THE RETURN OF THE EYE

Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Bolas

*Intervention Specialist*

By: Morgan Blechschmid and Chloe Rojak

May 12, 2022

Chosen for this week’s Staff Spotlight is Mrs. Amy Bolas! Mrs. Bolas is an intervention specialist here at Brooklyn High School and has had much experience in her 19-year career. She has served as a coach-teacher in the four core classes (English, Math, Science, and Social Studies). Outside of school, Bolas enjoys spending time with her family, boating, and traveling. She continues to have a great impact on the lives of many students.

Q: What inspired you to become an intervention specialist?

A: “I worked at a special needs camp my first summer after my freshman year of college, and I really enjoyed working with the special needs kids there. When I returned back to college, I decided I wanted to change my major from elementary education to special education.”

Q: What subject do you enjoy helping students with the most?

A: “Geometry because it just makes sense.”

Q: Describe the highs and lows of being an intervention specialist.

A: “The highs are when you see the ‘ah-ha’ moment, and the students understand the concept and get familiar with what they’re doing. The lows are when you see the students really struggling, and you’re really trying and doing what you can to help them.”

Q: If you could choose a different occupation, what would it be and why?

A: “If I had a choice, I would probably want to be a stay-at-home mom. I feel like I’ve missed out on a lot of my kids’ school activities and the things they like to do just because I’m always working, and I don’t really have much authority to take off just whenever. This was especially valid when my kids were younger.”

Q: What was the most significant life lesson ever taught to you?

A: “My dad always instilled in me not to give up, no matter how frustrated you are. You have to keep going and just know that you will get there, and it will all make sense in the end. Don’t give up, no matter how frustrated you get.”

Q: What are your hobbies?

A: “I like to try new recipes, and I like spending time with my family, boating, and going on vacations.”

Q: If you could live anywhere in the world for one year, where would it be? Why?

A: “Probably Paris, France. It’s always been one of my top destinations to go to because there’s just a lot to do there.”

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

A: “Renovating my house and traveling. We are actually traveling to Ireland and London this summer.”

Thank you Mrs. Bolas for all of your work and dedication to the students here at BHS. Enjoy your upcoming trip to the United Kingdom!

Spirit Week in May? Why Not!

By: Alaysia Curry and Daylun Armstrong

May 10, 2022

Today marks two weeks until the seniors last day of classes. Oh my, the end of the year is quickly approaching!

Even with the school year coming to an end, BHS students and staff are not lacking spirit.

This week is the final spirit week of the year, and the days are as follows:

*Spirit Week Calendar:
May 9 – Blue and Gold (School Spirit)
May 10 – Beach Day
May 11 – BBQ Dad vs. Soccer Mom
May 12 – Celebrity Day
May 13 – Color Wars

*Color Wars: 8th Grade – Blue, 9th Grade – Yellow, 10th Grade – Orange, 11th Grade – Red, 12th Grade – Purple, Staff – Black

Friday, May 13 is also a PEP Assembly. It will be announced during the assembly which grade level embodied the most school spirit throughout the entire year. Prizes and a trophy will be awarded to the entire class.

The second half of the assembly is what students and many teachers have been waiting for. Teachers will be in teams based on their departments and will face off against each other in a dodgeball tournament. The trash talk is so loud that we can hear it throughout the halls!

Seniors, enjoy these next two weeks of classes, and everyone remember to show up and show out for the last spirit week of the year.

For Friday, may the best team win!

Canes Take Down Crosstown Rival

By: Tyler Elzholz, Jaiden Basinger, and Jose Nazario

May 10, 2022

The Hurricane baseball team earned a big win yesterday beating Cuyahoga Heights 9-5 on the road. This is Brooklyn’s third win of the season, and they are looking to ride a great week of weather and momentum into the postseason.

There have been numerous rainy days so far this Spring, but as the weather has warmed up, so have the Canes’ bats.

The Canes started off scoring six runs in the first inning and three in the second. The early onslaught of runs was all they needed to secure the impressive CVC victory.

Sophomore Jackson Diller had two hits on the night and two RBIs. Juniors Derek Wrost and Jeremiah Gonzales also each had a hit and runs driven in.

Junior Anthony Starr was the starting pitcher, and he went five innings, gave up four runs, and struck out eight batters. With this performance, he earned his second victory of the year. Senior pitcher James Trunkett came in and closed the door on the Red Wolves.

The Hurricanes will play the Red Wolves again today at home with first pitch at 4:30. Come out and support your baseball team, and enjoy some nice weather!

Go Canes!

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

Staff Spotlight: Officer Meadows

*School Resource Officer*

By: Morgan Blechschmid and Chloe Rojak

May 5, 2022

Chosen for this week’s Staff Spotlight is Officer Dan Meadows! Officer Meadows is the SRO for the Brooklyn City Schools and has been working as a full-time SRO for the last seven years. Before becoming a full-time SRO, Meadows shared the part-time position of working in the Brooklyn City Schools alongside a few other Brooklyn police officers. Altogether, Meadows is currently in year 24 of working in law enforcement. Outside of being a police officer, Meadows also works in the television sports industry where he has experienced great opportunities with many of Cleveland’s most-loved sports teams.

Q: What do you like most about working in the Brooklyn City Schools?

A: “What I like most about working in the Brooklyn City Schools is being able to work with our students on a daily basis and to be a positive influence on them. Being an SRO allows a police officer to build a positive relationship with students that may not have, otherwise, been possible. There is no better feeling than when I see a former student who thanks me for encouraging them and says that I was a powerful influence in their young life.”

Q: What inspired you to become a police officer?

A: “I’ve always looked up to police officers. I had two SROs at my high school. In my junior year of high school, I became involved with the local police department’s law enforcement explorer program where I was able to ride-alongside and work with police officers. After seeing what they do on a daily basis, I decided that law enforcement would be my career path.”

Q: What is your favorite part about being a police officer?

A: “Playing with the lights and sirens… (not really). My favorite part of being a police officer is the opportunity to help other people.”

Q: What are the pros and cons of your job?

A: “Of course, in current times, the cons of this job is the constant public scrutiny of law enforcement. People who would never choose to be a police officer judging the actions of a police officer, despite the fact that police officers are only doing their job. Often, people fail to take responsibility for their actions and instead find it easier to blame someone else. That can make being a police officer extremely stressful and difficult. However, the pros include the opportunity to help people, be a positive influence, and build positive relationships. An additional pro would be that no two days are the same, and being a police officer is at times very challenging yet also very rewarding.”

Q: What are your interests outside of work?

A: “A little known fact about me is that outside of being a police officer, I work in the television sports industry. That job has given me opportunities that some people only dream of. In addition to working on the Cleveland Browns sidelines each game, I have worked numerous NCAA March Madness events, the four NBA Finals held in Cleveland, the MLB and NBA All-Star events, NFL Draft, and have been on set with the sportscasters of the NFL Hall of Fall events. My most memorable experience is being at Progressive Field during the pre-game activities during Game 2 of the World Series with MLB Films. Standing ten feet from home plate as the National Anthem was being played, I could hear 45,000 people behind me singing along. It still gives me goosebumps to this day thinking about that experience.”

Q: Favorite sports team?

A: “I am a big sports enthusiast, but the Cleveland Browns are definitely my favorite sports team.”

Q: Where is the ideal vacation spot for you and why?

A: “My ideal vacation spot would be in the Caribbean. Having to deal with the cold and snow of Ohio, there is nothing more that I enjoy than being able to relax on the beach in 80 degree weather when I know that it’s snowing back home.”

Q: Outside of Cleveland, what is a U.S. city that you could see yourself living in? Why should we visit there?

A: “Living outside of Cleveland, I would have to say Tampa Bay (Florida), Houston (Texas), or Las Vegas (Nevada). I have been to Tampa Bay many times and love the area and weather. My best friend lives in Houston, and Houston is just an amazing city. Las Vegas just sounds fun, and I would love to retire and work for a casino doing surveillance and security.”

Thank you for your responses, Officer Dan. We greatly appreciate you and your efforts to keep the Brooklyn City Schools and Brooklyn community a safe environment for all. Go Browns!

Mother’s Day Around The World

By: Laila Schwin and Valery Warner

May 5, 2022

Throughout the world, people pay respect to their mothers in different ways. In the United States, this is observed via the holiday of Mother’s Day. In other countries, there are a whole host of other celebrations meant to honor mothers and the invaluable role they play in their children’s lives.

Holidays and festivals noting the importance of mothers are extremely prevalent throughout the world because mothers tend to take on the role of homemaker and main caretaker for their children.

The second Sunday in May (May 8 this year) is Mother’s Day in the U.S. and is usually observed by children by giving gifts, cards, and flowers to their mothers as a sign of appreciation. Many people also observe it by cooking for their mom and taking on the role of caring for the home for the day. Mother’s Day is also similarly observed in several other countries such as Australia, Denmark, Italy, and Belgium.

In India, there is a ten day festival honoring mothers, or more specifically Durga, the goddess of mothers. This holiday, Durga Puja, is both a religious celebration and a chance for families to reconnect. It is meant to be a holiday about reunion and bringing oneself back to their family.

In Japan, Mother’s Day is observed on the second Sunday of May as well. It is observed similarly to the way it is in the U.S. However, it is traditional to give moms carnations. The most common color to give is white carnations, but traditionally, a red carnation was given. This tradition began shortly after World War II to honor mothers who had their lost sons in the war. Children gave red carnations to their mothers or displayed a white carnation if their mother was deceased.

In Ethiopia, the three day Antrosht festival is observed in early Fall and has been dedicated to mothers. The festival begins at the end of the rainy season for the year. Families gather and the children bring food for the reunion to prepare a traditional hash. The holiday includes performances that are meant to tell the stories of family heroes and ancestors.

Despite any variances and history to how Mother’s Day is observed in other places, the main premise is always the same: To remember and highlight the value that mothers have in all of our lives and how important they can be.

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the selfless and wonderful moms!

{Information retrieved from: Scholastic.com, Time.com, and Globalcitizen.org.}

What’s Happening in May, BHS?

By: Alaysia Curry and Daylun Armstrong

May 3, 2022

It is May, and the school year is coming to an end quicker than expected. However, before it is all said and done, BHS still has a lot more in store.

This week is a very important week because we are celebrating and appreciating our wonderful and dedicated teachers. Students are writing positive notes to show their appreciation. Each note that is written, the receiving teacher will earn an E-Ticket for a chance to win many prizes. Along with this, every teacher will also be receiving different gifts throughout the week. More information is available in your grade level Google Classroom.

Also, a reminder that the last blood drive of the school year is this Friday (May 6). If you would like to donate, please sign up using this link. If you are under 17, please stop in Mrs. Bader’s room to get a parental consent form prior to the drive.

Prom is quickly approaching, and with this, the Post Prom Committee (Senior Parents) have organized an after-prom at Fun-N-Stuff. Tickets are $10 each and will be on sale the week of May 9 through the week of May 16. There will be food, fun, prizes, and gift bags awaiting everyone after prom. An important reminder that waivers are required for this event; for more information about the waiver, go to the high school main office or your grade level Google Classroom.

BHS has many more planned events before the school year comes to an end. As of this week, remember to always appreciate your teachers for all they do everyday year, as well as to continue keeping an eye out for more information posted in Google Classroom about the upcoming blood drive and post prom.

Just another shout out to all of our amazing teachers who inspire us, uplift us, and make our time at school a comfortable, creative, and memorable experience. We love you!

Have a great week BHS.

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.