THE RETURN OF THE EYE

Late Deficit Dooms Hurricanes

By: Jaiden Basinger, Jose Nazario, and Tyler Elzholz

October 12, 2021

This past Friday, the varsity football team hosted the visiting Trinity Trojans. Coming into the contest, the Hurricanes were looking to up their 3-4 record to the .500 clip while also keeping their playoff hopes alive, but the upset-minded Trojans (now 2-6) had other plans.

In the first quarter, the Hurricanes played suffocating defense making it difficult for the Trojans to sustain any drive and put points on the scoreboard. Offensively, senior quarterback Jacob Sullivan scored on a one-yard run, but a missed PAT resulted in a first quarter score of 6-0 in favor of the Hurricanes.

Having played great defense in the first quarter, the Canes continued to do so in the second quarter until the final five minutes. The Trojans scored on a three-yard run. After the touchdown, they decided to go for two points and converted, making the score 8-6. Offensively, the Canes had their chances as they moved the ball up and down the field, but they couldn’t get into the red zone thus frequently punting the ball away. One defensive miscue and a stalled offense gave the Hurricanes a two-point deficit at the half, trailing 8-6.

In the third quarter, the Trojans came out a different team and started strong defensively forcing the Canes to a quick three-and-out. On their ensuing offensive possession, the Trojans scored on their first drive off of a quarterback sneak, making the score 14-6 in their favor. Similar to their first touchdown, they went for two points and converted again to take a 16-6 lead. Shortly after another defensive stop, the Trojans marched down the field again and scored another touchdown and two-point conversion, upping their lead to 24-6. This is how the third quarter ended.

In the fourth quarter, the Hurricanes were finally able to move the ball. Midway through the quarter, Sullivan scored on a long touchdown run of 57 yards, and with a successful two point conversion, Trinity’s lead was now 24-14. Unfortunately, time was the Hurricanes’ worst enemy, and they were unable to score again.

Final score: Trinity 24, Brooklyn 14

Now with a record of 3-5, the Hurricanes are still in the hunt for the OHSAA playoffs but have a must-win game this Friday as they host the John Hay Hornets for Homecoming and Senior Night. Kickoff is at 7:00 at the Coach Jerry Younger Field.

Go Canes!

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

Staff Spotlight: Mr. Verba

“Mr. Brooklyn”

By: Morgan Blechschmid and Chloe Rojak

October 7, 2021

Mr. Jim Verba is one of our well-known staff members here at Brooklyn High School. Verba has had a long-tenured and successful, 34-year stint here at BHS. He has held multiple roles within the district as a Science and Math Teacher, Girls Basketball Coach, Junior Varsity Baseball Coach, and Athletic Director. Everyone knows Verba; his humor, enthusiasm, and personality are contagious. Simply, he makes BHS a better place.

Q: With all of your years of experience, what advice would you give to a new teacher?

A: “Be flexible! You have to be able to adapt. More importantly, try to get to know your students and invest in them. Make them know that you care about them. Lastly, make sure you treat everyone like you would want to be treated. It takes a ton of people to run a school effectively. Make sure you let everyone know you appreciate them.”

Q: What do you enjoy more, being in the classroom or being the athletic director? Why?

A: “I enjoy being in the classroom more because I get to have more interactions with the students at Brooklyn High School on a more regular basis. I’m still adjusting, but with the help of the administration and my fellow teachers and friends, the change has gone far smoother than I anticipated. I miss the coaches and watching our athletes compete, but I can still attend games on my own time, when it’s convenient to me. I definitely appreciate the extra time I now have to do other things like work on my “HONEY DO” list that I have but never got time to do because I was so busy being the Athletic Director.”

Q: How many years of educational experience do you have and how many more until you decide to retire?

A: “I started in 1987 teaching at Garfield Heights, and then after one year, I left to come to Brooklyn. After this year is over, I will have 35 years of educational experience. I hope to go 2-3 more years if possible. I enjoy my job and teaching kids makes me feel young and energizes me. Plus, I would miss all of my teaching colleagues and friends.”

Q: What makes Brooklyn a special place?

A: “Small town where everyone seems to know each other. I moved to Brooklyn when I was sixteen and have been a part of the community ever since. I love it here.”

Q: What are your favorite hobbies when you’re not at school?

A: “I like to work on jigsaw puzzles (no less than 1000 pieces). I enjoy traveling and spending time with my wife. I also really enjoy watching movies, especially foreign ones.”

Q: If you could meet anyone in the world, who would it be and why?

A: “I would say I would like to meet Jesus Christ or Muhammed. I am intrigued by world religions and would have loved to have met them and heard them preach. I would also have loved meeting William Shakespeare. I’m a big fan and love the way he writes!”

Q: What is your favorite season of the year and why?

A: “I love Summer because I am on vacation, but I don’t really like the heat. I prefer Fall if I had to choose. Love the color changes and cooler temperatures.”

Q: If you could go back to one point in your life, what would it be and why?

A: “Very tough question…don’t like to look back. I’ve made some mistakes in my life as we all do, and I’m sure I would have liked to have gone back and fixed one of those ‘mistakes’. Frank Sinatra’s famous song ‘My Way’ says it all.”

Thank you for your time and for the dedication that you put into Brooklyn High School. We know you bleed Blue and Gold, and we love you, Verbs!

Spooky Pooch Parade

By: Laila Schwin and Valery Warner

October 7, 2021

Next Saturday on October 16 marks the 14th annual Spooky Pooch Parade in Lakewood, Ohio. The parade is part of a larger dog-themed festival at Madison Park, and it is free to the general public. The festival is full of dog-themed vendors, mostly small businesses, that you can support, even if you do not have a dog participating in the parade.

Other events at the festival include music by DJ Byron, dog games, crafts, a dog yoga class, and of course, all of the vendors and their dog products. There will also be a 50/50 raffle. This festival begins at 12:30 p.m. at Madison Park, which will also mark the beginning of the parade route later in the day.

At 2:00 in the afternoon, all registered owners and their dogs will come together for the parade. The parade route will take them from Madison Park through Lakewood’s Birdtown neighborhood.

Shortly after the parade, a costume contest will be held. The contest is for all dogs and people participating in the parade. The contest will be judged in the categories of Best Pooch and Child, Best Pooch and Adult, and Best Pooch and Group.

There will also be awards and prizes for the Spookiest Pooch and the Best in Show. The winner of the Best in Show award will receive a year’s worth of free dog food.

Registration opened on August 25, but dogs can be registered up until the day before the event for $10. Discounts are available if multiple dogs are registered. You can register for the event at Lakewood Alive.

Day-of registration for the event is $15 per dog. All profits made from the parade and registration costs will go directly to Lakewood Alive, a community nonprofit organization.

This may anger the feline population, but may the best pooch win!

The Hurricanes Meet Former PAC Foe

By: Jaiden Basinger, Jose Nazario, and Tyler Elzholz

October 5, 2021

Last Thursday, the varsity soccer team hosted the Clearview Clippers. Both the Hurricanes and Clippers are former members of the Patriot Athletic Conference, a league that dissolved a couple of years ago. So, familiarity with each team was on cue as this tightly-contested game ended in a 3-3 tie.

The Hurricanes were looking to bounce back after a very tough loss earlier in the week against Elyria Catholic, and they did just that against the visiting Clippers. The Canes played very well offensively and defensively, and they almost pulled off the victory.

In the first half, the Hurricanes came out fast scoring two goals in a row, both by junior Tariq Hattab. The Canes played stellar defense for much of the half holding the Clippers to zero goals until the final minute when they scored their first goal.

At the half, the Hurricanes led 2-1.

In the second half, the Clippers came out fast carrying the momentum that they had at the end of the first half. They scored two goals and blanked the Hurricanes for much of the half looking to seal the 3-2 road victory. However, the Hurricanes did not back down. Nearing the end of the game and confidence still high, sophomore Tyler Pallota scored a goal, knotting the game at three goals a piece.

This is how it ended, a 3-3 tie.

It was a very competitive game, and the boys should be proud of their effort, teamwork, and confidence, especially when trailing late. Never giving up is a sign of a team on the rise.

With some positive momentum, the Hurricanes will look to bounce back tonight on the road against the Lutheran West Longhorns.

Good luck, boys.

Go Canes!

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

Homecoming is Near and Student Council is Here

By: Daylun Armstrong and Alaysia Curry

October 5, 2021

Homecoming is quickly approaching, and this is one of Student Council’s busiest times of the academic year. Student Council is in charge of the homecoming dance/court events, ticket sales, decorations, posters, and spirit week.

Tomorrow, the homecoming festivities kick off with an assembly for the BHS faculty and students to meet the Homecoming Court. Each court member will be introduced and asked some questions in order for the student body to know the candidates better before casting their votes next week for King and Queen.

Next week (October 11-15), spirit week begins with the following schedule:

*Monday – Pajama Day

*Tuesday – Twin Day

*Wednesday – Decades Day

*Thursday – Color Wars

*Friday – Blue/Gold Day

The grade level colors for next Thursday’s color wars are Blue for 8th grade, Yellow for 9th grade, Orange for 10th grade, Red for 11th grade, and Purple for our beloved seniors.

There will also be a pep assembly the day before the homecoming dance (Friday, October 15) where the court will participate in Minute-To-Win-It games. The student body is encouraged to show as much school spirit as possible, to wear all Blue/Gold, and to bring a high-level of energy.

Later that night is the Homecoming football game against John Hay High School where the King and Queen will be announced. All alumni are encouraged to come back to join Hurricane Nation for the game and festivities.

Finally, on Saturday (October 16), the homecoming dance will take place with a theme of “A Night Under the Stars”. The dance, weather-permitting, will take place at the Coach Jerry Younger Field from 7:00-10:00 p.m.

If you are wondering where to purchase homecoming tickets, they will be on sale in the high school cafeteria during all lunch periods from now until October 15.

Good luck to the Homecoming Court.

Go Canes!

Staff Spotlight: Mr. Bollin

Principal: Brooklyn School

By: Morgan Blechschmid and Chloe Rojak

September 30, 2021

Welcome to Hurricane Nation, Mr. Bollin! Johnny Bollin is the newest Pre-K through 7 principal at the Brooklyn School. He began his career in 2005 at Tower Heights Middle School in Centerville, Ohio, as a Social Studies teacher for grades 6-8. In 2007, Bollin then joined the Berea City Schools and taught for six years as a 7th grade Social Studies teacher. After his teaching career, he later served as an Administrative Intern, an Assistant Principal, and later took on his most recent position, prior to here, as an Assistant Principal at Berea-Midpark High School.

Q: How has your transition been as a new member of Hurricane Nation?

A: “The transition has been fantastic! Everyone has been very welcoming and willing to help. I’m so excited to be a Hurricane.”

Q: What are your goals as principal for this year?

A: “My major goals are to become a member of the Hurricane community and build relationships.”

Q: What is it like being a principal for younger students?

A: “They are amazing. The excitement that they exude is contagious. I live to come to work and see their smiles everyday.”

Q: What has been your favorite part about working with the staff and students?

A: “My favorite part has been getting to know people. Relationships are very important to me, and I want to get to know every staff member and every student.”

Q: What are your hobbies and interests?

A: “I love working with youth in any capacity that I can, from coaching to mentoring.”

Q: What was your childhood dream job?

A: “This is my dream job. I knew that I would be in education since I was in middle school. I’ve essentially charted my life to be in this moment.”

Q: What are your favorite sports to play and watch? What teams, at all levels, do you root for?

A: “Football is my favorite sport to watch, while basketball is my favorite sport to play and study. I cheer for the Cleveland franchises as well as the Dallas franchises.”

Q: How would you describe yourself using only three words?

A: “Passion, Dedication, and Love”

Thank you Mr. Bollin for your responses! We are so honored to welcome you to the Brooklyn City School District.

Ramseyer Farms Fall Fun

By: Laila Schwin and Valery Warner

September 30, 2021

While there are plenty of Fall festivals and events going on, Ramseyer Farms and their Fall events are definitely a top contender among the rest. Their Fall Fun Festival is already in full-swing this year with plenty of open activities for people of all ages, and it surely will not disappoint.

Ramseyer Farms is a fifth generation, family-owned farm that was started in 1880 by Daniel Ramseyer, and it has been passed on between the different generations within the family. As all of the years passed by, the farm has changed and improved quite a bit.

In 2000, major changes to the farm were made, and they began what they call “agritourism,” which included educational farm tours and corn mazes. Since then, their agritourism has expanded quite extensively to include things like their current Fall festival.

Some of the events that have joined the lineup at Ramseyer Farms are their yearly-themed corn mazes, hayrides, visits with the farm animals, pumpkin picking, the corn barn and corn chutes, and various fun games and other mazes that people of all ages can participate in and thoroughly enjoy.

Ramseyer Farms celebrates fall with family fun

The Fall season at Ramseyer Farms started on September 1 and will be ending on October 31, so make sure you find some time to go out there and join the Fall fun before it concludes. The farm is open all days except Monday. The hours vary in different time spans on different days of the week, so be sure to check their website for any information that you may need to know about a near-future trip to Ramseyer Farms.

Tickets for the events can also be found on their website as well. You can also buy season passes for the farms for the remainder of the year.

Ramseyer Farms has a near-endless supply of events with even more being frequently added. It is definitely the place to go if you are in need of some family fun this Fall season.

When it is Fall, Ramseyer Farms will be anxiously-awaiting your arrival.

From the Browns to BHS: Jamaine Cook

By: Alaysia Curry and Daylun Armstrong

September 28, 2021

Last Friday, former Cleveland Browns running back Jamaine Cook talked to the Brooklyn High School senior class to discuss life after high school while also talking about his life’s journey, his football career, and the obstacles that he had to overcome.

Cook discussed the methods that he used to navigate through life which he refers to as the Five P’s: Passion, Preparation, People, Problems, and Perseverance.

When asked what his biggest struggle professionally or personally was and how he overcame it, his response was eye-opening: “I think my biggest struggle has been trying to change the narrative for myself and my family. Just not being too hard on myself and trusting and enjoying the journey. The way I overcame [my struggles] was by finding things that gave me balance: Family, friends, and sports. Balance is key!”

By overcoming the challenges that life threw at him such as being in foster care, his mother’s struggle with addiction, and the overall stress of life in general, all of this pushed him to become a better version of himself and to accomplish his goals in life.

One of his passions was football, and by putting in dedicated and hard work, he received a scholarship to Youngstown State University. After college, he was signed by the Cleveland Browns.

“It was a dream come true, and it felt like all of my hard work had paid off. It was also proof that if you work hard, dreams really do come true,” stated Cook. “Graduating from college, making it to the NFL, traveling the world, and being an inspiration and motivation to others is truly a blessing. By playing for my hometown, it provided a platform to be able to help others like students here at BHS.”

While all of the above is great, there was and still is one aspect of his life that inspires and motivates him even more. His daughter Amelia changed his life and continues to push him to be at his best. She is his pride and joy.

After leaving the NFL, he wanted to showcase his other talent by starting a career and by not allowing football to completely define him. He is currently completing his second year in his MBA program at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and his desire is to, one day, lead and run his own company.

His visit to BHS was truly impactful to so many students, and he left us with amazing advice.

“Don’t be afraid to be different, don’t be afraid to chase your dreams, and find something you’re passionate about. Allow that to be the light that takes you to the promised land,” stated Cook.

Mr. Cook, thank you for coming in to talk to us, to teach us, and to inspire us. We are all forever grateful!

Cook’s motto: Thrive > Survive

Delaney David Crushes School Record

By: Jaiden Basinger, Jose Nazario, and Tyler Elzholz

September 28, 2021

On Tuesday, September 21, history was made on the Brooklyn soccer field.

Junior Delaney David broke the school record for having the most soccer goals in a single season. The previous record of 23 goals was held by 2010 Brooklyn graduate Laryassa Byndas. David broke this record during her game against Brush High School by scoring three goals to up her total to 26 career goals.

With five more conference games remaining, David still has the chance to add to this existing record.

Even though she broke the individual record for single-season goals, David is still focused on the team above herself because she credits her teammates for her success.

“As a team, I would like to keep winning games to earn a good spot in the tourney. My goals are to be the best for my team and play as best as I can. My teammates have supported me throughout the whole process and made it possible for me to score with great passes,” stated David.

Hurricane Nation wishes David and her teammates the best of luck with the remainder of the season. Delaney, Congratulations on breaking the school record for goals scored!

Go Canes!

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

Mapleside Farms Johnny Appleseed Weekend

By: Valery Warner and Laila Schwin

September 23, 2021

Can you smell the Fall in the air? Yesterday, the Fall season officially began, and this upcoming weekend marks the 48th annual Johnny Appleseed Weekend at Mapleside Farms. From September 24-26, people can come visit the festival and all of the activities that it has to offer.

This event is open to the public from 4:00-9:00 p.m. tomorrow, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, and 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.

The Johnny Appleseed Weekend is a part of a longer ongoing event at Mapleside Farms: The Fall Festivals and Pumpkin Village. All of these events feature live entertainment and music, pig races, hayrides, and tours of the Mapleside orchards. Mapleside Farms has many other things to offer such as various shops, corn mazes, and their 311 foot long “Super Slide”.

This weekend’s events will also feature interactive performances throughout the property about historical figures and legends such as Paul Bunyan, Amelia Earhart, and Johnny Appleseed. There will also be stage productions of The Princess and the Pumpkin, which is an ongoing part of the Mapleside Fall events.

Most tickets for the Johnny Appleseed Weekend are being sold in advance for set time slots on the Mapleside website. Walk-up tickets are available but are much more limited and will not be sold anymore during the day if the farms reach a set capacity.

While masks are not required outdoors, they are strongly recommended if social distancing is not possible. Buildings and indoor spaces will be limited to a certain number of guests at all times along with frequent sanitizing stations all around the farm.

Mapleside Farms cancels 'Magic of Halloween' attraction | wkyc.com

This year’s festival will also celebrate the 247th birthday of Johnny Appleseed. Johnny Appleseed (also known as Jonathan Chapman) was an American pioneer said to bring apple trees to North America. He planted nurseries of apple trees and entrusted their care to the local people in the areas surrounding the nurseries. He planted these nurseries throughout large parts of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Ontario, as well as the northern counties of present-day West Virginia.

Chapman left a lasting legacy that has been honored for the last 48 years by the annual festival at Mapleside Farms. His story is told and exhibits honor his importance.

The festival is sure to be a fun, family event this Fall season for anyone who decides to attend.

Fall is here, and so is the Johnny Appleseed Weeked at Mapleside Farms!

Staff Spotlight: Mr. Shepherd

Teacher: Intervention Specialist

By: Morgan Blechschmid and Chloe Rojak

September 23, 2021

Welcome back to BHS, Coach “Shep”! Jeff Shepherd is an intervention specialist in our high school and has many years of experience, not only with teaching but also with coaching. Previously, Shepherd coached basketball for 10 years here at Brooklyn with numerous conference championships. He is known by many of his colleagues and students for his level of determination, kind personality, and sense of humor.

Q: What inspired you to be an intervention specialist?

A: “My son has been a huge inspiration. Since he has special needs, I work a lot with him at home. I like to help kids who need a little extra help; it’s a good feeling. I also like to help all kids with all levels of education. All in all, I like to help everyone.”

Q: What made you decide to return to Brooklyn High School?

A: “When I left Brooklyn High School, it was more because there were some things going on. Coming back to Brooklyn was an easy decision to make. I still have a lot of friends here, and this school is almost like home. I’ve been here previously for 10 years. I’m very familiar with the school, despite all the changes. There is still a lot of familiarity within the school.”

Q: How do you think you’ve positively affected your students in the past?

A: “I think that since I’ve coached and taught for many years, I now have that connection with students. Last Friday night’s football game, there was a student there that I hadn’t seen in about 20 years. He had made it a point to come and talk to me and made a comment to me saying I kept him calm and gave him reassurance when it was difficult for him to do so.”

Q: How do you deal with a stressful situation in school?

A: “I try to rely on the support of my colleagues and my peers. I try my best to surround myself with a positive support system, and there are other people who do similar things.”

Q: What is your favorite part about coaching basketball?

A: “One of my favorite parts about coaching is being around the guys in a non-academic setting and still trying to teach them similar lessons outside of the classroom, such as life lessons and discipline. It’s pretty much the same as the teaching part. Winning games is also nice, but the better part is seeing the guys grow so much in the duration of the season. There’s nothing like having your athletes come back and thank you for being a great coach; it’s gratifying!”

Q: What was a time in your life that was most memorable to you and why?

A: “Getting married was a big part of my life, but adopting my oldest son was pretty special. I have three kids. My oldest was adopted, and two months later, we had our own miracle baby. My youngest daughter is adopted as well. It’s important to remember that there is no difference between adoption and biological children.”

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

A: “In my free time, I like to hang out with my family, my wife, and kids. Sometimes, we go to see movies, and sometimes, we hang out with neighbors and their kids. I also like to fish with my sons. Starting a normal day with three kids can get very hectic and chaotic. Everyone is running around, trying to do their own thing.”

Q: If you could coach any other sport, what would it be and why?

A: “I would coach football. I simply like the contact and the development. My son plays football, and I’ve coached him before as well. There’s nothing like the thrill of the Friday night lights, if you will. The sound of the band playing, and your players playing the game under the lights at night is all quite an experience.”

Thank you, Coach “Shep”. Welcome back to the Hurricane family!

Rams Get Swept by the Hurricanes

By: Jaiden Basinger, Jose Nazario, and Tyler Elzholz

September 21, 2021

Last Thursday, the varsity volleyball team hosted the visiting Rams from Rhodes High School, and it was a match that was over from the opening serve.

The Hurricanes came out fast and furious in the opening set, dominating the Rams from start to finish. With the offense and defense clicking at the same time, the Hurricanes completely shut down the Rams and won the first set, 25-2.

With a three-minute break in between the first and second sets, the Hurricanes were looking to finish what they started.

In the second set, the Hurricanes did not let their foot off of the gas. Offensively, they were still firing on all cylinders. Although there were some defensive miscues, their performance was solid overall in winning the second set, 25-10.

The two-set sweep secured the Hurricanes a win in this best of three match, notching another victory in the win column. Currently, their record stands at 5-8 on the season.

The Hurricanes have a two-match winning streak at home and will look to extend that streak to three tonight as they host the Trinity High School Trojans. Game time begins at 6:00.

Come out tonight and support our girls volleyball team.

Go Canes!