Chosen for this week’s second senior spotlight is Dylan Smith. Dylan is energetic, humorous, and athletic. Throughout all four years of high school, Dylan has kept himself busy in the Fall with football and wrestling in the Winter.
Q: What are your plans after high school?
A: “My plan is to attend Cleveland State University for four years and to major in Business.”
Q: What is something that every high school student should do during their senior year?
A: “I think it’s important to spend time with your classmates, especially with this probably being the last time we will all see each other.”
Q: Who is your hero?
A: “LeBron Raymone James because he is just a kid from Akron who brought us (The Cavs) our first championship. He is the G.O.A.T.”
{Editor’s Note: False, the G.O.A.T. is Michael Jordan!}
Q: What is your funniest memory of high school?
A: “I don’t know if there’s only one specific memory but probably some film sessions after football games.”
Q: What impact did the global COVID-19 pandemic have on your high school experience?
A: “COVID-19 forced us to go online, which caused my grades to drop.”
Q: What is the most difficult decision you have had to make?
A: “The most difficult decision was probably on Madden, whether I should punt on 4th down or go for it.” 😂
Q: What are ways that you have changed since your freshman year?
A: “I would say I have improved my grades and most importantly, matured.”
Q: What are the most important characteristics for CSU?
A: “It’s important for CSU to be filled with events and other things to do, other than just school.”
Q: Describe senioritis.
A: “When you hit senior year and you get accepted to college, you just don’t care about high school or sports anymore.”
Q: Out of your entire school career, what teacher has been the biggest inspiration and/or influence to you?
A: “Mr. Holko because he has helped me the most with his college classes and the advice he has given me.”
Dylan, we hope you finish off your senior year strong, and we wish you the very best at Cleveland State University and beyond. Go Vikings!
Chosen for this week’s first senior spotlight is Alice Pham. Alice is intelligent, hardworking, and outgoing. Alice has spent her four years of high school playing basketball and soccer, along with three years of track and field. She also attends the Polaris Career Center for Construction Trades.
Q: What are your plans after high school?
A: “My plans after high school will be to enlist in the Navy and pursue my education through there. I chose this path because I can do multiple things like gaining experience and earning a degree. Hopefully, I’m able to start an engineering firm sometime in the next 20 years.”
Q: When you look back on your senior year, what will you remember most?
A: “I think I’ll remember my friends, teachers, and my experience playing sports. I’ll always remember my friends for the endless experiences I had with them. I’ll remember the impact my teachers had on me, whether I enjoyed their classes or not. My experience playing sports will be a forefront since it’s what I dedicated myself to in my free time. It taught me to respond in tense situations.”
Q: What advice would you give your freshman self?
A: “I like to think that I would tell my freshman self that you shouldn’t care what people say, don’t let people’s opinions hold you back, and choose what’s right for you, not what others think is right. This realization that people’s opinions didn’t matter all along had a huge effect on how I carried myself from junior year to now.”
Q: How do you manage your time with school, work, and sports?
A: “I didn’t manage anything because it was more of a sacrifice I made doing all of these things at once. Sports and work were voluntary commitments I made when I started; they had priority over schoolwork, sometimes. I was lucky enough to not have to work until senior year when I really had no classes. But, it was my mentality to push through all the stress of schoolwork because I loved doing sports. Those late night games meant I had to stay up late and work on assignments the day they were due.”
Q: What impact did the global COVID-19 pandemic have on your high school experience?
A: “COVID-19 had a major impact on my attention span and my inability to focus during class. It was worse when I contracted the virus. It changed my work ethic and the way I did school for my sophomore year. But, I had my support system to get me through it, making it feel like the pandemic didn’t hold me back too much.”
Q: If you could spend a whole day with any celebrity, who would it be and what would you do with them?
A: “If I could spend a day with one celebrity, it would definitely be Stephen Curry. He was the reason I had gotten into basketball, and his story is so amazing as well. I would golf with him, as it is his second sport, which he didn’t go pro in. I would ask him lots of questions like, ‘How did you overcome the major injuries and make a comeback to build an amazing legacy?’ Or, ‘What was it like being doubted, and how did it feel overcoming those doubts?’ Questions that he answered to get where he is today and questions that could help me carve a path like his, successful and a lasting legacy through charity works and foundations.”
Q: Describe your scariest encounter.
A: “Definitely the scariest encounter was when I had contracted COVID from a certain uneducated person on the safety of spreading the virus. It felt like death was taking over my body from head to toe. I was in an all-time-high stressful state. I missed serious schoolwork and was on the verge of failing classes. I felt so guilty then for also spreading it to my friend because I was unaware I was exposed to the virus. Definitely one of the top three worst moments of my life.”
Q: Of which of your accomplishments are you most proud?
A: “Of all my accomplishments, I’m very proud to have been a part of the Cleveland Clinic as part of my internship. They shaped me into becoming more social and more aware of people, other than myself. I befriended people who were different in terms of age and professions. There, I was really able to gather information about what were my options after high school since I was at a standstill. I will always remember being there, even on my bad days. My coworkers and the people around me made sure I left with a smile.”
Q: Describe senioritis.
A: “Senioritis for me is the need or feeling to be done, to be excited for leaving high school, and moving towards the next chapter of my life. I don’t want to be stuck doing homework and tests. I want to stay home, work more, and start preparing for what’s next, whether the next is more school, vacation, or just going to work.”
Q: Out of your entire school career, what teacher has been the biggest inspiration and/or influence to you?
A: “My biggest influences were easily my construction teacher, Mr. Busser and my English teacher, Mrs. Sullivan. Mr. Busser had given access to many amazing opportunities like my Summer internship and my current one with Lakeside Supply. He helped me make important decisions on my future after school, he was always there to help, and he made the class not feel like your typical class. Mrs. Sullivan was the same way; she wasn’t the typical teacher. She was someone who cared, and she gave us leniency on work that was past due in case we had an emergency. For her, it wasn’t grades but learning in an inclusive and engaging environment. These types of teachers and their actions teach you to slow down and to not stress over the little things in life.”
Thank you for your time, Alice. Have a great rest of your senior year, and good luck with your future in the Navy and in engineering.
The Little Mermaid is finally here! We dedicate the beginning of this article to the continuous efforts of the cast for this year’s production.
The upcoming production is filled with Disney magic and a lot of singing, dancing, and entertainment. This musical would not be possible without those involved in these productions since they were underclassmen. Today, we honor some of the seniors who will be performing one last time on the stage that Elvis Presley built.
Senior cast members Amber Rice (Ariel), Nasan Bruce (King Triton), Rebecca Fagiani (Scuttle), and Desiree Gailes (Ursula) share their thoughts on this year’s musical, along with other memories and advice.
*Amber Rice: Ariel
Favorite memory – The feeling of getting the role!
Exciting part of playing your role – Being able to really become the character and have fun with it.
What the audience should look for – All of the colorful and exciting costumes and sets.
Advice for the next theater generation – Stay focused, put your all into the play, and cherish the memories and the people around you because eventually, it will be your last year.
*Nasan Bruce: King Triton
Favorite memory – Playing Mr. Wormwood in the production of Matilda two years ago.
Exciting part of playing your role – Getting to act with my huge trident and the other cool props.
What the audience should look for – My deep voice and the random yelling!
Advice for the next theater generation – Don’t let your nerves get the best of you.
*Rebecca Fagiani: Scuttle
Favorite memory – Last year’s musical was definitely the best and also all the fun times in the dressing room singing songs, laughing, and just getting to become good friends with everyone else.
Exciting part of playing your role – Definitely my costume this year! It is very funny looking. I also love how loud and obnoxious my character is.
What the audience should look for – The Crew did an amazing job designing everything this year, so definitely pay attention to the background sets and props. I think they’re really amazing.
Advice for the next theater generation – Do not be afraid to get out there! Have confidence in yourself and really get into character when you perform. Do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
*Desiree Gailes: Ursula
Favorite memory – Opening night of Sister Act last year.
Exciting part of playing your role – I love that I can be mean, and the costume is also really fun as well.
What the audience should look for – Lookout for the cool set and props. as well as the song “Poor Unfortunate Souls”.
Advice for the next theater generation – Don’t miss out on doing shows because you don’t know what they are about.
Congratulations to all of the cast of TheLittle Mermaid for their tireless efforts. We encourage everyone to see the full show this week on March 14-16 for $10 a ticket.
Good luck to our senior cast, crew, and pit members in their final show. Break many legs!
In other news, juniors and seniors, Prom deposits are due by March 22 to Mrs. Holko. Here is an update on the available times to drop off your Malley’s money and deposits:
TODAY: All day at the beginning or end of class period times or anytime during I.C.E. Block
Wednesday: 1:45-3:15
Thursday: NOT AVAILABLE
Friday: 12:00-3:00
Please adhere to these specific times, and remember, DO NOT give your money to a substitute or any other teacher!
Lastly, if you are a senior who would like to complete any of the local seals including the Community Service Seal, Fine/Performing Arts Seal, or Student Engagement Seal, you need to complete the google form below by May 1. If you have any questions or need descriptions for seals, please see Mrs. Bir.
Chosen for this week’s Staff Spotlight is Mrs. Emily Wendling. This is currently her third year teaching in the Brooklyn City School District. Right out of college, she was a substitute teacher in Medina, Cuyahoga, and Stark Counties. As for her first teaching job, she worked at a behavior school in Lorain. She then taught at a charter school in Parma for four years before coming to Brooklyn. In her free time, she enjoys reading fantasy novels, playing with her dog and four cats, completing puzzle games with her family, and renovating her house with her husband. She is also trying to travel more. One fun fact about Mrs. Wendling is that she grew up in Illinois and did not move to Ohio until she was an adult.
Q: What strategies do you use to create a positive learning environment in the classroom?
A: “I like to start the year by getting to know each of my students and building that connection with them. Throughout the year, I continue to build a rapport with my students. I then try to incorporate their interests into my lessons and classroom.”
Q: How do you ensure that all students are engaged and participating in class activities?
A: “I am a very hands-on teacher. I work hard to build a relationship with all of my students, so they can feel comfortable asking for help as well as participating in class. I enjoy letting students have time to collaborate, which then allows me to see how my students both interact with their classmates along with the material.”
Q: What is your favorite part about teaching?
A: “I enjoy seeing my students grow into individuals as well as seeing them be able to grasp concepts they previously struggled with.”
Q: What do you think is the most important skill for a fourth-grade student to learn?
A: “I feel the one skill that will help my fourth graders be successful in life is knowing that it is okay to ask for help and that making a mistake is part of learning. It is all about how to be in a situation and what to take from that situation.”
Q: What gets you up in the morning?
A: “My adorable fur babies and their excitement in the morning, along with a nice cup of coffee.”
Q: Who inspires you?
A: “My mom inspires me. She is the most nurturing woman I know. She loves her family more than anything. She has always been there for my brothers and me throughout all of our struggles in life. She has shown me through her relationship with her mother how no matter what, that bond of a mother and a child is always there. I hope to be as wonderful of a mother as she is one day. Besides being there for others, my mom is a very wise and creative person. She is always there to talk as well as listen. She is full of ideas and loves to share them to make life better. She shows me every day how to look at life positively and grow from my experiences. I love my mom, and she is my hero.”
Q: Do you have a favorite memory?
A: “I have recently gotten married, and my wedding day was one of the best memories of my life, thus far. I got to marry my best friend, surrounded by all the people who I love.”
Q: Are you a coffee or tea person?
A: “I enjoy both, but I like to start my day with coffee (with a lot of creamer), and I like to have tea later in the day.”
Mrs. Wendling, thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. We wish you all of the best throughout the rest of this school year. Congratulations on your recent marriage, too.
After grueling months of blood, sweat, and tears, the Winter sports seasons have come to an end with a lot of team and individual accomplishments. Now, it is time to recap how each team’s season unfolded.
Boys Basketball
First up, the boys basketball team finished with a record of 14-9. They had two impressive winning streaks this season of five games or more. One huge highlight from this season was a Jaiden Ramos three-point buzzer-beater to defeat Trinity on the road. Another highlight was a season-sweep of the Cuyahoga Heights Red Wolves. Unfortunately, their season came to an end with a 61-56 loss to Independence in the sectional semi-finals. Key returners next season include Devin Hardwick, Tyler Cox, Aiden Starr, and Muhammad Manigat. Great season, boys!
Girls Basketball
Next up is the girls basketball team that tallied an overall record of 5-18. New head coach Bryce Brown and his team picked up an early season victory against Garrett Morgan and also picked up four more wins against Lawrence Upper, Beachwood, Medina Christian Academy, and Lincoln West.
But, it was senior Ashlyn Dyson (a future Marietta Pioneer) who stood out for this team with many accomplishments. She recorded her 1000th point, a 4-time CVC Athlete of the Week, fifth in Northeast Ohio averaging 22.4 points per game, Second Team All-District, CVC First Team, CVC All-Star, and a record holder for most points in a single game. She broke the record, not once but twice. The previous record was held by current freshman standout Shariah Gailes, who is currently playing Division II college basketball at The University of Illinois Springfield.
Congratulations, Ashlyn!
Coach Brown is excited for what’s to come in the offseason and for next season.
“I’m looking forward to getting incoming players into the gym this Summer. I’m excited for the incoming freshman who will be the heart and soul of this program for the next four years. I want to hit the ground running next season, so any girls interested in playing next year, let’s put in the work all offseason.”
Hockey
The hockey team ended their season with a 1-19 record. They got their first victory in four seasons defeating Cleveland Heights, 2-1. It was a very energetic game, and it was a well-deserved win for the Hurricanes. Juniors Jeffery Helmick and Phillip Banaszak both scored goals that helped the Hurricanes earn the victory. Sophomore Rocco Spiewacki and Banaszak both were named Second Team and Honorable Mention for the GCHSHL Blue All-League. Key players to look out for next season include Jadyn DeLuca, Spiewacki, Banaszak and Nick Supinski.
Bowling
The varsity bowling team finished with a record of 4-7, and the JV team tallied a record of 2-9. The varsity finished in fifth place in the CVC Tournament and tenth place at the OHSAA Sectionals.
But the real leader for the team was sophomore Adam Cowper. He achieved many things this season such as a Second Team GCIBL All-Star, First Team All-CVC, Division II Sectional Champion, Division II District Runner-Up, and 2024 OHSAA Division II State Qualifier with a Seventh Place Finish, earning him Second Team All-Ohio.
Congratulations, Adam!
Coach Steven Prusak is happy with how this season went and is excited for next season.
“Adam did really great this season. Also, for still being a new sport team, the team has improved a lot. JV did well and plans on moving up to varsity next year. During the sectionals, three of our bowlers Masen, Ryan, and Adam bowled a score of 1559 for three games. In the offseason, I hope the word gets out to more girls. We would like to get a girls varsity team built. Plus, I would also like to build up the JV team.”
Wrestling
Finally, our Winter sports recap ends with wrestling. Starting off with senior Dylan Smith who finished in second place at the Maple Heights Holiday Tournament. Also, Angela Ameres finished in first place in the OHSAA District Girls Wrestling Tournament. She became a 2024 Regional Qualifier.
Congrats, Dylan and Angela!
Congratulations to all of the Winter Sports teams and athletes on good seasons. Your hard work paid off, and you represented Hurricane Nation in fine-fashion.
March is Women’s History Month, and it is important to celebrate and honor all of the women who have gone through their personal struggles and sacrifices to make this world a better place.
In years past, the Features Staff selected certain female role models (nationally-known) by acknowledging their contributions to society. For this year, however, we decided to highlight the strong women in our lives, including a section from Mr. Holko.
*Angelina honors her mom, Milagros Santana.
“My mother is one of the strongest people I know. She has become someone I look up to because of what she has been through. The reason why she is one of the strongest people I know is because she has dealt with abuse and messed up relationships, but my mother was able to grow from her mess-ups and traumas to raise me the best she could. Yes, she wasn’t the perfect parent, but at the same time to me, she is the best person for me. No matter what she is dealing with, she is still able to wake up in the morning with a smile on her face and work to make sure we are in a good place. She has taught me to use my own mess-ups and traumas as fuel to grow and become stronger. She is someone I look up to as a hero. She still manages to be the best mother anyone can ask for. For that, I love my mother, and I love the person I’m becoming because of what I have learned from her.”
*Chloe R. honors her mom, Crystal Williams.
“My mom has been through many things in the last few years, and I would like to show her how much I appreciate her. She has been through many doctor appointments such as eight total chemotherapy appointments, which would be every other week. Then, she would have to go through radiation for four weeks, Monday through Friday. She was already at high risk of getting sick because she basically had the immune system of a child, so it didn’t help that it was during Covid; this was just a scary experience, all around. This took a big toll on me because I was scared of losing her, and I don’t quite know what I would do if I would’ve lost her. It was just a lot to handle because I was doing school online. I was barely up for my classes, and if I was, I would eventually go back to sleep, so my grades really weren’t the best. I really think going through that really made me realize how bad I was doing in school, and that’s not like myself. Before that, I usually passed with A’s, B’s, and C’s, most of the time. She always mentioned my missing assignments over and over again for me to even do them. Now, she doesn’t even check ProgressBook everyday like she used to. I am now doing better than ever with straight A’s, while closing out the third marking period. My mom has been cancer-free ever since, but she still has some side effects from the chemo and radiation. I help more around the house because I know when she comes home from work, she’s already tired and has to cook for us, so I always make sure the dishes are clean and put away just how they are supposed to be. She has done so much for me and our family, so this is my way of saying Thank You!”
*Bella honors her grandma, Joyce Akiyoshi.
“My grandma is one of the biggest role models in my life, and I look up to her everyday. She has gone through a lot in her life to make her the strong woman she is today. Not only have her struggles made her incredible, but also, her kind heart defines her, too. Although we don’t see each other often, some things we enjoy doing together are getting coffee, going on walks, and shopping. My grandma inspires me to be a better person everyday; she has always put others first because that is just the kind soul she is. She always knows how to put a smile on my face and brighten my day. I cherish every moment spent with her knowing it’s not often we get to see each other. She is very important to me. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t even be close to the person I am today. I do everything for her and always try to make her proud.”
*Chloe P. honors her mom, Stephanie Pawul.
“My mother is the one person I have looked up to my entire life. Growing up, my mom had a harder life, and she made sure that her kids never had to live the life she had to. She has always made me and my brother her first priority and has always done everything in her power to make us happy. Despite all of the personal battles my mom faces, she never lets it reflect onto me or anyone else around her. My mother has been my biggest inspiration throughout my entire life, and I would not be where I am today mentally without her. My mother has taught me so many different life lessons throughout my life, even if they were things I didn’t want to learn. My mom has always been a shoulder to lean on for me, and she has never judged me or made my feelings go invalidated. My mom has been by my side through the good, the bad, and the in-between, and I appreciate her more than words could ever explain.”
*Mr. Holko honors his mom and his wife.
“My mom is the definition of what a true mom is: Loving, kind, selfless, and others-centered. Throughout my life, I could and can always count on her for love, support, and guidance. She was a teacher, a stay-at-home mom, and my biggest fan. She has taught me how to work hard for what I want, to focus on the positives, and to take care of my family. I inherited a stubborn gene from her, but what I have learned over the years is that stubborn people are rarely taken advantage of, and this is true for my entire family. I love my mom so much, and I thank God that I am fortunate and blessed to call her Mom.”
“Another woman in my life who has meant the world to me is my wife. Meeting her for the first time at Baldwin Wallace College (now University) in 1999, there was something about her that I latched onto. Her smile, laugh, and personality are contagious. I knew that I wanted her to one day become my wife. Fast forward to 2005, we both said ‘I do!’ and the rest is history. Approaching 19 years of marriage and raising a wonderful, energetic, and athletic little boy, I love this life that we live. Simply, she is a saint to put up with all of my shenanigans, but she has no idea the impact that she has had in my life. Once again, I am blessed to call her my wife and the mother of my son.”
Without all of these women in our lives, we would not be who we are today. They all mean the world to us, and we are so thankful for them.
To all of you mentioned above and to all of our women subscribers, Happy Women’s Month!
Welcome to a new month, Brooklyn. It is hard to believe that this school year will conclude in less than three months. Time flies when you are having fun, right?
Speaking of fun, senior pit crew member Zach Messeri is excited and ready for next week’s performance of The Little Mermaid.
In his final year with the pit band, Messeri is happy to spend the last few moments waiting for next week’s show to commence.
“This musical is exciting because it feels fresh and modern. There is a lot of hype around The Little Mermaid. My favorite memory of being a part of the pit is the feeling of opening night! Also, ‘Under the Sea’ is a fun number, which will be most exciting for the audience.”
Zach, good luck next week. You also need to break a leg!
Speaking of the musical, it’s showtime! Come out and support Brooklyn High School’s Drama Club for their annual Spring Musical. The Little Mermaid will be performed on Thursday, March 14 at 7:00, Friday, March 15 at 7:00, and Saturday, March 16 at 2:00 and 7:00. Tickets are $10 at the door.
For younger grades, come attend Ariel’s “Under the Sea” Tea Party. Have the best time making crafts, getting a Tea Party shirt, and most importantly, meet the cast. Ariel, Ursula, Flounder, Sebastian, and Scuttle will all be there to take pictures. The Tea Party cost is $25 and includes one ticket to the 2:00 Saturday show.
Last Thursday, we had an assembly with guest speaker Art Gelbart from the Kol Israel Foundation. Mr. Gelbart came to BHS to educate students about his experience as a Holocaust survivor in Poland when he was just 10-years-old. Detailing his life experiences and immigration to Cleveland, students were able to speak with a survivor and understand why it is important to continue to educate against antisemitism. Brooklyn students and staff were honored to be able to have Mr. Gelbart share his story.
For a full Cleveland Plain Dealer article on Mr. Gelbart’s presentation, click here.
Moving forward, Student Council is organizing another Blood Drive this Friday, March 8. Remember that you must be at least 16-years-old to sign up. Those under the age of 18 MUST have a parental permission slip. If there are any questions, see Mrs. Bader.
Reminder to all SENIORS and JUNIORS, Malley’s fundraiser money is due on March 22. If you would like more boxes, see Mrs. Holko immediately as there are only a few more boxes left. Your $50 prom deposit is also due on March 22.
Lastly, here is your March calendar:
March 6: SAT/PSAT
March 8: Blood Drive
March 14-16: Drama Club’s Production of The Little Mermaid
March 15: Teacher Records Day/Inservice (NO SCHOOL)
March 18: Hurricette Auditions
March 22: Prom Ticket Deposits/Malley’s Fundraiser Due
March 29: Good Friday (NO SCHOOL)
{To stay updated with the Brooklyn City School District, make sure to click here weekly.}
Chosen for this week’s Staff Spotlight is Mrs. Lana Ullemeyer. This is currently her first year in the Brooklyn City School District. Before coming to Brooklyn, she was an Intervention Specialist at Garfield Heights Middle School for 11 years. Prior to that, she was an event planner for a catering company, sometimes planning events for up to 1,300 people. In her free time, she can be found coaching figure skating for the Cleveland Ice Storm. She also loves going to Cavs games with her husband and two sons. A fun fact about Mrs. Ullemeyer is that she was in a Super Bowl Halftime Show!
Q: How do you assess a student’s progress?
A: “For the students on my caseload, I use a variety of ways to assess their progress. I use observations and work samples to assess them while they are learning a topic or concept. This helps me to pinpoint certain areas that they might need some extra help in. For progress monitoring, I use class quizzes and tests to assess their overall understanding.”
Q: How is student learning personalized?
A: “There is no doubt that everyone learns differently, and everyone learns at a different pace. Some ways that I have seen Brooklyn teachers personalize their students’ learning are through flexible seating, project-based learning, providing choice activities, and goal setting.”
Q: What is your perspective on homework?
A: “I see both sides to homework. I do think there are some benefits to homework. It helps to reinforce the things that you learned in class (especially Math) and also teaches skills like organization and time management. But at the same time, as a mother of a child with a learning disability and ADHD, I know that some kids are just done at the end of the school day.”
Q: What has been your clumsiest accident?
A: “I can’t think of one specific incident, but I have been known to stub my toes on furniture quite frequently.”
Q: What is a typical Saturday night like for you?
A: “A typical Saturday night for me would be relaxing with my family at home and watching a movie or a game.”
Q: What would your students be surprised to find out about you?
A: “My husband is a teacher, too. He teaches Physical Education at Garfield Heights Middle School. Yes, that is where we met.”
Q: If you could grow up in any decade, which would you choose?
A: “I really enjoyed growing up in the 80s and 90s, and I do not think that I would change that. I know what life was like before all of this technology, but I also see how technology has helped us in so many ways.”
Thank you for letting us interview you, Mrs. Ullemeyer. It was a pleasure getting to know more about you. The fact that you were in a Super Bowl Halftime Show is crazy and very cool!
On Tuesday, the boys basketball team played their sectional semi-final game against conference rival, the Independence Blue Devils.
The Hurricanes tallied a record of 14-8, while the visiting Blue Devils came in with a sub .500 record of 10-12. The stakes were high in this matchup as the winner would move onto the sectional final tomorrow to play Wellington, and the loser would go home.
Right out the gate, the Blue Devils knocked down two three-pointers, and senior Jaiden Ramos picked up two early fouls. However, the Hurricanes were able to bounce back with great plays on both ends of the floor, hitting timely shots and locking down defensively. The hosts led by as many as seven points, but the Blue Devils were able to cut their deficit to five. After one quarter, the Canes led 17-12.
The energy in the building was unmatched with both student sections being loud and cheering on their teams. Simply, it was a great atmosphere with 24 minutes still to go.
In the second quarter, Brooklyn jumped out to a 7-2 run, but Independence answered back with a 7-0 run of their own. The rest of the quarter was back-and-forth, and the Blue Devils were able to tie up the score late in the half. But, it was the Hurricanes who went into the break with the lead, 30-28.
With two quarters left to play, which team would make the better adjustments and come through when it mattered most?
In the third quarter, the Hurricanes were able to keep a slight lead, but the Blue Devils would not go down easy. After Independence knocked down two consecutive threes, senior Anthony Pytel nailed a huge And-1 play to really get the home crowd going. And in games of this magnitude, things did get chippy. Late in the third, freshman Muhammad Manigat and Independence’s Noah Terrano got into a scuffle, leading to a double technical being called. After the scene settled down, Brooklyn held a three-point lead through three quarters with Pytel leading the way with 13, followed by Ramos with 10.
One quarter to play with the season on the line!
In the final quarter, the Hurricanes came out hot, knocking down three straight triples, forcing Independence to call a timeout. This really got the home crowd going as they led 54-47 with four minutes to go.
However, the momentum was beginning to shift in favor of the Blue Devils. The Hurricanes could not grab a rebound on the defensive side, giving Independence multiple shots. They also could not convert on the offensive side of the floor. In just two minutes, Independence erased the Hurricanes’ lead and took a lead of their own, 57-56. This would be their first lead since 6-2 early in the first quarter.
The Blue Devils continued to play mistake-free basketball through the final two minutes, holding the Hurricanes down. They also made their clutch free throws to seal the comeback victory.
Final Score: Independence 61, Brooklyn 56
The loss marks the end of the boys basketball season, as they finished 14-9. It was a rollercoaster of a season for the Canes, but they had a really good season overall, capped off with numerous big-time wins.
Nice job, boys!
In other sports news, good luck to sophomore Adam Cowper as he travels to Columbus tomorrow for the state bowling tournament.
Stay tuned for a Winter Sports Recap and a Spring Sports Preview.
Chosen for this week’s second senior spotlight is Logan Cornwell. Logan is humorous, relaxed, and easy-going. He has been working at Piada Italian Street Food for the last 11 months. He is also a big baseball fan, but unfortunately, he roots for the Yankees. 👎🏻
Q: What are your plans after high school?
A: “I would like to go to college and study Criminology.”
Q: What character from a movie/TV show would you like to be?
A: “The life of Spiderman is sad in some aspects, but swinging around New York City, taking pictures, and fighting crime sounds like a pretty cool experience.”
Q: If you had one last meal, what would it be?
A: “Chocolate chip pancakes with French toast sticks, a side of sausage patties, my mom’s dinner rolls, an eight-ounce tomahawk steak, and garlic breadsticks.”
Q: Describe three ways that you have changed since your freshman year.
A: “I stopped playing basketball in high school, my maturity improved, and my interest in a bunch of different hobbies began while some ended.”
Q: What impact did the global Covid-19 pandemic have on your high school experience?
A: “Definitely impacted the way I learned. Learning became more independent while remote with there being a communication barrier; having to email a teacher for help could be a slow process. And, it slowed down the lesson’s progression. Social interactions also became minimal on remote learning with all of us being used to seeing each other every day.”
Q: If you could travel anywhere out of the country, where would it be?
A: “Honestly, Iceland just to be able to see the Blue Lagoon on top of the Northern Lights with plenty of falls to explore.”
Q: What is something that you believe every high school student should experience during their senior year?
A: “I believe every senior should experience the enjoyment of their last year with other seniors. Whether it’s planning a senior sunrise, going out for breakfast on days off, etc. This final year provides a chance to make countless memories and also gives you a chance to reflect on memories.”
Q: If you had a song play every time you walked into a room, what would it be?
A: “‘Party In The U.S.A.’ by Miley Cyrus. It’s hard not to jam to this song when it comes on. I mean, we could be in a room with 100 people, and when it comes on, you have yourself a concert.”
Q: Describe senioritis.
A: “Senioritis to me is feeling like you’ve already graduated. Once you realize you’re so close and have nothing really else to do, you’ll kind of just hang back and won’t do work or maybe won’t show up to school.”
Q: Out of your entire school career, what teacher has been the biggest inspiration and/or influence to you?
A: “Mrs. Bader, 100 percent! It’s hard not to love her when she’s everywhere, hosting different events, yelling at her students (not teaching), taking pictures for the yearbook, or maybe in the gym running the blood drive (never given blood herself). My point is she’s everywhere because of the amount of energy she brings everyday. The amount she puts into her projects that she has going on is admirable for multiple different reasons. She is an amazing teacher to go to when you just need a break, and she knows how to keep it real. The amount of memories Mrs. Bader and I have created from eighth grade to now will be cherished for a long time. Our connection is not going anywhere.”
Logan, thank you for your time. We hope that you achieve your short-term and long-term goals. By the way, Go Indians (Guardians)!
Chosen for this week’s first senior spotlight is Amber Rice. Amber is generous, kind, hard working, bossy, and very compassionate. She has been a host at The Aviator Pub & Event Center for eight months. Also, she has been a part of the play for numerous years. She was Gretchen in Freaky Friday, an acrobat/dancer in Matilda, Sister Mary Robert in Sister Act, and now Ariel in The Little Mermaid. She likes to watch TV shows, hangout with her sister, and play with her dogs.
Q: What are your plans after high school?
A: “After my schooling and training, I plan on becoming a Behavioral Therapist.”
Q: What has high school taught you about your future?
A: “High school has taught me many things like how to communicate with others and how important maturity is.”
Q: What high school memory stands out to you?
A: “My favorite memory from my high school experience has to be throwing my favorite teacher Mr. Kaspar a birthday party.”
Q: How do you manage your time with school, work, and the play?
A: “I make sure to get my work done when it’s assigned. I only work on the weekends, so I can have time for play practice. I also practice my lines with my sister for 30-45 minutes a day.”
Q: What impact did the global Covid-19 pandemic have on your high school experience?
A: “Covid-19 lowered my performance in school, and I just stopped caring about my grades. It also limited my social interactions with my friends and family.”
Q: How does it feel to have the lead role of Ariel in The Little Mermaid?
A: “I feel really excited, and I’m able to come out of my shell a little more and just proud to be part of the production and be able to make it come alive.”
Q: Describe senioritis.
A: “Senioritis, to me, is feeling tired and not wanting to come to school.”
Q: Out of your entire school career, what teacher has been the biggest inspiration and/or influence to you?
A: “Mr. Kaspar because I see him bringing things in to support students throughout the day, caring about others, teaching me new things I never would’ve thought I would be able to do, helping me discover new things about myself, pushing me to be the best that I can be, and just a good teacher, overall.”
Amber, we hope you achieve everything you want to this year. Best of luck in the play, and of course, break a leg!
As February winds down, we know that March will produce the Drama Club’s performance of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Our first part preview revolves around the crew, led by senior Anisha Monger.
In her final year as a crew member, Monger is excited for this year’s performance but also knows the emotion of this year’s set-up because it will be her last here at BHS.
“It’s really exciting getting everything ready and seeing it all come together. I think it’s really cool to see how all the colors work with the lighting. It will definitely be a really cool set. A lot of my friends and some of the other seniors started learning sign language to connect with me, and when I first started, it helped me get used to things. I really value this and will miss being a part of the crew after I graduate.”
Thank you so much Anisha for your dedication and hard work. You and the crew do a wonderful job, and we cannot wait to see your efforts pay off.
In other news, Brooklyn is delighted to have the Kol Israel Foundation speak to grades 6-12 this Thursday. We will hear from a Holocaust Survivor who will speak to the next generation of students to make sure that the Holocaust is never forgotten or repeated. We are looking forward to this presentation.
Next, this Thursday is Spring Parent/Teacher Conferences, so please make sure that you are in high academic standing. Reminder, the third quarter closes on Thursday, March 14.
Also on Thursday, the second annual College and Career Resource Fair will be held from 5:00-7:00 in the high school cafeteria. Be sure to look professional and provide a resume, if possible. There will be many opportunities to chat with professionals and to grab literature from local colleges, companies, and military branches. It is never too early to begin thinking about your future.
Finally, on Wednesday, March 6, students will be taking the SAT/PSAT in grade levels 8-11. If you are a senior, make sure to check the 2024 Google Classroom for your schedule for March 6.
To cap it off, here is your calendar for the end of February/early March:
February 27: Group Photo Day
February 29: Spring Parent/Teacher Conferences
February 29: College and Career Resource Fair
March 1: NO SCHOOL
March 6: SAT/PSAT
March 8: Blood Drive
March 14-16: Drama Club’s Production of The Little Mermaid
{To stay updated with the Brooklyn City School District, make sure to click here weekly.}
THE RETURN OF THE EYE 