THE RETURN OF THE EYE

Gailes Taking Flight at UIS

By: BHS Sports Staff

January 18, 2024

Former Hurricanes basketball standout Shariah Gailes broke numerous records here at Brooklyn and won numerous team, conference, district, and all-state awards. One of the best all-around players to wear the Blue and Yellow, she has not missed a beat from her time here as a Hurricane to now a Prairie Star at The University of Illinois Springfield.

Competing in the Great Lakes Valley Conference in her freshman season, Gailes has blossomed early and is helping her young team compete for a conference title.

But according to her, the transition from high school basketball to college basketball was anything but easy.

“This season has definitely been the hardest year of my basketball career. As a team with a majority of freshmen, our main goal was building team chemistry on and off the court and developing a deep understanding of Division II basketball. The pace of the game is so much faster than in high school. In high school, I was taller than everyone else on the court. Now everyone is tall, everyone is fast, and everyone is good. In high school, there’s no shot clock, but in college, there’s a 30-second shot clock, which makes the game go much faster.”

Despite the challenges of learning how to balance school work and a harder level of basketball, Gailes is flourishing in her new home and role.

“Early in the season, we had an exhibition game versus Division I Indiana State (alma mater of NBA legend Larry Bird), and we won! This was a big confidence boost for the team and was the moment that we realized we could win any game at this level. Another highlight for me, personally, this season would be my game against William Jewell. I scored a career-high 27 points along with grabbing 12 rebounds. I also shot 100 percent from the free-throw line going 11-11.”

Dominating the stats sheet for the Hurricanes was never a problem for Gailes, and having success gave her the confidence to compete at the collegiate level.

Now that she is fully acclimated to what college basketball is about, what are her goals for the remainder of the season and for her career?

“My goal for the remainder of the season is to help my team win the regular season championship and the GLVC conference championship. For my collegiate career, I want rings and banners!”

Her former coach here at BHS Jon Holko had nothing but praise for Shariah.

“Shariah is the byproduct of hard work and intrinsic motivation. She was a star here, and she is going to be a star at UIS. She is the consummate teammate, and her drive to be great is contagious. I love checking in with her and hearing about the successes of her team. She was truly a blessing to coach, and I could not be more proud of her. With her skill set, she has the ability to dominate Division II basketball. I can’t wait to watch her in person, one day.”

Truly a diaper dandy, Hurricane Nation is extremely proud of you, Shariah. Keep up the good work, continue to improve, go earn those rings and banners, and be great.

Go Prairie Stars!

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

Senior Spotlight: Rio Fields

By: BHS Senior Spotlights Staff

January 17, 2024

Chosen for this week’s senior spotlight is Rio Fields. Rio is intelligent, athletic, and nonchalant (chill). He spends his free time playing basketball, hanging out with friends, playing games, and spending time with his little sister. Rio came back to BHS this year, and we are thrilled that he is once-again a Hurricane.

Q: What is your favorite type or brand of cereal?

A: “My favorite cereal is Cinnamon Toast Crunch.”

Q: What are your plans after high school?

A: “After high school, I want to go to college and pursue my career in Business to start my own clothing brand.”

Q: Who is your life’s mentor?

A: “My father because I learned almost everything from him; I followed in his footsteps.”

Q: Are you nervous about any particular aspect of college?

A: “I’m not nervous at all. I can’t wait to explore the new life.”

Q: What is your life’s motto?

A: “Treat everyday like it’s your last.”

Q: After graduating and looking back, what will you remember the most?

A: “I will remember my friends and most importantly playing on the basketball court and creating that amazing bond with my teammates.”

Q: If you could change one thing about Brooklyn High School to make it a better place, what would you choose?

A: “I love it here. I don’t think I would change a single thing about Brooklyn High School.”

Q: What made you come back to Brooklyn for your senior year?

A: “I wanted to spend my last year with my friends and enjoy every single moment.”

Q: Did you make any friendships that you think will last a lifetime?

A: “Yes, I have made tons of friendships that I hope last forever.”

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

A: “Mr. Holko because he always keeps it real. I feel like I can talk to him about anything, and he will give me good advice and help me in specific situations.”

Rio, welcome back! Your senior year is over the halfway point, so finish strong and make numerous lifelong memories.

College, Prom, Parade, and More

By: BHS News Staff

January 16, 2024

Hello, Brooklyn. We hope that you enjoyed your long weekend, along with staying safe and warm in this frigid weather.

Below is some important information for this upcoming week and beyond.

First for seniors, there is still time to sign up for a College Now representative to assist you with any questions regarding financial aid. Also and very important, mark your calendars for Monday, January 22, at 6:00 p.m. BHS’s College Now representative will assist any parent/student in completing the FAFSA. It is a great, free service. ALL seniors SHOULD attend! For more information, please see Mr. Ross or Mrs. Bir.

Also seniors, if you are interested in planning Prom this year, please join Mrs. Holko at the first Prom Committee meeting on Tuesday, January 23, in room 271, at 3:05 p.m. Bring your ideas and creativity.

Next, the high school will be celebrating the diversity in our Brooklyn community. There will be a Multicultural Parade held school-wide on February 9. Throughout the upcoming weeks, there will be different aspects of student diversity highlighted and celebrated. If you would like to participate in these multicultural events, please visit your grade-level Google classroom to sign up BY TODAY!

A big thank you to all students and staff who donated/volunteered for our annual blood drive last Friday. During a global shortage of much-needed donations, we are glad to encourage more participants and to continue our contribution to the communities around us.

Finally, we would like to remind everyone to show your support for the Hurricanes varsity basketball teams. There has been a noticeable decrease in the student-section from past seasons, and this year’s teams need your full support. You can attend the next boys’ home game tonight against Kirtland at 7:00 and tomorrow for the girls at 6:00 against Lincoln West. Come out and support the Hurricanes!

To wrap it up, below is your calendar for January and early February.

January 16: Multicultural Parade Sign-Ups / Varsity Boys Basketball Game (Kirtland)
January 17: Girls Varsity Basketball Game (Lincoln West)
January 22: College Now FAFSA Meeting
January 23: Prom Committee Meeting
February 9: Multicultural Parade

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

Staff Spotlight: Mr. Yarman

*4th Grade Teacher*

By: BHS Staff Profiles

January 12, 2024

Chosen for this week’s Staff Spotlight is Mr. Patrick Yarman. This is currently Mr. Yarman’s sixteenth year in the Brooklyn City School District. He started here in Brooklyn, then left and became an assistant principal in Parma at Pearl Road Elementary. After Parma, he came back to Brooklyn in the roles of elementary principal followed by elementary teacher. In his free time, he likes to go on cruises; he has been on 21 cruises, all together. Yes, he enjoys traveling and has been to Europe, Alaska, and all over the Caribbean. He also likes sports. Mr. Yarman can be found at Guardians games over the Summer as he is a ticket-taker, an usher, and sometimes a security worker. He also loves food and cooking. Finally, he is a model railroader with train sets in his basement. On gloomy days, he spends most of his time in the basement, working on his model trains. Something interesting about Mr. Yarman, but also a sad fact, is that he is retiring this year.

Q: How has work been since the return from Christmas vacation?

A: “It has been quite tiring because the kids are all falling asleep. It has been exciting because we are past the halfway mark. My fourth graders are closer to fifth graders now than they were before the break.”

Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of teaching fourth graders?

A: “It is definitely the growth that you see in them. You have them as young children and then they grow up right before your eyes. It is insane.”

Q: What is a work memory that stands out to you?

A: “On a sadder note, I was teaching sixth grade at the time when September 11 occurred; I just remember how bizarre that was. The teacher across the hall from me came in and whispered in my ear that a plane had hit the World Trade Center. We continued on with teaching until she came in and told us that a second plane had hit the towers, telling me that it was a terrorist attack. Just trying to keep the students calm because parents were starting to pick up students. By the end of the day, we had roughly eight scared children during lunch. It was silent as we watched the news.”

Q: Why did you choose to teach math?

A: “The reason I chose math is because I taught math my entire career. I was not the best math student when I was a child. I did, however, have this teacher, and her name was Mrs. Over. She always told us that everybody is good at something and maybe you just have not found it yet. That year, I figured out that I can work with numbers.”

Q: What did you do over Christmas vacation?

A: “We did some traveling. My brother-in-law lives in South Carolina, so we decided to visit him. We relaxed and then just spent a quiet Christmas at home with my daughter and her husband.”

Q: Favorite sport to watch? Favorite team to root for?

A: “Baseball and the Cleveland Guardians.”

Q: What is your ideal pet?

A: “My two cats. I love them because they are independent and loving.”

Q: What is the best concert that you have been to?

A: “Depeche Mode.”

Thank you for letting us interview you, Mr. Yarman. We wish you the best of luck as you conclude your educational career. More importantly, enjoy retirement and keep traveling!

Crazy Comeback

By: BHS Sports Staff

January 11, 2024

The boys basketball team has been struggling the past couple of weeks, dropping five of their last six games. They were desperate to find their winning ways again, and Tuesday’s game against conference foe and rival Cuyahoga Heights was the perfect opportunity to right the ship.

The Red Wolves came in with a record of 7-1, and the Hurricanes sported a 6-5 overall mark.

The first quarter was pretty slow as both defenses were stout, but both offenses struggled to make shots. With the slow start, the Hurricanes managed a 7-5 lead heading into the second.

However, the visiting Red Wolves found their rhythm in the second quarter as they went on a 14-0 run, spanning from the end of the first quarter to midway through the second. Brooklyn senior Anthony Pytel drained a three-pointer to end the half. Heading into the break, the Red Wolves led 19-12.

The third quarter was a lot of trading buckets, but an early run by the Red Wolves kept them in front 35-25 as the horn sounded.

In the fourth and final quarter, the Red Wolves led by 14 points with a little less than five minutes to go. It seemed like this one was set in stone with another defeat for the Hurricanes, but the hosts kept fighting, slowly cutting into the deficit.

Trailing by just six points with two minutes left, sophomore Devin Hardwick hit a huge three to get the crowd going. Hardwick’s bucket was followed up by a Pytel layup. Now, the Red Wolves’ lead was down to one.

After getting a stop on defense, Hardwick hit a go-ahead layup with 11 seconds remaining. After the Hurricanes got yet another stop on defense, senior Santana Sammons knocked down one of two free throws to seal the huge, comeback victory.

Final Score: Brooklyn 46, Cuyahoga Heights 44

What a rollercoaster of emotions for the teams, coaches, and fans. The win secured a season-sweep of Cuyahoga Heights and improved the Hurricanes’ standing in the CVC Metro Division.

The Hurricanes improved to 7-5, while the Red Wolves dropped to 7-2. Their only two losses came against the Hurricanes.

Great job, boys!

The boys will take on the Kirtland Hornets at home next Tuesday at 7:00.

Go Canes!

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

Senior Spotlight: Olivia Callahan

By: BHS Senior Spotlights Staff

January 10, 2024

Chosen for this week’s senior spotlight is Olivia Callahan. Olivia is intelligent, punctual, and very driven. She is able to balance school, Polaris, and work while still having time to have an eventful, social life. She is also a member of the girls varsity basketball team. In her free time, Olivia enjoys hanging out with friends, thrifting, and enjoying nature.

Q: What is one thing that you have learned from a teacher that you will never forget?

A: “One thing I’ve learned from a teacher, my Polaris teacher Mrs. Pagan, is to always take complete advantage of every opportunity that is brought to me. Any opportunity can bring you so much knowledge and new memories, if you let it.”

Q: What are your plans after high school?

A: “Although I am still undecided on my exact plan after high school, I do plan to further my knowledge in Business and Marketing.”

Q: What is the toughest challenge that you have overcome so far?

A: “The toughest challenge I’ve had to overcome is learning how to have a healthy balance between academics and my social life.”

Q: What would you do differently if you could relive high school?

A: “If I had a chance to relive high school, I would definitely involve myself more. I would have participated in more clubs and sports.”

Q: If your high school life was a reality TV show, what would it be titled?

A: “If my high school life was a reality show, it would be called, ‘Call It What You Want’”.

Q: What is the most nervous aspect about graduating?

A: “The most nervous thing about graduating is thinking about how little guidance I will have going forward compared to high school.”

Q: Who are some of the most impactful people who supported you throughout high school?

A: “The most impactful people to support me during high school are definitely my best friends. They all have helped me in different points in my life and never gave up on me. These people are those who I know I will be friends with throughout all of my adulthood.”

Q: Describe your dream vacation.

A: “I want to travel the world as much as I can throughout my life. However, my dream vacation would definitely be going back to Europe. I want to go back to Monaco and Capri; they are truly beautiful.”

Q: What is one rule that you live by?

A: “One rule I live by is excuses make today easier but tomorrow harder; discipline makes today harder but tomorrow easier.”

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

A: “Out of my entire school career, I would say the teacher who had the most influence on me is Mr. Holko. I have him this year as my English teacher and have had the opportunity to have him as my basketball coach as well. Besides being able to crack jokes with him in class or on the court, he always taught me how to reach deeper to work to reach my full potential.”

Olivia, we hope that you have a wonderful rest of your senior year. Good luck with basketball and all of your future endeavors.

Stay In The Game

By: BHS News Staff

January 9, 2024

Welcome to the new year, BHS!

We are excited to announce that in honor of the Browns clinching a playoff spot, this week will be a Brown and Orange Spirit Week filled with dancing, friendly competitions, goal setting, and dress-up themes to celebrate our playoff-bound Browns. This spirit week is organized and run through the Browns Stay In The Game campaign.

All pictures and videos can be posted on social media platforms by tagging @SITG_Browns, using the hashtag #StayInTheGame for the opportunity to win Browns prizes.

Yesterday: Atten-DANCE

Students showed off their best touchdown dances.

Today: Door Decorating Contest

During I.C.E. Block classes, students will decorate classroom doors with Cleveland Browns’ playoff pride.

Wednesday: New Year’s Resolution

Students will write out a resolution on how to prioritize coming to school and what it will take to achieve this.

Thursday: Team-Up

Team-up and match a friend by wearing the same or similar Browns’ apparel.

Friday: Browns Spirit Day

Show off your Brown and Orange gear to give a final send-off before Saturday’s playoff game.

Go Browns! Beat those Texans!

In other news, if you are interested in signing up for the Blood Drive this Friday, you need to use the link in your grade level Google Classroom. Remember, you must be at least 16-years-old to donate. If you are under 18, make sure to stop by Mrs. Bader’s room to receive a parent consent form. You can turn in the form early or bring it with you on Friday.

Seniors, there is still time to sign up for a College Now representative to assist with any questions regarding financial aid. Also, mark your calendars for Monday, January 22. At 6:00 p.m., BHS’s College Now representative will assist any parent/student in completing the FAFSA. It is a great, free service that all seniors should attend. For further questions, please see Mr. Ross or Mrs. Bir.

Attention seniors and juniors: If you are interested in planning Prom this year, please join Mrs. Holko at the first Prom Committee meeting on Tuesday, January 23, in room 271 at 3:05. Bring your ideas and creativity.

Finally, here is your calendar for January:

January 8-12: Stay In the Game Cleveland Browns Spirit Week
January 12: Blood Drive
January 15: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (NO SCHOOL)
January 22: College Now FAFSA Completion
January 23: Prom Committee Meeting

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

Looking Back Before Looking Ahead

By: The Return of the Eye’s Staff

January 5, 2024

Welcome back, Brooklyn!

With 2024 here, there is a lot to look forward to: The Browns playoff run, snow, Hurricanes athletic events, The Little Mermaid, March Madness, Spring break, Guardians baseball, sunshine, prom, graduation, etc. Our newspaper will provide no shortage of information going forward.

However, we at The Return of the Eye would like to reflect back on Christmas vacation and New Years to provide our readers with a glimpse of what we did and enjoyed, annual traditions that we look forward to every year.

So, let us get started.

*Alaura: “Every Winter break, my siblings and I make holiday treats together.”

*Rebecca: “For this year’s holiday break, I spent it at my dad’s house with his side of the family, and we had a big Christmas Day lunch with all of our family. and my niece and I ended the day playing some Christmas music on the piano for our family.”

*Jayla: “Every Christmas, my grandad comes over and plays the guitar. He usually makes up a random tune that all of my cousins and I gather around and laugh with him.”

*Angelina: “Every Christmas Eve, my mom and I always watch The Nightmare Before Christmas, drink hot chocolate, spend time together, and call family to say, ‘Merry Christmas’ at midnight.”

*Isabella: “Over break, I spent New Years Eve with my friend, Ashlyn.”

*Chloe P: “Every year for Christmas, I gather with my dad’s side of the family, and all the cousins do Secret Santa. This year, we celebrated on December 23.”

*Chloe R: “Every Christmas Eve, my family and I open one present, which usually is pajamas for Christmas morning.”

*Olivia: “Over the break, my friend group and I had a Secret Santa night where we exchanged everyone’s gifts.”

*Jacob: “On Christmas morning, my family always watches A Christmas Story.”

*Kayla: “During the break, I went to my friend’s house for a Secret Santa where we played games and gave each other gifts. We also slept over and made Gingerbread houses.”

*Jordan: “For my break, I went to a Christmas party at my job and did everything besides work. Lots of good food to eat, and we also did Secret Santa and a potluck where I got to eat real food instead of burgers that we keep in the freezer.”

*Summer: “Well, I want to start with my holiday break. It was great! On the 16th of December, I had my last day of bowling in 2023. We will return this weekend as our first day back in the new year. The season goes until the second week of April. On the 18th, I went over to my best friend’s house to celebrate her birthday early (it is on the 26th of December), and I got to meet her entire family. I stayed over there until that Thursday, and we did various things; one being making cookies and brownies for a variety of her family members. Every year on Christmas Eve, my family and I watch A Christmas Story, and we have a meal that my mom always makes for Christmas Eve. On Christmas morning, we all opened our gifts at 6:00 in the morning, and then I helped my mom with dinner. After dinner, my brother and I went over to my aunt’s house until the 28th. On New Year’s, I stayed up until midnight, my dad made crepes, and we all joked around. We had a good time. Overall, the holiday break for me was very enjoyable, and it’s one of the best I have had in a while.”

*Liliana: “A tradition that my family and I do on Christmas Eve is all of the younger cousins gather together to take a cousin photo at 7:30 every Christmas Eve.”

*Caydin: “Sometime every year, some of my family members and I go out to visit and decorate my grandparents’ grave for Christmas. This year, we decorated it on the night before Christmas.”

Those are our traditions and enjoyable holiday moments. What are yours? Feel free to comment below on your Christmas/New Years traditions.

Happy New Year, Brooklyn! Let us make 2024 a productive, memorable, and exciting year.

Staff Spotlight: Miss Patterson

*Preschool Teacher*

By: BHS Staff Profiles

December 15, 2023

Chosen for this week’s Staff Spotlight is Miss Kayla Patterson. Miss Patterson has been working in Brooklyn as a preschool teacher for four years. She started her career in January of 2020, right before the COVID pandemic. Before coming to Brooklyn, she worked at a Childcare Center as an early preschool teacher; it was somewhat of a Summer camp for kindergarten students. Something Miss Patterson likes to do in her free time is hang out with her family and friends, along with going to Guardians games, concerts, and the gym. She also enjoys watching movies. A fascinating fact about her is that she was born on 10/10 at 10:10 p.m. That’s pretty cool!

Q: What is your favorite aspect about Brooklyn?

A: “My favorite thing about Brooklyn is the staff. When I first started, everyone was so welcoming and kind. This has continued to be the case throughout my time here. It is nice to come to work knowing that you have a great team!”

Q: Who or what inspired you to become a preschool teacher?

A: “My kindergarten teacher was one of my major influences. She not only taught me all the standards and skills that I needed to become a successful student but also how to be a great person. She showed love, she cared a ton, and she showed lots of kindness. My other elementary school teachers were big factors as to why I wanted to become an elementary school teacher. They made the school feel safe, welcoming, and supportive. We formed our little community within the school. The teachers and students had bonds with one another; they both had great bonds with each other. I wanted to provide the same love, kindness, acceptance, and education that my elementary school teachers taught me.”

Q: If you could pick any other subject or grade level to teach, what would it be?

A: “If I could pick any other grade level to teach, I would choose kindergarten or first grade. I have taught preschool for many years, and I would like to challenge myself with a different set of standards or skills.”

Q: How do you deal with a stressful situation in the classroom?

A: “I deal with a stressful situation by taking a step back and deep breathing. If you handle any situation with frustration and stress, the outcome will be the same. Everything will work out a lot better if you calm yourself down before trying to handle the situation.”

Q: What makes you unique?

A: “I believe that I am unique because I am creative and empathetic, which helps me develop a bond with students and parents.”

Q: How would you describe yourself?

A: “I would describe myself as a positive, kind, hard-working, and happy person. I look at the bright side of things, and I am always kind to others; you might never know what someone else is going through. I am also a happy person; life is too short to not enjoy it.”

Q: What do you plan on doing during Christmas break?

A: “I plan on spending time with my family and friends, wrapping presents, watching Christmas movies, and relaxing.”

Q: Speaking of Christmas, what is your favorite holiday?

A: “My favorite holiday is Christmas. I love the lights, music, movies, and decorations. I also have a family tradition where my dad, sister, and I cut down a real Christmas tree each year. This is our 26th year of this tradition.”

Thank you so much for participating in our newspaper this week, Miss Patterson. Have fun watching Christmas movies and relaxing this Winter break. Merry Christmas!

Boys Basketball on Fire

By: BHS Sports Staff

December 14, 2023

The boys basketball team is off to a scorching hot 5-0 start for the 2023-2024 campaign. Their perfect record includes wins over Garrett Morgan 64-51, Chagrin Falls 53-44, Cloverleaf 62-61, Wickliffe 85-34, and Cuyahoga Heights (last night) 59-57 in overtime.

This early season has been a complete team effort as everyone has contributed. Senior Jaiden Ramos is leading the way with 16.7 ppg, followed by sophomore Devin Hardwick with 13.6 ppg. Senior Santana Sammons is averaging 12.5 ppg, senior Anthony Pytel is at 12.5 ppg, freshman Muhammed Manigat is chipping in with 7.0 ppg, and juniors Aiden Starr and Tyler Cox have tallied 3.0 ppg.

The leading 3-point shooters are Sammons, Manigat, and Cox.

Having four players scoring in double figures shows you their balance.

On the other end of the floor, the team defense has been stellar, holding opponents to under 50 ppg. The biggest moment of the season, thus far, is a game-winning three-pointer with 1.4 seconds left to beat Cloverleaf on the road. Sammons’ dagger, in his own words, was the biggest bucket of his high school career.

Another highlight was when Ramos went for a season-high 25 points in a blowout victory at Wickliffe.

Great job, boys! Continue this momentum into the Chagrin Valley Conference battle with Fairview on Saturday. Tip-off is at 1:30 at home.

In addition to Saturday’s game, Coach Jeff Shepherd will be honored prior to tip-off for achieving a coaching milestone of accumulating 200 victories as a head coach. Congratulations, Coach Shep!

In other Winter sports, the girls basketball team fell to 1-3 after a 42-29 loss to Beachwood last Tuesday. They will look to get back on track tomorrow night as they host Lutheran West.

Also, the hockey team faces Bay tonight at 7:30. Good luck!

Go Canes!

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

Top 5 Christmas Movies

By: BHS Features Staff

December 13, 2023

This time of year can be summed up as follows: Family, friends, love, food, and? Christmas movies!

A lot of these old classics are well-known and very popular. Most Christmas movie fanatics love to watch them in the evenings with a beautiful snow fall; simply, it is an annual tradition.

With so many movies to choose from, we decided to rank some of our favorite Christmas movies with a short summary of each one. Let’s see if you agree with our Top 5 list.

1. The Grinch

The Grinch, played by Jim Carrey, and his dog Max live in a cave on Mount Crumpet isolated from everybody. His main source of hatred comes from Christmastime due to his neighbors in Whoville celebrating loudly every year. One year as the Whos make Christmas bigger and brighter, the Grinch decides to make sure he gets his peace and quiet once and for all. With help from Max, the Grinch poses as Santa Clause to steal Whoville’s Christmas and silence their holiday cheer.

2. Elf

Buddy the Elf, played by Will Ferrell, was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa’s elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn’t fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York City, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father. As he found his father Walter Hobbs, played by the late James Caan, a cynical businessman who didn’t believe Buddy was his, took a DNA test, and it came back positive. Walter attempts to start a relationship with Buddy.

3. Home Alone

The night before the family’s trip to Paris, Kevin wasn’t on his best behavior. He was talking back to his mom, so she sent him upstairs to sleep in the attic for the night. He went on to say that he wished that his family would disappear (Don’t we all wish that at times?). The next morning, the family woke up and left for Paris, forgetting Kevin. As Kevin woke up, he noticed no one was home, so he really thought his wish came true. That night, though, he noticed robbers trying to break into his house and creatively fought them off.

4. A Christmas Carol

As London awaits the joyful arrival of Christmas, Ebenezer Scrooge, played by Jim Carrey, thinks it’s all humbug. Berating his faithful clerk and cheerful nephew for their views, Scrooge later encounters the ghost of his late business partner who warns Scrooge of three ghosts who will visit him. The ghosts take Scrooge on a journey through his past, present, and future in hopes of transforming his bitterness.

5. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer

You may know Rudolph from when you were little. Rudolph is made fun of because he doesn’t fit in like everyone else, simply because of his big, bright, red nose. He finds an elf named Hermey, who has dreamt of being a dentist instead of a toy maker. Hermey and Rudolph ran away from the North Pole and also met a new friend, Yukon Cornelius. They soon arrive on the Island of Misfit Toys. As they arrive, they find other toys who stand out from the rest. When Santa discovers Rudolph’s nose, he guides the sleigh through a terrible snowstorm on Christmas Eve. Then all of a sudden, everyone loved him and the other misfits.

We know there are many more Christmas movies that did not make our list, so comment below on your all-time favorite.

While on Christmas break, grab some hot cocoa and popcorn and watch some of these movies with your friends or family.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays

By: BHS News Staff

December 12, 2023

Happy holidays, BHS! We hope you have a long, happy, and prosperous Christmas vacation surrounded by family and friends.

As we reach the end of the second quarter and first semester, be mindful of how the upcoming midterms will affect your grades going forward.

Here are a few items to keep in mind before break begins this Friday afternoon.

First, the Student Council has been selling Candy Cane Grams. They will be available during I.C.E. Block and sold in room 173 and by the middle stairwell. These Candy Cane Grams also come with a message for $1. Feel free to write these messages to your friends, significant others, secret admirers, etc. The last day to buy Candy Cane Grams is TODAY, December 12.

Next and of highest importance, midterms are coming up. Midterms for BLUE days will be tomorrow (December 13) while GOLD midterms will be on Thursday, December 14. Make sure that you are in school on time and prepared for success. For all Winter athletes, the second quarter will affect your eligibility for the rest of the season, so turn in any missing assignments and study for those midterms.

This Friday is the Students vs. Faculty Basketball game. Be sure to show your school spirit and support the students and staff participating in the game. Mr. Holko is very confident in the staff prevailing this year!

Seniors, the clock is ticking to order your commencement wear and to submit your photos. Your photos must be submitted in Google Classroom by this Friday, December 15. To submit a yearbook photo, a school photo ID must be on file. In addition, commencement items should be ordered by Winter break to avoid accumulating late fees. For any questions, see Mr. Ross or Mrs. Bir.

Another reminder for seniors, the FAFSA will open in late December, so keep a lookout for the application date. In the meantime, create an FSA ID so you are ready when it opens. For any questions, see Mr. Ross and Mrs. Bir or schedule an appointment with College Now.

Lastly, we would like to wish you a final good luck for midterms this week. Our wish is that all of you leave on Friday for break without any academic regret.

Here is your final calendar of events for 2023:

December 13-14: MIDTERMS
December 15: Students vs. Faculty Basketball Game
December 16: Post-Prom Breakfast with Santa
December 16-January 2: Winter Break

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