THE RETURN OF THE EYE

Magic of Lights

By: BHS Features Staff

November 19, 2025

You probably have started seeing Christmas lights hung in the neighborhood in addition to hearing Christmas music in the stores. This simply means that Christmas is on the way.

What better way to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Christmas season than by taking the family to the Magic of Lights Wonderland Walk?

In past years, this holiday tradition has been strictly by vehicle, but now, there is a new, beautiful walk-through experience with amazing holiday scenes, beloved characters, and mesmerizing digital animations. Patrons can now walk through this beautiful scenery beneath the shimmering light tunnels, huge displays, and immersive environments that really encapsulate the spirit of this beloved season.

Whether you are sipping on some hot cocoa, snapping memorable pictures, or even soaking in the glow, Magic of Lights Wonderland Walk is a new tradition waiting to be seen and enjoyed by all.

After spending recent years at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds in Berea due to having a larger display and better traffic flow, this local and new walk-through tradition is now returning to Victory Park in North Ridgeville from November 27 (Thanksgiving) through January 3.

Tickets are valid anytime after purchase, as long as they match the selected time frame. Gate pricing is not available until the Magic of Lights opens on Thanksgiving evening at 6:00.

For ticket pricing options, dates, and times, please visit Magic of Lights.

Most of us will gain significant weight next Thursday, so walking through a Christmas wonderland may be the best, post-meal solution.

The Magic of Lights is full of joy, fun, family, and Christmas love. Do not miss out on this exciting opportunity.

Disney, Here We Come

By: BHS News Staff

November 18, 2025

Only six more school days remain until Thanksgiving break, but a certain group of students have a few less.

A tradition that happens every four years, the BHS marching band will be heading down to Orlando, Florida, to perform and to explore the magical landscape of Walt Disney World.

Senior band member Amir Green is very excited about this upcoming trip.

“I have been to Disney many times, but with all my friends there, it’ll definitely be the most memorable,” stated Green.

Throughout the six-day trip (November 20-26), the marching band will visit Disney Springs, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and of course, Magic Kingdom, where they will perform on the morning of November 24. Green is most excited for Animal Kingdom, which seems to be a favorite amongst the band members.

What a great opportunity for these students. Disney brings out the inner-child in all of us, so we wish everyone a safe, memorable, and wonderful time in the “House of Mouse”.

Moving on, seniors wrapped up their mock interviews last week, and they did a great job with preparation, attire, and persuasive communication.

Below are the seniors who were hired for their “positions”.

Ashlee Rich – Restaurant Manager
Anaya Abdallah – Registered Nurse
Ryan Hilcu – Marketing Director
Ankita Monger – Physical Therapist
Justin Lewis – Social Worker
Saevonh Holton – Athletic Trainer

Congratulations to the seniors who were hired for their mock interviews. As a reward for their hard work and dedicated professionalism, Mrs. Holko is going to treat the winners to Chick-Fil-A breakfast during their second period class tomorrow.

Finally, as November continues to fly by, the second quarter is closer to an end. Students, be sure to stay on top of your grades and do not fall behind. If you have failed one of the first two quarters, you must pass the midterm exam to earn the credit for that class. Simply, DO YOUR WORK ON TIME!

Here is the remaining November calendar:

November 18: First Ring Student Leadership Field Trip
November 20-26: Marching Band Disney World Field Trip
November 26-28: Thanksgiving Break

Have a wonderful week, Brooklyn.

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

Staff Spotlight: Miss Kubek

*7th Grade Social Studies*

By: BHS Staff Profiles

November 14, 2025

Chosen for this week’s Staff Spotlight is Miss Carly Kubek. This is currently Miss Kubek’s first year in Brooklyn and teaching altogether. Previous to working here, she student-taught fifth graders at an elementary school in Bowling Green. Some things she likes to do in her free time are run, play the piano, and read. A fun fact about Miss Kubek is that she can play the piano, guitar, and saxophone.

Q: If you could have another job outside of education, what would it be?

A: “I have always known that I wanted to be a teacher at a young age. If I had to choose something else, I would say something in the medical field or something where I could give back and help.”

Q: Where did you go to college?

A: “Bowling Green State University.”

Q: What is your favorite college memory?

A: “I got to study abroad. Being able to travel and see other countries was the best.”

Q: What is one piece of advice that you give to students, regardless of the situation they are in?

A: “Having a positive attitude can get you pretty far. If you do not like the situation that you are in and you have a positive attitude, then you can try to push through and get through it and find ways to make things better.”

Q: What is your life’s motto?

A: “Ask more questions. I think that a lot of us tend to jump to conclusions, and we are not very open-minded. It is always good to stay curious, but ask those questions you need to ask. You will not know until you ask.”

Q: What was your biggest setback in life? How did you get through it?

A: “Mental health. Trying to do my best for everyone else, while still trying to do the best for myself. I learned to navigate through some mental health struggles by figuring out how to gain some independence, while still relying on my support system and learning how to do things on my own.”

Q: What is your favorite activity to do when the weather gets colder?

A: “Play board games because I like to do things with my friends. Card games are really fun, too.”

Q: Do you prefer a short or a long winter?

A: “Shorter because I enjoy being outside.”

Thank you so much for your time, Miss Kubek. We wish you all of the best during your first year here in Brooklyn. And, the next time you visit BGSU, please bring back Pollyeyes for us!

Shariah Shining at Canisius

By: BHS Sports Staff

November 13, 2025

Now that collegiate hoops has officially begun, it is important to shine light on a Brooklyn alumni who is making a name for herself in Division I Women’s Basketball.

Shariah Gailes, a 2023 Hurricane graduate, is making headlines at The University of Canisius, located in Buffalo, New York.

In high school, Gailes finished with 1,020 career points and a school-record 1,101 career rebounds. She also held the Brooklyn High School record for most points scored in a game (43) and still holds the most rebounds recorded in a single game with 29. Additionally, she was a two-time All-District honoree, a three-time team MVP, and an All-Ohio Special Mention after her senior season.

Gailes used her time here at Brooklyn to help her get through all of the current “hoops” that college presents.

“Brooklyn prepared me to compete and to handle different pressures and stressors at the same time,” stated the junior forward.

She spent her time as a freshman at The University of Illinois Springfield (Division II) where she won the UIS Female Rookie of the Year, averaging 9.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game.

She later transferred to Canisius for her sophomore season, and in 29 games, she nearly averaged a double-double with 9.1 points and 8.1 rebounds per game, ranking her third in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference in rebounds.

Gailes has built a strong work ethic, along with making strong connections in college.

“My college experience has been very fun and successful, on-and-off the court. I have met a lot of different people throughout these three years,” Gailes stated in her recent phone interview.

Currently through three games this season, she is averaging 12.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. Just two days ago against Syracuse, Gailes led the way in scoring with 22 points, shooting 54 percent from the field.

She hopes that her team can continue their growth to see sustained success and to ultimately win the MAAC.

“My goal for this team is to return to the MAAC championship and stay for the entire week!”

Shariah, Hurricane Nation is rooting for you, and we hope your team keeps fighting from start to finish. You make all of us proud.

Go Golden Griffins!

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

Cleveland Christmas Connection

By: BHS Features Staff

November 12, 2025

Even though Thanksgiving is two weeks from tomorrow, Christmas is quickly approaching, which means a lot of opportunities and fun events are on the way.

Christmas connects people with a special bond filled with joy, happiness, and smiles, so why not come out to the I-X Center for a little Christmas magic? The I-X Center is hosting Cleveland’s Christmas Connection, a shopping and gift sale to start your Christmas season off on the right foot.

Cleveland Christmas Connections is a very big event filled with a bunch of people anticipating this religious holiday. The event will have people selling their products or food in addition to a cookie decorating class for children held by Allie’s Sweet Tooth. Santa Land will also be there for kids to visit Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and the elves. Make sure your children bring their Santa letters, so they can mail them to the North Pole.

With more than 550 exhibitors, Santa Land, Tinseltown Train Area, and an appearance by Karolyn Grimes, the actor who played ZuZu in the holiday classic film It’s a Wonderful Life, you will not want to miss this year’s Cleveland Christmas Connection.

This three-day Christmas gathering will take place on Friday, November 21, from 10:00-7:00. On Saturday (November 22), it is open from 8:00-7:00. On Sunday (November 23), the final day, times will be from 10:00-5:00.

For those who want to be the first to shop, there is early bird shopping on November 21 from 8:00-10:00 with limited tickets available. Online purchasing only, early bird tickets cost $20.00, which includes vendor discounts, a shopping tote, and a first look at product inventory.

Other pricing is as follows:

Adults (at the door): $14.00
Adults (advanced online only): $12.00
Children (ages 12 & under at the door): FREE
Groups/Bus Sales (15 or more): $10.00
Groups (15 to 39 people): One free ticket
Groups (40 or more people): Two free tickets

It is that time of year for reflection, music, and meaningful gifts, so please stop by the I-X Center for Cleveland Christmas Connection and have a blast shopping, making memories, and embracing the Christmas Spirit.

{Information sourced from Cleveland Christmas Connection.}

Early Snow?

By: BHS News Staff

November 11, 2025

The snow could not have waited until turkey break? Geez, Mother Nature is being extremely selfish right now.

Before you get bundled up for what appears to be a long Winter in the making, it is time for the news.

First and most importantly, today is Veterans Day, and it is important to acknowledge the history on why November 11 is such a significant day in history. World War I ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918; therefore, Americans use this day to honor and remember all of the sacrifices made during this deadly war and the wars that followed. Be sure to thank a veteran today because without their sacrifices, we would not be able to enjoy the freedoms that we have today.

Next, seniors this week in Mrs. Holko’s College and Career Success class will participate in mock interviews to prepare for future job interviews and employment opportunities. Be sure to look out for some sharply-dressed seniors and wish them the best of luck in practicing for their futures.

Attention all Fall sports athletes, the Fall Sports Banquet is tonight at 6:45 in the Field House. Please come well-dressed, ready to eat, and to commemorate the first sports season of this school year.

Moving along, the National Art Honor Society (NAHS) will be visiting the Cleveland Museum of Art tomorrow. Museums provide a witness to firsthand skills, emotions, and ideas that artists pour into their work. To attend, make sure that your final forms are filled out before the permission slip deadline. For more information about the field trip, please see Mr. Kaspar.

Next, to all non-Polaris juniors, the Polaris Career Center is offering three senior-level programs for the next school year. They are as follows: Robotics, Certified Nursing Assistant, and Nail Technician. If interested, please email Mrs. Bir for more information.

A final reminder that the Brooklyn High School 50/50 Night at the Cleveland Charge basketball game will take place this Friday, November 14. Tickets for the game will be $10 and raffle tickets will be available at the game, too. We hope to see you there!

Here is the early November calendar:

November 11: Veterans Day & Fall Sports Awards Banquet
November 12: NAHS Cleveland Museum of Art Field Trip
November 14: Cleveland Charge Partnership Basketball Game
November 26-28: Thanksgiving Break

Have a productive and “warm week,” Brooklyn.

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

Senior Spotlight: Youssef Elouardighi

By: BHS Senior Spotlights Staff

November 7, 2025

Chosen for this week’s Senior Spotlight is Youssef Elouardighi. Youssef’s plans after graduation are to either go to Ohio State University or Cleveland State University to pursue a degree in the medical field. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer, working, and hanging out with his friends. A fun fact about Youssef is that he has been to Barcelona, Spain.

Q: How do you manage school and sports?

A: “I try to plan out my week as much as possible, making sure I have time for work and for play in between.”

Q: What is one of your favorite memories out of your entire high school career?

A: “Scoring my first goal in soccer against Clearview. It was a rivalry game.”

Q: Describe your senior year using three adjectives.

A: “Hectic, Fun, Bittersweet.”

Q: What is your favorite thing to do on the weekend?

A: “Work at Five Below.”

Q: If you could live in any movie or TV show, which one would it be?

A: “Alice in Borderland because it would be fun to play in the game.”

Q: Stay in or go out?

A: “Go out because I love spending time with my friends.”

Q: How do you feel about the upcoming Winter?

A: “I have a lot planned, so I will stay active and look into my future during the cold season.”

Q: Out of your entire school career, what teacher has been your biggest inspiration or influence?

A: “Miss Cramer. I spend a lot of time with her. She has taught me a lot.”

Thank you for your time, Youssef. We wish you all the best during the rest of your senior year and beyond as you pursue a medical career.

Tough Year on the Gridiron

By: BHS Sports Staff

November 6, 2025

Sometimes, struggles can lead to gains when hard work, focus, and leadership are implemented at a higher level. This is the hope for the Hurricanes football team going forward after enduring a difficult 2025 season.

Led by head coach Travis Agnew, the young Hurricanes fought hard all season and had some high points, but the lows were difficult to overcome as they finished with a record of 1-9, a lone victory against the Beachwood Bison.

Although the Hurricanes did not accumulate many wins, the record alone does not define their season. Coach Agnew saw some positives.

“We had the opportunity to get a lot of young guys varsity reps, and that experience will translate into success next season. We found out that this team is resilient and will fight for all four quarters, regardless of the outcome.”

Many of the players did an outstanding job throughout the season. Senior captains Justin Lewis, Jonny Treska, and Dominic Pytel were the strong pillars of the team, bringing the team together and serving as role models for the underclassmen, even in difficult moments.

Agnew saw other strong contributions from junior Keylen Kidd and sophomores Bentley Cox and Brennan Muich.

With the returning underclassmen, Agnew hopes to get them in the weight room to improve their strength and to develop their offensive and defensive systems.

The future appears brighter for the Hurricanes football team, and it all depends on the work ethic and team chemistry to see how far they will go next season.

Boys, it is time to put in the work. To be great, there is no offseason.

Moving forward next week, we will be showcasing a former Hurricane athlete who is turning heads in Division I NCAA Women’s Basketball. Stay tuned.

Go Canes!

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

Turkey Trot Time

By: BHS Features Staff

November 5, 2025

Everyone knows that Thanksgiving is coming up, exactly four weeks from tomorrow, and the thought of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie is a soon-to-be reality. However, before all of those calories are consumed, maybe you should consider participating in Cleveland’s annual turkey trot?

Cleveland State University’s Recreation Center and the Viking Public House are teaming up to bring local citizens the Cleveland Turkey Trot yet again, a favorite Thanksgiving morning tradition. Even more popular than a turkey bowl football game? Yes because of the bonding and memories that have been created for over 40 years.

The Cleveland Turkey Trot started in 1982 and has become a family tradition. Over the years, it has grown in popularity with almost 10,000 participants taking part in the race each year. The event is more popular for its downtown race routes and friendly atmosphere. The turkey trot includes a 5-mile run, a 5k run, and a 1-mile fun run that goes past well-known landmarks such as Progressive Field, the West Side Market, and more.

Below includes the itinerary for the morning of November 27, along with the staggered pricing guide.

7:00 – Race day packet pickup inside Public Hall Auditorium
8:45 – Bag check / Dick’s Sporting Goods 1-mile fun walk
9:15 – Special pre-race announcements
9:25 – National Anthem
9:30 – Dick’s Sporting Goods 5-mile and 5k races
11:30 – Public Hall closes

Now, pay close attention to the dates and prices so you know when to register for a cheaper rate.

$35 (October 1–November 23)
$45 (November 24-26)
$50 (November 27)

You are going to eat a lot this Thanksgiving, so you might as well create more room for the deliciousness by participating in this year’s turkey trot.

Run, Run, Gobble, Gobble!

(Information sourced from Cleveland Turkey Trot.)

Falling into November

By: BHS News Staff

November 4, 2025

No school today? Thank you, Election Day!

Before you get too comfortable though, it is time to catch up on what is happening in Hurricanes news.

To start off is attendance and why it matters. Seniors had a class meeting yesterday during their third-period class, and Mr. Larson discussed the usual class expectations, but one of the big points he highlighted was the seniors’ attendance. Fact: Only 55 percent of seniors are arriving to school on time 91 percent of the time. If seniors do not want to take finals in May, they have to be at school on time. Simply, set multiple alarms and prioritize getting to school early. The other grade level meetings addressed attendance and tardies, too.

Today, school board and city elections are happening in the Field House. The ballot box opens at 7:00 a.m. and closes at 7:00 p.m. Make sure you do your civic duty and let your voice be heard through your ballot.

Attention all Fall sports athletes: Your awards banquet form is due to the Athletic Office this Thursday, November 6. Be sure to turn in your form to attend the banquet, which is scheduled for Tuesday, November 11.

Moving forward, this Friday is the First Quarter PBIS Incentive Ice Skating trip. If you received Honor or Merit Roll during the first quarter, you should have turned in your permission slip last week in order to attend. In the morning, freshmen, sophomores, and seniors go together, and later in the day, eighth graders and juniors participate. Ice skating is fun, but do not hurt yourself.

Finally, the Brooklyn City Schools received 100 tickets from the Cleveland Charge to sell to families on November 14 for participation in their 50/50 raffle. Proceeds will be split between each grade level. For the game itself, tickets are $10. We hope that Brooklyn families will come out and support this event on November 14.

Here is the early November calendar:

November 4: Election Day (NO SCHOOL)
November 7: PBIS Ice Skating Field Trip
November 11: Fall Sports Awards Banquet
November 14: Cleveland Charge Partnership Basketball Game

Have a great and productive first week of November, Brooklyn.

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

Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Peppers

*Early Childhood Center Secretary*

By: BHS Staff Profiles

October 31, 2025

Chosen for this week’s Staff Spotlight is Mrs. Mary Peppers. This is currently her third year in the Brooklyn City School District. She is the head building secretary at the Brooklyn Early Childhood Center. Previously, she was the Pupil Services Secretary for two years. Outside of Brooklyn, she has been a secretary in various locations. Some things Mrs. Peppers likes to do in her free time include spending time with family, traveling, cooking and baking, crocheting, and making crafts for people, including Christmas ornaments. A fun fact about her is that she loves fun facts, and she has a chalkboard that she writes on with different fun facts.

Q: What made you choose this career path?

A: “I kind of have my hands in a little bit of everything. I feel like secretaries are sort of the ‘backbone’ of everything. They always know what is going on and help out in every aspect.”

Q: What is your favorite part about working in Brooklyn?

A: “The community. I grew up in Cleveland, so being in Brooklyn sort of feels like a small town to me. I like the fact that I am raising my kids here, and the small-town feel makes it feel refreshing in a way.”

Q: How do you inspire your colleagues?

A: “I always tell people that we spend so much time working and being at work that it should be fun. I try to find little things to keep work fun. I bring in treats for people, and it makes it all a little better.”

Q: If you could change one thing about our school district, what would it be?

A: “If I could change anything, I would honestly have to say to add more snow days!”

Q: What is something from your childhood that has stuck with you?

A: “My parents’ work ethic really inspired me into the person I am today. My parents worked so hard to provide for the family, even when they were stressed, and I view this as a beautiful thing.”

Q: If you could do something over again, what would you do?

A: “When I was young, I had a lot of anxiety. My anxiety got in the way a lot, making me lose opportunities. I would like to go back and tell my younger self that it will be okay, and I do not need to be scared to make decisions or try new things.”

Q: Describe your family.

A: “I have three absolutely wild kids. They can be a bit chaotic, but they are so much fun. I love them.”

Q: How do you plan to celebrate Halloween?

A: “All three of my kids have plans, but I plan to just relax and give out candy to trick-or-treaters.”

Thank you so much for your time, Mrs. Peppers. Have a wonderful year, and Happy Halloween!

Esports is Here

By: BHS Sports Staff

October 30, 2025

As Fall sports have ended and Winter sports are just beginning, there is a new varsity team at Brooklyn High School this year. The new team in town is the Esports squad, led by Mr. Jeff Jones.

Esports is on the rise with high schools and universities across the state of Ohio. Ohio State, Akron, Miami, and Ohio (along with other universities) have all created their own Esports leagues, and this is now seen at the high school level, too.

Even though Esports has been in Brooklyn for a few years, for the first time, the Hurricanes will compete against other schools in games such as Super Smash Bros, Mario Kart, Fortnite, and more.

Mr. Jones has built a full squad that is ready to go, and he is excited about this group.

“Seniors David Beane and Landon Blankenship plus sophomore Gaven McCanelley have been involved for years, looking for the opportunity to compete with Esports Ohio. We also have Kayden Bona, Luis Aponte, and John Hittermann for underclassmen who have regularly been involved and waiting for a chance.”

All of the students are excited to get underway and to be able to have a fun experience that will continue to grow.

Mr. Jones has high expectations for his team this season as he believes they are well-prepared and ready to roll. He feels most confident in their Super Smash Bros skills.

“Getting to the postseason would be a great accomplishment for our inaugural season. We have a strong group of players for Super Smash Bros.”

The Hurricanes will begin their Esports season on November 10, just a few weeks away. Below is their full schedule.

This is a really cool idea for BHS students, and we wish the best of luck to every Esports member in their inaugural season.

Go Canes!

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