THE RETURN OF THE EYE

AP Testing With No Resting

By: BHS News Staff

May 12, 2026

It is already mid-May, which means that the end of this school year is very close. However, no one has crossed the finish line yet, so do not stop now.

First off, AP testing will conclude this Thursday. Yesterday was AP Seminar, today is AP Psychology, and Thursday is AP Spanish. Best of luck to all who will be concluding their Advanced Placement classes.

Moving along, this past Thursday, the Concert Band had their final performance of the year with a thematic presence of America as it is about to celebrate its 250th anniversary in a little over 50 days. The night ended with a piece by Robert W. Smith titled, “The Great Locomotive Chase”. This track is based on the attack of the Western and Atlantic Railroad during the Civil War. A big congratulations to all on a show well-done.

Now, the bulk of this week’s news will be devoted to the Class of 2026.

Prom is next Friday, and with 125 students attending this year, it’s expected to be an exciting event at Windows on the River. Be ready to dress formally, take plenty of pictures, dance the night away, and create lifelong memories. At the conclusion of Prom will be Post Prom, so make sure to get plenty of rest the evening before because Fun ‘n’ Stuff is guaranteed to be an exciting yet exhausting adventure into the early morning hours.

Speaking of seniors, the annual Senior Sunset is coming up, too. This event will be held on May 27 and is hosted by the seniors’ parents. Students will have access to the football field and are invited to play games with their friends. Refreshments will be provided as well. This tradition allows seniors to enjoy time with their friends one last time before their names are called to receive their diplomas on Commencement Friday, May 29.

Here at The Return of the Eye, we would like to congratulate all graduating seniors, specifically our senior journalists. Next week, we will have a proper send-off for our senior writers.

Finally, here is the upcoming schedule for May.

May 18: Senior Awards Ceremony
May 22: Prom
May 22-23: Post Prom
May 27: Chromebook/Charger Return & Cap and Gown Pick-up
May 27: Senior Sunset
May 28: Graduation Practice
May 29: Graduation

Have a great week, Hurricane Nation.

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

Senior Spotlight: Rocco Spiewacki

By: BHS Senior Spotlights Staff

May 11, 2026

Chosen for this week’s Senior Spotlight is Rocco Spiewacki. Rocco is funny, chill, and entertaining. He has been in Brooklyn since pre-school and works part-time at Culver’s. In his free time, he likes to golf and go to the gym. After graduation, he plans to pursue a career in Business Management and eventually own his own restaurant. A fun fact about Rocco is that he has been concussed multiple times.

Q: What is one moment from high school that really stuck with you?

A: “My junior year in Chemistry class. It was a hard class, but there were lots of funny moments.”

Q: What is something you learned in high school that wasn’t taught in a classroom?

A: “How to develop a strong routine.”

Q: In what ways do you wish that you had done things differently in high school?

A: “I wish I focused less on what people thought about me.”

Q: What are you looking forward to the most at the end of the school year?

A: “Graduation so I don’t have to wake up every day at seven in the morning.”

Q: If you could meet anyone in the world right now, who would it be?

A: “It would be ‘Perfect Timing’ to meet Sheduer Sanders.”

Q: Would you rather never be able to play golf again or never be able to cook again?

A: “Never cook again. I can find a new career path.”

Q: If you and Mr. Holko participated in a cage match, would you make it out in one piece?

A: “I got me winning all day!”

{Editor’s Note: Rocco would lose quickly and painfully.}

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

A: “Mrs. Berg. She gave me valuable life advice.”

Thank you for your participation in this week’s Senior Spotlight, Rocco. Good luck with owning your future restaurant, as well as the final weeks of your senior year.

Rapid Fire: Mrs. Armaro

*School Psychologist*

By: BHS Staff Profiles

May 8, 2026

Q: Starbucks or 7brew?

A: “Starbucks.”

Q: Best advice for high school students?

A: “Make sure you’re completing all your work.”

Q: Stairs or elevator?

A: “Stairs.”

Q: Cold mornings or hot mornings?

A: “Warm mornings.”

Q: What is the best way to start your mornings?

A: “Getting a coffee.”

Q: What is your go-to pastime?

A: “Hanging out with my son.”

Q: What is your favorite type of weather?

A: “Fall weather.”

Q: Describe your style in one word.

A: “Comfortable.”

Q: What is your hidden talent?

A: “I don’t have one.” {Editor’s Note: Lame response.}

Q: What is one thing you wish that you enjoyed more?

A: “Staying up late.”

Have a wonderful May weekend, Brooklyn!

Young Bats Making An Impact

By: BHS Sports Staff

May 7, 2026

The hometown Cleveland Guardians sit atop the AL Central with a record of 19-19. Yes, you read correctly that a .500 record is leading the American League Central Division.

Last season, the Guardians’ offense was the second-worst in Major League Baseball, and while they didn’t make any major free agent signings, their internal pieces have come alive to resurrect the offense.

First, rookie sensation Chase DeLauter has sparked the top of the Guardians lineup and filled a major hole in the two-spot. In 32 games, DeLauter is hitting .308 with 6 homers and 23 RBIs. In the first three games of the season, DeLauter hit four home runs, becoming only the second player in MLB history to accomplish this feat.

Cleveland has also heavily-relied on players who have been serviceable for a couple of years, Angel Martinez and Daniel Schneemann. Martinez, a switch hitter, is hitting .270 with 5 home runs and 16 RBIs. Schneemann has come up big, batting .284 with 4 home runs and 14 RBIs. On April 17, in a scoreless game against the Baltimore Orioles in the 7th inning, Schneemann smashed a go-ahead grand slam. Ironically, the Orioles scored six in the 8th inning to win the game.

Another up-and-coming bat for the Tribe is top prospect and 2024 #1 overall pick, Travis Bazzana. Bazzana raked his way through Triple-A Columbus, hitting .287 with 2 bombs and 10 RBIs with a .933 OPS. He has shown great discipline at the plate and hard contact in the zone in 23 major league at bats.

The other bats are still waiting to come around like Steven Kwan, Kyle Manzardo, and Bo Naylor. All-Star third baseman Jose Ramirez is also struggling a tad, too. A catching prospect to keep an eye on if Naylor can’t find his groove is Cooper Ingle, who is tearing it up in Triple-A Columbus.

On the pitching side, the Guardians rotation has shown signs of promise with rookie Parker Messick leading the way with a 2.40 ERA and Gavin Williams having another nice season with a 3.28 ERA. The bullpen, which is supposed to be a strength, has struggled with a 4.16 ERA.

The young bats have been the story to this point, but can the rest of the Cleveland lineup start hitting and make this offense consistently watchable?

To stay updated with the Guards, click on the Cleveland Guardians website.

It’s going to be a great Summer for baseball, so come on down to the corner of Carnegie and Ontario to enjoy many ballgames.

Go Tribe!

Here is the upcoming schedule for Brooklyn Hurricanes Athletics.

May 7: Softball vs. Garrett Morgan – SENIOR NIGHT (5:00)
May 7: Baseball vs. Medina Christian Academy (5:00)
May 8: Baseball vs. Oberlin (5:00)
May 11: Softball @ Bedford (5:00)
May 12: Baseball @ Clearview (5:00)
May 12: Softball vs. Independence (4:30)
May 13: Baseball vs. Cleveland Heights – SENIOR NIGHT (5:00)
May 14: Baseball vs. Rhodes (4:30)

Go Canes!

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

The Mandalorian and Grogu

By: BHS Features Staff

May 6, 2026

First, the King of Pop. Now, the Galaxy.

Most people last Monday were greeting others with the common phrase, “May the Fourth be with you.” Therefore, is it safe to assume that many people are Star Wars fans? If you are, keep reading as a new adventure will be on the big screen in a little more than two weeks.

The new release of The Mandalorian and Grogu will bring you along for the ride and adventure that Din Djarin and his apprentice Grogu have by hunting down imperial remnants for the New Republic, attempting to stabilize the Galaxy.

The Mandalorian is a Star Wars live-action series, and in the upcoming movie, Din Djarin and Grogu are the central duo. Following their journey as a Mandalorian bounty hunter and his Force-sensitive apprentice, the upcoming film depicts the pair tracking missions together, following the fall of the Empire.

With this series being five years after the Return of the Jedi, there is a high likelihood of the new movie showing characters that are very well-known in the Star Wars franchise known as Luke Skywalker, Ahsoka Tano, veteran warrior Bo-Katan Kryze, Boba Fett, and everyone’s favorite, R2-D2.

If you are not familiar with the Mandalorian franchise, the entire series is available on Disney+ and Hulu, and it covers all three seasons, including any other Star Wars movies that you might be interested in.

Want to learn more about this historic and epic franchise and how Din Djarin and Grogu join together to take down the imperial warlords? The Mandalorian and Grogu will be in theaters beginning on May 22.

Happy viewing!

(Information sourced from Rotten Tomatoes.)

Teacher Appreciation Week

By: BHS News Staff

May 5, 2026

With May showers already apparent in the Brooklyn community, seniors are down to 13 maximum days until this chapter closes and the next one opens. The week of May 18, The Return of the Eye will highlight all eight senior journalists and send them off with a proper salute.

Now, onto this week’s news.

First, this week is Teacher Appreciation Week, and the BHS staff will be spoiled all week by receiving gifts, food, and letters of gratitude. Remember, we wouldn’t be here without them. Their guidance has led us to the end of the year, so please make it a point to give them some positive words throughout the week.

Regarding the Class of 2026, the annual senior awards ceremony will take place on Monday, May 18. Starting the event, the Honors inductions will be at 6:00 and will include inducting students into the National Art Honor Society, the National Spanish Honor Society, the National Chinese Honor Society, the National Honor Society, as well as the International Thespian Society. Then afterwards, the second part of the program will reveal the winners for all of the local scholarships, academic awards, and Honor/Merit Roll achievements.

Speaking of seniors, any seniors who do not have Mr. Holko for English IV can learn more about graduation requirements this Friday (May 8) by visiting his room (262) during periods 2, 3, and 5. Mr. Ross and Mrs. Bir will be highlighting important due dates and other important information. Please plan on attending one of these sessions.

Moving along, it is time to talk about prom since it will take place on Friday, May 22. Senior Class and Prom Advisor Mrs. Holko is excited about how prom is coming together.

“Leading the prom committee is fun to hear all the ideas, but it can be stressful trying to put all the ideas together. What’s unique about this prom experience is that participants will be going through the Greater Cleveland Aquarium, and appetizers will be served in the aquarium on the way to the ballroom.”

This year’s prom at Windows on the River sounds very exciting, and we cannot wait to be a part of it, building lifelong memories. A big thank you to Mrs. Holko and the group of senior prom committee members.

Finally, here is the calendar for May.

May 4-8: Teacher Appreciation Week
May 7: Spring Concert
May 18: Senior Awards Ceremony
May 22: Prom
May 22-23: Post Prom
May 29: Graduation

Have an amazing first week of May, fellow Hurricanes. Enjoy the sunshine (hopefully).

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

Senior Spotlight: Samadhi Holton

By: BHS Senior Spotlights Staff

May 4, 2026

This week’s Senior Spotlight is Samadhi Holton. Samadhi is interesting, outgoing, and creative. She has been in Brooklyn for 12 years. In her free time, she likes to relax and eat. After graduation, she plans to attend Cuyahoga Community College for Veterinary Medicine and then attend Kent State University for Zoology. A fun fact about Samadhi is that she is double-jointed.

Q: How have your plans changed since the beginning of the year?

A: “I didn’t really know what I wanted to do, but now, I do. I knew I wanted to do something with animals, but I wasn’t set in stone on what exactly I wanted.”

Q: What made you decide to attend Tri-C and then Kent State University?

A: “I already have roughly half of my schooling done, and I can just stay at home for a little while before I go and live on campus.”

Q: If you could retake any class, what would it be?

A: “Probably Spanish and take it more seriously.”

Q: What has been your favorite senior activity so far?

A: “Participating in the Meet the Court assembly for Homecoming.”

Q: What is your dream school?

A: “Ohio State University.”

Q: What makes BHS different from other schools?

A: “It is very small and not crowded. You know everyone who goes here, and it is easy to talk to people and make new friends.”

Q: If you were in charge of Prom, what theme would you pick?

A: “If I got to pick a theme for Prom, I would make it ‘Night in Rio’.”

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

A: “Mr. Holko. He pushes everyone to keep going and to not give up. He tells it how it is, and he doesn’t do any sugar-coating.”

Thank you for your participation in this week’s Senior Spotlight, Samadhi. Good luck in your future career in Veterinary Medicine and Zoology.

Rapid Fire: Mr. Grigson

*ELA Teacher*

By: BHS Staff Profiles

May 1, 2026

Q: What is one scent that you love?

A: “Vanilla.”

Q: Overhead lights or ambient lighting?

A: “Ambient.”

Q: Weirdest food you like?

A: “Raw Onions.”

Q: Would you rather be an insect or a rodent?

A: “Rodent, better chance to live.”

Q: Breakfast for dinner or dinner for breakfast?

A: “Breakfast for dinner.”

Q: What is one sport you wish that you could play professionally?

A: “Baseball.”

Q: Would you rather be able to play an instrument or be able to sing well?

A: “Sing well.”

Q: Do you wish you could speak another language?

A: “Yes, Greek.”

Q: Are emotions or facts more important in an argument?

A: “Facts.”

Q: Do you wish Summer break was sooner this year?

A: “I think it’s at the right time.”

Have a wonderful first weekend of May, Brooklyn!

Super Bowl, Super Browns

By: BHS Sports Staff

April 30, 2026

NFL experts said that last year’s Cleveland Browns draft class was very successful, and it seems like General Manager Andrew Berry cooked this year as well.

The 2025 class was highlighted by #5 pick Mason Graham, two second-round picks in linebacker Carson Schwesinger and running back Quinshon Judkins, and two quarterbacks in the later rounds, Dillion Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.

The Browns were scheduled to pick at #6 this year, but they traded down to #9 with the Kansas City Chiefs. Cleveland still got the guy they wanted with offensive tackle Spencer Fano out of The University of Utah.

The Browns still had another pick in the first round at #24, and with one offensive need already addressed, they went with another offensive need, selecting wide receiver KC Concepcion out of Texas A&M.

With two offensive needs filled after day one of the draft, the Browns set themselves up for a successful draft in back-to-back years.

On day two, the Browns made multiple trades to acquire later picks and ended up picking in the second round at #39 and the third round at #58 and #86. With their second round pick, they went wide receiver again and selected Denzel Boston out of The University of Washington.

At pick #58, Cleveland stayed in the state of Ohio and selected Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, a safety from The University of Toledo. McNeil-Warren was a projected late first-round pick and ended up falling right into the Browns’ laps. With the 89th pick, the Browns selected another offensive lineman out of Florida, Austin Barber.

On day three, the Browns selected two Alabama Crimson Tide players with their first two picks of the day, center Parker Brailsford and linebacker Justin Jefferson. After selecting a tight end out of Cincinnati, the Browns decided to bolster their QB room by selecting Taylen Green out of Arkansas.

With their final pick of the 2026 draft, Cleveland selected yet another tight end, Carsen Ryan from BYU.

Do you think Andrew Berry cooked again in this draft? We sure do as the Brown and Orange addressed offensive areas of need with day one starters and depth. Let us know what you think in the Leave a Comment section below.

To keep up with the Cleveland Browns, click here.

Go Browns!

Regarding Brooklyn athletics, here is the upcoming schedule for the Hurricanes.

April 30: Baseball @ Bedford (4:30)
May 1: Softball vs. Bedford (5:00)
May 2: Baseball @ Harvey (11:00)
May 4: Baseball vs. Independence (4:30)
May 4: Softball @ Kirtland (5:00)
May 5: Baseball @ Independence (4:30)

Go Canes!

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

The King of Pop

By: BHS Features Staff

April 29, 2026

Who do you think of when you hear the title King of Pop? Simple, it can only be Michael Jackson.

Known as the King of Pop, Michael Joseph Jackson was a best-selling American singer, dancer, songwriter, and philanthropist. He is considered to be one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century. He influenced generations of artists with his blend of Pop, Rock, and R&B. Jackson’s music videos for “Beat it,” “Billie Jean,” and “Thriller” were groundbreaking and became MTV staples in the 1980s and are still frequently viewed today.

As a child, Jackson became the lead singer of his family’s popular Motown group, The Jackson 5. He began his professional singing career at the age of five by joining his brothers’ group as a backup musician before emerging as the lead vocalist. Later on after the group began succeeding, Jackson began his solo career while still performing with The Jackson 5. From here, off-the-charts his career went.

Michael Jackson was incredibly successful and is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time.

So, why did we just provide you with background information on the King of Pop? The movie Michael was just released on April 24 and is currently in theaters nationwide.

If you are a Jackson enthusiast or do not know much about him and his life, buy a ticket to see why Micheal Jackson was nicknamed the King of Pop, along with seeing his many accomplishments and everything that he had to persevere through.

Happy viewing!

(Information sourced from Rotten Tomatoes.)

Art Articulation

By: BHS News Staff

April 28, 2026

One more week of April. Hooray!

Not only are OSTs wrapping up this week, AP exams are coming up faster than you think. Once again, prepare accordingly, do your best, and finish strong. You got this.

Now, onto the news. This past Friday, An Evening With was held at the Early Childhood Center. It consisted of many great swing and Latin tunes from the Brooklyn Jazz Ensemble. Prior to those big band charts, the Brooklyn Chorale performed. The Singing Storm was split into two groups for the evening, and songs by The Four Tops, The Ronettes, and more were sung beautifully on this night of musical splendor. The Jazz Ensemble followed the singing with their own brilliant performance. A job well-done to all who performed.

Moving along, National Art Honor Society President Riley Cummings created five pieces of art titled Trouble Cleft, Overworked, Unobtainable, Meaningness Wellness, and Director’s Note. Her most revered piece was Overworked, showing her exhaustion throughout high school. She accomplished this with her multi-layering technique, sitting at a lunch table with a gloom all around her. The frame of the photo, however, is glimmering. The inspiration behind this piece was inspired by her exhaustion throughout her life, one which she wanted to express. She wanted to pinpoint what was making her feel this way in a metaphorical way and often being overwhelmed by everything in life. Great job, Riley.

Next, the Student Council is preparing for Teacher Appreciation Week. Next week (May 4-8), students will honor teachers for their hard work and dedication to BHS students. Thank you teachers for all that you do.

Finally, the PBIS field trips are coming up soon. Every student who won Student of the Month is going on a field trip to Swings ‘N’ Things. Additionally, Honor and Merit Roll students, earned from the third quarter, will be having a picnic. The picnic will be held at the stadium this year. Dates for both events will be coming soon.

Good times are upon us with many great activities to come. And who can forget that Summer is quickly-approaching, too? Finish strong, BHS!

Here is the calendar for late April and May.

April 28: Polaris Career Fair
May 4-8: Teacher Appreciation Week
May 7: Spring Concert
May 22: Prom
May 22-23: Post Prom
May 29: Graduation

Have an amazing final week of April, Hurricanes!

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

Senior Spotlight: Elias DeLeon

By: BHS Senior Spotlights Staff

April 27, 2026

Chosen for this week’s Senior Spotlight is Elias DeLeon. Elias is chill, hardworking, and intricate. He has been in Brooklyn since preschool and works part-time at Sam’s Club. In his free time, he likes to hang out with his friends and play soccer. After graduation, he plans to pursue a career in HVAC. A fun fact about Elias is that he has visited four different countries.

Q: How has Polaris affected your junior and senior years?

A: “Polaris has given me good work experience.”

Q: What made you choose the HVAC field?

A: “My grandfather has been doing HVAC for a while now, which made me want to get into it.”

Q: What made your senior year different from your first year of high school?

A: “This year was way easier.”

Q: Give your best piece of advice to incoming freshmen.

A: “Get everything done early in high school.”

Q: What is the latest time that you have gone to sleep on a school night?

A: “Three o’clock in the morning.”

Q: If you had to describe your high school career using one song, what would it be?

A: “Probably ‘DtMF’ by Bad Bunny.”

Q: If you could make your own holiday, what would it be called?

A: “Chemistry Day so that Mr. Roegiers can be happy.”

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

A: “Mrs. Berg. She gave good advice on college and future plans.”

Thank you for your participation in this week’s Senior Spotlight, Elias. Good luck in your future HVAC career as well as the final month of your senior year.