THE RETURN OF THE EYE

Ramseyer Farm

By: BHS Features Staff

September 21, 2022

To kick off Fall this year, Ramseyer Farm will have their fifth annual Sunflower Days. The festival started last week and will continue through this upcoming weekend.

Tickets are date-specific with limited capacity, so be sure to purchase tickets for the correct date in advance to guarantee admission. Children ages two and under are free, and season passes are valid for Sunflower Days for all dates.

The event includes 50+ farm activities, access to the sunflower field, and one free flower. You can also purchase a mason jar ($13) or a large galvanized vase ($25) to fill with as many flowers as you want.

The sunflower field is open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.everyday.

On the weekends, there are local craft vendors, live music in the afternoon, and additional food options including french fries, roasted sweet corn, kettle corn, hot pretzels, cider slushies, and strawberry lemonade. Varying food trucks are also present.

At the end of October is the Not-so-Spooky Halloween party. The event will include a costume contest, trick or treating, and pictures with a giant pumpkin.

Trick or treating is for those 13 years of age and under from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Saturday, October 29) and from 1:00-3:00 (Sunday, October 30).

The costume contest is both days previously-noted from 2:00-3:00. Winners will be announced at 3:30.

Additionally, Ramseyer Farms has a fantastic selection of corn mazes. The three mazes this year are the Ohio maze, the mystery maze, and the mini maze.

The Ohio maze is shaped like the state of Ohio with two miles of trails and eight acres of corn. It is difficult to get lost due to every road being labeled; therefore, no need to panic.

The mystery maze is a randomly-shaped maze that changes every year; it also has two miles worth of trails. However, this one is not as easy due to no road labels, and it is not recommended for younger children.

The mini maze is highly recommended for younger children as it takes roughly 10-15 minutes to complete.

These mazes will be up all season.

Last week, our very own Mrs. Clancy and her son Masen enjoyed the Ramseyer festivities. Here are some of their pictures.

Make sure to purchase your tickets online, not only to ensure your spot but to also save money on tickets.

For more information on any of these upcoming events, visit Ramseyer farm. Tickets can also be purchased here.

Be sure to check this place out. The prettiest season is upon us, so have some outdoor fun.

Let’s Party!

By: BHS News Staff

September 20, 2022

Homecoming is quickly approaching, and everyone is eager to buy their tickets, meet the court, and enjoy this annual, Fall tradition.

*Schedule of Events:

Meet the Homecoming Court: Friday, September 23 (9:00 – Auditorium)

Spirit Week: Monday-Friday, September 26-30

Monday – Adam Sandler

Tuesday – Bikers vs. Surfers

Wednesday – Color Wars (8th-Purple, 9th-Blue, 10th-Yellow, 11th-Orange, 12th-Red)

Thursday – Back to Middle School

Friday – Blue and Gold

Senior Luncheon: Friday, September 30 (10:45 – High School Gym)

Homecoming Pep Rally: Friday, September 30 (2:20 – High School Gym)

Homecoming Football Game vs. Cuyahoga Heights: Friday, September 30 (7:00 – Stadium) / Tickets are $7 for general admission, while student tickets will be free.

Homecoming Dance – “An Enchanted Forest”: Saturday, October 1 (7:00 – Cafeteria) / The cafeteria and common area will be whimsical and woodsy, filled with lights and good memories to come. To be able to buy your tickets, you cannot have any school fees. Tickets are $20 a piece. Tickets sales began this week and will continue throughout next week. For those who attend Polaris, make sure to get your tickets in the office by 3:00.

The week ahead is sure to bring about a lot of fun and memory-making moments. BHS, who is ready for homecoming 2022?

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

Staff Spotlight: Dr. Caleris

*Superintendent*

By: BHS Staff Profiles

September 16, 2022

The Staff Spotlight for this week belongs to the Superintendent of the Brooklyn City School District, Dr. Ted Caleris. Dr. Caleris started his career in this district in 2001 and continued it through 2013. After working in a couple of other districts and a short time away from Brooklyn, he returned in 2020 as our superintendent, making this year 25 in his educational career.

Q: What made you want to become a superintendent?

A: “I was a building principal for 12 years, and then, I went on to be an assistant superintendent for five years. Being a superintendent was just the next step for me. I used to be the middle school principal for seven years, and then, I was the athletic director. I was a teacher from 2001 to 2003.”

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

A: “I would say a medical doctor because I like helping people; that’s what I originally went to school for.”

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

A: “The students, the parents, the families, and the staff. It’s just an all-around great community.”

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to all Brooklyn students, what would it be?

A: “Take one day at a time and try to get better each day.”

Q: Do you feel like there are areas in the Brooklyn City School District that need improvement?

A: “A couple of things, I would like more students to participate in activities. I feel like the more active you are as a student, the more well-rounded you are as a person. I would also love to work on a facility improvement and do some big renovations to the high school. I believe that Brooklyn students deserve the best, including facilities. We can always improve on academics. All academics look different for different kids. I think it’s important for us as a district to make sure all of the kids have options for what they want to do after high school. Our job as administrators is to make sure everyone has the ability to do what they want to do.”

Q: What is your biggest pet peeve?

A: “I think the details matter. When I see people not looking at details on how they do things or if they’re just rushing through things, I think that makes a huge difference. So when I see somebody doing something, I think that they should do it the right way.”

Q: What was your very first job?

A: “I worked at a grocery store called Pick N Pay and that was the only job I had throughout high school and college.”

Q: What was your biggest setback in life, and how did you deal with it?

A: “I think when you’re getting older and you’re going through life that personal things can sometimes set you back. When I was in my early twenties, my father passed away at a young age. That was definitely my biggest setback.”

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

A: “It would have to be San Diego, California, because they don’t have snow.”

Q: What is your favorite genre of music to listen to?

A: “Movie scores! Movie scores are just the theme music for movies like in Jurassic Park or Star Wars.”

Thank you for allowing us to interview you, Dr. Caleris. It was a pleasure to meet with you, and we are honored to have you back in this district as our leader.

Patriots Suffocate the Hurricanes

By: BHS Sports Staff

September 15, 2022

The boys varsity soccer team played the Open Door Christian Patriots last Thursday. The Hurricanes were 1-2 entering this matchup against the Patriots, who stood at 2-1.

Coming off of a 7-2 win over Cardinal, the boys were looking to continue the momentum. Unfortunately, those hopes faded quickly.

The first couple minutes of the game did not go Brooklyn’s way as the Patriots jumped out to an early lead. The Patriots came to play, scoring a flurry of goals in the first half. In all, they hit the net six times and put the Hurricanes in a deep hole.

In the first half, the defense came on near the midway point and began handling their assignments better; however, the Patriots still managed to blank the Hurricanes and led at the half, 6-0.

In the second half, Brooklyn kept battling and never quit, but they continued to get blanked on the scoreboard. The Hurricanes’ defense (once again) put up a valiant effort, only giving up three second half goals.

Even though the Canes battled until the end, they lost the contest 9-0.

“We got outplayed today. Effort was there, but it was a lack of numbers. No substitutes means getting tired easily,” Coach Prtenjak on his team’s performance.

A lone bright spot was senior Angel Hernandez, who had the most defensive stops of the game.

The Hurricanes are showing signs of improvement and are looking to redeem themselves when they host the Euclid Panthers tonight at 7:00 p.m. Buy tickets here.

Go Canes!

In other Fall sports, the varsity girls soccer team has dropped three games in a row, evening their record to 3-3. They travel to Beachwood tonight for a 7:00 p.m. contest.

Finally, the girls varsity volleyball lost their conference match 3-0 to Independence last Tuesday. The Lady Canes will look to get back on track when they host Wickliffe next Tuesday at 4:30 p.m.

For up-to-date schedules and upcoming events, please visit Brooklyn Hurricanes Athletics.

A Tribute to the Queen

By: BHS Features Staff

September 14, 2022

On September 8, 2022, Queen Elizabeth’s 72-year reign came to an end. Elizabeth was the Queen of England from 1952 until last Thursday.

She was never meant to become the queen, but her uncle forfeited the crown, so her father became the new king passing along royalty to her upon his death. Upon the death of her father in 1952, she became Queen Elizabeth II.

“Throughout all my life and with all my heart, I shall strive to be worthy of your trust,” stated the queen a year after being crowned.

Elizabeth met her future husband, Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark, in 1934. Only 13 years old, she fell in love with him, and they began to exchange letters. She was 21 when their engagement was officially announced on July 9, 1947. The future king and queen were married from 1947 to 2021, the year King Philip died. Their wedding in 1947 was broadcasted to over 200 million people around the world.

“The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family,” – King Charles III.

Queen Elizabeth II was the first British Monarch to address a joint session of The United States Congress. She also ruled over the Commonwealth which included Australia, Canada, Bahamas, Jamaica, and of course, The United Kingdom.

“Her dignity, graciousness and sense of duty have been an inspiration, and we join millions around the world in mourning a remarkable leader,” – Former President Jimmy Carter.

She was humble, loved, respected, and devoted to her family.

May Queen Elizabeth II rest in peace.

{Information retrieved from: history.com and bbcnews.com.}

The Hall of Fame Welcomes You!

By: BHS News Staff

September 13, 2022

The men being recognized for this year’s Alumni Hall of Fame thought they left high school behind, but they are now reliving their pasts and celebrating!

Next Thursday on September 22, at 6:00 p.m, four alumni will be inducted, and the event will be held at the Brooklyn High School Auditorium. The ceremony is free for anyone wishing to attend.

The Hall of Fame Committee said that these men are being inducted because of “major contributions that far surpass normal expectations, either in their careers or in their athletic achievements…”

To be eligible, an interested individual must submit an application, as well as support the accomplishments in academics, performing arts, and/or athletics.

Although this year is only men, women have been inducted in the past as well.

Meet this year’s inductees:

*John Logan: Class of 1974 – He was involved in football and track. He was often noted in the top 25 influencers in “InsureTech”. John was also the team’s best offensive lineman.

*Brian Trocano: Class of 1975 – Brian was involved in track and baseball throughout his high school years. He was third-year varsity winner and starter.

*Steve Turchyn: Class of 1985 – He was a Cuyahoga East West High School football star as a rusher and defender. He rushed for 209 yards in a single game. He also played basketball, and he was also on the track team.

*Cory Neale: Class of 2007: He was a member of the high school’s varsity basketball team all four years in high school. He was also the MVP. During college (one year), he was able to play basketball at Cleveland State University. Now, Cory is back at school, but he has returned as a Brooklyn High School assistant basketball coach.

“I love being back and working with my old coaches again. It’s nice to talk to all my old teachers and catch up, too,” stated Neale.

An old coach of his, Mr. Scott Urig, is also proud of Cory and his accomplishments: “Cory was a great teammate and was always a pleasure to play with. He was a very good student, and he made everyone on the team better.”

Congratulations to all of the inductees on this incredible honor. All of you have earned this, and the honor is well-deserved.

Next week, be sure to come back and meet the Homecoming Court!

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

Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Hvizdos

*Kindergarten*

By: BHS Staff Profiles

September 9, 2021

This year’s first Staff Spotlight belongs to Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Keli Hvizdos. Hvizdos has been working in the Brooklyn City School District as an educator since 1996. In her 26-year career, she has taught kindergarten, third grade, and fourth grade. She is known by her previous students for providing them with a fun and memorable kindergarten experience along with laying the foundation for a quality education for the future generations.

Q: How has being a teacher impacted your life?

A: “It has kept me young, especially teaching kindergarten. It’s always fun to see the spark in the kids and see that they’re understanding when they have that ‘ah-ha’ moment. I just love working with kids.”

Q: What is your favorite memory working in the Brooklyn City School District?

A: “One of my favorite memories is when we do field day at the end of the year with our physical education teacher, Mrs. Sinko. The kids really get into it and always have a lot of fun. Another favorite memory would have to be back at Rodoan (former elementary school) when we had the whole school at the movie theater seeing The Polar Express.”

Q: What are you most looking forward to this school year?

A: “I’m looking forward to seeing how far my kids grow from the beginning of the school year to the end. Them not being able to know letters or sounds to also using the decodable books as well as other resources.”

Q: What is your funniest teaching moment?

A: “It would have to be when Mr. Hvizdos walked through the door of the classroom and one of the kids in my class said, ‘Mrs. H, we had your dad as a Physical Education teacher.’ I thought it was so funny because they had no clue that Mr. Hvizdos is actually my husband, not my dad!”

Q: How do you feel, as a teacher, when you reflect on the growth of your students?

A: “It feels good when you reflect on the good growth after some kids struggle. When kids struggle, I feel like I could have done more for them.”

Q: Describe yourself using only three words.

A: “Creative, Goofy, Empathetic.”

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

A: “Never give up when you’re having a bad day or a bad moment; just keep going and don’t give up. You will eventually accomplish what you need to accomplish. A quote I really like that goes along with this is: ‘You don’t have to be great or anything like that; you just have to be a good person.’”

Q: What is your greatest achievement?

A: “My greatest achievement is being a mother to my three daughters and being married to my husband, Mr. Hvizdos.”

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

A: “Scrapbooking! I love doing anything crafty.”

Q: Where is your favorite place to eat, and what do you typically order?

A: “Anything Italian, but currently, my favorite restaurant is Carrabbas. I usually get homemade lasagna.”

Thank you for allowing us to interview you, Mrs. Hvizdos! It was a pleasure talking to you and getting to know more about you. Have a terrific year!

To nominate a staff member for our weekly staff profiles, click here.

A Sluggish Start but A Fast Finish

By: BHS Sports Staff

September 8, 2022

The varsity volleyball team is back to their winning ways and the excitement continues to build.

Early on in the season, the Lady Canes were 2-4 with wins coming against Valley Forge and Garfield Heights. Last Thursday, they upped their record to 3-4 with a comeback victory over the visiting Richmond Heights Spartans.

In the first set, it was back and forth. The Lady Canes started off slow and inconsistent, eventually dropping the first set 15-25. However, this first set loss provided them with a necessary wake-up call.

The second set was a complete reversal as the Lady Spartans played the role of inconsistency, and the Lady Canes took full advantage. Confidence was back as was the execution in propelling the hosts to a set two victory, 25-19.

The third set was identical to the second set as the Lady Canes came out firing and refused to allow the Lady Spartans to catch up. The momentum was clearly on the side of the Lady Canes, to which they prevailed in set three, 25-19.

In the fourth and final set, the Lady Spartans struggled badly as the Lady Canes wanted to end the match, jumping out to a quick 16-0 lead. The Lady Spartans could not find a way to claw back into the contest as the Lady Canes won the fourth set 25-4 and the overall match 3-1.

Senior Valery Warner on her team’s overall performance: “The third and fourth sets showed us what type of team we can be when we work together.”

The Lady Canes continue their ascent in the Chagrin Valley Conference and show no signs of backing down from any opponent.

Up next is a road trip to Cuyahoga Heights tonight with the match beginning at 7:00 pm. Good luck, ladies!

In the other Fall Sports, the varsity football team improved to 2-1 with wins over John Adams and Oberlin.

The varsity boys soccer team is 1-1-0 after last Thursday’s win against Cardinal High School. With a lot of new players and a new coaching staff, the team vibe is optimistic.

The Varsity Girls soccer team is coming off a 5-0 victory against the Lady Trinity Trojans. With the win, the Lady Canes improved to 3-0. Senior star Delaney David has been outstanding as she broke yet another record. Last year, she broke the single season record for goals. Earlier this season, she broke the career goals record. Congratulations, Delaney!

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

Do You Want To Build A Snowman?

By: BHS Features Staff

September 7, 2022

This year, Playhouse Square will be hosting the Broadway hits The Lion King, Aladdin, and Frozen. These Disney masterpieces are cannot-miss events for the whole family, regardless of age.

Currently until September 11, Frozen favorites Olaf, Elsa, Anna, Sven, and more will grace and entertain the audience for roughly two hours.

“You can’t marry a man you just met.” – Elsa

Ticket prices range from $40-$195. For more information, check out Playhouse Square. Show times are also available online along with other aspects to make sure that your experience is memorable and first class.

“But the thing is, she wore the gloves all the time. So I just thought, maybe she has a thing about dirt!” – Anna

As this Disney musical travels around the world, make sure that you and your family find some time before Sunday to check out Frozen in beautiful, downtown Cleveland. Who would not want to see Sven anyway?

“So I’m made of snow, and I’m walking on snow. That’s kind of weird.” – Olaf

“FROZEN is an unforgettable, magical adventure, which Newsday calls, ‘A serious megahit with amazing special effects, eye-popping costumes, and incredible performances.’ It’s a theatrical experience like no other, so let yourself go.”

Welcome Back, BHS!

By: BHS News Staff

September 6, 2022

The 2022-2023 school year is going to be filled with excitement, new additions, many memories, and a lot of success. This is the year of the Hurricanes!

For instance, there have been new improvements to the high school. To start off this year, new furniture has been added to most of the classrooms, which gives a fresh and modern appeal.

In addition to the new furniture, the stadium track is getting resurfaced. Within the next couple of weeks, the track will be fully paved and ready to go.

Equally noticeable, as you walk in through the main entrance, you will find a brand new TV with daily information and motivational quotes. You will also see a collage of pictures for the class of 2023.

A new aspect for “Cane of the Week” this year will be two student athletes being featured on a bulletin board in the hallway by the office.

According to Miss Veronica Bacci, the new Athletic Secretary, “There will always be one girl and one boy to be nominated. If you do get nominated, you will receive two food gift cards. To be nominated as Cane of the Week, your coaches need to nominate you.”

You get nominated for Cane of the Week by being a good team member and a great leader, having a good statistical week, or by breaking a record.

Hungry? Make sure you get your spaghetti dinner tickets to assist the school in fundraising. Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 17 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in the main office.

Finally, Homecoming is approaching fast, so stay tuned for updates in the upcoming weeks!

Hurricane Nation, have a great start to the new school year.

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

BHS Prom 2022

By: Morgan Blechschmid

June 3, 2022

Last Friday, Brooklyn High School hosted Prom 2022 at FirstEnergy Stadium in downtown Cleveland. This was an all-around positive experience for many, leaving those who attended with great memories for years to come.

This year’s prom committee worked extra hard to provide the guests with an unforgettable experience themed as “A Night at the V.I.P. Lounge”.

When asked how much help she received from the senior class in organizing this year’s prom, Mrs. Jacalyn Holko, Spanish teacher and prom committee advisor, shared this: “This year’s prom committee was small but mighty! Despite having a small prom committee group, our senior leaders were very active in the preparation and planning for prom.”

Since the recent COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s prom was definitely different and was also considered to be “a breath of fresh air” (quite literally) for many, if not all high school students and staff members.

“We were back at FirstEnergy Stadium, so our students got to have the downtown experience. We also had the largest amount of students purchase tickets that we’ve had in a long time, so we had a big crowd. The students were very excited to have a normal prom after the COVID prom last year,” stated Holko.

Not only did the students have a positive experience, but the staff members who attended this year’s prom also had positive experiences as well. Our staff members got the opportunity to let loose and relax, while celebrating the accomplishments of this school year. As bittersweet as it was for many of the staff members, they had the special opportunity to bond with our senior class one last time before the final farewell tomorrow at graduation.

Some of the highlights of prom this year included that of the theme, the music, the downtown experience, the food, and the venue. It was a great event all-around, and BHS principal Mr. Brian Hare was in full agreement.

“I’m happy the kids were able to celebrate it and have a good time. I’m also glad that they were able to enjoy the positive moments and memories as well,” stated Hare.

The students who attended prom had a very fun and positive experience to remember.

Senior Oliva Howard chimed in: “I had a lot of fun. I got to see all my teachers, and I got to meet new people as well. Everyone was very much in the moment, rather than being distracted on their phones. It was so fun to be able to dress up and dance with everyone. I had tons of confidence on prom night.”

Amongst all of the fun in the prom experience was the tradition that came with hosting prom, the crowning of the prom court king and queen.

The candidates on the court for this year’s prom queen were as follows: Tiana Hall, Savannah David, Daylun Armstrong, Lexi Smeznik, and Alyanna Benz.

The candidates on the court for this year’s prom king were as follows: Byron Maldonado, James Trunkett, Evan Chong, Jason West, and Yariel Camacho Cora.

Once the court was announced, the big announcement immediately followed which crowned Daylun Armstrong as this year’s prom queen and Evan Chong crowned as this year’s prom king.

This year’s prom was very successful, and we look forward to having many more in the future.

A big thank you to all who helped make this moment come true, and a big shout-out to all of our newspaper followers. We hope that you enjoyed our content throughout the year in The Return of the Eye.

We will return in August after taking some time to relax and to have some fun over the Summer.

Peace out, Brooklyn!

Final Staff Spotlight: Mr. Black

*Technology Director*

By: Chloe Rojak

June 3, 2022

Chosen for this year’s final staff spotlight is Mr. Robert Black. Mr. Black is the Technology Director here for the Brooklyn City School District. He has been a Hurricane for the past eight years. He also graduated from Brooklyn in 2003. In addition to working here, he also works at Cinemark and has for the last 17 years. Mr. Black really enjoys traveling, working with the Hurricane band, and of course, pizza!

Q: What inspired you to choose this career path?

A: “I like working with technology.”

Q: What’s your favorite part about your occupation?

A: “I wasn’t too sure what I wanted to do. So, I kinda just went with it and never looked back. I enjoy diagnosing and fixing computer problems.”

Q: What advice would you give to the class of 2022?

A: “Time will fly, so take time to be in the moment.”

Q: What are your plans for summer break?

A: “We have to fix and clean all of these chromebooks. We have lots of projects here in the school. I don’t get time off like everyone else does. I work all year round. Maybe fit in a vacation here and there.”

Q: Are you interested in traveling?

A: “I do like traveling. I have never been to Europe, so I would probably travel somewhere there.”

Q: What’s your go-to meal?

A: “Pizza is pretty easy and always available.”

Q: What is your favorite memory from your childhood?

A: “Camping with my family or the vacations we went on.”

Mr. Black, thank you for all of your hard work preparing all students with the technology of the times. Even though you will be working a lot this Summer, take some time for yourself because you have earned it. Happy Summer!