THE RETURN OF THE EYE

Senior Spotlight: Youssef Elouardighi

By: BHS Senior Spotlights Staff

November 7, 2025

Chosen for this week’s Senior Spotlight is Youssef Elouardighi. Youssef’s plans after graduation are to either go to Ohio State University or Cleveland State University to pursue a degree in the medical field. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer, working, and hanging out with his friends. A fun fact about Youssef is that he has been to Barcelona, Spain.

Q: How do you manage school and sports?

A: “I try to plan out my week as much as possible, making sure I have time for work and for play in between.”

Q: What is one of your favorite memories out of your entire high school career?

A: “Scoring my first goal in soccer against Clearview. It was a rivalry game.”

Q: Describe your senior year using three adjectives.

A: “Hectic, Fun, Bittersweet.”

Q: What is your favorite thing to do on the weekend?

A: “Work at Five Below.”

Q: If you could live in any movie or TV show, which one would it be?

A: “Alice in Borderland because it would be fun to play in the game.”

Q: Stay in or go out?

A: “Go out because I love spending time with my friends.”

Q: How do you feel about the upcoming Winter?

A: “I have a lot planned, so I will stay active and look into my future during the cold season.”

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

A: “Miss Cramer. I spend a lot of time with her. She has taught me a lot.”

Thank you for your time, Youssef. We wish you all the best during the rest of your senior year and beyond as you pursue a medical career.

Tough Year on the Gridiron

By: BHS Sports Staff

November 6, 2025

Sometimes, struggles can lead to gains when hard work, focus, and leadership are implemented at a higher level. This is the hope for the Hurricanes football team going forward after enduring a difficult 2025 season.

Led by head coach Travis Agnew, the young Hurricanes fought hard all season and had some high points, but the lows were difficult to overcome as they finished with a record of 1-9, a lone victory against the Beachwood Bison.

Although the Hurricanes did not accumulate many wins, the record alone does not define their season. Coach Agnew saw some positives.

“We had the opportunity to get a lot of young guys varsity reps, and that experience will translate into success next season. We found out that this team is resilient and will fight for all four quarters, regardless of the outcome.”

Many of the players did an outstanding job throughout the season. Senior captains Justin Lewis, Jonny Treska, and Dominic Pytel were the strong pillars of the team, bringing the team together and serving as role models for the underclassmen, even in difficult moments.

Agnew saw other strong contributions from junior Keylen Kidd and sophomores Bentley Cox and Brennan Muich.

With the returning underclassmen, Agnew hopes to get them in the weight room to improve their strength and to develop their offensive and defensive systems.

The future appears brighter for the Hurricanes football team, and it all depends on the work ethic and team chemistry to see how far they will go next season.

Boys, it is time to put in the work. To be great, there is no offseason.

Moving forward next week, we will be showcasing a former Hurricane athlete who is turning heads in Division I NCAA Women’s Basketball. Stay tuned.

Go Canes!

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

Turkey Trot Time

By: BHS Features Staff

November 5, 2025

Everyone knows that Thanksgiving is coming up, exactly four weeks from tomorrow, and the thought of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie is a soon-to-be reality. However, before all of those calories are consumed, maybe you should consider participating in Cleveland’s annual turkey trot?

Cleveland State University’s Recreation Center and the Viking Public House are teaming up to bring local citizens the Cleveland Turkey Trot yet again, a favorite Thanksgiving morning tradition. Even more popular than a turkey bowl football game? Yes because of the bonding and memories that have been created for over 40 years.

The Cleveland Turkey Trot started in 1982 and has become a family tradition. Over the years, it has grown in popularity with almost 10,000 participants taking part in the race each year. The event is more popular for its downtown race routes and friendly atmosphere. The turkey trot includes a 5-mile run, a 5k run, and a 1-mile fun run that goes past well-known landmarks such as Progressive Field, the West Side Market, and more.

Below includes the itinerary for the morning of November 27, along with the staggered pricing guide.

7:00 – Race day packet pickup inside Public Hall Auditorium
8:45 – Bag check / Dick’s Sporting Goods 1-mile fun walk
9:15 – Special pre-race announcements
9:25 – National Anthem
9:30 – Dick’s Sporting Goods 5-mile and 5k races
11:30 – Public Hall closes

Now, pay close attention to the dates and prices so you know when to register for a cheaper rate.

$35 (October 1–November 23)
$45 (November 24-26)
$50 (November 27)

You are going to eat a lot this Thanksgiving, so you might as well create more room for the deliciousness by participating in this year’s turkey trot.

Run, Run, Gobble, Gobble!

(Information sourced from Cleveland Turkey Trot.)

Falling into November

By: BHS News Staff

November 4, 2025

No school today? Thank you, Election Day!

Before you get too comfortable though, it is time to catch up on what is happening in Hurricanes news.

To start off is attendance and why it matters. Seniors had a class meeting yesterday during their third-period class, and Mr. Larson discussed the usual class expectations, but one of the big points he highlighted was the seniors’ attendance. Fact: Only 55 percent of seniors are arriving to school on time 91 percent of the time. If seniors do not want to take finals in May, they have to be at school on time. Simply, set multiple alarms and prioritize getting to school early. The other grade level meetings addressed attendance and tardies, too.

Today, school board and city elections are happening in the Field House. The ballot box opens at 7:00 a.m. and closes at 7:00 p.m. Make sure you do your civic duty and let your voice be heard through your ballot.

Attention all Fall sports athletes: Your awards banquet form is due to the Athletic Office this Thursday, November 6. Be sure to turn in your form to attend the banquet, which is scheduled for Tuesday, November 11.

Moving forward, this Friday is the First Quarter PBIS Incentive Ice Skating trip. If you received Honor or Merit Roll during the first quarter, you should have turned in your permission slip last week in order to attend. In the morning, freshmen, sophomores, and seniors go together, and later in the day, eighth graders and juniors participate. Ice skating is fun, but do not hurt yourself.

Finally, the Brooklyn City Schools received 100 tickets from the Cleveland Charge to sell to families on November 14 for participation in their 50/50 raffle. Proceeds will be split between each grade level. For the game itself, tickets are $10. We hope that Brooklyn families will come out and support this event on November 14.

Here is the early November calendar:

November 4: Election Day (NO SCHOOL)
November 7: PBIS Ice Skating Field Trip
November 11: Fall Sports Awards Banquet
November 14: Cleveland Charge Partnership Basketball Game

Have a great and productive first week of November, Brooklyn.

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

Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Peppers

*Early Childhood Center Secretary*

By: BHS Staff Profiles

October 31, 2025

Chosen for this week’s Staff Spotlight is Mrs. Mary Peppers. This is currently her third year in the Brooklyn City School District. She is the head building secretary at the Brooklyn Early Childhood Center. Previously, she was the Pupil Services Secretary for two years. Outside of Brooklyn, she has been a secretary in various locations. Some things Mrs. Peppers likes to do in her free time include spending time with family, traveling, cooking and baking, crocheting, and making crafts for people, including Christmas ornaments. A fun fact about her is that she loves fun facts, and she has a chalkboard that she writes on with different fun facts.

Q: What made you choose this career path?

A: “I kind of have my hands in a little bit of everything. I feel like secretaries are sort of the ‘backbone’ of everything. They always know what is going on and help out in every aspect.”

Q: What is your favorite part about working in Brooklyn?

A: “The community. I grew up in Cleveland, so being in Brooklyn sort of feels like a small town to me. I like the fact that I am raising my kids here, and the small-town feel makes it feel refreshing in a way.”

Q: How do you inspire your colleagues?

A: “I always tell people that we spend so much time working and being at work that it should be fun. I try to find little things to keep work fun. I bring in treats for people, and it makes it all a little better.”

Q: If you could change one thing about our school district, what would it be?

A: “If I could change anything, I would honestly have to say to add more snow days!”

Q: What is something from your childhood that has stuck with you?

A: “My parents’ work ethic really inspired me into the person I am today. My parents worked so hard to provide for the family, even when they were stressed, and I view this as a beautiful thing.”

Q: If you could do something over again, what would you do?

A: “When I was young, I had a lot of anxiety. My anxiety got in the way a lot, making me lose opportunities. I would like to go back and tell my younger self that it will be okay, and I do not need to be scared to make decisions or try new things.”

Q: Describe your family.

A: “I have three absolutely wild kids. They can be a bit chaotic, but they are so much fun. I love them.”

Q: How do you plan to celebrate Halloween?

A: “All three of my kids have plans, but I plan to just relax and give out candy to trick-or-treaters.”

Thank you so much for your time, Mrs. Peppers. Have a wonderful year, and Happy Halloween!

Esports is Here

By: BHS Sports Staff

October 30, 2025

As Fall sports have ended and Winter sports are just beginning, there is a new varsity team at Brooklyn High School this year. The new team in town is the Esports squad, led by Mr. Jeff Jones.

Esports is on the rise with high schools and universities across the state of Ohio. Ohio State, Akron, Miami, and Ohio (along with other universities) have all created their own Esports leagues, and this is now seen at the high school level, too.

Even though Esports has been in Brooklyn for a few years, for the first time, the Hurricanes will compete against other schools in games such as Super Smash Bros, Mario Kart, Fortnite, and more.

Mr. Jones has built a full squad that is ready to go, and he is excited about this group.

“Seniors David Beane and Landon Blankenship plus sophomore Gaven McCanelley have been involved for years, looking for the opportunity to compete with Esports Ohio. We also have Kayden Bona, Luis Aponte, and John Hittermann for underclassmen who have regularly been involved and waiting for a chance.”

All of the students are excited to get underway and to be able to have a fun experience that will continue to grow.

Mr. Jones has high expectations for his team this season as he believes they are well-prepared and ready to roll. He feels most confident in their Super Smash Bros skills.

“Getting to the postseason would be a great accomplishment for our inaugural season. We have a strong group of players for Super Smash Bros.”

The Hurricanes will begin their Esports season on November 10, just a few weeks away. Below is their full schedule.

This is a really cool idea for BHS students, and we wish the best of luck to every Esports member in their inaugural season.

Go Canes!

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

7 Floors of Hell

By: BHS Features Staff

October 29, 2025

Since Halloween is this Friday, there is still time to get in one last frightful adventure, and the best location to do this is at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds in Middleburg Heights.

The 7 Floors of Hell showcase delivers seven unique haunted houses where patrons are challenged to face their fears. This scary experience will terrify and scare you to the edge with unique sets of horrifying characters and bone-chilling designs to thrill your senses. Whether you are navigating the twisted corridors of an abandoned asylum or coming face-to-face with terrifying creatures, every moment is designed to test your limits. Simply, this will be an evening of terror.

Walking through is a test of courage and endurance. Each haunted house presents a new set of fears, from claustrophobic hallways and sudden scares to facing creatures only seen in movies. Guests never know what to expect around each corner, which keeps adrenaline levels high.

This location includes flashing lights, unexpected sounds, and chilling touch effects. Many visitors say the scariest part is the unpredictability, as every actor and prop seems perfectly timed to make the bravest guest scream.

Over the years, 7 Floors of Hell has become a staple of Halloween entertainment in the Midwest. It has been featured on national TV and ranked among the top haunted attractions in the country.

The event not only entertains but also brings economic benefits to the local community by attracting thousands of visitors each season. Its growing reputation is fueled by word-of-mouth and social media marketing/advertising. The attraction continues to evolve each year, adding new themes and technology to keep the scares fresh and unforgettable.

Overall, 7 Floors of Hell stands out as more than just a haunted house; it is a full-scale horror experience. Its detailed-design, talented actors, and creative themes make this experience unforgettable. This attraction’s popularity shows how much fans crave Halloween entertainment.

With only two days remaining until All Hallows’ Eve, are you brave enough to give 7 Floors of Hell a try?

{Information for this article was gathered from 7 Floors of Hell.}

Disney, Safety Week, and More

By: BHS News Staff

October 28, 2025

As important as Halloween is and the excitement that it brings, school news is more important, so let us get right to it.

Tomorrow night, there is a mandatory meeting in the auditorium for November’s Disney Trip. This meeting will begin at 7:00 and will cover a lot of information regarding the marching band’s upcoming trip to Walt Disney World. All travelers in the band and Hurricettes must be in attendance.

This week is Safety Week, an important week to review safety procedures. Each day in W.I.N. Block, teachers will review and discuss proper safety precautions to ensure that students understand what steps to take in both life-threatening and non life-threatening situations.

Below is a list of the topics that will be discussed each day.

Monday – During class changes or in the hallways
Tuesday – Level 1 Lockout, the threat is outside of the building
Wednesday – Level 2 Stay-in-Place, the incident is inside the building
Thursday – Something happens to your teacher
Friday – The incident is in the lunch room

Next, Ursuline College will be visiting tomorrow (October 29) at 10:30. For more information about this college visit, please see Mr. Ross.

Moving forward, the Drama Club’s musical was announced last Monday, and it is The Addams Family. Auditions will be held on November 3 (3:30-5:00), November 4 (3:00-5:00), and November 5 (3:30-5:00). All auditions will be in the auditorium. Please see Mrs. Cipriani if you are interested in being a part of this year’s musical.

Reminder to all Fall athletes, your banquet forms are due to the athletic office ASAP. The banquet will be held on November 11 in the high school cafeteria.

Speaking of athletics, the Cleveland Charge Partnership basketball game is scheduled for next month, November 14. If you would like to participate in the community and engage in activities to show support, please see Mr. Larson for details.

Finally, here is the remaining October and early November calender:

October 29: Ursuline College Visits
October 29: Mandatory Disney Trip Meeting (Marching Band and Hurricettes)
October 31: Halloween
November 4: NO SCHOOL (Election Day)
November 11: Fall Sports Awards Banquet
November 14: Cleveland Charge Partnership Basketball Game

Have a great and productive week, fellow Hurricanes. Happy Halloween!

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

Senior Spotlight: Juliana Groves

By: BHS Senior Spotlights Staff

October 24, 2025

Chosen for this week’s Senior Spotlight is Juliana Groves. After graduation, Juliana plans to double major in Forensics and Criminology to become a Private Crime Scene Investigator. When free, she likes to spend time with her friends, create art, make bracelets, and sleep. A fun fact about her is that she is a “shop-o-holic”.

Q: What career path did you choose at the Polaris Career Center?

A: “Criminal Justice. I chose this because it sounded interesting during the sophomore field trip to Polaris. Also, when I was younger, I used to watch a lot of crime shows, and it made me realize that this is what I want to do when I am older. It was always my dream. I am so happy I am where I am.”

Q: Why is senior year so challenging?

A: “It is all-around emotional, and everything is coming full circle now. It is hard to believe that in almost six months, the seniors will be gone. It has been a long time coming, and I am so glad I have made it this far. I am trying to make the most out of this year, and I am trying to make sure everything that needs to be taken care of is taken care of before I graduate. It is going to creep up on us fast, whether we know it or not. So, we have to be as prepared as we can be.”

Q: What advice would you give to the class of 2027?

A: “Make sure you pay attention, do your work on time, be on time every day, and gain that responsibility because the time goes by so fast. You do not want to ruin the chances for you to be successful in the end. Get involved, stay involved, and make sure you have done everything you can to be successful. Make memories, do things you enjoy, and do not forget about your school work.”

Q: If you could time-travel to any year, what year would you pick?

A: “I would travel back to 2021, my freshman year. The reason is that I did not take that year seriously. I tried making it a good year, but it was not the best year whatsoever. So, I would love to travel back and tell myself that I needed to pay attention and that I needed to take the year more seriously. I think I would have benefited much better from it in the end.”

Q: What is your biggest pet peeve?

A: “When people act like idiots at the most inappropriate times. There are times when you can be lighthearted, but other times, you need to be serious. It makes me so mad when people think it is okay to be an idiot at any point in time, when that is not the case every time.”

Q: What would you do if you won $10 million?

A: “I would keep $5 million and split the other $5 million between family and charity.”

Q: What is usually the first thought in your head when you wake up in the morning?

A: “I like to wake up and think ‘Today is going to be a good day, and I will try my best.’ It gets me through the day.”

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

A: “I have three teachers who have been an influence on my life. Mrs. Becker taught me that you can make mistakes, but you do not have to give up at that moment. You can keep going and make it a ‘happy little accident,’ as Bob Ross would say. You always need to try to make it better each time, no matter how hard it is. In the short time that I have known Mr. Holko, he has taught me a lot. He has taught me how to write and how to improve it. He is a good teacher. Mr. Roegiers has also been an influence on me because he taught me a lot about Forensics and that furthered my knowledge of things. Overall, a lot of teachers have been a big influence on me, and I am thankful for each one of them that I have had the pleasure of meeting. Thank you for letting me look up to you and consider you an inspiration.”

Thank you for your time, Juliana. You can do anything you put your mind to, so make your senior year the best year yet.

Futbol Recap

By: BHS Sports Staff

October 23, 2025

As the Fall sports season officially ends tomorrow evening with the football team traveling to Cuyahoga Heights, it is time to pivot and recognize the highlights from both the boys and girls soccer teams.

First up is the boys team who finished 6-9-2, scored 42 goals (25 more than last year), and only allowed 55 goals (40 fewer than last season).

Coach John Grigson had some guys make big transitions this season.

“Some of the star players for this year’s team were Youssef Elouardighi and Napoleon Davies. Elouardighi made a seamless transition from defense to midfield and became a dominant attacker, finishing the season with 12 goals and 6 assists. Davies, a new student this year, played midfield and quickly established himself as a force with his 18 goals and 7 assists. The Torres brothers, Angel and Jayden, were the anchors for this team’s defense. Angel, who played forward last season, quickly adapted to his new center-back role this season, and Jayden’s relentless hustle and leadership made him an ideal future captain candidate.”

With the team losing eight seniors to graduation, Grigson is counting on younger players to step up and become leaders.

“Looking ahead, I’ll be counting on Jayden Torres, Aiden Villani, Amin Elouardighi, Gibran Boukzam, and Ben Denovchek to take on key leadership roles. Their example and commitment will be essential in guiding our younger players and continuing the positive momentum we’ve built.”

This team showed great dedication and progression during the Fall, and we cannot wait to see the next version of Hurricanes boys soccer.

Congratulations on a great season, boys!

Now onto the girls soccer team. Led by senior captains Olivia Blechschmid, Lauren Atanacio, and Kayla Flanagan, coach Rebecca Blaine described the seniors as, “The group that held the team together when games got tough.”

The highlight of their season was their win against their rival, the Trinity Trojans, on the first day of school. Blaine described this game as something these girls wouldn’t forget.

“Everyone had energy, and everyone was excited to come out and play, even with the craziness that the first day of school always brings.”

Atanacio led the attacks and looked for teammates to pass the ball to, mostly to sophomore Reese Alonso. Blechschmid was the glue that held the defensive players together, never giving up and always trying her best to back up her teammates. Other standout performances came from seniors Nicolle Thomas Garcia, Jarianny Dominguez, and freshman Sofia Rai.

Similar to the boys, we are excited to see the next version of Hurricanes girls soccer. The future is bright with young stars.

Go Canes!

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

Ready for a Surprise?

By: BHS News Staff

October 21, 2025

After 36 school days, the first quarter is officially in the books, and it is now time to focus on the 41-day second quarter and the excitement that lies ahead.

Speaking of school work, if your first quarter grades were not to your liking, the second quarter is slightly longer than the first, so use this as more opportunity to better your grades and increase your GPA. Second quarter grades can affect the second half of Winter sports, so be sure to stay on top of your assignments. Do not fall behind!

Yesterday, a representative from Jostens presented seniors with cap and gown information, along with other graduation items. Each senior received a brochure and an order form with information on how to order these memorable items, special package deals, etc. Seniors, take advantage of the early discounts as you will save significant money.

Next is a reminder to all 8th-11th graders regarding tomorrow’s PSAT. The test will start at 8:00, so come prepared to do your best. Remember, this test analyzes your college-readiness. Seniors who have the day off are encouraged to attend a college visit or use the day as an opportunity to earn community service hours. Senior students are still expected to attend Polaris unless excused.

Moving on, in the final weeks of October, two college representatives will be visiting Brooklyn High School. Baldwin Wallace University will be here tomorrow at 10:30. Ursuline College will be here on Wednesday (October 29) at 10:30. For information about these visits and more, be sure to touch base with Mr. Ross.

Now for the surprise. Want some exciting news to look forward to? The Drama Club’s Musical was just announced yesterday, and the 2026 show will be The Addams Family. See Mrs. Cipriani for audition information.

Finally, here is the remaining October calendar:

October 22: Baldwin Wallace University
October 22: PSAT 8-11
October 22: Marching Band Instant Replay Concert
October 24: Lakeland Community College Experience Lakeland Day
October 29: Ursuline College
October 31: Halloween

Have a great and productive week, fellow Hurricanes.

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

Staff Spotlight: Miss Lenart

*7th Grade Science*

By: BHS Staff Profiles

October 17, 2025

Chosen for this week’s Staff Spotlight is Miss Kimberly Lenart. This is Miss Lenart’s first year of full-time teaching. Previously, she was a long-term substitute teacher at Bay High School. In her free time, she enjoys playing volleyball, playing piano, and paddleboarding. A fun fact about her is that she has three cats named after Twilight characters.

Q: What are the most important concepts for students to understand by the end of the year?

A: “The most important concepts for seventh-grade science students is learning about ecosystems and how energy flows between organisms. A really cool topic we are going to learn about is the Earth’s moon and sun systems and how they all revolve around each other to create eclipses. Those are the two biggest ones I would say. My favorite would be the short unit on the periodic table of elements because I love Chemistry.”

Q: How do you incorporate technology and hands-on activities into your lessons?

A: “Technology-wise, we use IXLs. I love doing labs and hands-on activities. In our first lab, we tested how many licks it took to get to the center of a tootsie roll pop with a scientific method. The last lab we completed not long ago was Anaerobic respiration where we watched fermentation occur in a zip lock bag. We watched yeast eat the sugar to form carbon dioxide and watched the bag expand.”

Q: What does science homework typically look like for seventh graders?

A: “Seventh graders will not have science homework unless they do not finish an activity in class, so they get lucky as long as they are using class time wisely.”

Q: How do you connect science lessons to the real world?

A: “I like to connect science lessons to the real world by connecting them to future jobs that students can have.”

Q: Which of these two smells better, fresh-cut grass or bread baking in the oven?

A: “I like the smell of baking bread. I think it has such a warm and inviting smell. It makes the house feel warm and cozy, too.”

Q: Starbucks or 7 Brew?

A: “I am going to have to go with Starbucks because I only had 7 Brew once, which was good, but I feel like I gravitate towards Starbucks more.”

Q: Who are three people you would want on your zombie apocalypse team?

A: “I feel like the Rock would be a good person to take out the zombies and Taylor Swift to perform a show so that the zombies can be distracted by her singing. The third person would be Emmett from Twilight because he is super strong and super fast, so he could catch those zombies quickly.”

Q: What is your all-time favorite Halloween costume and tradition?

A: “Every year, my family hosts Halloween. All of my little cousins come over, and I get to take them trick-or-treating, so that is my favorite tradition. My favorite Halloween costume that I have done just a year ago would be Taylor Swift. It was back then when my hair was dyed blonde, and I looked identical to her.”

Thank you for your time, Miss Lenart. We hope you have a fun Halloween this year and an even better first year here in Brooklyn.