THE RETURN OF THE EYE

Senior Spotlight: Cierra Forte

By: BHS Senior Spotlights Staff

January 24, 2024

Chosen for this week’s senior spotlight is Cierra Forte. Cierra is determined, nice, and a good friend. She works full-time as a call agent. In her free time, she loves to write and take notes about everything that she wants to accomplish in her future. She would also like to shout out her parents, grandparents, and sister. She wants to let them know that she would not have accomplished anything without them.

Q: Do you plan on going to college?

A: “Yes, I do plan on going to college. I plan on going to Tri-C for Nursing.”

Q: What is the most challenging aspect as a senior to this point?

A: “I would say the most challenging task as a senior is passing with grades higher than a C.”

Q: What is the strangest advice that your parents ever gave you that proved to be correct?

A: “The strangest advice my parents gave me was that everyone is not your friend. Throughout the years, I’ve noticed that they were right.”

Q: Which memory will you remember forever about your time here at Brooklyn High School?

A: “A memory that I will always remember is our school pep rallies.”

Q: What is your life’s motto?

A: “My life motto will always be that if I can’t change it, I won’t let it bother me.”

Q: Who has given you the best advice?

A: “I would have to save the best advice I received was from Mr. Holko when he said, ‘The only bad decision (about my future) is not making one.’”

Q: What or who are you most grateful for?

A: “I’m most grateful for my son! I’ve been working really hard for him.”

Q: What is your greatest fear?

A: “My greatest fear was always speaking up, and over time, I overcame it.”

Q: Any lifelong friendships made here at BHS?

A: “Yes, Audrena is my lifetime friend.”

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 have to say Mrs. Meeks has had the biggest influence on me. She’s like a mom to me.”

Cierra, we hope that you have an amazing rest of your senior year. Shoot for the stars!

Meetings, Scholarships, and More

By: BHS News Staff

January 23, 2024

Happy Tuesday, BHS! Glad you enjoyed last week’s snow days; we sure did! Now, here are some reminders for the end of January and beyond.

First off, please remember that the first Prom Committee meeting is TODAY at 3:05 in Mrs. Holko’s room (271). Bring your creative ideas to make this the best prom ever.

Next, there will be a Drama Club Parent Meeting TODAY at 6:30 in the choir room. For more information, contact Mrs. Cipriani.

Seniors, do you want free money for college? There are numerous scholarships available, and below is a brief summary of each. If you are a senior, please consider applying as every scholarship will help you decrease your collegiate tuition. For more information, visit the senior Google Classroom.

*Cleveland Hockey Booster Club: Senior hockey players, the Cleveland Hockey Booster Club is now accepting applications from high school seniors currently playing hockey and planning to attend college or a trade school in 2024. Four scholarships will be awarded with a minimum amount of $2,000. There is no GPA requirement; however, two recommendation letters and a 2–3 page essay are required by March 1.

*Kappa Alpha PSI: “Our goal is to identify candidates who understand how world affairs affect them and their communities. The successful applicant will have a healthy understanding of local, state, and national political issues. They will be able to demonstrate the ability to analyze data, make effective decisions, and have the capacity and tenacity to follow through.” Some of the requirements include three letters of recommendation, high school transcripts, a 200-word essay, and a personal photograph. Applicants will be chosen for an interview.

*Alpha Kappa Alpha Scholarship: “Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® is a private, international organization with over 355,000 members worldwide. Lambda Phi Omega Chapter is one of the sorority’s 1,064 chapters. Our mission is to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, and to promote unity and friendship among college women.” Some of the requirements include letters of recommendation, honors/awards, class rank, proof of college acceptance, and an essay. Applicants will be chosen for an interview.

Finally, we want to remind everyone of our upcoming Hurricane Heritage Week that will take place from February 5-9. During this week, there will be a showcase of the various cultures that reside in our community, and it will end with an international parade. In our next article, we will be interviewing Mrs. Supriya Culliton, the coordinator of student programs for our school district and also the organizer of this wonderful event.

To wrap up this week, below is your calendar for the remainder of January and into early February.

January 23: Prom Committee Meeting / Drama Club Parent Meeting
February 5-9: Hurricane Heritage Week
February 13: Senior Night for Boys and Girls Varsity Basketball & Cheerleading

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

Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Yarman

*5th Grade Teacher*

By: BHS Staff Profiles

January 19, 2024

Chosen for this week’s Staff Spotlight is Mrs. Ann Marie Yarman. This is currently year 27 for her in education. Mrs. Yarman has never worked outside of Brooklyn. In her free time, she enjoys reading, creating 3D printings, and traveling. A fun fact about her is that she has four older brothers and no sisters.

Q: What do you like to see every day when you come to work?

A: “Students’ smiling faces!”

Q: What is the most inspirational advice someone has ever told you about teaching?

A: “Teaching is the one profession that creates all other professions.”

Q: What is one positive aspect about teaching younger students as opposed to older students?

A: “Fifth graders like to ask questions and participate.”

Q: How do you keep yourself organized?

A: “I try to have my materials in a bin for each day of the week. So, I have a week ready to go when I leave on Friday.”

Q: What do you think is the best season?

A: “Autumn because I love apple cider, football games, and cool crisp days.”

Q: What Disney character do you resemble?

A: “I suppose Belle. I like to read, and I grew up in a small town. I also relate to her strong personality and strength.”

Q: What is your favorite animal?

A: “A cat. I think a cat in a good home has the best life. Sleep all day, get fed, and get attention when they want it.”

Q: Have you ever traveled?

A: “Yes! I love going on cruise ships. I have traveled to Europe, Puerto Rico, Spain, England, the Caribbean, and Alaska. I love experiencing new food, landmarks, and how others live their lives.”

Mrs. Yarman, just like your husband from last week’s spotlight, thank you for all that you do for students. Brooklyn is blessed to have you. Enjoy the rest of the school year. In the meantime, stay warm!

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!