THE RETURN OF THE EYE

Canes Outslug Cornerstone

By: Tyler Elzholz, Jaiden Basinger, and Jose Nazario

May 3, 2022

Last Wednesday, the Hurricanes took on Cornerstone Christian and won in a high-scoring affair, 13-11.

After an early deficit, the Hurricanes played to their individual roles which propelled them to the comeback, team victory. Senior James Trunkett settled down on the mound and consistently threw strikes.

Early on, Trunkett had trouble finding the strike zone and issued too many walks. It was very cold during this game, but walks led to a lethargic defense behind him. Once he started pounding the zone, the defense assisted him in making plays to prevent Cornerstone from scoring more runs.

Offensively, juniors Jeremiah Gonzalez, Angel Hernandez, and Nate Wilson have struggled at the plate throughout the season, but in the win, they all had multiple hits, hopefully boosting their confidence.

Additionally, junior Derek Wrost had three hits as well to propel the Hurricane offense to plate 13 runs.

Great win, boys!

Come out and see the Hurricanes baseball team take on Beachwood on our home diamond today at 4:30 p.m.

Go Canes!

Please be sure to stay up-to-date with the latest schedule changes and upcoming events at Brooklyn Hurricanes Athletics.

Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Kriausky

*Athletic Secretary*

By: Morgan Blechschmid and Chloe Rojak

April 28, 2022

Chosen for this week’s Staff Spotlight is Mrs. Janice Kriausky! Mrs. Kriausky, also known as “Mrs. K,” is the Athletic Secretary here at Brooklyn High School. She is one of our most well-known staff members in her 34 years of service. After this year, Mrs. Kriausky will be seeking her well-deserved retirement. She is best-known for her kind and sweet character as well as her Brooklyn pride. She will forever be remembered by all of Hurricane Nation.

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to the students at Brooklyn High School, what would it be?

A: “Stay in school no matter what!”

Q: What are some of your fondest memories here at BHS?

A: “Definitely in athletics. We’ve had several student-athletes do very well and go on to succeed in the sports they do. So, that’s always great to see.”

Q: What makes Brooklyn a special community?

A: “It’s a small town community where everybody knows everybody.”

Q: What are you most looking forward to with your upcoming retirement?

A: “Sleeping in for sure! Also, maybe doing a little traveling.”

Q: What is your favorite sport to watch and cheer for?

A: “Definitely football.”

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

A: “Travel, go out to eat, and spend time with my grandkids.”

Q: If you had an all-expenses paid vacation to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

A: “Probably Rome and Paris. I would like to have a visit with the Pope and see all the different Cathedrals and fine artwork there. It would also be nice to see the Eiffel Tower as well.”

Q: Define yourself using only three words.

A: “Patient, Kind, and Loyal.”

Mrs. K, you are the best! Thank you for everything that you have done for all of the Hurricanes athletes, both past and present. Enjoy your upcoming retirement. You have earned it, and we wish you the best.

Annual Lakewood Zombie Walk

By: Laila Schwin and Valery Warner

April 28, 2022

The fifteenth annual Lakewood Zombie Walk will be taking place this Saturday (April 30) at The Five O’Clock Lounge in Lakewood. The event features a unique parading experience in which everyone is dressed up as zombies. This is a fun for all-ages event for the whole family that benefits a great cause to those in need.

The first part of this year’s event will be the makeup stage. From 1:00-4:00, professional special effects makeup artists will provide zombie and horror makeup looks for anyone participating in the walk. The makeup they provide is versatile and full of possibilities. The zombie makeup will be offered for $10.

Zombie looks are not the only ones featured. Any horror, zombie, or otherwise cool and creepy makeup and outfit looks are greatly appreciated, too. Whether that be a clown, an alien, a demon, or anything else, all are accepted.

From 4:30-5:30, the zombie walk will take place. Participants will depart from The Five O’Clock Lounge, and the parade will commence. The route for the parade will be announced on Saturday.

The Lakewood Zombie Walk, since its conception, has benefitted the Cleveland Food Bank and has provided all of the proceeds as donations. Admission to this year’s walk is $5 per person plus two canned food goods in support of the food bank.

Further information can be found here on the Facebook page for the event under its annual posting.

Make sure to come out and show your scariest costume!

An Evening With

By: Alaysia Curry and Daylun Armstrong

April 26, 2022

A night to relax with food, beautiful music, and outstanding art. What could be better than this?

An Evening With took place this past Friday (April 22), and the event encapsulated the hard work of many.

The BHS Jazz Band, National Art Honor Society, Junior National Art Honor Society, Singing Storm, and Hurricane Harmony are all of the groups that participated in this wonderful evening.

(The Singing Storm & Hurricane Harmony with an outstanding number)

An Evening With began three years ago with the help of Mrs. Kimberly Cipriani (BHS Choir Teacher), Mr. Christopher Kaspar (Art Teacher), Mr. Sean Sullivan (Band Director), Mrs. Joanne Becker (Art Teacher), along with help from the Brooklyn City Schools Music Boosters.

This event is important to so many because it brings parents, families, friends, and community members together to celebrate our students’ outstanding talents and shows their artistic expression.

(Jazz Band filling the room with amazement)

An Evening With is a wonderful, annual experience for all involved. Whether you are playing an instrument, singing, or creating artwork, it is an amazing opportunity to express your creativity, passions, and just a night to remember and enjoy.

BHS looks forward to seeing even more students express themselves in every aspect of art and life, not only for an evening but everyday.

A special thanks to Mrs. Cipriani, Mr. Kaspar, Mr. Sullivan, Mrs. Becker, the Brooklyn City Schools Music Boosters, along with every student who made this evening possible.

Cleveland Guardians Preview

By: Tyler Elzholz, Jaiden Basinger, and Jose Nazario

April 26, 2022

As of now, the Cleveland Guardians have a 7-9 record with their next game tonight on the road as they visit the Los Angeles Angels in game number two of a four-game series. First pitch is scheduled for 9:38.

Paul Dolan, the team’s owner, has made a lot of fans upset with the new name change and for overseeing one of the lowest payrolls in Major League Baseball. However, with the resigning of Jose Ramirez, Emmanuel Clase, and Myles Strong, fans are more optimistic about the future of this franchise.

It is documented that the Guardians (formerly known as the Indians) are the youngest team in baseball. With the youth, there have been and will continue to be ebbs and flows.

For example, the Guardians began the season losing two straight in Kansas City. Then, they went on a four-game winning streak with wins at Kansas City and at Cincinnati. During their first homestand, they were swept by the San Francisco Giants but regrouped and swept the AL Central favorite Chicago White Sox in a three-game series.

This past weekend, the Guardians were swept in the Bronx by the hated New York Yankees.

To make matters worse, last Saturday, rookie sensation and left fielder Steven Kwan got injured towards the end of the game as he ran into the left field wall while tracking down a fly ball. Some of the Yankees fans were cheering for his injury and making noise while he was down getting checked out by fellow teammates and trainers.

Fearless center fielder Myles Straw heard the chirping coming from the stands and then proceeded to climb the wall to get into the fans’ faces. This is when some expletives were exchanged.

After a while, things finally calmed down and play continued, but after a walk-off hit securing the Yankees’ win, tensions began to boil again as Yankees’ fans began throwing trash such as full water bottles, filled beer cans, and bottle caps at right fielder Oscar Mercado.

Some words being said to one another is one thing, but to throw trash with intent to hurt someone is ridiculous. Even the Yankees’ players walked over to tell their own fans to stop throwing trash.

This is just embarrassing for Yankees’ fans and team management. Is it any wonder why they have the most-hated fan base in all of sports?

With the Guardians being such a young team, it is nice to know that they have great relationships with one another and show great unity as they stand up for one another. They truly are a young, energetic, gritty, and connected team.

With this current 10-game road trip, the young Guardians will continue to show that they have what it takes to compete and prove the naysayers wrong. Stay up to date with your Cleveland Guardians here.

Roll Tribe, or should we say, Go Guards? Regardless, we have a professional baseball team in Cleveland. Same team, same colors, just a different name.

Let’s pack Progressive Field this Summer!

Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Smith

*Librarian/Media Center Specialist*

By: Morgan Blechschmid and Chloe Rojak

April 21, 2022

Chosen for this week’s Staff Spotlight is Mrs. Wendy Smith! Mrs. Smith is the Librarian/Media Center Specialist in the Brooklyn City School District. She spends a lot of her time working with students, whether it is reading to them, teaching them, or assisting them with checking out books. When Mrs. Smith is not in the library, she can most-likely be found outdoors or spending time with her family.

Q: If you did not work in the BCSD, which occupation would you choose and why?

A: “If I did not work as a school librarian, I would have always wanted to be a travel writer. I love exploring new places and writing about my experiences. Once I am retired, I want to be a camp host at campgrounds in National Parks and have my own little library on the back of my bike that campers can select books from. It would be like the female librarians in the 1930s who rode horseback from town-to-town with their little libraries on their horses. Or, I will teach kayaking lessons somewhere because it is my other passion.”

Q: What is the most stressful part about running the media center for the whole district?

A: “The most stressful part is making sure I am staying on top of the literacy trends and that I provide books that accommodate every grade level and subject area. I always have a stack of books next to my bed that I need to read.”

Q: What is the best aspect of running the media center for the whole district?

A: “The best part is that I literally get to see students grow up from kindergarten to a senior in high school.”

Q: How old were you when you realized your love for books?

A: “I started devouring books after I read my first book by myself, which was Charlotte’s Web. I knew then that I could escape in a world of books, and it was intoxicating. I make sure I always have books in my car or in my bag in case I have any down time to read.”

Q: What is your favorite genre to read?

A: “As an adult, I love historical fiction. I have always loved history, and I like experiencing it through different characters’ perspectives. As a child and teenager, I only read realistic fiction. If I couldn’t imagine the story happening to myself or my friends, I wouldn’t read it.”

Q: Are you an indoors or outdoors type of person?

A: “I am definitely an outdoors type of person. I would rather be in the woods exploring or on the beach.”

Q: Do you have any special plans for summer break?

A: My family and I are going on a two-week road trip to several National Parks: Rocky Mountain National Park, Arches National Park, The Grand Canyon, and Zion National Park. We are going to be roughing it, camping in tents, hiking, and exploring the desert. Any chance I get, I will be camping, in my kayak, or exploring some part of nature.”

Q: What is your go-to meal?

A: My favorite is authentic Mexican food or Thai food. You can’t go wrong.”

Thank you, Mrs. Smith! We enjoyed learning more about you. Know that your hard work and efforts do not go unnoticed.

Earth Day Agenda

By: Laila Schwin and Valery Warner

April 21, 2022

Every year, there are plenty of events to celebrate Earth Day.

Earth Day is about the conservation of our planet and the things that we, as individuals, can do to benefit our planet. Knowing this, there are several fun events that you should consider attending this upcoming weekend (April 22-24).

This Friday (April 22) at Crocker Park from 1:00-3:00, Firelands Scientific is collaborating with the Cleveland Candle Company to host a recycled candle-making event. You will have the opportunity to fill a Firelands Scientific flower jar with wax and add your own fragrance, thanks to the Cleveland Candle Company. In addition, you will get a chance to learn about Firelands latest launch: Growing Green. Space is limited, so you can RSVP here.

For Saturday’s (April 23) Earth Day festivities, Whispering Acres Farm and Animal Sanctuary in Mallet Creek, Ohio, is hosting interactive events with their rescue animals. The experience will be available from 12:00-4:00. The event is both a celebration of the planet and the animals that live on it as well as a fundraiser for the animal sanctuary. There will be a 50/50 raffle and refreshments provided as well as plenty of fun experiences with the animals. Tickets are between $10 and $25 and can be purchased here.

On Sunday (April 24) from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., join the Sierra Club in efforts to clean up Huntington Beach and the trails surrounding the waterfront. Dress appropriately according to the weather; it is expected to be a beautiful day in the low 80s. Toe-covering shoes and items you do not mind getting dirty are recommended. Gloves and pick-up bags will be provided along with water and snacks. This event is put on in partnership with Bay Village Green Team, BAYarts, and Lake Erie Nature & Science Center. The Sierra Club asks that you fill out a waiver from the Metroparks prior to participation. For those 18 years-of-age or older, you can sign up here. For any participants under 18, your parents/guardians can fill out the form here.

We hope that everyone can find their own way of celebrating Earth Day by creating their own goals toward a safer, cleaner, and all-around better planet for us to live on. This weekend’s events are just a small sample of the ways in which you can benefit this planet and the beings living on it, both human and animal.

Have a safe, fun, and happy Earth Day!

We Love Our Library!

By: Alaysia Curry and Daylun Armstrong

April 19, 2022

In the Brooklyn City School District, the library is about much more than just checking out books. It is a place where people make connections, have fun, expand their knowledge, and learn skills that will help them throughout their everyday lives. Without the hard work and dedication of Mrs. Wendy Smith (District Media Specialist) and Mrs. Kimberly Daerr (District Media Assistant), the library would not be where it is today.

The library offers an array of different programs and activities for every student to enjoy, such as One Author One School. This is a program (since 2017) that focuses on K-7 students where each student gets a variety of books by an author who writes for different grade levels. The goal of this program is for kids to enjoy reading and having others read to them.

Book fairs also play an important role in the library. Every year, the library hosts two scholastic books fairs that directly support the library and classroom teachers’ libraries, along with providing books for Right To Read Week.

Right To Read Week is an entire week in March that is dedicated to literacy with different, daily activities. Some of the activities include organizing guest readers such as community members, teachers, and staff who go into classrooms and read a plethora of different books to K-7 students.

Along with this, there is also Literacy Night. This is a night where the community comes in and celebrates reading; the PTA provides dinner, entertainment, as well as a free book giveaway, which the library directly supports. Teachers volunteer to set up stations with crafts or games, all of which celebrate and support the importance of reading.

To keep such an enjoyable environment, the library encourages students to read by doing book talks, book trailers, monthly themes, and purchasing new and interesting books for all grade levels with a wide-range of genres and topics for all to enjoy.

Mrs. Smith also teaches classes that focus on technology and library skills. All students learn on a google format with a range of different projects depending on their grade level.

They learn basic library skills such as how to look for a book, the different genres to find the right fit book for them, understanding the different parts of a book, researching/finding credible information, along with digital citizenship lessons that teach students how to be safe on the Internet and what you should and should not post, being nice to others, as well as creating strong passwords and making sure that your information is safe.

Each week rotates between teaching library skills and technology. Students also enjoy story time with Mrs. Smith as she reads a new book for each theme of every month.

The library has always worked to be an inclusive environment for all students making sure to discuss authors and provide books that highlight the importance of representation everyday of the year. The library is also a welcoming and comforting place where students go to expand their knowledge, dive into a new book, and have great conversations.

Thank you Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Daerr for all that you do to make the library what it is today!

Spring Sports Report

By: Tyler Elzholz, Jaiden Basinger, and Jose Nazario

April 19, 2022

With the weather being so problematic and indecisive, the baseball and track teams are day-to-day when it comes to actually getting games and meets completed. So, where do both squads currently stand?

The boys baseball team is 1-5 and waiting on another weather break, but as for now, they are scheduled to play this Friday at Bohlken Park.

Luckily, they play more regular season games than most high school teams in the area. Unfortunately though, the weather has played a major role in the rescheduling of most of the games to this point.

When asked about the difficulties of this Spring’s weather, Coach Kevin Sedlacek did not hold back: “It is frustrating waiting until the last minute and then having to travel to any field that is playable.”

The Hurricanes lone highlight game so far is when they beat Independence on the road.

Junior Anthony Starr pitched 6.1 innings and struck out six batters as he shut down the Blue Devil offense. With a 5-2 lead, Starr recorded the first out of the 7th inning before turning the ball over to senior James Trunkett, who got the final two outs to save the win for the Hurricanes.

Offensively, Starr led the team with two hits and two RBIs. Additionally, Trunkett, junior Jeremiah Gonzalez, freshman Aiden Starr, and junior Derek Wrost each had a hit as well.

With plenty of more games on the upcoming schedule, Coach Sedlacek is eager to see the boys back in action soon: “If we play at our potential and have good pitching, quality at bats, and make our plays in the field, we can compete with any team on our schedule.”

As for track, there have been some amazing accomplishments in only four meets to this point.

Junior Jenna Young has won the high jump in all of the meets that she has competed in, including a school-record setting 5’7” jump at the George Gross Invitational. Jenna beat her own record and ranks as one of the top high jumpers across all divisions in the state and in the top 50 of all high school girls in the country.

Jenna has also impressed in the Girls 100-meter hurdles this season. She won the event at the 16-team Cardinal Invitational (17.67) and finished second at the 8-team George Gross Invitational (17.35).

Juniors Alex Chiclana and Chavon Holton are off to great starts to the season, as well. At the George Gross Invitational, Alex won the 300-meter hurdles (46.18) and placed second in the 100-meter hurdles (18.14) while Chavon won the 100-meter hurdles (17.91) and placed third in the 300-meter hurdles (46.54). At the Cardinal Invitational, Alex also took second in the 300-meter hurdles (46.85) and third in the 110-meter hurdles (18.03).

Senior Ashley Chong set an impressive personal record in girls long jump in back-to-back meets, winning the event at the Lutheran West Quad (15’4.5”) and finishing fourth at the George Gross Invitational (15’ 9”).

Coach Kyle Atkins loves his team’s start to the season: “Through the first portion of the season, our student-athletes have stepped up in the big way from setting personal-bests to a record-setting high jump that is among the best high jumps in the country. With our biggest meets still ahead, our team is focused on improving each day to achieve our individual goals.”

We wish all Hurricane athletes the best of luck as they continue on through their Spring schedules. We also hope for nice, warm, and consistent weather.

Go Canes!

Please be sure to stay up-to-date with the latest schedule changes and upcoming events at Brooklyn Hurricanes Athletics.

78th Street Studios Art Walks

By: Laila Schwin and Valery Warner

April 14, 2022

During the third Friday of every month, 78th Street Studios will be opening their facilities to the public for free art walks and events. Every event will feature the base art of the studio but also the works, experiences, and shops of many other businesses and artists. The art walks also feature live music throughout the building and on site restaurants.

78th Street Studios has a rich history dating back to 1905 when the structure was built and originally home to the Baker Electric Motor Vehicle Company. Within the structure of the building, visitors can often find original hardwood floors, metal track doors, and old freight elevators. Years later through the 1980’s, the building was home to American Greetings’ Creative Studios, before they consolidated into a corporate headquarters building in Brooklyn.

78th Street Studios is located in a massive 170,000 square-foot building and is host to art galleries, artist studios, performing arts spaces, and music recording studios, amongst more. Since its conception, it has evolved to include the many businesses present for the third Friday events and has begun to branch out to publishing, product design, and a further focus on music.

Current events feature partnerships and experiences with the restaurant Local West as well as art from various sources such as the ARTneo Museum, CLE Film Factory, the HEDGE Gallery, Facing Forward Studio, and a whole host of individual artists. In total, there are over 50 venues open in the studio. The full list of all businesses and reservations for the third Friday events can be found here.

The next art walk at 78th Street Studios will take place on Friday, April 15 from 5:00-9:00 p.m. All following art walks will take place on the third Friday of their respective months. Reservations are recommended but are not required.

If you are interested in seeing the works of countless local artists and engaging with new and interesting art forms alongside bold exhibits, consider checking out the festivities at 78th Street Studios for their third Friday events.

Alternatively, check out their regular galleries when they are not hosting events to see even more unique modern art.

Staff Spotlight: Miss Baker

*Math Teacher*

By: Morgan Blechschmid and Chloe Rojak

April 14, 2022

Chosen for this week’s Staff Spotlight is Miss Amanda Baker! Miss Baker previously attended Brooklyn High School and graduated in the class of 2017. During her high school years, she was involved in many different sports and activities. After receiving a scholarship, Baker went on to attend Cleveland State University, where she later graduated in 2021. She is now in her first year of teaching and teaches sixth grade math in the Brooklyn School.

Q: Where did you go to college, and why did you choose that school?

A: “I went to Cleveland State University, and I chose it for a few different reasons. The main reason I chose Cleveland State University is because I received a scholarship from the school to play on their golf team. I was able to live downtown on campus with the scholarship for no cost. Another reason I chose CSU is because my brother, who is two years older, was attending CSU as well.”

Q: What is it like teaching at the school that you graduated from?

A: “Teaching at the school I went to is definitely a little strange. What makes it less strange, though, is having my classroom in the new building. When I was in middle school here, my classes were in the old building that was torn down. It also helps that I did not personally have any of my sixth grade team members as a teacher myself. What is still completely weird to me though is walking into the high school. It feels like I was just in class there yesterday, and it is unbelievably strange for me to call my old teachers by their first names.”

Q: What is your favorite part about math?

A: “My favorite part about math is that not many people like it. Yes, this may sound very odd. Think about it, though, if a lot of people do not like math, my job is to make them like it! I like to turn a subject that many people are intimidated by into something more enjoyable!”

Q: How has being a first-year teacher impacted your life to this point?

A: “Being a first-year teacher is definitely crazy. I am always busy making plans and thinking of new ideas to use in my classroom.”

Q: What was your favorite sport to play in high school?

A: “Since I am a big sports person, it has always been difficult for me to pick a favorite. I played softball, basketball, and golf. But my favorite team-experience was golf.”

Q: What do you plan on doing over summer break?

A: “Golfing and coaching (shocker) and going to some concerts.”

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

A: “I like to listen to music, go to concerts, and play/watch sports.”

Q: What is your favorite type of music?

A: “Believe it or not, my favorite type of music is rock. My favorite bands are Evanescence, Halestorm, and Paramore.”

Q: In an 18-hole round of golf, who would win between you and Mr. Holko?

A: “Since I am now able to putt, I would most definitely pick myself to win in a match against Mr. Holko.”

{Editor’s note: Challenge accepted!}

Thank you for your responses, Miss Baker! You are a great addition to this school district.

Checkmate

By: Alaysia Curry and Daylun Armstrong

April 12, 2022

The game of Chess has been played for centuries, and the history behind it is somewhat complex. The game itself has been developing throughout the years, so it is hard to pinpoint exactly where the modern game originated.

Though many believe that a form of what we now call Chess began in India around the seventh century, it obviously spread throughout many different parts of the world forming the game that many know today.

Now, the game is making its return to Brooklyn High School after a long awaited, two-year break.

This tournament began at BHS around six years ago when students in Mr. Chris Kaspar’s Art class finished their projects. With many Chess boards in his room, students began to play. Because of this, the students, along with Mr. Kaspar, had the idea to start a Chess tournament.

So, how does one play? Here is a LINK that explains the ins and outs of the game, along with maybe even how to win.

If you would like to join this tournament, scan the QR code below!

Practice will begin on May 16-17 in Mr. Kaspar’s room immediately after school. Once the practice sessions are over, the three-day tournament starts on May 18 and concludes on May 20.

The winner will get to choose a trophy that will be made using a 3D printer.

If you want to play this entertaining and strategic game, it is time to make your move and sign up to be in this year’s chess tournament!

More information about the history of chess can be found HERE.