THE RETURN OF THE EYE

Preview: Black History Month

By: Laila Schwin and Valery Warner

January 28, 2022

Black history month 2022 banner with African American flag colored ribbons background. Vector design for USA ethnic heritage holiday celebration. Invitation, flyer design. 4363702 Vector Art at Vecteezy

Black History Month for 2022 is coming up next week. It begins on February 1 and ends February 28. The theme for this year is Black Health and Wellness. This theme specifically focuses on how Black communities have and continue to be medically-discriminated against in the United States.

Black History Month exists and continues onward to remind us of how African-Americans positively contributed to our country. It is a way to focus on the many achievements and inventions created by African Americans that are often separated from their name or ultimately attributed to someone else. During Black History Month, people should take the time to reflect on these things and to learn about the historical and modern contributions that African Americans have made and how to properly give credit to them.

The people focus for February are as follows: Dorothy Height, Jesse Owens, Bessie Coleman, and Alvin Ailey.

While there is an endless list of people who could be written about to honor their achievements, we chose several who are a little less well-known.

Hopefully, everyone can take the month of February to reflect on the importance of Black History Month and some of the more forgotten historical figures who have contributed to making the world what it is today.

Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Manley

*BCSD Nurse*

By: Morgan Blechschmid and Chloe Rojak

January 28, 2022

Chosen for this week’s Staff Spotlight is Mrs. Barb Manley. Mrs. Manley is our nurse here in the Brooklyn City School District. She started her career as a nurse after graduating from nursing school at Ohio State University. She also earned her Master’s Degree as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Since then, she has worked as a School Nurse as well as a Pediatric Nurse for roughly 40 years. Mrs. Manley is well-known for her thoughtful and kind character, as well her ability to provide her patients with the best possible care.

Q: What sparked your interest in becoming a school nurse?

A: “I always wanted to be a nurse. I started showing an interest in nursing at a young age. At the time I was in about sixth grade, my brother’s girlfriend was in nursing school, and her school had an open-house type of organization where you could experience what it would be like being a nurse. Immediately, I knew that nursing was what I wanted to do.”

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

A: “I went to Ohio State University. I went there because aside from my interest in nursing, I had a variety of other class options as an alternative if I decided I wanted to take a different career path. I also got my Master’s Degree at Case Western; my degree was a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.”

Q: What are some of your favorite highlights working here in the Brooklyn City Schools?

A: “The staff here is awesome to work with, and they are just truly a wonderful group of people. I, of course, love working with my fellow nurses, Mrs. Beck and Mrs. Cutright. Aside from the staff, I work with a wide-range of students, ranging in ages anywhere from Pre-K through 12 grade. Therefore, I get to see all the different age groups as well as all the different personalities from the different kids in the district. I love working with such a diverse group of kids, each so unique in their own way. Since Brooklyn is a smaller school, I feel like I have a better opportunity to get to know the kids.”

Q: What has been the most challenging part for you as a school nurse working through the current pandemic?

A: “Just trying to make sure that we stay on top of things. It can be very difficult to manage so much in order to keep the case numbers and infection rate low and safe for us to remain in our semi-normal functions. Probably the most difficult but vital part is encouraging everyone to follow all the guidelines and expressing the importance of staying home if sick and wearing a mask when required.”

Q: What are some of your favorite hobbies outside of work?

A: “I love to read and listen to music. I love reading all styles of books. It was instilled, ever since I was little, to read. I love listening to music as well as going to concerts. My family and I also have a lake house in Marblehead; we love to go every weekend in the Summer as a get-away. Boating, outdoor activities, soaking in nature, and spending time with my family is pretty much how I spend my free time when I’m away at the lake house.”

Q: What is your go-to restaurant?

A: “I love AJ’s Urban Bar & Grille in Westlake, Ohio. They have a great menu with a variety of different options to choose from.”

Q: What is your biggest pet peeve?

A: “My biggest pet peeve is definitely disrespect.”

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

A: “I’ve always wanted to do an Alaskan cruise. I want to do an Alaskan cruise because I’ve never been there. I’ve also heard so many wonderful things about how beautiful it is. I want to experience nature and just the scenery. So, that is definitely on my bucket list. But for right now, I would go anywhere!”

Thank you, Mrs. Manley. We appreciate your hard work and dedication to the Brooklyn City School District. You are so kind and compassionate.

Prom Planning Has Begun

By: Alaysia Curry and Daylun Armstrong

January 25, 2022

Prom is near, and BHS needs your help to plan!

There will be a meeting after school tomorrow at 3:05 p.m. (Wednesday, January 26) to discuss theme ideas, decorations, and much more.

This meeting is only for seniors; however, juniors can still attend prom (more information to come). This initial meeting will be held in Mrs. Holko’s room, who has been the prom coordinator for 15 years. She “loves having students share their ideas and helping them put their plans into fruition.”

(Pictured above is the Prom Committee/Prom from 2019)

Senior Karalynn Lorenzo is excited to be on this year’s prom committee.

“As a senior, I want to help create a fun and enjoyable prom for everyone this year!” stated Lorenzo.

This year’s prom will be held at FirstEnergy Stadium (downtown Cleveland) in the Club Lounge on Friday, May 27.

Mrs. Holko said that she is “excited that we get to go back to this venue because students get to actually go out into the stadium seats and take pictures with the Cleveland skyline in the background; it is really beautiful!”

FirstEnergy Stadium - Populous

Prom season cannot come quick enough, and everyone is excited for this time of year to begin!

Lady Hurricanes on the Rise

By: Tyler Elzholz, Jaiden Basinger, and Jose Nazario

January 25, 2022

Yesterday, the Lady Hurricanes traveled to Fairview High School with the goal of extending their three-game winning streak, and that is exactly what they did with a dominant victory.

The four-game winning streak began on January 15 with a home win over Wickliffe, 58-48. They then traveled to Richmond Heights on January 20 and won 58-41. Two days later, the ladies went on the road again to Crestwood and prevailed 59-42. Yesterday, the Warriors stood no chance as the Lady Hurricanes came home as 51-8 victors.

Last night’s game was controlled by tenacious defense with heavy ball-pressure, communication, and strength on the glass. On the offensive side, the Lady Hurricanes executed the game plan and improved their knowledge of the playbook. They limited turnovers and got good, open looks.

The leading scorers for the game were juniors Genesis Caraballo (18 points and 6/6 at the free-throw line) and Delaney David (10 points and five steals). Every player wearing the blue and yellow contributed as the win was a total team effort.

Also, a big shout-out to sophomore Olivia Callahan who scored her first varsity basket. Congratulations, Olivia!

The victory takes their record to 9-5 overall, 6-4 in the Chagrin Valley Conference.

The Lady Hurricanes will be back in action tomorrow night as they host rival Lutheran West.

The Lady Hurricanes would also like to wish the boys basketball team the best of luck as they take on Lutheran West at home tonight. Tip-off is at 7:00 p.m.

Go Canes!

For Winter sports schedules and more information, visit Brooklyn Hurricanes Athletics.

Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

By: BHS Publications Staff

January 20, 2022

“Forgiveness is not an occasional act. It is a permanent attitude.”

On Monday, January 17, The United States of America remembered Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., for all of his work in spearheading the movement to bridge the gap between people of all races.

Today, the BHS Publications Staff would like to honor Dr. King by having each student choose a favorite quote and explain its impact on us individually as well as society as a whole.

Daylun: “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

I think that this quote is important because too often, people tend to look over the fact that so many people in our world are truly not experiencing freedom to the fullest extent of the word. The fact that the truth about history is often covered up, the fight for human rights is still argued by some, and injustice is rooted in our world and happens every single day shows just why we cannot be silent or silenced about things that matter.

Alaysia: “The time is always right to do right.”

Always do the right thing even when people are not watching you. Do right by yourself and others, and do not expect to be rewarded but find the process rewarding. Every time is the right time to improve and grow as a person.

Laila: “Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle.”

This quote applies strongly in society today because so many people fall short of making the effort to fight for the causes that affect others rather than just themselves. People tend to remain idle and decide that the many societal issues are someone else’s problem and will be fixed eventually, either on their own or by someone else. There needs to be an understanding that change is never guaranteed without people actively-fighting on its behalf and that people who have even the slightest passion for that change are the only ones who can bring it about.

Valery: “Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.”

I believe this quote can apply to everyone each day. People need to realize they are the only ones in control of their lives, and each day we wake up, we get to choose how we want to live and which path we will take. Nobody is responsible for the choices you make, and nobody can determine your success in life but YOU.

Tyler: “Be a bush if you can’t be a tree. If you can’t be a highway, just be a trail. If you can’t be a sun, be a star. For it isn’t by size that you win or fail. Be the best of whatever you are.”

This quote can be applied to anyone in today’s world. Not everyone has the same resources as another to have influence on others, but you cannot use that as an excuse and not try. Life is too short to sit around and wait for something good to come; you must get up and make the best of everything that you have.

Jaiden: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

I think this quote is meant for everyone in today’s world. As we get older, we have to understand how to be a bigger person. If someone hates you and you hate back, it makes the situation way worse, and now, you and the other person are upset. Instead of doing all of that when someone hates, do not hate back; instead, show love. We do not know why people hate, but it happens, and only light can drive out darkness.

Jose: “We must learn to live together as brothers, or we will perish together as fools.”

I think this quote means that the big problem we have today is that young teens have conflict and resort to violence. If we learn to live as brothers, then love, compassion, and empathy will drive out hate and violence.

Morgan: “The time is always right to do what is right.”

The message I get from this quote is that it is never too late to make a change and do the right thing. In the world we live in today, the “right thing to do” can be portrayed as something as simple as a personal goal you want to reach or even something as challenging as making a change in the world that we live in. It is always the perfect time to do the right thing, but only you can determine when that “right time” is for you.

Chloe: “No person has the right to rain on your dreams.”

What I get from this quote is if it is your dream, then do not let anyone have a say in your dream or what you plan to do with that dream. It is your dream, not theirs! It should not concern them. Never change your dream just because someone has something to say about it. If you want it, you will do everything in the world to achieve it. Never stop your time for anyone as life is either going to go on with or without you, so you might as well work to your fullest potential.

Dr. King’s work is not finished, and it is up to us to continue his legacy of love and equality for all. It is never too late to do what is right.

Staff Spotlight: Mr. Larson

*BHS Assistant Principal*

By: Morgan Blechschmid and Chloe Rojak

January 13, 2022

Chosen for this week’s Staff Spotlight is BHS Assistant Principal, Mr. Matthew Larson! Mr. Larson has had quite the experience upon coming to the Brooklyn City School District. Early on, Larson earned his Master’s degree from John Carroll University. He then spent three years working as a substitute teacher in numerous, Cleveland-area schools. He also spent six years teaching Social Studies at Bedford High School before working as the Dean of Students at Lorain High School.

Q: How would you describe Brooklyn High School?

A: “Very community-based and family-oriented. There’s a strong sense of community here as well as a strong sense of community pride, despite being a small district. For the most part, pretty much every student knows each other here, and the staff is very close with each other; you can genuinely tell that everyone is close with everyone.”

Q: What kind of impact would you like to have in this school district?

A: “I want to continue to build upon the college and career readiness for our students here at Brooklyn High School. I also want to help develop the basic skills students will need when they leave this building, such as how to resolve conflict efficiently, how to positively communicate with one another, how to be responsible, and how to be respectful.”

Q: What has been the most challenging part for you as an administrator working through the current pandemic?

A: “It would definitely have to be building connections with students. My biggest attribute is how I get along with others, and I think the hardest part is knowing there were students who graduated last year who I never even got the chance to meet in person. Same goes for this year as well; it’s hard knowing there will be students this year who will graduate that unfortunately, I only got the chance to meet a few times.”

Q: What have been some of the highlights in your second year here at BHS?

A: “Definitely having everyone’s back in the building has been nice. I’m very proud that the Brooklyn Digital Learning Academy has proven to be very successful, as I had a hand in its development.”

Q: Who in your life has been your biggest inspiration and why?

A: “Probably my grandfather. He was just very steady and didn’t have strong responses for certain things. Very consistent and very loving.”

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own? What is your favorite style?

A: “I love this question! Oh, I would say, probably about seven pairs of Jordans and four or five pairs of trainers. My favorite pair is definitely my True Blue Threes.”

Q: Describe your family.

A: “I have a wife and three little guys at home. My little ones are very energetic and curious, very independent as well. My wife is extremely intelligent and very supportive. I’m very grateful for my family.”

Q: If you were able to have one superpower, what would it be and why?

A: “I think a lot of people would say this, but I would have to go with flight. I would really like to know what it’s like to fly without having to take a plane.”

Mr. Larson, thank you for your time. We greatly appreciate all that you do for Brooklyn High School, all of the students, and all of the staff!

Glow Tubing

By: Valery Warner and Laila Schwin

January 13, 2022

Snow Trails in Mansfield, Ohio, is bringing a new light to Winter activities this year. During the day, they offer the traditional options such as skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. By nightfall, their slopes are lit up and ready for a light show and glow tubing.

Glow tubing is exactly what it sounds like. It is snow tubing but glowing. They offer seven different tubing lanes with varying surface conditions to choose from to impact your trips down the slopes. The snow tubing lanes at their Vertical Descent Tubing Park are 1,100 feet long. The experience starts with a 100-foot vertical drop with a continued 500-foot downward slide before 600-feet of straighter ground to slow down before making your way back to the top. A conveyor carpet ride will take you right back to the top of the lanes, so there is no worry about making long, uphill treks for this tubing experience.

Because the glow tubing experience is set up differently from the base tubing experience, it is only offered Thursday through Sunday, unless there is another peak day within the week. Glow tubing will be offered regardless of weather conditions and may be supplemented with fake snow to ensure that the experience is up to high standards.

Glow tubing is an all-ages experience, and there are tubes offered in both child and adult sizes to accommodate for this range of ages. However, a waiver must be signed by all tubing guests as a safety precaution for this experience.

Glow snow tubing offered at Snow Trails in Mansfield, Ohio

Tickets for glow tubing must be purchased online at least 24 hours in advance of your scheduled visit time. Tickets can be found here. No tickets will be offered at the facility. Tubing and glow tubing tickets are $28 per person for a two-hour experience. An additional hour of tubing time can also be purchased.

More information for the glow tubing experience can be found through the Snow Trails website.

Even when it is not snowing, glow tubing is definitely something everyone needs to experience if you are looking for a fun, Winter activity. Make sure you check it out before this year’s season ends!

New Happenings at BHS

By: Alaysia Curry and Daylun Armstrong

January 11, 2022

It is a new week, and there is information available for Brooklyn High School students and staff.

First, the Blood Drive that was scheduled for January 14 has been postponed to a further date; more information regarding the newly-scheduled Blood Drive will be found on Google Classroom in the very near future.

Secondly, with the rise of Covid-19 cases in Cuyahoga County, the Brooklyn City School District has issued a temporary mask mandate in order to ensure that students and staff are safe and taking precautionary measures to help stop the spread.

Lastly, depending on the amount of Covid-19 cases in the area, there may be a Spirit Week starting on Monday, February 7. Additionally, there is a scheduled pep assembly on Friday, February 11, followed by a possible Winter Formal (dance) that evening. Tickets will be available for purchase from February 1-10. Many are excited for these events to occur, but safety is first and foremost.

There is a lot ahead and a lot to look forward to in the near future, so please, wear your mask over your mouth and nose.

Hurricanes Ground the Eagles

By: Tyler Elzholz, Jaiden Basinger, and Jose Nazario

January 11, 2022

Last night, the Lady Canes traveled to North Olmsted High School and played one of their best games of the season, thus far.

In the first quarter, the Hurricanes started off slow, facing an early 7-0 deficit. However, the girls stormed right back playing pressure defense and running an efficient offense. On the defensive side, it was one shot and done for the Eagles, as the Hurricanes asserted their dominance on the glass. After one quarter of play, the visiting Hurricanes led the Eagles, 15-10.

The second quarter was back-and-forth with both teams trying to gain momentum. After giving up a few Eagles’ buckets early on in the quarter to bring the game within two points, the Hurricanes began to, once again, play lockdown defense and converted big plays on the offensive side by forcing turnovers. To cap off the quarter, the Hurricanes’ defense forced a turnover under eight seconds to play, and after some quick passes, junior Genesis Caraballo splashed a buzzer-beater, three-point shot to close out the half with the Hurricanes leading 28-22.

The third quarter is when the Hurricanes began to work the ball into the paint. Junior Shariah Gailes was able to frequently get to the free-throw line, to which the Eagles had no answer. Once the post-game was established, the outside shooting then followed suit. Penetration and kicking out became the key focus for this quarter; the ball movement was at a season-best. The Hurricanes added 16 points to their overall score and led the Eagles at the end of the third quarter, 44-37.

In the fourth quarter, fouls became a problem for the Eagles, and the Hurricanes were able to convert the majority of their free throws. The girls went seven for eleven at the line. The defense did not stop swarming and prevented the Eagles from making one final run. When the final buzzer rang, the visiting Hurricanes came out on top, 61-48.

Gailes led the Hurricanes with 20 points and double-digit rebounds. Caraballo added 18 points. Even though the two juniors were the primary scorers, the entire varsity team contributed to this team victory.

The win propelled their overall record to 5-4 (3-3 in the CVC).

The girls will be back in action tomorrow night as they host conference foe Cuyahoga Heights at 7:00 p.m. Good luck girls!

Go Canes!

For Winter sports schedules and more information, visit Brooklyn Hurricanes Athletics.

Staff Spotlight: Miss Merriman

*Intervention Specialist*

By: Morgan Blechschmid and Chloe Rojak

January 6, 2022

Chosen for this week’s Staff Spotlight is Miss Kerry Merriman! Miss Merriman is an Intervention Specialist here at Brooklyn High School and has occupied this post for the last nine years. Previously, she spent time working in retail at Old Navy and Target. She also has a love for reading and spent some time working at Books A Million in Rocky River before becoming a teacher. Miss Merriman also loves to travel; one of her favorite places to visit is Hilton Head, South Carolina. She is well-known by her previous and current students for encouraging them to strive for their best and to reach their goals.

Q: What is your favorite part about being an intervention specialist?

A: “I think my favorite part is working with smaller groups of kids and helping them to meet their goals.”

Q: If you were not a teacher, what would your current occupation be?

A: “I would probably still work in retail, possibly still be working at the bookstore.”

Q: What are some of your coping mechanisms for a stressful day at work?

A: “I tend to read a lot in general, but specifically, when I encounter a stressful day at work, one way I like to cope is to read. Reading fiction can take you away from the stress of everyday life. Outside of work, one way I like to cope with a stressful day is to work out. I work out a few times a week with a personal trainer.”

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

A: “Brooklyn is such a small school, so it tends to be easier to really get to know the kids. The staff here is also very supportive and easy to connect and work with.”

Q: Outside of Hilton Head, where else would you like to travel to in the future?

A: “I’m starting to talk with my parents about going on an Alaskan cruise two years from now for their 50th wedding anniversary. In the next three years, my parents, my brother and I are also going to Iceland. I also really want to go to Ireland and Scotland in the future.”

Q: What is your favorite reading genre?

A: “I would say Romance. I can also really fall into the Paranormal area.”

Q: What was one of the most significant life lessons ever taught to you?

A: “Follow your gut! If something doesn’t feel right, then change what you’re doing.”

Q: What were some of the highlights of your Winter break?

A: “It was a very low-key Winter break, but one thing I did do was spend time with my grandma as she just turned 90-years-old!”

Thank you, Miss Merriman. BHS is blessed to have you.

Disney On Ice

By: Laila Schwin and Valery Warner

January 6, 2022

Disney On Ice returns to KeyBank Center January 2022

As they enter year 41 of performances, Disney on Ice is coming to Cleveland’s Rocket Mortgage Field House. From January 7-16, you will have an opportunity to watch all of your favorite Disney characters in a live and memorable experience.

This event in downtown Cleveland is Mickey and Friends, a performance featuring characters and scenes from Disney movies such as Moana, Finding Nemo, Toy Story, and more. And of course, this event will also feature Mickey Mouse and all of his friends, especially crowd favorite, Donald Duck.

The show times vary depending on the date. Most performances will begin at 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. Tickets for these performances must be bought online and presented in digital or printed form upon entry, as none will be sold at the box office. Tickets can be bought here with more information found on the Disney on Ice website.

Disney On Ice presents Mickey's Search Party Tickets | Event Dates & Schedule | Ticketmaster.com

All attendees for Disney on Ice above the age of two-years-old are required to wear a mask at all times. One exception allowed for not wearing masks is when an attendee is consuming food or beverages.

This is definitely a must-see show for the whole family! If you have the opportunity, head downtown and soak in the magic of Disney on Ice.

Hurricanes Basketball Rundown

By: Tyler Elzholz, Jaiden Basinger, and Jose Nazario

January 4, 2022

With the halfway point of the season approaching, this year’s basketball programs are off to a hot start.

For the boys’ program, the veteran-led squad started off 3-1 with wins over Hearts for Jesus, Brookside, and Clearview. After a tough, four-game stretch, the boys regrouped with a dominating win over Garrett Morgan, evening their record to 4-4 (0-2 CVC).

Senior Jacob Sullivan has been a key player for the team as a motivator, demanding that the team plays to their full potential on both sides of the court. Also, senior transfer Luke Mackovjak has been a big addition to the team from his three-point shooting ability to being able to finish around the rim.

With 14 regular season games remaining, it is imperative for the boys to continue to improve as conference play begins tomorrow evening as the Hurricanes host the Independence Blue Devils.

The girls basketball team is also off to a hot start. The Lady Canes started the season off 3-0 with wins over Brookside, Richmond Heights, and Grand Valley. After back-to-back losses to Lutheran West and Keystone, the girls showed no mercy on Cardinal High School by blitzing the Huskies 48-11. The girls’ record currently stands at 4-2 (3-1 CVC).

Junior Shariah Gailes has been a key player, averaging a double-double with 12.0 points per game and 12.7 rebounds per game. What is great about this team is that every player can score and contribute in numerous, statistical columns.

Defensive intensity is the driving force behind this team and will continue to be the focus tonight as the Lady Hurricanes travel to Independence High School.

Good luck, basketball teams! Stay the course, improve daily, play together, stay healthy, and finish strong. Continue to make Hurricane Nation proud.

Go Canes!

For Winter sports schedules and more information, visit Brooklyn Hurricanes Athletics.