THE RETURN OF THE EYE

Saturday Night Lights – Playoff Edition

By: Danielle Shehee, Brittney Corrado, and Ryan Pepera

October 13, 2020

Brooklyn’s varsity football team played their 2020 OHSAA playoff game away last Saturday against the Genoa Comets. From the very beginning, the young Hurricanes were outmatched and lost the contest, 55-0.

The boys had a rough first quarter. Offensively, they were not clicking, and the defense gave up too many big plays. At the end of the first quarter, the Hurricanes found themselves down 25-0 against a very strong and worth opponent.

In the second quarter, the Hurricanes were able to slow down the Comets and were only outscored in the period 10-0, which brought the halftime score to 35-0. went pretty similarly. The Comet’s defense was stout, keeping the visiting ‘Canes off of the scoreboard.

The second half was very similar to the first half in which the Comets scored and played solid defense, while the Hurricanes struggled to do anything right.

Even though the score was lopsided, junior Alex Hernandez found a little silver lining in the loss.

“Playing sports during a pandemic this year has truly been a crazy ride. You would have never thought we would be here, but I’m grateful we get to continue the things we love. Attitudes come and go. It’s a thing of sports, but I feel when we’re all locked in, we can be a great team,” stated Hernandez.

Asked about the youth on the football team, Hernandez responded as follows: “It’s always great to get new kids on the team as well; it’s a huge thing. And it’s great that every day, we can help them get better even with today’s global pandemic.”

The Hurricanes are ready to come back stronger next game against Mapleton on Friday (October 16) as they continue their regular season.

Good luck, boys!

Welcoming This Year’s Homecoming Court

By: Aiden Nelson, Ariana Rojak, Alisha Bains, and Laila Schwin

October 13, 2020

In the midst of a global pandemic, school events are limited and prevented for fear and risk of COVID-19 spreading. However, sometimes all it takes is some improvisation of the plans to ensure that all can still have fun and entertaining community events, while staying safe.

Although the pandemic has canceled the important aspects of homecoming like the dance, pep rally, and assembly events for the homecoming court, BHS will still have a king and queen this year and even some socially-distanced events for the court.

The candidates who are on the court for queen are as follows: Haylie Cox, Karolina DeJesus-Pastrana, Brianna Luonuansu, Farah Shaheen, and Jamari Walker.

Homecoming Queen candidates minus Jamari Walker

The candidates who are on the court for king are as follows: Stephen Chhan, Andrew Coyne, Alex Gere, Daniel Ileana, and Kevin Mei.

We emailed Mrs. Jacinta Bader, 8th grade English Language Arts teacher and homecoming advisor, to discuss the plans for this year’s homecoming events.

Q: How will the football game and crowning process for king and queen work this year?

A: “We will be crowning the king and queen at the football game on October 30. The court will parade with the band. The king and queen will be revealed by a rose, like we’ve done in the past. The only difference is that the court will need to be in separate cars, wearing masks, and socially-distanced on the field. We are going to try to have the crowning live on Instagram as well.”

Q: Will there be the usual type of events with the homecoming court, except socially-distanced?

A: “We are creating a meet-the-court video rather than having an all-school assembly. Spirit Week will be the week of October 26-30. To replace the pep assembly, we are putting together a video because the court participated in a BHS scavenger hunt that we recorded. We hope to get the athletic teams and band in the video, too.”

Although many of the events are canceled this year, the homecoming court and the spirit of the event remain, and the events for the court are sure-to-be just as fun as the ones in years’ past, even without the student body there for full support.

The improvised events are a good bit of normalcy in all of this, despite the circumstances.

Hopefully, next year, we can have the homecoming dance and all of the festivities back.

Good luck to all of the 2020 Homecoming candidates!

Same Old Browns? Not This Year!

By: Ella Fowler, Morgan Blechschmid, and Jaiden Basinger

October 13, 2020

So far, the Browns have had a great season unlike the past two decades, and this past Sunday, their winning ways continued with a 32-23 win against the Indianapolis Colts at FirstEnergy Stadium.

Injuries to Leonard, Castonzo keep Colts out of sync in loss | NFL | leadertelegram.com

The win propelled the Browns to a 4-1 start, Cleveland’s first 4-1 record since 1994. The loss dropped the Colts to 3-2.

Despite being down one of the best running backs in the game (Nick Chubb – sprained knee in the previous win over the Cowboys), the Browns still had a solid run game. The key leaders of the rushing game were Kareem Hunt (72 yards) and D’Ernest Johnson (32 yards).

Darius Leonard, one of the Colts star players, was also inactive due to an injury.

At the end of the first quarter, the Colts were beating the Browns 7-3. However, in the second quarter, the Browns put up 17 unanswered points with Kareem Hunt’s 2-yard TD run, Baker Mayfield’s 15-yard TD pass to Rashard “Hollywood” Higgins, and Cody Parkey 36-yard field goal. This resulted in the half ending with a 20-10 Browns’ lead.

In the second half, safety Ronnie Harrison Jr. had a 47-yard pick six to give the Browns a 27-10 lead.

Momentum, however, did not last long as the Colts’ Isiah Rodgers returned the ensuing kick return for a 101-yard TD, narrowing the score to 27-17.

In the next possession, Mayfield threw an interception which led to a Colts’ field goal and a 27-20 Browns’ lead.

The Browns’s defense came up big with a safety and another interception which led to a late, Parkey field goal. This was all of the final scoring with the Browns winning the game, 32-23.

Next Sunday, the 4-1 Browns head to Pittsburgh to play their rivals. The Steelers, who are 4-0, will be ready for the much-anticipated matchup.

Here we go Brownies, here we go, woof woof!

Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Kubinski

*Teacher: 4th Grade Science and Mathematics*

By: Valery Warner, Kelsey Bruzek, and Tyler Elzholz

October 13, 2020

Brooklyn Intermediate’s Lisa Kubinski (formally known as Miss Krall) has been chosen to be the center of attention for this week’s staff spotlight.

We asked Mrs. Kubinski a few questions to get to know her on a more personal level.

Q.) Where did you go to college, and why did you decide to go there?

A.) “John Carroll University – I loved that it had excellent reviews for my major (psychology). It was a small campus setting, and it was beautiful!”

Q.) If you had the choice, what would be the ideal grade level to teach?

A.) “I would love to teach multi-grade levels in the S.T.E.M. program.”

Q.) Was teaching your first career choice?

A.) “I changed careers (and went back to college later) to become a teacher. I originally worked for non-profits specializing in children with special needs. I currently hold an administrator’s license and might find myself as a principal or assistant principal one day.”

Q.) Where did you grow up, and where were you born?

A.) “Born in Cleveland and I grew up in Parma Heights.”

Q.) What was your biggest setback during your teaching career?

A.) “I cannot think of anything that sets me back. I have been very lucky to always be part of awesome teaching teams.”

Q.) What activities did you participate in during high school?

A.) “Name a committee and I was part of it. I did marching band (not a class), regular band, orchestra, choir, I was co-captain of the swim team senior year, musicals, theatre, campus ministry (I went to Padua), retreats, prom committee, etc.”

Q.) What hobbies are you interested in when you are not teaching?

A.) “[I enjoy] running, working out, biking, fostering kittens, crocheting, traveling, and hiking.”

It was a nice chance to catch up and reconnect with Mrs. Kubinski, who we knew as Miss Krall, our 7th grade science teacher. We all hope for the best as she continues in her teaching career here at the BCSD.

BHS Soccer is Back!

By: Danielle Shehee, Ryan Pepera, and Brittney Corrado

October 2, 2020

After a two-week break, the varsity girls soccer team had a home game against the Crestwood Red Devils this past Monday. The girls played a solid and intense game, and even though the contest came close to being rained out, they pulled through and gave their best.

The team of Kelsey Bruzek, Emily Gerry, Hailey Nguyen, Sofia Collins, Jaida Dominguez, Ella Fowler, Delaney David, Alyssa Todorovich, Katrina Gasper, Jenny Tran, and Andriana Rodriguez played great defense throughout the game, communicated well, and even did switches to try and confuse the Red Devils.

At the end of the first half, the scoreboard was locked in a 0-0 tie.

Although the Hurricanes were blanked in the first half by the Red Devil´s goalie, the girls did an excellent job of following through with their plays and dropping back when needed.

In the second half, the competitiveness continued.

With a somewhat lucky shot, the Red Devils scored the first and last goal of the game, leaving the Hurricanes on the wrong end of a 1-0 defeat.

With the loss, the Hurricanes currently hold a record of 4-2-1.

“It was one of our best games. We lost very late in the game, and it challenged us skillswise to help prepare us for success for the next game,” stated Fowler.

The girls are excited for their next game tomorrow morning (11:00) against Brush. They plan on coming back from this loss and continuing their strong start to the season.

Go Canes!

New Restaurant Review: Lakewood Food Truck Park

*Website: Lakewood Truck Park

By: Ella Fowler, Morgan Blechschmid, and Jaiden Basinger

October 2, 2020

Lakewood Food Truck Park is a newly-opened outdoor and indoor restaurant that includes two bars and a rotating selection of street food. It is a modern restaurant that is focused on helping other businesses flourish and is located on Detroit Avenue in Lakewood, Ohio.

This restaurant is inspired by many restaurants in Austin, Texas; they are very pet friendly and have a variety of food options to choose from with different food trucks daily rotating.

Something that makes this restaurant special is that it is a place where people can come, relax, and enjoy some delicious, comfort food. Dining is available at a table inside, outside at a picnic table, or around an outdoor fireplace.

Lakewood Food Truck also has many events for the community. They are holding their first annual Halloween party on October 31. There will be a DJ provided, costume contents, and money for winning the costume contests. Bring your family and friends to enjoy some Halloween fun!

We went to Lakewood Food Truck to try it out, and it was amazing. The food was very tasty and flavorful. You can also get dessert as well, as they have an ice cream parlor inside which is very delicious.

You can tell that they pick out food trucks that include quality food and kind workers. This is really important for a place where people can come together.

Lakewood Food Truck Park is a great place to go and watch your favorite sports. They have two sports bars and comfy seating for you to enjoy your food and your drinks, as well as the food trucks, which include perfect food items for game days. Their specials are the best items to take advantage of, so go and make sure that you do not miss out on any of these awesome deals!

This upcoming week, they will have trucks with steaks, hoagies, corned beef sandwiches, and much more.

Their hours are Monday-Friday from 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. For the weekend, they are open from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Take a ride out to Lakewood because we are sure that you won’t be disappointed!

Back to School?

By: Aiden Nelson, Laila Schwin, Alisha Bains, and Ariana Rojak

October 2, 2020

With the recent switch from an all-remote schedule into the hybrid schedule, everyone has been dealing with the sudden change in scheduling and routine. While some may be finally enjoying being back in school, there are some students who are still on remote and others who are concerned or fearful about being back at school for in-person learning.

The principals and staff members came up with a very diligent plan on how to keep staff and students safe from getting sick.

Students will only go to four classes (maximum) a day, and after every class, the staff is required to wipe down the desks and tables to prevent the spread of any viruses.

Additionally, students and staff members are required to wear face masks and keep their six-feet distance as best as they can. The principals also have hand sanitizer stations put up throughout the school building.

Finally, tape is on the floors going up and down the hallways to direct the students as to which way they are supposed to travel to get to their next class.

Due to the different stances on this new hybrid schedule, we interviewed a teacher, Mr. Sedlacek (American History), and a student, Alanys Rodriguez (junior), about how being back in school is affecting them.

Mr. Sedlacek was asked how he felt about coming back to school, this time with students in the classroom. He replied by saying that he is glad that students are back in class and that he has wanted them back in the classroom ever since all of this started (back in mid-March). While he recognizes the risk of having students in the school, he believes it is a risk worth taking for the students to get a quality, educational experience.

He was also asked whether he preferred virtual learning or in-person learning. He was quite confident in his answer, saying that while both are different and have to be balanced, he ultimately prefers in-person learning because of the energy and fun aspects of school, along with the ability to guarantee attentiveness.

Mr. Sedlacek is hopeful for our near future and wants everything to be back to normal as soon as possible.

Rodriguez was asked how she feels about coming back to school. She replied by saying that she feels pretty good about it but remains skeptical due to the ongoing pandemic.

She was also asked about her preference, online classes or in-person classes: “I personally prefer in-person because I understand instructions better, and I get more help.”

While there is currently no end in sight, we hope that everyone is holding onto hope and the normalcy that being back in school brings.

Remember to wash your hands, wear your masks, and be confident in tomorrow!

Staff Spotlight: Miss Kunath

*Teacher: Chemistry and 8th Grade Science*

By: Kelsey Bruzek, Valery Warner, and Tyler Elzholz

October 2, 2020

This week’s staff spotlight focuses on one of Brooklyn’s newest teachers, Nicolette Kunath. This is her first year of teaching in the Brooklyn City School District.

Our group had the opportunity to sit down with Miss Kunath and ask her a series of questions to get to know her on a more personal level.

Q1.) Where did you go to college, and why did you decide to go there?

A.) “I went to two different colleges that I have a lot of love for. Out of high school, I was accepted and went to The Ohio State University. I stayed at OSU for my freshman and sophomore year but decided the large class size wasn’t for me, and I wanted to change my major at the time, and OSU did not offer it. So, I transferred to Baldwin Wallace University (Go Jackets!) and completed my undergraduate degree, there. I also later went back to BW for my master’s degree.”

Q2.) What stood out to you that made you choose the Brooklyn City School District?

A.) “I love the small-school environment. Brooklyn provides me with the small-school atmosphere I was looking for, as well as the positive staff support here. All the teachers at Brooklyn have helped me feel so welcome.”

Q3.) Was teaching your first career choice, and do you wish to continue?

A.) “Teaching was not my first career choice (gasp!). I originally thought while working with the Cleveland Indians after college that I could not have a better job. I started to train people as part of my job, and I loved being able to teach new things to people. I also missed the content that I spent years studying, so I decided to go back to get my Master of Arts in Education. Now, I have both of what I love to do and the freedom to make science fun and applicable in my classroom. As of right now, I cannot see myself happier in any other career.”

Q4.) Where did you grow up, and where were you born?

A.) “I was born in Cleveland, OH, and grew up in Columbia Station, OH.”

Q5.) What was your biggest setback during your teaching career?

A.) “My biggest setback was not believing in myself when I was younger, and I think that held me back in a lot of ways I will never know. However, I do believe that everything happens for a reason, and there are positives and negatives for everything you do in life. You have to be confident in the decisions you make. My advice to you is to be confident in what you do, put the work in for what you want, don’t be afraid to do something new, and you will see the rewards.”

Q6.) What activities did you participate in during high school?

A.) “During high school, outside of classes, my focus was softball. I played softball (travel and school softball) from the time I was five and into Baldwin Wallace in college. I was in Key Club and other activities that also kept me busy, but if you were trying to find me, I was on the field or in the weight room 99 percent of the time.”

Q7.) What hobbies are you interested in when you aren’t teaching?

A.) “When I’m not teaching, I love to stay active and be outdoors. I love long-distance bike-riding, golfing, boxing, yoga, taking care of my basset hound Clyde, and watching sports on TV. I also enjoy just hanging out with my family and having a fire at night.”

Brooklyn High School is excited to welcome Miss Kunath and cannot wait to see the excitement that she brings to the classroom.

“I’m Home!”

By: Valery Warner, Morgan Blechschmid, and Ella Fowler

September 15, 2020

Brooklyn City Schools chooses Theodore Caleris as next superintendent - cleveland.com

Back where he belongs, Dr. Theodore Caleris has returned to the Brooklyn City Schools as the new superintendent.

Before leaving seven years ago, Dr. Caleris was previously the principal of the Brooklyn Middle School. He also served as a science teacher, as well as the athletic director, at Brooklyn High School.

His many hopes for Brooklyn this year include a number of ideas.

“I am very glad to be back in the district. With the current uncertainty with the COVID-19 pandemic, I am hopeful that we will have some consistency this year and be able to master remote learning but to also get our students back to class.”

One main area of focus that Dr. Caleris is passionate about revolves around our successes.

“I think that as a school district, we need to define what success means to our Brooklyn community, staff, and students! I am hopeful that our stakeholders will be able to tell me what success looks like in our district.”

Dr. Caleris described what influenced him to be a superintendent.

“I have always enjoyed every job that I have done in a school district. I think this was the next progression for me as an educator. Most of all, I am thankful to be back in Brooklyn. This was my dream job for a long time!”

Outside of work, what else does Dr. Caleris enjoying doing to stay balanced?

“I enjoy spending time with my wife and two children. Also, one of my passions is being a professor at local universities. This is a great way for me to interact with teachers and to stay true to why I originally became an educator.”

There have been a number of jobs and experiences that have led Dr. Caleris to his job position today. In addition to his previous experience here in Brooklyn, he was a science teacher/coach in Elyria for three years, a high school principal in Sandusky for two years, and an assistant superintendent in Cuyahoga Heights for the past five years.

On the Brooklyn City Schools’ website, Dr. Caleris states the following: “With the continued uncertainty to begin this school year, our staff, faculty, and administrators have been collaborating to reopen our school year, both remotely and in-person. I am confident that the collective power of our Hurricane Nation will allow us to keep moving forward despite the obvious challenges our society is now facing.”

When we are all back in school, make sure to stop by his office to give him a warm welcome.

Dr. Caleris is so thankful to be a Hurricane once again, and his leadership is exactly what we need!

Hurricane proud!

Welcome, Mr. Larson!

By: Ariana Rojak and Danielle Shehee

September 11, 2020

Welcome back to all BCSD administration, staff, students, and families.

Although this year presents numerous challenges, we are confident that all of us together will persevere and make this academic year positively-memorable.

We are glad and thrilled to introduce BHS’s new assistant principal, Mr. Matthew Larson.

Larson was a teacher in Bedford, Ohio, for six years in the social studies and government classrooms. He then left Bedford and became an administrator at Lorain High School.

After working in Lorain for two years, he is now BHS’s assistant principal, and many have welcomed him into the Hurricane family.

Switching from a larger district to a much smaller district is a bit challenging, especially during this current pandemic, but with fewer students, Larson sees it as an opportunity to get to know his students and feels that getting to know his them is deeper than simply names and faces.

“I’m hoping we can get through this year safely, and I’m hoping to make this year fun for everyone, especially the seniors during such a hard time,” stated Larson in a recent interview.

His personality is what he plans on bringing to the table in order to make BHS more unique.

“I want students to be recognized for what they accomplish, whether they’re introverts or extroverts.”

Larson is very happy with his decision on joining the BCSD district and has a great feeling about what this school year has in store for everyone.

As for the students of Brooklyn High School, we are excited to see what he has to offer us this year, too.

Mr. Larson, welcome to the Hurricane family!

Congratulations, Class of 2020!

By: Savannah David, Destiny Cannon, and Izabella Hotz

May 29, 2020

This year’s senior class had an eventful year. They were unable to have a “normal” graduation, prom never happened, and spring sports were canceled, just to name a few.

Knowing this, three seniors were asked about their four years of high school, their biggest influences, fondest memories, regrets, and advice for the upcoming seniors.

Gavin Supek, Alexandra Nieves, and Jaden Walz gave great responses.

When asked about his biggest influence, Supek said, “Jordan Beltfor because he did whatever he wanted, was rich, and was a savage.”

He also added that his fondest memory was, “When we went to Bowling Green for hockey, and in the first five minutes in the hotel, we broke the bed.”

As for him, he has no regrets because he did what he wanted and accomplished everything during his interesting, four years.

Supek also gave some advice to the upcoming seniors: “Do whatever you can and get involved.”

When it comes to influences, Nieves replied, “Mr. Holko was my biggest influencer because he taught me so many life lessons, to make sure you don’t let anyone get in the way of following your dreams. No matter how hard it gets, keep trying; he helped me build up my self confidence.”

What about her favorite memory?

“Being a part of the basketball team, it was always fun going to practice and being with people I enjoyed being around.”

Unlike Supek, Nieves did have a regret, and it was when she did not go on the Europe trip in the Spring of 2019 because she thought it would have been a fun experience to learn and see new things.

Her advice for the incoming seniors is simple: “Don’t take high school for granted; do everything and anything you want because it goes by fast. Just have fun!”

Finally, family was Walz’s biggest influence because they always were supportive and had her back, no matter what.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without their love and guidance,” stated Walz.

She has been part of a lot during high school, but what will she miss the most?

“During my senior year, when all the senior class got together for the sunset, we were all just hanging out and having fun. It really made me cherish every moment because I knew at that point that I would be graduating early. One thing of advice I would give to the upcoming seniors is cherish every single moment you have with your teachers and classmates. This year was definitely unprecedented, but you never know what could happen. So, really take in every moment, focus on school, and most importantly, have fun!”

Most students have a chance to be a part of extracurricular activities, Polaris, clubs, and even college-credit classes. This is exactly what these seniors did throughout their four years in Brooklyn High School and why they have so many, fond memories.

Congratulations to the Class of 2020! Your hard work paid off, and now, you start the next chapter of your lives.

Go make the world a better place, and always remember your roots.

Hurricane proud!

Talking With Mr. Hare, BHS’s New Principal

By: Normeze Rivera, Delaney David, Anayah Flowers, and Serena Barile

May 27, 2020

Brooklyn High School’s Mr. Bill Wingler has stepped down as principal for the same position at Strongsville High School. Wingler’s assistant principal for two years, Mr. Brian Hare, will become BHS’s head principal on July 1.

“The community and the support we have for our students and staff [is amazing],” Hare stated as he is looking forward to opening the front doors and getting to see all of our great students and staff again.

With a new principal, there could be some changes, and there is one positive change that Mr. Hare wants to implement immediately.

“I would like to provide more opportunities for our students to get internships in high school. The plan to implement those changes is to work with local community members and businesses to provide these opportunities.”

Of course, not everything will change, so Mr. Hare hopes that Brooklyn High School will remain positive and energetic.

“I appreciate all the students and staff for their hard work and smiles when they come into the building,” Hare added.

Due to COVID-19, our school year got cut short, and many events got canceled. With this affecting so much, how does Brooklyn High School plan on bouncing back from all of this?

“We are making plans to return to school in the best way possible,” Hare optimistically stated.

He believes that because of this COVID-19 experience, it has made Brooklyn High School a stronger school.

“This experience has enhanced our appreciation for face-to-face relationships. This has also given us experience with different technology platforms that we will continue to incorporate in our classrooms.”

Mr. Hare, including staff and students, are excited to see what the 2020-2021 school year holds for us and what kind of changes there will be.

Congratulations, Mr. Hare!