THE RETURN OF THE EYE

The Same Ol’ Browns

By: BHS Sports Staff

November 17, 2022

The Cleveland Browns are back, and what comes with a Browns season is disappointment and sadness.

Currently, the Browns stand at 3-6, 3rd in the AFC North. Their playoff odds monumentally shrink with each loss, especially after last week’s blowout at the hands of the Miami Dolphins.

The Browns started the season in Charlotte, taking on the Carolina Panthers. After being down 24-23 with a few minutes remaining, rookie kicker Cade York kicked the game-winning field goal of 50+ yards, and the Browns started the season 1-0 for the first time in 18 years. Yes, you read that stat correctly.

The momentum was trending positively because in game two, with a 30-17 lead with just a few minutes remaining against the Jets, the Browns looked like they were going to start the season 2-0. But after a couple of costly mistakes late in the fourth quarter, the Browns blew the lead in typical Browns fashion and ended up losing the game, 31-30.

This was just the beginning of the latest edition of The Factory of Sadness.

With the hated Pittsburgh Steelers coming into town, how would the Browns regroup after the previous collapse? Well, they did respond with a convincing 29-17 victory.

After starting the season 2-1, things were heading back in the right direction as the Brown and Orange headed to Atlanta; however, this is officially when the wheels came off of the tracks.

They lost to the Falcons, evening their record at 2-2. Then, the Browns took two more losses at home to the Los Angeles Chargers and the New England Patriots.

Sitting at 2-4 and desperately needing a win, the Baltimore Ravens were not the team that the Browns needed to see next. Even though they fought hard and had a chance to steal the road win, they succumbed to pressure and lost a tight battle, 23-20.

Now with a huge matchup on Monday Night Football against the Bengals on Halloween, this was a must-win game, and the Browns took care of business and easily played their best game of the year, winning 32-13. Offense, defense, and special teams put a complete game together, which gave fans a glimmer of hope. Once again, they fooled us again!

After a bye week, the Browns went down to Miami and got absolutely smashed and embarrassed by Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins. The Dolphins’ offense torched the Browns for 38 points.

Now with a record of 3-6, what is next for annual underachievers?

This Sunday, the Browns head to Buffalo, New York, to play one of the toughest matchups of the season against the Buffalo Bills. However, the weather may have some different plans for Sunday. Buffalo is projected to have three to five feet of snow, potentially more for Sunday’s contest. The forecast does not look pretty, and neither does the matchup. In 2017, Jacoby Brissett played at Buffalo in conditions nearly the same. The Bills ended up defeating the Colts 24-27. Hopefully, Brissett can do it again with the Browns this time around.

In other Browns’ news, yesterday, quarterback Deshaun Watson was allowed to participate in practice, but he still has a few more weeks before he can make his Browns debut. Watson will make his debut on December 4 against his former team, the Houston Texans. This offseason, Watson signed a five-year, $230 million contract with the Browns. Due to his off-the-field conduct, he was suspended for the first 11 games of this season.

The Browns play all of their AFC North rivals one more time (Bengals, Steelers, and Ravens), along with games against the Commanders, Buccaneers, and Saints.

Could the Browns make a playoff push, or will they have another season of disappointment?

Go Browns!

{To keep up with day-to-day updates and Browns news, visit clevelandbrowns.com.}

**For Sale: A Christmas Story House**

By: BHS Features Staff

November 16, 2022

One of the most iconic houses in Cleveland is up for sale, and you have an opportunity to stake claim to it. From the Christmas classic A Christmas Story, you can buy the house for the reasonable price of $150,000.

The entire campus is for sale as well, which spans a total of 1.3 acres including five buildings on seven parcels. Additionally, there are two public parking lots and one private parking lot with room for further expansion.

The listing for Ralphie’s home from the 1983 film was posted on the museum and landmark’s Facebook page early this past Monday morning.

The home was built in 1895 and purchased on eBay in December of 2004 for mass renovation to become what we know today as The Christmas Story House.

After the film, the house opened up to public tours in 2006 and has since welcomed over one million visitors.

The family who currently owns the house is looking for someone new with hopes that the next owner turns it into something even more special and to make it an even greater destination for people visiting Cleveland.

This place is more than just a home sitting on 1.3 acres of land; it has a gift shop, a museum, the Bumpus’ house, and more.

Since the house is for sale, will it still be open to the public? Yes!

You can visit the house daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with extended holiday hours starting next week. The 60-minute guided tours begin at 10:15 and run every 30 minutes. The tour includes trivia and fun facts about the home, many of which you probably already know if you love this movie like most.

Tickets can be purchased online or in person at the gift shop. Buying online is recommended to ensure that you get a chance to tour one of Cleveland’s best and most famous attractions.

If you have not seen the Christmas story house, definitely make it a priority during this holiday season.

More importantly, save some money to be part of this local history.

Honoring Veterans Day

By: BHS News Staff

November 15, 2022

The first celebration using the term Veterans Day occurred in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1947. A World War II veteran organized “National Veterans Day,” which included a parade and other festivities to honor all veterans. The event was held on November 11, then designated Armistice Day.

Last Friday, the Brooklyn School held a ceremony honoring current veterans and also the ones who are not here with us anymore.

There was a full crowd of students supporting the veterans. Administrators and teachers mentioned specific veterans, where they fought, and what groups they were in. When this occurred, the veterans stood up, and students walked up and gave them a red, white, and blue carnation as a sign of patriotic appreciation. Different colored carnations were donated by Pawlak’s Flowers, located in Parma. Thank you Pawlak’s for your donation.

The choir then sang The National Anthem and America The Beautiful.

Then, a number of veterans spoke about their experiences, while some families spoke about veterans in their family and all that they went through serving this country.

Mrs Green, a third grade teacher at the Brooklyn School, was also honored as a Navy veteran. She said, “Looking back, I’m thankful for the experience, and I focused on what I wanted.”

In the auditorium, there was also a missing man table representing those who never came back to their families and friends. The candle represented the everlasting hope for the missing person(s), the round table represented the continuous concern for the missing person(s), and the white tablecloth represented the purity of the missing person(s) motives.

The students from the National Junior Honors Society, led by Mrs. Frate, held up flags of every branch in a touching honor for all veterans.

Also, students from the National Junior Honors Art Society, led by Mrs. Becker, painted carnations for the veterans as a gift along with a poem.

Thank you to all veterans for serving and sacrificing for us!

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

Staff Spotlight: Mr. Logterman

*Assistant Football Coach & Study Hall Monitor*

By: BHS Staff Profiles

November 14, 2022

Chosen for this week’s first Staff Spotlight is Mr. Max Logterman. This year is his second year as a football coach in addition to his first year on staff at Brooklyn High School. Outside of school during his free time, he likes to hang out with friends as well as binge watch Netflix. Something interesting you may not know about Mr. Logterman is that he played college football at The University of Mount Union.

Q: Describe your college experience.

A: “The first college I went to was Mount Union for football. Then, I just got tired of doing sports, and I’ve always wanted to go to Ohio State, so I ended up transferring there to finish off school.”

Q: What is your favorite part about working with the students/athletes here at Brooklyn High School?

A: “Both the students and the staff have been great. Brooklyn is a small school, and that’s also been nice since it’s more of a community; whereas, in other bigger schools, you may not get the same opportunities to communicate or even get to know others.”

Q: What inspired you to become a football coach?

A: “I’ve always loved the sport. When I was in college, I enjoyed playing it, but I was just done with it at the same time. I wanted to find a way to be around the game but in a different avenue than playing. An opportunity came up with my coaches at my old high school, and they needed someone as a coach, last minute. I kind of fell into coaching, but it worked out for the best in the end.”

Q: What is your favorite part about Brooklyn High School so far?

A: “The people. The students entertain me, and the staff is great.”

Q: What is your dream occupation?

A: “I’d like to be an athletic director at a decently large high school.”

Q: What is your #1 pet peeve?

A: “I cannot stand when people are lazy. Also, I get annoyed by messes.”

Q: What is your biggest regret, and how would you have gone about dealing with it differently?

A: “Trying a little harder in school so I could’ve received more scholarships.”

Q: How do you plan on spending your Thanksgiving break?

A: “Relaxing and watching Ohio State and Michigan play.”

Q: What is an unpopular opinion that you have?

A: “Wilt Chamberlain did not actually score 100 points in a game.”

Q: If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

A: “I’d like to teleport. I think it would be nice to be able to go from one place to another in a short period of time and not have to worry about flying or driving.”

Thank you for letting us interview you, Mr. Logterman. It was a pleasure getting to know you more throughout the interview. We wish you the best of luck this school year and beyond.

Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Cutright

*School Nurse*

By: BHS Staff Profiles

November 11, 2022

Chosen for this week’s Staff Spotlight is Mrs. Nancy Cutright. She has been here in the Brooklyn City School District for 22 years. She has helped with the KATs program, she has been an influential classroom assistant, and now, she works in the clinic. In her free time, she loves to read along with spending time with her family and friends. Something you might not know about Mrs. Cutright is that she got to meet Omar Vizquel, former Cleveland Indians Gold Glove shortstop.

Q: What made you want to become a school nurse?

A: “I still wanted to be able to work with kids. Since I was not able to be in the classroom anymore, I wanted to work with Mrs. Manley and Mrs. Beck.”

Q: What do you find rewarding in your job?

A: “Just being able to help the kids. Someone may come in, and they may not be sick; what I’m just going to ask is if they’re going to melt. Oh yeah, they’re just having a rough day, and they just need to come in and talk. Sometimes, they will rest for about 10-15 minutes then go back to class, and they feel a little bit better. They didn’t go home sick, but not everyone that comes in here is sick.”

Q: What does a typical day look like for you?

A: “I have regular kids that come in to take medication. Kids will come in and need ice packs or bandages, or they just could not feel well. We also do vision and hearing checks.”

Q: What do you do to motivate yourself during challenging times?

A: “I talk to my friends. I have some very good friends who don’t tell me what I want to hear but what I need to hear. You want your friends to listen to you, but you also want them to be honest. I have some great friends, and that’s what they do for me. I can talk to them and tell them anything.

Q: If you could choose any other career, what would you choose?

A: “I wanted to be a lawyer in high school, but right now, I keep telling everyone that since my niece is graduating and going for forensics, that’s what I want to do. I think it’s awesome and interesting.”

Q: If there is one thing you could do over, what would it be?

A: “I would go back to college but go away for school and live somewhere else. That’s what I would do all over again.”

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?

A: “Hang out with friends, go to the movies, and read.”

Q: Do you have any pet peeves?

A: “One of my biggest pet peeves would be being disrespectful. It could be kids being disrespectful to others or adults being disrespectful to kids and each other. Another thing I hate is when people don’t use turn signals when they drive.

Q: Do you have any career goals?

A: “Be a school nurse until I retire.”

Q: What is your greatest fear in life?

A: “If something would happen to one of my kids.”

Thank you for allowing us to talk to you, Mrs. Cutright. We are sure that working in the clinic has built up your immunity, and we hope that continues. Also, thank you for being selfless and for taking care of the students here at BHS.

Preview: Boys Basketball

By: BHS Sports Staff

November 10, 2022

Last week, the BHS Sports Staff for The Return of the Eye previewed the girls basketball team. Next up is the boys varsity basketball team.

With a lot coming back and an improved bench, the boys are looking at a season to remember and a deep playoff run.

After coming off of a hard-fought loss to Columbia in the sectional finals last year, the squad is focused, working hard, and has goals of winning the CVC Metro title along with reaching the district tournament.

Head Coach Jeff Shepherd stated, “We have a couple new players who transferred in and great leadership from seniors Jaiden Basinger, Jaiden Paschal, and juniors Santana Sammons and Jaiden Ramos. We have had one good scrimmage that went very well. We have to work together, have great leadership, and don’t break the chemistry.”

Early on, Coach Shepherd has been pleased with the focus: “Practices are going good, the team chemistry is going good, the first couple weeks have distractions, like wrapping up Fall sports and Fall banquets, but we have had good concentration on just basketball.”

The CVC Metro division is a weekly challenge, but the Hurricanes have what it takes to be at the top: Speed, athleticism, high basketball IQ, chemistry, and a hunger for success.

The boys are excited to open up the season on Monday, November 28, at 5:30 against Cardinal High School. The game is home, so pack the gym and root these boys on in their quest for greatness.

Go Canes!

(For up-to-date schedules and athletic events, visit Brooklyn Hurricane Athletics.)

A Helping Hand During This Holiday Season

By: BHS Features Staff

November 9, 2022

About 61 percent of Americans dread the holiday season due to financial hardships. For this season, why don’t we all give hope to those who are less fortunate.

By donating to your local and non-local toy, food, and clothing drives, you can give a child and a family an unforgettable, holiday experience.

Here are some ways you can help

Toys-for-Tots will be celebrating its 75th anniversary of helping children and families in need. Toys for Tots has helped over 2.8 billion children since 1947. Donating has become easier than ever with the new, Virtual Toy Box. Here, you can purchase a toy online to donate. You can also find in-person donation boxes at your local shelters, public libraries, and UPS stores. For more resources on what and how to donate, follow this Link.

For the upcoming holiday season, the Salvation Army is trying to help every child experience the holiday season as others do. The goal of the local Salvation Army is to collect 10,000 toys for up to 5,000 children this season. If interested in donating, please bring new or gently used toys and clothes to your local Salvation Army store. You can even donate a child’s wish list or sign up to volunteer online Here. The Salvation Army also offers help with creating your own toy drive for completely free.

This holiday season, Project Hope Alliance is ensuring 400 youth experiencing homelessness to have a holiday season filled with joy and hope. Project Hope Alliance grew out of a school teacher’s passion for assisting local homeless children with their education. The goal of this program is to not only give children a special holiday season but to provide them with the basic necessities to stay in school. Basic necessities include clothes, supplies, food, and transportation. This month, you can help a family in need by building a Box of Hope. You can also donate to this year’s Thanksgiving Food Drive or sign up to be a volunteer Here.

For more resources to help this holiday season, click Here.

This year, make it your goal to help others in need because a little bit of hope can go a long way for all.

Have a safe and healthy holiday season!

Fall Sports Banquet

By: BHS News Staff

November 8, 2022

On November 9, coaches, student-athletes, and families got together for the annual Fall Sports Awards Banquet. Student-athletes were awarded for all of their accomplishments that they achieved throughout the Fall.

Teams featured were football, girls soccer, boys soccer, volleyball, and cheerleading. Also, awards came from the Chagrin Valley Conference, from the OHSAA, and from BHS’s athletic department.

On this evening, the Chagrin Valley Conference Metro Division awarded the Coach of the Year to Brooklyn’s Debbie Hall, head volleyball coach. Congratulations, Coach Hall!

Below is a list of the award winners.

Cane of the Week Winners

*Week of August 31 – Delaney David (soccer) and Jackson Diller (football)

*Week of September 7 – Idajia Simpson (volleyball) and Tariq Hattab (soccer)

*Week of September 14 – Lexi Fecko (cheerleading) and Taylor Ruffin (volleyball)

*Week of September 21 – Jaiden Basinger (football) and Jade Riedel (volleyball)

*Week of September 28 – Isabella Hinkle (cheerleading) and Andriana Rodriguez (soccer)

*Week of October 6 – Melaine Fernandez (volleyball) and Philip Leopp (soccer)

Each of these winners received a Raising Canes gift card for all of their hard work during the past season.

This year’s Fall Sports Banquet also honored those who broke records. The special awards were given to seniors Delaney David, Raymeir Black-Cogburn, Anthony Starr, and junior Dylan Smith.

David broke the career record for soccer goals scored. Black-Cogburn broke a record on a 97-yard kickoff touchdown return. Starr broke the record for most career tackles, held since 1994. Finally, Smith broke the single season tackles record, one that lasted since 1966.

Congratulations, Hurricanes record breakers! BHS coaches and administrators are very proud of what our student-athletes have accomplished this year. Go Hurricanes!

In other news, there will be a Veterans Day assembly for grades K-7 in the auditorium on Friday, November 11, at 9:00 in the morning. Taps will be played and veterans from our school’s families will be invited to be honored. Gifts made by the National Junior Art Society will be given to the veterans in attendance along with those who will be unable to attend. One of Brooklyn School’s own third grade teachers, Mrs. Green, who is a NAVY veteran, will be the speaker at the event.

Happy Veterans Day to all who served and sacrificed.

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

Staff Spotlight: Mr. Burko

*7th Grade Science Teacher*

By: BHS Staff Profiles

November 4, 2022

Chosen for this week’s Staff Spotlight is Mr. Jacob Burko. This year is Mr. Burko’s first year in the Brooklyn City School District. Prior to teaching at Brooklyn, he spent two years teaching in another district, making this year his third in education, altogether. Outside of teaching, he likes to spend time with his family. Something you might not know about Mr. Burko is that he was bitten by a dolphin at SeaWorld when he was 12-years-old.

Q: What is your favorite science lesson to teach?

A: “Physics! I love talking about the laws of physics. It’s very hands-on, and the kids get to do fun stuff like using little, toy cars. We also get to talk about velocity and momentum in ways that will keep the kids engaged by using references to sports. I like doing this unit towards the end of the year. It is a nice way to wrap up.”

Q: What do you believe is the most rewarding aspect of teaching?

A: “Not even necessarily the light bulb moment but more so when the kids come in and they’re in a good mood, and we’re able to take five minutes or so away from the actual lesson and just talk about our personal lives. The kids at Brooklyn are very good at being able to walk that line between having a good time all while knowing that there is a time and place for it.”

Q: What lesson are you currently teaching, and how does it align with the real world?

A: “We’re talking about the water cycle. It aligns to the real world because we all use water. We’re talking about our water footprint right now and how much water a person uses per day as well as the things we use it for. We’re also talking about water conservation, water purification, and how not every state, or more importantly, not every country has the same access to fresh water and its effects. We are also talking about how water fuels our industry and how it fuels our economy. The water cycle definitely has real life application.”

Q: How do you go about helping a student who is struggling to understand a lesson?

A: “Meet with them one-on-one first and make accommodations accordingly to help.”

Q: If you could solve any problem in the world, what would you choose?

A: “Finding the cure for cancer. I feel like every year we don’t get as far as we think we’re going to get. Finding a cure for heart disease or any other disease or illness that takes a lot of lives per year.”

Q: What was a time in your life when you were unsuccessful, and how did you move past it?

A: “The first time out of college, I didn’t get into the ideal teaching job I wanted. I got into a different one and that was kind of disappointing for me. But, it definitely taught me to be more organized and that life is full of opportunities, and there is a reason for everything. When one door closes another door opens.”

Q: What is your biggest fear?

A: “Losing a family member. My family and I are super close. I call them all the time asking questions and asking for advice. If I were to lose one of my parents, that would be my biggest fear.”

Q: What is your favorite holiday?

A: “Halloween for sure. I love all the creepy horror and gothic stuff that comes with Halloween. If it could be Halloween all year long, that would be awesome!”

Q: What is the best piece of advice that you have ever received?

A: “Don’t let the little things bother you because at the end of the day, things always have a way of working themselves out. Don’t get too distracted on the front end.”

Thank you for allowing us to interview you, Mr. Burko. It was nice to learn your perspective as a science teacher. One question, though: A dolphin?

Preview: Girls Basketball

By: BHS Sports Staff

November 3, 2022

The Winter sports seasons are right around the corner, so it is time to start previewing the basketball teams. First up is the girls basketball program with high expectations and lofty goals for the season ahead.

Last year, the girls basketball team finished with an overall record of 15-8 (10-6 in the CVC Metro Division) and are looking to keep up their winning ways in the 2022-2023 campaign.

After coming off of a hard-fought loss to Mapleton in the sectional final last year, the girls are looking to bounce back with the goals of winning the conference title and reaching the district tournament.

Head coach Jon Holko is confident as he returns three key seniors in Shariah Gailes (runner up in last year’s CVC MVP voting), Genesis Caraballo (2nd team All-CVC), and Delaney David (Honorable Mention All-CVC). With the return of senior Taylor Ruffin and a solid group of junior role players, this squad is ready to compete for some hardware.

“I expect there to be some growing pains early on, but that is why we have four scrimmages scheduled to work out the kinks. I am also looking at our junior class and anxious to see who develops the quickest and is ready to contribute right away. The girls know that nothing will be handed to them as it has to be earned,” stated Coach Holko.

The team will also be decked out in new uniforms, as they were designed by the seniors last Summer.

“I’m not really up-to-date on uniform trends, so I figured the seniors’ input would be much better than mine,” stated Coach Holko.

Coach Holko also expressed his pleasure for how the early-season practices have been going thus far.

“The intensity is high, the listening is active, and strides are being made. Our team chemistry is really good right now, too. If we stay together and unified, this could be a season to remember.”

The team is looking forward to opening the season on Tuesday, November 22 as they travel to Grand Valley High School. Their first home game is after Thanksgiving break as they host the Richmond Heights Lady Spartans on Tuesday, November 29.

The Lady Hurricanes also have an amazing opportunity on December 28 as they travel to Knightstown, Indiana, to play former conference rival the Wellington Lady Dukes on the iconic gym floor filmed in the movie Hoosiers. What a thrill that will be!

The season is close, so please come out and support the Lady Hurricanes as they aim to cut down the nets.

Go Canes!

{For up-to-date schedules and athletic events visit Brooklyn Hurricane Athletics.}

Cleveland Pizza Week

By: BHS Features Staff

November 2, 2022

Do you really need an excuse to eat pizza seven days a week? If you do need an excuse, here is your chance because Cleveland’s annual Pizza Week is back!

Cleveland Pizza Week starts on November 7 and will continue through November 13. It is coming up, so start preparing for it because there are seven straight days of the best-rated pizza in the CLE!

In total, 34 of the top-rated pizza shops will bake their own signature pies, along with secret menu specialties and more.

Joining this year’s event are two of Cleveland’s newer pizza shops, The 27 Club created by Cleveland’s own Machine Gun Kelly and Big M Pizzeria.

To check out the rest of the participating restaurants, click here.

There will be pizza for everyone ranging from gluten-free, vegan/vegetarian-friendly, and even dairy free. Of course, those not needing any of that will enjoy flavors and styles of their choice.

Participating shops will be serving $8 slices of pizzas all week.

To follow along with the rest of the CLE pizza lovers this week, download the Pizza Week App. Your Pizza Week App will take you on your week-long adventures to try new restaurants, challenge your taste buds, and share your experiences with other pizza lovers.

Additionally with your app, you will have a chance to win a prize at the end of the week if it is stamped at four or more restaurants.

If you are a restaurant owner, you can even sign up your own restaurant to participate in this year’s event or to become a sponsor for next year.

Do not miss out on this opportunity to try some of the best-rated pizza shops near you, or you use it as an excuse to stuff your face!

A Traditional Commemoration

By: BHS News Staff

November 1, 2022

The History of Dia de los Muertos (translates to the Day of the Dead) originated from the Aztec custom of celebrating ancestors of the All Souls Day, a holiday that Spanish invaders brought to Mexico, starting in the early 1500s. It is celebrated on the first and second days of November and has been for many centuries.

The Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday where families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion that includes food, drinks, music, and reflection.

The Catrina skull represents the Day of the Dead, and it is also a reminder to enjoy life and to embrace mortality. Men and women wear these skull faces when celebrating, and this unique type of makeup has become very popular.

Students from Mrs. Holko’s AP Spanish class and Mr. Kaspar’s Murals class joined together to represent their knowledge and appreciation for Dia de los Muertos.

The students found inspiration to recreate their own Catrina skulls from Walt Disney’s popular and relatively-recent movie, Coco.

In doing so, students in Mr. Kaspar’s class were placed into groups of four with the goal of designing a skull template; each had their own role. There was an artist, model, photographer, and presenter.

“Working cooperatively between grades and working with different skill sets has helped gather groups together. Groups did research on the Catrina skull, and they finalized their sketches. Students were given the opportunity to look in the prop room for accessories,” stated Mr. Kaspar.

Mrs. Holko added, “Our project is teaching students the history and culture of Dia de los Muertos. They’ve learned that it’s not a dress-up Halloween tradition but more of a respect for culture.”

Both classes plan on getting together every year going forward to celebrate and acknowledge the beautiful history behind Dia de los Muertos.

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