“Inspiring Minds, Shaping Futures”

Ruston High School

Hall of Fame

Today, we shine a spotlight on three exceptional groups of individuals who embody the spirit of Ruston High School: our outstanding educators, remarkable alumni, and scholarship winners.

Our dedicated teachers and staff members go above and beyond to ignite curiosity, foster growth, and empower students. They are the heart of our school, shaping young minds and leaving an indelible mark on generations of Bearcats. To our educators, thank you for your unwavering commitment to excellence.

Ruston High School graduates continue to make us proud. From groundbreaking research to artistic achievements, their impact resonates far beyond our campus. These alumni exemplify resilience, innovation, and a passion for lifelong learning. Their stories inspire us all.

Congratulations to our scholarship recipients! These bright stars have worked tirelessly, balancing academics, extracurriculars, and community service. Their dedication has earned them well-deserved scholarships, opening doors to higher education and future success.

As we celebrate these achievements, let us remember that Ruston High School is more than a building—it’s a community united by shared experiences, dreams, and Bearcat pride.

  • Each person on this list has demonstrated exceptional dedication, perseverance, and commitment to their academic pursuits. Their achievements have not only made them stand out as individuals but have also upheld the tradition of excellence associated with Ruston High School.

    • 2001 - Mary Kavanaugh

    • 2002 - Andrew Shipp

    • 2003 - Tiffani Simmons

    • 2004 - Jacob Lewis

    • 2005 - Tony Cox

    • 2006 - Stephen Lynch

    • 2007 - Gavin McKinney

    • 2008 - Hayden Hammons

    • 2009 – Tracy Oakley

    • 2010 - Sarah Jones

    • 2011 – Amelia Warner

    • 2012 - Neesha Siriwardane

    • 2013 – Marley Ratcliff

    • 2014 – Mary Ramirez

    • 2015 – Jordan Raggio

    • 2016 – Meredith Hayes

    • 2017 – Marcus Hayes

    • 2018 – Janiah Scott

    • 2019 – Caleb Whitman

    • 2020 – Jordan Scott

    • 2021 – Lindsay Brook

    • 2022 – Sophia Smith

    • 2023 – Taryn Davidson

    • 2024 – Chaz Backhaus

  • The Distinguished Educator Award bestowed by the Ruston High School Alumni Association recognizes exceptional educators who have made a lasting impact on students’ lives. These educators demonstrate dedication, innovation, and a passion for teaching, inspiring generations of learners.

    * Denotes RHS Graduate

    • Norris “Bud” Alexander *

    • Dave B. Anderson

    • Patsy A. Boudreaux, EdD

    • Anne G. Mitchell Calhoun, PhD. *

    • Margarite Cazenave

    • David M. Crowe *

    • Sybil J. Edmonds

    • J. Denman Garner

    • Mary Alice Garrett

    • L.J. “Hoss” Garrett

    • Elizabeth M. Gilbert

    • Gary Green

    • Jamie Stewart Gressett

    • Susan E. Griffin

    • Frances V. Harrison

    • S. Kendall Hearn *

    • Fred Higginbotham

    • Emily N. Howell

    • Elaine Childers Johnson

    • Ruth Johnson

    • Terri Lynn Johnson

    • Thomas G. Judd

    • Edna Erle Kavanaugh

    • N.H. “Track” Kavanaugh

    • J. E. Mitcham

    • Ruby B. Moore

    • Corrine L. Nutt

    • Paula Heard Pardue *

    • Morgan D. Peoples

    • R.W. “Moose” Phillips

    • Ruth Collins Potts

    • Heather Hay Reeder *

    • Earvin Ryland

    • Robert “Demp” Smith

    • Julie Stephenson

    • Jane Turnbow Tatum *

    • H. E. Townsend

    • Murrie Lee Turnbow 

  • The Distinguished Alumni Award presented by the Ruston High School Alumni Association honors exceptional graduates who have achieved remarkable success in their careers, demonstrated outstanding leadership, and made significant contributions to their communities. Recipients of this prestigious award serve as inspiring role models for current students and fellow alumni.

    • Sidney Aaron, PhD, Class of 1961

    • Robert R. Aillet, Class of 1945

    • Carl Anthony Albritton, Class of 1979

    • Charles C. Barham, Class of 1952

    • Leon Barmore, Class of 1962

    • Janet Duncan Barnes, MD, Class of 1971

    • Nancy Ann Bergeron, Class of 1972

    • Joan Blondin, MD, Class of 1954

    • Sarah Watt Brown, Class of 1965

    • Lynda Brown-Wright, PhD, Class of 1973

    • Col. Allen W. Carpenter, Jr., Class of 1961

    • Jimmy R. “Chick” Childress, Class of 1950

    • Maribel Tuten Childress, Class of 1986

    • Gerald W. Cobb, EdD, Class of 1956

    • J. Edwin Davis, DVM, Class of 1960

    • O.K. “Buddy” Davis, Class of 1964

    • James E. Davison, Class of 1955

    • Frederick R. “Fred” Dean, Class of 1971

    • Duddy Burkhalter Garrett, Class of 1957

    • Lance Hall, Class of 1991

    • William R. Higgs, MD, Class of 1961

    • W. Thomas “Tommy” Hinton, Class of 1956

    • John B. Holstead, Class of 1956

    • Bertram H. “Bert” Jones, Class of 1969

    • W.A. “Dub” Jones, Class of 1942

    • Cherry Pratt Kirkpatrick, Class of 1960

    • Robert M. Lewis, Class of 1967

    • Cleopatra Long Mathis, Class of 1965

    • John E. “Johnny” Maxwell, Class of 1955

    • Walton E. McBride, Jr., Class of 1942

    • Loyce Garrett Miller, Class of 1962

    • Gen. W.L. “Billy” Mitchell, Jr., Class of 1933

    • Patrick Moore, MD, Class of 1988

    • Maj. Gen. Jack Ramsaur II, Class of 1970

    • John C. Shealy, Class of 1951

    • Capt. Zane Skinner, Class of 1942

    • Frances Moore Stinson, Class of 1948

    • Joel B. Tellinghuisen, PhD, Class of 1961

    • J. Jackson Thigpen, Jr., Class of 1963

    • Allen Tuten, Class of 1963

    • John Clint Williamson, Class of 1978

    • James M. Young, MD, Class of 1942

    • June Buckner Young, Class of 1942

  • The Young Alumni of Distinction Award bestowed by the Ruston High School Alumni Association recognizes outstanding graduates under 40 years of age who have made significant contributions to their communities, professions, or fields of endeavor. Recipients exemplify the spirit of excellence, leadership, and service associated with Ruston High School.

    Joy Tellis Cooper, Class of 1992

    Martie Cordaro, Class of 1991

    Lee Denny, Class of 1992

    Ryan Dick, Class of 1991

    Trotter Hunt, IV, Class of 1995

    LCDR Jonathan M. Macaskill, Class of 1996

    Janie Sutton McGehee, Class of 1999

    Jeffrey P. McGehee, Class of 1999