THE RETURN OF THE EYE

Black History Month: Bayard Rustin

By: Laila Schwin, Alisha Bains, and Brittney Corrado

February 18, 2021

Bayard Rustin was born on March 17, 1912, in West Chester, Pennsylvania. He was an advocate for civil rights and stressed this in a non-violent manner. He was a mentor to Martin Luther King, Jr. and primarily wanted to avoid being in the spotlight. His achievements still went on to be well-known and extremely-influential, but his ultimate goal was to avoid being a public figure and endangering himself.

Rustin was born when his mother was only 16, so he was raised assuming that his mother was his sister and that his grandparents were his parents. His family raised him with Quaker beliefs, which started his life commitment to nonviolent action. He was also surrounded by influential leaders of black communities in his youth due to his grandmother’s involvement with the NAACP, which likely inspired him to play an integral role in this movement.

Rustin went on to get an education at two historically, black schools: Wilberforce University in Ohio and Cheyney State Teachers College in Pennsylvania. In 1937, he moved to New York City to study at the City College of New York. While there, he joined the Young Communist League (YCL). His main drive for joining them was not only for their basic beliefs but also because of their focus on racial justice and equality. Ultimately, he left the YCL as they shifted their beliefs away from the main focus of civil rights.

He later contributed to his nonviolent ideals by taking a trip to India and learning the Gandhian ideals of nonviolence within protest. He later taught these same ideals to Martin Luther King, Jr.

His nonviolent ideals, at one point, led to him being arrested for refusing to register for the draft. He was arrested several other times for participating in protests against segregated public transit in North Carolina as well as for living his life as an openly gay man.

Ultimately, Rustin was the framework for a large amount of work that Dr. King and other figureheads of the Civil Rights Movement are accredited for. Rustin was instrumental in organizing the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), the 1957 Prayer Pilgrimage for Freedom, multiple 1958 and 1959 Youth Marches for Integrated Schools, and most notably, the 1963 March on Washington D.C. for Jobs and Freedom. He also co-founded the A. Philip Randolph Institute, where he served as company president in 1965.

Bayard Rustin eventually passed away in New York City on August 24, 1987. While Rustin wanted to remain in the background and allow others to be the public figures and important leaders for the Civil Rights Movement, his contributions were undeniable, and the March on Washington D.C. may not have been as successful without him.

He is truly an unsung hero of the Civil Rights Movement.

{Editor’s Note: Information for this article was retrieved from The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute and Biography.com.}

Lady Pirates? No Problem!

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

February 17, 2021

This past Friday evening, the girls basketball team hosted the Black River Pirates. The Lady Hurricanes came into this game with a hopeful mindset despite a 45-40 loss against the Keystone Wildcats the night before. This mindset resulted in their best overall performance of the season with a massive victory, 74-35.

In the first quarter, the Hurricanes came out strong with their eyes on the prize. Tenacious defense, timely passing, and clean shots set the early tone that found the Hurricanes leading 20-6 after one quarter of play. Sharing the ball and working together as a team is a big reason as to why they started out the game in such a dominant fashion.

Refusing to put on the brakes, the second quarter for the Hurricanes went exactly like the first as their effort, teamwork, and chemistry propelled them to a 41-12 halftime lead.

The Hurricanes knew that the Pirates were going to come out of halftime with a vengeance, so of course with everyone playing to their strengths, they came out on top at the end of third with a 31-point lead at 54-23. Senior role player Anna Haddad made some shots, and the route was on!

The fourth quarter was much the same as the previous quarters as the pressure defense would not allow the visiting Lady Pirates to come back, resulting in a dominant 74-35 victory.

Balanced scoring to pressure defense were the keys, and Coach Scott Urig could not have been more pleased with his team’s effort and execution.

“Everything worked tonight, and this was our best performance of the season,” stated a jubilant Urig.

From sophomore Delaney David’s defense to junior Savannah David’s sharp-shooting, the Lady Hurricanes played at a high level from start to finish, just the momentum needed to carry them into the final week of the season and for their upcoming playoff-run.

*The morning after their exciting win, the Lady Hurricanes put the work in at practice and even had a little fun!*

Tonight, the Lady Hurricanes will host Parma Senior High School and will honor senior Anna Haddad as she will play in her last home game wearing the blue and gold. Tip off is at 7:00.

Thank you Anna for your hard work and dedication.

Go Canes!

Snow Day!

February 16, 2021

Stay safe, healthy, and warm, BCSD community.

Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Woodruff

*Teacher: Science*

By: Morgan Blechschmid and Danielle Shehee

February 12, 2021

Mrs. Catherine Woodruff is a science teacher here at Brooklyn High School. Woodruff loves to mirror her motivation onto her students to help them reach their full potential. Her way of bonding with students is what brings the most joy from her job. Her advice has assisted her past students through high school, as well as in their adult lives. These are the reasons why Mrs. Woodruff was chosen for this week’s staff profile.

Q: How do you feel you have impacted your students since you started teaching?

A: “I think I’ve impacted my students in a positive way through being understanding, caring, and encouraging them to accept personal responsibility and sharing a love of a subject area that I’m passionate about, that is Science! I’ve seen many previous students go to college, trade schools, get into their family business, or even start their own business. I’m always humbled when they visit me to reminisce, tell me about the opportunities they have, and how their lives are shaping.”

Q: Why did you want to become a teacher?

A: “I became a teacher so I could help students become the best that they can be and for us both to learn more about science together.”

Q: What is your favorite aspect about the subject you teach?

A: “I call it the ‘A-ha! moment’,” it’s the moment of time that a student realizes that they understand the concepts that I’m teaching, they feel successful, and proud of themselves. Many will even help out their friends and break it down for them to understand as well. That makes you feel great!”

Q: How many more years do you have until retirement?

A: “I am currently in my 24 year in STRS, but if you look at the years that I tutored and received credit for in my college jobs (time I put in also, but with OPERS), it’s really my 27 year. STRS keeps changing the requirements (the goal line) for retirement, but I currently have 11 more years until I’m able to retire.”

Q: Where did you grow up?

A: “I grew up in Parma. When I went away for college, I spent about half my life in Youngstown, Ohio. What they don’t tell you is that wherever you go to college, it usually is where you relocate to.”

Q: How do you deal with a stressful situation?

A: “I come from a very mixed cultural and ethnic family background. I use a lot of what worked for my family members in my own life. For example, one way I handle a stressful situation is by making a cup of tea. First, tea is relaxing, and secondly, it’s a way of taking a break and putting some distance between you and a situation, so you can think clearer. When I can’t do this, I take deep breaths, tell myself to relax, and give myself a break to remove myself from the situation, so I can think more clearer. I’ll ask myself if this will matter a day from now, a week from now, a month from now, a year from now; this usually puts it into perspective! I usually keep my cool in emergency situations, but sometimes, I allow myself to vent, harshly. Not my proudest moments but I’m human and can only take so much. Also, I will try to reframe the situation as a challenge for me to overcome and to grow from. I remind myself that we all have challenges, and we define ourselves by how we handle them. The grass is always greener, but you never see the time people put into fertilizing, cutting, watering, and taking care of their “grass.” I try to look at problems as opportunities to grow and become a better version of myself. Breaks definitely help.”

Q: Where did you go to college, and what did you enjoy most about college?

A: “I went to Cuyahoga Community College for my Associates degree and Youngstown State University for my Bachelors degree. What I liked was being more in control of my life and taking on more responsibility. This started when I was in the summer after my 10th grade year. I was making my own school schedule, working, and balancing my time with these things along with family and friends. I felt like I was growing up and getting the foundation of my adult life created. I was blessed by having a Business teacher in high school that would tell us, ‘Sacrifice four years to set yourself up for the next 50.’ This is very true and great advice. Keep your eye on the prize, and go for it.”

Q: What are some of your hobbies?

A: “I love to garden, read, learn more about technology, use different apps/websites to do research with different organizations, do yoga/exercise, cook, go to car shows, do arts and crafts, and a few other things.”

Q: What is a piece of advice you would give this year’s senior class as they are about to transition into the next chapter of their lives?

A: “Don’t let senior year be where you max out. There is more to life besides senior year and all the activities that go with it. Enjoy it because it goes by quickly; get a plan together. Also, have a back up plan for what you want to do with your future. If you decide to change all of this, you aren’t a failure. You can always go back and get more education whether it’s at a college, trade/technical schooling, or apprenticeships. You don’t have to have all the answers, but you need to take the opportunities that present themselves; otherwise, you will not be happy, and you will live with regret. If it was easy, then everyone would have everything they wanted and wouldn’t have to work for it. Otherwise, in the end, you only have the person in the mirror to blame for not getting it together.”

Thank you for all that you have done for so many, Mrs. Woodruff!

Brooklyn’s First Round of the COVID-19 Vaccine

By: Valery Warner, Aiden Nelson, and Ariana Rojak

February 12, 2021

Next Wednesday, February 17, the Brooklyn City School District staff members will be getting the first round of the COVID-19 vaccination. The vaccine was not mandatory but highly recommended for each staff member.

With a good portion of staff members receiving the vaccine next Wednesday, students will not be zooming into their classes like they would on a normal, Wednesday schedule. Instead, they will be required to complete the assignments that their teachers provide for them in Google Classroom.

As of right now, the plan is to be back on a regular, hybrid schedule for Thursday, February 18, if the side effects of the vaccine are nonexistent or tolerable.

“It is very unlikely to have negative side effects with the first round, but if so, we will deal with it as it happens,” BHS Assistant Principal, Mr. Matthew Larson, said during a recent interview.

Staff is scheduled to get the second round of the vaccine on Wednesday, March 10. With the staff being vaccinated, the hope is for the school district to push forward with a more traditional, school setting.

If all goes well, BHS “could” transition back into having students in the building five days a week instead of the current schedule of four days.

If there are any questions about next week’s schedule, please contact Mr. Larson at (216) 485-8100, extension 8164.

Good luck, BCSD staff! Stay safe and healthy.

Black History Month: Larry Doby

By: Alisha Bains, Brittney Corrado, and Laila Schwin

February 9, 2021

Lawrence (Larry) Doby was born December 13, 1923, in Camden, South Carolina. He was a professional baseball player in the Negro Leagues and in Major League Baseball. He was the second African American player to break baseball’s color barrier and the first African American player to be in the American League.

Doby’s baseball career was extensive and extremely successful. At age 17, he joined the Newark Eagles, a baseball team in the Negro Leagues, as their second baseman. His time with the team was cut short when he joined the Navy during World War II. He returned from his service in 1946 and helped the Eagles win the Negro League World Series Title.

In July of 1947, three months after Jackie Robinson made history as the first African American to break baseball’s color barrier, Doby signed with the Cleveland Indians. Doby was the first player to go directly to the majors from the Negro Leagues.

While Doby’s introduction to the major league was just shortly after Robinson’s, Doby received none of the support that Robinson did. He faced severe racism from all sides, including from his own teammates. Doby was introduced into this with a lot against him, including being forced to change positions in his first season with the Indians. However, he persevered and went on to be one of the most important players of that time and in Indians’ history.

In 1954, Doby was the American League’s RBI leader. Additionally, in his final season with the Indians in 1955, he was selected to the All-Star Game, his seventh consecutive.

After the previous season, Doby was traded to the Chicago White Sox in 1955, and in 1956, he helped them compile an 85-69 record. He then went back to the Cleveland Indians in 1958 before being traded to the Detroit Tigers in 1959 and then (yet again) to the Chicago White Sox.

After his playing days, Doby went on to become the second African American manager in MLB history when he became manager for the Chicago White Sox.

As time passed, he was selected and inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998.

Larry Doby passed away on June 18, 2003, in Montclair, New Jersey, at the age of 79. He was honored for his legacy by many.

While Doby may not have been the first African American MLB player or the first African American MLB manager, his legacy is just as impactful as the first, and he may have been even more successful. And, we are glad that he made his impact here in Cleveland.

Go Tribe!

{Editor’s Note: Information for this article was retrieved from Baseballhall.org.}

Hurricanes Sink the Pirates

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

February 9, 2021

On Friday, February 5, the Hurricanes broke out of quarantine and were ready to get back onto the hardwood. After a close and tough battle last Saturday against Cuyahoga Heights, the Hurricanes knew that more opportunities were on the horizon, and one opportunity came on the road at former Patriot Athletic Conference foe, the Black River Pirates.

Last night, the Hurricanes traveled back home with their first victory of the season, 54-44.

Sophomore Jaiden Basinger scored the opening bucket with a close-range, bank shot, and this quick basket kept early-momentum in Brooklyn’s favor with a 7-0 run. Overly-aggressive defense by juniors Jacob Sullivan and Maceo Pytel put them in early foul trouble, but the intensity was set as the Hurricanes ended the first quarter with a 16-7 lead.

Throughout the second quarter, the Hurricanes continued to play well on both sides of the floor, controlling every aspect of the game. This effort and execution led them to a halftime lead of 28-15.

The Hurricanes came out in the second half and started off strong with immediate, defensive pressure. Forcing turnovers led to easy, transition baskets, and the Pirates were now in a deep hole, trailing the Canes 45-23 at the end of the third quarter.

In the fourth quarter, the Pirates tried to make a comeback, cutting the Brooklyn lead down to single digits, but the gap was too much to overcome with time not in their favor.

The final score of 54-44 gave the Hurricanes something to smile about, especially after their recent adversity.

Basinger led the way with 20 points, while junior Jordyn Fougerousse added 11 points.

Head coach Jerrod Karl stated, “We played well enough to win the game but still have things to work on. We need more focus on executing the plays more efficiently to reduce the amount of turnovers.”

Defensively, the team had their best performance of the season, a trend that Karl and his team hopes to see in every game the rest of the way.

Now getting the proverbial monkey off of their back, the Hurricanes return to action tonight as they host CVC rival, the Independence Blue Devils.

Good luck, boys. Go get win number two!

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.