Lee Magnet High School Student Newspaper

*March 24, Military Ball at LMHS *March 29, end of fifth six-week period & Spring Festival *March 30-April 6, is Good Friday and Easter Break

*May 9, is the last day for seniors

“A school like no other”

The Lee patriot Lee Magnet High School student newspaper, Baton Rouge, La. – Spring, 2018 Photo at right: The Lee Magnet High School Robotics Team, in an alliance with St. Paul High School of Covington, finished first-place in the VEX Robotics Tournament in Covington, La., Saturday Feb. 6, in the largest competition of its kind. From left to right, team members include: senior Jacob Henderson, sophomores Kelli Brown and Alex Gabel, senior Isaac Hadwin, sophomore Luis Thurmon, senior Perry Newman, freshman Eli Marshall, and senior Georgette Metrailer (not pictured). New Orleans Holy Cross High School finished second.

More than 10,000 teams from 32 countries play in over 750 robotics tournaments. LMHS robotics teacher, Vanessa Begat, said, “I am really proud of the dedication displayed by the team this year. The seniors have provided excellent mentorship to the underclassman to ensure a thriving future for the program."

Photo below: Eli Marshall and Luis Thurmon prepare a robot they call “Mountain Chicken” for their next match at the VEX Robotics Tournament.

La. Board of Regents wants tougher requirements for high school Dual Enrollment instructors

By The Patriot staff

The Louisiana Board of Regents, in charge of the state public colleges, are discussing Dual Enrollment high school Announcement: instructors not challenging students enough for classes that allow XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXcredit for both high school and college. The state wants more Dual XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXEnrollment Fo courses, but there is concern high school instructors are rmal is Saturday, December 2 beginning at 7 pm and ending at 11 pm in the Dining Hall. The theme and not qualified or are not teaching as well as college professors. ticket prices will be decided this week.

The Board of Regents are considering making qualification for Dual Enrollment instructors tougher, but no plan has been provided.

From 2009 to 2017, the number of statewide Dual Enrollment students increased from 9,651 to 20,036 last year.

Louisiana leaders now require seniors to sign up for financial aid

By Sarah Caristin, Prisila Elias, Ki’Shaian Haynes and Jenesis Willis Louisiana leaders are launching a bid starting in 2018, to ensure public school seniors are required to apply for federal or state education aid for college. The state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, who run the state’s public schools, are concerned tens of millions of dollars are not being used by students. About 15,000 seniors failed to seek federal aid in 2017.

A new policy was approved in January requiring Louisiana’s approximately 35,000 high school seniors to apply for the money or submit a signed form indicating they will not. Louisiana Superintendent of Education John White said seniors are not applying for financial aid that will fund, not just universities, but also community colleges and technical training. Under new rules, students will have to apply for federal dollars through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or the Louisiana Office for Student Financial Assistance, which offers TOPS and other state scholarship assistance.

Photo at left: Lee Magnet High ,

School hosted 11 students and two teachers from Chile for a two-week stay in January. Top row includes: Vicente Ferrada, Enzo Casali, Pedro Arriagada. Bottom row includes: Ignacia McKenna, Patricia Diaz, Catalina Von Chrismar.

Arriagada said he learned about having a different perspective on many things, adding, “I got to know how people from other parts of the world live. I also think Americans eat like gods.” Ferrada said he liked that people “were always open to talk to you. They never excluded me from anything.”

EBR school system mandates change in foods served; French students excel at state convention

By The Patriot staff When Lee Magnet High School (LMHS) students returned from Christmas break they sadly learned they could no longer buy nachos or pizza at concessions during lunch. The change was due to the U.S. government trying to limit the growing numbers of obese children. Congress passed the Child Nutrition Act of 2004 requiring each school district who participates in the National School (free) Lunch Program to change student’s eating habits.

The East Baton Rouge Parish public school system informed schools in January 2018, to discourage the sale of foods of minimum nutritional value in vending machines, snack bars, and school stores. School foods served “must be whole grain products or have a first ingredient of fruit, vegetable or dairy foods.” No snack can possess more than 150 calories. One slice of pizza can be over 250 calories.

LMHS concessions at home sporting events can continue selling those foods banned in school cafeterias.

LMHS French students competed in the State French Club convention the first week of March. Junior Ashlin Wharton won a scholarship for the summer French Immersion Program at the University of Sainte-Anne in Church Point, Nova Scotia, Canada. LMHS placed first in the video competition for a four-minute film made by the French IV class and screenwriter and director, senior J. Dornier. LMHS’ short film will be shown at international film festivals.

LMHS to offer Academic Sweaters Lee Magnet High School will offer academic sweaters to junior or seniors who have a cumulative GPA of 3.7, or a 27 or higher on the ACT, or successfully complete two Advanced Placement or Dual Enrollment classes. Students can visit the company website for more information at: therecognitionco.com Photo at left: Nine LMHS students were chosen to participate at Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day, Feb. 19, at Greenwood Community Park, in Baker La., to recruit girls into STEM careers.

Top row from left to right: Sophomore Sydnie Honore, freshmen Kaylee Garcia, Jayla Ross, Kayla Averhart, Christian Hitchens, and LMHS robotics teacher Vanessa Begat.

Bottom row from left to right: Freshman Makayla Robinson, sophomore Ney-Chelle Thomas, freshmen Jade Payne and Kenyce Jenkins.

Profile of LMHS teacher, Mariko Antionette Hall Hometown: Monroe, La. High school attended: Carroll High School College attended: LSU and La. Tech University Years teaching: 10 years Degrees earned: Bachelors in history and Spanish Favorite food: Gourmet Donuts Most interesting place visited: Panama City, Panama Favorite artist: Rihanna, Beyonce, Kehlani, and Post Malone Hobbies: Bodybuilding, reading, and personal training Favorite movie: “Gone with the Wind” Favorite sports teams: Dallas Cowboys Something people don’t know about you: “I am one of six kids. I have a daughter in high school and I was a collegiate power-lifter.”

2017-18 American College Testing dates ACT dates April 14, 2018 June 9, 2018 July 14, 2018

Registration dates March 9, 2018 May 4, 2018 June 15, 2018

Visit: www.ACT.org for further details. Testing sites include: Baton Rouge Magnet High School, Catholic High School, The Dunham School, St. Joseph’s Academy, LSU, and Parkview Baptist High School.

Remaining school calendar for 2018 March 20 24 29 30 April 2-6 13 19-22 21 May 9 18-20 22 23

ACT for grades 11-12 Military Ball at LMHS, 7-11 p.m.

SGA Spring Fest; End of 5th six-weeks Good Friday Spring Break Ring Ceremony, 8 a.m. in the Black Box Choir trip to Atlanta Prom, 8-11 p.m. at Stage One Gatehouse Last day for seniors Early dismissal at 11:30 a.m.

Last day for students Last day for teachers

EBR school system now offering phone app to track bus fleet

By Sarah Caristin, Prisila Elias, Ki’Shaian Haynes, and Jenesis Willis

The East Baton Rouge (EBR) Parish public school system has begun installing Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking devices on their 575 school bus fleet, which will allow real-time information to track drivers using the phone app, WheresTheBus. Above: Dr. Troy Leblanc, of NASA’s Chief Mission Systems Division for 25 years, visited Lee Magnet High School, Feb. 11, hoping to build a relationship with the school as he had with many in Houston. Leblanc spoke about the International Space Station and the 17,000 jobs related to that mission. Over 100 students attended.

Leblanc urged students to take advantage of NASA’s opportunities.

Many were installed over Christmas break and the remaining are being installed during spring semester.

This technology will also allow the EBR Parish public school system Transportation Department to know if a driver is breaking laws or if students are boarding buses at all, which may assist in speeding up driving routes.

Campus USA-News from around the nation campuses

By The Patriot newspaper staff

The number of overage public school students in New Orleans is “around 40 percent” and 46 percent of seniors were at least one year older than those graduating on time, according to information released in early January 2018 by the Research Alliance for New Orleans at Tulane University. Data from 2010 also indicates 28 percent of Louisiana public school students did not reach fourth-grade on time. Reasons given by interviewed students include high rates of absentism and apathy.

The U.S. Pentagon, headquarters of the five military branches in Washington D.C., reported in early March that if the nation went to war today, it would struggle to enlarge the army because 71 percent of those between ages 17-24 are not fit. That statistic translates into nearly 6 million people. Poor health, lack of physical fitness or poor education were listed as the main causes.

A Beaumont, Texas, English teacher, Bennie Berry, adopted one of her 16-year-old students who was in foster care after a class discussion about family. The student commented to the teacher she “could take me home, for real.”

Berry investigated and learned the student was up for adoption and had been in foster care since age nine.

Berry said of the adoption, “Every kid deserves a chance and I’m learning how to be a real mom. It’s been a wonderful experience, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

Two La Grange Middle School (Texas) students took charge of their school bus Feb. 1, because the driver lost control. Of the six students on the bus, one student, age 13, sat in the drivers lap and drove the bus two miles to safety with flashers on while another student phoned 911 and moved younger, crying students to back of bus for safety.

The driver lost control several times because he was experiencing a “medical emergency.” The 13-year-old said he never rides the bus, but did that day because his mother could not pick him up from school.

A 15-year-old Marshall County High School male student in Benton, Ky., was taken into custody after shots were fired before 8 a.m. in late January. Eighteen students were wounded, two of which died. Five of the victims were seriously injured and taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn., and their conditions were listed as stable. The shooter was charged as an adult.

Baton Rouge Belaire High School began STEM-themed magnet programs in January from a grant worth nearly $15 million over the next five years.

The program is part of the U.S. Department of Education expansion of magnet schools. The new programs will focus on the same STEM classes as Lee Magnet High School. STEM is short for science, technology, engineering, and math.

Christian and Muslim students brawled Jan. 24, at Jamhuri High School in Nairobi, Kenya, Africa.

The fight began when Christian students reported Muslim students were attempting to convert them to Islam or force to leave the school.

Muslims alleged religious discrimination by the school's administration claiming the school day is so long they have no time to pray in the afternoon. At least 35 students were seriously injured, seven students were stabbed and the school's principal was also injured.

Baton Rouge McKinley High School art students painted designs on roughly 600 coconuts for the Mardi Gras Zulu Parade in New Orleans for the second consecutive year. This assignment was part of the art teacher’s lesson on Mardi Gras culture. Last year, the art class made 400 coconuts.

Each coconut has the letter "M" painted on it representing the school.

Lowery Middle School in Donaldsonville, La., has a new policy where parents sit with their children in class who have been suspended.

The school began the policy to lower the poor behavior of an increasing number of students in the last year.

Lowery Middle School students were often suspended for cursing, and skipping or leaving class without permission. The new policy, called “reverse suspension,” has substantially reduced rates of suspension. One Lowery Middle School assistant principal said the majority of parents are supportive of the new policy.

Profile of LMHS teacher, Caitlin Dever Hometown: Sulphur, La. High School attended: Sulphur High School College attended: McNeese and LSU Favorite TV shows: “Game of Thrones” and “Stranger Things” Most interesting place visited: The Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain Something people do not know about you: “They (students) should come to me for Accelerated Reading recommendations because I read a ton of Young Adult fiction and fantasy.”

LMHS yearbook on sale Order the 2017-18 yearbook online at www.treeRing.com/validate.

Enter the school passcode: 1013823737601536, and follow the instructions. The deadline is April 10, 2018. The cost is $48.94.

LMHS teacher Kerri Decker says goodbye to friends and the U.S. By junior Prisila Elias English teacher Kerri Decker resigned her position at Lee Magnet High School, Feb. 20, to live in Santiago, Chile. Decker took a job at Santiago College, really a middle and high school where she will be teaching sixth and seventh-grade English.

After visiting Chile in 2016 and 2017, Decker began to think how it would be to live Chile.

“I was looking for my place in the world and I finally found it,” Decker said. “I moved out of the house at age 15 to go to (Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts in Natchitoches, La.) high school, so I am used to being away from home.”

Decker has been teaching four years and said she loved it at LMHS because she said it is like a family.

Decker was replaced by Jackson Reynolds, who left a position at Dutchtown High School.

Study shows Louisiana high school guidance counselors in short supply, overloaded in last decade

By Ki’Shaian Haynes and Jenesis Willis

A recent National Review study about Louisiana's ratio of counselors to students showed the state is worse than any other over a 10-year period.

Louisiana had 218 students per counselor in 2004-05. In 2014-15, there were 468 students per counselor, an increase of 114 percent.

Only two states in the nation, Vermont and Wyoming, meet that ratio suggestion.

High school counselors assist students with classes they take, ensure they are on schedule to graduate and assist in college and career planning.

Interested in serving your country?

For more information, email: levester.j.smith.mil@mail.mil or Visit: goarmy.com Phone or visit: Office: 225.292.8504 Cell: 504.296.7690 U.S. Army recruiter 6725 Siegen Lane Suite J Baton Rouge, La., 70809

Career and Technical Education Center to open in August for juniors and seniors interested in blue collar trades By junior Prisila Elias

The East Baton Rouge Career and Technical Education Center will open Aug. 20, and will recruit 150 juniors and seniors with a C average next year and training will include computer science and medical fields. Skilled crafts will include plumbing, electrical, welding, and other skills. The new high school will be located near Baton Rouge Community College.

According to 50 state industry and community leaders, they are trying to create internships for students because there are not enough of them considering blue collar professions.

Transportation is available for all schools except for Woodlawn, Lee, Baton Rouge, and Northeast high schools students, but can still attend if they provide their own transportation.

Track and field schedule March 16 22 29

Hornet Relays at Scotlandville HS Red and Gold Relays at Brusly HS Panther Relays at Brusly HS

April 4 6 13 16-21 24-27

LHSCA Meet of Champions B.R. Classic at Broadmoor HS Westside Relays at Port Allen HS District 6-4A Meet (TBA) Regional Meet (TBA)

May 5 State Meet at LSU TBA (To Be Announced) Head boys coach: Ernie Blanson Head girls coach: Brian Seal

LMHS Jazz Ensemble earns 3 ‘Superior’ marks at festival The Lee Magnet High School Jazz Ensemble earned three “Superior” marks at the Loyola (University) Jazz Festival in New Orleans, Friday March 2.

“This is a program only in its second year,” LMHS director of bands Clarence Johnson III said. “I’m proud of the maturity of the students.”

LMHS Prom scoop

When: April 21, 2018 Where: Stage 1 Gatehouse, 13469 S. Harrell’s Ferry Rd. Time: 8-11 p.m.

Cost: Singles-$50 Couples-$80

Where to buy tickets: Online at the Lee Magnet High School website or on the first floor of D-building during lunch shifts Theme: “The Palace at Versailles” Attire: Elegant and classy, meaning coat and tie or tuxedo for boys. For girls, formal dresses Colors: Champagne, black, and silver T-shirts are available for fundraising and can be purchased from chemistry teacher Jonathon Wilson and math teacher Victoria D’Antonio.

The cost is $15.

Profile of LMHS teacher, Jorge Ponjuan Place of birth: Havana, Cuba High school: St. Stanislaus at Bay St. Louis, Miss.

Colleges attended: University of New Orleans, Nicholls State

University, and LSU Degrees: Bachelor of science in kinesiology, bachelor of arts in theatre, and masters of fine arts in theatre performance Years teaching: 15 years

Favorite food: “Mom’s cooking and southern food.”

Favorite sports team: New Orleans Saints, LSU, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Golden State Warriors Hobbies: “Going to see live theatre.”

Favorite TV show: “Breaking Bad” and “Game of Thrones” Most interesting place visited: Barcelona, Spain. Visited the famous church “Sagranda Familia”

Something people don't know: “Been on two deployments to Iraq.”

N.Y Congressional Democratic candidate visited LMHS as part of nationwide tour Sander Hicks, a candidate for New York’s 12th Congressional District House seat, visited Lee Magnet High School Feb. 5, to kick-off his nationwide speaking tour.

Hicks attended the “Unrig the System Summit” in New Orleans, Feb. 2-4, before visiting Baton Rouge.

The Hicks campaign reached out to LMHS junior Charlie Stephens as Chair of the Louisiana High School Democrats looking for fundraising opportunities.

“The conversation I had with (Hicks) was one of the most interesting I’ve had with a politician in a while,” said Stephens, who was the aide of Shreveport Democratic Sen. John Milkovich. “Especially since I knew Sen. Milkovich, because they are close friends.”

Stephens said the LMHS event was “well attended.”

Stone of the more interesting conversations I have had with a politician

We are the Mass Shooting Generation

in a while it was especially interesting considering that I was aide and they are close friends.

Guest Editorial by LMHS junior Charlie Stephens This generation seems to have become numb to mass shootings. Feb. 14, 17 people were murdered at Parkland, Fla., Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School (MSDHS), and many of our elected officials did nothing more than offer their thoughts and prayers. This will do nothing to prevent the next shooting. The students at the site of that school shooting seem to have decided that #EnoughIsEnough, created a national campaign, and I stand with them. Adults need to realize, like students, these shootings can happen anywhere. Lee Magnet High School is not unlike Columbine High School (Colo. mass school shooting in 1999) or MSDHS where mass shootings of students have taken place. LMHS is not any more ready for a mass shooting. Students should make their representatives on the state and federal level vote and show us their stances. We just have to hope they choose to get military weapons off our streets. As a student at MSDHS said, “You are either with us or against us at this point.”

LMHS shown in latest TV bank commercial In a recent television commercial for Neighbors Federal Credit Union, Lee Magnet High School was shown, along with other major city attractions, to highlight the bank’s commitment to Baton Rouge. The “shot” was from Lee Drive and lasts about one-second, but the look of the school is unmistakable.

Profile of LMHS teacher, Stephen Kampen Hometown: New Orleans High school: Jesuit High School College: LSU Degrees: Bachelor’s degree in animal science and M.A.T. Music genre: Death metal (art at right) Favorite food: Hamburger steak with mashed potatoes and greens Favorite TV show: “Office Space” Hobbies: Shooting and reading Most interesting place visited: Iceland Something few know about you: “I used to be a sponsored, professional video game player.”

LMHS seniors offer insight into post-high school plans Alaysia Deflanders will be attending Xavier University (New Orleans). “I will miss the few people I refer to as friend." Alexis Allen

will be attending Southern University and then transfer to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (ULL) and major in biology. “The only thing I'll miss are those vanilla parfaits with strawberries from lunch." Ashleigh Allen will be attending Spring Hill College in Mobile, Ala., after earning a full scholarship. “I will miss my friends and everyone I have met who have helped me out this past year." Brianna Helm will attend Southeastern Louisiana University (SLU) majoring in biological science. “I will miss my friends." Chyna Page will be attending Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC) to major in the arts. “I'd most likely miss the friends I made at Lee and some of the younger class mates I befriended too." Destin Gage will be attending Texas Southern University in Houston and major in psychology.

“I will miss the people that I have literally grown up with since middle and elementary school." Faith Royal will be attending Southern University majoring in music. “I will miss being a high school student without responsibilities." Genevieve Terito will attend LSU, majoring in criminal justice and forensics. “I am going to miss coach (David) Woods and the Lady Patriots soccer team, and also my friends." Gordon Jenkins will attend the University of New Orleans and majoring in civil engineering. “The one thing I'll miss would be Lee and the college-like atmosphere." Haley Lorraine will be attending SLU, majoring in nursing. “I will miss the ‘sisters’ that I have met here." Hannah Green will be attending Millsaps College in Jackson, Miss., and majoring in pre-veterinarian medicine. “I won't miss much from high school." Jason Johnson will attend SLU, majoring in kinesiology. “I will miss the free high school meals I got throughout the week." Lee James will attend ULL and major in civil engineering. Malik Johnson will move to Washington D.C., and major in architecture at Howard University, majoring in architecture. “I will miss my friends, classmates, and high school sports." Perry Newman will be attending LSU, majoring in either mechanical or industrial engineering. “The only two things I will miss about Lee will be attending (Dean) Caputa’s world history class and (David) Woods' dual enrollment advanced math." Rashel Azcuy-Gonzales will be attending SLU, majoring in management and business administration. “I will not miss anything from school." Roman Seymour will join the U.S. Air Force and go to basic training on June 30. “I will miss being in school when I didn't have to pay bills." Tyana Randle will be attending BRCC majoring in nursing. “I will miss all my peers who I have grown to learn and love. We are all going separate ways." Victoria Riley will attend BRCC and then transfer to a university where she can major in early child care. “I will miss being a child in high school.” Yasmin McCray will be joining the U.S Navy and going to boot camp, June 13. “I will miss my friends the most."

Zoe Burns plans to attend BRCC and hopes to major in criminal justice. “I will definitely miss many of the people I met here.”

Nargiza Nazrynbekova for her acceptance into the Ogden's Honors College at LSU. Natalie Graham plans to major in marine biology and attend ULL. Finn Phung plans to attend either the UNO or LSU and enter a medical field, but will first join the U.S. Army and go to boot camp July 23. Jasmine Dobbins plans to attend Northwestern State University in Natchitoches and major in forensic science. Angelina Nguyen wants to be a dental hygienist and attend the Pima Medical Institute in Arizona. Lillian Rotenberg will attend Loyola University in New Orleans and major in child psychology and minor in music. Dajon Plummer plans to attend Louisiana Tech University and major in biomedical engineering, and will attend Air Force boot camp July 6. Kennedy Griffin will attend ULL and major in accounting and finance. Phillip Lawson will attend Norfolk State University in Virginia and major in sports training.

Jovorian Warren will attend the University of Louisiana at Monroe and major in construction management. Justinne Salvacion plans to major in allied health and pre physical therapy at LSU. Devin Lamar Burts plans to major in computer science (game design) at University of Advancing Technology in Tempe, Ariz. Patrick Myron Hannah will attend Jackson State University in Jackson, Miss., and major in biology on a band scholarship. Joseph Moore will attend Southern University and major in psychology.

Ryane Alexis Bickham plans to major in secondary education at SLU. Trey Smith plans to major in computer science at Southern University. Lorena Nunez plans to major in nursing at SLU. Maria Elias will attend LSU and major in pre-physical therapy.

The Patriot newspaper Opinion Poll 176 Lee Magnet High School students were asked in mid-February:

“If you were a state lawmaker facing a $1 billion budget deficit, would you keep current TOPS requirements (2.5 GPA and 20 on the ACT) and cap the amount of money students can earn to $4,000 annually, or raise the TOPS standard (3.0 GPA and 23 on the ACT) to earn a full TOPS scholarship?”

Quotable from LMHS students on potential TOPS changes: “I think the (TOPS) requirements should be raised because it allows intelligent people to get rewarded, not people who lied and cheated their way through school.” junior Layne Miller “Due to the current dropout rate in the state in general, I feel like we should raise the standards as an incentive to get students to try harder.” junior Ben Anders "I feel like TOPS standards should raise as motivation for students with a greater purpose.” junior Carla Lobos "I feel like (TOPS) standards should be raised, but on the other hand, we need to quit electing morons to the Legislature, because they have no idea where to put tax money. Education and the state’s children should be a priority.” junior Olivia Delahoussaye

Student editorial-

La. budget $1 billion short could force TOPS standards to change

By Prisila Elias and Jenesis Willis

We have to face facts. The state of Louisiana is financially poor. The money Louisiana government spends each year fails to keep the state competitive.

There is never enough money for our state’s needs and once again, TOPS is a major topic of the Legislature who may have to limit the amount students earn for college.

According to the Lafayette Daily Advertiser newspaper, one-third of TOPS recipients lost scholarships in the last 10 years. During the 2005-06 school year alone, about 50,000 Louisiana students lost TOPS. Even though the state is facing a $1 billion short fall this spring and the TOPS dropout rate is really high, we believe TOPS requirements of a 20 on the ACT and a 2.5 GPA should remain. Since Louisiana is in debt, changing TOPS to more challenging essentials would not benefit the dropout rate or help Louisiana save money.

When TOPS began in 1997 it was meant for the poor and minority, but now we feel it would hurt them most and change the purpose of its intentions because less fortunate people can’t afford a good education.

Poll results among LMHS students: Keep the current standard: 81 students or 46% Raise the TOPS standard: 95 students or 54%

Poll results among 15 LMHS faculty members: Keep the current standard: 2 teachers or 13% Raise the TOPS standard: 13 teachers or 87%

Possible changes to TOPS in March outlined by La. politicians Current TOPS Opportunity Award: To earn the scholarship now, a 20 on ACT and a 2.5 GPA are required. Covers full college tuition.

Proposed Opportunity Award plan:

Current standards remain. TOPS is capped at $4,000 per year, per student. Community College enrollment expected to dramatically rise.

Proposed change to TOPS Performance Award

Raise standard to 3.0 GPA and a 23 on ACT and fully fund tuition, but GPA will rise to 3.25 in 2021.

Proposed TOPS Honor Award plan

Remains at 3.5 GPA and a 27 on ACT, but stipend is raised from $800 to $1,500. GPA requirement will rise to 3.5 for 2021 graduates.

Worth Quoting:

“…TOPS. It’s a government entitlement program everyone—rich or poor, black or white, Republican or Democrat—seemingly can get behind. It’s the chicken no one wants removed from the gumbo pot.”

Baton Rouge Business Report political writer, JR Ball, on the controversy facing the Louisiana Legislature and possible TOPS cuts or major changes to be debated in spring 2018.

Profile of LMHS teacher, Jess Drew Ott Hometown: Watson, La. High school attended: La. School for Math, Science and Arts

College attended: LSU Degrees earned: BA in anthropology and

masters in natural science Favorite music: “Math Rock” Favorite TV show: “Breaking Bad” Most interesting place visited: Traveled Europe for four months, mainly Germany

Something people don’t know about you: “I used to take pictures of dead people for a living (seven years) for the Louisiana State Police crime lab.”

Photo below: LMHS social studies teacher Blaine Bertrand visited the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacan, Mexico, during the Mardi Gras holiday in early February. Bertrand said the trip was “breathtaking and not for the physically unfit” referencing the stone steps climbed in the photo below. Bertrand said the trip gave him the opportunity to learn other cultures, essential to living a well-rounded life.

LMHS girls’ basketball team falls in state final

By Dean Caputa

In a season full of pleasant surprises, the Lee Magnet High School Patriots’ girls’ basketball team shocked many fans advancing to the state championship game and a shot at the state title In Alexandria, La., Friday, March 2. Unfortunately, a championship was not meant to be as the Patriots fell to a powerful New Orleans Catholic school, Ursuline Academy, 70-43.

“We had a lot of pressure on us and I know I was nervous before the game,” LMHS sophomore guard A’Niya Lagarde said. “(Ursuline) was really a good team. More experienced.”

LMHS advanced to the championship game defeating Covington, La., St. Scholastica by 72 points, Cabrini of New Orleans by 18 and University Lab School in overtime by five. LMHS finished the season with a 26-9 overall record.

Ursuline won their second title in three years. LMHS was one of nine Baton Rouge area teams in the state playoff.

Would teachers agree to carry guns on campus to halt terror attacks? Majority say ‘no’

By Dean Caputa

Fifty-two teachers representing Lee and Baton Rouge magnet, Woodlawn, Broadmoor, Dutchtown, St. Amant and Zachary high schools were asked about carrying guns on campus, part of the current national debate concerning mass school shootings. Forty-four teachers said they would not carry a weapon on campus, even if trained. Eight said “yes,” seven of which were men, two with military backgrounds. Sixteen teachers polled were from Lee.

Lee Magnet H.S. Mu Alpha Theta students perform well in February competition

By Sarah C., Prisila E., Ki’Shaian H., and Jenesis W.

Lee Magnet High School Mu Alpha Theta members competed at the McKinley Senior High School math competition Feb. 19. Sophomore Robert Gibson and freshman Victoria Cronan received honorable mentions in “Geometry Individual.” Senior Allen Wang received an honorable mention in the “Mu B Individual,” a test students take if they are in Calculus B and C topics. The Competition-I Team consisting of Cronan, Gibson, and freshman Lauren Barrouquere won second-place. The Calculus Team consisting of juniors Neil Walsh and Pacco Tan, seniors Marwan Okeil and Wang won third-place.

LMHS won third-place in the Interschool Test and third-place overall sweepstakes.

LMHS math teacher Victoria D'Antonio said she is excited to have such an involved Mu Alpha Theta Team the past two years and to see dedicated students work on math for an early Saturday morning competition.

“It is, of course, even more exciting to hear Lee High being called to receive awards at these competitions,” D'Antonio said. “We are looking forward to attending the state competition (this spring) with a group of 29 students, ranging in subjects from geometry to Advanced Placement statistics.”

Factoid: Louisiana public schools continue to rank poorly in results released in January 2018, by “Education Week,” which gave the state a grade of D-plus, ranking it No. 46 in the nation. One criteria was “public school achievement,” with the state earning the same score as in 2016, ranking it No. 49. Only Idaho, Mississippi, New Mexico and Nevada ranked worse.

Announcement: David Tatman returned to serve as president of the East

Baton Rouge Parish School Board, his fourth year serving in that position. Tatman has been on the board since 2011, and is the husband of Maria Tatman, Lee Magnet High School site coordinator.

The 2017-18 Patriot newspaper staff includes: juniors Jenesis Willis, Prisila Elias, Ki’Shaian Haynes and Sarah Caristin.

The journalism instructor is Dean Caputa.

LMHS girls’ soccer team success built on one year of reflection, hard work

By Dean Caputa Lee Magnet High School head soccer coach David Woods spent some time in last year’s offseason reflecting on a disappointing team record. His Patriot girls’ team won two games, lost 14 and tied two.

Woods decided to spend more time preparing his team for the tactical game soccer is and, to do that, the squad needed better conditioning.

“Coach Melissa Easely came on board joining Coach Jonathan Wilson and they were very instrumental in helping with the strength and conditioning of the team,” Woods said. “It was nice to see us have the success we did. In my mind, it helped validate all that we had worked on.”

The help paid off. The girls’ finished this season with an overall record of 14-6-3, which included 13 shutouts, and finished tied for second in the district race. Along the way, the girls’ beat a powerful Episcopal High School, 3-2, and then played their toughest stretch of the season in January, playing three matches a week for nearly one month due to weather issues.

When the playoff pairings were announced, Lee drew the tough job of traveling to play the Ruston High School Bearcats in faraway north Louisiana, and despite the hard travel, emerged victorious, 2-0. Woods admitted to being in “a state of shock” winning that first-round game.

“I have to give credit to our three captains, Italia Ravasio, Nikayla Dabney, and

Above: LMHS participants in the 2017-18 District Science Fair Feb. 7, at LSU. From left to right: Fiona Roberts (4th Place, plant science, AP chemistry), Laiba Iqbal (3rd place, microbiology AP chemistry), Allen Wang (3rd place physical energy, AP chemistry), Matthew Dies (3rd place behavior and social sciences, honors chemistry), Robert Gibson (1st place computational biological mathematics and winner of the U.S. Metric Association Award, honors biology).

"The students worked especially hard and I am proud of each and every one. We were 1 of 3 schools to actually

Emma Hamilton for helping this happen,” Woods added. place in multiple categories."

The second-round game at Destrehan High School ended in a tough 6-0 loss on the turf in a cold rain.

“It was a very frustrating game because of the weather conditions, and having to play on the road against such a great team,” senior defender Genevieve Terito said. “Destrehan was really good.”

District honors went to three Lee players making First Team, two making Second Team and two earning Honorable Mention. In addition, Ella Calhoun and Hamilton were also named to the 2017-18 All-Academic Girls' Soccer Team.

Two members of the boys’ soccer team also earned honors, including Ben Lynam, who made First-Team all-District, and Eli Marshall, who earned Second-Team all-District.

Profile of LMHS secretary, Liz Caputa Born: Altus Air Force Base, Okla.

High school attended: Baton Rouge Magnet High School (BRMHS) College graduated: LSU Degrees earned: Secondary social studies education Favorite band: Frank Sinatra (picture below) & “Journey” Favorite food: Greek and Lebanese Favorite TV show: “Anything before 1970, especially the Johnny Carson Show.”

Most interesting place visited: Greece, Italy, New York City (seven times), Hollywood, and Chicago Something people don’t know about you: “I’m published in the Library of Congress, trained physicians in 36 states on software for seven years for Amedysis Home Health, and was an all-state soccer and volleyball player (at BRMHS).”

Two La. high schools raise money to write and make movies

By Sarah Caristin The Amite High School Talented Theatre Program has made 57 movies over the past 19 years and on Jan. 25, students completed three 20 minute movies.

Amite, Louisiana

The program is supported by grants, donations, fundraisers, and cost about $11,000 each year.

Students enrolled in the Talented Theatre Program are from Sumner and Amite high schools.

The average class has about 25 students and movie roles for adults go to local volunteers. Students began work on this year movies on April 2017.

LMHS faculty offer advice to 2018 seniors as Editorial they prepare an exit Stephen Kampen, science: “If you’re going into a field solely because of a potential large payoff, you might end up miserable the rest of your life. It’s much better to be poor and happy than to dread waking up to go to work every day so you can afford a nicer car. Don’t fall for the sunk cost fallacy. There’s always time to change your course. If something unfortunate happens to you that is out of your control, just accept it and move on. Some other words to live by: ‘Don’t do what you can’t undo, until you’ve considered what you can’t do, once you’ve done it.’”

JROTC Col. William Laigaie: “You are only limited by your willingness to put forth the effort necessary to achieve your goals. Someone in a decision-making position must witness your effort. Attitude is more important than knowledge or skill. Likability is as important as ability.”

Katie Potts, choir/fine arts/speech: “Keep an open mind and actively pursue knowledge. The people you meet and the things you learn will profoundly change your life. Learn as much as you can about subjects you may not think you're interested in, and build relationships with people you may not think you have anything in common with. Your entire perspective may be flipped upside down, but you will become a far better adult by being exposed to different ideas, information, people, and ways of life.”

Blaine Bertrand, social studies: “Never be afraid to fail when you are reaching for a goal. True failure is when you give up on your goal.”

Maria Tatman, magnet site coordinator: “Always believe in yourself and always remember to make good choices. They will define or destroy your character!”

Pengyi Huang, Chinese language instructor: “Prepare for more challenges.”

Dean Caputa, social studies and journalism: “Where you are going, momma can no longer help you. The challenges coming your way will require an effort you may not think you can handle. Find a way. There is no short cut in life. Do not waste your time looking for one.”

Debra Schmidt, LMHS counselor: “Abraham Lincoln said, ‘And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.’” fail w

Announcement-Senior Keyvon Jackson became a Quest-Bridge Scholar and was awarded a scholarship worth over $280,000 to the school of his choice, Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn. Senior Hannah Green accepted an $80,000 scholarship to Millsaps College in Jackson, Miss. Green said, “I never thought I would get into Millsaps. When I opened the letter and saw that I got the scholarship I was really surprised. I am very excited.”

Above: Freshman Gabrielle Wiggins recites a poem to Lee Magnet High School students, as part of the African American Heritage Club’s celebration of Black History Month in the school gym, Monday Feb. 26.

Various students read poems, sang, modeled clothes and danced.

Fun Fact:

The East Baton Rouge Parish (EBR) public school system has experienced an enrollment decline for the third consecutive year. School systems statewide report enrollment numbers Oct. 1, and EBR public schools reported 40,696 students, 253 students lower than last school year. EBR is still the third largest school system in the state behind Jefferson and Orleans parishes. In 1978, EBR public schools boasted nearly 70,000 K-12 students enrolled in nearly 100 schools.

Profile of LMHS teacher, Katherine Lowe Hometown: Baton Rouge, La. High school: St. Joseph’s Academy Favorite food: Sushi and cheeseburgers College: LSU Favorite music: “Florence and the Machine,” Taylor Swift, and “Imagine Dragons” Hobbies: Crocheting Most interesting place visited: Ochos Rio, Jamaica Favorite teams: LSU and New Orleans Saints Something people do not know about you: “I was on a Kentucky Fried Chicken commercial when I was eightyears-old.”

Profile of LMHS teacher, Wade Henderson Hometown: Baton Rouge, La. High school attended: Tara High School College attended: LSU and University of Hawaii at Manoa Years teaching: First year teaching Favorite food: Grilled seafood of all kinds Most interesting place visited: A village in Honduras Favorite movies: “Baraka,” “Lost Horizon,” and “Tron Legacy” Favorite sports: Swimming, tennis, bicycling and volleyball

Above: Freshman Trevon Clark warms up on drums in the LMHS band room prior to his advanced Jazz Improvisation class in early February. Clark said his father is a drummer and he has been playing since Kindergarten.

Interactive Coastal Erosion course being taught in La. parishes; expansion likely

By Sarah Caristin , Prisila Elias, and Jenesis Willis

A coastal erosion course was offered to third-graders at Honduras Elementary School in Houma, La., (location at star below) part of Terrebonne Parish, where students build levees, create rivers and projects made of clay. About 500 students learn interactively about coastal restoration, the dangers of the state’s disappearing wetlands and experiment with ideas on how to protect the state’s shrinking coastline. The course is called “The Coastal Classroom,” and education officials hope to expand it to other parishes next year. Chevron currently sponsors the course.

New Harmony High School, south of New Orleans, floats a classroom barge on the Mississippi River and students work on projects related to coastal erosion. Louisiana Education Superintendent John White recently offered his support for more high schools requiring coastal erosion or environmental courses in the future.

“This is pretty cool, and we are looking at developing a unit or two that would deal with similar topics and ideas,” said Lee High Magnet High School science teacher Stephen Kampen. “Coastal studies are obviously important to our state, and this could provide a great opportunity for cross curriculum collaboration with our engineering classes.”

Lee Magnet High School would like to sincerely thank our many sponsors for having such a caring and giving heart, because without their generosity, many school events would not have been possible.

Highland Rd. and S. Coursey

Siegen Lane location