THE RETURN OF THE EYE

Staff Spotlight: Mr. Zofka

*Athletic Director*

By: BHS Staff Profiles

August 30, 2024

Chosen for this year’s first Staff Spotlight is Mr. Mark Zofka. This is Mr. Zofka’s first year in Brooklyn as he is our new Athletic Director. Outside of Brooklyn, he was a teacher, and he also coached football and baseball for 16 years in Bedford. In his free time, he likes to golf, watch baseball, walk, hike, and hang out with his grandkids. A fun fact about Mr. Zofka is that he loves to go to music festivals because he loves heavy metal music.

Q: When did your passion for athletics begin?

A: “When I was three or four-years-old, my dad was very much involved, and I was one of those kids who played all of the sports.”

Q: What do you like most about being an athletic director?

A: “There is a lot that goes on; there is a lot of variation, which is something that I like. And honestly, every day could be different. Not every day is the same.”

Q: Why did you choose Brooklyn High School?

A: “I am a member of the community, and it was honestly a great opportunity that I took. I know the facilities are great, and I followed the various sports throughout my playing and coaching years.”

Q: What is the most difficult aspect of your job?

A: “Time management. Some things need to be done throughout the day, such as meeting with coaches, players, and those sorts of things.”

Q: Where is your ideal vacation spot?

A: “I love going to Florida. I was possibly looking at buying something down there. I would say ideally somewhere with warm weather, where I can golf daily. But, I have also been looking at new places with lakes and mountains.”

Q: What was your best sport as an athlete? Worst?

A: “I would say my best sport was baseball; I mean that is what I played in college. I went to Cleveland State, and I am in their Hall of Fame for baseball. I was a head baseball coach for 16 years at Padua and Holy Name and a 6-year coach at Cuyahoga Community College. Last year, I was the coach at Normandy. My worst is basketball; I was athletic and a good defender, but when it came to shooting, I was not the best. I played baseball, football, and hockey, but I was not much of a basketball player.”

Q: What is your go-to meal?

A: “Steak, prime rib specifically. If I could, I would have that every day. I love a good steak or maybe some prime riblets. I also grill and smoke meats a lot. I am more of a propane type of guy when I am grilling. I know I should be on the charcoal side of things, but there is just a big difference in taste. I use charcoal when I go camping, which is another thing I like to do.”

Q: Cleveland Browns Super Bowl victory or a Cleveland Guardians World Series title?

A: “Ah boy, good question. I mean the Indians have won something already, so I would like to see a Browns Super Bowl victory over a Cleveland Guardians World Series title.”

Welcome to Brooklyn, Mr. Zofka. Thank you for taking the time out of your schedule to let us interview you. We hope you experience many amazing things this year and a lot of success for our Hurricanes sports.

Rough Start on the Gridiron

By: BHS Sports Staff

August 29, 2024

The Fall sports season is underway, and last Friday, the varsity football team opened up their season against the Brookside Cardinals. This would be a rematch of last year’s season opener in which Brooklyn fell victim to a 35-0 defeat.

Last season, both teams concluded their seasons with similar records with Brookside finishing 3-7, while Brooklyn sported a 2-8 record.

The visiting Cardinals got off to a hot start in their first drive with a 38-yard reception, capped off with a four-yard passing touchdown to go in front, 7-0.

After a rough return on the Hurricanes’ first possession and backed up on their own six yard line, their first drive ended relatively quickly. After a punt to the Hurricanes 48-yard line, this put the Cardinals in good field position to take a two-score lead. However, a big sack by junior defensive end Jonny Treska put a stop to their opportunity.

After going back and forth, the first quarter came to a close with the Cardinals still in front, 7-0.

To begin the second quarter, the Cardinals hit a 32-yard field goal, extending their lead to 10-0. The Hurricanes were not able to get anything going on the offensive side, but the defense was holding up pretty well and prevented another Brookside score with an interception to end the first half.

The Hurricanes started with the ball in the second half but ended up being pressured in their own endzone, which eventually led to a safety. Brookside followed that up with a 56-yard touchdown to pad their lead to 19-0.

With still no score on the offensive side, the Cardinals were looking to slam the door shut, and with a couple fourth down conversions, the Cardinals added another touchdown to end the third quarter.

In the fourth, both teams let the clock run out, giving the visiting Cardinals a victory to start their season for the second straight year.

Final Score: Brookside 26, Brooklyn 0

The Hurricanes will look to bounce back tomorrow night as they travel to Oberlin College for a 7:30 kickoff.

In other Fall sports, the boys soccer team kicked off their season with a 6-1 loss to Lincoln West. They will face off against Wellington at home tonight at 7:00.

The girls soccer team is off to a 0-3 start to their season but will look to get their first victory as they travel to Beachwood tonight for a 7:00 start.

Lastly, the girls volleyball team has lost six straight games to begin their season. They will look to turn around their misfortunes tonight against their CVC rival, the Independence Blue Devils. Start time is at 6:00.

Go Canes!

{For up-to-date events and schedules, visit Brooklyn Hurricanes Athletics.}

Labor Day

By: BHS Features Staff

August 28, 2024

Labor Day is The United States’ way of recognizing the contributions of workers and the history of labor in the U.S.

The first celebrations of Labor Day were in the 1880s. These celebrations were normally organized and held by workers and unions. As for the reason why we celebrate Labor Day in September, it is because Labor Day was normally celebrated in the picnic season at the end of Summer.

So, why do we celebrate Labor Day? It is because most workers do not get the opportunity to reflect on why they do their jobs in the fashion that they do. Additionally, we all learn where the current workers’ rights come from and the prices past workers paid to secure those rights.

In the 19th century, there were many labor movements. One was called the Haymarket Affair. It took place in Chicago, Illinois, and it was a brutally-violent protest against the lengthy hours needed to work. During this protest, many workers were killed or injured, so it is important to memorialize those lives on Labor Day.

There were numerous and violent strikes in Chicago as well, especially for the coal miners. The coal strike of 1913-14 that was along the Front Range was where the Ludlow Massacre took place that resulted in 20 deaths. There was another coal strike in 1927-1928 that led to the death of eight workers, which included six coal miners who were unfortunately shot by the Colorado State Police at a mine in Boulder County, Colorado. This came to be known as the Columbine Mine Massacre.

Many of our country’s institutional structures, cultures, and political legacies have something to do with labor and labor movements. The United States of America is a country of workers built by the workers.

On September 2, it is more than acceptable to celebrate Labor Day with family and friends. Grilling, yard games, and different celebrations will ensue, but take a moment to reflect on the history of this holiday and to show gratitude to those who paved the way for the workers of this generation.

Happy Labor Day, everyone.

{Information for this article can be located at The University of Colorado Boulder.}

Welcome Back, Hurricanes!

By: BHS News Staff

August 27, 2024

We welcome Hurricane Nation to the 2024-2025 school year, hoping that everyone had an enjoyable Summer. We also wish the very best for a successful, safe, and memorable school year.

What is new to the school district, specifically in the high school? To kick off the changes for this school year are the class schedules, as students have transitioned from a four block schedule to a seven period schedule. In addition to the changed class schedule, brand new bathrooms are officially completed, and the difference is noticeable.

Another exciting difference are the new technology tools at BHS, with many students being provided with new chromebooks as well as many teachers receiving new computers and Promethean boards.

Outside of the aesthetic upgrades, the Brooklyn City School District has had a lot of exciting events during the first week back with more to come.

First, the Welcome Back to School Community Rally was an absolute success for the Brooklyn Hurricanes community. In this rally, Fall sport teams along with the seniors participating in them were introduced. There was also a beautiful performance from the band and the Hurricettes. The Cleveland Browns mascot, Chomps, also made an appearance.

The BHS football team also welcomed in the new school year with a home game against the Brookside Cardinals. Even though the Hurricanes did not prevail last Friday evening, the school spirit was very present with fans, cheerleaders, the marching band, and the Hurricettes.

We encourage everyone to come out and support the football team for their next game on this Friday, August 30, against the Oberlin Phoenix. The game will be played at 7:30 at Oberlin College.

The beginning of the school year is always busy, so here is the upcoming schedule for events:

August 30: Picture Day
September 4: Preschool Picture day
September 13: Meet the Homecoming Court
September 16-20: Homecoming Spirit week
September 20: Homecoming Football Game
September 21: Homecoming Dance

Have a great week, Brooklyn! Stay cool and hydrated.

{To stay updated with the Brooklyn City School District, make sure to click here.}

Summer Freedom

By: The Return of the Eye’s Staff

May 31, 2024

Can this year be over already? Yes, it is!

This school year brought about some wonderful moments, lasting friendships, great successes, and lifelong memories.

With today being the final day of the 2023-2024 academic year, The Return of the Eye’s staff would like to share some parting words with our audience on why students should take Publications, shoutouts to our loyal subscribers and readers, and of course, Summer plans.

Why Students Should Take Publications

*Summer: “There are many reasons why students should take Publications. Some reasons are that you can improve your writing skills, you can boost your confidence in regards to writing, and you can also become a better writer, overall. This class also motivates you to want to write more. I have been a Publications student for two years, and I have not once been tired of it. I joined this class because I thought it would be a normal writing class, but it is way more than that. I have improved my writing, I have shared a lot of memories in this class, and it is genuinely my favorite class that I have taken all year long. In all seriousness, if you are looking for a great writing class, I suggest this one. You will not regret taking it.”

*Olivia: “Publications is a smart class to take during your high school years. It has so many benefits to your writing. I appreciate being motivated to take this class because it has improved my writing skills so much. I had a great experience being in this class because I have learned to be more independent in my work. It is most definitely more enjoyable, in my opinion, to have people that you are close to because it keeps you motivated. I’m really looking forward to taking this class again in my senior year. I am very grateful that I had this opportunity, and I know that it will really benefit my writing skills.”

*Caydin: “Students should take Publications because it could help them find something they could be good at that they didn’t know they were good at. Using myself as an example, when I was first put in this class, I thought I wasn’t going to do well in it. When I got assigned to a group and was shown how to complete our articles, I got the hang of it, and it has become my favorite class. This class has helped me improve my writing skills and helped me get to know people I wouldn’t have talked to otherwise due to having to work in groups. I highly recommend taking Publications if you want to either improve your writing or if you want to try getting into writing because this class is fun. Overall, I think students should take Publications because it could possibly help them discover new talents that they have.”

Shoutout to Our Subscribers

*Jacob: “I greatly appreciate each and every single subscriber for reading and keeping up with the newspaper every day. Being in this class for two years, I’ve really seen the growth that this newspaper has gotten, and I’m looking forward to seeing more growth in the next two years. People constantly support the articles and that gets me more motivated to continue writing and growing in my journalism skills. Once again, I appreciate the subscribers who keep me and the entire class motivated to write articles every day, and I’m excited for more to come in the future. We wouldn’t have this if it wasn’t for all the subscribers, so thank you very much.”

*Liliana: “Thank you for all the support, and I hope you keep reading the newspaper. I have only been in this class for one year, but I really enjoyed this class and hearing how many people read the newspaper. When I first started taking this class at the beginning of this year, I thought no one would read it, but you guys proved me wrong. I hope you keep supporting us and pushing us to move forward. Even though I am not taking this class next year, I hope you all support the student journalists who will be writing the articles next year.”

*Kayla: “I would like to thank the subscribers who keep reading and liking our articles. For the two years I’ve been in this class, I have noticed the growth of subscribers and the amount of attention our newspaper has received. I am looking forward to coming back my senior year to see how much the newspaper and the amount of subscribers have grown. The subscribers are very motivating to each of the groups, and they keep us on our toes. I appreciate people constantly liking and reading our articles. I don’t think our class would be this far without our loyal subscribers and viewers. So, I thank you all for the constant support.”

Summer Plans

*Summer: “Well, I was supposed to move to North Ridgeville this Summer, but I believe plans have changed a lot. I was supposed to move out there with my best friend and her family, but I suppose I am staying here. My little brother’s birthday is on June 11, so I will be celebrating that. Then, we have a city wide garage sale that my family participates in every year. On June 14, I will be going to my first concert, which will be New Kids On The Block. A day after the concert, I think we are going to take my little brother to see live wrestling, so that should be fun. July 23 is my mom’s birthday, so at some point, I will hopefully be able to take her out to eat somewhere. After all of that is done, I have to start getting my stuff packed for a trip to Michigan for the bowling final championships. Some time this Summer, I also plan on getting my first tattoo and getting my hair dyed as well. I am just hoping that this Summer plays out the way that I want it to, and everything goes as planned. To say I am excited does not even begin to describe the feeling.”

*Olivia: “This Summer, my family and I are planning to go on a vacation because we haven’t been on one in a really long time. We are looking at Virginia Beach because we went there one year and had a really good time. We all mainly agreed to have a vacation that involves a beach. Something else that I will be doing this Summer is focusing on soccer. I want to improve a lot next season because last season wasn’t so great. I’m really looking forward to this Summer because of the long break from school.”

*Jacob: “I have a lot of things to look forward to this coming Summer. First thing is Summer baseball, and since this was my first year playing high school baseball, I wanted to continue to learn and grow more with the sport I love by playing more. I am also looking forward to a weekend trip to Philadelphia in July to knock off another MLB ballpark in my goal to visit all 30 MLB ballparks. We’re also going to visit many other things around Philly. I also cannot wait to be able to get my permit and be able to drive soon. This is gonna be a very fun summer and I am super excited.”

*Liliana: “Over the Summer, I will be doing a lot of things and traveling a lot. Once school gets out, I plan on staying at my cousin’s house in Florida for a little bit since she is far away, and I don’t get to see her a lot. I also plan on learning how to surf because it looks interesting and a fun activity to do while at the beach. I also plan on going back to Aruba where my dad is from; even though it is really hot down there, it is a good place to go. When I am in Aruba, I plan on seeing the flamingos on the beach. When I’m not traveling or out of state, I plan on going to Cedar Point with my friends and family. I have a lot of fun stuff to look forward to, and I hope you guys do, too.”

*Kayla: “For this Summer, I have a lot of soccer games and practices to look forward to. We are looking to improve our team this year with incoming freshmen and returning players since we weren’t very good last year. I’m also looking forward to hanging out with my friends. At the end of Summer, I’m also looking forward to going to the Polaris Career Center. I will be going to Cedar Point a couple of times with my friends and family as well. We were originally planning to take a trip to the Outer Banks but plans changed, so we are saving that for another year. My birthday is also coming up, so I will be celebrating that, too. Overall, I’m very excited for this upcoming Summer and the plans I have for it.”

*Caydin: “For the Summer, I am unsure about what my plans are going to be; I will most likely make them up as the Summer goes along. But I am certain that I am going to be celebrating my birthday with family or friends, depending on their plans at the end of June or in the beginning of July. I’m going to be spending more time outdoors, too. It’s boring, but it’s what I normally do every Summer.”

We would like to sincerely thank all of our subscribers and readers for making this student-led newspaper possible and a growing success. Our audience means a lot to us, and our annual goal is to increase our followers. Thank you for being avid readers and supporters.

As Summer arrives, stay safe, have fun, make lasting memories, and recharge the batteries. The Return of the Eye will be back in action next August.

In the meantime, there is a pretty good baseball team located in downtown Cleveland, so get down to the ballpark frequently. Go Guardians!

Happy Summer, everyone!

Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Burtzlaff

*Intervention Specialist*

By: BHS Staff Profiles

May 24, 2024

Chosen for this year’s final Staff Spotlight is Mrs. Dana Burtzlaff. This is currently Mrs. Burtzlaff’s 24th year in the Brooklyn City School District. She graduated from college in 2000 and came right here to Brooklyn. In her free time, she likes to watch her kids play sports as she is very family-oriented.

Q: What are some of your favorite highlights/memories from working here?

A: “I liked watching the new school being built. We were able to watch the old building be torn down and this current building we are in right now be built. It was kind of fun.”

Q: How do you think that you have positively impacted your students?

A: “I think that I develop a good relationship with the kids who I work with. I like to learn about the kids and the things that they do, and I get to know them as people. I want them to feel like they can come to me if they have any issues going on in different classes.”

Q: How do you go about helping your students?

A: “I find out where they are at and try to take them to the next level. I find out where those struggles are and try to address them.”

Q: What do you like most about what you do as an intervention specialist?

A: “I get to know kids in a small group, and they get to ‘let their hair down’ as I call it.”

Q: What advice would you give your past self?

A: “Slow down, take it all in, and do not rush anything.”

Q: Who is your biggest inspiration?

A: “Mrs. Giambetro! She taught kindergarten years ago. She had a way with kids, and she was always calm. There was just something special about her.”

Q: Would you rather explore outer space or the bottom of the ocean?

A: “Neither! They are both terrifying to me.”

Q: Dunkin’ or Starbucks?

A: “Dunkin’ all the way.”

Q: Summer plans?

A: “Going to my son’s travel baseball games. Travel baseball games are my life.”

Thank you for letting us interview you, Mrs. Burtzlaff. We wish you the best Summer of fun, heat, and yes, baseball. 🧢⚾

Spring Sports Recap

By: BHS Sports Staff

May 23, 2024

Just like that, the Spring sports season has concluded. In fact, all Hurricanes athletics are finished for the 2023-2024 school year, so let us look back at how baseball, softball, and track fared this season.

Baseball

First up is the baseball team, who finished with a record of 6-12. Some top performers for this season include senior leadoff hitter Jackson Diller, who hit .306 this season, was a very reliable pitcher, and had an amazing glove in the outfield. Another senior leader was Tyler Morgan, the switch hitter who batted .312 with 15 hits. Junior Aiden Starr led the team in hits (26), doubles (6), triples (3), and stolen bases (14). He also batted an whopping .520.

Head Coach Kevin Sedlacek is proud of how his team performed and how much they grew.

“I had a lot of questions about this team coming into the season, since most of the team played JV last season. But, the team grew into a varsity team this Spring. We competed against every team, but we did have some problems being consistent. Overall, we played better than I envisioned before the season started. Our highlight of the season was winning our home sectional game against Oberlin.”

Sedlacek is excited to see an experienced varsity team next season with Starr being the main piece of the squad. He will also be joined by Gio Garst, Collin Flanagan, Jadyn DeLuca, Phil Banaszak, and Zander Rolon.

Coach Sedlacek also left one final message for his seniors: “I also want to wish good luck to our departing seniors Jackson Diller, Miguel Veloz, Tyler Morgan, Aidan Westerhold, Steven Bartczak, and Diego Colton. They leave a legacy of competing, no matter the score or situation. They made Brooklyn proud.”

Nice job, boys!

Softball

Next up is the softball team. This season, they had some key returning players such as Aishah Madrea, Andrea Guzman, Audrena Vega, Abigail Cruz, and Delaney Burke. All of them contributed in their own way, whether pitching, hitting, or just overall leadership.

Head Coach and former Hurricane graduate Sarah Young is very happy with how much her team grew from last season to this season.

“A good majority of the team came back from last year, so we got to keep developing skills. I am very proud of how close knit the team is. We have a great environment and that is mostly due to my captains, Aishah Madera and Jessica Byrnes.”

The team was able to pick up three wins this season but was also very competitive in many other games.

Young is ready to keep this team growing and is looking forward to seeing more improvements into next season.

“Looking to next season, I will have nine seniors on my hands. We will be in our junior year of a team, and with that, we will have more chemistry. I am very excited for our pitchers Audrena Vega and Abi Cruz. Seeing the improvement they have already made makes me very excited to see what they will achieve next season. I am looking forward to having more underclassmen on the team as we will have two teams next season, a junior varsity and a varsity team. As always, I cannot wait to see my girls continuing to improve their skills and love the sport that I love so much.”

Keep working, girls!

Track

Last, but not least, is track. The track team saw some good performances out of Rajon Foster and Jamira Tate, as they won the team MVP awards and were the top members on the team for sprints and relays. Foster also qualified for the district final in the 100-meter dash. Two members, Jarianny Dominguez and Jaylen King, received the team captain award for their continued leadership throughout the year.

Head Coach Kyle Akins is happy with how his young team performed this season.

“We were an extremely young team that did not have a single senior this season. There was a lot of growth from our underclassmen this season, and I hope to see that continue next year.”

Every team member who participated in meets scored at least a half point during the course of the season. Also, every team member set a personal best in at least one event, too.

Well done, track team!

A special thank you to all the Spring sports athletes, coaches, and assistants who made this season one not to forget. We are most definitely looking forward to next season for all Hurricanes sports.

Remember athletes, you get better in the Summer, so put the work in.

Go Canes!

{For up-to-date events and schedules, visit Brooklyn Hurricanes Athletics.}

We Celebrate Memorial Day

By: BHS Features Staff

May 22, 2024

Memorial Day is a federal holiday that is celebrated on the last Monday of May. It is America’s annual remembrance to honor and mourn the fallen men and women who have served in the U.S. military.

Memorial Day was not always called Memorial Day; it was originally known as Decoration Day. On May 5, 1868, the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), which was a politically-powerful organization of Union veterans, was led by Major General John A. Logan. He issued an order known as the “Memorial Day Act”. This act established “Memorial Day” as Decoration Day, a day for the United States to remember those who have passed in the line of duty and to decorate their graves with flowers.

The GAR placed an order for Memorial Day to be held on May 30 to ensure the availability of “the choicest flowers of Springtime” all over the country.

As years went on, Decoration Day fizzled out and became known as Memorial Day. It continued into the late nineteenth and early twentieth century as a Patriotic holiday. After World War I, Memorial Day was expanded to honor those who have passed away in the line of duty in any American War.

In 1966, the U.S. government officially recognized Memorial Day events being held on May 30 in Waterloo, New York. So, the federal government declared it as the birthplace of Memorial Day. The Union Monday Holiday Act then moved the national holiday from the 30th of May to the last Monday in May.

This upcoming Monday, we celebrate Memorial Day to pay homage to the selfless soldiers who died for us and for our many freedoms. It is not just a day to grill, swim, or congregate with family and friends. While those activities are all good, take some time to reflect and say thank you to those who willingly sacrificed their lives for ours. Wave your American flags proudly.

Happy Memorial Day, everyone!

{Information for this article was retrieved from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.}

Prom & More

By: BHS News Staff

May 21, 2024

It is hard to believe that there are less than two weeks left in this school year. While we are all anticipating Summer freedom, there are some items to recap and preview. So, let us get right to it.

Over the weekend, students enjoyed Prom at Windows on the River. It was a major success this year with 145 students in attendance. The theme of this year’s prom was “Secret Garden,” and the weather cooperated very well, so students were able to take outside pictures, rain-free.

During the night of fun, food, and dancing, Brooklyn crowned this year’s King and Queen. Congratulations to Zachary Messeri and Desiree Gailes (pictured below).

Once 10:00 p.m. rolled around, Prom came to end with the traditional senior circle; however, lifelong memories were built for all.

A big shout out to Mrs. Jackie Holko (Senior Class Advisor) for organizing such a wonderful evening. Her tireless efforts do not go unnoticed. Thank you, Mrs. Holko!

In addition to Prom, another exciting event coming up is the Honor/Merit Roll field trip tomorrow (May 22). Grades 8 and 9 will go to the stadium from 8:00-11:00, and grades 10, 11, and 12 will go from 11:30-2:30. Students and teachers will walk to the stadium for field day-themed fun and lunch.

Please make sure to turn in your signed permission slips to Mrs. Bader no later than today. You cannot attend if your final forms are not completed.

Finally, this serves as a reminder that finals are coming up next week. If you have a class that does not have a final and you have checked in with your teacher, you do not have to come in for that class. It is not an open campus, so you cannot leave and come back, but you can come in late or leave early, depending on your schedule. Below is the schedule for next week.

*Tuesday – May 28

Skinny Day

*Wednesday – May 29

Exam Review

2B: Exam

I.C.E. Block

3B: Exam

4B: Exam (first skinny)

*Thursday – May 30

Exam Review

2G: Exam

I.C.E. Block

3G: Exam

4G: Exam (second skinny)

*Friday – May 31

1B: Exam

1G: Exam

I.C.E. Block

Make-up Exam Period

Don’t forget, Monday is Memorial Day. Honor those who served for the freedom that we have today, and never forget their sacrifices.

Have a terrific week, Hurricane Nation!

{To stay updated with the Brooklyn City School District, make sure to click here weekly.}

Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Godinsky

*Secretary of Support Services*

By: BHS Staff Profiles

May 17, 2024

Chosen for this week’s Staff Spotlight is Mrs. Shari Godinsky. This is currently her fourth year in the Brooklyn City School District. Previously, she was a director for corporate events, she did a lot of traveling, and she worked in other school districts in a variety of roles. In her free time, she likes to be with her family, her grandkids, her kids, and her animals. A fun fact about her is that she likes to have fun, is a little bit of a jokester, and loves to make people laugh.

Q: Out of all the roles Brooklyn has to offer, why did you choose this one?

A: “It was very similar to what I had experience in, a wide variety of different things. I don’t do the same thing every day. I work with so many different people, so I was able to get to know everybody in Brooklyn.”

Q: What are the challenges that you face throughout the day?

A: “There are challenges everyday because working in the Building and Grounds Department, there is a lot to cover as well as around the building and in the building, in addition to some of the staffing issues.”

Q: What makes a good day at work?

A: “When everything runs smoothly or if you do have a conflict and it all gets worked out.”

Q: If you could pass on any words of advice to the students at Brooklyn, what would you share?

A: “Never give up on your dream; go for it!”

Q: What is your biggest pet peeve?

A: “I guess I do not really have one; I am pretty easy going. There is not a whole lot that bothers me. I just roll with everything.”

Q: Is there a quote or saying that you live by?

A: “I guess I would say, ‘Just get it done.’ No matter what we are faced with in the department, I am in, and we all have to get it done. There is no second choice. We just have to get it done.”

Q: If you could choose only one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?

A: “Probably lunch because it is in the middle of the day.”

Q: If you could choose a superpower, what would you pick?

A: “I would probably just make everyday a good day: No drama!”

Thank you for letting us interview you, Mrs. Godinsky. Enjoy the Summer ahead with your family.

Hurricanes Storm The Phoenix

By: BHS Sports Staff

May 16, 2024

Brooklyn Hurricanes - Official Athletic Website – Brooklyn, OH

It was a perfect day for playoff baseball on Monday, as the Hurricanes played their sectional semi-final game against the Oberlin Phoenix. This was a win-or-go-home game for both teams. Brooklyn came into the contest with a 5-11 record after a huge senior night victory against Rhodes.

In the top of the first, the Phoenix got a few singles and a sacrifice fly to get on the board. They would score two more off of a throwdown to third base that went into left field, and just like that Oberlin was up, 3-0. The next batter for the Phoenix hit a towering blast over the left field fence to extend their early lead, 4-0.

The Hurricanes got a runner into scoring position in the bottom half of the inning but could not convert.

The second inning was nothing like the first, as both teams went down quickly and easily.

In the third inning, the visitors scored another run on a wild pitch to make it a 5-0 ball game. The Hurricanes were in desperate need for some offense and finally got on the scoreboard when senior Jackson Diller hit a ball off of the fence in left-center and scored when the centerfielder made an error.

After three, Oberlin led 5-1.

Diller pitched a clean fourth inning and finished his outing giving up four earned runs, walking four, and striking out six batters. The Canes scored again in the bottom of the fourth when the left fielder dropped a towering fly ball by junior Collin Flanagan, allowing junior Jadyn DeLuca to score. The deficit was now down to three, 5-2.

In the fifth, junior Aiden Starr came on for relief and had a 1-2-3 inning. The bottom of the fifth began the onslaught of runs for the Hurricanes.

Diller led off the inning with a double and scored on an RBI single by Starr, and he advanced to third on an error. He scored on an RBI single by freshman Gio Garst. Garst stole second, and senior Miguel Veloz tied the game with an RBI double. After a DeLuca walk, Flanagan ripped an RBI single to give the Hurricanes a 6-5 lead. Senior Aidan Westerhold grounded out to score an run, and Flanagan later scored on a wild pitch to make it 8-5.

The scoring was not over as senior Steven Bartczak and Diller both walked, and Bartczak later scored on an RBI single by senior Tyler Morgan. With Diller advancing to third, he scored on a wild pitch. Garst and Starr walked and Veloz got his second hit of the inning, a two-run single to make it a 10-run fifth inning. The Hurricanes tacked on one more when Garst scored on a bad pickoff attempt.

Starr came back to pitch the sixth, but the Phoenix started to come back as they plated four runs off a two-run single and a couple of defensive mistakes. The Canes went down in the bottom half and were now three outs away from sealing the victory.

The Phoenix started something in the seventh after a leadoff single and a strikeout and an error. Oberlin hit double digits with an RBI double with the tying run coming to the plate. After a pop out, they scored on a passed ball to make it 13-11. Starr then shut down the last batter. Victory complete!

Final Score: Brooklyn 13, Oberlin 11

Great team win, fellas!

{Updated} Unfortunately last night, the Hurricanes’ season ended with a 10-0 loss to #2 Norwayne. However, it was a pretty good season for the boys as they rallied and finished strong.

All of the Spring sports’ seasons have come to an end, so stay tuned for a Spring Sports Recap.

Go Canes!

{For up-to-date events and schedules, visit Brooklyn Hurricanes Athletics.}

Senior Spotlight: Natalie Nieves

By: BHS Senior Spotlights Staff

May 15, 2024

Chosen for this year’s final senior spotlight is Natalie Nieves. Natalie is outgoing, energetic, and passionate. She spends her free time playing basketball, shopping, and working.

Q: What are your plans after high school?

A: “I plan on going to Cuyahoga Community College.”

Q: What is the most important quality in a friendship?

A: “The most important quality in a friendship is honesty.”

Q: What could we do better to help future high schoolers feel more connected and invested?

A: “Helping them when they are stuck on what to do next in life.”

Q: What skills do you wish to acquire after high school?

A: “Skills I wish to acquire are being able to ask for help and to not get frustrated by setbacks.”

Q: What would be your last meal?

A: “Chicken wings because this is my favorite food to eat.”

Q: What kind of impact do you hope to make in your future field?

A: “Being able to help people when no one else can.”

Q: What grade do you find to be the most difficult?

A: “Freshmen year because it was the start of high school and a brand new learning experience.”

Q: How do you handle academic stress and pressure?

A: “I ask my friends for advice to see their point of view on things to help me alleviate my stress.”

Q: Out of your entire school career, what teacher has been the biggest inspiration and/or influence to you?

A: “Mrs. Marsico because she helped me when I wasn’t doing the best in school.”

Natalie, we hope that you achieve everything that you have dreamed of in the next chapter of your life. Good luck at Tri-C and beyond.