THE RETURN OF THE EYE

Key Club Food Drive

By: Valery Warner, Aiden Nelson, and Ariana Rojak

February 5, 2021

Brooklyn High School’s Key Club is hosting its annual, school-wide food drive from February 1 through February 12.

Students can bring in canned goods any day next week, and for every five cans donated, they will receive a raffle ticket that could win them a $10 Amazon gift card. There are five chances to win!

There will be a basket in the main office of the high school to donate all cans. Make sure to talk to someone in the office about your raffle ticket upon donating.

A little bit goes a long way, so please donate next week to assist those who are less fortunate and for those struggling to find hope and happiness. Remember, nothing is too small to donate.

For more details or questions regarding this year’s food drive, please contact Key Club advisor, Mrs. Jamie Barber.

Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Spuzzillo

*Teacher: Intervention Specialist*

By: Morgan Blechschmid and Danielle Shehee

February 5, 2021

Mrs. Kelly Spuzzillo is an Intervention Specialist here at Brooklyn High School. She is best known for helping students who are struggling academically and giving them a better understanding of the material being taught in class. Spuzzillo loves to see her students succeed, and she shows them that a little effort can give them the needed push to move forward. Spuzzillo is an amazing mentor, which is why she was chosen for this week’s staff profile.

Q: What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

A: “My favorite flavor of ice cream is salted caramel with peanut butter sauce and Reese’s Cups on top.”

Q: Where is your favorite place to get ice cream?

A: “I really love Handel’s in Broadview Heights. Mitchell’s would be my second favorite, but only because Pinecone in North Royalton closes in the winter, and I need ice cream all year long! For the past three summers, I have been going on a summer ice cream tour where each week I visit an ice cream shop that I have never been to. I’m always looking for new shops to try, too!”

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

A: “The days when my children were born are my most memorable days. As they were born, my life took on a whole new meaning. They are the three most important people in my life.”

Q: What do you enjoy most about hockey?

A: “I love watching my kids play! My son has been playing for five years. He is a goalie, which can be very stressful at times for me and him! I don’t know how he does it. I would close my eyes and duck if someone shot a puck at me, but he loves it! My oldest daughter started playing three years ago. She plays on adult teams. It’s amazing to see how far her skills have come in just a few years. Our love of hockey has led us to put up an outdoor rink in our yard.”

Q: Why did you become an intervention specialist?

A: “I love helping kids succeed in school. Sometimes, kids just need a little extra support to help them reach their potential. I really love working with the 8th graders and then having them again in 10th and 12th grade. I am so amazed at how far they have come!”

Q: What is your biggest pet peeve?

A: “I guess my biggest pet peeve is when people don’t do things to help themselves. Whether it be poor lifestyle habits, not doing school work, or settling for the minimum when they could do so much more with just a little more time and effort.”

Q: How would you describe what it’s like being a teacher?

A: “Being a teacher is amazing. I am able to assist kids in reaching their potential and help them reach their goals. Every school year and every day is always filled with new challenges and adventures. I love that about teaching. I originally went to college to become an accountant, but the thought of sitting in an office crunching numbers all day by myself seemed so boring and miserable. I never regret switching my major.”

Q: How do you think being a teacher has impacted your life?

A: “I really enjoy learning, so being in school everyday has given me the ability to learn new things all the time. I really enjoy when I get to work in new classes that I have never worked in before because I get to learn new material, and I get to work with new teachers and students.”

Q: What do you enjoy most about being a teacher?

A: “Snow days! Ha ha ha! Honestly, I really like working with kids. When we were fully remote, I felt like something was missing from my life. I really miss the in-person interactions with students. Teaching kids on Zoom just isn’t the same.”

Thank you for your time, Mrs. Spuzzillo. We miss and love you!

Black History Month: Claudette Colvin

By: Laila Schwin, Alisha Bains, and Brittney Corrado

February 2, 2021

While many people recognize Rosa Parks as the face of the Montgomery Bus Boycotts of the Civil Rights movement, Claudette Colvin was arrested nine months prior for the same actions that Parks took.

One of the clearest reasons that Colvin did not become a face of the Civil Rights movement at the time, the way that Parks eventually did, was because she was 15-years-old and pregnant.

However, her actions sparked a movement and inspired the actions of people, like Parks, to do the same as she had, and her importance should not be downplayed just because she was not the figurehead for the Civil Rights movement.

Claudette Colvin was born on September 5, 1939. On March 2, 1955, she was arrested at the age of 15 for not giving up her seat on a bus to a white woman.

The list of excuses for not highlighting Colvin’s story is extensive and focuses on the reputation that the movement was forced to remain “respectable” to the general public. Some additional known reasons were that she did not have good enough hair, her skin was “too dark,” she was a teenager, and she got pregnant at a young age while unmarried, which was not considered good for the media or the reputation of the Civil Rights movement itself. The leaders tried keeping up with appearances by having “the most appealing” protesters seen the most. Colvin did not fit their requirements.

Colvin, while not recognized for this when it occurred, would go on to be one of four plaintiffs in the 1956 Browder v. Gayle case, which led to the segregated buses of Montgomery, Alabama, being deemed unconstitutional.

After this case and Colvin’s impactful time with activism in Montgomery, she had trouble finding work in that area of Alabama, so she moved, with her son Raymond, to New York City, in 1958. This move and her issues in Montgomery also led to her dropping out of college.

However, after her move to New York City, she eventually found a job as an aide at a nursing home in 1969. She served as a nurse there for 35 years, retiring from her service in 2004.

Still alive, Colvin now has her story told alongside Parks’s story. On March 2, 2017, in Montgomery, Alabama, Claudette Colvin was recognized for her efforts, and this day is now named after her achievements and importance to civil rights and bus boycotts.

To make a difference, one must be willing to stand up to the crowd, and Colvin most-definitely did this.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T-celebrating Ms Claudette Colvin | Gscene Magazine - What's on in Gay / LGBTQ Brighton

{Editor’s Note: Information for this article was retrieved from Biography.com.}

Senior Night on the Ice

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

February 2, 2021

The Brooklyn hockey team took on the Brush Arcs last Thursday evening. Unfortunately, the team was not able to come out victorious suffering a 12-2 defeat; however, this night was still memorable for the seniors.

Daniel Ileana, Jed Williamson, Nick Finn, Alan Fernandez, and Jacob Peña were all honored at the start of the game.

During the first period, the Arcs started off on fire and scored five goals to put the Hurricanes into a deep hole.

Down big, the Hurricanes did not quit and began to heat up during the second period when senior Daniel Ileana scored the first goal of the game, as well as his first goal of the season. Shortly after, sophomore Colin Pope was able to slap the puck into the back of the net for the second (and last) goal of the game. This was also his first goal of the season. The second period was relatively-even, and the Canes showed poise and promise.

Above, seniors Jacob Peña and Alan Fernandez were so overly-jacked up with emotion that they ended up in the penalty box.

Due to the deficit after two periods, a running clock was implemented for the third period, and the Arcs scored three more times to finish the game as 12-2 victors.

Even in defeat, the seniors have had stellar careers, and the Hurricane family would like to thank them for their hard work, dedication, and perseverance this season and throughout their high school careers. You truly make the Blue and Gold community proud.

The Hurricane hockey team’s regular season is over, but the team will begin tournament play in the Baron Cup this Thursday (February 4) at the Brooklyn Recreation Center against the Westlake Demons.

Go Canes!

Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Bader

*Teacher: 8th Grade ELA*

By: Morgan Blechschmid & Danielle Shehee

January 29, 2021

Mrs. Jacinta Bader is one of our English teachers here at Brooklyn High School. Bader has always been a student-favorite because she is able to bond with her students and be serious at the right times. Her sense of humor and attitude are just a few of her amazing qualities. Bader was chosen for this week’s staff profile because she is not only a teacher, but she is great at creating an alliance with students and helping them when she notices their struggles.

Q: Where did you go to college?

A: “I attended Tri-C and CSU for my undergrad and Akron for my master’s degree.”

Q: Where did you grow up?

A: “I grew up in Middleburg Heights, except for my 8th grade year [when] I lived in Denver, Colorado.”

Q: How do you deal with stressful situations as a teacher?

A: “I usually just yell; ask Mr. Tanski. Just kidding. I really try to practice mindfulness, and I listen to music while I take my dog for a walk to decompress.”

Q: How have some of your past decisions affected you in the present?

A: “One of the best decisions I made was asking to stay in Brooklyn for my student teaching experience. I was with Mr. Holko for my practicum and absolutely loved the staff and atmosphere at Brooklyn Middle School. Most of my classmates wanted to experience different settings for their student teaching experience, which was my advisor’s recommendation. I requested to stay in Brooklyn and was placed in 7th grade social studies with Mrs. Thamann. I am so glad I made that decision because ultimately that’s what helped me get the 8th grade ELA position here.”

Q: Have you ever taught any other grade besides eighth?

A: “I did my student teaching in 7th grade. I was also a long term sub for a semester in 6th grade.”

Q: What is it like being an English teacher?

A: “Stressful but incredibly rewarding! There’s no greater feeling in the world than helping a student find a book they love or having a writing concept finally make sense!”

Q: How has COVID-19 affected you as a teacher, both positively and negatively?

A: “Teaching with students in remote learning is definitely a challenge. I feel like the connections I make with my students throughout the year is harder to do via zoom. It also makes me sad as Student Council Advisor thinking of all the events we had to cancel. A positive would be that I learned how resilient my students can be!”

Q: What kind of impact do you think you have made on your past students?

A: “I hope I’ve made a positive impact on my past students! I hope they know they can always come back and see me if they need anything. I’ll always have their back, and if they feel like I was “too hard” on them, it was only because I saw their potential and knew they could accomplish greatness!”

Mrs. Bader, you are awesome! Thank you for being an inspiration to so many.

Spirit Week Pictures and Homecoming Results

By: Ariana Rojak, Valery Warner, and Aiden Nelson

January 29, 2021

Last night, students in grades 8-12 voted for the homecoming king and queen via google classroom. Results were tallied, and today, two winners were announced during a second period assembly. In addition to the king and queen unveiling, spirit week commenced with much enthusiasm.

*Tuesday – Talent Day

*Wednesday – Pajama Day

*Thursday – Color War

*Friday – School Spirit (Blue & Gold)

Now, for the moment you have all been waiting for…

Congratulations to all of the 2020 homecoming court candidates but a special congratulations goes to this year’s king, Stephen Chhan, and this year’s queen, Hailey Cox.

A big thank you goes out to Mrs. Bader for organizing spirit week and for giving these ten seniors a different yet memorable, homecoming experience.

It is great to be a Brooklyn Hurricane!

Previewing Black History Month

By: Laila Schwin, Brittney Corrado, and Alisha Bains

January 26, 2021

Next week starts the beginning of Black History Month in the United States. While this month-long recognition of black history is often underappreciated, it plays an important role in our nation’s development and diversity.

Every February provides a chance to take the time to focus on important African Americans throughout the history of the United States and their major contributions to not only political and civil rights-based movements but to their achievements in other fields as well. Simply, we must continue to uplift black voices still fighting for social justice and equality here and around the world.

Next month should also encourage people to learn and respect the modern and historical achievements of African Americans, year round. The issues that many marginalized groups face are not solved nor represented by a single month devoted to them; they should be recognized as a cohesive part of history for their overall importance.

Black History Month is important because we recognize and celebrate African American achievements and contributions. It is also important because Americans can become more aware of black struggles and their fight for freedom and equality. Next month provides opportunities to learn and share more about black achievements.

The month of February was chosen as Black History Month based upon the original dates for a formal, black history week. In 1926, the second week of February was designated for black history, as it included the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln (leading voice for equality and peace) and Frederick Douglass. Carter G. Woodson was the one who designated and created the concept of that black appreciation week. It later evolved to a whole month in the 1960s, primarily because it was the height of the civil rights movement at that time.

Some influential African American activists who can and should be highlighted next month, primarily for their influences on civil rights, are as follows:

Malcolm X
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Alveda King
Bayard Rustin
Rosa Parks
Maya Angelou
Frederick Douglass

This is, in no way, a full list, and a single article could never encompass the amount of important activists, but these are some of the more recognized and highlighted individuals who have fought for or are currently fighting for equality.

Black History Month is both important and historical for African Americans. We are all equal, and the color of our skin does not define our character.

Take time this February to recognize the people who fought for, and those who are still fighting for, the equality that they so much deserve. Especially now, recognize the good in people because it is long overdue.

For more information, check out the Black History section from Biography.com.

Lady Canes Stay Hot

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

January 26, 2021

The lady Hurricanes are on a hot streak after beating the Fairview Warriors 55-46 last Wednesday. They kept the ball rolling this past Saturday with an incredible win against conference rival, the Independence Blue Devils.

The theme of this season, so far, has been the “comeback kids”. Against the Blue Devils, this theme would have to occur again as the Lady Canes found themselves losing 17-10 at the end of the first quarter.

In a relatively-even second quarter, the Lady Canes went into halftime facing a six-point deficit, 30-24.

In the third quarter, the host Hurricanes continued to fight their way back, and the only way they could do this was with timely, defensive stops and near-perfect, offensive execution. During this quarter, they had both and took a narrow 43-40 lead heading into the final quarter. Now, it was time to put down the final clamps on the visiting Blue Devils.

Independence did not go away easily, but the young Hurricanes did not relinquish their lead, fought to the finish, and earned an impressive 55-52 CVC victory.

The win was a complete team effort. Freshman Ashlyn Dyson finished with a game-high 21 points. Junior Jaida Dominguez finished with 8 points, while sophomore Genesis Caraballo added 8 points and fellow sophomore Shariah Gailes ended with 8 points as well. Gailes also grabbed a team-high 15 rebounds.

To add to the accomplishments, congratulations to Dyson for being recognized as one of the CVC’s top “Athletes of the Week”. To read more, click here.

The Lady Hurricanes will look to keep this winning streak going as they travel to Cuyahoga Heights High School this Wednesday to take on the Lady Redskins. Tip-off is set for 7:00.

You can follow Wednesday’s live-stream action by clicking on the Redskins’ Athletics YouTube Channel.

Go Canes!

Staff Spotlight: Mr. Karl

*Teacher: 6th Grade Math*

By: Morgan Blechschmid and Danielle Shehee

January 22, 2021

Mr. Jerrod Karl is a 6th grade math teacher at the Brooklyn School. In addition to being a teacher, Mr. Karl, also known as Coach Karl, is the basketball coach for the boys varsity team. He also likes to race cars, golf (even though he is not very good at it), and most importantly, spend time with his daughter. Karl is remembered by his past students for always being supportive, kind, and patient.

Q: Why did you decide to coach boys basketball?

A: “I played basketball in high school and was always considered the coach on the floor. I was always directing players where to go and breaking down the X’s and O’s of the game with the coaches. Becoming a coach kind of was the next progression after playing.”

Q: What has been your favorite subject to teach?

A: “My favorite subject that I have taught is 6th grade science. Some of the standards could be a little dry for students, so I took it as a challenge to try and make class enjoyable.”

Q: What is your favorite part of your job?

A: “I have it narrowed down to two things: It is either the moment a student finally understands a concept and they get that smile on their face or when you get a chance to catch up with a former student you haven’t seen in a while.”

Q: What is your least favorite aspect about teaching?

A: “My least favorite part of teaching is when I lose instructional time to deal with unfavorable behaviors. It doesn’t happen very often, but when it does, it can be extremely frustrating.”

Q: Have you ever coached any other sport besides basketball?

A: “I have not. If our school would get a golf team back, that would be the only other sport I would coach.”

{Editor’s Note: Get in line, Coach Karl!}

Q: What is an important piece of advice that you give to your players before a game?

A: “Never be satisfied. A never-satisfied mentality means that you continually work to improve, no matter the achievements or accomplishments. When one becomes satisfied with themselves, they lose a little bit of the edge or drive to keep getting better. We want our athletes and team to at least get 1-2 percent better everyday.”

Q: How do you deal with a stressful situation when teaching?

A: “It is a bad habit, but I normally just bottle it in, and stay calm. The minute students sense stress, they start to become stressed themselves. I just try to hide it and make it through the day. Once students leave, I normally go workout and put on some Metallica to decompress.”

Q: If you could choose any other job besides teaching, what would it be and why?

A: “I would probably be a mechanical engineer. Between my racing background and knowledge of mathematics, I think it would be an ideal career for me.”

Thank you, Coach Karl, for your time and candid answers. You are a huge addition to the Hurricane family.

Homecoming Spirit Week (In January?)

By: Valery Warner, Brittney Corrado, and Alisha Bains

January 22, 2021

Better late than never! With Brooklyn High School not having a traditional homecoming last Fall due to the ongoing pandemic, homecoming advisor Mrs. Jacinta Bader came up with a way to still give this year’s seniors a chance to be a part of the homecoming court and for the school to feel the homecoming spirit.

The Student Council put together a homecoming spirit week starting on January 26 and concluding on January 29. Additionally, next Friday, the homecoming king and queen will be announced.

*Tuesday (1/26) – Talent Day (Dress as someone who inspires you.)

*Wednesday (1/27) – Pajama Day

*Thursday (1/28) – Color War

*Friday (1/29) – School Spirit and King/Queen Announcement

King Candidates	Queen Candidates
Stephen Chhan	Haylie Cox
Andrew Coyle	Karolina de Jesus-Pastrana
Alex Gere	Brianna Luonuansu
Daniel Ileana	Farah Shaheen
Kevin Mei	Jamari Walker

Good luck to all of the candidates, and we hope to see everyone participating in our nontraditional, homecoming spirit week.

Eagles Outlast Hurricanes

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

January 19, 2021

Coming off of a conference loss on Friday evening against conference-rival, Lutheran West, the boys varsity basketball team was looking to bounce back quickly against non-conference opponent, North Olmsted High School. Unfortunately, the Hurricanes fought tough against the visiting Eagles, but they found themselves on the losing end for the second time in as many days.

Early on in Saturday evening’s contest, both teams exchanged points and defensive stops, and this had the making of a very competitive game. Sophomore Jaiden Basinger led the first quarter charge keeping the Hurricanes within striking distance. With a fast and back-and-forth first quarter of play, the 0-2 Hurricanes found themselves trailing the Eagles by only two points at quarters end, 16-14.

The second quarter is the quarter that determined the eventual outcome as the Eagles outscored the Hurricanes 16-8, expanding their halftime lead to 32-22. Trailing by ten points at the half is no reason to give up or panic because basketball is a game of runs and momentum; however, even after knowing what adjustments to make in order to get back into the game, the Eagles would not allow it.

Unfortunately for the Canes, the Eagles started off hot in the third quarter by draining multiple three-point shots to prevent the Hurricanes from making a crucial, third quarter run. Near the end of the quarter, the Canes were able to make shots, but by the end, they found themselves down by 16 points, 49-33.

In the fourth quarter, the Hurricanes caught fire with Basinger and teammate Jacob Sullivan scoring at will. At one point, the deficit was only seven points, but needing to be perfect as time continued to tick away was too tall a feat for the Hurricanes to overcome. The road Eagles eventually pulled-away and came out on top of the host Hurricanes by a final score of 73-62.

Leading scorers for the Hurricanes were Basinger (25 points) and Sullivan (19 points).

Coach Jerrod Karl and the boys look to snap their three-game losing streak tonight as they host the Trinity Trojans. Tip off is at 7:30 p.m. With limited access to fans, you can watch the game live via the Trojans’ Facebook Stream.

Go Canes!

Downtown Cleveland Walking Tours

By: Laila Schwin, Ariana Rojak, and Aiden Nelson

January 19, 2021

Playhouse Square - Home | Facebook

Cleveland is such a beautiful city; why not experience more of it during this month?

Guided walking tours of downtown will take place from January 22 to January 30, while other walking events and locations will be introduced at the end of the month.

Prices for the guided tours are $22 for adults, $15 for children under 10, and free for children under the age of 2. If interested, one must register here in advance.

Old Stone Church, Cleveland - Tripadvisor

The guided walking tour will last approximately two hours and may cover the following locations: Public Square to Playhouse Square, the Cleveland Public Square Library, the Cleveland Federal Reserve, the Arcade, the Cleveland Trust Company Building, and the Old Stone Church, among more. Tour locations are dependent on time constraints and conflicting/pre-scheduled events.

The tours also include a short break in order to sit, rest, and take in the local views. Additionally, outside of service dogs, no pets are allowed.

These tours take place in January, so be mindful of the weather when preparing. Wear a face mask, comfortable shoes, comfortable clothes, and bring water. In case it rains, make sure to have an umbrella handy. Lastly, all guests must have a form of identification that matches the registered name.

Cleveland Fed Launches Community Investment Tool | WOSU Radio

Recommended parking is around Public Square in the many garages and available lots. The prices for parking vary depending on the day, time of day, and events that are happening downtown.

If you choose to participate in this event, please remember to have fun, keep your distance, and wear a mask.

Enjoy the 2-1-6 because Cleveland truly is a gorgeous, historic, and fun-filled city.