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! 

Just Say Hello!

By: Alaysia Curry and Daylun Armstrong

September 21, 2021

Key Club is an international service organization for high school students. As a student-led organization, Key Club’s goal is to encourage leadership by helping others. 

Brooklyn High School Key Club members have been doing amazing things for years and strive to continue doing so this year, as well.

According to Key Club President, senior Maria Lukanc, this year, there will be a food drive, Halloween events, clothing and toy donations, and Start With Hello Week in the high school (September 20-24) and in the K-7 building (September 27-October 1).

Start With Hello Week is a program created to promote inclusivity for people who are feeling lonely or isolated, especially since the last two years of traditional schooling were adjusted due to the global pandemic. 

Yesterday and today, Key Club members are passing out green beads during lunch to students and staff who sign the pledge with a simple reminder: Be kind to others and say “Hello.”

On Wednesday, there will be a Start With Hello Week presentation in all I.C.E. Block classes, and on Friday, there will be a Green-Out (wear all green) in order to show support for all. 

If you want to know more about how to get involved with Key Club and to participate in other great opportunities, please visit Ms. Jamie Barber’s classroom (Room 189) every Thursday after school for meetings and for more information. 

In the words of Lukanc, “We create a really amazing and comfortable environment where we all end up meeting new people and becoming really great friends.”

You never know what someone is going through, and by being kind and doing simple gestures, it could really make a difference in someone’s life and in yours, too.

For more information, visit Keyclub.org and Sandyhookpromise.org.

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.}

Design a site like this with WordPress.com
Get started