Recognizing Excellence in Education
We are excited to announce that Br. Mike Martinez, S.J. ‘09, and Carlos Maza have been selected for the University of Chicago’s Outstanding Educator Award. Each year, newly admitted UChicago students have the opportunity to reflect on their time in school and nominate an educator who played a significant role in their education, made a positive impact in their lives, and whose influence has brought them to where they are today.
“The award is a great honor, no doubt, but especially gratifying has been the number of texts and emails I’ve received from former students, from as far back as the class of 2009,” said Mr. Maza. “I feel very privileged to be part of the Belen brotherhood.”
“I’m very proud of both Brother Mike and Mr. Maza,” said José E. Roca ‘84, Principal. “They not only exemplify the qualities of excellence in education; they also are wonderful examples of Christian men. We are lucky to have them as part of our Belen community.”
All award winners receive a commemorative award, certificate, and letter that includes details
from the student by which they were nominated. Previous winners include Humanities Department Chairperson Sylvie San Juan and Director of College Counseling Cristina Busto.
Also, for the second consecutive year, Father Willie ‘87 was named a Power Leader in Education by the South Florida Business Journal.
“There has arguably never been a more challenging time to be an educator,” said the South Florida Business Journal editorial staff. “This year’s Power Leaders in Education have shown why they were chosen to lead their organization.”
To read the profile written about Father Willie, visit the South Florida Business Journal website or pick up a copy of the September 18-24 edition.
Join us in congratulating Father Willie, Br. Mike and Mr. Maza!
BELEN JESUIT PREPARATORY SCHOOL
500 SW 127th Avenue, Miami, FL 33184
phone: 305.223.8600 | fax: 305.227.2565 | email: webmaster@belenjesuit.org
500 SW 127th Avenue, Miami, FL 33184
phone: 305.223.8600 | fax: 305.227.2565 | email: webmaster@belenjesuit.org
Belen Jesuit Preparatory School was founded in 1854 in Havana, Cuba by Queen Isabel II of Spain. The task of educating students was assigned to the priests and brothers of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), whose teaching tradition is synonymous with academic excellence and spiritual discipline. In 1961, the new political regime of Cuba confiscated the School property and expelled the Jesuit faculty. The School was re-established in Miami the same year, and over the next decade, continued to grow. Today, Belen Jesuit sits on a 30-acre site in western Dade County, only minutes away from downtown Miami.