P O T GUNS 1 1 0 2
Special supplement to the Amite Tangi Digest, the Kentwood News Ledger and the St. Helena Echo
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Top Gun Students!
New Awana Club starting February 2nd! All are welcome! Pre-K thru 6th Grade Wed. nights 6:30 - 8:00
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Top Guns
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
St. Helena Central High School
Andranicas Matthews
Age: 16 Hometown: Denham Springs, currently Greensburg. Parents/Guardian: Twyler Matthews School: St. Helena Central High School GPA: 3.0
ACT Score: 15 What are your future plans …College, Career?: I plan to attend Southern University and major in Nursing and minor in computer technologies. Church You Attend and What Activities You Participate In?: I attend Greater Refuge Temple Ministry. I work the camera at my church. Hobbies: Riding my 4-wheeler and talking on the phone. School and/or Community Honors: I go to St. Helena Central High School. I also work at St. Helena Parish Hospital and I love working there. Sports: Softball and Track and Field. Who Has Influenced You Most In Your Life and Why?: My Mother influenced me the most because she is a strong independent woman. What Concerns Do You Feel Teenagers Face Today And How Would You Address These Concerns?: I feel that most of the teenagers are assaulted for not hanging and being around the most popular people at their school. What Changes Would You Like To Make In Your Community And How Would You Make Them?: I would like to make Greensburg, La. a better environment and a nicer place to live in. What Makes You A Special Person To Be Selected For “Top Guns ”?: I feel I am special in various ways. I love to help other people when they ’re in need. I am just a helpful person. That ’s why I feel I am “Top Guns ” material. Your Favorite Quote: “Don ’t count every hour in the day, make every hour in the day count. ”
Maci Washington
Age: 17 Hometown: New Orleans, currently Greensburg Parents/Guardian: Chasity Morgan, Mother Grandparents: Otis Morgan and Mildred Morgan School: St. Helena Central High School GPA: 3.6 ACT Score: 14 What are your future plans …College, Career?: In the fall of 2011, I would love to attend University of Louisiana at Lafayette. I would like to be a pre-school teacher when I grow up. Church you attend and what activities you participate in: I am a member of Word of Life Christian Center
in Darrow, La. and I participate on the stepping team. Hobbies: I enjoy talking on the phone and spending time with my family and friends. School and/or Community Honors: I have the pleasure to say I represent St. Helena Central High by being Miss SHCH (Homecoming Queen), and I am the Future Farmers of America President and a member of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). Sports: I am Captain of our Lady Hawks basketball team. I am on the track team. Who has influenced you most in your life and Why?: My Mother, Chasity Morgan has influenced me the most in my life. My Mother being a single parent has never let me down with anything and always supports me. She is teaching me to be the phenomenal woman that she is today. What concerns do you feel teenagers face today and how would you address these concerns?: Most teenagers are dealing with pure pressure and trying to fit in with classmates. If I can tell every student in the world, I would tell them to be a leader and not a follower. What changes would you like to make in your community and how would you make them?: In my community, it is a lot of poverty, and to change the poverty in Greensburg. you must first “Raise the Standard ” and think highly of yourself and don ’t settle for less. What makes you a special person to be selected for “Top Guns ”?: I believe that I am a special person and not only that but, I am a “Top Gun ”. I always lead by example and lend a helping hand when needed and also respect others. Your Favorite Quote: “Hard work beats talent and all gifts when talent and gifts don ’t work hard and go to waste. ”
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Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Top Guns
Amite High School
Bobby Joe Ginn Jr.
Age: 17 Hometown: Fluker Parents/Guardians: Bobby Joe Ginn Sr. and Willie Mae Ginn Grandparents: Carrie Pearl Ginn and the late John Ginn, Deloris and Edward Richardson School: Amite High School GPA: 3.4 ACT Score: 18 What are your future plans . . . college, career?: I plan to attend Delgado Community College to take up Mortuary Science and Funeral Directing. I plan to be mortician (embalmer) and work for Richardson Funeral Home, and I plan to drive school buses for TPSS. Church you attend and what activities you participate in: I attend Kingdom Hall of Jehovah ’s Witness. There I help serve in the spreading of the Good News to people of all nations. Jehovah God is first in my life and He has allowed me to be who I am today. Hobbies: My hobbies are volunteering wherever help is needed, working with livestock (cows, horses, etc.). I enjoy driving, I love to text, I enjoy making people laugh, I love to sing and listen to music, and read and talk about God ’s word. School and/or community honors: Key Club President, FCCLA President, SADD Vice-President, Senior Class Treasurer. I received the TPSS President ’s Shining Star Award, and I ’ve been awarded by Tulane University for outstanding academic achievement and community service. Sports: I really am not interested in sports, but I do enjoy listening to marching
bands. I am the voice of the Amite High School Fighting Warrior Band. Who has influenced you most in your life and why?: Mother and Father - to keep Jehovah first in everything I do and to reach for the unreachable. My Uncle and Aunt - to be myself no matter what because pride is not the way to success. Mr. Kenneth Butler - because he stays on me all the time. He keeps me in line and reminds me that everything does not come on a silver platter. Life gets harder. Mr. Earl Richardson and Diane Richardson (PawPaw and MawMaw) - these two people are like my second set of parents. They treat me like their own child and inspire me to be the best I can be. Mr. Richardson is a mortician and funeral director and I plan to follow in his footsteps as a businessman. Mrs. Johnson - she has taught me that if you put your mind to something, you can do it. She came to AHS and turned the school around completely because she had the students ’ best interest in mind. What concerns do you feel teenagers face today and how would you address these concerns?: I believe that peer pressure is a big concern that needs to be addressed because peer pressure is hard to resist. I would address them by trying to get teenagers more involved with their role models so that they can build a sense of conviction for themselves so that they can endure peer pressure. What changes would you like to make in your community and how would you make them?: I would like to change the activities for children of all ages, such as a park or recreation center so that their activity will not be on drugs or other bad influences. What makes you a special person to be selected for “Top Guns ”?: I don ’t believe that I am a special person, but I do believe that it is a privilege to be offered this opportunity as a Top Gun. I think I have earned it because of all the hard work that I put into my school, home, and community, as well as my dedication to Jehovah God. Your favorite quote: “Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is key to unlocking our potential. ” - Winston Churchhill. I like this quote because it points out that it doesn ’t matter your intelligence or strength or whether or not a person will succeed but that person ’s continuous effort will unlock their potential allowing them to be the successful person that they want to be.
Mark McGee
Age: 17 Hometown: Roseland, LA Parents/Guardians: Marilyn McGee
School: Amite High GPA: 3.2 What are your future plans... college, career? I plan to attend Dillard University/major in psychiatry, become a future psychiatrist who helps people. Church you attend and what activities you participate in: Beacon Light of Hammond. Hobbies: Playing in the band, playing soccer. Sports: band, soccer Who has influenced you most in life and why?: Mr. Brandon Brumfield, my upward bound/band director. He encouraged me to reach my goals/not give up. What changes would you like to make in your community and how would you address them?: Stop the crime rate. By asking police to enforce laws around the community. Your favorite quote: “Life is like an roller coaster than it drops, but what should I scream for, this is my theme park. ”
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Top Guns
David A. Ricard
Age: 18 Hometown: Amite, LA Parents/Guardians: Valarie James, David Ricard Grandparents: Sheila Addison, Betty Parker, Luther Addison, Burnell Parker. School: Amite High School GPA: 3.9 ACT: 24 What are your plans...college, career?: My future plans are to attend ULL and major in music and later become a music producer in the music industry. Then try out for a professional soccer team. Church you attend and what activities you participate in: I attend Butler ’s A.M.E. Zion. I ’m a band member and drum major at Amite High. I play on the soccer team and was recently in the district honor band.
Lacey Simone Robbins
Age: 17 Hometown: Amite Parents/Guardians: Frank and Linda Warner Grandparents: Minnie Magee Marshall, Mary Ann Warner, Nelson East School: Amite High School GPA: 3.5 ACT Score: 19 What are your future plans . . . college, career?: I plan to attend Louisiana State University and major in Journalism - Broadcast. Church you attend and what activities you participate in: I attend Mt. Zion Freewill Baptist Church. I am president of the Junior Usher Board, a part of the
Wednesday, February 2, 2011 Hobbies: My hobbies are writing poetry and music, drawing, playing my trumpet, and playing basketball and sometimes video games with my cousins and friends. I also like to skateboard on the weekend. School and/or Community Honors: My school honors are becoming a drum major at Amite High, making all district soccer my sophomore year in high school. Sports: I play soccer and run track. Who has influence you most in your life and why?: The person who has influenced me the most in my life would be both my grandmothers and my parents. My grandmothers for always showing me encouraged and support and my mother and father for teaching me things that I never knew about myself. What concerns to you feel teenagers face today and how would you address these concerns?: I believe the concerns that most teenagers face today is being accepted by their peers, and doing well in school. I ’d face these concerns by just being who I am and working hard in school so that I can do the best that I can. What changes would you like to make in your community and how would you make them?: The changes I would like to make in my community would be for the people who are struggling with problems in their every day life to get whatever help they needed. I would try my best to get them whatever help they needed. What makes you a special person to be selected for “Top Guns ”: I personally don ’t think I ’m all that special. I just do whatever I do the best that I can but, if I had to say something that makes me special, it would be that. Your favorite quote: “Our Deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. We ask ourselves who am I to be gorgeous, brilliant, talented, and fabulous. Actually, who are you not to be?... ” - W. B. Dubois Junior Choir and Liturgical Dance Team, and young spiritual mentor. Hobbies: I enjoy reading, singing and acting. I have been a part of two stage productions in Slidell. School and/or community honors: I am blessed to be Class President and Homecoming Queen. Sports: I played soccer my sophomore year. Who has influenced you most in your life and why?: My mother has definitely influenced me the most throughout my life. She has always continued to be a praying warrior, through all of her trials and tribulations. Whenever I am going through anything, big or little, she is the first person I go to. She always influences me to be a young lady of Christ and to always keep God first in everything I do. Linda Warner is the best mom a girl could ever have. What concerns do you feel teenagers face today and how would you address these concerns?: Teens face being pressured every day. They are being pressured to go down the wrong path and destroy their success. I address these concerns by letting them know that there is always hope. God is the answer to success. What changes would you like to make in your community and how would you make them?: My community needs more young leaders - there are too many followers. The teens of my community need to take a stand and be a positive role model. I am striving to make this happen by being an example and living for Christ. What makes you a special person to be selected for “Top Guns ”?: I am a striving young lady of God. I always keep a smile on my face, no matter what trial or tribulation I ’m going through. Most of all, I always allow God to guide me through everything. Your favorite quote: “If you always make God your first priority, everything else will fall into place. ”
Loranger High School
Trevor Gaubert
Age: 18 Hometown: Loranger Parents/Guardians: Leslie and Norman (PeeWee) Gaubert Grandparents: Geraldine Aucoin School: Loranger High School GPA: 3.933 ACT Score: 24 What are your future plans . . . college,
career?: Go to LSU and become a Chemical Engineer Hobbies: Spend time with my girlfriend (Brenna Chapman) and hang out with friends and family. School and/or community honors: President for BETA Club, FBLA, Quiz Bowl, Football and Baseball First Team All-District. Sports: Football and Baseball Who has influenced you most in your life and why?: My parents have influenced my life the most. They constantly push me to do my best. It is because of them that I even want to be a Chemical Engineer because they both work in Oil Plants. What concerns do you feel teenagers face today and how would you address these concerns?: My concern is that teenagers don ’t understand the danger of using their phone while driving. What changes would you like to make in your community and how would you make them?: I would like Loranger to have a few more places to eat (restaurants). Besides that, I wouldn ’t change anything. What makes you a special person to be selected for “Top Guns ”?: I am rank nine in the whole Senior Class, and I am very active with extra clubs in school. Your favorite quote: “It ’s better to serve in Heaven than reign in Hell. ”
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Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Synetra R. Brown
Age: 18 years old Hometown: Independence Parents/Guardians: Cedric and Anetreca Dokes Grandparents: Mary Alice Lewis, Doris Wheat, and Leroy and Rhea Dokes School: Loranger High School GPA: 4.0 ACT Score: 22 What are your future plans . . . college, career?: As of now, I am not sure of what university I want to attend. However, I plan to become a pharmacist. Church you attend and what activities you participate in: Kingdom Hall of Jehovah ’s Witnesses Hobbies: I love to shop, travel, dance and
Collin Wright
Age: 17 Hometown: Loranger Parents/Guardians: Roxanne and Kevin Wright Grandparents: Noel and Pat Wright, and Joan and Thomas Fonseca School: Loranger High School GPA: 3.95 ACT Score: 23 What are your future plans . . . college, career?: I plan to go to Southeastern Louisiana University for business and management.
spend time with family and friends. School and/or community honors: I have been a 4.0 Honor Student for four years and I was LHS Student of the Year 2011. Sports: I dance for A Touch of Class. Who has influenced you most in your life and why?: My mom has influenced me the most because she is very dedicated and determined to get things accomplished to the best of her ability. What concerns do you feel teenagers face today and how would you address these concerns?: Today many teenagers are faced with peer pressure and are being bullied. I feel that if those individuals find someone to confide in, then they can overcome that pressure or bully. No one should be allowed to get the best of someone. What changes would you like to make in your community and how would you make them?: The change I would make in my community is to reduce the bullying and fighting within the schools. I feel that parents and school faculty should be more involved and know what ’s going on with their children or students at all times. What makes you a special person to be selected for “Top Guns ”?: To be honest, I have never heard of this honor before, but I am delighted to have been selected. I am a very hard-working and determined student. When given a task, I complete it to the best of my ability. I am also very loyal, honest, and dedicated. Your favorite quote: “All great achievements require time. ” - Maya Angelou
Church you attend and what activities you participate in: Harvest Family Church and I play the drums for my church Hobbies: Playing drums and playing basketball School and/or community honors: I have maintained a 3.5 or higher GPA, and I ’m in the Top 10 for my class. Sports: Basketball Who has influenced you most in your life and why?: My dad has influenced me most because he is a driven, hard-working man. What concerns do you feel teenagers face today and how would you address these concerns?: Teenagers face peer pressure more than ever in these days. A way to address this situation is talking to them and telling them that it is a lot better to make a right choice than to fall into it. What changes would you like to make in your community and how would you make them?: I would like to see more people in my community live for God. I would minister to them to make that change. What makes you a special person to be selected for “Top Guns ”?: I work hard and I ’m driven to be successful in life, but I know that my successful life comes from Christ. Your favorite quote: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. ”
Top Guns
Stephanie Corkern
Age: 17 Hometown: Amite Parents/Guardians: Stephen and Angela Corkern Grandparents: Jessie and Pam Corkern, Jim and Mary King, and Billy and Sue Hawkins School: Loranger High School GPA: 3.2 What are your future plans . . . college, career?: I plan to possibly join the Air Force reserve and attend Southeastern. Church you attend and what activities you participate in: St. Helena Catholic Church. I participate in the youth, serve in Mass, and also mentor kids from ages 14-15.
Hobbies: I enjoy dance, cheerleading, working out, and drinking coffee on the back porch with my chatty family. School and/or community honors: Student Council President, Homecoming Court all four years, and Senior Leader for LHS Cheer Squad. Sports: Cheerleading Who has influenced you most in your life and why?: My mom is an amazing woman who ’s always teaching me to reach for my dreams, never settle for less, and she ’s always letting me know that her love is unconditional. I ’m truly blessed to have her in my life. What concerns do you feel teenagers face today and how would you address these concerns?: Over the course of this year, while researching bullying for my senior project, I ’ve come to realize the heartache that some teens go through when dealing with this abuse. If I could do one thing, it would be to educate all students in an effort to stop bullying altogether. What changes would you like to make in your community and how would you make them?: Recently, one of my childhood friends was hit by a drunk driver. One change I would like to make in my community is to promote awareness of the effects of drunk driving. I would like M.A.D.D. to speak at each school before dances. What makes you a special person to be selected for “Top Guns ”?: My personality sets me apart from most people. I ’m always smiling, and making others laugh with my quirky attitude. Your favorite quote: “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself; any direction you choose. ” - Dr. Seuss
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Top Guns
What is Top Guns? Top Guns is a special supplement to the Amite Tangi Digest, Kentwood News Ledger and St. Helena Echo newspapers. In this special, students are chosen from schools in our coverage area because of their outstanding character and community improvement efforts in addition to their ability to maintain academics, athletics, etc. While academics are important, Top Guns does not specifically target the top students in the schools. The students highlighted are well-rounded individuals with interests in multiple facets of their schools and community. Faculty members at each school chose four students that they thought fit these criteria well, and the students themselves filled out their information and answered the questions. Top Guns is a way of featuring students that may not be a valedictorian or an MVP, but have committed themselves to achieve more. Often times, these students have done work in their community, in their churches, in their schools or even in their own lives that is a true acknowledgement of their accomplishments. By pulling aside these students for a moment and asking questions about their views, Top Guns is able to showcase their insights into what today ’s young adults face, what can and needs to be done in the community, who influences the students in our schools to be motivated, and much more. In short, Top Guns takes a sample of students from local schools, accents some of their accomplishments, shows what they have planned for their own life and the world they will live in, discribes what they and their peers face and how they would help overcome such things, and, perhaps most notibly, shows the public - their teachers, families and friends - what kind of generation will be stepping up next.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Independence High School
James Christopher Holden, Jr.
Age: 18 Hometown: Independence Parents/Guardians: James and Myra Holden Grandparents: Albertha Walker and Robert Walker, Sam Holden, Sr. (greatgrandfather), and Margie Perkins (greatgrandmother). School: Independence High School GPA: 3.86 ACT Score: 22 What are your future plans . . . college, career?: My future plans are to attend either Xavier University or Northwestern University and major in Engineering or Business. Church you attend and what activities you participate in: I am a member of Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Independence, and Rev. Jefphroe Jackson is my pastor. I am a member of the Youth Choir and Sunday School. Hobbies: My hobbies are playing basketball, listening to music, playing video games, traveling and hanging out with my friends. School and/or community honors: High Honor Roll, Future Business Leaders of America, National Honor Society, BETA Club, Student Council - four years, Students Against Destructive Decisions Vice-
President, Educational Talent Search, AllDistrict Honorable Mention (Basketball), Co-Captain of the Basketball team. Sports: Basketball - four years, three year Letterman, two year Co-Captian Who has influenced you most in your life and why?: My Uncle Leon has influenced me most in my life. He would always smile no matter what was going on in his life, and that is what I do now. He is no longer with us, but I always try to smile like he did even when things are not great. My father has influenced me most in work because he always goes to work, even when he is sick. He has shown me that hard work is necessary to succeed in life. What concerns do you feel teenagers face today and how would you address these concerns?: I feel two concerns that teenagers face today are peer pressure and confusing “fun ” with unlawful, mischievous acts. Teenagers almost always end up doing what the “crowd ” is doing. They need to realize that they can be leaders instead of followers. Also, teenagers need to stay away from actions that could get them into trouble with the law. I do not follow the “crowd ”, and I try to stay away from actions that could lead to trouble. My future is in my hands. What changes would you like to make in your community and how would you make them?: I would like to build a recreation center with a gymnasium in it where teenagers and young people could go and play games and participate in different activities. In order to get this accomplished, I would talk to the important people such as the mayor, and find out what steps need to be taken to get the ball rolling. Then, I would meet with interested people and make it happen. What makes you a special person to be selected for “Top Guns ”?: My hard work, determination and competitive spirit are the things that make me a special person to be selected as one of the “TOP GUNS ”. Your favorite quote: “You only get out of life what you put into it. ”
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Wednesday, February 2, 2011 Hue Hillary Thu Nguyen
Age: 17 years old Hometown: Independence Parents/Guardians: Chung and Hong Nguyen Grandparents: Co and Nhai Nguyen, and Phao and Soi Tran School: Independence High School GPA: 4.0 ACT Score: 27 What are your future plans . . . college, career?: My future plans are to attend college to major in either business or technology. Church you attend and what activities you participate in: I attend Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church. I am an active member of Student Council, Students Against Destructive Decisions, the BETA Club, Future Business Leaders of America, National Honor Society, and the Art Club.
Ryan Anthony
Age: 18 Hometown: Tickfaw, LA Parents/Guardians: Bruce Anthony and Michelle Anthony Grandparents: Murphy Anthony and Rita Lott Anthony, and Frank Martin and Barbara Martin School: Independence High School GPA: 3.9 ACT Score: 24 What are your future plans . . . college, career?: I plan to attend Southeastern Louisiana University. Church you attend and what activities you
participate in: I go to First Baptist Church of Tickfaw. Hobbies: I like to ride 4-wheelers, go camping, and work on computers. School and/or community honors: I am on the Honor Roll. Who has influenced you most in your life and why?: The most influential person in my life was my Grandfather Murphy; despite being blind, deaf, and mute, he never let his disabilities get the better of him. He did what many people thought would be impossible for someone with such disabilities, upholstery. He taught me to never let anyone hold you back from what you want to do. What concerns do you feel teenagers face
Vanessa Baiamonte
Age: 17 Hometown: Tickfaw Parents/Guardians: Van and Toni Baiamonte Grandparents: Vincent and Virginia Baiamonte, and Salvador and Billie Accardo School: Independence High School GPA: 3.8 ACT Score: 20 What are your future plans . . . college, career?: My future plans are to attend college. I either want to major in dentistry, child development, or pediatric care. I may attend Delgado College to get my Associate ’s Degree, then continue my education at an institute that offers degrees in the fields I ’m interested in. Church you attend and what activities you participate in: My home church is Our Lady of Pompeii.
Top Guns Hobbies: My hobbies are reading, shopping, and spending time with family and friends. School and/or community honors: Student Council President, President of Students Against Destructive Decisions, Treasurer of Art Club, Mater Dolorosa Youth Group Who has influenced you most in your life and why?: My parents and my sisters have been the greatest influence on me because they have shaped me into who I am today. What concerns do you feel teenagers face today and how would you address these concerns?: I feel that teenagers face several issues and they have no role model or influential person to confide in. They are under a great deal of pressure and choose popularity over morals. I would address these concerns by speaking to my Students Against Destructive Decisions club ’s sponsor in hopes of having an assembly,
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presentation, or activity to advise teenagers into making the right decisions. What changes would you like to make in your community and how would you make them?: I would like to see the community, both the elderly and the youth, working together on a project to create something better, such as restoring the local park. To make this happen, I would present the idea to one of my organizations that promotes community service. What makes you a special person to be selected for “Top Guns ”?: I believe I was chosen as a special person for “Top Guns ” because I am a hardworking, dedicated person, who is involved in several school and community activities. I strive to do my best, help others, and be myself. Your favorite quote: “You can turn off the sun, but I ’m still going to shine. ” - Jason Mraz
today and how would you address these concerns?: A concern I feel teenagers face today is peer pressure. To address this concern, I would speak to anyone who has questions about what they should do. What changes would you like to make in your community and how would you make them?: I would create a fundraiser to raise money to create more areas where different families could go to, such as a park. What makes you a special person to be selected for “Top Guns ”?: I am currently the Salutatorian at Independence High School. Your favorite quote: “The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination. ” - Albert Einstein Hobbies: My hobbies are working out, dancing, shopping, and hanging out with my friends and family. School and/or community honors: I have been on Honor Roll since Ninth Grade and in Beta Club. Sports: The only sport I have ever participated in was dance. I have been dancing since the age of two. Who has influenced you most in your life and why?: My mom has influenced me the most in my life. She has been there for me through thick and thin. I have realized right from wrong because of her. No matter what happens, I know she will always be her for me and guide me in the right direction. I appreciate everything she has done for me, and I hope to be a loving, caring mother as she is for me. What concerns do you feel teenagers face today and how would you address these con-
cerns?: Teenagers face other teens who influence them to do things they normally wouldn ’t and become someone they ’re not. No teenager should give in to a bad influencer. Be who you are and don ’t let anyone change you for any reason. What changes would you like to make in your community and how would you make them?: Changes I would make in my community include reducing theft and drug abuse. To make this change, I would enforce police protection and make sure the law is being more enforced. What makes you a special person to be selected for “Top Guns ”?: Nothing makes me any more special than anyone else; I have studied hard and done my best to be a good student. I have achieved my goals to graduate in TOPS. Your favorite quote: Everything happens for a reason.
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Top Guns
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
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Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Top Guns
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Negative and positive effects of peer pressure Peer pressure is the phenomenon wherein we tend to get influenced by the lifestyles and the ways of thinking of our peers. Peer pressure can prove beneficial but it is most often observed to have negative effects on society. What is negative peer pressure? What is positive peer pressure? How do does it affect the teenagers? To know all about it, read on … The thoughts, behavior and tastes of fashion, music, television and other walks of life of the masses are often seen having a deep impact on the living of the society. We tend to get influenced by the lifestyles of our peer group. The changing ways of life of our peers often force us to change our ways of looking at life and leading it. It ’s a human tendency to do what the crowd does. Few have the courage to resist the peer pressure and be their own selves rather than being one among the lot. Peer pressure is bound to affect most of us, both, positively and negatively. The distinction between positive and negative peer pressure lies in a thoughtful analysis of the views of the masses. Following your peers blindly leaves a negative impact on your life while an analytical approach of looking at peer behavior can act positively. Let us look at the positive and negative effects of peer pressure. Negative Effects of Peer Pressure When you do not like a particular idea or when you have no inclination towards a particular field, it is obvious that you won ’t like to go by it. For sure, you won ’t like to go that way. But it is you peer group, which may compel you on doing something you hate. In such cases, there are chances that you won ’t do well in those things. Things you do not enjoy doing cannot fetch you success. You cannot emerge successful in something you have never liked doing. So, it is important that you do not lose happiness of your life by succumbing to peer pressure. Many a time, it so happens, that we are forced to lead a certain kind of lifestyle due to peer pressure. You may not like party-
ing on every weekend, you may not like night outs with friends, you may hate drinking or smoking, but peer pressure may make you do all that you had never wished to. There are many teenagers who experience great pressure from their peer group that forces them to take to drinking. You may take to something as grave as drug use, and that too, only because of peer pressure. In such cases, being overly pressurized by you peers can be detrimental to your living. Some teenagers literally spoil their lives by giving in to peer pressure. Peer pressure can lead to a loss of individuality. Extreme peer pressure may lead you to follow what your peers feel right. Their pressure may compel you to go by everything they think right. You tend to blindly imitate the masses; you adopt their tastes of fashion, clothing, hair, music and general living. Peer pressure can actually lead you to lose you tastes of life and force yourself to begin liking what they like. Peer pressure is the human tendency to join the bandwagon, in which, the person loses his/her original way of looking at life. Positive Effects of Peer Pressure Peer pressure is not always bad. It can help you analyze yourself and contemplate on your ways of life. Some of the practices that the masses follow may actually teach you the way of living. You may be able to change yourself for the better. Looking at what others do, can help you bring about a positive change in your way of thinking. If you can pick selectively, peer pressure can actually result in a positive change in your way of life. Knowing what the masses follow exposes you to the world outside your home. You understand the things going on around you. You are exposed to a wide variety in human behavior. Exposure to peer pressure gives you an opportunity to think about their tastes and their outlooks towards life. It gives you a chance to choose the best from what the masses do.
If you are fortunate to get a good peer group, your peers can play a vital role in the shaping of your personality. Their way of looking at life may influence you to change for betterment. Some of your peers are your close friends, who do not pressurize you to do things but rather inspire you to change yourself. Your peer group may actually persuade you to bring about a constructive change in your personality. Peer pressure can lead you to make the right choices in life. Teenage Peer Pressure Teenage is that phase of life when you are exposed to the world outside. These are the years when you spend most of your time with your friends. Teenage is the phase of beginning to become independent in life; the years of forming your ideals and principles, the years that shape your personality and the years that introduce you to your own self. Adolescents often spend most of their daily time with friends and owing to this vulnerable age, they tend to imitate their friends. The people around you are bound to influence you. However, the effect of the influences of the masses is greater during your teen years. Parents have a vital role to play during this phase of a person ’s life. Parents and teachers need to be careful while dealing with teenagers, as they are most susceptible to succumb to peer pressure during these years of their life. Teenage individuals need to be taught to distinguish between the good and the bad, the right and the wrong and should be taught to be thoughtful in life. A strong support from family, an ability to differentiate between the positive and the negative and a skill to choose friends from the peers - this three-pronged strategy is the best way to keep away from negative peer pressure. By Manali Oak ~ buzzle.com
Some issues and concerns that teenagers face today . . . • Body Image • Underage Drinking • Drugs • Promiscuity (having many sexual relationships) • Bullying • Social Status • Academic Pressure • Athletic Pressure
• Religious Beliefs • Opposing Pressure (friends versus parents) • Sexual Orientation • Pressure to Act Like An Adult • Respect/Disrespect for Authority • Pressure to Diminish One ’s Individuality • Wealth Status • Being Taken Seriously
CONGRATULATIONS to all the 2011 Top Guns! Stay Safe! Don ’t drink or text and drive -
Your Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff ’s OfÅce
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Top Guns
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Oak Forest Academy
Lauren Lee Billiot
Age: 17 Hometown: Independence Parents/Guardians: Malcolm J. Billiot and Paula C. Billiot Grandparents: Paul E. Corbin and Barbara J. Corbin, Jacques E. Billiot and Minnie Billiot, and the late Laura M. Billiot School: Oak Forest Academy GPA: 3.75 ACT Score: 21 What are your future plans . . . college, career?: My future plans are to attend college at University of Louisiana at Lafayette and major in Biology or Nursing. I am planning a career involving science. With Biology, I would either like to teach Biology or become a Biologist. With Nursing, could be a Registered Nurse and start a career at a hospital. Church you attend and what activities you participate in: I attend Calvary Christian Center in Hammond and participate in the youth group and work in the children ’s ministries. Hobbies: Some of my hobbies include traveling, shopping, talking on the phone, texting, driving, reading, listening to music, riding horses, riding four-wheelers, and fishing. School and/or community honors: I ’ve been on honor roll throughout my entire school career. I received the Biology I award my sophomore year, and I received the English III award my junior year. As for community awards, I received the bronze award when I was in girl scouts. Sports: Through my school career, I have been involved in many sports. In junior high, I played basketball, volleyball, soccer, and participated in track and field. Although most of these I didn ’t continue in high school, I did stay in track and field. I participated in this sport my freshman and sophomore years. I also participated in summer track my sophomore year.
Who has influenced you most in your life and why?: My parents have influenced me most in my life. Not only are they my parents, they are also my teachers. They taught me everything I know. They have always treated my like an adult and they are always there for me, whether it was help with homework or the calming/comforting voice of my mom after my first wreck. They always have the best advice, even if I act like I don ’t want to hear it. The good thing about them is they ’ll always accept me for who I am and they won ’t try to make me something I ’m not. They always support my decisions and always stand with me, not against me. The best thing about why they have influenced me the most is the fact that I know they will always love me. What concerns do you feel teenagers face today and how would you address these concerns?: I feel that teenagers today face a good number of concerns. Some of these concerns are underage smoking, underage drinking, drunk drivers, and cell phone use while driving. I would address these concerns by paying attention to identification cards, having DWI/DUI checkpoints (not only on holidays or weekends), and try to warn people of the use of a cell phone while driving a vehicle. What changes would you like to make in your community and how would you make them?: If I could make changes to my community, I would try to get everyone to look at each other ’s culture with respect and try to understand why different cultures may do things differently. Then, through that understanding, maybe the community would get along better and have less “hate ” crimes. To achieve this people could do a “cultural ” exchange - trade places with someone from a different culture and see how they live their lives. What makes you a special person to be selected for “Top Guns ”?: What makes me a special person to be selected for “Top Guns ” is that I am a student ambassador. I have traveled to eight different countries since I was a freshman. I travel with People to People Student Ambassadors. Through this program I have learned to greatly appreciate all of the luxuries we have in the United States. I have also gained people skills and leadership skills. Another thing I have gained is cultural respect. Now, instead of just looking at a different culture, I want to research different cultures and their ways of life. My eyes have been opened to a whole new world of experiences. I ’ve also maintained an “honor roll ” GPA throughout my school career. Your favorite quote: “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. ” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Alex Rimes
Age: 17 Hometown: Kentwood Parents/Guardians: James Rimes Grandparents: Bonnie Rimes and Alfred James Rimes School: Oak Forest Academy GPA: 3.0 ACT Score: 20 What are your future plans . . . college,
career?: I plan to attend college and major in engineering. Church you attend and what activities you participate in: I go to Spring Creek Baptist Church. Hobbies: I like riding four-wheelers and hanging out with my friends. School and/or Community Honors: Sports: I play football and soccer and I run track. Who has influenced you most in your life and why?: My father has instilled great morals in me and, because of that, I have learned to never back down from a challenge. What concerns do you feel teenagers face today and how would you address these concerns?: Drugs and violence. I would strive to get more people into drug awareness programs which would also cut down violence levels. What changes would you like to make in your community and how would you make them?: I feel that the amount of trash in my community is a concern, and we need more volunteer days to help clean up the community. What makes you a special person to be selected for “Top Guns ”?: I believe a Top Gun is someone who strives to be the best, and all my life all I have done is try to be the hardest worker whether it be school, football, or anything. Your favorite quote: “A man who dares to waste one hour time has not discovered the value of life. ” - Charles Darwin
Congratulations to all the
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Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Jessica McClendon
Keaton Carter
Age: 18 Hometown: Fluker Parents/Guardians: Ken and Heidi Carter Grandparents: Earl and Marylin Dees, Don and Margaret Carter, Linda Clark School: Oak Forest Academy GPA: 3.7 ACT Score: 26 What are your future plans . . . college, career?: I plan to attend Louisiana Tech and major in some field of Engineering. Church you attend and what activities you participate in: St. Helena Catholic Church Hobbies: I take flying lessons at the
Top Guns Age: 17 Hometown: Amite Parents/Guardians: Robert Spec McClendon II and Carmen Maria McClendon Grandparents: Agnes Anderson McClendon and Robert Spec McClendon, and Emilia Lopez Hays and Carlos Hays School: Oak Forest Academy GPA: 4.0 ACT Score: 25 What are your future plans . . . college, career?: I will attend college, yet I ’m not sure which one. I am pursuing computer engineering. Church you attend and what activities you participate in: I attend St. Helena Catholic Church and I am a part of the Spanish Ministry and food kitchen at my church. Hobbies: I enjoy playing sports, especially basketball and track. I also enjoy cooking and watching movies. School and/or community honors: I am part of Students Against Destructive Decisions, Beta Club Vice-President, Interact Club Secretary, Best Buddies Secretary, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Sports: I play basketball, track, softball, and am on the Jackette Dance Team. Who has influenced you most in your life and why?: My sister Amy. She has been my idol since I was a child. I have tried to be like her and accom-
Hammond airport, and I also play the piano. School and/or community honors: Beta Club, 7-12 grade; Interact Club, 9-12 grade; Literary Rally, 7-12 grade; Most Conscientious, 7-11 grade; Football Scholar Athlete Award. Sports: I play football, baseball, soccer, and track. Who has influenced you most in your life and why?: My grandfather, Earl Dees, has greatly inspired me. He supports me in everything I do and was the one who inspired me to learn to fly. He ’s my hero. What concerns do you feel teenagers face today and how would you address these concerns?: Teenagers today face a lot of peer pressure. I would tell teenagers to do what they know is right and not what other teenagers tell them is cool. What changes would you like to make in your community and how would you make them?: I can ’t think of any really big changes that I would like to make. I ’d like to see a Taco Bell come to Amite. I don ’t really know how to go about doing that though. What makes you a special person to be selected for “Top Guns ”?: I feel like the things I do not only in school, but out of school, such as soloing an airplane, make me a special person to be selected for “Top Guns ”. Your favorite quote: “Experience is the hardest teacher because she gives the tests before the lessons. ” - Anonymous
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plish what she has accomplished and more. She was a great role model, and without her I would not be who I am today. What concerns do you feel teenagers face today and how would you address these concerns?: Drugs, “what ’s in ”, teenagers are influenced by other teenagers. Drugs are deceptive, they destroy things. Not only are drugs deceptive, but so is peer pressure and the “need ” for what is “cool ” or “in ”. I personally put God first, family second, and everything else after. God is not deceptive, and that is the reason I am not influenced by those concerns. What changes would you like to make in your community and how would you make them?: My community has few youth activities, or places for the youth to get together. I would like for our parks and fields to be safer so that more people would be able to take advantage of these facilities. I would encourage my friends to go to the parks and enjoying playing around. What makes you a special person to be selected for “Top Guns ”?: There is nothing particularly special about me, except that I give 100 percent and am very persistent in pursuing my goals. Therefore, I achieve a lot of goals and they add up, which is why I have been chosen to be a Top Gun. Your favorite quote: “I would like to be remembered as someone who did the best she could with the talent she had. ” - J. K. Rowling
Congratulations to all the students who were chosen as TOP GUNS!
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Top Guns
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Sumner High School
Emily Lauren Dykes
Age: 17 Hometown: Kentwood, Louisiana
Chance Travis
Age: 18 Hometown: Kentwood, Louisiana Parents/Guardians: Shanon Travis, Debra Mohen, and Rhonda Clark Grandparents: Yvonne Haden School: Jewel M. Sumner High School GPA: 3.79 ACT Score: 23 composite What are your future plans...College, Career? I definitely plan on going to college and pushing myself. I ’ve been accepted to LSU and plan to go into engineering. Church you attend and what activities you participate in: I attend Kentwood First Baptist. Our church tries to help all we can in town. We value our neighbors and take care of them. Hobbies: Playing piano, listening to music, making music on my laptop and spending time with my girlfriend.
Parents/Guardians: Sheldon Dykes and Davis and Anna Schenk Grandparents: John and Sandra Goodell; Billie Givens and Rodney and Nell Perryman School: Jewel M. Sumner High School GPA: 4.0 ACT Score: 28 What are your future plans...College, Career? I plan to attend LSU next fall to study either Secondary English Education or Agricultural Education. Hopefully, I will one day teach at Sumner High School. Church you attend and what activities you participate in: I am a Christian and thank God everyday for the many blessings that he has provided me with. Hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my family, working at the Kentwood Sonic after school, hanging out with my friends and boyfriend and reading books and watching great movies. School and/or Community honors: Beta Co-president; FFA President; Sumner High School Student of the Year; Yearbook Editor; Tangipahoa Parish Student of the Year and Talented Theater student for seven years. School and/or Community honors: Honor roll for four years, Algebra II Excellence Award in 11th grade. LSU home game Red Cross Assistant (volunteer). Sports: Football and baseball for four years of high school. I lettered three years in football, and four in baseball. Who has influenced you most in your life and why? Mainly my father, Shanon Travis, but Coach Lawson and Mrs. Vance have been a big part in my life too. What concerns do you feel teenagers face today and how would you address these concerns? I feel that many teens are way too concerned about popularity. It effects their grades in a negative way. If I were to help prevent this I would just talk to them and try to stress how negative it is to be so concerned in popularity and that in the long run it doesn ’t mean anything. What changes would you like to make in your community and how would you make them? One change I would like to make in my community is the involvement with schools. In all the years I have played sports or been in Beta. We have done fundraisers. We just never seem to have enough people involved. I wish our community would back up our schools to better our resources for our education. I think going door to door and talking would help this drastically. What makes you a special person to be selected for “Top Guns ”? In my opinion, I am a good person to be selected for “top guns ” because I am an all around decent person. I am smart, have plenty of ideas and will work extra hard to accomplish a
Who has influenced you most in your life and why? My parents have influenced me most in my life. They have always stood behind me in all of my decisions. Each day they encourage me to keep doing my best even when I don ’t feel like I can. What concerns do you feel teenagers face today and how would you address these concerns? I feel that teens are facing so much pressure in their lives. It may be appearance actions, school, etc. Teens need to embrace their differences and take pride in themselves. while being mindful of right and wrong. Taking each day at a time and talking to others can help. What changes would you like to make in your community and how would you make them? I have always heard about Kentwood when it was a lively and bustling town. Today, it is not nearly the same. I wish we could bring it back to that for the people of this generation and those to come. We need more businesses which would in turn create more jobs and help our economy too. What makes you a special person to be selected for “Top Guns ”? I work very hard to be successful. I always push myself to work at the best of my ability so that when I accomplish something, I know that I earned it. Your favorite quote: “Even the mountains feel the rain. ” - Unknown
goal I want to achieve. Your favorite quote: “A wise man once said, that which does not kill us makes
us stronger, but we were dead, so are we now invincible? ”
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CONGRATULATIONS 2011 TOP GUNS!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Aleshia Deunjuna ’ Sandifer
Age: 17 Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana Parents/Guardians: LaWanda Sandifer and Samuel Patterson; Michael and Shannon Kazerooni Grandparents: Lee and Bernita Sandifer School: Jewel M. Sumner High School GPA: 3.97 ACT Score: 21 What are your future plans...College, Career? I plan to attend Dillard University to major in Psychology and minor in business, with the dream of opening a restaurant Breezy ’s Burger Basket. Church you attend and what activities you participate in: Tangipahoa Missionary Baptist Church where I sing and direct youth and miss choir. I am secretary of the usher board, on the mission society, and the church janitor. Hobbies: Playing basketball. hanging out with friends, shopping, reading, writing, exploring and spending time with my family. School and/or Community honors: President of the Beta Club, Vice President of 4-H, PTSA member, SPURS, Upward Bound, FBLA, SADD, Project STEP, Vice President of Senior Class, Student Council, and a four-year member of the
choir. I have also been on the honor roll four years. Sports: Basketball, Track and Field, and in my spare time I enjoy playing golf. Who has influenced you most in your life and why? God has influenced my life the most. He has shown me the right way to go and the correct decision to make to get where I am today. I feel like God has blessed me with a web of good and bad people that have all impacted my life and helped to create the best Aleshia possible. My mother is the leader of that web. What concerns do you feel teenagers face today and how would you address these concerns? Many teenagers that I know procrastinate to the point that they don ’t get their work done on time. In the past, I have had a problem with it myself but I have learned how to get it done. Also, teenagers that are just entering high school as freshman aren ’t putting their best foot forward. They ’re thinking they can slack off their freshman year and pick up their sophomore and junior year. That is one of the biggest mistakes that a student can make. I ’m proud to be a SPUR so that I can help children of the future succeed just as I
Top Guns
Matthew James Rush
Age: 18 Hometown: Amite Parents/Guardians: Jesse and Libby Rush Grandparents: Cleve and the late Cookie Buniff, and Willie and Mable Rush School: Jewel M. Sumner High
School GPA: 3.7 ACT Score: 18 What are your future plans... College, Career? My future plans are to graduate high school and attend Southeastern Louisiana University, then achieve my goal to become a Wildlife and Fisheries Agent. Church you attend and what activities you participate in: I attend Friendship Baptist Church Hobbies: I enjoy the great outdoors and helping others School and/or Community honors: Beta and FFA Sports: Football; 4 years, Track; Freshman year, and Power-lifting; Freshman year Who has influenced you most in your life and why? My parents have influenced me most throughout my life. My mother is always there for me and my father has taught me to
Find us on Facebook! *Amite Tangi Digest* have in high school. What changes would you like to make in your community and how would you make them? I would like to be able to pray in school especially as an athlete. I feel that my coach should be able to participate in this with us and I would start by taking this idea to the school board and further if I have to. What makes you a special person to be selected for “Top Guns ”? I believe that I am a “Top Gun ” because I show great leadership qualities and I am able to adapt to people from all backgrounds because I am very accepting of all people. I an very active in extra curricular activities and many community activities, I hope I ’m leaving a legacy at this school that everyone will remember me and teachers will tell their students that they should be like me. Your favorite quote: “Be the change you wish to see in the world. ” - Ghandi
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work hard at everything I do. What concerns do you feel teenagers face today and how would you address these concerns? I feel teenagers face the concerns of trying to be cool or to out-do one another. Instead of living life to impress someone else, you should live life to your own ability. What changes would you like to make in your community and how would you make them? What makes you a special person to be selected for “Top Guns ”? I feel the reason I was selected for “Top Guns ” was because of my ability to achieve goals and to work hard while doing it. If you work hard you will earn respect and respect will get you far in life. Your favorite quote: “Get-erDone ” - Larry the Cable Guy. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. ” - Philipians 4:13
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Congratulations
Top Guns!
Continue to reach for the stars.
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Top Guns
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Kentwood High School
Desmonique Robertson
Age: 17 Hometown: Kentwood, Louisiana Parents/Guardians: Amy Johnson and Ronny Johnson Grandparents: Sarah Robertson and the goddaughter of the late Patricia Thompson School: Kentwood High School GPA: 3.48 ACT Score: 17 What are your future plans...College, Career? I
plan to attend Southern University in the fall. I ’m not positive on my major, but I would like to join the Dancing Dolls and would also like to pledge for the same Delta sorority as my mom and aunt. Church you attend and what activities you participate in: Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church. Member of the Usher Board, Voices of Praise Choir. Hobbies: Hanging out with my friends, texting and surfing the net. School and/or Community honors: Miss Kentwood High School. Sports: Track team; 3 years and Kentwood Kangarette ’s Dance Team; 4 years. Who has influenced you most in your life and why? My mother and my aunt. What concerns do you feel teenagers face today and how would you address these concerns? Teenagers face peer pressure. I would address the situation by showing teenagers you can still be yourself and be liked. What changes would you like to make in your community and how would you make them? Changes I would like to change how many people are not really involved in many activities. People don ’t really worry about their community. If I get involved, then maybe many others will do the same. What makes you a special person to be selected for “Top Guns ”? I ’m an honor student with a great attitude and I ’m involved in several clubs and extracurricular activities. Your favorite quote: “It matters not how straight the gate, how charged with punishment the scroll, I am the master of my faith; I am the captain of my soul. ”
Tell your 2010 graduate how proud you are of them!
Darilyn Martin
Age: 17 Hometown: Tangipahoa, Louisiana Parents/Guardians: Darrell and Shelia Martin and the late Pamela Martin. Grandparents: Wendell and Lena Mae Martin, Anna Manuel and the late Robert Manuel, Romenia James School: Kentwood High School GPA: 3.78 ACT Score: 20 What are your future plans...College, Career? I plan to attend Louisiana State University, major in Political Science and become a successful lawyer. Church you attend and what activities you participate in: Brown Chapel Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Celestin Harris, Jr. I sing in the choir, Member of the Usher Board, Sunday School student and the Sunday School secretary and I ’m a part of the Women ’s Missionary Society.
Hobbies: I love to draw, listen to music, spend time with family and friends and watch the Dallas Cowboys on t.v. during football season. School and/or Community honors: Student of the Year, Honor Roll, District Rally; 1st place, State Literary Rally; 2nd place. Sports: Cheerleader at KHS! Go Roos! Who has influenced you most in your life and why? My parents have influenced me most in my life. I love my parents very much because they have been there to support me when I needed them the most... and that ’s everyday. I just want to thank them for teaching and chastising me over the years because without their love and their discipline, I would not be the intelligent young lady that I am today! What concerns do you feel teenagers face today and how would you address these concerns? I think teenagers face concerns such as failure and disappointment. Many teenagers feel that they are incapable of becoming successful because of the negativity they hear from others. I would address these concerns by creating a mentoring program that would encourage teens to let them know they are capable of achieving anything they want to achieve. What changes would you like to make in your community and how would you make them? I would make changes such as: Trying to implement a youth mentoring program, bringing in more businesses, and building an all-purpose facility for special occasions. I would make these changes by attending town meetings, addressing the issues to the mayor and councilman and involving other citizens to support these changes. What makes you a special person to be selected for “Top Guns ”? My leadership skills, my character, my intelligence, my positive attitude and my dependability make me a special person to be selected for “Top Guns. ” Your favorite quote: “Do unto others as you will have them do unto you. ”
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Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Lakoshia Brumfield
Age: 18 Hometown: Kentwood, Louisiana Parents/Guardians: Felecia Nunnery and Vincent Brumfield, Sr. Grandparents: Margaret Cooper and Lillie Mae Brumfield School: Kentwood High School
Markeith Dijon Bailey
Age: 17 Hometown: Tangipahoa, Louisiana Parents/Guardians: Belinda Bailey and Larry Singleton Grandparents: Dorothy Bailey and John Henry Bailey School: Kentwood High School GPA: 3.36 ACT Score: 19 What are your future plans...College, Career? I plan to graduate high school and attend school at Louisiana State University to major in Electronic Engineering and minor in Business. Hobbies: Studying Japanese, video games, talking to my classmates, computers and having fun. School and/or Community honors: Certificate of Award (Algebra II), Tremendous Growth in Academics, Award in Chemistry, 4.0 in English III, Woodmen of the World Award for Excellence in Social Studies, and Award in Honor Roll. Who has influenced you most in your life and why? Many people have influenced me a lot in my life. My mother, my grandmother, Ms.
Top Guns
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GPA: 3.82 ACT Score: 20 What are your future plans...College, Career? I plan to the University of Louisiana Lafayette and mayor in Nursing. I plan on getting my Master ’s in Nursing, becoming a Nurse Practitioner and open my own clinic one day Church you attend and what activities you participate in: Sweet Home C.O.G.I.C. under the leadership of Rev. Lee Allen Pounds Jr. Hobbies: Working, watching t.v., spending time with my beautiful mother, texting, researching information on college, sleeping and hanging out with my girls. School and/or Community honors: Runner up to Student of the Year, 8th grade Science Student of the Year, homecoming court senior maid, honor roll Who has influenced you most in your life and why? My father, Vincent Brumfield has influenced me the most. He has always told me that I can be whatever I want to be in life. My father is very encouraging and always helps me when I need it. He is a hardwork-
ing man of nine children. He takes care of all his children to the best of his abilities. He is always preaching and telling me about the real world and how it ’s going to be. He talks to me about college and my grades in school. He praises me when I achieve my goals and he is very supportive of me in all things I choose to do. I love my father and thank him very much for his love and support, Without my father I would not be the young lady I am today. What concerns do you feel teenagers face today and how would you address these concerns? Teenagers face a lot of difficult things everyday in their life. My main concern are drugs and sex. Teenagers do not realize that there are an abundance of consequences that come with those two things. Their peers are pressuring them to do drugs and have sex. They do these things to fit in and feel cool when it ’s not. I would address the concern by showing teenagers the harm of doing these things and talk to them about not doing them under no circumstances. I would teach them about STD ’s, some of which cannot be
cured, and educate young ladies about how difficult it is being a teen mom and the consequences. Teenagers need to be reminded of these things daily. What changes would you like to make in your community and how would you make them? Changes I would like to make in my community are to create more jobs for the people, so they would not have to travel 30 minutes or more to a job. I would get a recreational program for the youth to keep them from getting involved in violence or getting into trouble. The kids need things to do in this community. What makes you a special person to be selected for “Top Guns ”? I ’m a very smart, intelligent, helpful and determined person. I ’m striving very hard to accomplish all of my goals in life. I ’ve maintained the honor roll since first grade. I help people when they need help or are feeling down. Your favorite quote: “Working hard is very important, You ’re not going to get anywhere without working extremely hard. ” “Education is the key to life. ”
Cynthia Trappey, Martha Robertson, Barbara English, Sheldran Taylor, Darilyn Martin, Lakesa Cohn, Damarious Ard, Alycia Berry, Shanique Butler and Lakoshia Brumfield. They always stand by my said and wish the best for me. They always talk to me about what I should and should not do and help me get through life. They always tell me to take time to enjoy myself and leave all my worries and feeling of being hopeless behind. What concerns do you feel teenagers face today and how would you address these concerns? The major problem teenagers face is the high school dropout rate. In the U.S. 16% of students dropout. More teenagers in my community dropout of school because of being on the street. If we can get more teenagers to stay in school and less off the street we would have a lot more high school graduates. In my senior class. we have 30 people and only seven of us remain. Most kids just failed due to lack of interest in school. America has 50% of the dropout rate throughout the world. President Obama has called this a “crisis ” that the nation cannot afford to accept or ignore. I would tackle this problem by putting more teachers in school, more technology and have more resources available to students, I want every student within high school to succeed and that failure is not an option. They must go through school to prove they can be anything they want to be and they can succeed. What changes would you like to make in your community and how would you make them? The changes I would make in my community would be better and affordable housing. I would make recreation for kids to keep them off the streets. Then I would strive for a cleaner environment to make my community a better place. Last, I would strive for better law enforcement to reduce crime rates within the community. We can all work together to improve the community if we all come together. What makes you a special person to be selected for “Top Guns ”? I believe I am a hard-
working student. I always do my homework, come prepared for school and study all classwork to make sure I perform at my very best. I make sure I take learning real serious. I always wanted to be at the top of my class and now I am there. I believe that I will not fail on any-
thing nor in myself. I am still standing to prove it. I will continue my goals and I will get into a good college. Your favorite quote: “If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it. ” - William Arthur Ward
Congratulations Students You are TOPS!
Cutrer ’s Slaughter House Start YOUR Meals With One of Our Meat Selections! Hamburger • Patty Sausage • Chuck Steak Smoked Sausage • Boneless Stew Cube Steak • Boneless Chuck Roast Pork Shoulder Roast • T-Bone Steak Pork Chops • Ribeyes • Much More! 74621 N. River Rd. • Kentwood
985-229-2478
16
Top Guns
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Thanks to Amite High School, School Independence High School, School Kentwood High School, Loranger High School, School School Oak Forest Academy Academy, St. Helena Central High School and Jewel M. Sumner High School for participating in Top Guns.
Good luck to all students! We want to see every student succeed, and we were glad to highlight a few of the accomplishments that students are making in our schools, communities and world.
Tiger Ave Vacarro St
Indy HS
53210 Ragusa Road • Independence
Mama Mannino’ss
WhiteTail Butcher Shop op 53210 Ragusa Rd
to Hammond, LA
Ragusa Rd
Allen St
Dollar General
E. 6th St.
Phone in advance for large orders
985-878-2022
La Hwy 40
US Hwy 51
& WhiteTail Butcher Shop
Interstate 55
~ Meat Market ~
Independence, LA La Hwy 40
Huck Rd
Mama Mannino ’s
N
to Amite, LA
to Loranger, LA
EVERYDAY
LOW, LOW PRICES!