FireFish Festival

 By: Laila Schwin and Valery Warner

September 16, 2021

Lorain Firefish Festival | Ohio Traveler

Despite the continuation of the pandemic and the struggles that it has caused, the arts have found a way to persevere within the circumstances. One example of this is the FireFish Arts Festival. 

The FireFish Festival is an annual arts festival in downtown Lorain, featuring and highlighting artists from Ohio. The artists range across various mediums including visual arts, comedy, music, and fashion. 

This year, the festival took on a new form and was extended across four weekends between August 29 and September 18.  While the festival is nearly over, there is still a chance to see all of the art that it has to offer.

This Saturday (September 18) marks the end of the FireFish festival, and with this comes the burning of the fish, the namesake of the event. This is accompanied by a pyrotechnic show, as well.

The FireFish Festival does not have an extensive history; it only started in 2015, but it has grown immensely in the few years that it has been around. Within the first year, the festival brought together over 10,000 people, and it has only grown since then, both within the community and outside of it. 

The FireFish Festival has also enhanced the Lorain community, giving small businesses the opportunity to grow and expand. It has filled downtown Lorain store fronts by bringing people to the area. Lorain is truly emerging as a city re-imagined. The creativity, energy, and resources all work together to create an exciting downtown for community and surrounding areas.

This weekend’s closing events are an after-party featuring the Sammy DeLeon Band.  Additional performances, art installations, art vendors, and family-friendly activities will take place on the sidewalks and outdoor spaces throughout downtown Lorain, along with Lorain County Community College’s City Center campus.

This weekend is sure to be a great end to the festival. Hopefully, within the next few years, it will continue to expand and grow within the community and Ohio itself. 

September 18 is quickly approaching, so get out to the FireFish Festival! You will not be disappointed.

Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Berg

*ELA I Teacher*

By: Morgan Blechschmid and Chloe Rojak

September 16, 2021

Welcome to BHS, Mrs. Berg!  Berg is the new ELA I teacher in the high school. She grew up in Columbia Station, Ohio, and later taught in Dayton, Ohio, for nine years. After teaching in Dayton, she moved to Texas and taught in the Lonestar State for three years. Berg is currently beginning her 13th year of teaching and her first here in Brooklyn. She lives with her husband, who is an art professor. She also has one son and another baby on the way. 

Q: Growing up in Columbia Station, how does it feel to be teaching at the rival school, Brooklyn High School?

A: “When I was in high school, the rivalry was pretty intense! My grandparents and extended family attended Brooklyn, so I don’t feel like I’m a total sellout as a former Raider.”

Q: What are your hobbies?

A: “Trail and ultra running, fastpacking and camping, travel, and of course, reading.”

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

A: “Miami University for my undergraduate and masters. I currently attend Texas Tech University (remotely). I chose Miami for its excellent education and study abroad programs. As an undergrad, I was able to spend a semester in Luxembourg and did my student teaching in Germany.”

Q: What do you miss most about Texas?

A: “My closest friends and the tall pine trees. I believe I will also miss the weather in January and February.”

Q: If you could go on vacation anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

A:”India and Nepal to run some of the Himalayas and experience the culture. I’ve been drawn there for a long time. Super cool that there are students from Nepal in Brooklyn!”

Q: What are your thoughts about Brooklyn High School so far?

A: “Already, I can tell this is a special place. I am very lucky to be a part of the school community. It feels very much like coming home after being out of the area for 20 years. Shout-out to my freshmen who are as funny as they are kind to a new teacher.”

Q: Who inspires you the most?

A: “My husband. He has successfully lived a creative life and continues to do so providing our family with opportunities to travel the world in search of new experiences. He inspires me everyday to be my most authentic self.”

Q: How does it feel to be the aunt of a baseball champion?

A: “There is no greater feeling than to be the aunt of a baseball champion from Coach Holko’s legendary 2021 team!”

Thank you, Mrs. Berg. Hurricane Nation is blessed to have you!

Longhorns Too Much For The Hurricanes

By: Jaiden Basinger, Jose Nazario, and Tyler Elzholz

September 14, 2021 

The varsity football team started this season off strong with a pair of wins against Fairport Harbor and John Adams.  After a 2-0 record, the Hurricanes suffered a week three, heart-breaking loss to Oberlin by one point.  

Coming into last Friday with a 2-1 clip, the Hurricanes knew that they would have to play their best brand of football to upset the visiting Lutheran West Longhorns.  Unfortunately, there was no upset as the Longhorns took home a decisive victory over the host Hurricanes, 47-13.

In the first quarter, the Hurricanes’ defense struggled to stop Lutheran West’s running attack and coughed up five rushing touchdowns to the Longhorns’ ground-and-pound offense. To make matters worse, the Hurricanes offense sputtered and could not even obtain a first down.  After one quarter, the Longhorns had a comfortable 33-0 lead.

The second quarter started off in similar fashion as the Longhorns ran in yet another touchdown to extend the lead to 40-0.  For the Canes, they finally showed signs of life in getting their first, first down of the game and marched all the way down the field for their first touchdown. Senior Jacob Sullivan threw a great pass to junior Anthony Starr, making it a 40-7 game.  This was the score at halftime.

A quick strike from the Longhorns early in the third quarter extended their lead to 47-7 as this quarter played out similarly to the first in which the Hurricanes offense could not move the ball, thus failing to put more points on the scoreboard.

Although the game was essentially over, the Canes played a solid, defensive fourth quarter by blanking the Longhorns.  Additionally, Sullivan threw another touchdown pass, this time to freshman Aiden Starr making it 47-13, and this is how the game ended. 

Now 2-2, the Hurricanes will look to bounce back this Friday, September 17, as they host the Wickliffe Blue Devils at the Coach Jerry Younger Athletic Field.  Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m.

Good luck, Hurricanes!

“Alright, Stop! Collaborate and Listen”

By: Alaysia Curry and Daylun Armstrong

September 14, 2021

It is a new school year, which means new programs are being implemented at Brooklyn High School.  One of those programs is titled I.C.E. Block.

BHS Assistant Principal Matthew Larson was not shy in raving about this program and all of its benefits.

When asked what I.C.E. Block stands for, Larson responded as follows: “I.C.E. Block is an ungraded course that lasts for 40 minutes and meets daily. The letters stand for Intervention, Collaboration, and Enrichment.”

The idea for this program came from Mr. Brian Hare (BHS Principal), but the faculty played an important role in its development, too.

“Brooklyn teachers were an integral part of the planning and provided information about similar programs that had been run before,” said Larson. 

A lot of students have been asking why this program was incorporated this year. The short answer is that it focuses a lot on the mental and emotional well-being of all BHS students.

“Our district is well-aware that, beyond the physical impact COVID may have had on our lives, it has also impacted us emotionally. We want to create an opportunity for our school to meet students where they may be emotionally. We, as a school, have to recognize that some of our students are experiencing their first ‘normal’ school day in 18 months. We wanted to create a chance for students to interact with one another and their teachers in a non-graded, collaborative environment,” said Larson.

Superintendent Dr. Ted Caleris, Hare, Larson, and the BHS faculty believe that this program will only be a positive for the student body.

“Our biggest hope is that students will feel a greater sense of connection to one another and their teachers. For our teachers, we want an opportunity for them to not worry about curriculum and testing while still interacting with our amazing students. Ideally, we want students to develop into school leaders through more chances to collaborate with one another. We are very dedicated to making this idea work, and we hope it is something other districts will look to for inspiration,” stated Larson.

I.C.E. Block is new, but it is already gaining positive momentum with Hurricane Nation.  Everything takes time, but the response has been positive and uplifting.

{Editor’s note: Now, if only Mr. Larson would dance to “Ice Ice Baby”!}

Commemorating September 11, 2001

By: Laila Schwin and Valery Warner

September 9, 2021

This Saturday (September 11, 2021) marks the 20th anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Flight 93. 

On this anniversary, we should all take a moment to commemorate the 2,997 victims of the attacks and to make sure that their memories live on through their friends, family, and general public.

This horrific tragedy is remembered every year in New York City at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.  Families of the victims along with survivors come together, speak the names, and even tell the stories of those who perished on that evil day. 

Moments of silence are also included to remember the times of these horrific events. These times are as follows:

  • 8:46 a.m. – When the first plane hit the North Tower
  • 9:03 a.m. – When the second plane hit the South Tower
  • 9:37 a.m. – When the third of the four hijacked planes crashed into the Pentagon
  • 9:59 a.m. – When the South Tower of the World Trade Center collapsed
  • 10:03 a.m. – When the fourth hijacked plane (Flight 93) was brought down in Somerset County, Pennsylvania
  • 10:28 a.m. – When the North Tower of the World Trade Center collapsed
Two laminated tribute cards have been placed upright on a stone monolith at the Memorial Glade. A photo of a man is on the card to the left and a photo of a firefighter is on the card to the right. Above the cards is a bouquet of flowers, including a yellow rose and a red rose.

Along with remembering the victims who passed away, it is important to look at the long-term effects that this tragedy has had on the survivors and the civilians exposed to the conditions at Ground Zero. While the attacks primarily affected first responders at the scene, people in the surrounding areas have continued to suffer and even die due to their exposure to different elements while interacting with the scene of the fallen World Trade Center. 

The number of deaths attributed to the health conditions caused by proximity to the scene is unknown, but the last reported number as of September 11, 2020, was 227. Additionally, 412 emergency workers (343 firefighters) died, which is why the need to commemorate first responders on the scene of 9/11 is vital and necessary. This is why the 9/11 Memorial Glade was dedicated and first unveiled in 2019. Long overdue!  

The 9/11 Memorial Glade was dedicated on May 30 of 2019, the 17th anniversary of the official end to the recovery effort. It is made up of six monoliths, each ranging from 13 to 18 tons. To honor the recovery efforts, each stone was laid with melted steel from the ruins of the World Trade Center.

A woman visits the In Memoriam exhibition. On the wall in front of her and to her right are 2,983 portrait photographs of the victims.

Each year since the 9/11 attacks, the victims’ families have found ways to honor and memorialize all of the lives lost. Today, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum has reopened to the public, along with the Memorial Glade and Survivor Tree which are all located near Ground Zero (in Lower Manhattan, New York). 

There are many ways to show your respect and support for both the survivors and victims.  If you would like to donate, click here. All donations and proceeds go to one of the five memorial sites along with providing assistance for the victims’ families. 

May we never forget this day in American history.

“Let’s Roll”

{Information for this article was retrieved from the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.}

 

Staff Spotlight: Señora Delia Velez

*Spanish Teacher*

By: Morgan Blechschmid and Chloe Rojak

September 9, 2021

Welcome, Señora Delia Velez!

Señora Velez is the newest Spanish teacher at Brooklyn High School. Previously, Velez taught in the Painesville School District for one year and then spent the last ten years at Brunswick High School. She is very in-depth with her teaching style, and she has established techniques to allow her students to memorize and understand Spanish words, phrases, and the language as a whole. The all-around environment surrounding Velez is very welcoming, positive, and filled with excitement. 

Q: What do you do in your free time?

A: “I like to spend time with my family, craft, and go to Target!”

Q: Why did you want to be a teacher?

A: “My dad was a teacher as well as my grandma; teaching has always been my childhood dream.”

Q: What are your thoughts about Brooklyn High School so far?

A: “Very welcoming: The kids seem excited about a new teacher in the building. My coworkers have also been super helpful. Brooklyn High School feels like a family.”

Q: If you could choose any other subject to teach, what would it be?

A: “I would teach Art because I like to craft.”

Q: What is your favorite season?

A: “My favorite season is Fall.”

Q: Outside of being hired here at BHS, what was your Summer highlight?

A: “My favorite part of summer was going to Bethany Beach!”

Q: If you could go on vacation anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

A: “I would like to go to Spain, so I can visit all the historic places.”

Welcome to the Hurricane family, Señora Velez. We are so proud to have you represent the Blue and Gold. Cheers to a great year!

Lady Canes Smother the Trojans

By: Jaiden Basinger, Jose Nazario, and Tyler Elzholz

September 7, 2021

Last Thursday, the girls soccer team hosted cross-town rival the Trinity High School Trojans in an early-season battle. The girls played really well and dominated from start to finish, sending the Lady Trojans home with a 9-1 thumping.

In the first half, the Lady Hurricanes started off with a goal from junior Emily Gerry, which was the first of her eventual hat trick.  After this first goal, the confidence was contagious and overflowing. Fellow junior Delaney David, who also had a hat trick, scored all three of her goals in the first half, while senior Jaida Dominguez scored once as the Lady ‘Canes went into the half winning by a wide margin, 7-0.

It was a first half of dominance, a great balance of aggressive offense and a stout defense.

In the second half, the Lady Hurricanes did not slow down and continued to play great with two more goals from freshman Iasbella Lottig and junior Andriana Rodriguez. Although the Hurricane defense was stellar, the Lady Trojans did find a way to get on the scoreboard, but the game was already in the bag for the host Hurricanes. 

With the win, the Lady ‘Canes improved their record to 4-1.  Nice job, girls!  Way to represent the Blue and Gold in fine fashion.

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

The Thunderbirds Come to BHS

By: Alaysia Curry and Daylun Armstrong

September 7, 2021

On May 25, 1953, the Thunderbirds were born as the Air Force’s official air demonstration team. 

At schools across the country, the team takes time to interact with students, but for the last two years, they could not due to the global pandemic. However, they are back in schools educating young minds. 

The Thunderbirds performed their annual air show in Cleveland this past weekend (September 4-6), but before this, they decided to stop by Brooklyn High School last Friday morning to talk to the senior and junior classes about the behind-the-scenes of what they do.

There is a lot of work, schooling, and training to become a part of the Airforce (Thunderbirds). Many enroll in the U.S. Air Force Academy which is extremely selective. 

The U.S. Air Force Academy is a four-year program which allows students to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in science. 

As a Thunderbird, one does not necessarily have to become a pilot in order to contribute to the team. There are so many other roles that keep the show going, such as being a DJ (controlling the music and effects at shows), paperwork/administration, helping to design choreography (Last weekend’s show was their first show redesign in 38 years.), and so much more that makes the show run smoothly and to ensure everyone’s safety. 

The Thunderbird team discussed the importance of resilience, failure, growth, and how all of that made them stronger not only as people but as a team (family as they called themselves).

*FUN FACTS:

  • Home base is located in Nevada. 
  • They made three gas stops (in mid-air) on their way to Cleveland. 
  • They tested their planes over the Cleveland Burke Lakefront Airport.
  • In the 1980s, there was an ongoing joke about the number five solo pilot plane always being upside down, so the Thunderbirds began to stick with it and started using it often in their brochures.

On behalf of BHS, we would like to thank the Thunderbird team for taking time out of their morning to come talk to us and for continuing to bring their one-of-a-kind air shows to Cleveland.

{For information, visit The United States Air Force Academy and The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.}

Senior Journalism Tribute

By: Valery Warner, Ariana Rojak, and Aiden Nelson

June 4, 2021 

As the 2020-2021 school year wraps up, we would like to give a shout-out to our three senior journalists: Ella Fowler (two-year journalist) and first-year writers Kelsey Bruzek and Brittney Corrado. 

During their time in journalism class here at BHS, these three have done an excellent job in creating and publishing new articles, being team players and leaders, and representing Hurricane Nation in fine-fashion.

Fowler will be heading to Tri-C for two years and then transferring over to Cleveland State University for a degree in Early Childhood Education.  Not only a journalist, she is an Honor Roll student and longtime member and contributor for the girls soccer team.

Bruzek will be attending Bowling Green State University to major in Exercise Science. During her high school career, she was heavily involved in soccer, basketball, and leadership programs.

Corrado will be attending Tri-C with an interest in becoming a social worker and child psychologist. She has been a part of the AVID program for five years and an Honor Roll student throughout her high school years. 

Ladies, thank you so much for being wonderful classmates and leaders.  We wish you nothing but success and happiness as your next chapter in life is about to begin.

Also, congratulations to the entire class of 2021 for all of your achievements and accomplishments.  You have represented Hurricane Nation very well, and your diploma is earned.  Best of luck in all future endeavors.

Last but not least, thank you to everyone in our community for reading our articles and for helping us grow our platform throughout these past two years. We will be back next Fall with more articles to share. 

Have a great and safe summer, everyone!

Jenna Young Leaps Over Expectations

By: Tyler Elzholz and Jaiden Basinger

June 4, 2021

Last week, Brooklyn’s very own Jenna Young won regionals in high jump with a jump of 5’6”.  The next step for Young was the state track meet in Columbus, Ohio today (more on her results later in this article).

Only a sophomore, Young stated the following: “There are a lot of emotions going through me at this moment, but the biggest one would be how excited I am to compete at the state level. I am really excited and nervous about what is to come.”

She is also using this experience to not only focus on track but her other sports as well.

“My hope is that this sets the tone for how I prepare, how I study, and how I can continue improving in all aspects of my life, not just athletics.  There is always room for improvement.  I thrive off of competition, and with a good supporting crew, I believe that this will help me to achieve greatness in the track meet and throughout my life in general.”

So, what happened to Young today at the state track meet? Well, she was able to finish out her season coming in second place overall in the entire state of Ohio with a personal-best jump of 5’6”.  The winner jumped 5’7”.  So close to first place but such an honor and a tremendous story.

Congratulations, Jenna!  Your success today impressed your hometown, and we cannot wait to see what the next two years have in store for you. You have made Hurricane Nation extremely-proud!

Go Canes!

Summer Music Festivals

By: Laila Schwin and Alisha Bains

June 4, 2021

Although the coronavirus is still a persistent issue, concerts and music festivals are making a comeback this summer. Policies and practices in relation to public safety are varying, but all events are making an effort to keep people safe while allowing them to participate in the events that have been postponed and cancelled throughout the past year. 

There are many different events coming back this summer in Ohio such as the Great Lakes Burning River Fest, the Wonderstruck Fest, and the Country Fest Ohio. All of these events are enforcing social distancing and are at limited capacity to accommodate those restrictions.  However, they are back, and it is wonderful to be trending towards normalcy once again.

The Great Lakes Burning River Fest includes a music festival and environmental protection endeavors. The event is held in June every year to commemorate the 1969 Cuyahoga River fire, which occurred on June 22 of that year. The profits gained from the event are mostly-donated in support of keeping the Great Lakes and all of Ohio’s waterways safe and clean. Information for the festival has not been solidified for this year, but donations for the event are still contributing to the Burning River Foundation. The festival has also started a part of their event as a silent disco where everyone wears individual headphones for their music experience while still together in a crowd.

The Wonderstruck Fest is going to be very big this year. They will be presenting Cleveland’s Biggest Concert Event in more than a year. It will be taking place this July 24-25. The Wonderstruck Fest (formerly known as LaureLive) also found a new home this year and will be based out of Lakeland Community College. They have some really well-known and trending artists in their lineup this year like AJR, Walk the Moon, Portugal The Man, Ricky Montgomery, and Noah Cyrus, to name a few. 

Country Fest Ohio is a perfect getaway; it has great country music, swimming, and camping. This music festival is three days long and is taking place June 16-19 at Clay’s Park. They have many outdoor activities including a waterpark. Twelve concerts will take place and stars such as Chris Young, Brantley Gilbert, Thomas Rhett, Blake Shelton, Justin Moore, Kip Moore, Mark Leach, and many others will headline the stage. The water park resort at Clay’s Park includes water slides, zip lines, ring swings, and a sand-bottom lake which is wonderful for a relaxing experience.

This summer is sure to be very exciting with these music festivals opening back up. Many amazing performances will be seen and will surely be better than ever because of the long break. 

Go treat yourself to some fun in the sun.  Have a wonderful summer, everyone!

{Information was retrieved from Burningriverfest.org, Wonderstruckfest.com, and Thecountryfest.com.}

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