,” he said, “I was only responsible for the advisees I had, making sure that they had their graduation requirements, but there was always someone higher up on the chain to catch any mistakes I made.

Now, I am that point on the chain.”

He explained that he feels much more pressured to get it right, because if he doesn’t he could potentially ruin someone’s scholarship opportunities.

He explained that responsibility was one of the changes he expected, but the amount of interaction with the state of Louisiana was a change he didn’t expect.

He said that he dreads getting e-mails from the state because it always means having to learn something new.

“For the 25 years I spent here as a teacher, things would happen throughout the year that I would just attribute to the good fairies,” he said.

“Now that I’m behind the scenes, I’m the good fairy.”

October 2013

Connections Weekend Johnnette Johnson Staff Writer

When most typical students graduate from high school, they move on with their lives and seldom look back at their secondary school, give or take the occasional reunion.

At LSMSA however, former eagles flock back to the place they once called home to speak to current students about their endeavors post high school.

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in the LSU School of Agriculture.

She realized that studying dirt wasn’t what she truly enjoyed, so she got her Bachelor’s and moved to Washington, D.C. to pursue a career in journalism.

“I went around and harassed a bunch of people until I get a job,” said Slayter.

She ultimately acquired a job with The Washington Post as a reporter. She eventually All of the alum who came to speak at this year’s Connections Weekend.

Taken by Lydia Grafton

of success is not being bossed around and not being bored.”

After that, I went to the High School Building to hear Jennifer Dhir (‘03). Before I stepped into the room, I noticed students walking out of her classroom with drawstring bags, sunglasses, cups, and more. Free stuff? I was already enticed.

Mary Ellen Slayrer (‘95) talking at her presentation.

Taken by Lydia Grafton She started her presentation off by talking Connections Weekend got laid off, but instead about her major. She is usually held in Octoof sulking, she started ber of every school year her own content market- majored in Pre-Medicine and Engineering at the and has become a tradiing agency out of Baton Georgia Institute for tion within the LSMSA Rouge.

Technology. community.

She emphasized “I was following the Giving us the opporthe benefits of being stereotypical Asian tunity to network with her own boss. Slayter expectations,” Dhir alumni allows us to ended her presentation said. After realizing bond with former gifties with some wise words how much she didn’t over similar experiences on success, “My vision and answer questions about life after LSMSA. As Dr. Pat gestured to the alumni, he referred to them as “our futures.

The first speaker I attended was Mary Ellen Slayter (‘95). At the Alumni Panel the night before, she briefly spoke about her career in journalism--I was immediately captivated.

At her presentation, she began by reminiscing about her life right Lindsey Long (‘00) speakingwith Jeremy Bordelon (‘97) after graduation. She at their joint presentation in the Recital Hall. majored in Agronomy Taken by Lydia Grafton

Breton Boudreaux (‘03) speaking at her presentation.

Taken by Lydia Grafton

really like that, she went home to New Orleans. She then went to the University of New Orleans to major in Accounting.

This led to her current job as an accountant for the New Orleans Pelicans. Then Dhir quizzed us on things she talked about in her presentation, and when people got questions right, she gave them random Pelicans memorabilia. Then she gave us advice on being successful, “Ultimately, do what makes you happy.”

The last speaker I attended was Breton Boudreaux (‘02). Her presentation was a bit different from the other two, instead of focusing on her journey to where

she was, she focused on her current profession.

Boudreaux currently works at the U.S. Department of State. She gave us an overview of what the DoS really is.

She works with social media, which confused me at first. How does social media have any correlation with foreign affairs? It seemed as if she read my mind, because she then explained her job.

Through social media, she communicates with people overseas to inform them about the U.S. Boudreaux then encouraged us to apply to jobs in the DoS. All in all, I really enjoyed Connections Weekend.

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The Fun Page

Halloween Crossword

October 2013

ACROSS:

2. Conceals your face 3. Graveyard 6. Well known vampire 8. Witches ride them 9. Jack O’Lanterns 10. Vampires sleep in them 11. Has eight legs 12. Mary Shelley told his story 16. To yell 17. Vampires drink it 18. Bad luck to see one of these 19. Skeleton’s head 20. Trick or Treat holiday 21. He brings death 22. Used in witches’ brews

DOWN:

1. Dug for the dead 3. Witch stirs one 4. Wolves howl at this 5. Man by day, this by night 7. You bob for these 13. Witches cast these 14. Any two bones in an X 15. Comes back to haunt you 16. Bones 17. Scary flying animal This month’s puzzle topic is “Halloween.” By Allison Boudreaux

Alumni Trivia

This answer to each question is an LSMSA Alumnus who attended Connections Weekend this year.

By Cosette Zacarias

1. Who kept a hidden microwave in her closet while living in Caddo Hall?

2. Who has spent some time working as a swordsmith’s apprentice before working at a law firm?

3. Who has worked in an FBI crime lab?

Answers: 1. Lindsey Long 2. Jeremy Bordelon 3. T. Grant Belgard

Solution to last month’s puzzle: