1998 Echoes Belen Jesuit Yearbook

For sponsorship information contact mdemola@belenjesuit.org

Special thanks to: Cres Ruiz, Javier Mariscal, Jose Lopez Varela, and Peter Montadas

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If you haven't realized it, Belen is a ''Tradition in the Making.'' The school first opened in 1854 in Havana, Cuba and since then the Jesuits and their school have endured many hardships to keep the tradition of Belen alive. Let us now move to the present. A present where we find ourselves in a new Belen, a more modern Belen. 144 years later we find a Belen hooked up to the internet and enjoying their second year with a Gymnasium. A Belen that sponsors student related activities that provide for the Belen community and the betterment of the world. A Belen which gives the students the chance to visit other places in the world and learn about their customs. A Belen which has become a symbol of leadership in the community that surrounds it. A Belen preparing to say good-bye to the class of 1998 and preparing

Real-life Traditions ... The Cantens Cantens Sr graduated from El Colegio de graduated from the first Belen in Miami in 1 to 1982, later teaching Math from 1982-1986. in 2001 , and Chris Cantens , a seventh grader ,

Traditions in academics ... Academic life is the most important aspect of

the Belen Tradition . Junior Jorge Alvarez and senior Gabe Dorado keep that tradition alive when they review their school supplies on the first day of school.

photo by Will Gaitan

Living Out Traditions Student Life

One of the funniest aspects of the "Belen Experience" is student life. There is always something to do, be it sports, organizations, after-school study, or just plain hanging around. Students are usually seen after school, participating in many extra curricular activities. One of the students' favorite activities are the dances. This year the Belen Student Council hosted four fund-raising dances, one of them being only for the junior high students. Another favorite activity is going to watch sporting events. Some of the students' favorite sports are basketball, football, and wrestling. Students have the ability to come together as a school and cheer for the same cause . The events that attract the most attention are the famous "Pep Rallies." At these rallies, students can show their spirit, with basically nothing to be embarrassed about. All these events are the ways in which Belen students live out traditions.

Armando Castro

Carlos Barcia and Michael Bertran dress up for the traditional Senior Skit.

Eight graders cool off ,at the ice cream truck, while attending a junior high baseball game

Lianette Campos and Xavier Gonzalez stand under the rain waiting for the second half of the Belen versus Pace football game.

Senior Gabe Dorado holds senior Gabe Masvidal up on his shoulders at one of the "World Famous" pep-rallies.

photo by Teresita Campos

Senior Steve Farifias and his date pose for a picture at the Homecoming Dance.

photo by Steve Giralt

Julio Bertemati shares his theory on water seepage and proper roofing with a fellow classmate.

A stroll down Gatlingburg Belen's North Carolina Cross Country trip takes a stop from running while visiting Gatlingburg, Tennessee.

That looks nice, A quick group shot in front of a very popular Vienna market place. In the background a very artistic apartment building.

Erimar von der Osten, Francisco Gonzalez-Learra, Eugenio Duarte, Albert Garcia -Romeu, Pedro Munilla, Norberta Benitez, Mr. Charles Cleaveland, Robert Diaz, Daniel Soberon, Victor Pelaez, Charles Suastegui.

photo by Jose Soberon

One of the many sculptures that beautify the streets of Vienna, Austria Vienna is known as one of the great artistic cities in the world.

photo by Danny Montenegro

photo by Erimar von der Osten

Srudem life

photo by Erimar von der Osten

Many Belen students stop and look at some much appreciated graffiti on the wall of a apartment building in Lucerne Switzerland. On the first floor sits a casual restaurant and on the second floor through the fourth floor we have night club.

photo by Erimar von der Osten

Coach Fidel Albelo and senior Pedro Vidal enjoy their time in Louisville, Kentucky with the varsity football team. The football team won their game against Grant County 21-0.

In the Swiss folklore dinner in Lucerne, Switzerland Robert Diaz takes a shot at blowing the Alphorn.

A Whole New World

We all know that during the school year Belen students come together at SW 127th Avenue, but during the summer us Belenites travel all over the world. One of the most intriguing trips, offered by Belen and sponsored by the Social Studies department, is the Europe trip. This trip is headed by 9th grade World History Teacher Mr. Charles Cleveland who invites 10-20 students from grades 9th through 11th each year. This summer's trip was to Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. The Europe trip wasn't the only jaunts that are students went on. There was the

training session that the cross-country team took to North Carolina. The Wrestling team went to Guatemala for a tournament and placed 3rd and 4th. Our beloved Yearbook class went to St. Petersburg, Florida for the yearbook Seminar at Eckerd College. Though not everyone went on these school trips, many did travel around the Globe. Junior Danny Montenegro visited the scenic wilderness of the last frontier: Alaska. So next time you hear the word Belen think of it in a worldly perspective.

Erimar von der Osten

photo by Erimar von der Osten

photo by Pedro Vidal, Sr.

Splish, Splash

It's a summer bash

After the final bell has rung, and the last few students have stormed out of the classroom, many think that the gates of Belen are closed to begin preparation for the following school year. They could not be further from the truth.

Since 1983, Belen has opened its door to many kids, ranging from 3 to 14 years old. They participate in a wide variety of activities, whether it is playing football, doing art, or even going into the pool. ''It allows the kids to have fun in a safe environment, while their parents are at work,'' says director and founder Carlos Barquin. Over the years, Belen Summer Camp has grown to be the biggest camp in the state of Florida. It started out with 375 members in

its inaugural year, 1983, and has already grown to 1380 campers this past year. These campers were taken care of by 204 counselors, most of which were between the ages of 16 and 18. "I like to hire young adults because it teaches them responsibility, and because to do a job like this you need a lot of energy," says Mr. Barquin. In recognition of the counselors' hard work, they were rewarded with a trip to Busch Gardens. The experience was best described by 7 year old camper Juan Andres Lajos: ''This was the best summer I have ever had." Truly, it was a summer that many will never forget.

Jorge Salum

Frank Gomez is trying to get the campers to sleep during Overnight Camp.

photo by Jorge Saladrigas

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Counselors pose for a picture during their day off at Busch Gardens.

photo by Jorge Saladrigas

Camp Director Carlos Barquin is trying to get everyone quiet by making weird signs with his hands.

photo by Jorge Saladrigas

The counselors shown here are giving swimming lessons to these five year old campers. Over the seven week course of Summer Camp, campers are given one hour swimming lessons five days a week.

photo by Manny Gomez

As Traditions Begin

Welcome Back Wolverines for another great school year! The Senior Class of 1998 can finally say, "It is our time to shine." Many new students are entering Belen for the first time and are waiting to conquer the challenges that Belen has to offer.

Belen veteran students and teachers will see new faces as another sixth grade, some ninth graders, and a handful of new teachers join the Belen community. As we enter the first year of the postacreditation process, we

will experience a higher academic responsibility which Belen will accept whole heartedly.

Senior Leo Bellon commented, that the first day of school was an experience of anxiety. The students of this, and the next generations, will benefit from the new wing being built at Belen which will include another computer lab, the cafeteria expansion, the water polo team and many more traditions in the making.

Othon Cardelle

Fr. Jorge Sardinas S.J. is welcoming back and giving helpful advice to sophomore Alex Delgado.accompanied by Ms. Delgado. photo by Will Gaitan

Peter Alvarez is receiving his change from Mr. Pablo Taquechel, in his first year as bookstore manager.

photo by Will Gaitan

Sixth grader Julian Dieppa, checking his classes and putting his name on his notebook, wants to get an early start on his first day at Belen.

photo by Will Gaitan

Juniors Mike Gubieda, Carlos Arnedo, and Roger Sanchez are comparing their schedules to check what classes they have together. photo by Will Gaitan

After an enjoying and challenging first day of school, many students go to show off their "skillz" in a game of pick- up basketball. photo by Teresita Campos

Freshman Xavier Perez, with a sign of anxiety on his face, is ready to embark on his Belen journey.

photo by Will Gaitan

"Men at work," two workers digging a whole where they will construct the extension of the cafeteria .

Fr. Eddy Alvarez blesses the time capsule which was buried where the new wing is being constructed. The time capsule holds surprises that the students of the next century will dig up

only one months '

Photo By David Hernandez

Photo By Robert Rico

This is a bird eyes view of the new North Wing of the school.

Photo By David Hernandez

This is a picture of the new extended cafeteria after

work.

Photo By David Hernandez

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Beginning New Traditions

If there was one prevailing for the Belen 97-98 school year, it would be Changes. Changes for the future, due to the continuing growth of the Belen student body. Among the changes this school year are a new wing, an extension to the cafeteria, a special guest lounge, and a new and improved food service.

Of these, the most significant change is the construction of a new wing to the main building. This wing will house eight new classrooms which will be used by a mix of freshmen and sophomores, a new

school year.

Photo By David Hernandez

With the help of fund raisers and the donations of these four distinguished members of the Belen community, the new wing of Belen would not have been constructed.

Photo By Robert Rico

computer resource center, and a guest dining room. The total cost of this new wing was $650,000. When asked why it was necessary to construct this wing, Mr. Brian Wentzel, Assistant Principal of Admissions, had this to say, "It is primarily due to the growing capacity of our student body. We are now close to 1,000 students compared to 562 students in 1982 when the school was first opened." The growth of the student body is the key to the continued growth of Belen.

Daniel Montenegro

''We are building this new wing primarily due to the growing capacity of our student body, which has increased from 562 students from when we opened to 1, 000 students now.''

Mr. Brian Wentzel

Senior Victor Gilpin sits at the new research center which opened at the beginning of the

A Time of Peace

Of all the events and ac- ni, Roberto Gouizueta. Stutivities that Belen has dent participation in the throughout the year, the masses is always present. most important of all of Along with praying, there is these is the mass. Ever a choir, which is led by Ms. since the missions in South Josefina Chirino. Among America, the Jesuit priests the members are sophohave been incorporating more Nick Torres, and sevmass into the lives of all enth grade teacher Ms. the people they serve. Candy Morera. The liturHere in Miami, the school gies are also an intricate tries to invoke a sense of part of the mass. Deacon faith into all its students, Robert 0' Malley and his even the teachers. Masses Honors Liturgy class have are held on special occa- the task of preparing the sions, such as, to celebrate liturgy for all the schoolthe day of all saints, the wide masses; ''it's not an feast day of the Immac- easy task," said junior Jonulate Conception, and this athan Alfonso. year, the school had a Jose Fernandez mass to commemorate the passing of one of its alum-

Sophomore Nick Torres, Ms. Candy Morera, and eighth grader Enrique Alard contribute their talent and time to each mass as they sing. Ms. Josefina Chirino and Mr. Stephen Falk also contribute their talent by playing the guitar and piano.

Photo by Jorge Saladrigas

Key Club President Jonathan Torrens commends Fr. Jorge Sardina, S.J. and Fr. Francisco Perez- Llerena, S.J. for their years of service to the Jesuit order.

Photo by Jorge Saladrigas Sophomore Jose Romero reads the Responsorial Psalm as the students listen attentively.

Photo by Jorge Saladrigas

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26, 1 7 this town, and field day 20 Key Club wa s organized for tbe chilBe len set dren on New Year's Day. of the Do- The group returned on Janmnncan ic on a mis- uary 4th sion of healing They trav- Another trip is scheduele d to the rural mountain led for Feb. 12-16 which community of Yierba Bue- will also involve a clinic and na There , they erected a the constructio n of laakeshift clinic and treat- trines This will be the final ed over 600 patients with journey of the sch ool year medical supplies collec te d for the Key Club from Bein the United States They len. constructed 6 latrines farious inhabitants of town. The trip lasted span of the Thanksgivkend and the group home on November 3 th

A month later , another set of Key Clubbers from flew to Puerto Plata tional Airport to u to the town of El ba. Here too, the set up a clinic treated patients for 4 . In addition to the c, the missionaries a schoolhouse to rethe rotten wooden that previously exthere. This portion of lasted 8 days ran simu ltaneou the clinic. 5 lr.1hrtiralkl also constructed

Senior Mikel Llanes shows that an International Trustee can actually do work here, he is getting wood to finish the school that this group sought out to build

for a

Richard Marquez, Michael

and Jorge

take a break after they finally finished building steps on a steep hill photo by

photo by Jorge Salum

Father Eddy Alvarez S.J. and the rest of the Jesuit priest and brothers, who live in the Dominican Republic, get together to pose

picture photo by Jorge Salum

Mena,

Salum

Jonathan Torrens

Up Close with Close Up

Remember, democracy is not a spectator sport. This phrase is the battle cry of the Close Up Foundation. Since 1975, a select number of Belen juniors and seniors go to Washington, D.C. to learn about our nations government up close. The students are taught by Close Up program instructors, or P.I.'s, throughout the week and are taken to the numerous landmarks and buildings within our nations capital. Along with the memorials and other beautiful sites, students from Belen and other schools across the country listen to guest speakers on different topics that are pressing to the nation.

Each Close Up group consists of about 200 students from high schools

across the country. This year's group from Belen was joined by schools from Georgia, Texas, California, Louisiana, and Northern Florida. All the students stayed at the Holiday Inn in Chevy Chase, Maryland (about 30 minutes from Washington) and were joined by at least one teacher form their school.

This year's Close Up group from Belen was honored to be accompanied by Dr. Armando Rodriguez, assistant principal and Latin American History teacher.

This year's trip was highlighted by: Capitol Hill Day ( a day entirely spent on the Capitol), the Capitol Steps (a musical parody about the government), and the free day. "This year's trip was an enchanting experience. I especially enjoyed

our free day,'' stated junior Erimar von der Osten. Free day is a day that Close Up participants are allowed to roam around Washington for the whole day. Some of the prime locations that were visited were, The National Archives, The National Air and Space Museum, The National Holocaust Memorial Museum, and Georgetown University.

Of course, all this moving around did tend to tire all the students. So, as a final farewell, the Close Up Foundation threw a party for all it's participants.

Junior Octavia Verdeja had this to say, ''I felt the party was a good way to end the week with a bang!'' Almost all the students attended the shindig, dancing to the music of such acclaimed

artists as Vanilla Ice and Mariah Carey. But unfortunately, the night had to end.

The next day the buses arrived bright and early to take the students to the airport. Throughout the week the P.I.'s had taught and shown the participants of this program the beauty and importance of our nations capital. Junior Daniel Montenegro had this closing statement, ''To me, this trip was a great learning experience. I will cherish all the memories and friends that I have met.'' Truly, the 1998 Close Up trip will be an experience that will never be forgotten by it's participants.

Jose Fernandez

Juniors Gaby Bustamante and Jose Fernandez show their heritage off proudly while in the hotel.

photo by Jessica Gayle

The newly open Korean War Memorial gives an idea of the harsh conditions that the soldiers had to face.

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photo by Gaby Bustamante

here is one of the main study halls of Georgetown University. Georgetown was the first Jesuit university opened in the United States.

a

Pictured

photo by David Hernandez

Left to right: juniors Tab Verdeja, Erimar von der Osten, Eddie Acosta, Jose Fernandez, senior Richard Marquez, and juniors Gaby Bustamante and Danny Montenegro visit the Capitol.

photo by Bob Dole

Even after

hard days work, the Close Up participants are still full of energy.

photo by Jose Fernandez

Boogie Ni

What most Belen stu- dances are greatest" says dents look forward for du- Junior Danny Montenegro. ring the weekdays, other What makes these dances then the weekend itself, is great? Could it be the fact dances. The Belen Student that you don't have to go Council puts on three to there to dance but you four dances a year for us could go there to socialize students and this is not with your friends. Or is it counting -the Homecoming that we get the craziest dance and the Junior and and coolest DJ' s like DJ Senior Prom. The biggest Zog and Ballistic Billy. dance of the school year is Whatever the reason is the the Belen Kickoff Dance one sure thing is that the which makes over 12,000 Belen Wolverine have bigdollars for the Belen Stu- gest brouhaha since Andent Council. These dances drew Jackson was in the don't only belong to the so- White House. cial elite but to people of Erimar von der Osten all walks of life. "Belen

After 15 minutes of dancing his heart out, senior Mikel Llanes rests on a column and takes a breather.

photo by Jorge Saladrigas

Sophmore J. Walker scans the plaza for just the perfect dancer.

photo by Jorge Saladrigas

Student Council Vice President Nick Calzada takes his job seriously, as he counts the money that has been made so far.

photo by Jorge Saladrigas

Freshman J. Daniels waits for "just the right song" to go dancing to with his girlfriend

photo by Jorge Saladrigas

Along with all the dancing that goes on, freshman

takes time out to mingle and converse with his friends.

One of the highlights of this year's Kickoff Dance, along with the over 3,000 in attendance , was the music. The people here are all getting down to the smooth lyrics of Master P

by Leo Bellon

Jimmy Newmeyer

photo by Leo Bellon

photo

·Raise the Roof

People are screaming, the music is jamming, and Belen school spirit is being taken to another level. Pep-rallies give students a chance to really appreciate how hard their athletes work in order to make it to the top. The first pep-rally of this year took place on Friday, October 17, at night. Since then, peprallies have taken place whenever a team needs an added boost of confidence to win a key game, or just to let the students have a

little fun and show off their school pride.

Varsity and junior varsity cheerleaders are always present at these events. They give their support to our athletes, and excite the crowd. The pep-rallies may take place at night or during the day, and are led by the school president Carlos Curbelo. ''Night pep-rallies are a lot of fun and a good way to show school spirit,'' regarded junior Eddie Acosta.

Octavio Verdeja

Alexandra Vidal, holds up the answer card, while waiting for her perfect date playing the Belen version of MTV's Singled Out game show during a night pep-rally.

Belen mascot Waldo escorts English teacher Ms. Aimee Busquet to the center of the pep-rally.

Srudont lift

Gabe Dorado does a little dance just before coming out to play the guys portion of the Singled Out game.

and school pride

The Junior Varsity Cheerleaders show off their Belen school spirit while Stephani Perez does a flyer in a school pep-rally

All photos by Jorge Saladrigas

Christy Morgado, only one of the many cheerleaders to receive a rose at a pep-rally for all her hard work

Senior quarterback Michael 'Cookie' Martinez shows us how to complete a pass in perfect form . He had over 150 yards passing and threw two touchdowns

photo by Leo Bellon

Senior wide reciever Gabe Masvidal makes an incredible reception as he alludes one tackler and jukes another.

photo by Leo Bellon

Let 's get fired up !

photo by Jorge Saladrigas

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Junior Eric Mauri finds a big hole and picks up a big gain. He had over 100 yards rushing and a touchdown

photo by Leo Bellon

What A Week!

Full of Wolverine pride, with a great senior skit and an exciting game this homecoming week was one of the best yet. This year the annual homecoming week was full of great activities and a lot of fun. Some of the activities ·this year were crazy hat day, college day and pro jersey day. During the week the students are able to come out of uniform. On college day, the most popular apparel was the University of Michigan and the University of North Carolina. Professional jersey day was highlighted by Dan Marino's number, 13.

The Senior Skit was a great success and had many great performances. "I had a lot of fun playing my part and practicing with the senior class," said senior Alex Trujillo. The night performance was a sell

out. "It was a great example of the talent and acting ability of the 98 Senior class,'' ·said senior David Hernandez.

The homecoming game was a great victory. Q.B. Mike Martinez had 228 yards passing and 2 T.D.'s. R.B. Eric Mauri had 117 yards and 1 T.D. This resulted in a wolverine record of a 1 ,000 yard rusher and passer in the same season. It was a great example of team work and unity among the football team.

The week ended with a spectacular Homecoming Dance that was highlighted by the dance of the king and queen. This years king was senior Danny Lopez and the queen was Lourdes' Senior Christina Sobrado. Homecoming week was a great success and a wonderful experience for

the student body.

Seniors Gabe Dorado and Eric Gaunche dress up as thier favorite wrestlers during homecoming week.

photo by David Hernandez

Othon Cardelle

Eighth graders Enrique Alard, Jesus Suarez, and Ignacio Cajades show off their creativity with some of the best looking hats during homecoming week.

photo by Teresita Campos

Senior Danny Lopez and Lourdes senior Christina Sobrado show off thier smiles for two reasons; they were elected into the homecoming court and Belen had a great win.

photo by Leo Bellon

Students and their dates leave the regency ballroom, at the Hyatt, after an exciting evening of fun, food and music.

Junior Alex Martinez and Melissa Shust have a companionate moment outside the Hyatt Regency in downtown Miami.

Time To Celebrate

The Hyatt Regency, in Downtown Miami, played host to this years Homecoming Dance. For the price of seventy dollars, students and their dates were treated to a fine three course meal, as well as hours of dancing and fun. In the words of junior Alex Llama, ''Bro! I had the best time, especially when they played Master P.'' Others just took the time to socialize with familiar faces and practice their conversational skills. Victor Mcmillan, varsity runningback, said: "the game took a lot out of me, so I just went around talking to people. I didn't have the

energy to get on the dance floor.''

The decorations at the dance were "looking good and everybody loved them,'' according to junior Steven Henriques. Usually overlooked are the parents who put so much into this dance, including the decorations. Here at the Belen yearbook staff, we believe in the famous quote, "give credit, where credit is due.'' Therefore, on behalf of the students who attended the dance, we salute the parents who worked hard to put this dance together.

Julio C. Bertemati

Carlos Hernandez, and date, strut their stuff, showing us all why they should be mambo king and queen of Miami.

Belen students boogie down, with their dates, to the sounds of "Master P ." during the Homecoming Dance.

Ten out of the twelve nominees for homecoming queen, take a break from dancing, to pose for pictures. Not shown are nominees Lauren Knickerbocker and Jackie Chishm.

Juniors, Julio Bertemati and Adriana Puentes, are interrupted during dinner, by an Echoes photographer, for a quick picture.

Included with a night of form is a delicious three course meal prepared by the fine staff at the Hyatt Regency.

All photos by: Steve Giralt Homing Dance

What do you like about field day?

Sophomore Alex Rivera, tries to win the relays for his homeroom photo by

Juniors Victor McMillian and Alejandro Llama think of what it takes to become "No Limit Soldiers" photo by Mike Martinez

"Basketball was my favorite event!''

Luis Pasos Sixth grade

"I just love ice cream!"

Gabriel Gonzalez Jun ior

" Well , since I can ' t do much , I enjoy watching my fr iends."

Alejandro Vasquez Senior

"I just like not having classes!"

Pedro Munilla Sophmore

"Hot dogs! Hot dogs!"

Vincent Cartaya Junior

" I love Barqball!"

Gabriel Dorado Senior

Student Life

Led Bellon

Fun and Unity

Field day this year was a day of fun and unity for all. Many students got together and united with their homerooms as they played such games as barq ball, basketball, tug of war, and a number of relays. For some students this was to be their last year together at Belen, and this may have been their final chance to unite as ''men for others'', before they make a crucial decision in their lives and drift apart to college. For others it was just another opportunity to put down the books, relax, and have a good time with their friends.

No matter what happened at field day, what was important was that Belen students got together, to help one another and support each other as friends, through the good times and the bad times. Belen students truly showed it doesn't matter whether you win or lose, its how close are you to your school mates. Field day was a great success and went down in history, as one of the many years traditional events.

Geoffrey Valdes

One favorite among students on field day is the school cafeteria, which this year also had different games inside.

photo by Leo Bellon

Showing us that Field day is more than just a day to go out and play sports are teachers Mario Remis, Mr. Burke, and counselor Sam Vega. Also with them is junior Alex Batista.

photo by Teresita Campos

Tom bola Fun, Rides and Tradition

This year, Tombola be- mately $150,000 for stugan on February 27th and dents on scholarship. It ended March 1st with a was also a large success bang. This event is always because it brought togethone of the climaxes of the er the Belen community Belen year. Many different and alumni. Junior Erimar types of food, games, and von der Osten regarded, rides were offered. Each ''Tombola is a great time homeroom was entitled a because I am able to spend booth or game in order to time with my family, and I raise money for scho- get to ride the Dragon larships. The booths and Wagon with my little brothgames raised an enormous ers.'' sum of money, approxi-

Octavia Verdeja

All photos by Steve Giralt

Tombola

" Belen fundraisers bring us together to help our school grow in many different ways such as providing vital scholarships, and adding new facilities for the future students of this school."

Senior Big Brother Xavier Gonzalez checks to make sure that everyone has sold their raffle tickets, as eigth grader Jorge Jalil looks on.

photo by Teresita Campos

Belen students and golfers Jeronimo Esteve, Juan Carlos Alexander, Eric Alexander, Tony Jimenez, Javier Rivera, and Coach Ed Locasio pose with

trophies after the first annual Fr. Izquierdo Golf tournament.

photo by Beatriz Jimenez

Stud ent Life

The Fun in Fund Raising

Without a doubt fundraising has become an important part of the continuous growth of Belen. The alumni and Tambala raffle ticket sales, the Tambala school fair, the Christmas wrapping paper sale, and the Belen gala dinner, have helped raise the money needed to make Belen what it is today.

The alumni raffle ticket sales have helped give scholarships to student who can't afford the tuition of our school. Our school gym wouldn't have been built without the help of the Tambala fair and raffle ticket sale with its construction, and the gym has became a symbol of unity for the students, hosting peprallies and masses. since its opening. Probably the most enjoyable fun-

draising event during the year is the Belen Tambala fair. This year had a numerous amount of rides and games that brought our faculty, alumni, and parents to the school grounds. The dance, held by the student council during Tambala, also brought in large crowds of teenagers.

Other school projects that Belen has completed with the help of these fundraising events are the Ramon J. Gutieras computer center, the new wing which will contain eight new classrooms and a new computer center, and the new guest dining room. Without the help of the fundraising events, Belen truly wouldn't be what it is today.

Daniel Montenegro

Sophomores Charles Suastegui and Jose Parilla party in one of the schools most enjoyable forms of fundraising: a Belen school dance.

photo by Steve Giralt M

All photos by Alex Bienes.

First Steps Towards

November first time ev , he ceremony was held in t e Belen Gymnasium . The d ision to break with the tracttti of having it in the centr t io was made due to the r · he ceremony went very SI o thly considering the lastJ minute change to the gym . Senior Jose E. Souto said, have been looking forw r (ZJ to this moment for a 1o time .'' That was probabl the case for most of the senior class As each senior ent up to receive their ring, you could see the smile o t ir faces as they came one s ep closer to Graduation . Alejano 0 Vazquez

Seniors Javier Granda and Jorge Grillo and their sponsors pray together during the mass.

Senior Eduardo Canto recieves communion during the celebration of the Eucharist.

Senior Francisco Rivas -Vasquez brings up an offeratory during the ring ceremony mass

Senior Skit . • •

Is Just Too Sweet!

One of the most anticipated and hyped events of Homecoming week is the Senior Skit. This is the event where seniors are able to impersonate their favorite faculty members. All the impersonations are done with the permission of the teachers, and they are done in good taste. The highlights included the traditional Fr. Eddy impersonation, in which this years ''Fr. Eddy'', Robert

Fojo, gives the audience oral examinations. Some students, when asked, said they were impressed with Gab r i e I Dorado ' s i mpersonations. According to junior, Joseph Fernandez, "Dado's take on the N. W. 0. was very impressive." When asked about the overall performance the seniors, junior Emil Ricart put it best by saying, "It was just too sweet!"

by Julio C. Bertemati

Rafic Muci and Ariel Ezpinosa portray "thugish - ruggish" Columbus students. Their loose fitting attire can be attributed to their belief in being "No Limit Soldiers."

Senior quarterback, Michael Martinez leads the senior class at the end of the skit, to thank all involved and pep the crowd up for the Homecoming Game.

all photos by Leo Bellon

Student Council President Carlos Curbelo, while smoking a fake cigar backwards, mock cuban dictator Fidel Castro This was one of the most memorable impersonations of the skit.

Seniors Gabriel Dorado and Jose Rovira give the best impersonations of "Hollywood Hulk Hogan ." and "Macho Man , Randy Savage" as the crowd erupts , to the cheer of " N W O 4 -Life. "

Diogenes Carrera and Mario Rojas have a dialogue during one of the many memorable scenes of this year ' s skit.

Seniors Alejandro Trujillo, Frank Batista, and Stephen Farinas do their best to impersonation of popular Belen teachers.

Sonioc Skic

A Traditional Senior Play

The Senior Play, A Company of Wayward Saints, was playing on the days of April twenty-ninth and April thirtieth which was a huge success. The play was written by George Herman and directed by Belen's own Mr. Leo Williams. The play which included students from Belen, St. Brendan, and Lourdes brought the drama department about two thousand dollars. Belen was represented in this play by the senior speech and drama class which has a total of eighteen members. Six of those eighteen were cast members and the remaining twelve members were in charge of production, sales promotion, lights, sounds and many more departments.

The main character, played by

Senior David Hernandez, was a man named Harliquen who was the company manager. It was the biggest part played in recent Belen history. Senior David Hernandez had this to say, "For the entire month of April we were in rehearsal every monday through thursday but we only had ten rehearsals as an entire cast. We got through the play because we had a great cast of actors and a great director."

"We had a great company of actors, a great play, and a great director'' said Michael Martinez. ''This play was very funny comedy and the cast get along great."

Othon

Cardelle

Senior Jose Rovira and St. Brendan's sophomore Angie Sardina, passionately kiss during one of the most intense scenes of the Senior Play.

All photos by Mike Martinez

David Hernandez, who plays a priest, and Jose Rovira have a very heated conversation during a vital scene in the play.

Senior, Robert Fojo, shows of his acting talents with the help of Lourdes Academy junior, Jessica Fernandez.

Senior, Carlos Barcia, shows off his award winning acting talents, dressed in full costume while performing the Senior Play.

Senior peer ministers Gabriel Dorado and Paul Ramirez, in front of many seniors and retreat leaders, are burning the "Box of Sins"offered by everyone at the encounter.

This group of seniors are awaiting a very promising and great dinner from the Pasta Factory The dinner, fetuccini alfredo, was a very tasty and a great success.

photo by David Hernandez

photo by David Hernandez

The 1997-98 senior class, guided by the Holy Spirit's inspiration and glowing with the wisdom acquired at the encounter, show their unity and spirit by posing for this great picture

Smdom Lifo

photo by David Hernandez

photo by David Hernandez

Senior Encounter

The two day retreat that is held annually for the senior class at the youth center, right across from La Salle High School, was the largest senior retreat. To shut out everything and just focus on their relationships between God and each other. The powerful talks given by Micheal Pinero and Frank RivasVasquez really set the tone, and from then on the seniors showed their maturity and responsibility. There was much to do because activities were held all day , and the seni-

ors had a special night activity. Everything that was done those two days were being constantly compared to what happened to God.

Seniors felt that their retreat had a real impact on the class, and brought them closer together. Some seniors also felt that the time they spent was special. Even down to the special dinner delivered by Pasta Factory. It was an experience that the class of 1998 will never forget.

Othon Cardelle

Seniors Mikel Llanes, Jorge Salum, Eduardo Canto and Carlos Curbuelo, accompanied by Mr. Ralph Ladesma, are reflecting the happiness they experienced at the encounter.

Mickey's Blast Off

On Friday May 1st the seniors were invited to join many other schools at Disney's annual Grad Nite. This event which is held at Disney's Magic Kingdom, is very exclusive because only seniors can attend. Some schools were fortunate to attend a Blast Off Party at Pleasure Island before the main party at the Magic Kingdom.

''The Blast Off Party was great and I had alot of fun. Every school should come to the party before Grad Nite." said Senior Leo Bellon . Dancing in the great clubs, to the hottest new music, the blast off party was in-

credible.

After the party, the seniors went to the Magic Kingdom and enjoyed themselves on some of the greatest rides in the world. '' Gradnite was a great experience for me, especially since I met my favorite band, The Back Street Boys" said senior Rafic Muci. Full of great music and great times Grad Nite had been one of the greatest experiences of the 1998 senior class.

Othon Cardelle

off their

Life

sense of

Showing

classic

style Mike Martinez, and Jay Carreno, make an entrance wearing a full traditional tuxedo, including top hat and canes.

Ivan Vich and his date Jessica Ucha smile for a picture, after eating their gourmet chicken, and baked potatoe platter during this years prom.

Alex Trujillo shows his date Gloria Czerniec how to do a new popular dance step called raving, it is danced to rave music, which is merely a fast paced style of techno.

Traditions and Memories Last Forever

On the evening of friday, May 15, 1998, 100 seniors and their beautiful dates attended the Belen Senior Prom. This years prom was held at the Doral Hotel in Miami Beach. The night commenced when the seniors and their dates arrived in their stretched limos. There, they were greeted, and taken a reception area, where they had a chance to meet up with the rest of their friends. After taking pictures with their dates, the couples were taken to the Starlight Ballroom, where they were served dinner. After a satisfying meal, the moment everyone was waiting for finally arrived. The lights were dimmed and the mu-

sic began to play as the Seniors danced the night away. After all the food and dancing was done with, at around one in the morning, the Seniors and their dates left to after prom parties. While some took off in shuttle buses, others stayed in the area, as they continued to party in their hotel rooms on the beach. After it was all said and done, it was one of the most memorable nights for the class of 1998.

According to Michael Mena, "We had so much fun. This is certainly one of the things I will remember the most about High School.

Jorge Salum

Senior Jimmy Pader and his date Kristina Belez eagerly await the first dance at the prom, after enjoying their dinner.

All photos by Steve Giralt

Seniors and their dates pose for one last picture before getting into their limousines and preparing to go their own separate ways.

Seniors pose for a picture, to remember a special night, before entering the prom which took place in the Doral Hotel.

Frank Gomez leads the final procession as crossbearer to conclude the 1998 senior graduation mass.

Chris Navarette receives his Campus Ministry award for his tremendous spiritual contributions to the Senior class from Fr. Xavier Morras, Fr. Eddy Alvarez, and Mr. Pedro Hernandez.

Carlos Curbelo, Frank Batista, Carlos Barcia joyfully recite the Our Father along with their mothers during the senior mass at St. Kevins Catholic Church The mass was a way to say thank you to god and to their parents for all their support throughout their years in Belen

Smdem life

Re ceiving God's Blessing on a Special Day

On May 6 Belen continued its tradition of having an unforgettable mass for the seniors before their graduation at St. Kevin Catholic Church. The mass began promptly at 7:30 with the seniors walking in with their mass. The mass was a way for the seniors to express their thanks to their parents for all they have done for them.

Towards the end of the mass three awards were handed out, Jorge Salum won the award of service, while Paul Ramirez and Chris Navarrete received the campus ministry award. ''The mass was unforgettable. It was a good chance for us to reflect about our future and to thank our parents for all the support they gave us during our years in this wonderful institution,'' said senior Jorge Salum. Daniel Montenegro

Daniel Peon and his mother arrive at the altar where she is going to present the statue of the Virgin Mary with a rose

All photos by Mike Garcia

Jorge Salum and his mother listens to the heartwarming homily that Fr.Xavier Morras delivered after the reading of the Gospel during the Senior mass.

David Lay reflects on his upcoming journey into college and prays for continous strenghth to succeed in life .

Steven Farinas prays for his fellow classmates continous unity and that after high school they will continue being "Men for Others."

There comes a time in one's life when an individual must move on. Mo ve on t o something greater, and leave be hind those that you have loved an d those that have loved you. Graduation, for the Clas s of 1998, was not just an event on May 29th, but an e xperience that the alumni will rememb er for the rest of their lives. Salutatorians Nicolas Calzada and Franci sco Rivas- Vasquez basically summed up the Belen Experience. The anxious cr owd that filled University of Miami's Gusman Hall really felt the sadness an d longing that the whole Class felt at that moment. Many say that graduation is a time of happiness. The Class of 1998 agrees, but that feeling is overcome by a feeling of sorrow. Sorr ow because this is the last time that t hey will be together With their classmates. Sorrow because they will be forced to move on and say goodbye to the greatest ·experience in their lives. Then the students were faced with the Valedictorian ' s spe e ch. Mario Rojas spoke to the students and audience about how Belen had played a role in his life. Th e way t hat Belen influences and molds the liv es of young men students could all r e late to this because this is what eve ryone feels , even the pare nts.

Armando Castro

Jesus Christ Superstar

Since the beginning of the school year there was one thing that all Juniors had on their mind, their prom. The Belen Junior prom took place on Saturday May 2, 1998 at the Miami Airport Hilton Cove Ballroom. It was an unforgettable night full of elegance and dancing.

The Juniors and their dates started arriving at

around 8:00 in their limousines, party buses, and own forms of transportation. Dinner was promptly served at 8:30. After everyone was done eating, the music started and didn't stop until midnight. "Junior Prom was an unforgettable experience,'' said Junior Julio C. Bertemati.

Danny Montenegro

Steven Henriques and his friends Ana Manrara, Annie Gomez, and Patsy Rodon step off the dance floor and pose for a quick snapshot.

photo by Jorge Saladrigas

Smd'm Lif,

Dancing the night away are Eugene

a spin on the

and

after enjoying a great dinner.

Duarte

Jenny Sanchez, who are seen taking

dance floor,

photo by Jorge Saladrigas

Vincent Cartaya lovingly hugs his date Carmen Manrara while smiling for the camera .

photo by Jorge Saladrigas

Junior Frank Andollo and his date Carla Roselle enthusiastically arrive to the Junior Prom.

photo by Jorge Saladrigas

Ricky Rasco enjoys the unsurpassable presence of his date Laura Lago.

photo by Jorge Saladrigas

Geoffrey Valdes and his date Jackie Daun, pose for a picture after enjoying a delicious mud pie.

photo by Jorge Saladrigas

Jun;o, Prom

Tenth Grade Formal

A Memorable Evening

The Freshman Formal was a night to remember for all who attended. There was lo t s of food, music, and especially dancing. "It was a fun night that I will remember forever,'' said

f reshmen Ale x Sarria. had." This formal would When Freshmen, Manny not have been what it was Larrieu was asked what he without he help of the thought of the evening he homeroom parents, the answered "I was im- ninth grade teachers and pressed by how nice it was Felice Gorordo. and the amount of fun I Alex Vazquez

J P. Albert almost managed to get through the night without being caught but when the last song of the night came on it was all over.

Jorge Fors and David Reboso stop as they arrive to take a picture with their dates.

All photos by Steven Giralt

Robert

Freshman Alberto Manrara shows Javier Jacomino how to break it down on the dance floor.

Mario Velez, Louis Artime, Frank Angones, and Alex Hernandez take a picture with their dates.

Alex Sarria sharing an intimate moment with his date.

Garcia wondering why the photographer is interupting his master plan.

a

receive.

Ivan Gonzalez shares

very gratifying moment with his father as they observe the pin that Ivan has worked so hard to finally

Smden' Life

Christopher Molero receives holy communion from Father Sardinas.

A Step Closer to High School

The Eighth Grade Pin Ceremony marks a period of transition. Not only is the ceremony a celebration of the transition of the eighth graders out of middle school, but it is also an induction into a new life of high school. Much like the senior rings, the pins symbolize the unity of the class and the excitement of what's yet to come.

The pin ceremony, like the senior ring ceremony, was held in the gym. It begins when the eighth graders, accompanied by their parents, make an entrance

down the center ais l e. Then, there is the celebration of the eucharist, where the rings are blessed. Towards the end of the mass, the students receive their pins from Father Marcelino Garcia and their home room teachers. Then they go to an celebration in the cafeteria where the students and their parents conclude a memorable night, sharing the joy of completion of this very special time in their lives.

Jorge Salum

Javy Alvarez's mother congratulates him with a big kiss after he receives his pin.

Eighth grader J.P. Lemus takes up the offeratory gifts for the eighth grade pin ceremony mass.

All photos by Alex Bienes

Eigh<h Gmde Pin Cmmony

Truly, A Night to Remember

A student's "Eighth Grade" year is an unforgettable experience. Much like being a senior, eighth graders get certain privileges that are not available to the ''underclassmen.'' One of these is the Eighth Grade Prom. This is the first of many formals that the students have a chance to attend.

The prom is organized by eighth grade math teacher, Mrs. Teresita Campos. With the help of science teacher, Ms. Ana Fenton, plus several other teachers and parents, the eighth grade prom was a great success. This is the sixth consecutive year Mrs. Campos has organized the prom, since the inaugural

year of 1992 - 1993. "It takes hard work and time to organize it, but it is all worth it once you see the students enjoying themselves with their friends and their dates," says Mrs. Campos.

This year's prom was held in the newly - renovated school cafeteria on Saturday, May 2. Once again, the Eighth Grade Prom was a night full of memories. According to Eighth Grader Juan Carlita Alam, ''It was the most fun I have ever had. I never thought it would be so good.'' Truly, it was a night to be remembered.

Jorge Salum

Smdenc Life

All photos by Ms. Teresita Campos

y Santelices takes his date on a while dancin g to " San Anto-

Making the Grade AcaJemic§

One of the many things Belen is well known for is its academics. When Belen's seniors apply to colleges, they realize that the high standards Belen has set for them have paid off. Senior Leo Bellon said, ''I'm sure that even though Belen has given me many struggles, it will pay off in college and well into my career choices."

Belen's high standard of academics began in Havana, Cuba, when the Jesuit order wanted the best possible education for Cuban students. Ever since, Belen has continued to offer a challenging education, gaining the institution a reputation of being one of the most academically demanding schools in the country.

Belen offers a wide variety of courses from 6th grade Music Class to 12th grade Psychology. When one becomes a junior, that person has a choice of one elective. Seniors get to choose two electives. These electives, along with the seven or eight other classes, can guarantee that when one graduates from Belen, he will be well prepared for college as well as for life.

Erimar von der Osten and Jorge Saladrigas

Echoes '98 The Belen yearbook class goes over some of the designs for this years books.

photo by Jorge Saladrigas

Eighth grade students use some well needed time in lunch to study for one of Mrs Campos hard math tests.

by Ivan J. Vich

Mr. Jose Roca reviews for the final in his 12th grade Math Analysis class.

by Ivan J. Vich

Students take advantage of Belen's resources when they go to research for projects in the Belen Resource Center.

by Leo Bellon

Academics are so important to Belen life, that even freshman Gabriel Garcia's dog, "Lexx", helps him out.

photo by Maria Garcia Academics

photo

photo

photo

Hard Working Stud e nt s Get Their Day

This year's Awards Ceremony took place on September 12, 1997, at the Intercontinental Hotel in downtown Miami. Belen st udents arrived and were ready to receive the awards they worked so hard for. Among the many types of academic awards given, there were also special awards. These special awards included a leadership award, service award, and a citizenship award. Different universities and colleges also attended the ceremony to give out their respected Book Awards. Top schools like Harvard, Marquette, and Princeton were among these prestigious

receive his medals. He received a gold in Physical Education, a gold in Theology, a silver in World Geography, and the Academic Achievement Award.

photo by Mrs. Zaldivar

This year's Seniors smile for the camera before the 1997 Awards Ceremony begins. The Seniors include Michael Pineiro, Alex Burgos, Robert Fojo, Michael Mena, Carlos Curbelo, Nick Calzada, Armando Castro and Xavier Gonzalez.

photo by Ms. Mena

universities.

The ceremony began at 7:30 p.m. and was directed by the Master of Ceremonies, Dr. Armando R. Rodriguez. Reverend Marcelino Garcia, S.J., and Mr. Leopoldo Nufiez handed out the medals to the students. As the students received their awards, each could be seen with a smile on their face signifying a job well done. ''This year's award ceremony was special to me because it showed me that hard work always pays off,'' regarded junior Steven Henriques.

Octavio Verdeja

Mr. Patrick Collins escorts 8th grader Roberto Zaldivar to

Freshmen Derek Leon, George

and Adrian

pose for a picture after receiving their various awards.

Livermore, Daniel Leon

Sanchez

photos by Mrs. Leon

Jonathan

9th graders Daniel Roque, Gabriel Gutierrez, and Richard Rodriguez are happy after a hard years work.

photo by Mrs. Roque

Awacd' Ceremony

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Guiding Us To A Bright

This years guidance department is not about change, it's more about improving what is already there. The improvements that have been made this year are, new classes for guidance, new guidance counselors, and the different events that the department holds throughout the year to benefit the students. Department head Ms. Charmaine Icaza had this to say, ''This year we are going to all the different grades at least once.''

This year the department is made up of five counselors: Ms. Charmaine Icaza, who is the Scholarship Committee Chairperson, Mr. Rafael Ledesma, who is the Career Counseling Coordinator, Mr. Robert Constante, and Mr. Samuel Vega takes care of the sixth and seventh grade, while Mr. Constante, who is new to the Guidance Department, is in charge of the eight grade and ninth grade. The duty of taking care of grades tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade is by Mr. Ledesma , Sr. Car-

taya, and Ms. Icaza

Not only does the Guidance Department help us with our grades and personal problems, it also helps us get into the colleges of our choice. They do this with a countless amount of activities, such as the college fair, college night, bringing in numerous representatives from colleges and universities on a weekly basis, and by bringing universities on a weekly basis, and by bringing in guest speakers from around the nation.

With so many opportunities, Belen students are lucky to have such a strong guidance department. Many graduates from Belen have gone on to become CEO's of corporation and major influences in todays society. Thanks to the guidance department, future students can reach for the stars and touch them too.

Jorge Salum

Mr. Constante, who is new to the Guidance Department this year, chills" with the eight grader Brian Hall

Ms. Icaza head of the Guidance Department, photo by Jorge Saladrigas gives communion to a student during a school mass.

photo by David Hernandez

Acadomi"

"Ralf'' addresses the Key Club parents, during parents night. Aside from his responsibilities as a guidance counselor, he is also Key Club advisor

photo by Jorge Saladrigas

Mr. Vega, who created the artwork on the wall , counsels a student.

photo by Mike Martinez

Sr. Cartaya gives communion to a student during the mass that was given in memory of Robert Goizueta.

photo by David Hernandez

Ms. Suarez, the Guidance Department secretary , goes down to the main office to pick up copies for Mr. Ledesma.

photo by David Hernandez

BSpeech and Drama teacher Leo Williams explains to junior Erimar von der Osten how to reach deep inside himself in order to express his emotions.

Who is your favorite writer and what is your favorite literary work?

photo by David Hernandez

John Grisham; "The Firm" -Candy Morrera, 7th

Ralph Ellison; "The Invisible Man" -Anthony Perez, 9th

Tennesse Williams; "Streetcar Named Desire" -Lourdes Salas, lOth

James Joyce; "King Arthur" -Rafael Ross, 6th

William Shakespeare; "Henry V" -Alfred Meneses, 12th

John Krakauer; "Into the Wild" -Cristina Casero, 7th

Mr. Anthony Alexander, ninth grade Creative Writing teacher, acts out a part from his favorite novel The Red Pony. This is his first year as English Department Chairperson.

photo by Leo Bellon

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Emphasizing English Tradition

The English department over the years has helped students to understand the various types of literature and how that literature has ibfluenced our modern world. The English department dedicates itself to strengthening the students' writing abilities, and encourages them to read literature. Various types of literature are taught to students, from World literature to the more complex British literature.

The English department recently had a change in the Chairperson of the department. Former head, Ms. Silvia Hernandez became ali-

brarian in the school, and was replaced by 9th grade English teacher Mr. Tony Alexander. Ms. Aimee Busquet, eleventh grade British literature teacher, regards this change as being excellent. She said, "I am very pleased with Mr. Alexander at the helm of our ship.'' This department is made up of a team of hard working teachers. Even though each teacher has a different subject to teach, they all work together in helping Belen students be all they can possibly be.

By Octavia Verdeja

Ms. Aimee Busquet, 11th grade British Literature Teacher, explains the '' Arthurian Legends" to her class of Juniors.

Lourdes Salas takes time off to explain the thought process behind the "American Poets."

photo by Ivan J. Vich

Ms.

photo by Jorge Saladrigas

Father Eddie Alvarez, S J blesses the photographer as he takes this picture

photo by Leo Bellon

Mr. Leo Nunez, an active eucharistic minister, gives communion during an all school mass. photo by David Hernandez

Ms. Teresita Campos shares her wisdom with one of her students, junior Julio Bertemati. photo by David Hernandez

Amdemico

Beethoven, P i casso, a nd a Twist of Socrates

In her twelve years at Belen , Ms. Marie Jean Miyar, head of the Humanities department, added another highlight to her teaching career: the music program. Ms. Miyar said," Last year was a year of growth for the department acquiring the music program. The department is really growing and Belen students are enjoying every minute of it. Last year's A.P. Art History class had a passing rate of 100°/o.

Ms. Miyar does not do all the work by herself, though. The department

also includes Assistant Principal Mr. Leopolda Nunez, Studio Art teacher and Year book Adviser Mr. Ignacio Font, Philosophy teacher Father Eduardo Alvarez, S.J.,Music teacher Mr. Stephen Falk and Yearbook Adviser Ms. Teresita Campos. "Consequently, we are looking at the school year of 1997-1998 as a year of consolidation instead of expansion," says Ms. Miyar. The Humanities department , in itself, is a Tradition in the Making.

Othon Cardelle

Working

improve

to

the yearbook, Ms. Teresita Campos and Mr. Ignacio Font take sometime from their busy saturday morning to review some layouts.

photo by Leo Bellon

Humanicio;

Mr. Mario Remis gives his old ninth grade, and present eleventh grade class, an enthusiastic "thumbs up !"

photo by Leo Bellon

Ms. Maria Fiorenza gives one of her seniors a helpful hint, ''turn the computer on, then start typing.''

photo by Leo Bellon

2 + 2-

Belen

As every year in the history of SAT scores from previous classBelen, the math department just gets es,and hopes to have the highest stronger. still at the head of the passing percentage in the history of department is Carol Vila who is run- Belen. ning one of the best math depart-

Othon Cardelle ments in all of Dade county. Belen's math teachers turn very hard and complicated problems into easy and comfortable ones with their own unique teaching styles.

There are some new faces in the math department this year, and they all say that they love it here. The student body feels that the teaching styles of the teachers will help them understand the material better, and get higher grades. The department is very excited about this upcoming school year. It is expecting better

A mdemia

Ms. Carol Vila cracks a smile during an assembly in the gym.

photo by Leo Bellon

Ms. Adriana Suarez 5

Mr. Jimmy Perez 80

Ms. Teresita Campos shows the wonder of origamy to her eighth grade students.

photo by Leo Bellon

Tenth grade Geometry

Mr. Edward Garland 47 1/2

Ninth grade Algebra I

Brother Martin-Arias 4

Twelfth grade Math Analysis

Mr. Jose Roca 30

Ms. Brenda Cutliff 12

Language with a Passion

With the help of textbooks, tutors, public speakers, audiovisuals, and special projects, the Modern Language Department teaches us and keeps our Hispanic heritage alive for the majority of Belen students. One of the major accomplishments of the department in the past two years has been the addition of a French class as an elective course for juniors and seniors.

The Modern Language Department is directed by Ms. Beatriz Jimenez. When asked about her position, Ms. Jimenez said, "As a department chairperson, I am expected to contribute to the general welfare of the school through my commitment to the department in specific areas, such as professional leadership, curriculum and instruction, and assis-

tance to teachers and students. "When asked about her staff, Ms. Jimenez had this to say, "I think we are number one. I have a very caring, competent, responsible, and warm group of teachers working in this department." Ms. Jimenez has a dedicated staff who works for her which include Ms. Gisela Leon, Ms. Dora Haibi, Ms. Maria Louisa Ortega, Fr. Pedro CartayaS.J., Mrs. Marta Vidal, Mr. Javier De La Vega, Mr. Robert Carrogol, Mr. Ralph Ledesma, Mrs. Maria Elena Cartaya.

Through the hard work of this group of caring individuals, the students of Belen have access to new languages and can continue to increase their understanding of other cultures, as well as their own.

By: Daniel Montenegro

7th grade spanish teacher, Ms. Maria Louisa Ortega, takes time off during Homecoming Week to help find the meaning of the word "pensamiento".

Vibrant spanish teacher, Ms. Marta Vidal, encourages her 8th grade class to out find where the "subjetivos" in a sentence are.

All photos by Leo Bellon

Ms. Gisela Leon shows her highly interested Freshman class a movie on the exciting, and beautiful Avila on the country side of Spain.

11th grade french teacher and hard working guidance counselor, Mr. Rafael Ledesma, gives his best impression of a statue

Renaissance woman, Ms. Beatriz Jimenez is not only the head of the Modern Language Department, but is also a dedicated teacher.

Modem bngu•ge;

We Wanna Pump-You Up!

Physical education in Belen is a five-year program in which students learn lessons that are essential in life. During the middle school grades, the coaches put an emphasis on team sports. The reason for this emphasis is so that the young students are able to learn leadership, as well as improve their motor skills. Once students reach the high school level, half the year is spent in the class learning medical aspects of health and anatomy, among other things.

The other half is spent learning sports that can be done individually or with a partner. Most of these sports can be done according to peoples needs and time, no matter what your physical abilities are. In reference to the overall success of the department, Coach Richard Stuart said, "One of the advantages to our success are our great facilities."

Julio C. Bertemati

Coach Eduardo Fraga overlooks his seventh grade P .E. class, as they play barqball. Even now he scouts for future fullbacks and outfielders.

photo by Leo Bellon

Coach Stuart and Coach Aparicio, while on their way to the gym, think up new plays for the upcoming football game. Coach Aparicio is the head coach of the J. V. team , while Coach Stuart is the leader of the Varsity players

photo by Leo Beon

Coach Eric Hansen, while at work in his office, tries to hide from the " Echoes" photographers who need a picture.

photo by Jorge Saladrigas

You can run, but you can't hide Coach Hansen.

photo by David Hernandez

Phy>ia l

Dr. Pedro Hernandez concentrates while he conducts a very precise experiment in front of his tenth grade Biology class.

Amd<mi" "Charles Darwin" Mr Rolando Sucena

"Albert Einstein" Ms. Mercedes Garcia

"Demitri Mendeleeve" Ms. Ana Fenton

Mr Adalberto Burk teaches the physics class about the complicated R-max formula

Mr. Frank Pichardo searches internet sites about chemistry to aid in educating his 11th grade students

Mr. Rafael Fernandez explains to his seventh grade class how the physical combination of two substances occurs.

Changes in the Science Department

The Science department is one of the upcoming departments in Belen. Although it is one of the smallest, only having seven teachers, it is one of the strongest departments with the most experience. Out of these seven teachers, four have been teaching in Belen for more than ten years. Mr. Frank Pichardo, the teacher with the most experience, stepped down from head of the department after more than sixteen years. The new head of the science department is Dr. Pedro A. Hernandez, who has been at Belen for sixteen years. Dr. Hernandez had this to say, "I am

excited that we are entering more competitions and increasing the opportunities for students to compete on a local, state, and hopefully national level." The only competition Belen has for science was the Science Fair. Dr. Hernandez also said, ''The administration has given the 'O.K.' on plans for renovation on the present science lab, as well as a new physics and biology lab." This department is definitely moving forward and getting stronger and will continue to improve in the upcoming years.

Alex Vazquez

photos by Leo A. Bellon

Dr. Armando Rodriguez stops for a second to discuss senior Othon Cardelle's Latin American History Grade.

of the Social Studies Department, reviews the fifth Amendment with his fourth period U.S. Government class.

Photo by Leo Bellon

Eighth grade Civics teacher Mr. Eugene Zoller and head librarian Ms Martha Alday prepare to give the offering in mass.

photo by David Hernandez

Mr. Patrick Collins, head

photo by Leo Bellon

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Tippicanoe and Economics too

When Belen students hear the words Social Studies, it reminds them of Mr. Zoller teaching them about the origin of the United States of America, or Mr. Gutierrez telling us about the rise and fall of the Roman Empire. Social Studies is a diverse subject. In its own way you're dealing with History, Government and Civics, Geography, and Economics. In the eighth grade, Mr Eugene Zoller teaches Civics, a class dealing with all aspects of the American Government. World History, in the ninth grade, is taught by Mr. Orlando Gutierrez, Ms. Soraya Herran, and Mr. Thomas DeQuesada give you an idea of what has happened since the dawn of time. In the tenth

grade, you're taught American History by Mr. Jorge Martinez, who teaches students about the history of this great country of ours. The eleventh grade gives you two courses, Economics taught by Mr. Charles Cleveland, and U.S. Government taught by Mr. Patrick Collins, the head of the department. In the final year at Belen, you're taught Latin American History by Dr. Armando Rodriguez. This class gives you a view of our culturally diverse history. Thanks to these teachers we leave Belen with a full assortment of knowledge in the great area of Social Studies.

By Erimar von der Osten

Brian Wentzel jokes around with his class that he could hypnotize anyone of them.

Mr. Jorge Martinez explains to his tenth grade U.S. History class about the Louisiana Purchase.

photo by Leo Bellon

Mr.

photo by Leo Bellon

Wanted: Role Models

Out of all the attributes that Belen tries to instill in it's students, one of the most important is faith. The theology department is successful when it teaches the students about this important fact of life. Whether it be the Days of Reflection or the two day Retreats, faith plays a key role in the shaping of the lives of all Belen students. When asked,' 'How important are the Days of Reflection to Belen?'' Ninth grade theology teacher Mrs. Angie Fernandez had this to say, ''They're very important. It's an opportunity, not only to develop faith life, but also to allow our peer ministers the chance to interact with

other students giving them a gospel perspective in how to live life. The theology department is an irreplaceable asset to our school. With so many negative influences in the world today, students need to be taught how to act in the face of adversity. It also allows students to become peer ministers themselves, giving them the chance to get even closer to God. Hopefully, when these students of Belen graduate they will take more than an education with them, they will leave with a fully developed faith life.

Jose Fernandez

Mr. Argamasilla, head coach of the junior high football team, watches with pride as his players are announced at one of the pep-rallies.

photo by Jorge Saladrigas

Ms. Chrino and Father Eddy stop and pose for a quick picture with a few of their favorite seniors Jay Carreno and Mike "Cookie" Martinez.

photo by Leo Bellon

Jerry Garcia tries to explain the differences between team 1 and team B. Of course, the class is totally lost.

If you could ask God one Question, What would it be?

''Where do you want me to be in life and I will go there,'' Javier Argamasilla.

"Why is needless suffering aloud to exists in the world?'' Deacon Robert O'Malley

''Why is nature so violent?'' Gerardo Garcia

"How many years of service are still left for me?" Father Eddie Alvarez, S.J

photo by Leo Bellon

Deacon O'Malley is a symbol of serenity for the teachers after a hard day of teaching.

Jorge Saladrigas

Mr. German Delgado is monitoring the new resource center. The center has over twentyfive computers linked up to the Internet, and it offers students new ways to research for projects and reports.

photo by David Hernandez

Thanks to these group discussions like this one with last year's Accreditors, the library has been able to flourish into what it is today: The Media Center

photo by Ivan J. Vich

Tomorrow's Technology ... Today

Every year Belen changes in some way. Two years ago, it was the Gymnasium. Last year, it was the changes to the uniform and the cafeteria. This year, it is the new classrooms being built. One project that has been at Belen since the beginning, and is still changing, is the media center. This year, the Media Center has two new staff members: Ms. Silvia Hernandez and Mr. Juan Luis Flores. We can't forget the library director Ms. Martha Alday, and library assistant Ms. Maria Eire, who have converted the library to what it is today. These changes include the Information Retrieval Skills program run by Mrs.

Silvia Hernandez who said, "Hopefully, it will teach our students to gather information for their projects and reports.'' Another addition was the ProQuest Direct program which is a full text of articles from over 18,000 periodicals and newspapers including The New York Times. The school also added the new Resource Center with over 25 computers linked to the Internet. The center is run by Mr. German Delgado who said, ''The center will be able to give the students information quicker and easier than ever before."

Erimar von der Osten

Ms Maria Eire is organizing the encyclopedias in the library. She has been working in the library for over ten years, and thanks to her hard work, the library is always neat and tidy. She is a great asset to the Belen family

photo by Jorge Saladrigas

Ms. Silvia Hernandez gives students instructions on how to use the Library as a tool of research. She is the director of the Information Retrieval Skills Program.

photo by David Hernandez

Ms. Martha Alday gives a smile because she is happy to see what the Library has turned into. Ms. Alday works hard year-round in for the library to be a success.

photo by David Hernadez

Libmy (Medi , Cen <e c)

Successful Traditions §ports

Besides a challenging, and sometimes difficult academic curriculum, Belen offers its students a wide variety of competitive sports. Belen students excel in the classroom as well as on the field.

Senior quarterback Michael Martinez received a full scholarship to play football at Cumberland College in Williamsburg , Kentucky. This is the first time in Belen's history that a student reaches this great milestone. This is truly a "Tradition in the Making." Besides being a leader on the field, Michael takes great pride in his schoolwork, always willing to tutor students who need help.

Yet football isn't the only sport Belen receives recognition in. In Track and Field, Wrestling, CrossCountry, and Swimming, Belen won the district title and went on to qualify in regionals. Senior Wrestling and Football captain Jay Carreno said, "Great friendships are developed through Belen's sports program. We learn how to celebrate a win and mourn a loss, together as a family."

As long as Belen promotes academics and encourages enrollment in sports, this institution will be very successful in the classroom, as well as on the field.

Armando Castro

Varsity Football had a very successful year "Our team was united, on and off the field It was a great season," said senior captain Mike Martinez.

photo by Will Gaitan

Track and Field is one of the sports Belen is most proud of. Juniors Victor MacMillan and and Mike Feria use every ,muscle in their bodies to win the race.

photo by Leo Bell6n

Junior Angel Gonzalez works his feet on his way to scoring a goal. Angel was the teams leading scorer, breaking the school record.

by Will Ga itan

Senior Mikel Llanes is one of Belen's toughest competitors. "Basketball is a very competitive sport. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication."

photo by Will Gaitan

In its inaugural year, the Water Polo team had a very successful season. "It was tough being the new kids on the block, but we came through," said senior Victor Gilpin

photo by Will Gaitan

photo

We Believe .. .

Once a taslk 9 has begun .. .

Pride ... Courage ... War ... Win... We Believe. These are not just words to the players on the varsity football team, it's a way of life. 38 guys out on a mission to accomplish a common goal. Even though they fell a little short with their goal of winning a district championship, this year's team will go down as one of the best teams to ever play for their school. Faced with the challenge of the toughest schedule in Belen football history, this team managed a record of 7 wins and 3 losses, with big victories coming against Hollywood Christian, Labelle, Coral

Shores and district rivals Key West and Northeast. The '97 Wolverines were also part of a special trip. As part of a two year program the football team traveled to Kentucky to face Grant County High School. The Belen team proved once again that Florida football is the best in the country by winning the game 21-0. The season came to an unexpected end when the Wolverines lost in a tie-breaker to a team they had already beat in Key West.

Mike Martinez

Junior running back Eric Mauri runs away from Pace defenders for a gain of 23 of the 103 yards he had that day.

Versatile Senior Diego Morales runs wild against district rival Key West after recieving a pass from Senior quarterback Michael Martinez.

All photos by Steve Giralt

Senior quarterback Michael Martinez prepares to recieve the ball from center Mauricio Coli as tight end Vince Cartaya goes in motion.

Several Pace defenders attempt to tackle junior running back Eric Mau r i but fail as he runs for the touchdown.

All State Senior quarterback Michael Martinez drops back to pass while looking downfield for an open reciever

Senior quarterback Michael Martinez prepares to hand the ball to Junior tailback Victor Mcmillan.

V•Gi<y Fomball

The Future Looks Bright

This year's J.V. and Jr. High football teams had to live up to the Belen tradition. This tradition is not about winning, it is about being good sportsmen, working well with others, and taking on responsibilities. The J V. team had to face rebuilding after two stellar seasons. Sophomore captains Mike Olivera, Marcelo Guerra, and Chris Cleveland kept on with the tradition of leading by example. Tough times were endured, but in the words of coach Javier De La Vega,' 'The future for the varsity team looks

bright.''

If you could use one word to describe the Jr. High team it would have to be impressive. The baby wolverines ended the season with a 4-2 record. They were led by the outstanding leadership of 8th grader, fullback David Bouza. Growing pains were no doubt endured by this team, but their effort was able to overcome the obstacles faced. ' 'This team learned the true meaning of team work,'' said coach Rob Constante.

by Julio C. Bertemati

Halfback Mike Olivera runs his heart out, while fullback Alex Rivera puts a punishing block on a Key West defender.

photo by Alex Bienes

Sophomore quarterback Chris Cleveland drops back in the pocket on what he hopes to be a touchdown pass.

photo by Alex Bienes

Leading the way on defense, sophomore defensive tackle Juan Flores wraps up the Gulliver quarterback for a sack.

Coach Rob Constante gives his linemen some last minute tips and inspirational words before they take on their arch rival Gulliver.

for a picture while they are waiting to face a worthy opponent.

Luis Gonzalez runs for the goalline as Gulliver defenders pursue unsuccessfully.

photo by Jorge Fernandez

photo by Julio C. Bertemati

The Junior High football team poses

photo by Annie Fenton

photo by Julio C. Bertemati

].V. =dJc High Pombal!

Running Away from the Competition!

While most fall sports started their seasons at the beginning of the school year, this years Belen Cross Country Team began their quest for the coveted State Championship at tbe beginning of the summer. They ran five to seven miles daily, until the last two weeks, when they trained twice a day in North Carolina's most challenging mountains.

This year's team continued the winning tradition, as they achieved a 12-1 record, defended their district and regional championships , and come in third place in the 4A State Championship. The Wolverines were led by AllState selections, junior Ed-

die Acosta and Senior Mikel Llanes, who placed second and third in states, and sophomore Jorge Bustamante, who was a top ten finisher. Not far behind them were Jorge Salum, Albert Camacho, Alex Bertrand, Jorge Palmerosa, and Jonathen Devera. But the success did not come easy though Jorge Bustamante had breathing problems throughout the first half of the season. Also, seniors Jorge Salum and Jonathen Devera, had season ending injuries. Despite all these problems, the team pulled together and had another amazing season.

Jorge Salum

Coach Carlos Barquin cheers on the team during the State Championships.

photo by Leo Bellon

Third man, Jorge Bustamente pushes the pace as he helps lead the Wolverines to a first place finish at the F.I.U. Invitational. photo by Leo Bellon

Sophomore Alex Bertran pushes the pace as injured senior, Jorge Salum, cheers him on.

photo by Victor Arrieta

Senior Jorge Salum, fifth man for much of the year, gains a few places towards the end of the race.

photo by Leo Bellon

Cm;; Couony

Striding into t h e Future

Born and raised at the Junior High level. The first steps of outstanding Belen Cross-country runners are taken right here. Varsity Cross-country coach Carlos Barquin depends on this team's exceptional athletes in order to chase State Titles each season, and this year's Junior Crosscountry team seems to have the next complete generation of runners needed for that next State Championship.

Coaches Victor Arrieta and Frankie Ruiz were well aware at the

beginning of the year that this group of runners was filled with talent. Only after four weeks of practice, both the sixth grade team along with the seventh and eighth team captured first place at the first meet of the year, held on the home course. Like many things in life, they knew that they couldn't relax and just coast through the rest of the season without practicing hard. Just as they started coasting, long time rival St. Kevin closed in on both the sixth grade team and the seventh and eighth grade teams. Luckily, they only beat the sixth grade team throughout the season while the seventh grade team made it through the entire season UNDEFEATED, something that has not been accomplished in five years! Contrary to what many expected, the sixth grade team managed to come through the season using hard workout habits and strong

determined minds to win over St. Kevin at the final race of the season, and capture the much desired All Catholic Conference Championship. At the sixth grade level there several outstanding runners, but the evident leader of the pack was none other than Renata Bringas, who ran a personal best time of 8 minutes and 47 seconds, and also managed to come in first place in all eight conference races. Not too far behind were Robert Velasco, Andy Manrara, Evan Foster and Louis Jane. This group of six graders have sure prospects for the near future.

The seventh and eighth grade team had a solid group of five runners that fought for the top spots all year long. These six runners were: Robert Zaldivar, Christopher Gueits, Alejandro Lucio, Alex Guardiola, Carlos Calil and Bryan Oliver. These six ran all season long fighting for the top spots on the team, and while fighting amongst each other they managed to have an undefeated season that included the Dade County Championship Title and the A.C.C. Title. Every single one of these runners, as does the rest of the runners on the team, holds tremendous potential to form one of the best teams

in the school's 26-year history of the sport.

Coaches Victor Arrieta and Frankie Ruiz feel that next season promises to be another exciting and glorious road to victory. "I can't wait till next season, we should be indestructible!" said Coach Arrieta. The team would like to thank it's parents for all the support and effort they showed throughout this 1997 Championship season.

Frankie Ruiz

The sixth grade cross- country team getting ready to go into battle with over 150 other runners. They would eventually go on to win.

photo by Teresita Campos

Eighth Grader, Robert Zaldivar, who is one of the top three runners on the team, leads the Wolverines to victory.

Alex Guardiola leads the pack as he goes on to earn a spot on the All Catholic Conference T earn

Renato Bringas, the All Catholic Conference RUNNER OF THE YEAR, lead the Baby Wolverines to victory in the A.C .C. Championship.

Top Row : Nick Rosson, Brian Oliver, Robert Zaldivar, Rafael Egues, Luis Rojas, Andres Escobar.

Middle Row: Jose Couce, Alejandro Lucio, Carlos Calil, Jonathan Salum, Christopher Gueits, Ernie Escabedo, Kris Sedeiio, Renato Bringas.

Bottom Row: David Acosta, Christopher Cantens, Louis Velasco, Noel Burgos, Alex Guardiola, Victor Ruiz.

photo by Victor Arrieta

photo by Victor Arrieta

photo by Victor Arrieta

photo by Teresita Campos

A Swimming Tradition

With the introduction of a young talented diver and a combination of multitalented swimmers the Belen Jesuit swimming team kicked off this year season with defeats against Archbishop Curley, S out h PI ant ationjHallandale and St. Brendan. The team continued their winning streak by capturing the coveted Youth Fair championship against such school as Ransom Everglades and Gulliver High School.

The Wolverines then improved their record at the November 14 District Championship meet. The team has been district champs for the last seven years and continued the tradition into its eigth consecutive year. Kirk Peppas, the varsity swimming coach said, ''My confidence in this years team was obviously well placed. These boys are the finest team that Belen has ever assembled since the 1989 team that placed fourth in the state. I was confident that we would do well in the district meet in the district meet and also very well in the Florida swimming and diving championship. I would like to wish all my seniors good luck in the future, and tell them that this years team is one I'll

never forget.''

The team finished off its stellar season by qualifying Seniors Frank Quesada, Ricardo Piedra, Fernando Goudie, Phillip Riveron, junior Robert Riley, and sophomore sensation Michael Perez for the AllCounty 1st team, the most swimmers to make first team in a single season ever.

A special congratulation goes out to seniors Frank Quesada, Ricardo Piedra, Fernando Goudie, and junior Robert Riley for qualifying for the All-American consideration this is the first time in five years that anyone from Belen has qualified for this honor.

Fernando Goudie

Most of the seniors have been coached by Robert Caragol (an alumni of Belen) since the seventh grade. It's no wonder that these swimmers have developed such a close friendship with this man.

The "Senior" leadership stands out, after the Wolverine swim team captures an impressive third straight Youth Fair Championship.

The seniors strut their stuff after cruising to another district championship. Hey Frank, what's up with those shorts?

All photos by Frank Quesada

V , nd Junine High Swimming

Small Forward Erik Guanche takes it past his defender to score two more points against the ACE Jaguars.

Senior Joseph Noa takes it strong to the basket over South Dade.

F to the Seniors

Xavier Gonzalez 6.6PPG, 5.4RPG

Erik Guanche 16.6PPG, 8RPG

Mikel Llanes 13.5PPG, 4.2APG

Danny Lopez 18.6PPG, 3.4APG

Michael Mena 7 .6PPG, 5.8APG

Joseph Noa 9.7PPG, 7.2RPG

photo by Leo Bellon

photo by Leo Bellon

BEYOND EXPECTATIONS

This year's varsity basketball team was one of the most successful teams in Belen history. Led by the lightening quick hands of senior Mikel Llanes, and the sharp shooting skills of senior Danny Lopez the Wolverines reached the regional tournament in Cardinal Gibbons. The team, under the leadership of head coach Jose Roca and assistant coach Ruben Marrero, finished the season off with a great record of 20-12. Every player on the team contributed in some way or another to help the Wolverines get to

the district championship game. With a blowout win over St. Brendan, and a close game against Pace, the Wolverines were ready for Cardinal Gibbons. Eventhougth the team lost at a last second to a three point buzzer beater, this season was full of success. The Wolverines went further than any other basketball team in Belen history, also senior Danny Lopez scored his 10, 000 point in one of the last games of the season. Jose Fernandez

Top left to right: Coach Ruben Marrero, Xavier Gonzalez, Danny Lopez, Joseph Noa, Vince Cartaya, Alex Llama, Erik Guanche, coaches Jose Roca and Jerry Jones.Bottom left to right: Gaby Gonzalez, Juan Carlos Rasco, Mario Pascual, Mikel Llanes, Heriberto Perez, and Michael Mena

photo by Will Gaitan

The Wolverines take their layup drills before starting the game against the tough South Dade team.

photo by Will Gaitan

Sixth Grade Junior High Freshmen

Junior Varsity Basketball

Soccer Kicks

Belen's Varsity Soccer team overcame much diversity in the 97-98 season to post a successful record. Their was talk that the team, who lost 14 seniors, 8 of whom were starters, wouldn't even accomplish half of what theprevious team did. This year, the team was lead by seniors Jose Rovira, Raul Cruz, Diego Morales, Javier Franco, Jorge Salum, and Gabriel Berthin. Junior Angel Gonzalezand sophomore Jonathan Pagnussat also gave the fans something to talk about. Coach Pablo Taquechel returned in his third year has the head coach and was assisted by newcomer Armando Gatamorta. The season

started off with a good record and the team finished with a 12-7-3 record. ''There was a time in the season where I really thought we were invincible," says junior Martin Mendiola. The season finally ended in a tough 1-0 district playoff lossagainst Key West. "It was sad to see the season end, but I was glad to see that we came together as a team,'' says junior John Paul Fernandez. Even though the soccer team didn't get as far as they wanted, they did accomplish one thing, they were able to keep the tradition of an excellent soccer program.

Erimar von der Osten

all photos by Will Gaitan

The Belen Varsity soccer team poses for a team picture. On the bottom row is junior Jose Garrido, freshman Miguel Bolanos, juniors Martin Mendiola and Erimar von der Osten, senior Jose Rovira, junior John Paul Fernandez, freshman Marco Gonzalez, sophomores Jonathan Pagnussat and Danny Espinosa, and senior Frank Batista. Top Row: juniors Geronimo Esteve and Salman Fatemian, senior Jorge Salum, junior Danny Milian, senior Gabriel Berthin, sophomore Agustin Ramos, seniors Javier Franco and Raul Cruz, junior Guillermo Lagos, senior Diego Morales, and junior Angel Gonzalez. The two coaches, Pablo Taquechel and Armando Gatamorta.

Senior, Diego Morales shows his defensive skills by stealing the ball from Cardinal Gibbons # 1 scorer.

Junior, Angel Gonzalez challenges a Cardinal Gibbons midfielder while Salman Fatemian assists Angel on the play.

Senior, Jose Rovira shows his captain abilities while he avoids an incoming midfielder and gets ready to pass the ball to Jorge Salum

Kicking Up A Winner

Despite the many new faces, this years Junior High and Junior Varsity soccer teams had very successful seasons. The Junior High team hoisted an unbelievable record of 7-22. Team captains Eric Arias, and Co-captain Miguel Ferrer led the Junior High team. The reason for such a great season was the hard practices they endured under Coach Gerardo Lasalle. As they say practice makes perfect, and their record really showed. ''We had a great season. I hope when I move up to Junior Varsity the Junior High team gets better and better,'' said goalie Omar Munoz.

Struggling in the beginning of the season the Jun-

ior Varsity soccer team managed to pull together to come up with an impressive record of 10-5-5. Led by team captains Carlos Smith and Jose Aguayo, they united to win big games against teams such as Pace and Ransom.

"Even though we struggled a little bit, I am really happy with the unity we showed to pull off some big wins,'' said eighth grader Victor Leon who was moved up to the team.

These two teams this year were full with an enormous amount of talent and dedication, and those are the two reasons why they had such a successful season.

Daniel Montenegro

The Junior High soccer team is determined to make the '97 -'98 season a successful one.

All photos by Geoff Bass

Ninth grader, Armando Diaz fakes out an opponent from Ransom Everglades to get as close to the goal as possible.

Ninth grader Alejandro Bedoya stretches out his body to make a spectacular save.

The Junior Varsity soccer team are prepared to compete with the best this season.

Eighth grader, Victor Leon fights aggresively to gain control of possession during a critical moment in the game.

D I s T R I c T c H A M p s

This year's Wolverine wrestlers accomplished a rare feat. They were able to once again capture the District 16-4A title. The astonishing aspect of this accomplishment was that the team lost what was probably the best class of wrestlers to graduation. The young upstarts on this year's team had to overcome a barrage of injuries, which would have crippled any other team. Coach Fidel Abelo used his unique style of coaching to help defeat the competition with the greatest of ease and the best expectations for the future wrestlers in the years to come.

Julio C. Bertemati

Heavy weight Victor Pelaez tries to pull the switch on his opponent during a district match.

photo by Steve Giralt

Jose Amaro throws "el universal" on his opponent from Dade Christian.

photo by Steve Giralt

WOLVERINE WRESTLING

David Lay, Oscar Zapata, Jose Amaro, Coach Jorge Vigo and Coach David Cuervo

Front row : Alejandro Castro, Diogenes Carrera, David Bouza, Jason Machado photo by Jorge

Back row: Coach Carlos Gonzalez, Pedro Vidal, Victor Pelaez, Jay Carreno, William Wood Center row: Coach Fidel Albelo, Miguel Reyes, Gabriel Caballero, Julio C. Bertemati,

Saladrigas

It's A Hit!

"Take me out to the ballgame," this phase means only one thing, baseball. This year's team was one of expectations. With the loss of seniors and other players who left the school, manager Eric Hansen assembled his troops and prepared them for the season to come. With veterans like seniors Gaby Dorado, Carlos Ruiz, Mark Munoz, and Carlos Albir, the team had an optimistic outlook. The season started with promise, with a 12-0 victory over Marathon. The road got tougher, though, with games against district rivals Key West and Cardinal Gibbons.

The Wolverines pulled together with the help of juniors Danny Padron and Emil Ricart. Their power at the plate helped the team in key situations throughout the season. Also, the deadeye pitching of juniors Jorge Alvarez, Tony Rivas, and P.J. Rodriguez proved critical when

games were close. "Even though they're hitting wasn't very good sometimes, the pitching was always consistent,'' said baseball fan, and seventh grader, Mamerto Thomas. The defense also helped the team throughout the whole season. With the quick gloves of infielders Mario Pascual, Eric Mauri, Jorge Uvermore and Derek Leon, base runners had their hands full just trying to make it to first.

One of the highlights of the season will be when the team travels to New Orleans to play against some out of state competition. The Wolverines won't lose focus on their main goal of the season, though. With the season almost over, the team hopes to make a strong run for the District Tournament and go even further.

Jose Fernandez

Third

Sophmore Derek Leon uses his great power to smash the ball into the outfield and beyond.

basemen Eric Mauri uses his lightning speed to get to first base, after hitting a shot into the gap.

Varsity Baseball

Sophomore Jorge Livermore steps up to the plate in hopes of hitting a home run.

The team goes out to congratulate centerfielder Danny Padron for successfully making it to home

Varsity Baseball Schedule

Senior Gabe Dorado throws his patented "stone cold" curve ball at the unsuspecting La Salle batter. All photos by Leo Bellon

Sixth Grade Junior High Junior Varsity Baseball

The Wolverine Track Tradition Lives On

This year the Belen Wolverine Varsity Track Team, showed great effort and proved to all schools that they truly have real school spirit. The athletes participated in such traditional field events as the shot put, discuss, pole vault, high jump, long jump, and the triple jump. There are also a number of running events and relays. Though the Belen students participate in each event individually, the scores of all the participants are added up and the team with the most points wins the meet.

The Varsity Track and Field Team, will strive to succeed and improve at all costs, to continue their quest for perfection. This quest includes continuing to fight for that next level of excellence and a superiority amongst the best of the earlier Belen Track years. They will strive to be a strong team and they will work hard on their skills in order to become faster and more agile in competition.

Geoffrey Valdes

Junior Vince Cartaya uses his lightning speed as he races by, leaving the competition in the dust.

Freshman Alex Bedoya concentrates on making the best jump possible. He is taught by one of the best, coach Carlos Barquin.

All photos by Will Gaitan

Varsity Track and Field

Senior Jorge Salum passes the baton to sixth grader Renaldo Bringas enroute to another victory.

Varsity Track and Field Schedule

2/21

2/28

3/3

3/7

3/11

3/13

3/17

3/20

3/24

3/27

4/2

Key West

Angelini Relays

St. Brendan, Cuontry Day, Holy Cross, La Salle , Carrolton

Dade County Youth Fair

St. Thomas Aquinas , Cardinal Gibbions, Lourdes , Belen

Wolverine Relays

Florida Christian, Msr. Pace, Carrolton, Lourdes, Holy Cross

F.I.U. Invitational

Palmetto, South Dade, Lourdes

Florida Relays

Ransom, Carrolton

4/7 Jackson Relays

4/8 St. Brendan, Holy Cross

4/21

Coral Reef, Fla . Christian , Key West

4/24 All Catholic

5/1 District Championship

5/9 Region

5/14 State Championship

Senior Alex Burgos attempts to pole vault 10'6". Alex is known as one of the best pole vaulters .

I Believe I Can Fly

The 6th grade and junior high track and field teams are off to a very good start this year . Coordinated by a great staff including coaches, Richard Stuart, Victor Arrieta, Angel Aparicio, and Rob Constante, the team is well conditioned and ready to compete. The team won second place in the Youth Fair Invitational which hosted almost every school in Dade County.

The team was led by 8th grader Robert Zalvidar who won the high jump event, at the Youth Fair Invitational, with a school record of 5 feet 7 inches. He also competed in the 400 meter, 800 meter, and the long jump. 8th grader Chris

Concentrating on his throwing motion, seventh grader Alex Castro is about to have a tremendous throw.

All photos by Teresita Campos

Vallenia, also with a tremendous outing, received a school record of 43'0 in the shotput event . ' ' Success is not a journey it is a destination and this team has accomplished nothing but the best'' said Richard Stuart.

The 6th grade team, led by extraordinary runners David Romero and Renato Bringas, won the ACC Championship. "Even though the team was small in numbers (1 0), they are big in heart' ' said Richard Stuart. Both teams are competing to their highest ability and the entire coaching staff is very proud.

Othon Cardelle

Seventh grader Rene Carballo is pushing himself to the limit to win this race.

Flying through the air with the

and has a great vis ion on h is outcome

of ease, 8th

Eighth grader Robert Zaldivar shows us his great form in this jump He won first place in the ACC conference with a Junior High record jump of 5'10".

greatest

grader Jonathan Salum leapes over the hurdle capturing 1st place in the ACC Conference with a record breaking time of 15:49.

JUNIOR

v HIGH

yELL0This year's junior high volleyball team had awesome

talent!' Most opponents were no match for these wolverines . One of the leaders on the team was Adrian Correa, who had this to say about the

team: "We accomplished a lot of things this year, we came along way." The team amassed victories over St. Kevin, Edison , and archrival

Epiphany. Steven "Penny" Iglesias was a true leader. When asked about the team's performance, he had this to say," We were just Bout it, Bout it!'' With these young

guns on the rise there is no limit to the future.

Julio C. Bertemati

BALL

Eighth grader Steven Iglesias spikes it up with the best of them in a conference match up.

photo by Gabriel Reese

Serving up aces is usually a hard task, but not for senior Alejandro Vasquez who was one of the captains this year.

by: Leo Bellon

photo by: Leo Bellon

WAY TO VARSITY

With the all-star talent of "MAC" gone the wolverines had to restablish themselves as a power house again. Most would have thought that this group would not fair well against the tough competition they had to face, but these boys worked it out no matter what. The words of senior Kenji Kurenuma, ''We were like a family out there, we were ther for each other all season

long'', give us some insight to this seasons success. The future looks really bright, especially with a great bunch of freshmen on the team.

Someone once said ''Whoever said that winning isn't everything has never won anything.'' But an even smarter man said "Sucess is sweeter after failure."

Julio C. Bertemati

photo

Leaping in the air is sophomore Jose Romero. He is one of the young leaders on this year's team.

Eighth grader Jose Garcia-Tuiion pounds the ball with all his might. This season, Jose averaged four assists and thirteen kills per match. Along with this he also made the Associated Press "All- Catholic First T earn "

photo by Diana Caridad

Voll,yb,UJ

Absolute Tennis

The 1998 Varsity Tennis team dominated their competition this year. The unity of so many veteran players led to another winning season, and a successful appearance at the District Tournament. Mr. Patrick Collins coached another great year for the team leading them to a number of victories. The team was led by seniors: Jonathan De Vera, Mike Pifiiero, Jerry

Prieto, Colin Bowe, and junior Mark Guzman. The tennis team's greatest victory was against Key West where they pulled off an extremely close win. Jonathen De Vera stated, ''This team was very unified and together we pulled off a lot of great wins.''

Octavia Verdeja

Senior Mike Piniero gets ready to smash the tennis ball to the other side of the court.

Senior George Grillo practices his returns before playing rival St. Brenden at home.

Coach Patrick Collins goes over a strategy with starter Jonathan De Vera.

Varsity Schedule

Vs. Chaminade-Madonna 2/19

Vs. Key West 2/20

Vs. St. Brendan 2/23

Vs. Curley-Notre Dame 2/26

Vs. Coral Shores 314

Vs Chaminade-Madonna 3/5

Vs. Pine Crest 3/9

Vs. Palmer Trinity 3/11

Vs. Northeast 3/17

Vs. Hillel 3/18

Vs. Pace 3/23

Vs. Miami Country Day 3/25

Vs . Curley-Notre Dame 3/26

Vs. Coral Reef 3/30

Vs. St . Brendan 3/31

Vs. LaSalle 4/6

All photos by Lily Mendosa.

The Varsity 1998 Tennis Team poses for a picture with Coach Patrick Collins From right to left: Senior Jonathan De Vera, Senior Mike Piniero, Junior Mark Guzman, Senior Jerry Prieto, Senior Colin Bowe, and Senior George Grillo.

Junior Mark Guzman practices his back-hand in order to improve his skill for an important match.

Starting Traditions

The Belen water polo team's inaugural season started with some adversity. Despite the fact that the team was extremely inexperienced, they managed to pull of a very successful season. With wins against teams such as North Miami Beach and Jackson High, the team really stood out. Senior team captain Joel Cabrera said, ''Being looked upon as the underdogs, I am very proud to say that through hard work and training, we have certainly left a mark in Belen

water polo history.''

Even though the seniors are leaving the team, with the experience gained this year, the juniors will surely be able to step up. Junior team member Ricky Rasco said, ''The seniors on the team really played well this season. The juniors of the team, I'm sure,we have learned from them and will be ready to compete against very competitive teams next season.''

Daniel Montenegro

Senior Victor Gilpin tries his best to fake out an opponent on his attempt to score a goal against North Miami Beach High School. Belen won this match by the score of three to two

photo by Jorge Fernandez

Senior Chris Navarrete uses his hard earned skills in order to challenge his opponent to make an attempt to block his goal.

photo by Jorge Fernandez

Putting for Tradition

This year, the Belen Golf team had one of its best seasons ever. The team was coached by Mr. Ed Locasio, who showed them the direction to a great season. Under the helm of coach Locasio, the team reached great heights. The team was led by juniors Jeronimo Esteves, Guillermo Lagos, J.C. Alexander, and sophomore Luis Martinez.

The Wolverines had a number of memorable wins against such teams as St. Brendan, Mast Academy, and Pace. All the wins they achieved came because of the incredible talent and the unity they had on the team. ''I loved playing for this team. We had a lot of

heart, determination, and leadership which was necessary for the kind of season that we had,'' said sophomore Luis Martinez. Other members on this team included sophomores Gregory Bell, and Jose Jimenez, eighth graders Paul Humbert, and Steve Iglesias, and seventh grader Jose Garcia. When asked about the young talent and the experienced veterans already on the team, junior J.C. Alexander said, "I can't wait 'till next year. I think with this team we could work wonders.'' With all this talent, there is a bright future for the Belen Golf team.

Daniel Montenegro

Sophomore, Luis Martinez uses his long drive to get close to the hole. photos by Alex Bienes

"We got Spirit''

Yes, the 199. esen t at every game Cheerleaders hav ring and stand.ing by spirit it takes to be a heir ams and demonstanding team. Co a rat ing their "Belen , Gi ell CastilJo has high ex- spirit and enthusiasm. pectations for both the This sk is always perVarsity and J squads. forme with a smile on HNot only are tties girls lrei faces, eve If it enex ellent cheerleader s ,'' tails eriog in he rain says the coach, ''b ut it or staying up late after a amazes me how they , ow game fini fii ng work for how to kee p a ba ance scho ol. Being a Wolverine schedule d be o eerlead r ·s m.uch more rounded." t an ,just ing perfonn-

Cheerleading i a year- er, it is t>e g a loyal fan long sport that emands a by givi g th ir heart to great dea of practice, the s h0ol. commitment, dication. T got spirit, yes technique, and nt. - tlfe · do! They've got spirit gardless of the circum- how 'bout you? stances, these girls are by Ms. Teresita Campos

Front row: (from left to right) Mayra Montoya, Ana Marie Lopez, Stefanie Perez, Christy Ocariz, Elizabeth Capo, Erika Daygherty, Jacky Garcia Middle row: Diana Chica, Janelle Jurado, Desi Galvez, Jenny Golden, Melissa Bustos, Michelle DePozsgay

Back row: Gisell Castillo, Natasha Andrade, Cindy Onoz, Melissa Guanche, Angie Garcia, Cristina Garcia, Natalie Ramirez

Sports

Front row: (from left to right)Annie Suarez , Lianette Campos, Michelle Mieveles, Annette Rodriguez, Ivette Liera , Kristen Cantamero

Middle row:Christy Morgado, Melissa Lorenzo , Natalie Medrano, Jackie Humbert, Adriana Puentes , Cristy Ferrer, Sasha Andrade

Back row :Dee Barkett , Lauren Knickerbocker, Mariah Gidel , Tina Gonzalez, Christy Sobrado, Dominique Santana , Monica Montoya.

Along with the excitement and spunk of the cheerleaders, the Varsity squad has the ability to perform complicated and intricate stunts Goooo Cheerleaders!

Throwing up their arms in spirit , three of the cheerleaders show their pride as they get a lift from the rest of the J.V squad

Varsity Cheerleaders pose before the first Basketball game with their favorite mascot " Waldo the Wolverine".

All photos by Teresita Campos

Honors in Traditional Sports

This years Varsity Sports Banquet was a memorable time of enjoyment, and honor. Athletes of all types came to receive awards, pins, and varsity letters. The varsity letter .is a sign of accomplishment that is honored with respect by all Belen students and alumni. For some athletes this is to be their last year competing as Varsity Wolverines, they will move on the road of life to the next level in college.

Belen will miss losing some of its star athletes such as Varsity Football quarter back Mike Mar-

tinez, Swimmer Frank Quesada, Track runner Diego Morales, and Tennis player Jonathen De Vera just to name a few, but will have great expectations for future star athletes. No matter where the athletes that Belen lose go , they will always be wolverines, and the Belen community will always recognize them as a part of the family, that has gone off to create their own traditions.

Geoffrey Valdes

Mike Feria watches one of his award winning performances during a new portion of the Sports Banquet, in which videos of student athletes are played, so that parents and other students may observe them.

Philip Riveron receives the Scholar Athlete award from coach Carlos SportsBarquin.

Football players Mike Martinez, and Vince Cartaya show there Woverine school spirit by displaying a card board with a 100 % Wolverine slogan.

The Belen Wolverine Cheerleaders, pose for a picture after receiving several prestigious awards at the annual Varsity Sports Banquet.

Mike Llanes Sportsmen of the Year, shows off a Belen basketball jersey with the years record, and the players names.

Junior Eddie Acosta Athlete of the Year congratulates his friend junior Vince Cartaya for winning the Sportsmen of the Year Award.

All photos by Mike Garcia

Varsity Sports Banquer

Allstar Athletes Are Awarded

This year's Junior High Sports Banquet took place on May 21 , in the school cafeteria. It was an incredible success from the moment it started at 7:30 pm. Athletes who dedicated themselves to their respected sporting events were rewarded. The atmosphere was filled with future athletes who worked extremely hard all year to accomplish their

goals. There were a variety of awards given from junior high basketball to junior high tennis. Eighth grader Roberto Zaldivar regarded, ''I had a great time at this year's sports banquet, I felt well rewarded for the work I dedicated myself to all year.''

Octavio Verdeja

Eighth graders Antonio Rodriguez, Christian Herrmida and Michael Carreras receive their hard earned basketball awards.

Seventh grader Miguel Ferrer and eighth graders Steven Iglesias and Jose Garcia-Tuiion talk about their successful basketball season while holding their trophies.

unior High Sports Banquet

Eighth and seventh graders pose for a picture during dinner in the Belen cafeteria. They enthusiastically await to receive their athletic awards.

Maki119 a Statetnent

Organizati({))n§

Belen instills a sense of pride in the students of the school. Whether it be through their studies or their sports or their extracurricular activities, Belen students make the school feel proud.

This year, the Belen Student Council held the position of president in the Florida Association of Student Councils. Thanks to the dedication of President Carlos Curbelo, along with the distinguished Executive Board, the whole F.A.S.C. benefitted from a great year of leadership and and accomplishments.

Belen's chapter of Key Club, a service organization founded by Kiwanis InternationaL won first place awards in all seven of the the categories that a project was presented. Senior Jorge Salum, founder of Key Club's missions to the Dominican Republic, said, ''The people of the village we worked in really needed and appreciated our help.''

These organizations set a standard for years to come and demonstrate Traditions in the Making.

Armando Castro

Members of the Spanish Honor Society take a break after a long rehearsal for the upcoming Spanish play. photo by Leo Bellon

These members of the International Thespian Society interpret their roles in the yearly play

photo by Carlos Ruiz

Key Club members Charles Suastegui and Jonathan Torrens plead drivers to wash their cars for a small donation to Iodine Deficiency Disorder.

photo by Leo Bellon

Member of the Amnesty International Organization present letters to Ms. Miriam Hernandez, pleading for the safe return of her daughter.

photo by Leo Bellon

Along with Ms. Ana Fenton and Ms. Teresita Campos, the Builder's Club was reinstated and sponsored by Belen this year. The Builder's Club is a service organization for the middle school students.

photo by Leo Bellon

Service With a Smile.

This year the Belen Jesuit Key Club has been involved in a tremendous amount of service projects. The club has helped in Key Club's "Worldwide Service Project'' to eradicate Iodine Deficiency Disorder (I. D.D.) from the world. I.D.D is the number one preventable cause of mental retardation in the world and the Belen Key Club has raised over $26,000 in the fight against it this year alone. The club hopes that by spreading awareness of the disease, as well as fundraising towards the cause, they can play a major role in the disease's termination.

Another project which the club has been heavily involved in is what they call their "Major Emphasis Project" which is supposed to encompass the theme of "If you help them play ... " The project's goal is o play with chil-

dren in order to give them a better hope for tomorrow. Belen created a program called C.R.E.S.T. (Culturally Rich Ethnic Schools Together) about three years ago in which they work with Miami's inner-city elementary schools. The schools involved in particular are Corpus Christi, St. Francis Xavier, St. Mary's, St. Monica's, and St. James. They have been involved with this project for three years now and attend the schools at least once a week to tutor the young children and play different games and sports

with them.

The service extends, beyond the borders of Miami and the United States. One of the most important projects this group has undertaken

this year is working in the Dominican Republic, part of the two-thirds of the world ravished by poverty. The club has visited the country 3 times, including on their Thanksgiving and Christmas vacations. So what goes on at these missionary trips? The club has opened up medical clinics serving more than 1 ,000 people with severe illnesses. They have collected medicine from doctors all over Miami and traveled with it to the hills of the Dominican Republic, where electricity and running water are virtually nonexistent. They have also constructed over ten latrines for the town's people and in the small town

of El Bambu, not appearing on any map, they raised funds and helped construct a school house for the young children. They have also worked with projects such as Diabetes Foundation, Project Cradle, The Florida Network, The Cuban American National Council and many more.

The Belen Jesuit Key Club has done an extraordinary amount of service this year. They hope that through the help of their super advisor ,Ralf Ledesma, they continue to serve more people through the years to come.

Michael Mena

Members from the Builders Club prepare for the Catholic Home For Children Easter egg hunt.

photo by Ms Teresita Campos

Mike Pineiro, Mikel LLanes, and "Biz" Marquez having fun while trying to build the school house at El Bambu, Dominican Republic .

photo by Jorge Salum

Rickey Rasco, Peter Alvarez , Alex Batista, and other Key Clubbers bunch up inside the playground castle for a group picture.

photo by Jorge Saladrigas

A group from Builder's Club, the middle school branch of Kiwanis , celebrate during the Belen Jesuit Key Club's farewell banquet.

photo by Jorge Salum

Student Council

This year's student council accomplished many things, from popular dances, to cleaning up the street. The year was especially important because Belen represented the FASC as the president for the state. This year's student council president was Carlos Curbelo and the vice-president was Nick Calzada. ''I felt the studentcouncil did a good job in that they accomplished everything they needed to do and took it to the next level,''says · Freshmen Marco Gonzalez. With Carlos and Nick exiting, the torch is being passed on to newly elected president and vice president Jose Fernandez and Gerald Wood. "I feel that being elected into office is a great honor and I hope to fulfill everyone's expectations,'' said new President Jose Fernandez. Erimar Von der Osten

National Honor Societies

The elite students of Belen are all committed to excellence in their studies. Depending on their GPA they are divided into six clubs: the Senior National Honor Society, Junior National Honor Society, Senior National Beta Club, Junior National Beta Club, Quill and Scroll and the Spanish Honor Society.

The National Honor Society is comprised of students who maintain a 3.5 GPA or higher. Members of this society dedicate their time and effort to reach academic excellence and maintain it throughout the school

hard to stay in this society. To be a member in each club, students must achieve and maintain a "B" average

0members of the Senior Na- during the school year· tional Beta Club and the Junior Na- The Spanish National Honor Society is a community comprised of tional Beta Club, also work incredibly

the students of Belen with the top grades in their respective Spanish classes. Students are eligible for membership if they have an ' ' A'' averagethrough two consecutive semesters of Spanish.

All these honor societies have one thing in common, they are all dedicated to leadership, academic achievement, service, and character building. Whether it be through their studies or community service, these students are leaders and are role models for the rest of the school.

Belen is proud of these groups of scholars. May they have continuous success in all their studies.

Freshman Jorge Conforme walks proudly back to his seat after receiving his diploma for induction into the Belen National Honor Society

Junior Jonathan Alfonso lights the candles of service, leadership, and scholarship. These three candles are the symbols of the Belen Spanish Honor Society.

Daniel Montenegro

The Spanish Honor Society gets together for a group picture after one of their monthly meetings.

Sophomores Carlos Abarca, Jose Andion, and Arturo Aman light each other's candles, preparing to be inducted into the Spanish Honor Society

Juniors Ricky Rasco, Eugene Collins, and Sophomores Miguel Telleria, Adrian Sanchez and Alex Rivera reflect on their academic achievements during the honor societies induction ceremony

All photos by Jorge Saldrigas.

Honoc Soci"i"

The Belen ALPHA club is not just a / club but a challenge for the students who join it. It revolves around the arts, the many arts that surround us in today's society. The club has many sponsored school activities that include plays, operas, field trips to art related seminars and even their own activities.

The moderators of the club are Ms. Beatriz Jimenez and Ms. Dora Haibi and they schedule all the ALPHA events. The President of the club is senior Anthony Garcia and the vice-president is senior David Hernandez. A few of the sponsored activities this year was a field trip to Orlando, Florida for the Walt Disney animation seminar , the play The Sunshine Boys , and a trip to the Everglades National Park. Junior Geoffrey Valdes (head of cinematography) put it best "If you are into the arts you must be into ALPHA.''

Erimar von der Osten

Past Belen alumni's celebrate the Belen Talent Show inside the new Belen Auditorium with moderators Ms. Dora Haibi and Ms. Beatriz Jimenez.

photo by Ms. Teresita Campos

PLAYBILE

On Wednesday October 29, 1997 the Coconut Grove Playhouse put on THE SUNSHINE BOYS staring Jack Klugman and Tony Randall. The playbill was autographed by the plays two stars Tony Randall and Jack Klugman.

ALPHA club moderators Ms

and Ms

discuss the agenda for today's ALPHA meeting photo by David Hernandez

ARTHUR F. & ALICE E. ADAMS THEATRE COCONUT GROVE PLAYHOUSE, MIAMI, FLORIDA

Beatriz Jimenez

Dora Haibi

The International Thespian Society, in the play Asylum, received a rating of excellence in district 8. photo by Leo Bellon.

Seniors David Hernandez and Anthony Garcia show how much fun acting can be. photo by David Hernandez.

Freshman Frankie Alvarez is preparing for a great performance.

photo by David Hernandez.

The drama team along with their coach, Mr. Leo Williams, show off their trophies. During a district competition several gained the privilege to advance to the state competition by placing within the top six.

photo by David Hernandez.

"Act Well Your Part, For There In The Honor Lies''

The Forensics club has been the to take their place". best kept secret in Belen. When you The International Thespian Society ask a Belen student what the Foren- is a sub-division of this club. It is an sics club is they probably wouldn't know. The Forensics club is the drama team of Belen. It is coached by Leo Williams. The team goes to approximately 30 tournaments a year and in the last 4 years, the team has won approximately 75 tournaments. The team practices for 2 hours a day, 4 times a week.

A big majority of the team graduated last year and have pursued acting in college. Its a rebuilding year and Senior David Hernandez, the team's Vice President, says, "where most of our talent was concentrated in the Senior class, this year many of the younger actors have stepped up

honor society for actors which an actor must have over 100 hours of experience. The society this year performed ''asylum'' and got a rating of excellent at district competition and in district individual event 5 members got an excellent rating as well.

The other division of this club is the debate team. This team uses the courtroom procedure which contains affirmative team and negative team. This team is in their second year and placed 2nd in the state last year. This should be a promising year for the team.

Othon Cardelle

Frank Garcia is rehearsing his monolouge for an upcoming performance photo by David Hernandez.

Seniors Carlos Barsia, Daniel Camaro, Mario Rojas and freshman Feliche Gorroldo are celebrating afer a sweep at districts . photo by David Hernandez.

Stopping Injustices Around the World

Amnesty International is a world wide organization that gets little recognition for its great achievements. This club stresses peaceful means to stop injustices around the world. They write letters to various nations voicing their opinions on different topics and problems. The club is comprised of about twenty members and is headed by Mr . Patrick Collins. Each member in the club must write at least one letter a month but most members choose to write a number of letters. Junior Geoffrey Valdes regarded, "We stop injustice around the world by writing letters. It makes me feel good that I am making a difference." This organization strongly reflects the Jesuit motto "men for others," as it tries to stop injustices taking place around the globe.

Octavio Verdeja

Mr. Patrick Collins and some members of the Amnesty International Club are hard at work writing letters to countries that are struggling with injustices

All photos by Mike Martinez

· Dr Armando Rodriguez gives historical information about Latin America and its : foreign policies to the C.E.L.A.C. club.

Dr. Armando Roclub, lectures his members about the embargo Cuba.

Learning a Lesson on Latin America

The club that is responsible for Latin American Affairs is C.E.L A.C. It is made up of about thirty members and is advised by Mr. Armando Rodriguez. The president of the club is Eddie Gonzalez and the vicepresident to the club is Andres Chagui. This club helps in organizing the Latin American cultural week, which help others to learn more of their own Latin American heritage during the month of March . The group is responsible for carrying out a concert, showing off various different art works, and educating others about Cuban history. Mr. Armando Rodriguez, advisor of the club, regarded this club as, "A good way for others to learn about Latin America and experience its ongoing culture."

Octavio Verdeja

The Right to Live

The Respect Life Club is an organ- which the school designates to teach ization that deals with the petition to the school about abortion through stop abortion across the United Sta- the help of graphic photos, videos, tes of America, and also the world. and guest speakers. ''We want to Abortion is a controversial issue teach the school that abortion is across the fifty states with people murder. We also want to teach Miami saying that women have a choice and through the help of us being involved others saying that abortion is wrong. in different activities why abortion is Through the help of different activ- wrong," said moderator Ms. Maria ities the students of this club show Luisa Ortega. The highlight of the why the world should stop the mur- year is when a group of students der of unborn babies. from the club traveled to Washing-

The Respect Life Club sponsors ton, D.C. to participate in the March and participates in many activities for Life. ''The March for Life was a during the year. Among the activities great experience,'' said sophomore that the club is involved in is the Charles Suastegui. "We really got to annual Run for Life, which is a cross show our opinion on abortion." country event that is held in our own Daniel Montenegro track. Another activity is Respect Life Day, which is a school day in

Sophomore Charles Suastegui with friends he met during the Respect Life trip to Washington, D.C . for the "March for Life."

photo provided by Charles Suastegui

Ready, set, Go! A group of young spirited runners run in the annual Run for Life held at the Belen track. The Run for Life is one of the many activities sponsored by the Respect Life club.

photo by Steve Giralt

Wo rk ing to Save Our Planet

Usually, on the news you hear of how we are losing our rain forests, or of how the ozone layer is being destroyed, or even how polluted our local beaches are. But you never seem to hear of the people working to save our planet. Here, in Belen, led by moderator and ninth grade science teacher, Mr. Sucena, the Environmental Club tries to do its part to keep our community clean.

This club's work starts with educating the community. In order to solve a problem, one must know what the problem is and how to solve it. That is why the Environmental Club has set up ''The Environmental Library,'' a small room in our school

library, where one can go read hundreds of pamphlets, or check out videos and slides, about environmental issues we face everyday.

The club doesn't only preach about the importance cleaning our community. It also leads by example, as they have placed many recycling bins all over the school. They also many activities as Environmental Week and as a trip they take to the Florida Everglades.

The environmental club has contributed a lot to our school and community. They are teaching us that by being a little cautious, we can make our world a better place to live in.

Jorge Salum

Scenes like these in nature is what motivates the Env ironmental Club to work harder to save the Earth.

Photo by Jorge Salum

Chess Club

The Belen Jesuit Chess Club was restarted this year under the direction of Mr. Sam Vega and Mr. Antonio Perez. According to Mr. Vega, "the chess club serves two purposes: First a recreational purpose and secondly a place were the team can prepare for competition.'' The Cheese Club meets every Thursday and Friday and is open to everyone. The Chess team, which is also considered part of the club, under the new direction of Mr. Victor Delgado has done extremely well during in the Dade County Chess association mainly in the K-8 division.

Alex Vazquez

Boy Scouts

Ninety one years ago Lord Batten Powell from England organized a group of scouts. Since then the Boy Scout movement has spread throughout the world, from the United States to Japan. Belen's Boy Scout Troop 43 was created after Belen came from Cuba, and in keeping with the Boy Scout tradition of adventure, the troop has hiked the steep cliffs of the rocky mountains and canoed down the rapids of the Swanee River. This year, Belen's Troop will have 3 new Eagle Scouts, junior Richard Rasco, sophomore Juan Carlos Hernandez and Franco Fernandez. Less than one percent of Boyscouts will achieve this rank.

Victor Soler-Baillo

Ricky Rasco and Danny Peon lead the Belen Scouts on an excursion at the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.

photo by Victor Soller-Baillo

Senior Victor Soller-Baillo on his way to conquering the rockies in New Mexico.

photo by Leo Bellon

Discussing the question that was asked, Belen knowledge bowl team members Carlos

for the appropriate answerer .

Curbelo, Eduardo Canto, Nick Calzada, Danny Camaro and Eric Mauri search

photo by Leo Bellon

The Belen knowledge bowl team, studying their opponents, are taking notes and reviewing their information.

photo by Armando Castro

After answering a critical question in one of their matches, the knowledge bowl team celebrates among themselves after getting the question correct.

photo by Leo Bellon

Knowledge • IS power

The annual knowledge bowl, held at Belen for the 2nd year in a row, was a great success. Even though Belen placed 6th it was a great experience for all the teams that were there. There was a total of 9 teams that included a mixture of public and private schools.

Belen was led by Junior Eric Mauri who answered 18 questions right for a total of 108 points.

We had many hot streaks but we fell a couple of points short," said Junior Eric Mauri. Senior Nick Calzada said

We had a lot of fun." With a 1-2 record, beating Miami High, the team reached their expectations and coaches Mr. Martinez and Mr. Collins were very proud.

Othon Cardelle

The Belen knowledge bowl team, putting all their intellectual skill to provide an answerer to a question received full credit for a complete answerer. The team went on to beat Miami High in that match.

photo by Armando Castro

Reporting Tradition

Sports news, movie reviews, school news, music reviews, and perhaps, the most read "Big Question?" are all part of Belen's school newspaper, The Vincam. Students at Belen are eager to know what's going on in the community, and are very interested in acquiring information about certain restaurants. When an issue of Vincam is published and handed out, usually once a month, the big scoops on popular hangouts are exposed. ''It takes a lot of hard work and dedication, but in the end it's all worth it. I love reading the final edition,'' said junior

Danny Blanco, one of the members of the staff. It seems that many people share the same opinion as Danny: everytime the Yincam is published, one is guaranteed to receive an excellent, well written and exciting paper. Eddy Canto, a senior member of the staff said, ''It's a great opportunity for the student body to express their opinions and have the whole school read them.''

Vincam is without a doubt a reliable source of information that the Belen community cannot do without.

Jorge Saladrigas

Senior staff writers Joseph Noa and Eduardo Canto sacrifice their time to make the next Vincam the best Vincam.

Seniors Daniel Lopez and Philip Riveron consult on the stories that will be printed in the next Vincam.

Danny Blanco, Alvaro

and Arturo

work to get an article in before a deadline.

Miiioso,

Montealgre,

Junior staff writer Robert Riley proofreads one of his many well written articles. Editing and

reediting is a requirement for Vincam members. v· 153 meam

All photos by Leo Bellon

Ms. Teresita Campos shows junior Erimar von der Osten ideas for this years Alpha layout.

photo by Leo Bellon

Jose Fernandez, a member of the yearbook staff, sings his heart out to the sounds of Master P, at the Taylor yearbook seminar in St. Petersburg, Florida.

photo by Ignacio Font

Mr. Ignacio Font and Ms. Teresita Campos look through pictures to determine which ones will go on a page of the Belen yearbook

photo by David Hernandez

Every student loves to go back in time and look at the fun times they enjoyed with their classmates in past years. The best way to do just that is to go to your bookshelf and pull out one of those spunky Belen yearbooks. These books are full of tradition and memories, which are always fun to look at. Under the direction and advise of Mr. Ignacio Font and Ms. Teresita Campos the staff, composed of both juniors and seniors, work to create these hard cover wonders. "My experience in this class will help in life experiences. I've had to deal with many people, some were annoying, and

Mr. Font, yearbook adviser, gives the editorin-chief, Armando Castro, some noteworthy advice. Meanwhile, junior Julio C. Bertemati, listens carefully, so as not to make the same mistakes.

photo by Jorge Saladrigas

some were nice, and I've heard it's the same way in life," said junior Julio Bertemati.

What the staff does is hard work, sometimes they stay after school for an hour or two just to finish a page. Junior Danny Montenegro says, "I enjoy the hard work, once I finish I get a feeling of accomplishment which I rarely experience. Also, I like the final product." Day in and day out the students put in their time and effort to finish the job. And why? So the memories we look back on are the ones we love.

Jorge Saladrigas and Jose Fernandez

A group of Echoes staff members and advisors relax after a filling and enjoyable meal at the ''The Barrel''. photo by Lalin Garcia

Teaching the Traditions Faculty

If there is one thing that the Belen administration is proud of most, it has to be the faculty. Belen's faculty ranks among the top in the nation, and this is because of each teacher's involvement and dedication to the school. "My teachers make me feel like an individual, not like just another student. They really care about me," said sixth grader Thompson Davis. Belen teachers are proud of their school. The teachers can be found at almost every sporting event, rooting for the Wolverines. "I enjoy going to the sporting events. I have a lot of fun cheering for my students," said Ms. Teresita Campos, one of the loyal fan/teachers.

Many alumni return to teach at their ''alma mater.'' These teachers find a renovated and a more modernized facility, but the same warmness and caring that they received as students. "I love teaching at the school where I received my education," said Eduardo Delgado, seventh-grade Geography teacher. "I love sharing my Belen experiences with my students, hopefully helping them succeed not only in school, but in life.''

Armando Castro

On the way to the Pace football game, Maria-Elena Cartaya and Teresita Campos chaperone the fan bus. These teachers are willing to go anywhere the team goes.

photo by Julio Bertemati

Teachers Teresita Campos, Br. Martin Arias, Maria Cartaya, Angie Fernandez, and Adriana Suarez go crazy cheering at a Belen basketball game. These teachers were "season-ticket holders" in almost every sport.

by Lianette Campos

As playful as always, Fr. Eddy Alvarez, S.J. shows us his best imitation of a cat. "MEOW"

Ms. Maria Fiorenza and senior Frank Gomez work together in solving a tough Computer formula.

Mr. Frank F. Pichardo explains to his Chemistry class how the elements are classified on the Periodic Table Mr. Pichrdo has been teaching at Belen for over 15 years, and loves his job more and more everyday.

photo

photo by Leo Bellon

photo by Leo Bellon

photo by Ivan J. Vich

Man With A Mission

Nowadays the word being used the most in Belen is expansion. The new gymnasium, the expansion of the cafeteria, and the new wing are just the beginning for Belen. And behind all this construction and expansion there has always been one man, Father Marcelino Garcia. S.J. Father Garcia has been president of Belen for 14 years and principle for six. Along with the new editions that are being added to the school (new wing, cafeteria expansion) Father Marcelino has some more plans for the future. When asked, father said that he hopes to start construction on a new humanities wing, which would be probably built next to the gym facing 127th avenue. This new structure would encompass a theater with seating capacity of 300, and rooms for art, music, a band, speech and drama, and even a new yearbook room. Even though the school already has $860,000 saved, Father Marcelino also

said that the total cost of construction would be around a million and a half dollars. Looking closer to the near future, Father Marcelino hopes to utilize the new wing for the upcoming semester. The three rooms on the first floor will be used for the seventh grade, and the five rooms on the second floor will be used to teach the freshmen. The dining room on the first floor will be able to hold 100 people, and will be used for special dinners, and the expansion to the cafeteria will also be able to fit an expansion to the cafeteria will also be able to fit an extra 1 00 students.

Father Marcelino has worked for the last 14 years to make Belen a better place. Thanks to his hard work and love of this great institution, he has helped Belen achieve the status of one of the top schools in the state.

Jose Fernandez

Father Marcelino shows his support by attending one of the pep-rallies and getting into the spirit of things. photo by Jorge Saladrigas

Every day here at Belen is business, as Father Marcelino rushes to his next meeting.

photo by David Hernandez

Alongside Father Cartaya, Father Marcelino is celebrating the Eucharist at one of Belen's many masses.

At mass, Father Marcelino is busy delivering one of his many homilies to the students.

photo by Jorge Saladrigas

photo by Leo Bellon

Standing here with Mrs. Jimenez, Father Cartaya, and juniors David Marin and Guillermo Lagos, Father Marcelino poses with the foreign exchange students visiting Belen.

photo by Michael Martinez

An Example for All

Dedication, service, and leadership. These are all words that describe Mr. Leo Nunez. Ask any student that knows him to list the three adults they respect most in this school, and you are almost certain to see Mr. Nunez's name. He is a professional that takes his job seriously; and at the same time he is very humble and has a great sense of humor. While most people today are always busy and unable to listen to the concerns of the youth, Mr. Nunez will always welcome students into his

office, despite his heavy workload. His advice is genuine and sincere, and he is very trustworthy. Throughout his 23 years of service at Belen, he has been an intrical part of the many students advancements in the academic curriculum. We have benefitted from this tremendously in the admissions process. Mr Nunez character and hard-working demeanor are an inspiration to all of those who know him.

Carlos Cuerbelo

"When you are happy, enjoy but be aware that it is fleeting; when you are sad, do not despair, that too will pass. Nothing worldly lasts forever.''

Leopoldo Nufiez

Mr. Nunez finally gets a break after another long day of stressful

work.

photo by Ivan J. Vich

Mr. Nunez, even though he has many responsabilities , finds the time to be a Eucharistic Minister. Here he is giving Communion to eigth grader , Christian Rodriguez

photo by Leo A. Bellon

leopoldo Nun"

Besides being department head of the Modern Language Department, Spanish teacher , and Assistant Principal , Ms Beatriz Jimenez is also a crazed Wolverine fan.

by Jorge Saladrigas

Assistant Principal and Latin -American History teacher Mr Armando Rodriguez emphasizes how important it is to sell your raffle tickets, all funds go towards academic scholarships.

Leo Bellon

Despite many disciplinary problems she must enforce at Belen, Assistant Principal Ms. Grace Acosta manages to maintain a rela xed working atmosphere.

photo by Leo Bellon

Besides being a psychology teacher and Assistant Principal for Admissions, Mr. Brian Wentzel plays a critical role in deciding which new prospective students are accepted into Belen.

by Leo Bellon

photo

photo by

photo

F•mlcy

Assistant Principal of Student Development Mr. Leopolda Nunez preaches to the entire student-body the importance of studying and homework to succeed in school.

A Working Unit Of Leaders

Every school needs order. Without order, there would be chaos in the halls. Students would be running around without a care for the dress code or their studies. The individuals in charge of keeping this order at Belen are the Assistant Principals. Each Assistant Principal has a specific role at the school.

Mr. Brian Wentzel is the Assistant Principal in charge of Admissions. He is responsible for the entrance exams, the accreditation, admission of new students, and making sure that the staff has what they need in order to do their job.

Ms. Grace Acosta is the Assistant Principal in charge of Discipline. She is responsible for making sure each student complies with the rules at Belen, such as tucking in their shirts and arriving to school on time. She has the right to enforce expulsions, suspensions, or detentions for anyone who breaks these rules.

Her assistants are Ms. Maria Cartaya, Mr. Charles Cleveland, and Mr. Robert Caragol.

Ms. Beatriz Jimenez is Assistant Principal in charge of Development. This includes fundraisers like the Gala Dinner and Alumni Banquet. It also entails making sure all athletes comply with the academic standards. She is also the Director of the Modern Language department.

Mr. Armando Rodriguez is the Assistant Principal of Student Development. He is in charge of our two famous annual raffle ticket sales. He also coordinates the Tombola,which is our yearly fair, and all of the school dances. Besides these three activities, he also spends time being a moderator and an advisor to the Student Council.

Daniel Montenegro

photo by David Hernandez

Senior Othon

asks Father Eddie Alvarez,

if he can stop for a quick interview for the Humanities section of Echoes ' 98 year book.

Cardelle

S.J.

Photo by Leo Bellon

Father Pedro Cartaya, S.J. listens to one of Father Eddie Alvarez's insightful homilies

Photo by Leo Bellon

Father Victor Hernandez, S.J. looks through the newly created resource center for projects that he could use for his eleventh grade Honors Social Catholic Doctrine course.

Photo by David Hernandez President/Principal Father Marcelino Garcia, S.J. poses for a picture

Photo by David Hernandez

The Foundation of Belen

The Jesuits are the foundation of Belen. They make Belen what it is today; one of the premier private high schools in Miami. They built the first Belen in Havana, Cuba and it was one of the best schools in Cuba until Castro took over and exiled the Jesuits. In 1961, these Jesuits came to Miami and opened a new and smaller Belen but 21 years later they moved to a new location with a bigger facility and a new chapter for Belen. Fr. Marcelino Garcia, S.J. is the

President/Principal of Belen. Fr. Eduardo Alvarez, S.J. teaches 12th grade Philosophy. Fr. Pedro Cartaya, S.J. teaches 1Oth grade Spanish, adviser to the Meteorology club, and is always quick with a joke.

Fr. Victor Hernandez, S.J. teaches 11th grade Honors Social Doctrine and is the Spiritual counselor for 1Oth grade. Fr. Francisco Lemus, S.J. is a guidance counselor for Belen students. Fr. Jorge Munguia, S.J. is the Building Fund Director and

a valuable asset towards the Belen community. Fr. Jose Tey, S.J. teaches 6th grade theology. A new addition is Br. Martin Arias, S.J. who teaches 9th grade math. One of the most beloved Jesuits, especially around the 6th to 8th graders is Fr. Jorge Sardina, S.J. These are the people who make Belen, and without these people, the tradition of Belen would surely crumble.

Erimar von der Osten

Father Victor Hernandez, S.J., head of the Jesuits at Belen, congratulates Father Jorge Sardina, S.J. and Father Francisco Perez-Llerena, S.J. after being awarded fifty years of dedication as a Jesuit.

Photo by Jorge Saladrigas

Father Jorge Sardina, S.J. hears confession at mass from a seventh grader.

Photo by David Hernandez

Faculty and Administration

Five alumni returned to teach at Belen just a few years after graduating. These alumni have a lot of pride in their school, and that is the main reason they returned. The former graduates are Mr. Javier de la Vega, Mr. Robert Caragol, Mr. Eduardo Delgado, Mr. Javier Argamasilla, and Mr. German Delgado. These men are not only teachers but also dedicated coaches. Four out of the five alumni are football coaches and Mr. Caragol is a swim-

Acosta, Grace Alday, Marta Alexander, Anthony Alvarez , S.J. , Eduardo Aparicio, Angel

Arias, Martin Argamasilla, Javier Arteaga, Lourdes Barquin , Carlos Burke, Adalberto

Busquet, Aimee Busse, George Campos , Teresita Caragol, Robert Cartaya , Sister Maria

Cartaya , Maria Elena Cartaya, S.J., Pedro Casero, Christina Chirino, Josefina Cleveland, Charles

ming coach. Each alumni has a respective degree in colleges such as Nova University, Florida State University, and Creighton University. These men are dedicated individuals who really love being around the Belen atmosphere. Mr. Caragol said, "I like the way Belen prepares students for college."

Octavio Verdeja

Mr. Javier de Ia Vega and Mr. German Delgado are not only colleagues, they're also very good friends.

Fernandez , Maria Fernandez , Rafael Fenton , Ana Filer , Lily Fiorenza , Maria

Garland , Edward Gutierrez-Boronat , Orlando Haibi , Dora Hansen, Eric Hernandez, Marina

Hernandez, Pedro

Collins , Patrick Costante , Robert Cutliff, Brenda de la Vega, Javier Delgado, Eduardo

Delgado , German Eireos , Maria Elias, Teresita Falk, Stephen Feito, Jose

Font , Ignacio Fraga , Eduardo Garcia, Gerardo Garcia, S.J. , Marcelino Garcia, Mercedes

Hernandez, Sylvia Hernandez, S.J., Victor Herran, Soraya Icaza, Charmaine

Ledesma Rafael Lemus, S.J., Francisco Leon, Gisela

Manrara , Ana Martinez , Jorge Meneses, Alfred

Menocal, Ana M. Miyar, Marie Jean Morera , Candy

Mungia, S.J , Jorge Nunez, Leopoldo O'Mally, Robert

Ortega, Maria Parra, Mario Perez, Anthony

Perez, Jimmy

Perez-Lerena, S.J., Francisco Pichardo, Frank

What is your favorite quote?

"I may not agree with a word you say, but I will fight to the death for your right to say it." Voltaire

Aimee Busquet

' 'To be awake is to be Alive.'' Henry David Thoreau

Mr. Alfred Meneses

"It is not like something it is something."

Mr. Patrick Collins

"Is it Friday yet ?" Grace Acosta

" It is a world cluttered with useless objects which men and women, in order to be exploited and degraded are taught to regard as useful. The dreamer whose dreams are non -utilitarian has no place in this world." Henry Miller Ignacio Font

''If someone speaks badly of you, live so no one will believe it." Anonymous

Ms. Teresita Campos

F•mlcy

Ms. Dora Haibi prepares a serving of her famous yuca frita during this year's Belen Tombola.

Photo by Will Gaitan

Remis, Mario Roca, Jose Rodriguez, Armando Rodriguez, Mercy Ross, Rafael Salas, Lourdes Sardina, S.J., Jorge Segarra, Reinier Sierra, Juanito Sierra, Ramon

Stuart, Richard Suarez, Adriana Suarez, Camila Sucena, Rolando Taquechel, Pablo

Tey, S.J., Jose Vega, Sam Vidal, Marta Vila, Carol Vivo, Rene

Wentzal, Brian Williams, Leo Zoller Eugene

Chow Time

What Bellen Eats

40 pounds of ham

60 pounds of turkey

15 pounds of salami

20 pounds of cheese

$350 worth of salad produce every 3 days

23 gallons of soup a day

80 pounds of raw pasta every day

44 gallons of ice cream a day

1, 400 hamburger buns a day

204 pizza pies on pizza days

2 ,400 croquetas on croquet days

1,080 chicken patties on chicken sandwich days

125 gallons of beverages each day

Besides being the Varsity Wrestling Coach, Fidel Albelo is one of the hardest-working maintenance staff member in the Belen Community.

all photos by Leo Bellon

Fuulcy

Every day Ms. Rosa Mas goes to all the classrooms and cleans them from top to bottom.

What Keeps Belen Running

The Belen cafeteria and main- eteria said,' 'I am very pleased tenance staffs have come a long with the way the cafeteria staff way in the last couple of years. has improved its food service.'' The cafeteria is headed by AI- Then I went to Mr. Villar and berto Villar and the main- asked, "What is the best thing tenance staff is lead by Ramon about working in the cafeteria?'' Sierra. The maintenance staff is He quickly responded by saying, made up of ten workers who ''The one good thing about work hard every day to ensure working here is that all the stuthat Belen is clean and working dents treat you nicely." It is properly. The two weeks before very clear that Belen's students school started Mr. Sierra and and the school itself are in good his staff would work from 7am hands with Mr. Sierra and Mr. to 3am every day. Mr. Brian Villar.

Wentzel who supervises the caf- Alex Vazquez

Rafael

takes

Artiles partrols and

care of the parking lots on his golf cart.

Alberto Vilar rests after a busy day of preparing and cooking lunch for over 970 students.

Jorge Albelo and Rene Big6 go into the outdoor storage area to retrive tables and ''areeas''.

Future Traditions

Hard work, commitment, unity and fun are the four words that describe the underclassmen years in Belen. Throughout the year, the students of Belen need to have the commitment to perform well in their classes. Whether you're in the junior high getting ready to enter high school, or in high school trying to get into a good college, it is important to succeed academically. "I think good grades are the most important thing to me so that I can get into a good college and become successful in whatever I'm planing to do," said junior Erimar von der Osten. Whenever the underclassmen get a break from classes, they always find an activity at Belen to amuse themselves. Some activities the underclassmen participate in, are the school pep rallies, dances, and the Tombola fair. During each of these activities the Belen community unites to show their school spirit. ''I love getting cheered on by my fellow peers during the pep rallies. It is a great feeling,'' said junior Heriberto Perez. Hard work and fun are a good combination in Belen that underclassmen enjoy.

Daniel Montenegro

Juniors Eric Mauri, Alvaro Miiioso, Julio Bertamati, and Alex Llama, show their class unity after the homecoming dance.

photo by Steve Giralt

Underclassmen take some much needed time off from hard studying to shoot some hoops after a long day of school.

photo by Leo Bellon

Freshmen Alex Sarria, Gaby Garcia, and Jonathen Leyva pose with cheerleaders Angie Garcia, Stefanie Perez, and Erika Gonzalez at one of Belen's famous "night pep rallies "

photo by Teresita Campos

Underclassmen struggle at the tug-o-war event during the annual Belen field day .

photo by Leo Bellon

Junior Eugene Collins receives his certificate after being inducted in one of Belens honor societies

photo by David Hernandez

The Sixth Grade Mini-Olympics

The sixth grade MiniOlympics was a great celebration for all 6th graders. The beginning of the celebration started off with a mass in the auditorium given by Father Jorge Sardina S.J. Next the five homerooms came out with their goofy names and lined up in the central patio. The torch bearer came out next with the torch, ran in front of all of the homerooms and when he got upstairs he put up his arms in a Vshape.Then Father Marcelino Garcia, principal/president of the school, came out and said ''Let the games begin.''

The first event was basketball which was a dead even tie between 6-D and 6-C. The next event was the sack race that was taken by 6-A. A little bit later on came tug of war that

was dominated by 6-D. Barkball was next which was won by 6- D who out ran and outscored everybody they played. The following event was the relays. 6D sprinted through the finish line and took 1st place. While all of these events were going on, lunch was being served to everyone who was not participating in an event.

At the end of the celebration the overall medals and places were given out. 6-D dominated and took 1st place. 6-C was placed in the position of 2nd place. 6-E squeezed into 3rd place. 6-A did well yet finished in 4th place. 6-B tried their best and finished in 5th place. It was a very good celebration and everybody enjoyed it.

Robert Velasco

The six grade parents were asked to participate in activities (like this basketball drill) with their sons, during the 6th Grade Olympics.

photo by Ms. Teresita Campos

The 6-C homeroom prepares for the beginning of the tug-of-war match against their rivals 6-A.

photo by Ms. Teresita Campos

Six<h Grndc

Bravo, Daniel Bringas, Renato M. Busto, Humberto A. Cabrera, Pedro E. Carrera, Alejandro Castellanos, Cristopher Castro, Alejandro Ceballos, Gustavo Cherta, Javier Cordova, Angel D. Corona, Joshua A. Corona, Ramon E.

Correoso, Javier R. Costa, Luis F. Cross, Michael E. Cusco, Arturo J. Daly, Sean C. Davis, Andrew M.

Alfaro, Carl M. Alfonso, Victor M.

Birbragher, Andres Blanco, Jorge L.

Davis, Thompson B. De La Fe, Christian De Varona, Alejandro

Del Rio, Ivan A. Dergan, Joseph J. Desme, Diego

Dieppa, Cristian A.

Dieppa, Julian J. Duenas, Javier E. Echenique, Ivan B. Engroba, Caesar A.

Fernandez, Gabriel

Fernandez, Jorge Fernandez-Silva, Dax Ferraz, Alexandre Ferraz, Gustavo F. Figueredo, Eloy E. Foster, Evan K.

Fumagali, Alexander Garcia, Henry F. Garcia, Raphael A. Garcia, Ricardo J. Golledge, Andrew Gomez, Emil A.

Gomez, Manuel A. Gonzalez, Alimer R. Guerra, Eric A. Halpin, Timothy S. Hernandez, Gregory Izquierdo, Nelson J.

Ivaylov, Ivo

Janania, Anwar Jane, Louis A. Joakimsen, Andrew Kraziam, Faisal S. Lopez, Jason F.

Sixili Grnde

As the sixth graders arrive, they patiently await a long afternoon of fun and ex-

Lopez, Manuel Lopez, Victor E. Machado, Jason W. Macnamara, David Malats, Daniel A. Manrara, Andres E. Maranges, Matthew Marina, Jose F. Marrero, Christian Martinez-Cid, Jordi Mas, Bryan M. Massens, Miguel J.

Meadows, Paul A. Mendez, John-Paul Menendez, Daniel Mesa, Julio L. Metcalfe Jr., George Metcalfe, Justin D.

The 6th Grade Lock-in

This year the lock-in When that was over half was held on the 22nd of the group went to play socNovember and I could cer and dodgeball in the say I had fun. The night central patio and the other started with a spaghetti half stayed in the gym to dinner, which was pretty play basketball. At 10:30 good, and an ice cream we left from playing and we dessert. When we fin- had our mass. After mass ished eating we headed we went and prepared to towards the gym. At the go to sleep. We all laid our gym we conversed for a sleeping bags on the floor while and then the seni- and finally, after two ors introduced them- hours, we went to sleep. selves and told us what We woke up in the morning this night is about. We and we ate breakfast and broke up into small then our parents came to groups and then played pick us up. some Ice Breakers like J.J. Valdivia Red light, Green light.

What did you like best about your first year at Belen?

"I liked meeting new people and the teachers."

Mikuski, Mohamed Moises, Jesus D. Montoya, Kevin N. Mori, Ahmed J.

liked the environment, and the teachers."

Mur, Matthew C. Nuche, Alexander Nunez, Eduardo R. Ortiz, Michael A.

Pantin, Les E. Pasos, Luis Peraza, Leonel Perez, Daniel J.

Perez, Emmanuel Perez, Jorge A. Prieto, Antonio T. Puente, Orlando E.

Quinones, Clement Radoslavov, Ivo I. Rafalowicz , Jeremy Reyes, Alexander

Reyes, Calvin Ricard, Giancarlo Rico, Miles A. Rivera, Leonardo F.

Gregory Heranadez

"I

Miguel Massans

"The after school activities " Alex Nuche

"I liked making new friends " Manny Gomez

"Playing on the basketball team." Gaby Suarez

"The first day speech by Mr. Ross." Sean Daly 78 Sixth Grc1de

with the torch to commence the

Rodriguez, Rene A. Rohaidy, Ricardo Roig, Roy Rojas, Eddie E. Rojas, Edgar E. Romero, David L. Rooney, JohnM. Roque, Jose A. Ruiz, Angel M. Salcedo, Julian Sanchez, Arturo M. Schlussler, Ryan K.

Soto, Charles M. Stille, Matthew A. Suarez, Andres Suarez, Gabriel R. Trillo, Ramon Urriola, Joseantonio

/ aides, Alan M. / aides, Alexander /aides, Michael B. III, Jose M. , Robert A. elasquez, Alexander

Velez, Jorge L. Vergara, Manuel A.

Vidal, Carlos J. Vivo, Jeffrey A.

Acosta, David J.

Aenlle, Julio Oscar

Alfonso, Rolando T.

Andrade, Jonathan

Araque, Javier E.

Avalle, Francisco

Beltran, Robert

Blanco, Eric

Bofill, Jorge J.

Briceno , Raul A.

Burgos , Noe

Caballero, David

Calderin, Ernesto L.

Calderon, Roberto

Calil, Carlos A.

Camargo, Christopher

Campos, Jerry J.

Cantens, Christopher

Canto, Jose Ignacio

Carabeo, Javier P.

Carballo , Rene A.

Carnright, David

Cartas, William Cosio, Michael John Couce, Jose A. De Armas, Rafael De La Vega, Carlos De Leon, Felipe J. De Leon, Jorge R. Del Castillo, Mitchell Delgado, Rodolfo Diaz, Benito I. Duany, Carlos E. Escobar, Andres Escobedo, Ernesto Espinoza, Carlos Esteban, Alexander Fernandez, Christian Ferrer, Miguel A. Fontela, Gabriel

P a§§ing on the

T raJition

Grandparents Day '98 kicked off The day was finished off with a another year in which the stu- mass which brought the spirdents of Belen are drawn closer itual aspect of the day out. Sevto their heritage. Despite the enth grader Carlos Duany had fact that after school these kids this to say," Grandparents Day go out with their grandparents was a lot of fun. I learned a lot once in a while, Grandparents of things about my grandfather Day puts aside one day in these that I didn't even know. I'm hapseventh graders busy lives py that Belen gives us the where they can take time to opportunity to spend a day with learn more about their our grandparents." Grandpar"abuelos" and "abuelas." The ents Day is just another way in day was composed of games, which Belen brings all the stusuch as bingo and a balloon dents and their families closer toss. Also, the students and together, keeping the family their grandparents were greet- tradition alive. ed with a continental breakfast Jose Fernandez that featured hot coffee, doughnuts, bagels, and orange juice.

Seventh grader Jose Garcia and his grandmother Gloria Gutierrez, share a moment together before heading into the school.

photo by Juan Garcia

Seventh Grnde

Fontela, Gaston A. Frederick, Joseph Fusco, Andrew J.

Gallardo, Leonel

Garcia, Anthony

Garcia, Jorge J. Garcia, Jose M. Garcia-Romeu, Daniel Gonzalez, Daniel

Gonzalez, George Gonzalez, Louis A. Gonzalez, Michael Gramatges, Ryan P. Greiffenstein, Jonathan Groover, Nicholas

Guardiola, Alejandro

Gueits, Christopher

Guerra, Gabriel Guevara, John G. Gutierrez, Nicholas Hermida, Stephan

Hernandez, Daniel Hernandez, Fernando Hernandez III, Eugenio Hernandez, John P. Hernandez, Ricardo Inguanzo, Carlos R.

Juarez, Luigi A.

Justo, George A. Larcada, Carlos A. Larrieu, Rene A. Lemus, Michael J. Leon, Dayron

It's a bird. It's a plane! No, it's a lunar eclipse. The eclipse which comes along every 75 years happened to fall February 26, 1998 between 10:45 and 11 :30am. During the lunch period of the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade most of

the students were in the central patio looking into the sky trying to get a glimpse of this wonder of nature. We were fortunate enough to have Fr. Cartaya, S.J. here to tell us when to look for this spectacle.

Jose Fernandez

What do y«J>u liJke alb«J>ut Master P?

Available

re Llamas, Luis E. Llorente, Ricardo Lopez, Alexander V. Lopez, Henry

Lorenzo, Bryan Lucio, Alejandro Mallol, Mariano Marrero, PaulS.

Martin, Alain D. Mas, Idelfonso Mashayekh, Yousef Massa, George

Masvidal, Daniel Mederos, Jonathan Menendez, Stefan Mesa, Jorge

Pictu

Chris Gueits: "Cause he's Bout it, Bout it!"

David Acosta " Cause he's the ice cream man "

Ernie Escobedo " Cause he make ' em say uhh!"

Kristian Sedeno "Cause he's no limit."

Miguel, Andres M. Miranda, Alejandro

Moises, David D. Montiel, Mauricio Morejon, Javier L. Moreno, Ricky A.

Munilla, Alejandro O'Naghten, Juan T.

Ojeda , Felipe

Orta, Paul A. Padilla, Americo A. Palmerola, Ricardo

Pascual, Alexander

Pena, Andres M. Penichet, Damian Pereda, Luis Pereira, Jorge F. Perez De Corcho,Joseph

Pinero, Javier J. Pisa, Renzo Quevedo, Enrique Ramirez, Adrian Ramos, Daniel A. Regueyra, Alberto

Riesgo, Aldo M. Rodriguez, Jason Rodriguez, Loren Rodriguez, Michael Rodriguez, T. Daniel Rojas, Louis-Daniel

Rosson, Nicholas Rovirosa, Francisco

Ruiz, Victor A. Samitier, Roberto Sanabria, Alfredo Sanchez, Johnathan

What did you enjoy rnost albout varsity sports?

Sand, Jose Schaiberger, Gregory Sedeno, Kristian Shipman, David M.

Silveira, Leonardo Sobrado, Roberto Sola, Alejandro Soto, Victor R.

Sotolongo, Daniel Stratos, Gian A. Suarez, Bryan-Michael Talcott, Michael

Tarafa, Antonio P. Tardielo, Julian Tefel, Santiago Tillet, Eduardo A. Torrente, Anthony Trigo DeSerrano,Agustin Uribe, Alex J. Vallenilla , Chris L. Vargas, Alfredo A. Veliz, Rene D. Vicaria, Rolando J. Vigil, Andres E.

Villalba, Richard Volsky, Alexander Weissenberg, Juan Wendorff, Heinz Wiltz, Carlos Zacarias, Christopher

"I enjoyed being the waterboy for the football team.'' Andy Escobar

"The Varsity Basketball team was the best.'' Bryan Lorenzo

Picture Not

Availabte

Father & Son Da

Father and Son Day provided many eighth grades with unforgettable memories. Busy schedules were laid aside, in order for dads and sons to be together. Varied activities were offered, to suit every taste: football, tennis, volleyball, ping-pong, basketball , baseball, arm wrestling, chess, trivial pursuit, balloon toss, dominoes, ecetera. Thrilled, yet exhausted, the group finally assembled for prayer and blessings at a Mass dedicated especially for them. The day concluded with a wellearned luncheon and celebration. How do you describe an experience which will remain a

treasure for years to come? Do you stress the games competed in, the food shared , the talking, praying, the laughter, the highfives, or perhaps the warm embraces? Eighth grader Jonathan Salum had this to say, "It really meant a lot to me, it meant more time with my dad . We could share each others ' talents in the court or in the field. On Father and Son Day , I saw how much my dad wanted to be with me." Yes, all that, and so much more, for it was, after all, our own Belen Father and Son Day.

Ms. Annie Menocal

Christian Hermida and his dad run the "pick and roll" on the opposing team. They went on to win the game

After playing basketball and football, the fathers cool off by playing a relaxing game of dominoes.

All photos by Ms Teresita Campos

Achong Benjamin GV.

Acuna Christopher

Alman Juan Carlos

Alard Enrique

Alvarez Daniel A.

Alvarez Javier E. Alvarez Juan Carlos

Alvarez Marcos A. Arias Eric J.

Armas Jose M.

Barmoha Josef A.

Barro Anthony J.

Bayon Andres

Benitez Carlos Bertran Eduardo J.

Bertran Javier

Blanco Marcos A.

Bond Alexander L.

Bouza David

Brake Nicholas A.

Bruguera Richard A.

Cajade Francisco A.

Capitaine Richard

Caraballo C. D.

Cardenas Jonathan Carreras Michael

Castellon Michael G.

Chiriboga Andres

Concha Fernando S.

Correa Adrian J. Costa Brian C. Crespin Jason M. Des Castro Allen De La Fuente Juan B. De La Vega Nicolas

What has been your most enjoyable middle school experience?

"Being in the Jr. High football team, It was a fun year."

Brian Costa

iFeliz Navidad!

The Eigth Grade Spanish Speech and Writing Class presented its annual Christmas play on the Fifth of December 1998 in the schools new theater. The play consists of a series of skits which had an underlining theme. The theme consisted of the lack of communication among groups with different cultural context. In the play the students were able to display many talents such as acting, poetry declaration, singing, playing a musical instrument, dancing and choreography.

The entire Eigth grade class participates with the production in some way. These tasks include decoration, scenery , sound, and light and guest entertainment at the end of the play.

Manny Santelices, Jose Garcia-tuiion, and Adam Urdaneta make the crowd laugh during the Eigth grade Christmas play.

"Playing football for my school and going to aU the dances." Andres Rey

"Most definitely the prom was the most enjoyable for me."

Enrique Alard

"The seventh grade Variety Show supervised by Ms. Casero."

Brian Hall

De Varona Luis A. Decastro Rainier A. Diaz Alejandro M. Diaz Ronny

Dominguez C. Duquesne Eduardo G. Effio Renzo G.

Egues Rafael G.

Florin Cesar L.

Fojo Jonathan M. Fonseca Aldo

Garcia Christopher Garcia Ignacio J.

Enriquez Andre E. Escobar Enrique D. Fenton Michael R. Fleites C. A.

All photos by Ms Teresita Campos

Garcia Jeremy L.

Garcia -Tunon Jose D.

Hermida Christian

Hernadez A. J.

Humbert Paul A.

Iglesias Steven D. Jalil George P.

Jardon Thomas F.

Jimenez Pierre

Kincade Giovanni

Lago David A.

Lay Jonathan C.

Leiva Christian J.

Lemus John Paul Leon Victor M

Llera Antonio J.

Lobo-Navia Luis A.

Lopez De Quintan L.

Lopez Derek

Macias Eduardo D.

Marciano Anthony T.

Marin Christian

Marquez Jesus C.

Marti Pedro A.

Martinez Ivan

Eighili Gmde

Martinez Reynick A.

Mejia Nicholas

Mena Cesar R. Molero ChristopherA.

Molinares Reuben

Montiel Michael A.

Moreno Pedro Munilla Daniel F.

Mofioz Omar J.

Novales John J.

Nunez Daniel A.

Olivar Brian J.

Oropesa Manuel

Ortiz Michael A.

Parlade JuanB.

Perez Danial J.

Perez John L.

Peruyera Michael

Phillips Steve F.

Portillo Armando A.

Pumariega Gabriel

Quiles Johannes N.

Rabelo Carlos A.

Redondo Louis M.

Regueria Felipe J.

Rey Andres A.

Rivero Albert A.

Rivero Fernando L.

Robison Arturo A.

Rodriguez A. J.

What has been your most enjoyable middle school experience?

·'That jr. high is probably going to be easier than high school."

Michael Fenton

' 'The dances, especially the eighth grade prom."

Pedro Salim

"Being in Fr. Tey's class, because he gave me a boost in my faith."

Juan Carlos Alvarez

Rodriguez Antonio J.

Rodriguez C. J.

Salazar Pablo C.

Salim Pedro L.

Saturn Jonathan A.

Samitier Ricardo M.

Sanchez Alex

Sanchez Christopher

Sanchez Joaquin A.

Sanchez Mario E.

Sanson Michael A.

Santelices Manuel

Sardinas Oscar D.

Saud Jose A.

Sauleda Jason A.

Schultheis Roy M.

Sirjoo Jason M.

Smith Raul G.

Stankiewicz Edward R.

Saurez Jesus M.

Torrent Daniel J.

Torres Jose A.

Tunon Daniel

Urbieta Ignacio M.

Urdaneta, Adan E. Valdes, Daniel R. Valverde, Nicholas R. Velasco, Louis D. Velasquez, Miguel Vizcon, Diego

Ryan A. Wyss, Thomas A. Zaldivar, Robert C.

Ward,

Abelairas, Juan C.

Acevedo, Edward J.

Adan, Daniel A.

Albert, Jon-Paul

Alegret, Eric

Alemany, Adrian E.

Alonso, Christopher

Alvarez, Cesar

Alvarez, Francisco

Alvarez, Mark E.

Andrade, Christian

Angones Jr., F

Argibay, Nicolas

Artime, Louis A.

Azcue, Javier A.

Barrera, Michael

Barturen, Steven

Bedoya, Alejandro

Bertaina, Giancarlo

Blanco, Andres

Bolanos, Miguel

Boria, Alexander

Broche, Juan P.

Bueno, Jason

Buigas, Pedro Burrows, Jason

Cabrera, Christopher Calderon, David

Calil, Eduardo A.

NimhGmdc

Traditional Family Fun

Every year, each grade has an event where they take time out of their schedules to be at the school on a Saturday. For the Freshmen, it was Family Day Coordinated by Ms. Fernandez, the ninth grade theology teacher, a majority of the freshmen met on a Saturday with their parents to spend the day playing games, having fun, and ending the day with a mass. The parents met in the cafeteria with their sons in the morning to have a light breakfast and meet with the other families. After that, they moved on to the fields to participate in such

events as the balloon toss, a free throw competition, and other wacky games created by the students the week before . But, after the fun ended all the families assembled in the auditorium for the mass Father Sardifia , S.J. gave the mass , with some freshmen helping out with the readings. Overall, the day was a success, freshman David Reboso had this to say, "It was a pretty cool day, I especially liked the free throw competition.''

Jose Fernandez

Who 9 s Your Favorite Superhero?

J.P Chavez: Luis Torres: Incredible Hulk Alex Paret

Alex Sarria: Enrique Perez: Pinky Wonder Woman NimhGmd,

Camacho, Alberto Canales, Severiano Cantens, Michael Carbonell, Alexander

Carmona, David A. Carrion, Humberto

Castrillo, Erroll A.

Castro, Orlando J. Castro, Oscar L.

Chavez, Jean-Paul

Cintron, Luis G.

Coba, Richard

Collazo, Eric C. Coutts, Ian C. Crego, Ramon 0. Cusco, Carlos E.

De La Torre, Roland

Dell'Oro, Felipe

Diaz, Armando Jose Diaz, Gregory P. Diaz, Juan Fernando Diaz, Michael J. Duarte, Andres E. Duenas, Nelson L.

Duyos, Oscar A. Echenique, Javier Echeverria, Alex Fernandez, Luis Fernandez-Barquin, J. Ferreira, Arturo

Fonseca, Luis Forrest, Michael Fors, Jorge Fors, Luis A. Franyie, Alejandro Garcia, Gabriel

Nimh Grnde

Garcia, Robert Garcia-Tunon, A Godoy-Dalmau, E Gomez, Oscar Gonzalez, Carlos Gonzalez, Marco Gorordo, Leonardo Goudie, Ricardo Gramatges, Robert Guerra, Alfred M. Gutierrez, Gabriel Gutierrez, Gabriel Gutierrez, Ruben Hernandez, Alejandro Hernandez, Alex J. Hernandez, Luis A. Huisman, Mark Iglesias, Vicente Jacomino, Javier Larrieu, Francisco Larrieu, Manuel Leon De La Barra, G Lera, Abel M. Leyva, Jonathan Lopez, Carlos A. Lopez, Jorge Lucio, Daniel E. Machado, Rafael Madariaga, John Madrigal, Gustavo Manrara, Alberto Marin, Ariel A. Marrero, Leonardo Masvidal, Daniel Medina, Jorge Mendez, Raymond

Menendez, Antonio Michael, Peter Miranda, Carlos Miranda, Pedro Mojena, Daniel Mooney, Mark H.

Morales, Giovanni Morin, Michael Navarro, Jorge Nelson, Richard James Noa, Michael A.

Nunez, Michael Odriozola, Alexander Orizondo, Alberto Omaza, Alberto Ovies, Guillermo Padilla, Daniel

Palacio, Michael Palmerola, Jorge Paret, Alejandro Peguero, Oscar Pella , Jorge G. Pena , Daniel C.

Perez, Enrique Perez, Juan C. Perez , Luis A. Perez, Xavier E. Plantada, Christopher Plasencia , Alexis Puente, Justin J. Quintana, Ignacio Ramirez, Eugene Reboso, David J. Reboso, Manolo Riveron , C

NimhGmdo

Volz, Emilio E.

White, Victor A. Wood, William Zorrilla, Andres Zuriarrain, Alexander

Rodriguez, Alexander Rodriguez, Alexander Rodriguez, Carlos Rodriguez, Erik Rodriguez, Richard Romero, Robert Roos, Hector C. Roque, Daniel A. Russo, Paolo Salgado, Carlos Sanchez, Andre Sanchez, Kristian Santiago, Jay Sarda, Antonio Sarria, Alejandro Selem, Alexander Soler, Jose A. Stanly II, Edward Suarez, Daniel Suarez, Jorge Tefel, Rodrigo Thomas, Richard Torres, Luis 0. Trujillo, Carlos Tudela, Felipe Valdes, Javier Valdes-Castaneda, R Velez, Mario Villasuso, Mauricio Volsky, Peter G.

Abarca, D Carlos

Aguayo, Jose A

Albert, Michael A

Alexander, Eric N

Alonso, David M

Alvarez, Jose A

Andion, Jose M

Anzardo, Jorge L

Arias, Alberto R

Armand, Arturo A

Ashenoff, Richard L

Barea, Ricardo Bel, Gregory

Bello, Pedro M

Benitez, Alberto A

Benitez, Norberto III

Bertran, Alejandro

Bouza, Daniel

Cleveland, C K

Conforme,

Bullrich, Aldolfo Cabrera, John

Carullo, Andres F

Cashman, Daniel J

Jorge L

Under Pressure

Sophomore year is a year of maturity. This is the year when he has to decide whether or not he is going to stay committed with his high school education in Belen, because every grade counts. It's also the year when they have to start thinking about colleges and the different majors they seek to pursue. It wasn't a long time ago that these students were in Junior High enjoying the freedom from the pressure of school. "I miss Junior High. I remember having

lots of easy assignments, and not h3ving all the pressures in school that we have now,'' said sophomore Eddy Ullivarri.

Besides the pressure in school, these sophomores also have some pressure after school. This is the time in their lives when they receive their driving licenses. Sophomore year is a time full of joy and pain, but most will agree it's a time like no other.

Daniel Montenegro

Sophomore, Edwardo Locasio, dressed-up as Jose Marti during the exciting night of the spanish fair.

Photo by Jorge Saladrigas Sophomore, Mark Llorente, and Michael Olivera wait for costumers to buy their refreshing soda during Tom bola.

Photo by David Hernandez

Corbera, William J

Coroalles, C S

Corral, Andres F

Correa, Ricardo E

Cruz, David J Cuadra, Luis A

Cubero, Francisico M

De los Reyes, Adrian

Del Castillo, S

Delgado, Alex

Desme, Zadi Dieguez, Manuel A

Dimuont, Paul

Dominguez, Rafael R

Duque, David A Elias, Alfredo Espinosa, Daniel A Espinoza, Joseph V

Fernandez, Alex M

Fernandez, Carlos F Fernadez, Derek 0 Flores, Juan Ignacio Garcia, Anibal C Garcia, Francisco J

Garcia, Leonardo A Garganta, Andres

Gonzalez, Adrian J Gonzalez, Daniel A

Guerra, Marcelo H Gutierrez, Javier Guzman, Eric A Hurtado, Alvaro F

Jimenez, Jose A Leon, Daniel A Leon, Derek C Livermore, Jorge A

Llaca, Alejandro LLedo, Jonathan Llorente, Mark Locascio, Edward J

Lopez, Daniel E Lorenzo, Ernest A Marin, Daniel G Martinez, Luis F

Mcgee, Micheal J Meronchini, Geoffrey Michael, Paul Monteiro, Alfredo A

Montenegro, Raul A Monzon, Fernando Mosequera, Arturo E Munllla, Pedro M

"The haircut system'' Michael Olivera

"I'd make it coed"

Arturo Mosquera

"To be able to leave for lunch" Ricky Ramirez

"To bring back the old school uniforms" Zadi Desme

"I wish I could have more electives, Chris Wills

photos by Michael Martinez

Mufiiz, Jorge

Munoz-Bustamante, J C

Nunez, Rigoberto N

Olivera, Michael R

Pagnussat, Jonathan

Parets, Juan Carlos

Parrilla, Jose E

Patino, Nicholas

Perez Eric, H

Perez, Michael R

Perez-Vila, Roberto A

Pino, Pablo M

Pla, Thomas

Portuondo, Ignacio A

Prats, Gustavo A

Prieto, Nelson

Puerto, Roger A

Ramirez, Ricardo J

Ramos, Agustin A

Ricardo, Walter G

Rico, Oscar

Rivas, Adrian A

Rivera, Alejandro L

Roa, Jose L

Robayna, Oscar E

Roca, Christopher

Rodriguez, Rafael K

Rodriguez, Richard Rodriguez-Valdivia, A

Romero, Jose Manuel

Rovira, Juan C

Salazar, Alejandro P

Sanchez, Adrian M

Santiago, Danny E

Smith, Carlos J

Suarez, Carlos I

Suastegui, Charles

Telleria, Miguel A

Tirado, Augusto E

Torres, Nicholas D

Torricella, Joseangel

Ullivarri, Eddy

Vargas, Andrew J

Viadero, DanielE

Villalba, Robert J White, Jeremiah D

Christopher

License to Chill

Getting a drivers permit is a dream that every sophomore had on their mind as they entered the new school year. They all know that when the day comes that they have acquired their license they will have absolute freedom. Even though they know that their lives are going to change, they understand that there is going to be some extra responsibilities attached to them. ''My parents are the type that would treat me like I have to be more responsible, and I'll probably have to run some errands for them,'' said sophomore Jose Andion.

As the sophomores learn to handle this re-

sponsibility they do know that there is one thing that they do have to wait for another long period of time: their own car. They know that if they where ever going to receive their own cars it will be under the conditions of their parents, such as curfews and payment of insurance.

"As of right now I am just happy with my license. I don't want to pay insurance, I don't care what car I drive,'' said sophomore Geoffrey Merconchini Daniel Montenegro

Belen Librarian Jose Flores, father of Sophomore Juan Ignacio Flores, awaits for the next ball to dunk him in the Belen Tom bola dunk tank.

photo by Leo Bellon

Wills,

A Year to Remember

Junior year is said to be one of the toughest years in . The classes are hard and there are many events which take up valuable time. Besides Mr. Pichardo's Chemistry class and Ms. Miyar' s Art History class you also have to worry about PSAT's, ACT's, and SAT's. Yet most juniors are optimistic about the year. Junior Danny Soberon quotes his favorite band, Bobby McPhalen by saying "Don't worry be happy." It's all cool bro; I mean the year is hard but if you study hard, you'll get

through it.''

Even though it has been different, this year has been full of incredible memories. ''This year has truly been unforgettable, days such as College Day and Junior Prom have been sincere happy days for me," said junior Danny Millian. In many years Junior year is exciting because you spend time preparing for college any senior year, thus being the most time consuming and strenuous of the high school years.

Jorge Saladrigas

ernandez a nd Bel e n Alumni Gaby Moran a arne o f BIN GO toghether during Tombola.

Acosta,

Eduardo W. Alexander, Juan C. Alfonso, Johnathan Alvarez, Jorge E. Alvarez, Pedro F. Amaro, Jose Andollo, Pedro F. Arnedo III, Carlos J. Avello, Francis A. Ayo, Roman Barnes, Max A. Batista, Alex L.

Bertamanti, Julio C. Binelo, Alexander E. Blanco, Daniel A. Brito, Aaron F. Buchanan, Edward A. Bustamante, Gabriel J.

Cabada, Heriberto J. Caballero, Gabriel

Calleja, Luis E. Cartaya, Vincent

Erimar von der Osten: Dr. :Mario

Martin Mendiola: Frogger

Getting Exci t e d !

There is a growing excitement among the Juniors these days and its not the obvious reason of Summer and its not because they they could begin to sleep late or go to the beach during the day. It is because they are going to be Seniors next year. They will be the leaders of the school next year and most importantly they will be Belen Alumni's by the end of May. "I'm very excited about becoming a senior. I can't wait to be a role model for the underclassmen, ' ' says Gerald Wood. "I've been in Belen for six years and finally I have the chance to lead Belen into the next millenium,'' says Junior Erik Rodriguez.

Erimar von der Osten

Casanas, JordanA. Castro, Erik E. Collings, Eugene J. Coronado, Michael N.

Eric Mauri: Q-Bert

Costa, Gabriel A. Dapena, Ricardo Debayle , Carlos A. Del Arno, Gerald M.

Mario Pascual: Burger Time

De Saito, Michael A. Diaz, Jose F. Duarte, Eugenio A. Duran, Gabriel E.

Echevarria, Jorge Esteve, Jeronimo Farraco, Carlos Fatemian, Salman

Feria, Michael J. Fernandez, Ariel Fernandez, John Paul Fernandez, Jose I. Fernandez, Joseph R. Garcia-Romeu, Albert Garrido, Jose A. Gaymer, Agusto C. Gayol, Michael E. Gonzalez, Angel Gonzalez, Daniel M. Gonzalez, Eric Gonzalez, Gabriel J. Gonzalez - Learra, F. Gubieda, Michael E. Guzman, Mark K. Henriques, Steven M. Iglesias, Rene

Izaguirre, Alfredo A. Jimenez, Xavier Junquera, Angel D. Lagos, Guillermo Larralde, Mark J. Lausell, Ian M

Lavernia, Homero Llama, Alejandro Lopez, Jeffrey N. Loret Do Mola, M. Malats, Alberto M. Manrique, Alejandro E. Marchant, Michael G. Marin, David G. Martinez, Alejandro E. Martinez, Daniel Martinez-Lejarza, J. C. Mauri, Eric A.

Me Millian, Victor A. Mendiola, Martin

Mesa, Daniel N.

Milian, Daniel A.

Milian, Jesus J. Minoso, Alvaro J.

Mirambell, Alejandro Montealegre, Arturo N. Montenegro, Daniel R. Morin, Raul 0. Navarro, Luis Ortiz, Rodrigo F.

Padron, Daniel E.

Parets, Herbert J. Pascual, Mario I. Pelaez, Roberto P. Pelaez, Victor J. Perez, Heriberto c.

Quintero, Mario Rasco, Juan Carlos Rasco, Richard A. Reyes, Miguel Angel

Ricart, Emil J. Rico-Perez, Carlos M. Riley III, Robert F. Rivas, Jr. Antonio

Rodriguez, Eric J. Rodriguez, Felix X. Rodriguez, John P. Rodriguez, Jorge L.

Octavia Verdeja: The Tick

Vince Cartaya: Big Bird

Alex Manrique: Panthero

Rodriguez, Pablo L. Saladrigas, Jorge A. Sanchez, Roger A. Sanjenis, Alexander Santana, Manuel A. Sedefio, Alejandro R. Serna, Alexander Soberon, Daniel J. Saurez, JosephA. Telleria, Juan Carlos Trujillo, Ruben Ugarte, Alejandro

Urriola, Carlos M. Valdes, David Valdes, Geoffrey Vallejo, Alexander R. Vasquez, Adrian Verdeja , Octavio R.

Villacorta, Miguel Von Der Osten, Erimar Wood, Gerald A. Zapata, Oscar M.

"You know very well who you are, don't let'em hold you down reach for the

Carlos F . Barcia

"Life is like a box of chocolate, you never know what you are going to get. "

Winston Groom

Senior Michael Martinez has been the starting quaterback for the Varsity Football team for the last two seasons. Martinez, who passed for 2,875 yards , 26 TO's and was an All-Dade selection two seasons in a row, as well as being named the Miami Herald's offensive player of the year, has just signed a letter of intent with Division Two school Cumberland College in Williamsburg , KY. Mike will be the starting quaterback next year for the Cumberland Indians.

Erimar von der Osten

"I

Starting a Tradition

J ose G. Aceve d o

Ca rl os E. Albir

Gerar d o A l o n so

stars."

got nothing to lose and the world to gain ."

"Soy un tipo mechon hasta a! alma.''

Biqqie Smalls

Keith Murray

Frank Batista

Dr. Armando Rodriguez

Leo A . B e ll o n

"This is not the end . It is not even the beginning of the end But it is perhaps, the end of the beginning .' ' Wiston Churchill

J av i er A. A l va rez

"Nobody holds a good opinion of a man who holds a low opinion of himself. ' '

Anthony Trollope

Ca rl os M. B e rmud ez

''Do what you need to do , then worry about everything else. "

Joseph Leole

Giancarlo Boucugnani

''A man hated for who he is, is worth more than a man loved for who he is not..."

Anonymous

"Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes."

Alejandro Burgos

"It is no disgrace to have unfulfilled dreams, but it is a disgrace not to dream."

Benjamin Mays

''All you need is love.'' The Beatles

Daniel J. Camero

"Live your life so that your epitaph could read, 'No Regrets.'''

H. Jackson Brown Jr

Ricardo Cajigas

Colin F. Bowe

Oscar Wilde

Nicholas J. Calzada

Gabriel A. Berthin

"Nuestro poder esta creciendo mas rapido que nuestra sabiduria." Fher

Joel Cabrera

Eduardo J. Canto

"Vini, Vidi, Vici !" Julius Ceasar

Othon F. Cardelle

"If you don't practice, you don't deserve to dream ."

C.C.M.

Andres F. Chagui

"Most people would succeed in small things if they were not troubled with great ambitions."

Henrv Lonqfellow

"Don't die wondering!"

Unknown

Bernardo Davila

"Fear those who are silent and manipulate those who fear."

Anonymous

"Let's do this ."

''A coward dies a thousand deaths, a solidier dies but once .''

Tupac Shakur

"If you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it."

W Somerset Maugham

"For your hardships, I give you victory. For your sacrafice, I give you glory.''

Napolean Bonaparte

"I say what I mean and mean what I say."

AI Pachino

"If you don't stand for something, you' 11 fall for anything.''

John Couger Melloncamp

"Life's

Aerosmith

Jay a. Carreno

Mauricio R. Coli

Johnathen P. de Vera

Diogenes J. Carrera

Raul A. Cruz

Luis H. Debayle

Armando Castro

Carlos A. Curbelo

Ignacio J. Diaz

a journey, not a destination."

Friends You Make Here at Belen Are Friends That Will Last a Lifetime

Friends Forever

Since Sixth grade this group of seniors have kept their friendship strong. They have been together through everything, 8th grade pin ceremony, Junior and Senior Prom, and now graduation. The ties that they have formed will never be broken. These type of friendships make tradition.

Jose Fernandez

Gabrie l Dora d o Victo r L. Esca l a

"No challenge should be faced without a little charm and a lot of style."

The Bluetones

Ariel L. Espinoza

''Thug Life to the day I die.'' Tupac Shakur

Stephan Far i nas

"Credo quia absurdum" Miguel de Unamuno

Alfredo L . Fre n andez

Jorge A. Fernandez

"You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed of you don't try "

Unknown

Picture Not Available

Alexander Garcia

"Destiny is everything." Me

"Other people have a purpose; I alone don't know. I drift like a wave on an ocean " Lao Tzu

''Today is just another ride, through tomorrow's history."

Unknown

"Success is measured by effort."

Unknown

''Success comes before work only in the dictionary.''

Anonymous

Robert M. Fojo

Anthony T. Garcia

Xavier Franco

Fernando Gil

Alejandro Gaitan

Victor C. Gilpin

Frank Gomez

Javier Gomez

''A few men make the future, while the rest wait for the future to make them."

Unknown

"Remember your past mistakes just long enough to profit from them."

Dan Me Kinnon

''Adelante Adelante '' Jorge Mascanosa

"It matters not what lies infront of you or behind you, what matters, is what lies within."

Ralf Waldo Emerson

"The future is no place to place your better days."

Dave Matthews

"To succeed you need to believe in the three D's. Desire, Dedication, and Determination.''

Unknown

The PucJk

STOP§

Senior Othon Cardelle entered Belen as a junior. In the past two years Othon has been welcomed into the Belen family. When ''Otto'' is not working in the yearbook room, he's probably on the ice blocking shots as goalie for his hockey team. "Even though we came up one goal short of the state championship, we still had a great season.'' Othon is ranked 7th in the state among all hockey goalies in Florida (48.)

Jose Fernandez

Fernando Goudie

Eduardo L. Gonzalez

Javier A. Granda

Michael D. Gonzalez

Jorge I. Grillo

Xavier E. Gonzalez

Erick M. Guanche

"The light within will show you the light which leado to !/(1\lr goal ."

" We a Ugo a little mad ti mes. ..

Psycho

"All that we ..,. or seem is but a dream wUhin <> dream."

Edgar Allen Poe

CariU8 Henumdez

Davtd D . Lay

Molh81'

DavJd Hernandu

Gobtiel S . Jacobson

Kenjl Kure

"Hay que h'atar SO!! Ef mejor pero tar que eres el mE At

iikel Llanes

mly thing worst than vrong is thinking that ! right."

Mikel Llanes

"Bunch of savages In this town."

Dante Hicks

''In Belen people come and people go but our memories will always stay behind ."

Me

' 'Success shall crown my endeavors."

Mary Shelly

ael P. Martinez · underestimate the f a champion ... You !lieve. "

Rudy T.

times don ' t last. •eople do."

Unknown

"Winning Is a habit."

Unknown

"A coward dies a thousand times, a soldier but once." Tupac

" If you don't stop to look around once In a while, life might pass you by."

Ferris Bueller

" The saddest thing in life is wasted talent."

" I accept failure but I don't accept not trying "

Michael Jordan

loR. Mendez

Daniel 0. Lopez

Gabriel Masvidal

Alejandro' J. Mendoza

francisco Lopez-Santos

Sergio D. Masvidal

Alexander J. Miqueli

A Bronx Tale

Richard Marquez

Michael 0. Mena

Diego M. Morales

"It was all a dream."

Unknown

"I told you never to ask me about my buisness."

Michael Corleone

"Experience isn't what happens to a man; it's what a man does with what happens to him."

Unknown

"I have heard the mermaids singing each to each; I do not think they will sing to me.''

T.S. Elliot

"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."

Philippians 4: 13

''Only one thing I know, and that is that I know nothing."

Socrates

Rafic Muci

Joseph A. Noa

Francisco Pernas

Senioo

Mark A. Munoz

James A. Pader

Christian Navarette

Daniel G. Peon

Arnoldo M. Navarro

"I told you I could do it." Me

Alan Pereiras

"Hunting is essential." Me

Ricardo A. Piedra

''Ignorance of the scriptures is ignorance of Christ. "

Unknown

Frank Quesada

"If it weren't for the last minute, nothing would get done.''

Unknown

Artists in the Making

When this year's class of 97-98 seniors graduate they will not only have their imprint on the school, but they will also leave the senior donation. For the first time ever the senior class has donated two gifts to the school. One of the gifts that was given this year was a painting that was donated by Humberto Calzada. It can be viewed in the library.

Jose Fernandez

Michael A. Piniero

"For he who sheds blood with me today shall be my brother.''

William Shakespeare

J. Quintana

"Knowing is half the battle, determination is the rest."

Annonymous

Raphael A. Portuondo

''An undermined death is not worth living."

Socrates

Gerardo M. Prieto

"The only three words you'll ever need to know 'Smile And Nod."'

Me

Paul A. Ramirez

"Don't gain the world and lose your soul wisdom is better than silver and gold."

Bob Marley

Carlos Reyes

"The sky's the limit."

Biggie Smalls

Francisco

Francisco Rivas-

"I know you don't know what life is really worth."

B.M

"It's better to regret something you did than something you didn't do"

Anonymous

The Future Is At Hand

"I woke this day the same as any other day except a voice was in my head, it said ' seize the day'. " Soundgarden

"Felizmente, no nos debemm a una sola tradici6n; podemm aspirar a todas. ''

Jorqe Luis

"When there is no strugle, there is no progress."

Unknown

Vasquez

Luis E. Rivera II

Phillip A Riveron

Senioo

Mario E. Rojas

Jose F. Rovira

Carlos J. Ruiz

"I think therefore I am."

Rene Descartes

"It's better to regret something you did than something you didn't do."

Unknown

''Our greatest glory consists not in every falling, but in rising everytime we fall .''

Unknown

"The past is prologue."

William Shakespeare

"Never let yesterday's disappointments overshadow tomorrow dreams.''

Unknown

"Life is a question, living is the only answer .''

Anonymous

"Mum's the word."

Unknown

"In life God blesses us with beautiful gifts, it's up to us to appreciate them."

Unknown

"Experience is what we call our mistakes.''

Unknown

Gabriel M. Ruiz

Jose E. Souto

Alejandro 0. Vazquez

Jorge A. Saturn

Johnathan S. Torrens

Ivan J. Vich

George A. Sanchez

Michael A. Torres

Pedro Vidal

Victor Soler-Baillo

Alejandro 0. Trujillo

Javier A. Yataco

s ,

"EI teatro es Ia poesia IJ Ue s e l evllntn dellibro y s e lla ce 1m mana. Y a!

lt.abltl y grita, flo r a se d esespera ' - F edle r k o Gar ia ll...An-ca

"No day hut today " - .Jo n a thaa Larsm1

uW!tat's more importan t ?"- M t , Leo Willi a ms

How do I start th is dot,dot,dot hei1,!. I guess this tak es longer than l t h ought...s oy panameiio Oanny, how do l d o this problem'! You're tinisl wd y ou ' r e suc h a loser no l hav en' t c racl<c d Yeah, I van t to be a write r . ,j ournalist .•. a c tor r.Jmmakcr•.. well , maybe not bu t not a doctol' how did you k now it was me is she visible th is time'! David, you'a·e not Go d , CSM is why are we talking about th e X- Filcs on a F r id a y night ? . lockyour do o rs it' s a bad r.eighborhood why did we co me to homecoming a gain '! shut up I 'm deprcssed ..• Tony , w hy are y ou bette r than m cL j oin forensic s, it ' ll change your ait'e .• alone without a trophy Eddy, 01 is NOT tor losers of course I ' ll be on time giv e me fiv e more minutes Mr. Willia n ts, Mrs Jim cne-.t, Ralf, M r Nw"icz, Ml's Busquet, Mrs. Casc ro , Mr Alexander , Mrs. Vila, Mr Font, Fr. Cat·taya , Mr. Guticnez , Ms Salas, Mrs. Miyar - thank you tor being who you a re James, Alex , Mann y, Andrew, I will alway s be your friend c\ 1cn if [haven ' t shO\wn it. .L isa, thank you, I'm surry, yuu will always st a y in my heart Robbie, Alex, Omar, you taught me to accept myself and l will never torget you Uncle Al ' s Belen d oe sn ' t socialize at tourna ments M ami , Edu1u-d o {Dad), Edga r , Maru , Becky, Eddy , Lisa, Tia C ili , Tia Mcry, Tia Migdelia , Tio Manolo, Tio Berna , Malila , Papi y t odos en P anama, Danny, J imm y, T ony , and th e Belen Class of l998 A St e p Cl ose r I love y ou all and tha n k y nu.

Bom 7/8/80 in P anama C ity , Pana ma; 7 y rs. in Belen ; Forensi cs 11- 12 (President 12); ln te rnati onaiThes [lian Socie ty I t - 12 (P t•es ide nt 12); ALPHA H - 12 (T r e asua'i.! r 12) ; Key Club t0 -12 (M e mbers hip C hai rma.q 12) ; Spanish Honor SocieF;y ! 012 (Vice-Pres ident 12); Nationa Ho nor Society l 0 - 12 ; Jun io r N"a t ion a l H onor Soc iety 7-9 ; Model Unit •d Nations 2 (Secretary 10 ); Amnesty I nternational l 2; Cifi:t.cnship Award 9; Scvend Golu and Silver M edals 6- 11; Holy Cross Book Award ; Writing a nything be yo nd this point is simply for gratui tous purposes and th erefore stupid.

J E R R y A L 0 N s

Vincam

'(U!;, gJiut, CWato;, arut /wv aft tJuv sVtess/ut tJuv 1mb rruJSi; of aft /wv

Leo Andres BellOn

November 6, 1979

ThatGuyThinksHe 'sBig Spring Break.Boston95 Breckenridge Club4Runner EdipseGST ThePtanet (Saturn) BimmerlsPimping Fishtailing Girls,Girls,Girls Spain Rinlo. LaRussa. March 22,19CJ7 Ralf,IsThatYourCousin? WeHaveNo RideL. CoUns'Bass ftSmellsFishy 85irut40zone. Sissi:the6ft cigarette JaviA: the BestOfAUtime WhoHasTheTest? Cat.gavi 4the.Answers Lic-ur-fest'96. Bash'97 WbatchaEatin'Eton? CGC Bayou .NewYear's Eve '96 BraddockBoyLuis Damn EngineNoise DisncyWorld'97 BUzzardBeach ... Wedgie:googoo... The Giege.. . FIN.A AlexFrancisSoundsLike JamesEarl]ones.. . BauerProductions... wanna OMS- ItSnleUsLikePUmpkins Jennifer TheClub WorldSeries,AL:. l'm:Afanitor? SkinCheck. Suki Miranda JoeyLovesBustelo Krish=DKNY HeyCaro, SupeirHIS AtGnnda 's PanganL HeWatits.. :-Summer'SI'ooShort... aStepCloser... · Thanx Belen and Class of 98 Thank you GOD,Mom,Dad,Eric,Gabby,Ro:xo: I love you all

CongratuCations to our son} Frank CarCos QU£-sadaJ atu! the Cfass of '98

May the Spirito BeCen 6e with you a ways. We Love You}

Mont} Pops} DiJ atu! ReGs

Co1t9ratuCations to Jorge A. Fernandez and the Cfass of 1998 May the Lord guide you on aU your

u and it ' s true we

are immune, when fact is fiction and TV reality

.... " -U2

Eduardo- Eddie- Wato _ E. Javier_ Cants.. Seven years in Belen and I hope I made an impression.. Honor Roll, Model UN, F.£.S.CA. the club that never was- I know I did more than thisLjester_ Paow-chicka-paow-paown.. Lou's windowsill diaries- Papa Rellena'.s class, {snore)_ Calzada productions. a Canto film.. Nick. Alex, Gabe: senior skit.. Homecoming controverSI.:l- Listen, listen. listen.. social butterfly _ you got me goodL el Gallo- indoor ooccer- Coral Gables Youth Center {with Pineiro and the group)_ hey Salum, didn't you go there too?_ Fr Eddy, I'm not a crtjbaby_ Ms. Ra1£ Welker, It'll get done_ you know youjock me_ Metro Dade transit rig with Mandy Diaz to get to Ferrer's party (l()!h)_ stupidities run rampant like a wizard with a stick- #116- brother's jacket- Junior Prom.. Senior Prom.- lightwieght... Public schools are good gu'JS, rightL everything I have, I owe you're in my dcrt dotsL looking, I? learnmg experience: convention and Close Up '97 ( "the innauguration")_ Hazelwood. MO- Omaha. NB • Peari el Novillo raids.. I'm frozen.. Joe, Tupac was better than Biggie- Chern. and Gov't studying- movies with Nick- what happened to pizza bowling?_ Miami Beach weekends- Confessions of an AP Psych student- Everyone in Belen hates me_ Mikel's mom's wedding, Leo's house was Detter- "sliding glass!' Joe _ the hard drive returru:L I'm blimpL Sugar Cha-chaWhat the blood clot?- Vincarn.- Flakey _ Pineiro, l have a higher raw intellect then you... senioritis- since sophomore year_ Life's tough in the ghetto_ Class of '9g all around best in evrything!_ didn't I see you on TV? _ Clinton town meeting.• Bauer- cork the bat, don't 1know you from somewhere_ thanks Lotl. MikeL Pineiro, M&M. Joey, Joe, Leo, Carlos, Burgos, Phil. CGC, Ra1£ Ralph Nick. Danny, Granda, Javi. Jonah Weggie, Georgie, Salum, Jenn Gannon, Jenny Miranda. Jeanne, Denise, Vangie, Cristy S and P, Sis.si, Mr Nunez, Ms. B, Mr. Gutz_ special thanks Alvaro, Ato, Elsa. Nina. Tio'sand Tia's, Nate Smith, Shana. Danny, Cary, Tio Tia Albertina.. Joey z. Grace, Carla, Jose, Ana Marl, Roberto, Lou L. Robert Blanchard. Aboti. Juan. Jose F- couldn't have done it w/ o: Mom. Dad. Beto, Leo (dog), Kiki Janin, Ysset, Tom D Cat, Tia Rosa. Gian, Manolo (best friend)_ God Bless Everyone!

Congratulations to our son, Carlos Ruiz #19 & The Class of '98. May all your dreams come true

9JJanud

B m A H!ll t 13 l y ac in B I ' 11 \\ ekt met th Templ e 01 , Ole \ 1 mber ' H L. H Ke lul , B t y S ut s

T.E.A.\I. ' I ed rn i- finali t inn t i n l of bab

1n J \' ivi io n I 1111 Gr a de l 1 Pl ac "\ ati na1 cien Olympiad li th Grade

R nsela r Po l) hn i Insti tut e Med al b t in ci a::. Jun io r yt.:ar f )f \ fa t! and s ienc '

llll,!,.LA:.ru.t!!!):..••••J.,A:.,.J',''t,;;:J, •D,O,,-:J',l (),J1,1J,J6,17 ,21,23,25,27 70,72,76,79,80,84•., best of luck next year to AL L the Underclassmen and-Senurs. 15-0 STATE CHAMPS• • DIDN'T THANK U ALL FOR A GREAT YEAR LO'VE TPT #62

ran CI SCO 0 Pernas

To the Class of '98: ' Don 't bide your time cause it is almost over and I know it. hurts, but your jus t getting old er and I kn ow we' ll wi n we II do it once again .' -BJink 182

" Every man I mee t is my superior in so me way In that , II am of him .' -Ern rson

our son Clement 13. Quinones: We love BOU and wish Bou the best of luck at 13elen AlwaBs remember we are here for Bou!

Corporate

Website

Market

Website

Professional

Programming

Graphic

Website

Internet

cl n<> " nf9 8 1 a n't hel ieve its all over..m ar k ' a tch out lor t he miata no dtw bt pn u.t ride ica cl1 ck good luck word new or lean s 97

ut a h new eve panv mar k sony about y ur lilas close up ':J6 : .• e erv ones hoo k in g u p ,UlJ) reme ber gina & carli the best party oi my II !'c

I bel ieve ·ht! 2.ut me sick -; en iu r enconte r raul '-; house. I tee! g:ond do n't me s up the r'O ratio n hey jot! you all right...jose can you believe that 10$ on food heyjav i when are yo ur parent's leaving tor the beach homecomming 97 bern"' · "' ft pr n;1r 1v ar iel let · go cru sing mark are you allow ed to go out with us dado

ca rn p 'to p 1a lkmg to my refl ec tion in the nmro r. hey mar k. how SI Sters 4 runner is going into the ocean ma rk yo ur hoa t inkmg wha t a liasco mar k ki -;s ing markjose,andy ,a ri e l,carlos,dado,k ei\ii ,alex ,mendoza , .tav t.ta tan(s ti !l a wulver inelj a ijavi col in atexpa ufjose nick j tle ga bc:.ratk ivan,arnie otti.fTank , frank ,

ra ul mu cl1 love <; ee you allm the thtu rt: trix to a ll the c, rro lton gir lsJn urtl e:-. girls thanks for eveything

BEL EN tha nb lor the memories of my li te a WOL VERIN E till! Ji e mom and dad thanks fbr everythin g ma rcdo and danie!a to o commet... than"-.s fixe l!rythin g cta · · o f 98 w t: did it . l'm out

jumping Someone Else's Train -the Cure-

Don 't say what you mean

You might spoil your face

lfyou walk in th e crowd

Ycm won't lea ve any trace

It's always the same

Ycn/re jumping som eone els e's train

It won't take you long

To learn the new smile

You 'll hm'e to ttdapt

Or y ou 'll be out ofstyle always t!Je same

You're jzrmping someone else's train

lfyou pick up on it quick

Ycm c m say _you zvere there

Again ,m d ttgain and again

l'(;u'rejumping som eone eL-e's train

It 's the latest wave

Th lt y ou '11e been craz•ing for The old ideal

W'lzs getting such a bore

.Vow you 're back in line

Going not quite quite as far

But in halfthe time

Ez,eryone's !Japp_y

Tb t:/re all the same

'cdu se else's train

J umping someone else's train

e v h b u t h re l l y i s my

c o u si n B u t t e r , y o u g e t job a t B l o c k bu st er ye t ? C rm a gedd on?

c -rlo s a in ' t g o t n u t hi n on me l t_ n i g h t f o ot b all & ghe t t o b al l wi h

Iv - n Yam i , why mu s _ yo yo r li fe li k t h t? o m s ci

hom e r o o m l o se nk & t h e k i ll r s q 1ir r e l the Bas h a n i_ with

J immy f ter . e p p ra l l y .. se ni or ski hi j i . :-: .. Pl s ure

P r i n c ipl es ph -t ri d e -s h u t ou t o a ll f o m the c l s s o f ' 9 8 wh o o ul d n ' t be h re wit h s .. lo to mi , Ca r l o . Q ., J ,

F r an k , as h a , Joel , S te _ ha n iE.: ' , an , L · s , Ka tie , Mr s B , J i mm y ,

Os c- r , - n d Ro c ky oi n out Lo 8 is a , Ni ct , W2 t u , O t o , R ul , Fr nco , Ke n j i , Me n o z , Mi I ll .li , R Ch ris , A r ni e , R vi r a , a n d th e

r e t of t h e r:lass of ' .-l8 a 1d al l my lo v t o Le 1 J o r e , mo m d , my t W' ; i s , ,J ' s s ·1 , An i , ll my f mi 1 y , an} o n e 1 s e v. h o ' s s t u ck

wi hrou h o.1t 'h e y t-' ars t h (., n ts , cya n d s uff ThankYou!

1ir hog: lw.&Jt heu 1ht had, heiJfg "'8 hah!J? LOVE, LIFE, & B-!-IAPPY

WU a wDffii.PJrlullfilk !Jouf U411I Luv,

M£

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l 11: 3: s: 0 11:

!HOO iE &THE BLOWFiSH

In de ed Y O. indeed .Jona Big I ead Sall If this w ere a boole an operat or it would be a true boolean op erator.. SEVERED LEG!! I Mant con, I w ill be a better Vice President than you Ralf, when are you r esigning? Fran.k, if you were a girL Mikel = Barbi e .Ja:vi Franco is yummy Exhibit A-Z hahaha Mr. Roca Curiosity killed the cat. At thi point in the dot dot s you ar e probably frozen < touch me> ah, thank J\.1UN And now you try Aimee I didn't forge t about you watch out for the glac;s door Joe Jf Relen were a brick " Mike Pineiro at lose-Up let's go bowling risty Sobrado, homecoming Queen." Mike Mena her the Vatican Army Marris a D Lyons me1eee1 1 ro v e nmgs ten M.Icrowaveable Mass Hey Danny, so how ' s Jac ki e? Grand Umpah evil Kim .Daisy Fumero. my plli<cess Jorge, my head keeps going Tina, slap me Um, ye a, $2000 0 for IDD ahhhh Bauer Ycsus is li'ke thank you and have a very nice day g et -

Kenji D Kurenuma..R.ising .Dir1y Jap best times ot m .'Ses ·1 nsafi ' s.VaJ ntine Da: party killer gua ds Da Good Fellas Left:sidc notorious Wendys. 120 egg night..Diego+Tr 9illo my artncrs in cnme.Scrg the Hairstyhst. Fnday ain't got no job nothmg to do I never start fights Erik..Pudge.TPT Dado TurtleBoy Ut.dcAl..Chtpmunk Nwo Cookie coffee boy Monkey t-Coll-hotel.. Diego stop crying. Bust at Kentucky. Fojo stay up .. Fro.LtlChri ... P· ul+Rene .. Raul's house.. oyscout..Gasman... b1 elo.MamiMotin TiaJuana,Mami,Otosan HirokiJiisa.,Rodriguez family thanx 4 everything F ances gid of my d.reams,your my cverythin I look forward for the

ALEX VAZQUEZ

What up thanx for 7 ears of. thanx mom an d dad for putting up with me .i Jove ou Armttte, E lisa, Dai y. Oscar "DOA kcnjijoey,erikjay,dui. (?)cookie ,dado,sergio mike p ., alc;:x b alex t...the bo z. DGF l20 1st night dri ing green mac:hin purple people eatet ahoe lds meet at my hous e .final + a ll nighter+no leep drivin g=CRASH .judi ,i lo v u jes ica ,fr ances, vangie, elizabeth, li1 , d 1risti,annttte,k.im junior prom after part y at joey ·s $( orry !) BAHAMAS b imini C orry jay dlri ·with free willy harbour i land gusty s peter, "ho\ lhe hell are va'' b ooo jul 14 ,97 " h what a nig)lt!' bca d1.. u mmer of97 fishing volle ball jo ' s b-day after party,the tloor was hard and co ld crazy hobie night-; ; cookie, me, joe dlantal,caro, jenny faded sorry souto mary b '. house wh ere isjay erik Tu tienes pan con no thanks .im stupid memoria l da kenji M a laM w h at 1bank God and m ' famil than x to you all lm fmall out ofhere Peace o ut!.

Love ya mom ,dad,robert for life mario w atz dat on your hand crz soap crx chic j unior prom .. .conchita . ..intruder..i'm getting my system on saturday .. .bernie i'tl bet you i'll make it i n don't cry man senior homecoming after party treasure island pink stussy cat.. senior skit.. senior skit entertainment.. gaby,mario bern i e, the good the bad and the ugly cockaroaches can survive a nuclear blast...wrestling .football mr cleaveland thanxs for the info .limo r ide wuz up f rances pedro i got to go to my house pride, courage ,war, win daihatsu my 52 chevy 24.269 thanxs for changing my life Belen 7 great years , life time expirience

ride qu e te pica nica i'Ilstudy in 5 minutes rafic mcus <..'few 4 life according to me nick mad heads RC rafic nick stories mcdonalds and thats what he told me ralph bow come the your student plannar jose lets go on 'the New 97 gabe she ' s a man lets rapp ehp racing carlos she has a nice personalit)i .javi teach me how to were p laying man hunt.... carlos fur all i know jose i know a girl that drive your mustang .javi Jet me see your car.. not whipped ariellittle mermaid .javi im chillin jose your nose is blocking my' vision stay black shotouts to 1 carlos r aficjavijavi ,alljavics ,andyjosejose, ariel ,dado ,tatan(you still a wolverine),colin, frosty, carlos r, and everyone else • peace ut love yall good luck .to all the carrolton and lourdes girls thanks for the good times debra tha nks mom pops nicole daysita stefan armandoenriqu e babe te quiero abuela patton rest in peace class of98 we out...thanx 4 everything

oitingl: Yc plc l la ik d i situation keep an ·ing salsa I 'cr. Lh ·· lo11g & pro per.. lhank u aiL Omcca Day tl

Field " Yo y ou got a dollar " ruler incident on midterms and fin als u got to hook it up De vera's late night tutoring sessions

B ark da twig save s th e da y E agles: 4 tds , 14 7yds, on Dolphi ns North C arolina trip wrong tum ag ainst Curley "why the hell am I running" senior year= $$$ "bro I c an 't wait till/ get my lice n se " M VP of te nnis team AOL: SoWh at8 23. P rodigy04 3, Biz9 8, Becotart, Vaulter112, Caff 7, Kilps chy phone pimp "Taco can you gve me a ride?" New Ye ar's tradition at Epcot lm trying to get rid of the ghettoness inside o f me "I need sleep! " Pin ewood - Bele n - FlU "I wish i was Hke Joe" Sh outs: Lourdes CC tea m , Pilar, Andrea, Ana "Mayb e i 'll convert som eday" Questions : "Hows senior prom going to b e", "Am I going to Cl ose Up or CLC", "How will grad night be " , "Is anyone from our c rew going to fail" Sa turday an d Sunday footbaU games S ummer c a mp '97 No Doubt Aprl 31, 199 7 (conc ert) FRIENDS G a tors , magic Eagles "everyone le aches off of my account" Joe yo ur the wanted to get men tioned, here it" is Dad + M om yo u g uys are my wo rk h orses, an d with out you none of this would b e possible Abuelo y Abue/a, thank you for everything you have done for me, lm etemaUy gratefuU out l uv aH of the

Jnl rd1ro

G;rraL 1n1 (dCJL

Jonathan

We can't beaeve tfiat its time for you to graduate. We are yroud of the young man that you've become. May (jod afways b{ess you andguide you to reach your goafs.

'Remember the yast, ave the yresent, dream the future!

With a{{ our {ove, Mom, Vad andJoanna

To a{{ my teachers and staff, thank you for your dedication and caring. Tsyecia{{y Mr. Zo{{er, Mr. (jutierrez, Sr. Cartaya, and my goodfriend 'Ralf.

Jonathan Torrens

Congratu{ations to the C{ass of 'g8!

Dade County's 011ly Full Li11e Pharmaceutical, Equipment and Medical Supply Distributor

Tel. (305) 592,.,2324 + Fax: (305) 591,.,9643

Miami based Pharmed Group Corp. is a leader in the distribution of health care products domestically and throughout Latin America, the Caribbean basin and Europe. From its new state .. of.. the-art headquarters in South Florida, Pharmed Group serves the needs of the healthcare commu nity of South Florida, providing pharrnaceutical and medical products for hospitals and health care facilities throughout South Florida.

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Through the years, we have reached a leadership position in the health care industry through hard work, providing the best products, and looking for growth opportunities in a comp!ex market that changes continuously. Every bit of our success we owe to our clients and supporters. In our book, they come first - and always will. That is our promise.

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Janey

Th•nkYou'

NEVER LET YESTERDAY'S DISAPPOINTMENTS K OVERSHADOW TOMORROW'S DREAMS E y

CW'edgteJ

CW'ill£_ to wUss IJJelle o gJleDt ''big b!LatRei'. CW't tRt best. LoLJt, Mns. CoMpos cw.d 8Q cross oty "2002"

to tRt "1QQ8" E eWt LoWLdes gJLoducttitAg cWss!

ItA do, put God tfllSt 00 i:Jt diJLecf

00 CJLoWVt tt;tollt waR sueeess. PJLoLJellb 8,6 Lolle, MilS. CoMpos

I Owl so p!Loud oty tAOt {rOll o.cmwtposfuwtems but {rOll tRt pellSotA Root becowtt. keep beitAg tRt best CDJ.t be, olttd tRt LoJLd to pQruu i:Jis cin.eowt itA ReDJLt olttd to COKtiWAt sRowitAg -fRt rugRt !Load tJ?ll to ' .. I WLJt Mowt

Georgie:

" ... Faith in God-- truly, as allofyou know, is thefoundationfor it all Our lives are a continuing journey and we must learn and grow at every bend as we make our way, sometimes stumbling, but always moving, towards thefinest within us.''

David McNally

We are both very proud of your achievements and of those yet to come. Our love always! Abuela and Ana

Dear Georgie,

We have done our .best to see that you become a good, honest, honorable, man. We just never dreamed that you'd become that and much more right before our eyes.

We love you and are proud to say that you are a wondeiful son and outstanding brother.

With Love, Mom and Ileen

"I don't think anything is unrealistic if you believe you can do it. I think if you're determined enough and willing to pay the price, you can get it done.''Mike Ditka

Alejandro, We are very proud of your accomlishments, and of the young man you have become . We love you and wish you every happiness in the world today and always.

Congratulations to you and the class of '98!

Mami, Monica, Aba, Mimi, Titi, and Sebastian

Dear Alex,

"Friends for Ever" You are more than that to us; You had a brother, and we love you like a son.

God bless you and be with you all the way to the top.

Love from "Heaven" and Earth, The Reilly Family

CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES

Congratulations Class ' J 1998

C lass o f ' 98 h e r e w e go 3 lo n g y e a rs b ut ! lo v e t h is sc hoo L

D io a nd the en dl ess v a net y of n ick name s fl y i n g g reek, Oio - &#@ % ! mi ss cl ai r o l.

J orge c o mp uter Wiz " s t omp you r fe et if y o u li k e the bea t" Stev e "El Gran Cub a na so w A lf Jer r y & C arl os

UM Game s 3 rd t o the left Vi c to r do y ou ha v e any lo gt tu di na! th inkin g pu z zel s Big Bro t her s wat c hin g Fr. Ed dy

O ral E x am i n a t io ns S and blast e r Coach A a n d AIDES G e rr y

Ga rcia m the swa amo s Mr. Garland s o un d s li k e Mv t h ao o ria n

M r.M a r tinez B u lly For you T G IF Ms Miya r What d oes J aa an n so n tel l us Fath e r Mu n g i a h e hehehe

z tp code an d wilL..M s S a la s I wa n t to b e Bl anch S ie r r a abre T h a n k yo u F o r all t he g o o d t imes My fam il y Mama & D a n i e l my G odk 1ds E m il y Kaye & [va n G ab ri e l , My fr ie nd s Alf, J erry , S te v e , D a n ny , Carlos, Fr ank A & B, Vi c to r

NAVARRETE

l•l Yale h. 'c 'la.lf Dane:> U, going " love u man '' :11\c Park :nantc:\ J.nd.noblc:; Labor Duy ilt Pt. Myc:t s .'.stc.Cping in tb.1.:irroom at l:h<! f Tei!S Rogain f< r men-Jerry Gradrughl."-hookup Jirmu ys house :All( you're British? Cttb<UIS an: the best. llav you crv seen the G dfatherl Touy-are n goulg to the t lUffialDI.ll\lS ony-you'reanactor (evt!!l. Loo satdso) LtlS MIS Dawson.s J<lfl)'-yo u wtakin g you 'recousm toprotn 'l Tony, you still don't have you ' re pappitas futas Lunch table Marios bouse is bigger titan D+o Magtc r aR; _:_ X Fil Did anyone record DC' A comp ny of sairtts Asyl um Wsiting for GodoL anrl Guild m Why d1dn't we take ov<.:r Mexico to o. How to oonquer the wmid are

to

A VlD HERNANDEZ

We arc the musi c·makets, And we are the dr of !.he

Wandcring by lone sca-br ak ·rs. And sittin g b y desol at streams; W orld-losem and world -fo rs akem, On wh om th pal moon gleams: Yet we ll e th mo e rs and t h , sbak<:1 flhe world for er, it

With won derful deathless ditti W e build up the world 's great cities, A nd. out of a fa b ulous story

We f&l bion an emp ire's glory: Ono man with a new so ng's mea s ure Can trample au empire down

We, in t he buried past ea rth. bt tb buried past ft he earth, lluilt inevch with o ur s ighing, And Babel itself with our mirth: And o'erthre the m with prophesying T o tho old of the new w orld's worth ; For each age i a dn:am tha t is dymg, Or 001: that is coming to birth.

Andrade, Natasha

126 95, 110, 111, 120, 121, 155, 156, 172, Andrade, Sasha 127 205

Andres, Bayon 187 Berthin, Gabriel A. 34, 106, 211

Abarca, DC. 139, 198

Abelairas, Juan C. 192 Andres, Chiriboga 187 Bertran, Alejandro 96, 97, 198

Abelo, Fidel 101, 110, 170

Acevedo, Edward ]. 192

Acevedo, Jose G. 34, 210

Angones Jr., F 57, 192 Bertran, Eduardo J. 187

Angulo., Andy D. 101 Bertran, Javier 187

Anzardo, Jorge L 198 Bertran, Michael 4 Achong , Benjamin G. 187 Aparicio , Angel 118, 166 Bienes , Alex 34, 59, 94, 125

Acosta, David J. 99, 180, 183 Aran, Alberto ]. 175 Big6, Rene 171

Acosta, Eddie 19, 22, 96, 97, 129 Araque, Javier E. 180 Binelo, Alexander E. 205 Acosta, Eduardo W. 205

Argamasilla, Javier 86, 87, 166 Birbragher , Andres 175

Acosta, Grace 162, 163, 166, 168 Argibay, Nicolas 192 Blanco, Andres 192

Acuna, Christopher 187 Arias, Alberto R 198 Blanco, Daniel A. 152, 153, 205

Adan, Daniel A. 192 Arias, Eric ]. 108, 187 Blanco, Eric 180

Adrian, Gomez 189 Arias, Martin 140, 157, 165, 166 Blanco, Jorge L. 175

Aenlle, Julio 0. 180 Armand, Arturo A

198 Blanco, Marcos A. 187

Aguayo, Jose A 108, 198 Armas, Jose M. 59, 187 Bofill, Jorge ]. 180

Alam, Juan C. 60 Arnedo, III C. "]." 11, 205 Bolanos, Miguel 106, 192

Alard, Enrique 15 , 186, 187, 188

Albelo, Fidel 7, 111

Arrieta, Victor 97, 98, 99, 118 Bond, Alexander L. 187

Arteaga, Lourdes 166 Boria, Alexander 192 Albelo, Jorge 171 Artiles, Rafael 171 Boucugnani , Giancarlo 34, 211

Albert, Jon-paul 56, 192

Albert, Michael A 198

Albir, Carlos E. 34, 112, 210

Alday, Martha 84, 88, 89, 166

Artime, Louis A. 57, 192 Bouza, Daniel 198

Ashenoff, Richard L 198 Bouza, David 94, 111, 131, 187

Avalle, Francisco 180 Bowe, Colin F. 34, 122, 123, 211

Avello, Francis A. 205 Brake, Nicholas A. 187 Aldo, Fonseca 188 Ayo, Roman 205 Bravo, Daniel 175 Alegret, Eric 192 Azcue, Javier A. 192 Briceno, Raul A. 180

Alemany, Adrian E. 192 Bringas, Renato M. 98, 99, 117' 118, 119 , Alex, Sanchez 191

175 Alexander, Anthony 72, 73, 166 Brito, Aaron F. 205 Alexander, Eric N 32, 198 Barcia, Carlos F. 4, 34, 39,46, 210 Broche, Juan P. 192 Alexander, Juan C. 32, 125, 205 Barea, Ricardo 198 Bruguera, Richard A 59, 187

Alfaro, Carl M. 175 Barkett, Dee 127 Buchanan, Edward A. 205 Alfonso, Johnathan 205 Barmoha , Josef A. 187 Bueno, Jason 192 Alfonso, Jonathan 14 Barnes, Max A. 205 Buigas, Pedro 192 Alfonso, Rolando T. 180 Barquin, Carlos 8, 9, 80, 96, 98, 116, Bullrich, Aldolfo 198 Alfonso, Victor M. 175 128, 166 Burgos, Alejandro 34, 64, 117' 211 Allen, Des C. 187 Barrera, Michael 192 Burgos, Noa 185 Alman, Juan C. 187 Barro, Anthony ]. 187 Burgos , Noel 99, 180 Alman, Juan Carlos 187 Barturen , Steven 192 Burke, Adalberto 82, 166 Alonso, Christopher 192 Bass, Geoff 108 Burrows, Jason 192 Alonso , David M 198 Batista, Alex L. 29, 135, 205 Busquet, Aimee 22, 73, 166 , 168 Alonso, Gerardo 34, 210 Batista, Frank 34, 37, 46, 106, 210 Busse, George 166 Alvarez, Cesar 192 Bayon, Andres 59, 187 Bustamante, Gabriel J. 18, 19, 205

Alvarez, Daniel A 187 Bedoya, Alejandro 109, 116, 192 Busto, Humberto A. 175 Alvarez, Eduardo 46, 75 , 86, 87, 164, 165 Bel, Gregory 198 Bustos, Melissa 126 Alvarez, Francisco 192 Belez, Kristina 45 Alvarez, Javier A. 34, 59, 210 Bell, Gregory 125 c Alvarez, Javier E. 187 Bello, Pedro M 198 Alvarez, Jorge E. 3, 112, 205 Bellon, Leo A. 4, 10, 21, 28, 29, 34, 42, Cabada, Heriberto J. 205 Alvarez, Jose A 198 72, 74, 75, 78, 83, 84, 91, 96, 97, 102, Caballero, David 180 Alvarez, Juan C. 187, 190 113, 132, 133, 146, 151, 153, 157, Caballero, Gabriel 111, 205 Alvarez, Marcos A. 187 159, 160, 161, 162, 164, 169, 170, Cabrera, Christopher 192 Alvarez, Mark E 192 173, 182, 183, 200, 210, 220 Cabrera, Joel 34, 124, 211, 218 Alvarez, Pedro F. 10, 135, 205 Beltran, Robert 180 Cabrera, John 198 Aman, Arturo 139 Benitez, Alberto A 198 Cabrera, Michael 187 Amaro , Jose 110, 111, 205 Benitez, Carlos 187 Cabrera, Pedro E. 175, 179 Andion, Jose M 139, 198, 203 Benitez, N orberto I. 6, 198 Cajade, Francisco A 187 Andollo, Pedro F. 53, 205 Bermudez, Carlos M. 34, 210 Cajigas, Ricardo 34, 211 Andrade, Christian 192 Bertaina, Giancarlo 192 Calderin, Ernesto L. 180 Andrade, Jon athan 180 Bertamanti, Julio C. 5, 36, 52, 74, 80, 94, Calderon, David 192

Calderon, Roberto

180 Castro, Oscar L.

194 Daun, Jackie

53 Calil, Carlos A 98, 99, 180 Ceball os, Gustavo 175 David, Bouza

187 Calil, Eduardo A. 192, 194 Chagui, Andres F. 34, 145, 212 Davila, Bernardo 34, 212 Calleja, Luis E. 205 Chavez, Jean-paul 193, 194 Davis, Andrew M 175 Calzada, Humberto 219 Cherta, Javier 175 Davis, Thompson B 156, 176 Calzada, Nicholas J. 21, 34, 64, 65, 136, Chica, Diana 126 Daygherty, Erika

126 151,211 Chiriboga, A ndres 187 De Armas, Rafael 181 Camacho, Alberto 194 Chirino, Josefina 14, 15, 23, 74, 86, 166 De La Fe, Christian 176 Camargo, Christopher 180 Cintron, Luis G. 194 De La Fuente, Juan B 187 Camero, Daniel J. 34, 211 Cleveland, Charles 6, 7' 85, 163, 166, 198 De La Torre, Roland 194 Campos, Jerry]. 180 Cleveland, Ch ris 94 De La Vega, Carlos 181 Campos, Lianette 5, 127, 157 Coba, Richard 194 De La Vega, Javier 78, 166, 167 Campos, Teresita 5, 29, 32, 60, 74, 75, Cofino, Peter 119 De La Vega, Nico las 187 77, 84, 98, 99, 126, 127, 133, 135, Co ll , Mauricio R. 34, 93, 212 De Leon, Felipe J. 181 140, 141, 154, 155, 156 , 157, 166, Collazo, Eric C. 194 De Leon, Jorge R 181 168, 173, 174, 175, 179, 186, 188 , Collings, Eugene J. 139, 173, 206 De Los Reyes, Adrian 200 191 Collins, Patrick 64, 84, 85, 122, 123, 144, De Saito, Michael A. 206 Canales, Severiano 194 167, 168 De Varona, A lejandro 176 Cantamero, Kristen 127 Camacho, A lbert 96 De Varona, Luis A. 188 Cantens, Christopher 2, 99, 180 Concha, Fernando S 187 De Vera, Johnathen P. 34, 122, 123, 128, Cantens, Michael 2, 193, 194 Conforme, Jorge L 138, 198, 199 212 Canto, Eduardo ]. 34, 152, 211 Constante, Robert 70, 94, 118 Debayle, Carlos A 206 Canto, Jose I. 180 Corbera, William J 200 Debayle, Luis H. 34, 2 12 Capitaine, Richard 187 Corces, Pedro 14 Decastro, Rainier A. 188 Capo, Elizabeth 126 Cordova, Angel D.

Del Amo, Gerald M. 206 Caraball o, C. D. 58, 187 Coroalles, C S

Del Castillo, Mitchell 181 Carabeo , Javier P. 180 Corona, Joshua A.

Del Castillo, S 200 Caragol, Robert 78, 100, 101, 163, 166 Corona, Ramon E

Del Rio, Ivan A. 176 Carballo, Rene A. 118, 180 Coronado, Michael N .

Delgado, A lex 200 Carbonell, Alexander 194 Corral, Andres F

Delgado, Eduardo 156, 166, 167 Cardelle, Othon F. 10, 25, 34, 38, 41, 75, Correa, Adrian J. 120, 187 Delgado, German 88, 166 , 167 76, 84, 118, 143, 151, 164, 212 Correa, Ricardo E

Delgado, Rodolfo 181 Cardenas, Jonathan 187 Correoso, Javier R

Delgado, Victor 148 Carey, Mariah 18 Cosio, Michael J. 181, 183 Delgado , Alex 10 Caridad, Diana 121 Costa, Brian C. 187, 188 Dell'Oro, Felipe 194 Carmona, David A. 194 Costa, Gabriel A 206 Depozsgay, Michelle 126 Carnright, David 180 Costa, Luis F. 175 Derek, Lopez 189 Carreno, Jay A. 34, 44, 86, 90 , 111, 212 Costante, Robert 167 Dergan , Joseph J. 176 Carrera, Alejandro 175 Couce, Jose A. 99, 181 Des Castro, Allen 187 Carrera, Diogenes J. 34, 37, 47, 111,212 Coutts, Ian C. 194 Desme, Diego 176 Carreras, Michael 130, 187 Crego, Ramon 0. 194 Desme, Zadi 200, 201 Carrion, Humberto 194 Crespin, Jason M. 187 Devera, J onathen 96 Carras, William 181 Cross, Michael E 175 Diaz, Alejandro M. 109, 188 Cartaya, Maria 70, 71, 166 Cruz, David J 200 Diaz, Armando J. 194 Cartaya, Maria E. 32, 78, 156, 157, 163, Cruz, Raul A 34, 106, 212 Diaz, Benito I. 181 166 Cuadra, Luis A 200 Diaz, Gregory P. 194 Cartaya, Pedro 78, 159, 165, 183 Cubero, Francisico M 200 Diaz, Ignacio J. 34, 212 Cartaya, Vincent 28, 53, 93, 103, 116, Cuervo, David 111 Diaz, Jose F. 206 129, 205 Curbelo, Carlos A 22, 34, 46, 64, 65, Diaz, Juan F. 194 Carullo, Andres F 198 132, 136, 160, 212 Diaz, Michael J. 194 Casanas, Jordan A. 206 Cusco, Arturo J. 175 Diaz, Robert 6, 7 Casero, Christina 166 Cusco, Carlos E. 194 Diaz, Ronny 188 Cashman, Daniel J 198 Cutliff, Brenda 77, 167 Dieguez, Manuel A 200 Castellanos, Cristopher 175 Czerniec, Gloria 44 Dieppa, Cristian A 176 Castellon, Michael G. 187 Dieppa, Julian J. 11, 176 Castillo, Gisell 126

DDimuont, Paul 200 Castrillo, Erroll A. 194 Dole, Bob 19 Castro, Alejandro 111, 118, 175 Daly, Sean C. 175, 178 Dominguez, C. 188 Castro, Armando 34,64, 132,151,156, Dominguez, Rafael R 200 212 Daniel, Tunon 191 Dorado, Gabriel 3, 5, 23, 28, 34, 36, 37, Castro, Erik E.

206 Daniels, J.

21 40, 112, 113, 213, 214 Castro, Orlando ]. 194 Dapena, Ricardo

206 Duany, Carlos E.

181

Duarte, Andres E.

194

Fernandez, Jorge A. 34, 95, 124, 147, Garcia, Ignacio J. 188

Duarte, Eugenio A. 6, 53, 206 176,214 Garcia, Jacky 126

Duenas, Javier E. 176

Fernandez, Jose I. 14, 18, 19, 36, 103, Garcia, Jeremy L. 189

Duenas, Nelson L. 194 112, 136, 154, 155, 183, 193, 205, Garcia, Jorge J. 182

Duque, David A 200 207, 213, 215, 219 Garcia, Jose M. 125, 181, 182 Duquesne, Eduardo G 188 Fernandez, Joseph R. 207 Garcia, Juan 181

Duran, Gabriel E. 206 Fernandez, Luis 194 Garcia, Lalin 155

Duyos, Oscar A. 194 Fernandez, Maria 167, 193 Garcia, Leonardo A 200 Fernandez, Rafael 83, 167 Garcia, Marcelino 32, 58, 64, 158, 159, E Fernandez-Barquin, J. 194 165, 174 Fernandez-Silva, Dax 176 Garcia, Mercedes 167

Echenique, Ivan B. 176 Ferraz, Alexandre 176 Garcia, Michael 319

Echenique, Javier 194 Ferraz, Gustavo F. 176 Garcia, Mike 47, 129

Echevarria, Jorge 206 Ferreira, Arturo 194 Garcia, Raphael A. 176

Echeverria, A 194 Ferrer, Cristy 127 Garcia, Ricardo J. 176

Effio, Renzo 61 Ferrer, Miguel A. 108, 130, 181 Garcia, Robert 195

Effio, Renzo G. 188 Figueredo, Eloy E. 176 Garcia -Tunon , Jose D. 189

Egues, Rafael 99 Filer, Lily 167 Garcia-Romeu, Albert 6, 207

Egues, Rafael G. 188 Fiorenza, Maria 76, 157, 167 Garcia-Romeu, Daniel 182

Eire, Ms. M. 88, 89 Fleites, C. A. 188 Garcia-Tunon, A 195 Eireos, Maria 167 Flores, Juan I. 200, 203 Garcia-Tunon, Jose D. 121, 130, 188, 189 Elias, Alfredo 200 Florin, Cesar L. 188 Garganta, Andres 200

Elias, Teresita 167 Fojo, Jonathan M. 188 Garland, Edward 77, 167

Engroba, Caesar A. 176 Fojo, Robert M. 34, 36, 39, 64, 214 Garrido, Jose A. 106, 207

Enrique, Alard 187 Fonseca, Aldo 188 Gatamorta, Armando 106 Enriquez, Andre E. 188 Fonseca, Luis 194 Gayle, Jessica 18

Escabedo, Ernie 99 Font, Ignacio 75, 154, 155, 167 Ga ymer, Agusto C. 207

Escala, Victor L. 34, 213 Fontela, Gabriel 181 Gayol, Mark A. 189 Escobar, Andres 99, 181, 185 Fontela, Gaston A. 182 Gayol, Michael E. 207

Escobar, Enrique D. 188 Forrest, Michael 194 George, Jon athan 189 Escobedo, Ernesto 181, 183 Fors, Jorge 56, 194 Gidel, Mariah 127 Espinosa, Daniel A 106, 200 Fors, Luis A.

194 Gil, Fernando 34, 214 Espinoza, Ariel L. 34, 213 Foster, Evan K 98, 176 Gil, Juan 189 Fraga, Eduardo 80, 167 Gilpin, Victor C. 13, 34, 91, 101, 124, Espinoza, Carlos 181 Franco, Xavier 34, 106, 214 214 Espinoza, Joseph V 200 Franyie, Alejandro 194 Gimbel, Nicholas 189 Esteban, Alexander 181

Esteve, Jeronimo 32, 106, 125, 206

Frederick, Joseph 182 Giovanni, Kincade 189 Frenandez, Alfredo L. 213 Giralt, Steve 5, 45, 92, 110, 111, 146, Eugene, Zoller 169

Ezpinosa, Ariel 36

FFalk, Stephen 15, 74, 75, 167

Farinas, Stephan 5, 34, 37,47, 213

Farraco, Carlos 206

Fatemian, Salman 106, 107, 206

Fumagali, Alexander 176 172

Fusco, Andrew].

GGabriel, Caballero

Gabriel, Pumariega

182 Godoy-Dalmau, E 195

Goizueta, Roberto 71, 153

Golden, Jenny 126 Golledge, Andrew 176

205 Gomez, Adrian 189

190

Gaitan, Alejandro 34, 214

Gomez, Annie 52

Gomez, Emil A. 176

Gomez, Frank 8, 34, 46, 157, 214 Feito, Jose 167 Gaitan, Will 3, 90, 91, 103, 106, 116

Gomez, Javier 34, 215 Gallardo, Leonel 182 Fenton, Annie 60, 95, 133, 167 Galvez, Desi 126

Fenton, Michael R 188, 190

Feria, Michael J. 91, 117, 128, 207

Fernadez, Derek 0 200

Garcia, Alexander 34, 214

Garcia, Angie 126, 173

Garcia, Anibal C 200

Gomez, Manuel A. 176, 178

Gomez, Oscar 195

Gonzalez, Adrian J 200

Gonzalez, Alex K. 189 Fernandez, Alex M 200

Gonzalez, Alimer R. 176 Fernandez, Alfredo L. 34

Garcia, Anthony T. 34, 140, 182, 214

Garcia, Christopher 188

Gonzalez, Angel 91, 106, 107, 207 Fernandez, Angie 157

Fernandez, Ariel 207

Garcia, Cristina 126

Gonzalez, Carlos 111, 195

Gonzalez, Daniel 182 Fernandez, Carlos F 200 Garcia, Francisco J 200

Gonzalez, Daniel A 200 Fernandez, Christian 181 Garcia, Gabriel 195

Gonzalez, Daniel M. 207 Fernandez, Franco 149 Garcia, Gaby 173

Garcia, Gerardo 87' 167 Fernandez, Gabriel 176

Fernandez, Jessica 39

Fernandez, John P 106, 204, 207

Garcia, Henry F. 176

Garcia, Ignacio

186

Gonzalez, Eduardo L. 34, 145, 215

Gonzalez, Eric 207

Gonzalez, Erika 173

Gonzalez, Gabriel J. 28, 103, 207

Gonzalez, George

182 Hernandez, Luis A.

195 Kurenuma, Kenji D 34, 121, 216 Gonzalez, Ivan E. 58, 189 Hernandez, Marina 167 Gonzalez, Louis A. 95, 182 Hernandez , Pedro 46, 82, 83, 167

LGonzalez, Marco 106, 136, 195 Hernandez, Ricardo 182 Gonzalez, Michael D. 34, 182, 215 Hernandez, Silvia 73, 88, 89, 167 Lago, David A. 189 Gonzalez, Tina 127 Hernandez, Victor 164, 165 Lago, Laura 53 Gonzalez, Xavier E. 32, 34, 64, 65, 102, Hernandez Iii , Eugenio 182 Lagos, Guillermo 106, 125, 159, 207 103, 215 Herran, Soraya 167 Lajos, Juan A. 8 Gonzalez - Learra, F. 6, 207

Herrmida, Christian 130 Larcada , Carlos A. 182 Gorordo, Leonardo 56, 195 Humbert, Jackie 127 Larralde, Mark J. 207 Goudie, Fernando 34, 100, 101, 215 Humbert, Paul A. 125, 189 Larrieu , Francisco 195 Goudie, Ricardo 195 Hurtado, Alvaro F 201 Larrieu, Manuel 56, 195 Gramatges, Robert 195 Larrieu, Rene A. 182 Gramatges, Ryan P. 182 I Lasalle, Gerardo 108 Granda, Javier A. 34, 215

Lausell, Ian M 207 Greiffenstein, Jonathan 182 lcaza, Charmaine 70, 167 Lavernia, Homero 207 Grillo, Jorge I. 34, 122, 123, 215 Iglesias, Rene 207 Lay, David D. 4, 34, 47, 111, 216 Groover, Nicholas 182 Iglesias, Steven D. 120, 125, 130, 189 Lay, Jonathan C. 189 Guanche, Erick M. 34, 102, 103, 215 Iglesias, Vicente 195 Leal, Christopher J. 189 Guanche, Melissa 126 Inguanzo, Carlos R. 182 Ledesma, Rafael 70, 71, 78, 79, 134, 168 Guardiola, Alejandro 98, 99, 182 Ivan, Martinez 189 Leiva, Christian J. 189 Gubieda, Michael E. 11, 207 lvaylon, lvo 176 Lemus, Francisco 165 Gueits, Christopher 98, 99, 182, 183 Izaguirre, Alfredo A. 207 Lemus, John P . 59, 189 Guerra, Alfred M. 195 Izquierdo, Nelson J. 176 Lemus, Michael J. 182 Guerra, Eric A. 176 Leon, Daniel A 65, 201 Guerra, Gabriel 182

JLeon, Dayron 182 Guerra, Marcelo H 94, 201 Leon, Derek C 65, 112, 201 Guevara, John G. 182 Leon, Gisela 65, 78, 79, 168 Gutierrez, Gabriel 65, 195 Jacobson, GabrielS. 34, 216 Leon, Victor M. 108, 109, 189 Gutierrez, Gloria 181 Jacomino, Javier 57, 195 Leon De La Barra, G 195 Gutierrez, Javier 201 Jalil, George P. 32, 189 Lera, Abel M. 195 Gutierrez, Nicholas 182 Janania, Anwar 176 Leyva, Jonathan 173, 195 Gutierrez, Ruben 195 J anania, Khaled 189 Liera , lvette 127 Gutierrez-Boronat, Orlando 84, 85, 167 Jane, Louis A. 98, 176

Livermore, Jorge A 65, 112, 113, 201 Guzman, Eric A 201 Jardon, Thomas F. 189

Llaca , Alejandro 201 Guzman, Mark K. 122, 123, 207 Javier, Bertran 187

HLlama, Alejandro 26, 103, 172, 207 Jimenez, Beatriz 32, 78, 79, 140, 141, Llamas, Luis E. 183

159, 162, 163 Llana, Arianne 39 Jimenez, Jose A 32, 125, 201

Llanes, Mikel 17, 20, 34, 91, 96, 97, 102, Jimenez, Pierre 189 Haibi, Dora 78, 140, 141, 167 Jimenez, Xavier 207 103, 129, 135, 217 Hall, Brian C. 58, 70, 188, 189 Lledo , Jonathan 201 J oakimsen, Andrew 176 Halpin, Timothy S. 176 J ohnathan, Alfonso 205 Llera, Antonio J. 189 Hansen, Eric 81, 112, 167 Llerena, Francisco P. 15 Jonathan, Cardenas 187 Henriques, Steven M. 26, 52, 64, 207 Llorente, Mark 199, 201 Heranadez, Greg 178 Jonathan, George 189 Llorente, Ricardo 183 Hermida, Christian 186, 189 Jones, Jerry 103 Lobo- N avia, Luis A. 189 Hermida, Stephan 182 Jose, Amaro 205 Locascio, Edward J 125, 201 Hernadez, A. ]. 189 Juan, Gil 189 Locasio, Edwardo 199 Hernadez, David 89 Juanito , Sierra 169

Loernzo, Ernest A 201 Hernandez, Alejandro 195 Juarez, Luigi A. 182 Lopez, Alexander V. 183 Hernandez, Alex 57, 148 Junquera, Angel D. 207 Lopez , Ana M. 126 Hernandez, Alex J. 195 Jurado, Janelle 126 Lopez, Carlos A. 195 Hernandez, Carlos 34, 216 Justo, George A. 182 Lopez, Daniel E 201 Hernandez, Daniel 182

KLopez, Daniel 0. 25, 34, 102, 103, 153, Hernandez, David 19, 25, 34, 38, 70, 71, 217 72, 74, 84, 88, 89, 140, 141, 143, 158, Lopez, Derek 189 16 3) 17 3) 17 7) 199) 216 Khaled, Janania 189 Lopez, Henry 183 Hernandez, Fernando 182 Kincade, Giovanni 189 Lopez, Jason F. 176 Hernandez, Gregory 176 Klugman, Jack 141 Lopez, Jeffrey N. 207 Hernandez, John P. 182 Knickerbocker, Lauren 127 Lopez, Jorge 195 Hernandez , Juan C. 149 Kraziam, Faisal S. 176 Lopez, Manuel 177

Lopez, Victor E. 177

Massans, Miquire

178 Montenegro, Daniel R. 7, 18 , 19, 33, 78, Lopez De Quintan, L.

189

Massens, Miguel J. 177 108 , 124, 125, 138, 146, 172, 199 , Lopez-Santos, Francisco 34, 217

Lorenzo, Bryan 183, 185

Lorenzo, Melissa 127

Loret Do Mola, M. 207

Lucio, Alejandro 98, 99, 183

Masvidal , Daniel 183, 195 203, 208

Masvidal , David 214 Montenegro, Raul A 201

Masvidal, Gabriel 5, 24, 34, 217 Montiel , Mauricio 184

Masvidal, Sergio D. 34, 217 Montiel, Michael A. 190

Mauri, Eric A. 25, 92, 93, 112, 151, 172, Montoya, Kevin N 178

Lucio , Daniel E 195 207 Montoya, Mayra 126

Luis Flores, Mr. J. 88

MMachado, Jason W. 111 , 177

Machado , Rafael 195

Me Millian, Victor A. 26 , 93, 117, 204, Montoya, Monica 127 208 Monzon, Fernando 201

Mcgee, Micheal J. 201 Mooney, Mark H. 196 Meadows, Paul A. 177 Mora, Ali 53

Mederos , Jonathan 183 Morales, Diego M 34, 92 , 106, 107, 117,

Medina, Jorge 195 128,217

Macias , Eduardo D. 189 Medrano, Natalie 127 Morales, Giovanni 196

Macmillan, Victor 91 Mejia, Nicholas 190 Morejon , Javier L. 184

Macnamara, David 177 Mena , Cesar R 190 Moreno, Pedro 190

Madariaga, John 195

Mena, Michael 0. 17, 34 , 45 , 64, 65, Moreno, Ricky A. 184

Madrigal, Gustavo 195 102, 103 , 217 Morera, Candy 14, 15 , 72, 74, 168

Malats, Alberto M. 207

Mena, Mrs. 64 Morgado, Christy 127

Malats, Daniel A. 177 Mendez, John-paul 177 Mori, Ahmed J 178

Malave, Andres A. 189

Mendez, Mario R. 217 Morin, Michael 196

Mallol, Mariano 183 Mendez, Raymond 195 Morin, Raul 0. 208

Manrara, Alberto 57, 195 Mendiola, Martin 106 , 208 Morras, Xavier 46, 47

Manrara, Ana 52, 168 Mendosa, Lily 123 Mosequera, Arturo E 201

Manrara, Andres E. 98, 177 Mendoza, Alejandro J. 34, 217 Muci, Rafic 34, 36,45, 218

Manrara, Carmen 53 Menendez, Antonio 196 Munguia, Jorge 165

Manrique, Alejandro E. 101, 207 Menendez, Daniel 177 Munilla, Pedro M 6, 28, 201

Maranges, Matthew 177

Marchant, Michael G. 207

Menendez, Mario R. 34 Munilla, Alejandro 184

Menendez, Stefan 183 Munilla, Daniel F 190

Marciano, Anthony T. 189 Menesas, Alfred 168 Muniz, Jorge 202

Marin , Ariel A. 195

Menocal , Ana M. 168, 186 Munoz, Mark A. 112, 218

Marin , Christian 189 Merconchini, Geoffery 199, 201, 203 Munoz, Omar 108

Marin , Daniel G 201 Mesa, Daniel N 208 Munoz-Bustamante, Jorge C 96, 202

Marin, David G. 159, 207 Mesa, Jorge 183 Munoz, Mark A. 34

Marina , Jose F. 177

Marino , Dan 25

Marquez , Jesus C. 189

Marquez, Richard 17, 19, 34, 39,217

Mesa , Julio L. 177 Mur, Matthew C. 178

Metcalfe , Justin D 177

Metcalfe Jr., George 177 N

Michael , Cabrera 187

Marrero, Christian 177 Michael , Paul 201

Marrero, Leonardo 195

Michael, Peruyera 190

Marrero , Paul S. 183 Michael , Peter 196

Marrero, Ruben 103

Mieveles, Michelle 127

Miguel, Andres M 184

Navarette , Christian 34, 46, 47, 124 , 218

Navarro, Arnoldo M. 34, 218

Navarro, Jorge 196

Navarro, Luis 208

Marti, Pedro A. 189 Nelson, Richard 196

Martin, Alain D 183 Mikuski, Mohamed 178

Martinez , Alejandro E. 207

Milian, Daniel A. 106, 208

Newmeyer, James 21, 196

Milian, Jesus J. 208 N oa, Joseph A. 34, 102, 103, 152, 218 Martinez, Daniel 207

Minoso, Alvaro J. 153 , 172, 204, 208 N oa, Michael A. 196 Martinez, Ivan 189

Martinez, Jorge 85, 168

Miqueli, Alexander J 34, 217 N ovales, John J. 190

Mirambell, Alejandro 208

Martinez, Luis F 125, 201 Miranda, Alejandro 184

Martinez, Michael P 25, 28, 34, 36, 38, Miranda, Carlos 196

Nuche, Alexander 178

Nunez, Eduardo R. 178

Nunez, Michael 196 44, 71, 90, 93, 128, 129, 144, 159, Miranda, Pedro 196

Miyar, Marie J. 75, 168

Nunez, Leopoldo 64, 74 , 75, 163, 168

Nunez, Daniel A. 190 201,210,217

Martinez, Reynick A. 190

Martinez-Cid , J ordi 177

Martinez-Lejarza, J. C. 207

Mas, Bryan M. 177

Moises, David D. 184

Moises, Jesus D. 178

Mojena, Daniel 196

Molero, ChristopherA. 58 , 190 Mas, Idelfonso 183

Nunez, Rigoberto N 202

Molinares, Reuben 190 O ' Malley, Robert 87 Mas , Rosa 170

Mashayekh, Y ousef 183

Massa, George 183

Monoz , Omar J. 190

Montealegre, Arturo N. 153, 208

Ocariz, Christy 126

Odriozola , Alexander 196

Monteiro, Alfredo A 201 Ojeda, Felipe 184

Olivar, Brian]. 98, 99 , 190 Perez De Corcho, Joseph 184 Reese, Gabriel 120 Olivera, Michael R 94, 199, 201, 202 Perez Eric, H 202

Regueria, Felipe J. 190 Onoz, Cindy 126

Perez-Vila, Roberto A 202

Regueyra, Alberto 184 Orizondo, Alberto 196 Perez, Jimmy 77 Remis, Mario 29, 76, 169 Oropesa, Manuel 190 Pernas, Francisco 34, 218 Reuben, Molinares 190 Orta, Paul A. 184

Peruyera, Michael 190 Rey, Andres A. 188, 190 Ortega, Maria L. 78, 146, 168

Phillips, Steve F. 60, 190 Reyes, Alexander 178 Ortiz, Michael A. 178, 190

Pichardo, Frank F. 83, 157, 168 Reyes, Calvin 178 Ortiz , Rodrigo F 208

Piedra, Ricardo A. 34, 100, 101, 219 Reyes, Carlos 34, 219 Ovies, Guillermo 196 Pierre, Jimenez 189 Reyes, Miguel A. 111, 208

Pinero, Javier]. 184 Ricard, Giancarlo 178 p

Piniero, Michael A. 16, 34, 41, 64, 122, Ricardo, Walter G 202 123, 135, 219 Ricart, Emil ]. 112,208 34, 45, 218

Pino, Pablo M 202 Richard, Capitaine 187 Pader, James A.

Pisa, Renzo 184 Rico, Miles A. 178 Padilla, Americo A. 125, 184

Pia, Thomas 202 Rico, Oscar 202 Padilla, Daniel 196

Plantada, Christopher 196 Rico-Perez , Carlos M . 208 Padron, Daniel E. 112, 113, 208

Plasencia, Alexis 196 Riesgo, Aldo M. 184 Pagnussat, Janathan 106, 107' 202

Portillo, Armando A. 190 Riley III, Robert F. 100, 101, 153, 208 Palacio, Michael 196

Portuondo, Ignacio A 202 Rivas, Adrian A 202 Palmerola, Jorge 196

Portuondo, Raphael A. 34, 47, 219 Rivas, Antonio 112, 208 Palmerola, Ricardo 184

Prats, Gustavo A 202 Rivas- Vasquez, Francisco 34,41, 220 Palmerosa, Jorge 96

Prieto, Antonio T. 178 Rivera , Alejandro L 28, 94, 139, 202 Pantin, Les E. 178

Prieto, Gerardo M. 34, 122, 123, 219 Rivera, Javier 32 Paret, Alejandro 193, 196

Prieto, Nelson 202 Rivera , Leonardo F 178 Parets, Herbert J. 208

Puente, Justin]. 196 Rivera II, Luis E. 34, 101, 220 Parets, Juan C. 202

Puente, Orlando E. 178 Rivero, Albert A 190 Parlade, Juan B. 190

Puentes, Adriana 127 Rivero, Fernando L. 190 Parra, Mario 168

Puerto, Roger A 202 Riveron, C 196 Parrilla, Jose E 33 , 202

Pumariega, Gabriel 190 Riveron , Phillip A 34, 65, 100, 101, 128, Pascual , Alexander 184 153, 220 Pascual, Mario I. 103, 112, 208

QRoa, Jose L 202 Pasos, Luis 28, 178

Robayna, Oscar E 202 Patino, Nicholas 202

Robert, O'Mally 168 Pedro, Moreno 190 Quesada, Frank 34, 100, 101, 128, 219

Robison, Arturo A. 190 Peguero, Oscar 196 Quevedo, Enrique 184 Roca , Christopher 199, 202 Pelaez, Roberto P. 208 Quiles, Johannes N 190 Roca, Jose 77, 103, 169 Pelaez, Victor ]. 6, 110, 111 , 208 Quinones, Clement 178 Radon, Patsy 52 Pella, Jorge G. 196 Quintana, Francisco]. 34, 219 Pena, Andres M. 184 Quintana, Ignacio 196 Rodriguez, A. J 190 Pena, Daniel C. 196 Quintero, Mario 208 Rodriguez, Alexander 119, 196 , 197 Penichet, Damian 184 Rodriguez, Annette 127 Peon, Daniel G. 34, 47, 218

RRodriguez, Antonio J. 130, 131, 191 Peppas, Kirk 100, 101 Rodriguez, Armando 18, 23, 64, 84, 85, Peraza, Leonel 178 145 , 162, 163, 169 Pereda, Luis 184 Rabelo, Carlos A. 190 Rodriguez, C. J. 191 Pereira, Jorge F. 184 Radosla vov, Ivo I. 178 Rodriguez , Carlos 197 Pereiras, Alan 34, 218

Rafalowicz, Jeremy 178 Rodriguez, Christian 75, 161 Perez, Anthony 148, 168 Ramirez, Adrian 184 Rodriguez, Eric J. 208 Perez, Dania! ]. 190 Ramirez , Eugene 196 Rodriguez, Erik 206 Perez, Daniel J. 178, 179 Ramirez, Natalie 126 Rodriguez, Felix X. 208 Perez, Emmanuel 178 Ramirez, Paul A. 34, 40, 47, 219 Rodriguez, Jason 184 Perez, Enrique 193, 196 Ramirez, Ricardo J 202 Rodriguez, John P. 208 Perez, Heriberto C. 103, 172, 208 Ramirez, Ricky 201 Rodriguez, Jorge L. 208 Perez, Jimmy 168 Ramos, Agustin A 106, 202 Rodriguez, Loren 184 Perez , John L. 190 Ramos, Daniel A. 184 Rodriguez, Mercy 169 Perez, Jorge A 178 Randall, Tony 141 Rodriguez, Michael 184 Perez, Juan C. 196 Rasco, Juan C. 103, 208 Rodriguez, P.j. 112 Perez, Luis A . 196 Rasco, Richard A. 53, 124, 135, 139, 149, Rodriguez, Pablo L. 209 Perez, Michael R 100, 202 208 Rodriguez, Rafael K 202 Perez, Stefanie 126 , 173 Reboso, David]. 56, 193, 196 Rodriguez, Rene A. 179 Perez, Xavier E. 11, 196 Reboso, Manolo 196 Rodriguez , Richard 65, 197 , 202 Redondo, Louis M. 190 Rodriguez, T. D. 184

Valdivia, A 202 Sanchez, Roger A. 11, 209

Rohaidy, Ricardo 179 Sand, Jose 185 Roig, Roy 179 Sanjenis, Alexander 209 Rojas, Eddie E. 179 Sanson, Michael A. 191

Talcott, Michael 185 Rojas, Edgar E. 179 Santana, Dominique 127

Taquechel, Pablo 10, 106, 169 Rojas, Louis-Daniel 99, 184 Santana, Manuel A. 209

Tarafa, Antonio P. 185 Rojas, Mario E. 34, 37, 220 Santelices, Manuel 60, 188, 191

Tardielo, Julian 185 Roman, Ayo 205 Santiago, Danny E 202

Tefel, Rodrigo 197 Romero, David L. 118, 179 Santiago, Jay 197

T efel, Santiago 185 Romero, Jose M. 15, 121, 202 Sarda, Antonio 197

T elleria, Juan C. 209 Romero, Robert 197 Sardina, Angie 38

Telleria, Miguel A 139, 203 Ronny, Diaz 188 Sardina, Jorge 10, 15, 58, 165, 174

Tey, Jose 165 Rooney, John M 179 Sardinas, Oscar D. 191

Thomas, Mamerto 112 Roos, Hector C. 197 Sarria, Alejandro 56, 173, 193, 197

Thomas, Richard 197 Roque, Daniel A. 65, 192, 197 Saud, Jose A. 191

Tillet, Eduardo A. 185 Roque, Jose A. 179 Sauleda, Jason A. 191

Tirado, Augusto E 203 Roque, Mrs. 65, 193 Saurez, Jesus M. 191

Torrens, Johnathan S. 15, 34, 47, 65, 133, Roque, Ms. 192, 193 Saurez, Joseph A. 209 221 Roselle, Carla 53 Schaiberger, Gregory 185

Torrent, Daniel]. 191 Ross, Rafael 169 Schl ussler, Ryan K. 179

Torrente, Anthony 185 Rosson, Nicholas 99, 184 Schultheis, Roy M 191

Torres, Jose A. 191 Rovira, Jose F 34, 37, 38, 106, 107, 220 Sedeno, Alejandro R. 209

Torres, Luis 193 Rovira, Juan C 202 Sedeno, Kristian 99, 183, 185

Torres, Luis 0. 197 Rovirosa, Francisco 184 Segarra, Reinier 169

Torres, Michael A. 34, 221 Ruiz, Angel M. 179 Selem, Alexander 197

Torres, Nicholas D 14, 15, 203 Ruiz, Carlos J. 34, 45, 112, 132, 220 Serna, Alexander 209

Trigo De Serrano, Agustin 185

Torricella, Jose Angel 203 Ruiz, Frankie 98 Shipman, David M. 185

Ruiz, Gabriel M. 34, 221 Sierra, Ramon 169 Trillo, Ramon 179 Ruiz, Victor A. 99, 184 Silveira, Leonardo 185

Trujillo, Alejandro 0. 25, 34, 37,44, 221 Russo, Paolo 197 Sirjoo, Jason M. 191

Trujillo, Carlos 197 Smith, Carlos J 108, 202 Trujillo, Ruben 209 s Smith, Jenny 53 Tudela, Felipe 197 Smith, Raul G. 191 Tunon, Daniel 191

Saez, Georgina 53

Soberon, Daniel J 6, 209

Saladrigas, Jorge A. 8, 14, 15, 20, 21, 23, Soberon, Jose 6 u 24, 53, 70, 71, 73, 89, 111, 135, 139, Sobrado, Christina 25, 127 152, 155, 159, 162, 166, 199, 204, Sobrado, Roberto 185

Ucha, Jessica 44 209, 318 Sola, Alejandro 185 Ugarte, Alejandro 209 Salas, Lourdes 73, 169

Soler, Jose A. 197

Ullivarri, Eddy 199, 203 Salazar, Alejandro P 202

Soler- Baillo, Victor 34, 149, 221

Urbieta, Ignacio M. 191 Salazar, Pablo C. 191

Soto, Charles M. 179

U rdaneta, Adam 188 Salcedo, Julian 179

Soto, Victor R. 185

Urdaneta, Adan E. 191 ;algado, Carlos 197

Sotolongo, Daniel 185 Uribe, Alex]. 185 alim, Pedro L. 191

Souto, Jose E. 34, 35, 221

Urriola, Carlos M. 209 alum, Jonathan A. 99, 119, 191

Stankiewicz, Edward R. 191

Urriola, Jose Antonio 179 tlum, Jorge A. 8, 17, 34, 45, 47, 60, 96,

Stanly II, Edward 197 97, 106, 107, 117, 132, 135, 221

Stille, Matthew A. 179 v mitier, Ricardo M. 191

Stratos, Gian A. 185 nitier, Roberto 184

Stuart, Richard 80, 118, 169 tabria, Alfredo 184

Valdes, Alan M. 179 chez, Adrian 65, 139, 199

Suarez, Adriana 61, 77, 157, 169

Valdes, Alexander 179 -:::hez, Adrian M 202

Suarez, Andres 179

Suarez, Annie 127

Valdes, Daniel R. 191 :hez, Alex 191

Valdes, David 209 hez, Andre 197

Suarez, Bryan- Michael 185

Suarez, Camila 71, 169

Valdes, Geoffrey 29, 53, 116, 128, 140, hez, Arturo M. 179

1ez, Christopher 61, 191

Suarez, Carlos I 202 144, 209

Valdes, Javier 197 tez, George A. 34, 221

Suarez, Daniel 197

Valdes, Michael B. 179 ez, Jenny 53

Suarez, Gabriel R. 179

Valdes-Castaneda, R 197 Joaquin A. 191

Suarez, Jay 140

Suarez, Jorge 197

Suastegui, Charles 6, 33, 133, 146, 203

Sucena, Rolando 169

Valdivia, J.] . 177 Johnathan 184

Vallejo, Alexander R. 209

Vallenilla, Chris L. 118, 185

Valdivia III, Jose M. 179 z, Mario E. 191

Valverde, Nicholas R. 191

Vargas, Alfredo A. 185

Vargas, Andrew J 203 Vasquez, Adrian 209

Vazquez, Alejandro 0. 28, 34, 35, 56, 83, 121, 171,221

Vega, Samuel 29, 70, 148, 169 Vega Nicolas, DeL. 187 Velasco, Louis D. 99, 191

Velasco, Robert A. 98, 174, 179 Velasquez, Alexander 179

Velasquez, Miguel 191

Velez, Jorge L. 179 Velez, Mario 57, 197 Veliz, Rene D. 185

Verdeja, Octavia R. 18 , 19, 22, 30, 64, 122, 130, 145 , 166, 209 Vergara, Manuel A. 179

Viadero, Daniel E 203 Vicaria, Rolando J. 18 5 Vich, Ivan]. 34, 44, 73, 88, 157, 161,

Yataco, Javier A. 34, 221 z

Zacarias, Christopher 185 Zaldivar , Mrs 64 Zaldivar, Robert C. 58, 64, 98, 99, 118, 130, 191

Zapata, Oscar M. 111, 209 Zoller, Eugene 33, 84, 85 Zorrilla, Andres 197 Zuriarrain, Alexander 197

Vidal, Carlos J. Vidal, Marta Vidal, Pedro Vigil, Andres E. Vigo, Jorge Vila , Carol Vilar, Alberto Villacorta, Miguel Villalba, Richard Villalba, Robert J Villasuso, Mauricio Vivo, Jeffrey A. Vivo, Rene Vizcon, Diego V olsky, Alexander V olsky, Peter G. 221 179 78, 169 7, 34, 110, 111, 221 185 111

Paul Meadows

76, 169 171 209 185 203 197 179 169 191 185 197

Volz, Emilio E. 197

Von Der Osten, Erimar 6, 7, 18, 19, 30, 72, 85, 88, 106, 136, 140, 154, 165, 172, 206, 209, 210

Walker, J Ward, Ryan A.

Weissenberg, Juan Wendorff, Heinz Wentzel, Brian White, Jeremiah D White, Victor A. Williams, Leo Wills, Christopher Wiltz, Carlos Wood, Gerald A. Wood, William Wyss, Thomas A. w 20 191 185 185 13, 85, 162, 163, 169 203 197 38, 72, 169 201, 203 185 53, 136, 206, 209 111, 197 191

Exit

the good times and the bad. The graduating Class of 1998 shared many memories. They experienced many things. For one, the gymnasium was built during their years here. Another was the change in uniforms. Students now have a more professional" look. But that is not the only thing they experienced. The class experienced a sense of friendship that is never forgotten. A sense of longing when their friends are not around. All members of the Class of 1998 are going on to college. The wisdom that Belen has taught remains with these students forever.

It's time for the Class of 1998 to move on, and make Belen proud of their accomplishments in life. It ' s time for the Class of 1998 to Make their Exit.''

Armando Castro

Great friendships are made at Belen. These friendships last a lifetime. The memories experienced at Belen carry on in graduate's lives forever.

photo by Michael Garcia

1998 Echoes Staff

Arnnand<O> Catr<O> I Edit<O>r

Alex Batista / PJI'I(])Juctil(])n Manageli'

J<O>Se Fernandez I c<O>JP>Y Edit<O>r

Juii<O> Bertennati I Business Manager & Ph<O>t<O> Edit<O>r

Oth<O>n CardeRRe I Writer

Daniel M<O>ntenegr<O> I Writer

J<O>rge SaRunn I Writer .

Alex V az((]Illlez I Writer

Octavi<O> V erde]a I Writer

Erinnar V <O>n Der Osten I Writer

Daniel G<O>nzaRez I C<O>nnputer Clerk

F ernand<O> G<O>udie I C<O>mputer Clerk

Ge<O>Hrey V aides I C<O>nnputer Clerk

Ivan Vich I C<O>nnputer Clerk

Le<O> BeRR<O>n I P .h<O>t<O>grapher

David Hernandez I Ph<O>t<O>grapher

Michael Martinez I Ph<O>t<O>grapher

J<O>rge SaRadrigas I Ph<O>t<O>grapher

Teresita Cannp<O>s I Y earlb<O><O>Jk Adviser

lgnaci<O> F <O>nt I Y earlb<O><O>k Adviser