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Volume 5 Issue 1: RISING TO THE TOP

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BAKER HIGH RANKS #1 FOR ACT INCREASES As principal, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the dedicated students, par-

ents, and faculty and staff members of Baker High School. Because of your relentless

efforts, Baker High School is now ranked #1 in the state of Louisiana for increases in

our composite ACT scores, an improvement of 1.6 points. I would also like to thank

the community stakeholders who have provided unwavering support of Baker High

School and its efforts. In 2010, Baker High School was ranked #1 in the state of Loui-

siana for increases in our cohort graduation rate, and now five years later, we have se-

cured another #1 ranking. Additionally, Baker High School's cohort graduation rate is

now at an 81.2 which is 6.7 points above the state average of 74.5. The unsung heroes

in all of this, are the faculty and staff who have dedicated their lives to the service of

students. I am humbled by their commitment, compassion and sacrifice. While we take

a moment to bask in this accomplishment, we do so recognizing that there is still much

left to do. I am certain, now more than ever, that Baker High School is well on its way.

IT’S A GREAT DAY TO BE A BUFFALO!!

“If we want what we’ve never had, we must do what we’ve never done.”

Quote of the week:

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

Nelson Mandela

Buffalo Tip : Commit to using only positive & kind words for one day.

Mascot Fact :Known for roaming great distances, Buffalo move continuously as they eat.

Angel Chapman asked 206 Buffaloes,

What excites you the MOST about the upcoming

school year?

Buffalo Pride Staff

Qualesia Brown

Travon Carter

Angel Chapman

Lamija Foster

Mikhail Grant

Precious Grant

Cameron Heil

Ronnie Hamilton

Arman Jarrell

Jared Lands

Kiyumbra Lee

Nicholas Morgan

Jackesha Morrison

Terion Turner

Takiya Vaughan

Belinzeon Waters

Garon Williams

Advisor: Chante’ Rice Principal: Traci Morgan

Editor: Laquisha Comeaux

Mascot Fact :Known for roaming great distances, Buffalo move continuously as they eat.

By: Takiya Vaugh

The Baker High School family welcomes the newly

elected Superintendent of the City of Baker School

System , Dr. Herman Brister, Sr to "The Herd". Before

joining the City of Baker School District, he was the

associate superintendent for student support services in

the East Baton Rouge Parish school system. Dr. Brister

graduated from Southern University in 1976, received a

master’s degree in special education from LSU in 1979

and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Nova

Southeastern University in 2007. He has held numerous

positions in the East Baton Rouge Parish school system, including principal of Capitol Middle

School. He strongly believes that, “We need to care about the students and treat them like our

own.”

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The energizing sounds of the Symphony of Soul underneath the illuminating lights in the Wedge Kyes

stadium, combined with the smell of freshly cut grass and a crowd of patrons rocking the stands only

means one thing; football season is back. Baker High School as a whole is anticipating the first snap of

the season. The Buffaloes made history last year with a trip to the playoffs. It was the first time the

Buffs advanced to the playoff since 2007. Even though the Buffaloes loss to first seed Livonia Wild-

cats, everyone agreed that Baker High School’s football program is moving in the right direction. Buf-

falo Pride spoke more in-depth with Head Coach Richard Oliver about his goals for the Buffaloes and

how he plans to make this year much better than the last.

What are your expectations going into this upcoming season?

“My expectations are simple: I expect to be better than last season and continue to push this football

program in the right direction. I see the potential in my team. We have a tough district but we can

handle it.”

BAKER HIGH PLANS TO “SHOCK THE WORLD”

August 23 Japan declared war on Germany in World War I.

August 24 The British set fire to the White House and the Capitol when they invaded Washing-ton, DC during the War of 1812.

August 25 New Orleans was founded by French settlers and named after the Duke of Orleans.

August 26 The 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote went into effect.

August 27 The Kellogg-Briand Pact, outlawing war, was signed.

August 28 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his famous "I Have a Dream" speech at the Lincoln Memorial to civil rights demonstrators.

August 29 The U.S.S.R. tested their first atomic bomb. – Precious Grant

Terion Turner asked our new freshman,

“As you enter into the Baker High family, what are you looking forward to this school year?”

“I’m looking forward to learning more, meet-

ing my goals and meeting new people.”

Ty’Janique Lindsey

“This year, I look forward to being on the A &

B honor roll. I also plan to go undefeated on

Baker High football team.”

Kyrian Moore

“I look forward to participating on the Volley-

ball team and making honor roll.”

Alexia Sterling

MEET ERIC RANDALL

Coach Eric Randall also known as the “Whistle Man” is Baker High’s new Assistant Princi-

pal of Administration. Before he joined the Baker High family, he was the head football

coach at Scotlandville Magnet High School. He came to Baker to ensure that students

achieve our motto, …...to become life-long learners. Cameron Heil sat down with Coach

Randall for an exclusive interview.

How did you know that you wanted a career education?

When I was in high school, I was enrolled in a career course. I knew that I loved sports and

I could excel in that area. After more research, I knew that I wanted to coach. The best and

quickest way to coaching is to work in the education field.”

Where did you attend college and what was your major? Did you play any sports?

“I attended Southern University for my undergraduate and post-graduate degrees. I studied Health and Physical Education first,

then I went back to get my Master’s Degree in Supervision Administration. While I was at Southern University, I played football. I

was a quarterback and I led the team to a Black College National Championship in 1995. In my four seasons with Southern Univer-

sity (1992 - 1995), we won the SWAC Conference Championship twice. I was inducted into Southern University’s hall of fame in

2010.”

Besides football, do you have any other talents?

“Yes, poetry! I like reciting poetry. I can recite up to about fifteen po-

ems.”

When you have spare time, what do you do?

“I spend time with family. We are usually participating in some type of

sport activity. Everyone plays some type of sport. When I am alone, I

enjoy relaxing and resting.”

Do you enjoy blowing the whistle during the changing of the classes?

“I think that says one thing, “Mr. Randall is always on his job. “ I’m not

telling you what I want, I’m modeling what I want. If you can’t model it

then we need to go back and figure out the problem. -Cameron Heil

SHOUT OUTS

Ronnie Hamilton would like to shout Kendrick Shavers, Delonta Miller

and Cameron Heil for working hard to lead the football team to play offs.

“Opportunities are usually disguised as

hard work, so most people

don't recognize them.”

Ann Landers

DID YOU KNOW?!?

There are 1,792 steps to the top of the Eiffel Tower,

296 steps to the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa,

and 168 steps to the crown of the Statue of Liberty

Dr. Scholl’s first name was William.

An armadillo can be trained to be housebroken.

In many species of birds, the eyes weigh more than

the brain.

Do you believe the players on your team have the talent to meet those expectations?

“Yes, most definitely. My players have the talent. Many of them have been playing for

years and I think we can do something special. As long as they have a hunger to improve

and the determination to work hard, we will have a great season.”

Is there a particular player or group of players you think can make a huge impact this

season?

“I think my seniors can. They really show their leadership qualities, not to mention, I came

to this team their freshman year. They have been under my leadership for their entire high

school careers. I have had the privilege to watch them grow and develop into great players.”

Is there any team you look forward to playing the most this season?

“We always have good games with our divisional opponents, Parkview, University Lab, and

West Feliciana.”

So what should us as fans be expecting out of the Buffs?

“We are going to be competitive. We are going to shock the world.” -Jared Lands