THE RETURN OF THE EYE

Historic Playoff Run Comes To An End

By: Jaiden Basinger, Tyler Elzholz, and Jose Nazario

November 4, 2021

This past Saturday, the Brooklyn Hurricanes traveled to Elmwood, Ohio, to take on the Elmwood Royals in the first round of the OHSAA state playoffs.

Reaching the playoffs for the first time in school history, the Hurricanes quickly realized how difficult playoff football was. The Royal’s offense started fast by scoring on an 80-yard touchdown run. After an ensuing Brooklyn punt, the Royals offense added another score, putting the Hurricanes in an early 14-0 deficit. The Hurricanes finally got on the board with a Jacob Sullivan 56-yard touchdown run making the score 14-7. However, the Hurricane defense could not stop the Royal’s high-powered offense, as they added three more touchdown scoring drives. After the first quarter, Elmwood led the Hurricanes 35-7.

In the second quarter, the Royals were still in full control of the game as their offense did not let the foot off of the gas scoring four more touchdowns, increasing their lead to 63-7. The lone, second quarter bright spot for the Hurricanes came when Sullivan connected with Jaiden Basinger on a touchdown pass. The score at the half found Elmwood up big, 63-14.

In the second half, the Royals substituted in their younger players, and both teams failed to score another point.

Final Score: Elmwood Royals 63, Brooklyn Hurricanes 14

It was not the ideal or desired result, but these boys learned a lot and accomplished a historic feat as a team.

Congratulations to all of the seniors for making the playoffs for the first time in school history!

Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Bloam

Teacher: Elementary

By: Morgan Blechschmid and Chloe Rojak

October 28, 2021

Chosen for this week’s Staff Spotlight is Mrs. Dawn Bloam! Mrs. Bloam is currently an elementary teacher in the Brooklyn School teaching fifth grade. Bloam is best-known for her ability to teach her students efficiently as well as effectively. Her past students are beyond grateful to have had her as one of their early teachers. Our hope, as the years go on, is that she continues to make a great impact in so many lives.

Q: If you could teach a higher or lower grade, what grade would you teach and why? What is your favorite subject to teach?

A: “I think I would teach 2nd grade. I have taught 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade. If I was going to switch grades, I would want a fresh start. The curiousness of the younger students intrigues me. My favorite subject to teach is Language Arts. I love how literature can take you anywhere.”

Q: If you could make any changes to the Brooklyn City School District, what would you change and why?

A: “If I could change something about our school, it would be to restore wonder and joy to all children in every grade!”

Q: If you were not a teacher, what career path would you have chosen?

A: “I would have chosen the medical field. I always thought being an anesthesiologist would be interesting.”

Q: What are the positives of being a teacher?

A: “The biggest positive of being a teacher is the feeling of accomplishment when you ‘see’ a student get your lesson.”

Q: Are you interested in any sports? If so, what are your favorite sports to watch and your favorite teams to root for?

A: “The sport that interests me the most is volleyball. I love to play it and watch it. Also, I watch all the Cleveland teams and root for them regardless of how they’re doing.”

Q: What do you do in your free time?

A: “In my free time, I enjoy reading, boating, and camping. I love being outdoors and in my flip flops.”

Q: In three words, how would you describe yourself?

A: “Three words that describe me are Assertive, Determined, and Passionate.”

Q: What advice would you give to the current senior class as they embark on their upcoming journeys?

A: “Falvia Weedn said it best: ‘If one dream should fall and break into a thousand pieces, never be afraid to pick one of those pieces up and begin again.’”

Thank you so much for your time, Mrs. Bloam. We miss and appreciate you!

Cedar Point HalloWeekends

By: Valery Warner and Laila Schwin

October 28, 2021

This upcoming Sunday, October 31, marks the end of Cedar Point’s HalloWeekends and the end of the park’s 2021 season. This year’s spooky festivities include some new attractions within the HalloWeekend haunts. Guests are assured a fun experience and a good scare as they test their bravery in the haunted houses and mazes.

Along with the regular Cedar Point rides that are included with the HalloWeekend ticket, there is an abundance of other events, too. This year, the event holds two new haunts and spooky attractions: Banished and Hexed Black Magic, along with all of the other yearly aspects. Banished is an outdoor scare trail taking you through the wilderness’ revenge, and Hexed Black Magic takes you on a journey through a witch’s lair to escape a curse.

Some other HalloWeekend attractions include fun for both kids and adults. During the day, Cedar Point has attractions like pumpkin patch picking, monster makeovers, Camp Snoopy Dance Party, and pumpkin decorations. The park then turns into a scare zone at night with attractions like the Slaughter House, Cornstalkers 2.0, Blood on the Bayou, and Deprivation.

The various HalloWeekend events are scattered throughout the park and open at different points throughout the day. The events will be on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. On Thursday (today), the park will be open from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday follow the normal park hours of 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. For Sunday, the hours are 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The HalloWeekend events aimed toward a younger audience will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the event days, with the more intense haunts opening afterwards.

Tickets for this final weekend can be purchased online or at the park, with prices ranging between $50 and $75 per person depending on the day. General admission, when bought at the park gates, is $80 per person. Parking passes can also be bought online for $20. Regular park fast lane passes for various rides are available as well as fright lane passes. Fright lane passes are an additional $85 per person.

We hope that anyone who decides to go to Cedar Point to enjoy the HalloWeekend festivities has a safe and enjoyable experience.

Happy Halloween, everyone!

Braves or Astros?

By: Jaiden Basinger, Jose Nazario, and Tyler Elzholz

October 26, 2021

As the Hurricanes Fall, athletics season comes to an end, the Fall Classic Series starts up tonight, October 26. The first two games of the MLB World Series will be held at Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Astros who had a better regular season record than their opponent, the Atlanta Braves.

The first game in the best of seven series will be broadcasted tonight on FOX.

Here is a rundown of how these two teams got here:

The Houston Astros (95-67) made it to the World Series by beating the Chicago White Sox (3-1) in the ALDS and the Boston Red Sox (4-2) in the ALCS. The Astros come into this game scoring a total of 67 runs in ten playoff games. Six of their seven wins are by at least five runs. Key players for the Astros are Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, Micheal Brantley, Yordan Alvarez, and Yuli Gurriel.

The Atlanta Braves (88-73-1) made it all the way to the World Series by beating the Milwaukee Brewers (3-1) in the NLDS and the Los Angeles Dodgers (4-2) in the NLCS. This year marks the first World Series appearance for the Braves since 1999, and a key piece to their success revolves around former Cleveland Indians outfielder, Eddie Rosario. Key players are Max Fried, Ozzie Albies, Joc Pederson, Freddie Freeman, and Rozario.

The BHS Sports staff is pulling for the Atlanta Braves, and it appears that 99 percent of the country is, too.

Winter sports previews for the Hurricanes will be coming up soon. Until then, enjoy the World Series.

Go Braves!

Food and Toy Drive is Here

By: Alaysia Curry and Daylun Armstrong

October 26, 2021

Starting on Monday, November 1, Brooklyn High School’s Key Club is hosting their annual food drive. This year, however, toys can be donated, too, in addition to food.

To encourage more participation and donations from students and staff, Key Club will be providing incentives for all I.C.E. Block classes to donate as much as possible during the first three weeks of November.

Each I.C.E. Block class will need a collection box to store all donated items. Teachers are also highly encouraged to make donations as well.

The first three Wednesdays (November 3, 10, and 17), donations will be tallied up, and the overall number of items will be emailed to Ms. Jamie Barber. Then on the following Thursdays, an announcement will be made with the current I.C.E. Block leaderboard.

Donations will be collected every Friday.

Winning I.C.E. Block classes and students within these classes will get the chance to receive Live School points, a donut party, and a pizza party. Teachers will also receive a pass to wear jeans on a day of their choice.

Remember that these incentives are used to encourage students and staff to donate toys and food to help those in need. Even if your I.C.E. Block class does not win, do not let that discourage you because the prizes are not what matters.

Helping those in need is at the heart of Key Club. People helping people is what life is all about.

Pumpkins and Piranhas

By: Valery Warner and Laila Schwin

October 21, 2021

Keeping with the theme of Halloween events for this Fall season, the Greater Cleveland Aquarium is about to start hosting their Pumpkins and Piranhas event for this year.

Between October 27-29, the festivities will be held at the aquarium. They will be highlighting some of the more feared aquatic, reptile, and amphibian species, while, perhaps, fighting some of the negative stigmas around these species, too.

Arrival times for the event are set in 30-minute increments, starting at 10:00 a.m., to ensure social distancing and a more consistent event experience for anyone who is joining at different points throughout the day. The last arrival time is at 6:00 p.m. with the aquarium closing soon after, so we advise coming at an earlier time during the day if you want the full aquarium experience.

This year’s festivities will include underwater pumpkin decorations, costumed scuba divers, a small treat bag for children, pop-up animal enrichment, and “I Spy” trivia activities, as well as the regular aquarium experience. Even if you do not want to participate in the events, you can still have that normal aquarium experience on these days. Patrons of the event are also invited and encouraged to dress up in their Halloween costumes.

10 Surprising Facts About Piranhas | Mental Floss

A focal point of the Pumpkins and Piranhas event is showing off some of the often-misunderstood and feared species. Animals like poison dart frogs, piranhas, sharks, and Moray eels may seem scary with fearsome reputations to match, but they are often just a victim of unwarranted fear and caution. The goal is to show people that these “scary” animals are not something to be feared.

The full aquarium experience and the Halloween festivities are all covered under general admission with adult tickets priced at $19.95 per person. General admission for children is $13.95, and those under the age of two are free. The aquarium encourages guests to purchase tickets online ahead of time to guarantee entry as it is first come, first serve with limited capacity.

Our Day at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium - Northeast Ohio Parent

If you are interested in some educational and fish-based Halloween fun, Pumpkins and Piranhas is definitely worth checking out!

Staff Spotlight: Mr. Hanlon

Mathematics Teacher

By: Morgan Blechschmid and Chloe Rojak

October 21, 2021

Mr. Tim Hanlon is a mathematics teacher and coach here at Brooklyn High School. Hanlon is in year 23 of his teaching career that started with computers and math; now, he teaches all math to multiple grade levels. He is also a coach and has been for most of his professional career. He has coached football, softball, and baseball. Hanlon is currently coaching middle school football and will be coaching baseball as a varsity assistant this spring.

Q: Where did you grow up?

A: “I grew up in East Cleveland, Mentor, and North Royalton.”

Q: What is your favorite part about being a teacher?

A: “Each day is different and brings its own challenges.”

Q: What advice would you give to a student who is struggling with math?

A: “Ask questions to clarify and get help.”

Q: What is the most useful piece of information that math teachers relay to their students?

A: “How to organize their thoughts and how to think logically based on data.”

Q: Have you ever had any goals that you wanted to achieve in your lifetime?

A: “Goals change over time with one’s experiences and growth. I am happy to have my family, my career, and good friends.”

Q: What have you learned while being a coach?

A: “Challenge players in practice, so the game is physically and mentally easier.”

Q: What is your favorite sport to coach?

A: “Girls Fast-pitch Softball, Baseball, and Football are all my favorites.”

Q: What are some of your hobbies outside of school?

A: “Golfing, coaching, yardwork, attending performances at Playhouse Square, attending Indians games, and vacationing at Disney World.”

It is a pleasure having you here at Brooklyn High School, Mr. Hanlon. Thank you for being a mentor to so many students.

And The Winners Are…

By: Alaysia Curry and Daylun Armstrong

October 19, 2021

Friday, October 15 was a day that so many people were waiting for, the crowning of the Homecoming King and Queen. As the court lifted their Blue and Gold boxes, a gold balloon underneath two of the boxes would reveal the winners. This year’s BHS 2021 Homecoming King and Queen are Alex Hernandez and Gwen Spaliatsos!

The crowd cheered with excitement as the winners were crowned in the high school auditorium.

When asked about this moment, Queen Spaliatsos said, “I was ready to cry because it was a very happy moment in my life, and I was not expecting it at all.”

King Hernandez also felt so many overwhelming emotions when asked how he felt about winning: “It’s not everyday that you get a chance to win something like this. To even be able to be elected onto court and win the crown, I owe it to everyone who voted for me, so thank you to everyone who made it possible.”

After the crowning ceremony, King Hernandez, Queen Spaliatsos, and the remaining Homecoming Court followed the marching band in a parade to the football stadium where more celebrations were held.

To cap off a successful, Friday night Homecoming, the football team also won their game with many fans and alumni in the stands.

The Homecoming festivities ended last Saturday with the dance where so many fun experiences and memories were made.

If you are thinking about running for Homecoming court in the future, King Hernandez and Queen Spaliatsos have some advice for you.

Hernandez: “Just have fun with it. No matter what happens, win or lose, it’s such a fun time participating in everything.”

Spaliatsos: “Be yourself, and don’t try to be someone you’re not.”

Congratulations, Alex and Gwen!

Homecoming Victory!

By: Jaiden Basinger, Jose Nazario, and Tyler Elzholz

October 19, 2021

On Homecoming and Senior night, the varsity football team beat the John Hay Hornets, 14-6. The victory was great, but these victorious memories will last forever, especially for the seniors who played their last football game in front of the home crowd.

The seniors honored before the game were Jacob Sullivan, Tyler Elzholz, James Trunkett, Jordyn Fougerousse, Donavan Walker, Alex Hernandez, Andrew Flowers, Zach Hoskins, Dean Sugar, Jonathan Barry, and Solomon Carabello.

In the first quarter, the Hurricanes came out of the gate with intensity. Defensively, the Canes recorded an interception by Sullivan on the Hornets’ first drive. With the turnover, the Canes marched down the field and scored on a Sullivan to Fougerousse touchdown pass. Sullivan missed the PAT, but the Canes still led 6-0, and this is how the quarter ended with both teams struggling to sustain offensive drives.

In the second quarter, the Canes’ offense struggled with third and fourth down conversions (and a missed field goal) resulting in no more points on the scoreboard. The Hornets, however, were able to capitalize on a Sullivan interception with a five-play, touchdown-scoring drive of their own. Instead of kicking the PAT, the Hornets elected to go for the two-point conversion, but the Canes’ defense would not allow them to convert. At the half, the score was deadlocked at 6-6.

In the third quarter, junior Jaiden Basinger caught a pass and scored a 48-yard touchdown. Going for two, Sullivan then made a great, athletic play while falling to the ground by underhand tossing the football to junior Omarian Smith who was able to catch it and cross the goal line giving the Hurricanes a 14-6 lead as the quarter ended.

In the final quarter, the Hurricanes defense held the Hornets on their own two-yard-line and prevented them from chipping into the deficit. With a turnover on downs and only one more play remaining, Sullivan knelt down on the one-yard-line to let the time expire.

Final score: Brooklyn 14, John Hay 6

A big thank you to everyone who was able to make it out and support the home team, especially the seniors. It was cold and rainy, but Hurricane Nation cheered the entire game and wanted senior night to be memorable.

With the season finishing up this Friday at Independence High School, the varsity football team will soon be informed if they make this year’s playoffs. Once confirmed, family, friends, and Hurricane Nation will be the first to know.

Go Canes!

{For information on upcoming games and season schedules, please visit Hurricanes Athletics.}

Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Francescangeli

Teacher: Elementary

By: Morgan Blechschmid and Chloe Rojak

October 14, 2021

Chosen for this week’s Staff Spotlight is Mrs. Luanne Francescangeli! She is currently an elementary teacher in the Brooklyn School. She is best-known for her patience as well as bringing positivity into her learning environment. BHS students remember her well and credit her for guiding and paving their early paths.

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

A: “I went to three different colleges. I started at Tri-C where I got my finance degree, and then, I went to Cleveland State University and Baldwin-Wallace College where I got my teaching degree. One of the schools I chose was BW because it was small and close to home; they are also known for their teaching/education program.”

Q: What grade level do you currently teach, and what have you taught throughout your career?

A: “I taught second grade for 19 years. Teaching second grade made up the majority of my career. Now, I am currently teaching third grade.”

Q: What would you say has been your favorite part about teaching in Brooklyn?

A: “I like that we’re all like one big family, but my favorite part was teaching at Roadoan in the early years. We always stop and have a moment of silence for Roadoan being torn down.”

Q: How do you think that you have positively-affected your students in the past?

A: “I think providing hands-on activities for them and working in small groups helps them to learn quite efficiently.”

Q: What is your biggest pet peeve?

A: “All the new pop-it toys! Over the years, it always drove me crazy when the kids would come in with all their new, little toys. All of the Pokemon cards, fidget spinners, silly bands, fidget cubes, and what-not that the kids have brought in over the years!”

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

A: “It’s never too late to learn.”

Q: Do you have a favorite book or series to read?

A: “I would go with Harry Potter.”

Q: What are your favorite hobbies/activities to do in your free time?

A: “I like golfing, biking, doing yoga, and kayaking.”

Mrs. Francescangeli, you have been a mentor to so many of us, and we cannot thank you enough for helping us to learn and for always believing in us.

Columbus Boo at the Zoo

By: Valery Warner and Laila Schwin

October 14, 2021

Columbus Zoo's Boo at the Zoo begins October 16 | WSYX

With the spooky season in full swing and Halloween soon approaching, the Columbus Zoo is hosting its annual Boo at the Zoo. The events for this year are sure to be just as impressive as the years prior, maybe even better.

Due to the rising popularity of this event, Columbus’ Boo at the Zoo is extended to three weekends within the month of October. It will take place on the weekends of October 16-18, 23-25, and 30-November 1.

The event will be open to the public between 5:00-9:00 p.m. on Fridays, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturdays, and 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sundays. Timed ticketing (click on link) and reservations are needed for admission, even for members of the Columbus Zoo. However, members are allowed in without reservations after 5:00 p.m. on Boo at the Zoo days.

Weather On The Go visits the Columbus Zoo for 'Boo at the Zoo' | WTTE

This year’s Boo at the Zoo includes Jama’s Jack-O-Lantern Journey Seek-N-Find, Halloween Hullabaloo Rolling Celebration, Tommy C. Turtle’s Trick or Treat Trail, and Halloween Homecoming at Frogwortz Academy. There are also many more festivities to enjoy.

To ensure that all guests and staff stay safe during this spooky season, the Columbus Zoo will be working with the Delaware Health District on COVID-19 protocols. This will include frequent hand-sanitizing stations, social distancing when possible, and clear barriers between guests and staff members when passing out candy on the trick or treat route.

If you are planning on visiting the Columbus Zoo for this year’s Spooktacular fun, be sure to stay safe and enjoy all of the Boo at the Zoo festivities. It is a short drive and well-worth it!

Meet the 2021 Homecoming Court

By: Alaysia Curry and Daylun Armstrong

October 12, 2021

The Homecoming week festivities have kicked off, and we would like to introduce you to our 2021 BHS Homecoming Court Candidates.

*King Candidate #1: Adrian Fernandaz

Three words that can be used to describe Adrian are energetic, thoughtful, and easy-going. Adrian has been on the boys varsity soccer team since his freshman year, and his skills and abilities have earned him the title of team captain for this season. Adrian is also a dedicated Crew member, making sets and building props for our school’s musicals/plays. His artistic ability grabbed the attention of the National Art Honor Society as well. Adrian plans to attend a four-year college to major in Business or Finance.

*Queen Candidate #1: Alexis Smeznik

Three words that can be used to describe Alexis are reliable, smart, and creative. Alexis has shown her creativity and involvement in many BHS art programs. During the Fall, she can be found under the Friday night lights showing her creativity through choreography as a Hurricette. When marching band season is over, Alexis can be found in the auditorium as a member of Crew. She is also a member of the National Art Honor Society. Alexis is also a dedicated Cosmetology student at Polaris. Her dream goal is to attend Kettering University for Automotive Engineering Design and channel her artistic ability to design sports cars in the future.

*King Candidate #2: Maceo Pytel

Three words that can be used to describe Maceo are calm, athletic, and outgoing. Maceo shows fierce athleticism as a four-year varsity guard on the boys basketball team. When Maceo is on the court, he displays such strong unity and leadership with his teammates that he was named team captain during his junior year. For the future, he has not made a commitment to just one school as of now, but he does know that he would like to play basketball and possibly major in something in the athletic field.

*Queen Candidate #2: Daylun Armstrong

Three words that can be used to describe Daylun are kind, open-minded, and trustworthy. Daylun is one of Brooklyn’s most-involved students. She has been an active member of Key Club for four years and Brooklyn High School’s Student Council for five years. She has made countless posters, teacher appreciation gifts, and has volunteered at every single blood drive since her 8th grade year, which has earned her the title of Student Council President her junior and senior years. Daylun is also a member of the National Art Honor Society and National Honor Society. She is incredibly-dedicated and hardworking and has maintained a stellar 4.08 GPA throughout her high school career. While she says she doesn’t know exactly what her future career may hold, she is certain that whatever she decides to do, she wants to create a positive change in our world.

*King Candidate #3: Evan Chong

Three words that can be used to describe Evan are kind-hearted, easy-going, and sociable. Evan is one of Brooklyn’s most musically-talented students. He has been involved in marching/concert band and has been a part of the musical cast since his freshman year. Evan’s amazing talent scored him a role as Davey in the BHS production of Newsies. Evan attends Polaris for EMT and Fire which he plans to use in the future by completing his EMT degree and soon after completing paramedic school where he will become a fireman.

*Queen Candidate #3: Izzy Santiago

Three words that can be used to describe Izzy are extraordinary, fashionable, and understanding. Izzy wears many hats for Brooklyn when it comes to clubs. She has been a member of Key Club for four years, GSA for two, Hurricettes for three, show choir, singing storm, and Hurricane harmony for four years, not to mention three years of performances with ensemble roles for the school’s musicals. With her countless amounts of blood, sweat, and tears, Izzy has become the captain of Brooklyn’s Singing Storm. Izzy attends Polaris in the Business and Technology program. Izzy plans to attend Cuyahoga Community College for two years before transferring to Kent State University where she will study Fashion and International Business.

*King Candidate #4: Zach Dyson

Three words that describe Zach are funny, kind, and eccentric. Zach is one of the school’s most dedicated leaders and performers. He has been a member of marching, jazz, and concert band since his freshman year. He has moved up the ranks throughout the years as an underclass representative and finishing as senior class president. He has held lead roles in musicals, one being in Freaky Friday. Zach plans to attend Kent State University where he plans to major in Forensic Science.

*Queen Candidate #4: Alyanna Benz

Three words that can be used to describe Alyanna are charismatic, sweet, and persistent. Alyanna is a former cheerleader as well as a former team member of volleyball for one year and basketball for two years. She also shows her dedication and drive for her future as a member of AVID (College & Career Success). Alyanna spends much of her time outside of school working as a nail technician and caterer. After graduation, she plans to attend college with a double major in Business and Cosmetology to one day open up her own salon.

*King Candidate #5: Alex Hernandez

Three words that can be used to describe Alex are funny, loving, and charming. Alex is one of Brooklyn’s most dedicated and elite athletes. He has been playing on the football team for four years and is currently the team captain. He is a three-year varsity baseball player and was elected as a class officer during his junior year. After college, Alex plans to attend a four-year university where he will continue to play football.

*Queen Candidate #5: Gwen Spaliatsos

Three words that can be used to describe Gwen are funny, outgoing, and friendly. Gwen is a very committed and hardworking athlete. She is involved in athletics all-year-round as a member of varsity soccer, varsity basketball, and varsity softball teams. Not only does she work hard on the field, she continues to prove her hardwork and commitment to BHS by being an active member of Student Council this year, too. Gwen can also be found at Polaris in the Dental program where her leadership skills shine as Vice President of the program. Eventually, Gwen wants to be the boss, which is why she plans to attend Kent State University for Business Administration and one day run and manage her own company.

We want to thank all of the candidates for all of their hard work, dedication, and for simply just being themselves. We would also like to thank Mrs. Bader for all of the hard work that she put into the candidates’ bios, the Meet the Court assembly, as well as all of Homecoming week.

Come out to the football game this Friday, October 15, as the 2021 Homecoming King and Queen will be revealed.

Good luck to all ten candidates!