THE RETURN OF THE EYE

Brooklyn’s 2021 Bike Rodeo

By: Valery Warner, Ariana Rojak, and Aiden Nelson

May 11, 2021

On Saturday, May 22, the Brooklyn City Schools will be hosting its annual, bike rodeo from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This year’s rodeo will be held in the Blue and White parking lots of the school district campus.

With the new Covid-19 guidelines, the district would like everyone attending to pre-register on the main Brooklyn Home Page. (See flyer below)

Pre-registering guarantees your family a time slot to win raffles and prizes, including a chance to win a new bike.

While attending this event, everyone will get a chance to say “Hello!” to Brooklyn’s first responders and safety forces along with an opportunity to see their many different, safety vehicles. Information for Safety Town, incoming preschoolers, and kindergarteners will also be provided.

Rain or shine, this free event will take place on May 22, so bring your bike and helmet to participate in this annual, Brooklyn tradition.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mrs. Laura Paul (216-485-8176), the BCSD bike rodeo organizer.

Track Success

By: Ella Fowler, Kelsey Bruzek, Tyler Elzholz, and Jaiden Basinger

May 7, 2021

Last Wednesday, April 28, Brooklyn High School’s track and field team competed at the Valley Forge Tri-Meet against the Valley Forge Patriots and the Fairview Warriors.

Starting off for the girls, sophomore Jenna Young took first place in the High Jump and 200-meter-yard-dash, along with a second place finish in the 300-meter-hurdles. Junior Ashley Chong placed fourth in the 100-meter-yard-dash and placed in Long Jump, as well. Sophomore Laura Nguyen placed fourth in the 100-meter-hurdles. Finally, freshmen Alice Pham and Addison Kiser held their own for the girls’ throwing team. Pham took third in the Discus, and Kiser took fourth in the Shot Put.

Great job, girls!

Regarding the boys, senior Stephen Chhan and Chavon Holton led the way. Chhan rose to the top in both the Shot Put and Discus. For running events, Holton went up against teammate Alex Chiclana in both the 110 and 300-meter-hurdles. Holton topped Chiclana by a small margin in both events to take home first place. Chiclana came in second place in both events. Additionally, Donovon Walker placed first in the Long Jump and third in the High Jump. Santana Simmons finished in fourth place in the 100 and 200-meter-yard-dash. Finally for individual events, senior Justin Pokorny took third place in the 200-meter-yard-dash, and Massiah Baker also took third place in the 400-meter-yard-dash.

For team events, the boys 4×100 group (Baker, Sammons, Holton, and Pokorny) took home first place, and the 4×200 team (Baker, Walker, Chiclana, and Pokorny) finished in first place, as well.

Congratulations, boys!

A special shout out to Jenna Young as she has broken the BHS 100-meter Hurdles record with a run of 16.66. Head Coach Jason Hubbell gave Stephen Chhan a shout-out, as well. Chhan has the longest Discus throw that Coach Hubbell has seen with a distance of 117’10”.

Way to make Hurricane Nation proud!

The next meet is on Tuesday, May 11 as the team travels to compete in the Cuyahoga Heights Invitational.

Good luck to the boys and to the girls. Keep up the good work.

Go Canes!

The History of Mother’s Day

By: Brittney Corrado, Alisha Bains, and Laila Schwin

May 7, 2021

In 1905, a woman named Anna Jarvis started a campaign for an official holiday honoring mothers. She started this the year when her own mother died as a way to honor her.

The first celebration that was held for Mother’s Day was in 1908 in Grafton, West Virginia. Mother’s Day became an official holiday in 1914. Since then, Mother’s Day has become a representation of respect, honor, and love towards truly-devoted moms.

Different versions of Mother’s Day are celebrated all around the world. In Thailand, for example, Mother’s Day is celebrated in August on the birthday of the current queen, Sirikit. In Ethiopia, families gather each Fall to sing songs and to eat a large feast as part of Antrosht, a multi-day celebration honoring motherhood. These are just a few of the many Mother’s Day traditions and celebrations known worldwide.

Mother’s Day has also been a date for bringing awareness to women’s rights. In 1968, Coretta Scott King, MLK’s wife, used Mother’s Day to lead a march to support underprivileged women and children. In 1970, certain women’s groups used the holiday as a time to highlight the need for equal rights and access to childcare.

Ann Reeves Jarvis, mother of Anna Jarvis, was a large contributor to the development of Mother’s Day, as she organized “Mother’s Day Work Clubs” before the Civil War to help teach mothers various childcare skills. These meetings became a unifying event during an area of division during the Civil War and developed into “Mother’s Friendship Day”. This friendship day started in 1868 and included mothers of both former Union and Confederate soldiers in an attempt to reconcile relations between both sides after the war.

The concept of the holiday changed from there and was more focused on mothers promoting world peace. Eventually, though, after years of her organizing for it, Jarvis got her holiday signed into the calendar by President Woodrow Wilson in 1914.

The joy of this event did not last long, and Jarvis spent years afterwards regretting her decision as Mother’s Day became commercialized and about gifts instead of the value of one’s mother and connecting with family. She even attempted to get the holiday removed from the calendar as she was so disgusted by the consumerism.

However, Mother’s Day has prevailed and became a different event because of this. It has become a mix of both avenues, not only gifts but also a day to appreciate our mothers.

This year, Mother’s Day will be celebrated on Sunday, May 9. This day is devoted to all moms, but they should be celebrated 365 days of the year because they are the best.

Happy Mother’s Day to all moms!

{Information for this article was retrieved from History.com.}

Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Buduleta

*ELL Instructor*

By: Morgan Blechschmid and Danielle Shehee

May 4, 2021

Mrs. Elisabeth Buduleta has been teaching at the Brooklyn City Schools for the past 15 years; she began her career as a Hurricane in August of 2006. She has taught a mixture of different grade levels, ranging from Kindergarten through 12th grade. This year, she is working with the K-3 grades. Mrs. Buduleta is well-known for her patience, her kindness, and her ability to keep her students motivated for success. She is the perfect choice for this week’s Staff Spotlight!

Q: What are some of your hobbies?

A: “I enjoy playing and listening to music. The instrument I still play now is the church pipe organ. I actually am a church organist on the weekends. I also enjoy swimming, playing cards (Euchre, Canasta, Pinochle), reading (I read several different types of genres), sewing, cooking, and baking.”

Q: Have you ever traveled outside of The United States? What is one destination that you would love to visit?

A: “I have had the opportunity to travel outside of the USA. I have visited Germany (actually lived there for seven years), France, Spain, Belgium, Holland, Luxembourg, Lichenstein, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Scotland, Russia, India, Riviera Maya (Mexico), and Canada. Destinations I would still love to travel to are Australia, New Zealand, Greece, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland.”

Q: Why did you decide to become an ELL instructor?

A: “I absolutely LOVE languages. I am a linguist at heart. Learning new languages and helping others learn new languages is something that brings me joy, especially once students are able to communicate using their new language skills. A different language is a different vision of life.”

Q: What is your favorite part about seeing growth in your students when learning the English language?

A: “I love having students using the newly-learned language to communicate. In addition, students not only learn a new language but the culture that goes with that language.”

Q: What is the most challenging part of being an ELL instructor?

A: “The most challenging part of being an ELL instructor is that I often don’t have enough time to spend with each of the students to better support their needs.”

Q: What are some of the strategies you use when teaching English?

A: “Depending upon the student’s ability level, I use strategies like echo reading, picture walks through books, listening activities to begin conversation, word family activities, different types of vocabulary activities, and fun writing activities (to name a few).”

Q: How do you deal with a stressful situation?

A: “I very quickly try to analyze the situation and figure out what is causing the stress and de-escalate whatever is going on. Once the emergency has been taken care of, I reflect to see what I could have done differently and then try to listen to some relaxing, meditative music.”

Q: What are your favorite personal qualities?

A: “I really don’t know if I have any favorite personal qualities. Things I like about myself are as follows: I believe that I am approachable, I believe that students are able to feel comfortable talking to me about whatever (appropriate) topic they would like to discuss, I believe that I work well with most of the Brooklyn Staff (there are several people on staff I have not yet had the privilege to work with, hence using the word ‘most’), I believe that I have integrity and am reliable and accountable, and I believe that I am sensitive to diverse people and try to meet people where they are.”

Thank you so much for your time and your amazing responses, Mrs. Buduleta! Thank you for giving your time to students who do not know the English language. Because of you, these ELL learners will excel in the present and in the future.

Awards Banquet

By: Valery Warner, Ariana Rojak, and Aiden Nelson

May 4, 2021

Brooklyn High School is holding this year’s academic award ceremony on Wednesday, May 12, in the auditorium.

The 8th-9th grade ceremony will take place from 11:00-12:00. Afterward, the 10th-11th grade ceremony will begin at 12:15 and end at 1:15. Finally, the senior awards ceremony will begin at 6:00 p.m. For students receiving awards, letters were sent home over spring break.

There are two types of awards that will be handed out: Scholarships and Academic Awards.

A list of the scholarships to be awarded are as follows (seniors only):

*Brooklyn Education Association Scholarship, Clarence L. Rice Memorial Scholarship, Brooklyn Kiwanis Academic Scholarship, Donald J. Sullivan Scholarship, Rudy Bredenbeck Engineering Scholarship, Ronald Szudy Athletic Spirit Award, Brooklyn High School Faculty Scholarship, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce Scholarship, John Hengsteler Memorial Scholarship, Ohio PTA Scholarship, Sean Michael Acierno Memorial Scholarship, Cammann Kids Scholarship, Red Cross Scholarship, John S. Phillips Memorial Scholarship, Carol Yanico Education Scholarship, Tran Brothers Leadership Award, Brooklyn Choral Spirit Award, and Angie Gantose Memorial Service Award.

A list of the academic awards to be awarded are as follows (all grade levels):

*Top Students in English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, World Language (Spanish), World Language (Chinese), Fine Arts, and Computer Science / Perseverance Award / Grade 8 Student of the Year.

To have the potential of winning an award or awards, students needed to maintain a GPA above 3.25 in the first three quarters with no D’s or F’s.

Families will be allowed to attend in-person with social distancing regulations. For any questions about this year’s Awards Banquet, please contact Mr. Chris Ross.

To all of the students who will soon-be receiving awards and/or scholarships, congratulations! You earned these, and you should be proud of your accomplishments.

Float While You Camp?

By: Brittney Corrado, Laila Schwin, and Alisha Bains

April 30, 2021

After a long hard year without being able to travel, the tourism industry in Ohio and almost everywhere else hopes that vacation summers are back and better than ever. This pandemic has ruined a lot, but positive changes are coming.

If you want a fun, new way to camp, think about floating tents! It is a great way to travel and spend some time outdoors while being safe and still having a blast.

The tents can be found in the Treasure Island Park in Troy, Ohio, floating along the Great Miami River. The tents are called Shoal tents, the first of their kind, and are composed of inflatable rafts with tent toppers. These Shoal tents are all manufactured right in Troy, Ohio, too.

Float Troy is offering 10 floating (anchored) tents. These tents are manufactured in Troy by Smithfly and up to four people can sleep in each tent. A watercraft/kayak is included with tent rental as well as oars and life vests. The tents are priced at $85 per night with an extra $20 charge for extra watercraft rentals.

There are also four floating fire pits with the tents, which are available on a first come-first serve basis. Additionally, there are various facilities and grills on land that are also part of this unique, camping experience.

Scheduling these tents for various dates between June 22 and September 6 are limited. Some of these dates are already sold out.

So, if you are looking for an opportunity to spend some time on these floating tents, you might want to book your trip soon to reserve a spot.

There are plenty of fun activities and places to visit during this campout. These floating tents are well worth it, but be prepared to get “a little” wet.

{Information for this article was retrieved from Cleveland.com, Troy, and MSN.}

2021 NFL Draft

By: Ella Fowler, Kelsey Bruzek, Tyler Elzholz, and Jaiden Basinger

April 30, 2021

Last night, downtown Cleveland opened up its city to welcome the 2021 NFL Draft. Locations for the draft included the following venues: FirstEnergy Stadium, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Great Lakes Science Center, and others.

The timeline for each round of the draft is listed below:

*Round 1: Thursday, April 29 at 8:00 p.m.

*Rounds 2-3: Friday, April 30 at 7:00 p.m.

*Rounds 4-7: Saturday, May 1 at 12:00 p.m.

With the first pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars selected Trevor Lawrence, a quarterback out of Clemson University. Lawrence became the fourth quarterback in franchise history to be selected in round one. The Jaguars need something to light a new fire in their team as their overall record last season was 1-15. There are high hopes that Lawrence can turn things around for the struggling franchise. Congratulations to Lawrence for being the first pick in this year’s draft.

The second pick in the draft was chosen by the New York Jets, and they selected Zach Wilson, a quarterback out of Brigham Young University. Being injury-prone, Wilson has some great talent and has the arm to be a big-time, NFL quarterback. The Jets came in last place in the AFC East last season. Their hope is that Wilson can revive the team and accomplish big things in the Big Apple.

The third pick went to the San Francisco 49ers, and they selected Trey Lance, a quarterback out of North Dakota State (same school as Carson Wentz). Due to the pandemic, Lance only played one game since the 2019 season. During that season, he threw 28 touchdowns (with zero interceptions) and ran for 14 touchdowns. With the mental part of the game, Lance has high marks for his intelligence and his leadership roles.

Our very-own Cleveland Browns had the 26^thpick, and they selected Greg Newsome II, a cornerback from Northwestern. The pick of Newsome II adds quality depth to a much-improved secondary. He has a forty-yard dash time of 4.38 seconds. He also is a great pass rusher and will join fellow cornerbacks, Denzel Ward and Troy Hill. Here we go Brownies, here we go! Woof, woof!

With round two and three coming up tonight, Browns fans are eager to see who is drafted to wear the Brown and Orange.

The NFL’s decision to host the draft in all of the teams’ cities is awesome for the fans and the economy. Last night, Cleveland did not disappoint.

Cleveland Rocks!

Power of the Pen

By: Ariana Rojak, Aiden Nelson, and Valery Warner

April 27, 2021

Power of the Pen is an organization in the Brooklyn City School District and is in over 200 school districts throughout Ohio.

Brooklyn’s own got a chance to be a part of this year’s competition. There are roughly 800 writers at the district level, 400 at the regionals, and only 200 at the state level.

Eighth-grader Elias Perez and seventh-grader Malak Chafki are going to be a part of this year’s Power of the Pen state competition hosted at Otterbein College on Saturday, May 15.

Mrs. Jacinta Bader, leader of the eighth grade team, glowingly spoke about Perez.

“Elias is ridiculously-intelligent and creative! He’s one of the strongest writers I’ve ever coached! He does an incredible job making the reader connect with his characters. His writing leaves the reader wanting more every time!”

Perez prepares once a week with Bader by practicing a new prompt with only 40 minutes to write. Once he has finished, he and Bader review it by going over different aspects such as characterization, plot line, and descriptive language. He finished in sixth place at the regional competition and is gearing up for the upcoming state competition.

Mrs. Mack, leader of the seventh grade team, had nothing but praise for Chafki.

“Malak is a well-traveled student who has many culturally-diverse experiences. She uses these experiences in her story and often creates vivid storylines that utilize sensory language.”

Chafki prepares with Mack weekly, and they practice prompt writing, similar to Perez’s routine.

Congratulations to both Elias and Malak. Good luck to both of you in the finals. Bring home the gold!

{Link: Additional Reference}

Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Kiss

*Teacher: Interventionist*

By: Morgan Blechschmid and Danielle Shehee

April 27, 2021

Mrs. Jennifer Kiss is a 6th grade interventionist at the Brooklyn School. She is best known for her positivity, patience, and determination when it comes to her students learning and understanding various concepts. Kiss has always made it a point to address the necessary needs of her students in order for them to be productive and successful. She continues to make a great impact on her current students as well as her previous students, making her a perfect choice for this week’s Staff Spotlight.

Q: Where did you grow up?

A: “I grew up, went to school, and still live in Olmsted Falls.”

Q: Where did you go to college?

A: “I went to the University of Toledo for several years. I transferred to and graduated from Baldwin-Wallace College (the name at that time) with a degree in Speech Communication. I also went to Cleveland State University where I did my coursework for my special education license and later received my Masters in Curriculum and Instruction.”

Q: How would you describe your experience of being an interventionist using only three words?

A: “Rewarding, Motivating, and Encouraging.”

Q: What do you like most about being an Interventionist?

A: “I love working with kids. One of my favorite things about being an interventionist is seeing students make growth. I love encouraging and helping students, but I especially enjoy the moments when they realize what they are capable of.”

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

A: “That’s a tough question. I like them all, but I would probably say math. It was my least favorite subject when I was a student, but I actually enjoy helping students learn how to break things down to understand the concepts.”

Q: If you could have any job title, what would it be? Why?

A: “Sports Writer or Photographer: I love sports, writing, and taking pictures. I originally wanted to be a journalism major in college.”

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

A: “Life is not always fair, but you have to move on and be responsible for your own happiness and opportunities.”

Q: Who inspires you the most?

A: “My mom! She has faced so many challenges throughout her life yet is one of the most positive and giving people I know. She goes out of her way to try and help others and to make people happy.”

Thank you for your time, Mrs. Kiss. And, thank you for always being understanding and for making a positive impact on your students! You truly represent Hurricane Nation in the best manner possible.

Let’s Go, Cubs!

By: Laila Schwin, Brittney Corrado, and Alisha Bains

April 23, 2021

After waiting over 20 years, visitors are finally able to visit tiger cubs at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. The three cubs were all born this past December. As the cubs adjust to their new habitat, visitors will be able to see them every day between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

The three cubs are being raised in a social group of two endangered subspecies of tigers. Two of the cubs were born here in Cleveland, and the third joined the pair from the Tulsa Zoo. The two born here are Amur tigers named Luka and Anya, and the one from the Tulsa Zoo is a Malayan tiger named Indrah, who joined the other cubs to allow for social and behavioral development along with interaction.

The cubs made their debut shortly after hitting some major milestones like transitioning to a meat diet, hitting a weight of 30 pounds, and developing strength and agility skills within their interactions with one other. Luka and Anya have been very interactive and up-close with the guests during their free roam times. Indrah, however, has preferred indoor areas with less attention. Soon enough, the cubs will be able to be outside full-time in the Rosebrough Tiger Passage.

Amur tigers are an endangered species, and Malayan tigers are considered to be critically-endangered by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). Amur tigers have an estimated 450 animals left in their natural habitat, and Malayan tigers have even less at an estimated number between 250 and 340 worldwide. The presence of baby tigers, even in captivity, is a good sign. Even if it is just a slight change, conservation efforts allow for them to be born, and this is a gift in itself.

The Rosebrough Tiger Passage includes four interconnected habitats for the family of tigers to explore. Visitors can learn about the threats to tiger species and what they face including habitat loss and poaching. This exhibit provides a safe place for a species whose lives are threatened and habitats destroyed.

The gift of life is a miracle, and each animal deserves to be happy, healthy, and safe.

Go visit the three new tiger cubs at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Remember, Mondays are free admission.

On a side note, Mr. Holko wants to adopt all three of these tiger cubs as his pets. What could possibly go wrong?

{Information for this article was retrieved from Clevelandmetroparks.com and Cleveland.com.}

Costly Errors Doom the Hurricanes

By: Ella Fowler, Kelsey Bruzek, Tyler Elzholz, and Jaiden Basinger

April 23, 2021

The varsity baseball team has suffered some lopsided losses in the beginning of this season. To be blunt, it has been a struggle, but during their last game against cross-town rival Rhodes High School, the young Canes showed signs of growth and improvement.

The Hurricanes played a good game offensively. The offense had a total of 11 hits, 5 runs batted in, 4 doubles, and they outhit the Rams, 11-4. The pitching staff held the Rams to only four hits, but nine walks and four defensive errors doomed the Hurricanes’ chances of notching their first win of the season.

Although disappointed, Head Coach Kevin Sedlacek offered some insight as to the positives that he has seen with his young team.

“I have seen great improvements in knowing our situations and where to be on the cutoffs to bases. At the plate, the guys are beginning to think about the count and what type of pitch will be coming. We’re also doing better at controlling our emotions. Being in control of our emotions and being able to control how we respond to different situations is the key to manage chaotic situations.”

Coach Sedlacek also praised some of the players who have stood out and who are continuing to work and lead.

“Although not playing in the past, Dominic Barry (senior) was quick to learn the game and continues his leadership role from throwing the football to swinging the bat. Also, Jeremiah Gonzalez (sophomore) is a natural when it comes to baseball. He leads the team in hits and holds the highest batting average. He really has a bright future.”

At the midway point of the season, Coach Sedlacek stated that three key players (sophomore Anthony Starr, senior Jimmy Gray, and junior John Pierson) are returning from injuries, and he is expecting to see big changes to the team as a whole.

The boys are showing improvement, and the hope is that this improvement is sustained so victories can be earned and confidence restored.

The Hurricanes are back in action tomorrow as they travel to Clearview High School; the first pitch is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. The junior varsity team hosts the Clippers at 11:00 a.m. at the varsity field behind the stadium.

Good luck to both teams. Go Canes!

Congratulations, BHS Societal Inductees

By: Valery Warner, Ariana Rojak, and Aiden Nelson

April 20, 2021

On Tuesday, April 12, Brooklyn High School inducted this year’s new members into the National Art Honor Society, the National Spanish Honor Society, and the National Honor Society. A ceremony took place to honor the inductees who earned these awards and accolades.

*National Art Honor Society:

Mr. Christopher Kaspar inducted 11 new members into the NAHS.

This year’s inductees were mostly underclassmen due to upperclassmen being involved with the Polaris Career Center, Tri-C, and post secondary education.

Students need to be invited into the NAHS, but there are some requirements. Students are to have at least two art classes with an A or B average, and they must be involved with the school play in some capacity.

This year’s inductees include Halie Bean (10th), Kyra Betancourt-Escobar (9th), Genesis Caraballo (10th), Ashley Chong (11th), Mayhem Crowley (9th), Delaney David (10th), Edlaya Johnson (11th), Madison Orlosky (9th), Marina Perez (9th), Normeze Rivera (10th), and Emma Tran (10th).

*National Spanish Honor Society:

Mrs. Jacalyn Holko inducted eight new members into the NSHS.

These students demonstrate exceptional interest in their learning of Spanish-speaking cultures. They must also continue to learn about these cultures in their upcoming years at BHS.

If students are interested in getting involved in NSHS, they must be a student in Spanish III, Spanish IV, or AP Spanish to apply. They must also carry an A or B average in all levels of their Spanish classes.

This year’s inductees include Jineliz Claudio-Colón (10th), Melaine Fernandez (10th), Katrina Gasper (10th), Angel Hernandez (10th), Makenna Lottig (10th), Maria Lukanc (11th), Hailey Noszek (10th), and Kayla Schillinger (11th).

*National Honor Society:

Mr. Chris Ross inducted 10 new members into the NHS.

The point of the NHS is to get students heavily-involved in extracurriculars and to be well-rounded. Many inductees are student-athletes who hold down jobs and volunteer with churches and civic organizations, all while maintaining at least a 3.5 cumulative grade-point-average. NHS recognizes stellar students who are not just students.

In order to become involved in NHS, students must meet the following criteria: Scholarly, Leadership, Character, and Service. All students who meet the 3.5 GPA are provided with an application. If they choose to apply, an anonymous panel of five BHS staff members review the applications blindly (the applicant’s identity is unknown) and vote via a secret ballot.

This year’s inductees include Daylun Armstrong (11th), Karalynn Brandt-Lorenzo (11th), Sashelle Carter (12th), Ashley Chong (11th), Josef Ethridge (11th), Emily Gerry (11th), Maria Lukanc (11th), Kayla Schillinger (11th), Elizabeth Ta (11th), and John Wilson (11th).

Hurricane Nation would like to congratulate all who were inducted into this year’s honor societies. You represent the Blue and Gold in a fine manner, and you should all be proud!