Belen Jesuit Preparatory School

Class of 2019 Banner: An iPad of Memories and Possibilities

Br. Michael Martinez, S.J. ‘09
During the Baccalaureate Mass on May 15, the Class of 2019 presented its class banner to the Belen community. The class banner is an annual tradition which commemorates the time each class has spent at Belen. Banners are displayed in the Ramón Guiteras Memorial Library.

This year’s class selected a design that is both creative and insightful. As sixth graders in 2012, this class was the first to begin its tenure at Belen Jesuit with iPads. As such, the class banner is designed in the shape of an iPad and filled with symbolism.
  • The page indicators along the bottom of the home screen represent the seven years at Belen.  

  • The clock at the top reads 20:19 in military time and in the upper right hand corner the battery life is shown at 1% because although their time as students has come to an end, the iPad is still being charged. It serves as a reminder to the class, that no matter how low their “battery” gets, the class will never lose its “charge”. The class Wifi is connected to AMDG -- always linked to the core value, Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam -- which in latin means “for the greater glory of God.”

  • The first application (first row, left) is the message app which shows 200+1 unread messages. It represents the current number of graduates and includes Zachary Paula,  who passed away freshman year, as the plus one.
  • The second application (first row, middle) is the calendar app and depicts the date of graduation - May 22.

  • The third application (first row, right) showcases the "IHS" app which represents the Ignatian spirituality taught and experienced throughout the class’s time at Belen. The core values such as Magis and Cura Personalis, as well as practicing the Examen, became essential to the class of 2019 as its members learned to live as "men for others."
  • The fourth application (second row, left) is an app that shows a lock. This app represents the 6th Grade Lock-in, which is the first bonding event experienced as a class. The lock is now “unlocked” representing the endless possibilities that exist for the class to continue unlocking its potential.
  • The fifth application (second row, middle) indicates a red cross. It is intentionally located at the center and represents the red cross students received at their Junior Encounter. It is the faith that centers and grounds the class of 2019.
  • The sixth application (second row, right) depicts a campfire icon, which represents the  Cardoner Experience and Senior Encounter.
  • The seventh application (third row, left) is an icon of a viking helmet. This symbol represents the various senior section moments that rallied the crowds at sporting events. From dressing as “vikings” against Christopher Columbus to dressing as “classy gentleman” against Doral Academy, the senior sections will remain an unforgettable memory of the class’s senior year.

  • The eighth application (third row, middle) is the BYM app and symbolizes the 2018 Belen Youth Mission trip to the Dominican Republic. Students from the class of 2019 constructed a physical bridge, and in the process built cultural and spiritual bridges for and with the community of San Felipe Abajo. The icon represents their lifelong commitment to serve in all things for the greater glory of God.  
  • The ninth and final application (third row, right) is a question mark. It not only symbolizes the uncertainty of their futures, but more importantly, the endless possibilities that exist for creating a more just and life-giving world for all.
  • The back of the banner lists the name of the members of the class of 2019 and has at its center the scripture passage, Philippians 4:13 -- “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
The description of the banner was read at the Baccalaureate Mass on May 15 and concluded with the following statement read by Daniel Esteban ‘19, “Our Lord teaches us that ‘to whom much is given much is expected.’ And as we look at our past 7 years and all the gifts we have received at Belen, we sit with a bigger question: What are we going to do with all we have received?”

The banner was designed by David Raez '19, Daniel Bustos '19 and the Senior Peer Ministry led by Br. Michael Martinez, SJ ‘09.


 
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BELEN JESUIT PREPARATORY SCHOOL
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.