“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.
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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
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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
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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
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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