Recaps on Polar Palooza, Mr. Wolverine, Wolverine Weekend, and a successful year of traditions, new and old.
College in Quarantine
Updates on the college admission search and how the coronavirus pandemic is impacting seniors as they choose their future homes.
The Last Ride
Reflections by soccer and cross country captains Daniel Comas Sanchez ‘20 and Julian De La Maza ‘20 on the sports season, and what their experiences on each team has meant to them.
Class Reflections
Reflections by seniors on keeping the brotherhood in perspective, the value of a Belen ring, and how their time in Belen has made them the person they are today. A reflection, and a goodbye.
Communicating
The lessons of communicating and collaborating, and how that theme has permeated the year of 2020 and led to the positive changes that made this year one of new traditions.
Letter to MMXX
A letter to MMXX from Alberto Romero ‘20, what he’s taken away from these unexpected circumstances and how he looks back on the past six years we all shared.
Keeping the Brotherhood in Perspective
Thomas Cuesta '20 reflects on the impact coronavirus has had on the community of the Class of 2020, as senior year has suddenly drawn to a close.
Alberto Romero '20, Student Council President, pens a letter to the Class of 2020 as the year, and six years, all come to a head. It's been a crazy journey, but none of us would trade it for the world.
The Last Ride
Danny Comas Sanchez '20 reflects on the entirety of an up and down varsity soccer season that ended in a regional final loss to Pembroke Pines - but as he makes clear, it's not just the game, but the journey, that made it all worth it.
Note from the Editor
Ithink the first text I sent about reviving the Vincam magazine was to Mr. Maza, and it was probably in late July, of last year. Talking with a few friends from other schools, I realized something pretty difficult to wrap my head around: we were one of the only, if not the only, school in Miami lacking a student newspaper. There didn’t seem to be a good reason for it, so, being recently elected President of the National English Honors Society, I figured if anyone could bring it back, I could. More importantly, I owed it to everyone to at least try. I got a response a few days later - there was much excitement, and it seemed like a go. That wasn’t too hard. The excitement on the school's end was palpable. Every teacher and administrator I spoke to encouraged me and emphasized the importance of the project. That's not to say it was easy - to install an entire newspaper from the ground up is not a simple task. We needed a team from the senior class, as well as the juniors, to make sure, understandably, that this revival of Vincam would be permanent. Did it look daunting? Sure, and I'll admit it, there were times I thought the project could be on the ropes. When I saw people in the halls though, the excitement from seniors, some you'd expect and some you wouldn't, as well as students from all grades, I knew we had to make this dream a reality. It took a collaborative effort from both seniors and underclassmen to create this new voice for ourselves, both in 2020 and beyond, but we did it. It is here. This edition of Vincam, however, will be a little special. There's no better way to demonstrate the new voice we can utilize through the Vincam then by opening it to the Class that needs it the most - the Class of 2020.
I think that’s what this edition of Vincam is all about - the ability for us, as a senior class, to express ourselves. This edition is entirely senior written, edited, and produced. We didn’t look for the usual ‘writers’ of our grade to put some quick year recap together. Writers here come from all different groups in our grade - cross country runners, soccer players, volleyball players, gamers, wrestlers, student council, and a valedictorian. I didn’t make this happen. With our year essentially shut down due to the coronavirus, we all had an itch to give our last word. If we couldn’t do it with a senior skit, we’re going to do it here. You’ll read about the events we created this year, reflections from seniors who have spent all four years playing a sport they loved, and a look back on what have been seven amazing years with each other, and what’s next. The Class of 2020 deserves that much.
Miguel Walsh ‘20
Editor
Homecoming Week 2020. The outdoor pep rally theme was of different countries around the world - the Seniors got ancient Rome, and were able to wear togas and crowns in a gladiator-style rally.
TRUNK OR TREAT
By: Diego Segurola ‘20, “Seggie”
Trunk or Treat was a time of creativity and finding a middle ground. We took an idea that us seniors wanted, and we brought it to the communityschool spirit isn't exclusive from community service, and through Trunk or Treat, we made that happen.
I for one remember the beginning of senior year, seeing schools such as Carrollton decorate their cars to celebrate the year, and thinking, well, what are we doing? It didn't seem like much, so we approached Alberto and the Student Council to try to make it happen. When it got presented, though, we were able to take it to the next level, and give back by having fun.
This car decorating turned into a service project, as we called out the Miami Learning Experience schools to come over with us. That day, the week of Halloween, we were allowed to come to school in full costume and trick out our cars. I came in my cow costume, which, ask the seniors, they're all a little tired of seeing at this point. It's iconic! My car got loaded up with candy, and we were ready to run deliveries. Kids came one by
one in a path to each and every car, playing with the seniors and playing with my guys. It was an awesome time to bring service to Belen, and seeing the eyes light up on each kid's face as I gave him a box of nerds made it all worth it.
The service was awesome, but the experience with my guys was what brought it all together. We were able to take time off from our stressful days and just mess around with each other, toss a football, mess with each other's car, and just banter. It's those moments you need now and then, to remember what Belen is really about: the guys around you, and what you can do together.
Trunk or Treat showed me once again the power of us all together - it creates good memories and good times, but not just for us and our Class, but for anyone we can contribute to, including the lives of the kids at the Miami Learning Experience, who I'm sure enjoyed that day, and are already counting down to the next Trunk or Treat in 2021.
TOMBOLA 2020
“THE BEST OF TIMES”
BY: Gabriel
The Belen Tómbola has always been a staple of Belen culture and has shaped our identity for well over a century. I never truly knew the amount of dedication and planning that goes into it until this year. I worked for an entire two days and really got to see the zeal of people like Mr. Jordan and Mrs. García-Chang.
When Alberto and I first arrived, Mrs. García-Chang and her husband were already hard at work putting photos of old Belen all over the walls of our dining hall. Putting up these photos made me realize the legacy of what Alberto and I were doing. Some of the photos were still in black and white and showed students similar to myself hard at work. It gave me a surreal feeling thinking that years ago a student in Cuba was working the first Tómbola, never realizing that many years later another student in Florida would be taking up their reins.
It feels good to be a part of a larger picture especially when I’m helping a community that is so dear to me. Over the next two days, I had a great time bonding with students and some of my old teachers. The seniors were in charge of the information booth and would slowly get picked off to do odd jobs when things got busy.
During the down time, it was nice to talk to my classmates while signing people in. I got to talk to a lot of people that I never really got to have meaningful conversations with. I specifically remember playing catch with some students that I’d never really had a chance to get to know and by the end of that day felt like I can trust them with my life. Typically, when I wasn’t working the information booth, I was working at the popcorn chicken booth. This booth tended to get very busy and one of my favorite Junior teachers was working it. It was great being able to chat with him again about jazz and Sun Ra. It never really felt like work. Especially at the end when the seniors got to let loose a little and party in the central patio. It was interesting to see the energy and school spirit from people that you normally expect.
My experience at Belen has been one that I will cherish forever and the Tómbola will always represent what I love about it. I can’t wait to see my own grandchildren attend this great school and I will be proud to work the abuelos booth representing the class of 2020.
After a successful weekend of Tombola, celebration ensues during the night's festivities.
Robau ‘20, Vice President, “Robau”
Welcome to the Belen Senior Section. This room serves as the grade’s hangout during various times of the day. It is most booming during lunch, as a large chunk of our grade gathers here to study, chillax, and mess around. There are comfy chairs, tables to study, and even a full out Super Smash Bros Tournament going on at all times (Just get here fast, the kids always hog the remotes).
You can find kids doing virtually anything here. For example, an intense arm wrestling tournament took place during lunch in first semester. Juan Pablo
Dibildox, or, as we call him, "Dippy", dominated half the grade. He appeared to show his dominance as nobody could beat him. However, at that moment, a new challenger arrived. Don Chaney, a 5 star running back approached Dippy and challenged him to a fierce match. The match was a senior section must watch, and the results were not disappointing.
Surprisingly, Dippy gave Don a great fight, even winning for a couple seconds. This made everyone go crazy. However, after a tense couple minutes, Don finally made Dippy’s arm hit the table and won
the match. It was a historic feat, as the mighty "Dippy" had been slayed.
Although it’s meant for us to study, we usually do just the opposite in this section. That's not to say there wasn't anyone trying to maintain order. Mr. Jordan is always there to try to keep some of the peace. He keeps everything in line, but in the senior section, there's some traditions that don't end.
The ice fights are one of those traditions - no matter how many times they're stopped, they keep happening. "Ice fights” were played throughout the year, with students throwing ice cubes from the cafeteria in the section. The point of the game was to try to eliminate as many people as possible by hitting them with an ice cube. These games generated wide support, as many groups of kids would play and fight to see who would last the longest. Games like these are what truly make this section so special to the senior class.
The Senior Section
Juan Pablo Dibildox '20 and Don Chaney '20 engage in an arm wrestle. Students in Mr. Maza's class pose for a picture on the last day before transitioning to remote learning.
BY: Chris Klemick ‘20, “Klem”
MR. WOLVERINE
BY: James Figarola ‘20, “James”
James Figarola is the reigning champion of Mr. Wolverine. Elected by his class as “Mr. Boy Scout” due to, well, his Boy Scout tendencies, his dance and eccentric evening wear wooed the crowd and led him to victory. Here, James offers his perspective on the night, and an overall recap of what went down.
The Mr. Wolverine event held at Belen has been a great tradition, and this year was no different. The audience was mostly seniors from Belen and Carrollton in the Roca Theater. It featured different seniors selected in superlative ategories, such as Mr. Baseball, that were voted by the class of 2020. I myself was voted for Mr. Boy Scout. It featured a Talent Show, Pajama Contest, then an Interview. Each segment would thin the competition. My talent was a remixes version of an electronic choreographed dance from professional dancers “Elektrobotz”.
A Show Like No Other
Other seniors did talents like juggling on a balance board, playing the piano, and making a sandwich blindfolded. My uniform was my Boy Scout uniform and my pajama was a Christmas robe with my scout sash (Others included standard pajamas and such). The show came to a close with a short interview about each character. The winner, although originally decided through online voting, was switched to the volume of the audience’s cheer. At the time of decision I won with the loudest cheer. I was given a crown and sash that stated “Fierce, Flawless, Fabulous”. Overall, it was a great success for everyone who came and participated. It wouldn’t have been possible with our hardworking student council to set up and direct the event, hosted by Alberto Romero as the Master of Ceremonies.
Enrique Sori '20 performs ribbon dancing as his talent
POLAR PALOOZA
Iwas in the senior section walking over to Latin American History when Miguel Walsh stopped and said he needed a favor. Figuring it couldn’t be anything bad, I said sure. That’s when he asked me to perform for the inaugural Polar Palooza, a dance contest between Belen and Lourdes. A team had dropped out at the last second, and the opening needed to be filled. Every other team had been rehearsing for weeks and the contest was in five days. I was split- part of me
knew it’d be a complete embarrassment, but part of me was thinking that these are the memories I’ll remember with my brothers from the class of 2020. Anyways, I must’ve owed Miguel a favor, because for some reason I said yes, completely aware that it would be two extremely embarrassing minutes in front of a big crowd.
I tried to think out of all my friends who’d be down to do such a last minute, silly thing with me, and the only one that
came to mind was Juan Ulloa. I asked him and he said yes in a heartbeat. Then, I heard that Connor Mullins had agreed to perform with us. We were set.
Of course, we couldn’t choreograph a performance in five days since we all had busy schedules, and me and Juan both had soccer practice with the school team. The days passed, and like every Belen student we procrastinated the dance, until the daycame. It did not start off well. We didn’t have anything planned, Connor decided to drop out, and Juan got sick. Left alone without my partners and no hope, I had to do it all myself. I like to think of myself as the savior of Polar Palooza.
I went backstage, still in my soccer uniform from practice an hour ago, and spent 15 of the 20 minutes left talking to the other performers and wasting time.
With five minutes left, I managed to convince Gabriel Robau, Sergio Gonzalez, and star thespian Kris “Kpax” Perez to join me in improvising a dance to "You Belong With Me" by Taylor Swift.
Was it a complete mess? Sure. Did we embarrass ourselves? Most definitely, but the event itself was awesome. Our other teams were not messing around. James Figarola, Enrique Sori, Javi Pardo and Mark Trapp came to play. Their dances were intricate and fun, keeping the audience engaged all night. There was high quality competition between Belen and Lourdes, and against all odds, we pulled through and won against their squads, taking home the trophy. Celebrating on stage with my brothers, I felt glad I said yes to Miguel - looking back, these are the memories that make me glad to have the classmates I have.
Javi Pardo '20, Alto Morales '20, Sebi Alonso '20, Enrique Sori '20, Diego Planos '20 and their coach Ms. Busto pose before the competition.
Rodrigo Diaz '20, Gabriel Robau '20, Sergio Gonzalez '20 and Kris Perez '20 get interviewed by Alberto Romero and Kamryn Figueras, the hosts of the night.
By: Rodrigo Diaz ‘20, “Rodri”
COLLEGE IN QUARANTINE
BY: Alejandro Castro ‘20, “Castro”
When I first approached Miguel Walsh, our editor in chief, with an idea to write an article about college, I had envisioned doing something lighthearted with the intentions of honoring the accomplishments of my classmates. Obviously, the world was not the same a couple of months ago when this idea was conceived. This piece now became a way for me to ensure that my brothers were not forgotten in the midst of all this insanity.
God works in mysterious ways, and I do not think it is a coincidence that this newspaper was made a reality the same year our senior year was cut short, taking with it our ability to express ourselves as a class. For many of us our time at Belen will be, in retrospect, some of the most formative years of our lives. I did not want my class to have such an awkward and abrupt ending to such an important life experience - which is why I felt the urge to start this project, in an effort to allow us to look past our current dilemma and into a more hopeful future.
I often found myself debating why the Class of 2020 is one of the best (in my opinion) classes to walk through the Belen hallways. I always felt such an immense sense of pride to have been able to be able to say I was a part of this class. We are a class filled with future D1 athletes, future military officers, pro-gamers, and soundcloud rappers. A class full of charisma and great personalities. This is also why I felt it would be wrong to allow this virus to overshadow our accomplishments.
I compiled a list of as many of my classmates as I could along with the colleges they would be attending next year. Unfortunately, it was not possible to get everyone’s information as people are still deciding where to go, myself included. In the process, I also asked my classmates to tell me a bit about their end of the year experiences and what the college process was like for them. I did this to gauge the general attitude of my class before I began writing. Honestly, I was expecting the responses to be somewhat negative, but I could not have been more wrong. My question was met not with doom and gloom, but happiness and excitement. It was nice to see that my classmates were all in good spirits and ready to take on a new chapter in their lives.
It was in this situation that I realized just how great of a community I grew up in. I grew up in a community chock full of big dreams, and bigger drives. I grew up in a community of lawyers, engineers, doctors, physicists, politicians, and world-changers. Most importantly, I grew up in a community that will not let a pandemic define them or their Class. I am extremely grateful to be able to call these people my brothers and I am more excited than ever to see what we will do in our years beyond Belen.
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University of Miami Loyola University at New Orleans Colby College
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“LAST MINUTE PANIC”
A comic strip series by Brian Black ‘20, giving a glimpse into the day-today decisionmaking process of the typical Belen student.
Arts Spotlight
Brian Black ‘20 is also an avid film connoisseur as well as director, assisting Mr. Calderin and WBLN on multiple projects. He was elected “Most Artistic” in the Class of 2020 superlatives voting.
“Yeah, that’s about right”, says Rodrigo Diaz ‘20. Asked, Rodrigo pretty much confirmed the comic strip was less a joke and more or less what happens every time - “except for Mr. O. I can’t mess around with Mr. O. That last minute panic is more like last week panic. Every time.”
When asked where his love for drawing stems from, Brian Black ‘20 simply said, “because it’s dope.”. He’s had a love for it all his life, and at this point, there needs be no more explanation for him - it’s a cool activity, it’s one he’s grown good at, and one that passes the time. It has become a passion.
Belen guys and procrastinating. No more iconic combo.
KEEPING THE BROTHERHOOD IN PERSPECTIVE
Thomas Cuesta ‘20 is a member of the Student Council Executive Board. He also ran for President under the slogan “For the Boys”. Even though he didn’t win, that mindset didn’t change. Here, Cuesta shares his thoughts on that brotherhood, and what, if anything, has changed. In this picture, Cuesta takes a lighthearted moment for a snap while preparing for Polar Palooza, in December.
It is an indisputable fact that 2020 has been the most memorable year in our Belen careers, but seemingly for all the wrong reasons. This unprecedented pandemic has brought our senior year, and the whole world, to an abrupt stop. Coming off of the senior prank we pulled in the
parking lot, it felt as if our class had been the most united in a while. Then, almost immediately after, we were stripped of our ability to even be together. For years we have been hearing about how grand and exciting senior year will be and this is the one we get? No Grad Bash, Prom, pool-jumping,
Seniors pose for a picture during the first game under the light against Doral Academy. Win.
By: Thomas Cuesta ‘20, “Cuesta” “For The Boys”
skit, banquet, even possibly gradation? Have we been reduced to seeing our friends in a tiny box on a screen over Zoom?
Belen goes beyond 500 SW 127th Avenue. I think we have always known this, but this is perhaps the first time we see this idea in actuality. Through our school experience, we have created friendships that will continue to carry and prop us up throughout our entire lives. Every smile we flash and hand we over-exaggeratingly shake or high-five in the halls serves as another additional connection in the vast network of fraternal memories we share.
This situation, I hope, will solidify that fraternity we hold. I am sure I am not the only one that has realized how many people I took for granted at Belen before I was alone staring at the Zoom loading screen. So many aspects of the typical Belen day have been brought to mind now that we have lost the opportunity to even subconsciously be aware of them. The ambience of the Senior Section, the mad dash to lunch, the piercing sound of the leaf blowers in the Arroyo Quad during your math class, even the Examen that sometimes reads like a riddle.
Hopefully, when all the dust settles and the world finally gets a grip on this virus, we will slowly return to normal life and be more appreciative of the little things. We will more deeply understand the value of our long-forged brotherhood. We will simply listen to each other more, taking time to contemplate and understand every word uttered amongst friends. We will make the most of life because, as we have just learned, nothing is guaranteed. If the MMXX spirit can survive a quarantine, I have little doubt that we are at all
vulvernable. Soon, we will be scattered across the entire nation, pursuing college degrees in preparation for the real world that has awaited thousands of Belen grads since 1854. We are no different from any other class before us, only more unique in the environment that shapes us.
So, no, it is unlikely we will ever get to see another chunk of ice sailing across the air only to end up exploding on a class portrait in the Senior Section during lunch. But, we do have one thing that no other previously-graduated class holds at the moment: the future. The ability to shape the future of our class into one of the most close-knit, enthusiastic, and driven classes. During this time, I have missed every single senior and look forward to when all 202 of us can be together again, as we should be. See you guys soon.
Thomas Cuesta MMXX
THE LAST RIDE
by: Dani Comas Sanchez ‘20, “Capi”
TO MY BROTHERS,
I still remember the first day of try outs where there was an overall feeling that an empty season was heading our way, but we couldn’t have been more wrong. This season was nothing short of a rollercoaster, with too many ups and downs to count but this is what made it so special. It wasn’t a pretty season and there were plenty of moments were we were doubted and we even doubted ourselves but, this was the beauty of our season. The struggles during our season were what inexplicably created such a profound bond between us all and it formed relationships that we will carry with us forever.
I’ll never forget the moment when we scored the first goal of the season under the new bright lights at Belen.
I’ll never forget the feeling of optimism after our first win that lit the spark that would carry us for the rest of the season.
I’ll never forget the shocking tie against Westland Hialeah, where we witnessed the most ridiculous olímpico goal, and the
unexpected comeback win against Killian.
I’ll never forget that legendary trip to Tampa that at first seemed like a burden, but ended up being what strengthened our bond.
I’ll never forget that night at Carraba’s when we had a great time with the staff, and our inexplicably eventful nights at 7Eleven.
I’ll never forget the team meeting we had in my hotel room the night before the final of the Tampa tournament.
I will never forget those ritual pregame stops at Subrageous and Smoothie King. All these moments were preparing us for the most unforgettable three weeks of playoffs.
Our special run started with the feeling of collective joy and relief when the left footed volley slid past the keeper to open the deadlock in that District Semi final game, with the flickering lights above us. After etching such a joyous moment in our memories we regretfully had to do the
same with our district final defeat, but this only added fuel to our fire. The resilience shown in the next game was what had defined our entire season. Playing as underdogs, playing away, and winning a game nobody expected us to win. I will never forget the feeling when I saw Niko slot the ball past the keeper after an agonizing and masterful display from Chicho at the back the entire game. This win gave us seniors what we desired most, another chance to defend our home.
One final send off for the seniors at Belen. That gut wrenching Regional Semifinal under the rain that came down to the final two minutes of overtime was utter euphoria. The sound of the ball smashing into the net followed by the sound of our senior section cheering will be something I will forever replay in my memory.
As we waited desperately for the final whistle to blow you could see the tears of joy streaming down the face of Piedrahita that was representative of the whole team.
Those tears of joy will forever be embedded in the foundation of that soccer field and will be the small piece of history that our team will leave behind.
The celebration with our senior section and the alumni that came, followed by the celebration in our “locker room” are memories that will never be taken away from us. The legendary team dinner after the game at the Molina residence is where we immortalized our bond as a family. Unfortunately, the same way I will never forget those beautiful moments of the season, I will also never forget that night in Pembroke Pines seeing the ball slide inches from my reach and crossing the goal line.
I’ll never forget hearing that final whistle and realizing my journey was over. It was painful to accept, but I was also immensely grateful for who I had shared this final journey with. I am thankful for the incredibly hardworking and passionate performances the underclassmen put in to give us seniors one more game. It was shown in the bruises, scrapes, and tears shed, how much you sacrificed to help us live our dream.
Now to my seniors, Gabe, Dani, Javi, Rodrigo, Niko, Chicho, Piedrahita, Miky, Ulloa, Breton, and Gianmarco, I hope you guys don’t need this letter to know how much you mean to me. There aren’t enough words available to describe how grateful I am to call you teammates, friends, and brothers for life. I love you guys and it was an honor being your captain.
A FAREWELL TO XC
By: Julian de La Maza ‘20, “Chinch”
Julian De La Maza ‘20 is a four year senior on the cross country team. Despite being involved in many extracurriculars, including debate, and serving as President of the National Honors Society, cross country has always been where his heart lies. With the season prematurely cut due to COVID-19, he shares his thoughts with his team.
DEAR BROTHERS,
It frankly seems that there is so much to say, that this farewell shouldn't suffice, but it will have to. I know our track season has unfortunately been cut short. COVID-19 really messed up the hopes and dreams of many of you. Let's be honest, despite our constant complaints of practice and logging in long hours on the track, we all had our goals. Whether it be making it to FSU, or breaking a school record (I had my money on the 400m and the 3200m coming down this year), we all wanted to use track to better ourselves and make a name for ourselves in a competitive team.
We all wanted to contribute to winning districts again this year, maybe even pulling off some crazy win at states as a distance powerhouse. Currently, that all seems to have been ruined, robbed by an invisible virus. We trained for a potentially fruitless endeavor, without a season to have anything to show for it. There's more to running, though. We keep grinding; taking runs down our streets and sidewalks alone or with a biking companion, trying to salvage our season goals into personal ones. This moment in our lives was unexpected, like a wrecking ball slamming into an otherwise unsuspecting building.
This wrecking ball has caused me to realize one thing: that what we are most losing out on is not the meets that we would have set new PR's or school records in, not the hope of becoming the best in the district, region or state. What we are most losing out on is the time that we previously took for granted. Those long hours sweating on the track with your brothers alongside you, pushing each other to the brink of exhaustion. Those days where you get on the track and question why you even chose to do this torturous sport in the first place. Those days where you jokingly race your friends and mess around while Coach Vic yells at you to stretch. Those are the days we spent with our Belen brothers.
As a senior, these are days I may never be able to reclaim. To the rest of the seniors, we have countless memories of our hours logged together, so don't let them fade. Remember and reminisce in them, soak in the times we took for granted. It seems we may never be able to experience them in the same fashion ever again.
Thank you for being my brothers on the track and in life. Sweating alongside one another has given us all an unbreakable bond that will withstand the test of time. Remember the countless bus rides to meets, playing pranks and challenging everyone to literally almost any game to entertain us. To those under us, thank you as well. For pushing us in running and in life. We have formed bonds with you that lead us to believe that the team will be in great hands in the years to come, both in terms of leadership and talent.
I ask one thing: realize that you can no longer take your brothers and the time you spend with them for granted. Hopefully this virus made you realize this as you run all alone and sit in your home, wishing that you were suffering with your brothers at your side. I trust that when the seniors return as alumni, we will see you guys flourishing as a team. We will be witnessing a different type of blossom. This team will have experienced the value of being with one another and will value their time together. I hope that you all value this in order to create a team of men who will push each other to destroy the goals that you had hoped to accomplish this season. Because remembering the value of those beside you will help you go further and faster than you could ever go before. I want to thank all of you, for shaping me into the man I am today. Thank you for the countless memories of stupidity and intelligence and conversations. Thank you and farewell, but don't worry, I will visit often.
COMMUNICATING AND COLLABORATING
By: Miguel Walsh ‘20, “Miggy”
Thinking about what people would want to hear most about from our year, I think the most no brainer answer was something that happened right as our year came to a screeching halt: the water gun saga. Not many people wanted to write about it - they thought it was a touchy subject, that it wouldn’t come off well, you get the idea, so I picked it up. I actually thought the exact opposite - through this experience, an invaluable lesson was learned, and it’s one that not just our grade, but every grade, can benefit from.
The whole incident with the water guns was a week of miscommunication, high tensions, and, ultimately, growth. I think a lot of the story is already known, but a bit of it gets misunderstood. The water gun game was one of those unofficial ‘traditions’ we all play in our free time. This year, that tradition got shut down. It makes sense. It was dangerous, and some people weren’t entirely following the rules. Most people understood that. What went wrong came because of a breakdown in communication - the story that permeated our grade was that we were forced to shut down, no say, no ifs ands or buts. For most of our grade, that felt disrespectful. It felt like a slap in the face, after a year of communication and good relations. What was now most important was how we, as a class, would respond.
The day the game shut down was a day of meetings with administration and huddling with each other - coordinating a response that would dignify us without losing our ground, which, I think, is a really important takeaway as a class. We didn’t just sit down and ‘riot’, break things, and just cause chaos. Some people wanted to, but we were man enough to realize that wouldn’t bring any positive change, and just snap any bridge of communication. Instead, we sat down, wrote a letter of our concerns, and sent it to the Administration. We peacefully protested in the parking lot before school, and then went to class on time. There were no theatrics, chest thumping, or breakdowns. That says a lot about us.
The results say a lot about the method, too. A day later, we were all paid a visit in our homerooms clarifying the Administration’s position, and how that previous consensus - of “disrespect”, was just a miscommunication. That was never the purpose of the meeting at all. Instead, we were explained the pitfalls of the game, the dangers, and that the school recommended we put an end to it. We did.
We got a positive outcome, and we came together more united as a class at the same time. It was an important lesson for all of us - the older you get, the less you’re going to get by just kicking and screaming. Instead, we put our heads down, penned a response, and trusted communication to win the day.
It did. And, really, we shouldn’t have been surprised. Communication and collaboration has been the theme of our year - we didn’t create multiple new traditions, from Wolverine Weekend to Trunk or Treat, by making noise. The Administration has been open and willing to hear all our ideas, and, when there was a chance to make it happen, they did.
It’s the same thing in life. People always like having that mentality that “the school’s out to get us”, or “the boss is out to get us”, the older you get. I don’t really think that’s true. At best, it’s self-defeating.
All year, the Administration has been open to listening to us. For you guys in other years, you should keep that in mind. The best way to create change is by communicating and collaborating. This year, I think more than others, we’ve learned the value of that, both in good times and bad.
The Student Council huddles before the Belen Columbus game
WHAT A BELEN RING MEANS TO ME
By:
It’s nearly a hundred degrees out when the administration calls us down for our Ring Ceremony practice in the Central Patio. The typical chatter of administrators saying “Move here. Walk there. Leave space there” rumbles in the distance as a sea of senior jackets flood the halls.
That night, as I passed by friends with broken penny loafers, short blazer sleeves, and goofily knotted ties, I was reminded of the familiarity that any Belen tradition exudes. It’s melancholic to look back upon it now and realize that the long line outside the Roca Theater formed to receive our rings would be one of the last times our grade would come together.
Regardless of whether you picked ultrium or gold, antiqued or original, size seven or size twelve, our Belen ring is something that has united young Belen students for nearly a century. A Belen ring is so much more than what can be felt. That small little ring that most likely sits in your drawer somewhere tells a unique story: the story of us. All our sleepless nights, countless research papers, senior section pranks, lastminute homework assignments, and Salve Regina chants are encompassed in that ring that sits
passively in your room.
A Belen education, no matter how challenging at times, has served as a unifying force for our class. Through the good, the bad, and the ugly, we’ve stood by each other as a class. I never expected that our high school experience would culminate the way it did. I never expected to miss roaming the halls or waiting in the unrelenting lunch lines for a chicken patty. I never expected to miss sitting in the iconic Belen desks or secretly playing a game of Tetris before the Tech Center blocked it. After all, who would've thought that we as tiny sixth-graders, entering through the Belen gates for the first time would soon be finishing high school online?
As we all move to colleges all around the country, remember to keep your ring somewhere close. Enclosed in that ring exists what we choose to do with our Belen experience. The Belen Brotherhood that we’ve been taught about for years is only as strong as we choose to make it. So in the most challenging of times, I challenge you to aim high, dream big, and don’t be afraid of failure because your brothers will always be there to fall back on.
The 2020 Rings are laid out for display prior to presentation during the ring ceremony.
Kevin Valido ‘20, “Kev”
WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
This question has been turning in the minds of seniors for some time now. Since the final months of our Belen experience have been cut short by COVID-19, it’s been hard to avoid that looming “what now?” posed by our quickly vacated calendars. With face-toface classes, athletic seasons, and senior traditions cancelled or significantly modified, there is a sense of hollowness felt as we move through the motions of distance learning towards our departure from Belen. That late senior year we had heard of and looked forward to is not to be for the class of 2020. This is the reality of our situation.
Faced with this reality, we are confronted again with that question: “Where do we go from here?”. In answering, I offer a challenge to our class of 2020.
I’ve heard it said that we will forever be “the class they quarantined”, “the class that didn’t go to grad bash”, “the class that missed out on prom”—that we will be remembered as the class who “lost” or the class that “missed”. Indeed, these things may come to describe our class, but they don’t have to define our class. We are faced with a unique misfortune, but we are a unique group of brothers. Academically, athletically, and extracurricularly, we have proven ourselves a class willing to work with faith and persistence in the pursuit of a greater cause. We have met our adversities head on, with a kind and
determined spirit. The 2020 seniors have excelled in the face of obstacles and setbacks.
My fellow seniors, let our response to this challenge be no different. Take this quarantine as an opportunity to look within. Consider the mark you wish to leave on the world, that we can each emerge from this experience with a renewed purpose. Then, once when life returns to normal and we are scattered far and wide, go out and realize that purpose. Let these times bring our class closer together, so that we may enter the word united in a faith that does justice.
All eyes look to us. Belen has not known a disruption like this since its campus was seized by Communists and its priests were marched at gunpoint to boats leaving Cuba. Future students will learn about the class of 2020 alongside the class of 1961. Like our exiled Belen, when they look back on the class of 2020, we will not be remembered for the things we lost. We will be remembered for what we overcame and, moreover, for the light we shine into the world in spite of the challenges we faced. We will be remembered for the change we bring about, the things we accomplish, and the lives we touch.
So I ask each of my brothers, looking toward a world in need of light:
Where do you go from here?
Diego
Planos '20 waves an American flag during a football senior section
by: Alex Brennan ‘20, “Brennan”
Seniors celebrate mass during the Ring
and Reception in Oct.
WHAT BELEN MEANT TO ME
If you want to get an idea of what the thrilling, unique, and sometimes traumatizing experience of Belen is, all you have to do is take a look at my junior year AP Art History class with Ms. San Juan - the perfect microcosm of Belen. Seven of the most different people were all placed in a classroom to take a course that most of us only selected to enhance our academic portfolio for colleges. We all came from wide-ranging friend groups, varied dramatically in our political and religious views, and brought diverse perspectives to the table as a result of our experiences and
interests.
I thought to put a future astrophysicist, a senator, an entrepreneur, and a couple of engineers and math wizzes in a liberal arts course was going to result in one of the most trying and emotionally draining classes of my life. Yeah, I was absolutely correct. But what I didn't expect and now nostalgically look back at, nearing the end of my Belen experience, was the bond that I formed with each one of those classmates. Initially, I believed our diversity was going to be the downfall of
our class, but it only made us grow closer, and it helped foster an environment where we felt safe to be our genuine selves.
Although we had our rough patches to overcome throughout the year, coming into dialogue and collaborating was always the solution, and we grew into a mini-family by the end of the year. They have taught me way more than what you typically learn in a classroom, and I continue to be inspired by the passion that each of us has for our interests. I have never seen a group of people more committed to justice, in all sense of the word, and open to growing together by sharing our views and experiences. I think what made it all the more meaningful was that we had all faced our fair share of adversity that year and triumphed over them flawlessly together. We definitely all worked harder in that class than we would have thought, but I've also never laughed and had so much fun in a learning space.
And I mean, who would've thought, I even left the course with an appreciation for art. Looking back at my Belen experience as I approach the end, I've come to realize that Belen isn't about the curriculum, the sports, the wide arrange of extracurriculars, or even the physical building as we've all seen now in quarantine. It's about being surrounded every day by peers and staff who challenge our perception of what should be and inspire us to work just a little bit harder to catalyze positive change wherever life takes us in the future. It's about building a strong foundation of values to carry with us to college. It's about discovering ourselves and confidently walking the tight rope that is high school with a safety net of people there to catch us when we fall. Overall, Belen has fostered my passion, inspired my ambition, and left me with a thirst for more in life as a result of the relationships I've cultivated with others.
The seniors celebrate a turnover during the Belen Columbus football game
(L-R) Chris Krause '20, Stefano Sanchez '20, Victor Bisbal '20, and Esteban Rincon '20 take a picture during the homecoming pep rally
BY: Stefano Sanchez ‘20, “Stefano”
LOOKING AHEAD
Austin San Juan ‘21 is a Junior that is a member of the National English Honors Society and the only Junior contributor of this newspaper. He is excited to help kickstart this project now and in the year to come. Beyond writing, Austin is also avid appreciator of art and is notably a member of the Perez Art Museum’s Teen Art Council.
Rest assured, Vincam's phoenixlike resurrection is not fleeting. The resurgence of the Belen Jesuit Vincam is not a “one time thing.” It's only the beginning.
As you now know, Vincam, the school
newspaper has returned at the hands of Miguel Walsh, president of the National English Honor Society. He pooled the resources of the school and underwent an arduous process in order to make this resource available for students. Miguel's efforts mean that all Belen students gain
Juniors stand and cheer during the 2020 Homecoming pep rally. Their theme was "USA".
Father Willy addresses the school to start the 2020 school year.
by: Austin San Juan ‘21
the ability to contribute their voices and share their expression, thoughts and ideas with the student body. National English Honors Society or not, you can contribute to the voice of your school. The beauty of Vincam is that it reflects the student body's interests. It gives you a voice. It puts you in the loop. It records you into a history. Students can analyze sports, advertise a school event, and share poetry all in this one resource. You can write three articles or one - it's about what you want to make heard, and that's what's special.
Listen - it's vital for us, who started Vincam in 2020, to make something clear: this newspaper will continue into 2021, and beyond. This amazing vehicle of student expression is only growing. Students need look no further than the Vincam when seeking to share creative writing, sports analyses, opinion pieces, or journalism in general. In the coming years, the school will have necessary
tool to not only express the voice of the students, but also to foster collaboration through proofreading, joint reporting, and self organization. These are the valuable tools which the Vincam is excited to continue to offer students from sixth to twelfth grade. All that remains to be seen is whether you will seize this opportunity to grow and be heard in a new sort of public forum at our school.
We eagerly await your ideas and, most importantly, your words. I'll be here. Will you?
Seniors and juniors work together in a pep rally tug of war
Incoming 8th and 9th graders pose for a picture to start 2020.
A LETTER TO MMXX
BY: Alberto Romero ‘20, “Alby”
Iremember my first two days at Belen vividly. The night before orientation, I couldn’t sleep. I dreaded the thought of going to a new school without knowing anybody. I started doing push ups and sit ups to keep myself entertained. I tried to watch Netflix on my iPod touch but was too anxious to sit still. The hours went by and I decided to put on my Belen uniform on. I felt awkward in it. I tried learned to tie my tie in preparation for my new school; I must’ve tied it thirty times that night just to make sure it was perfect. By five in the morning, I was ready for school: top button buttoned, penny loafer shinning and my tie all the way up.
I had been to Belen for Tómbola’s and some of my brother’s school events, but this was different. I felt like I was walking into a strange territory. I came from Coral Reef Elementary, a place where I was one of the cool kids and among the smartest in my class. Belen was this giant school with a huge legacy, and more importantly, a huge commitment. My parents told me how much of an honor it was to attend a Jesuit school with so much history. They told me that it was a huge sacrifice for them to send my brother and I to one of the top schools in Miami. They never sugar coated things for me, since I was a young kid they told me how things were, I knew that Belen’s tuition was a heavy weight on my parents backs and I knew that I was no
longer going to be the smartest.
The sun rose and it was time to head to school. I got into my dads car and proceeded to make the forty-five minute commute to Belen. At the time the drive felt eternal and we were stuck in traffic on the Palmetto, (ironically, this drive is among what I miss most during my quarantine) my legs were shaking and my dad kept telling me “todo va salir bien, no te preocupes,” which, not to lie, didn’t mean much to me at the time.
I walked into school and was sent to my homeroom class. Mr. Charles Curry was greeting the students as they walked in and I sat by the wall. I remember the other 6th graders walking in and greeting their friends, familiar with each other. I didn’t have that luxury. I felt alone. We went ahead and took our ID pictures, but I was yet to speak with any of my peers. The first person to speak to me that day was Mario Osorio. I was wearing the navy blue Belen cardigan, you know, the one you can find at the bookstore for like 5 dollars and gets the little bumps all over it. I realized I was one of the few kids with a sweater on, and as I walked out after taking my picture, Mario called me sweater man. Mind you, if anyone knows Mario, he looks the exact same as he did in 6th grade, which is to say he was a literal man-child. It was a bit intimidating. I remember some slight chuckles, and I felt super awkward.
When we got back to the homeroom, I noticed that the kid behind me was looking at stocks on his iPad. When I was in elementary school I wanted to be a stockbroker, so I quickly began speaking to him about stocks. I’ll be honest - I don’t think I understood half the stuff I was saying but we sparked up an interesting conversation. That kid’s name was Emilio Lopez. He’s no longer at Belen because his family moved to Colorado, but he became my first friend. I went throughout the tours and introductory speeches and was counting down the hours until I could go home. Orientation was over, but my stay at Belen wasn’t. My dad was about an hour late to pick me up due to his job (this became a common occurrence) and I was waiting at the front of the school playing games on my iPad (the good ol’ days). I was sitting down when this one skinny kid, who asked me what I was playing, approached me. I obliged and showed him, and all of a sudden, that was my second friend. That was Johnny Juncal, who also doesn’t go to Belen, although for different circumstances. Nonetheless, him and Emilio both will always be remembered.
Next up came the first real day of school, and this time I got to pose at my front door with my orange and neon grey book bag for my mom. One benefit I did have was my brother – since he went to Belen already, I didn’t have to walk in alone. I felt a little more comofortable. As soon as we hit the central patio, my brother told me to wait for him on a bench that he’d be right back. He came back with Andres Poveda ‘17 and little Nico Poveda. Big Poveda and my brother were best friends and decided to introduce us. Yeah, that was possibly the most awkward way to meet someone I’ve ever experienced. Our brothers sat us down on a bench and told us “yeah so you’re both jits, be friends” and left us. Me and Nico awkwardly sat there until Nick Amaya walked past us and struck up conversation with Nico, his longtime friend. I just awkwardly removed myself and headed to the chapel before the morning assembly began. In the chapel I met one of the most spectacular people at Belen: Silvia, the lunch lady. Silvia sat with me and talked to me, she encouraged me to just wait for friends to come naturally. After we spoke, she asked my name and wrote it in her notebook and since then we’ve been friends. It wasn’t all sunshine, though. My sixth grade year was tough on me and I really didn’t like Belen. I even got into a “fight” with Leo Matos on the old playground, but I managed to survive. Sixth grade defined a lot about me, and during this year I decided I wanted to be in student council when I was a senior.
During middle school, and well into high school my parents couldn’t pick me up until late. I spent countless hours after school playing football or basketball. It was during these hours after school I got to meet Alejandro Castro. Lifers recall Castro’s reputation in 6th grade as the crazy kid; he received a Saturday on his first day of school and approached a record for PH’s. Was he insane? Maybe, but we connected. We’d always find a new place to sneak into on campus. Our adventures only intensified, as we got older. Freshman year, we even had a picnic at the highest point of Belen (if anyone wants we can show you the way up). I also took on wrestling for a brief period, where Eddie Silva, Castro and I would climb up on the roof and had a goal to go on every roof of the school. We’re still missing one boys – and you better believe we’re gonna get it.
I love Belen, because of the strangers who became my brothers. I cherish the memories made in and out of school. Student Council has had a great effect on me as a person, through both good times and bad. After winning the election at the end of junior year, my cabinet and me immediately faced the stoic criticism every student council has received before us.I was accused of leaving my friends behind. It hurt – how do you balance doing right by your grade and by your brothers? Regardless of that, we were on a mission to provide our brothers, from sixth to twelfth grade, with a memorable year. We began work on our biggest project of the year, Wolverine Weekend, a weekend getaway to Fruitland Park, Florida where the freshmen had a lake day and played sports. Even going back into the summer, the Executive Board was meeting and hard at work to make that pipe dream at the time a reality for a freshman class lacking grade-wide events.
On the week we were intended to leave, suddenly, Mr. Jordan got very sick. The day before we left for the event we set up a Zoom call with him (the irony haunts us) and discussed what was left to do. We were informed that we had to fill in for “Major” at the service fair and with the preparations for the trip. Day Zero was intense. None of us went to class. First period, we organized the bags in the gym and started printing rosters without access to the copy center. Rafa Bru and Kevin Valido went around the school to every office asking to print - the five-page limit in the library enforced by Sister Ophelia was killer. Meanwhile, Miguel Walsh was calling the venues up, Mario and Frankie Aguero were organizing our supplies, and Gabriel Robau and I were speaking with the service organizations before the assembly. It was chaos, but it was just another day at work. The entire day we worked on ensuring that we had everything accounted for and everything prepared. Then, we left on Wolverine Weekend. It was a hit.
Student Council has taught me so much. The job allowed me to branch out and truly get to know more people from the Class of 2020 and I am grateful for that opportunity. We put together new events this year, like Polar Palooza and Trunk Or Treat with full support from the school, and as a Student Council, we are thankful we were able to create new things. Senior year has been busy and eventful. I miss everyone so much, and as I’m writing this, I’m filled with sadness. I would give anything to see all of my brothers once again. Right before the water gun incidents I was excited to finish school and move on to life after Belen, but now there is nothing I want more than to walk the halls of Belen and see the seniors all together. I miss seeing Nick Fernandez and Luis Gutierrez fighting during Chormanski, I miss seeing the ice being thrown across the senior section, I miss hearing Rodrigo burst into song randomly, I miss the constant yelling in Maza’s class, I miss watching Cuesta beat Izzy in Smash and the constant brotherly banter. I feel comfort in the fact that no matter where we are, we still have our love for one another and a bond that very few understand, but only those who have lived the Belen experience can relate to. Although this is not we envisioned our senior year coming to an end, I could not have picked a better group of people to have spent the last seven years of my life with. I will love and cherish you boys forever and although my time as President has not been perfect, I am proud to have been able to serve you.
See y’all soon.
2020 THROUGH THE YEARS
THE WRITERS THE WRITERS
Miguel Walsh '20 Editor in Chief
Chris Klemick '20
Kevin Valido '20 Writer
Brian Black '20 Artist
James Figarola '20 Writer
Alberto Romero '20 Writer
Alejandro Castro '20 Writer
Daniel Comas Sanchez '20 Writer
Austin San Juan '21 Writer
Diego Segurola '20 Writer
Stephen Alexander Brennan '20 Writer
A special thanks to everybody that was able to make this dream a reality once again. Special thanks to Mr. Maza, Mr. Jordan, Mr. Calderin, Ms. Basso, Ms. Vila, Ms. Martinez, Mr. Roca and Fr. Willie for sticking with this through the process. A shoutout to Lino for always being there to help and clean up our messes in the senior section. A special shoutout to the Class of 2020 - this was for you.
