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Article_Candidates debate is a Belen-only affair

School News | Wednesday, October 05, 2016

Candidates' debate is a Belen-only affair

Congressional candidates, moderator are school alumni

MIAMI | It will be an all-Belen affair when Belen Jesuit Prep hosts a debate between U.S. House of Representatives District 26 candidates Carlos Curbelo (Rep.) and Joe Garcia (Dem.). Both of them are Belen graduates, and so is the moderator, ABC News anchor and correspondent Tom Llamas. In addition, all the questions will be asked by current Belen students.

The debate will take place Thursday, Oct. 13, at 7 p.m. in the Roca Theater on campus.

“We are honored to welcome home these distinguished alumni," said the school's president, Jesuit Father Guillermo M. García-Tuñón. "Their service to the community and state make us very proud. It is for us a blessing to have them demonstrate for our students the world of politics in action in the form of a live debate. Their participation in this event will be a great teaching moment. We look forward to being part of a spirited debate on issues that are important for our community.” 

The presentation will begin promptly at 7 p.m. with an introduction by Father García-Tuñón. Llamas will then explain the format and time restrictions to each candidate, as well as address the audience. Each candidate will have the opportunity to make both an opening and a closing statement. Only questions from Belen students will be permitted. 

Candidate Garcia is a 1982 graduate of Belen. He attended Miami-Dade College before earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and public affairs from the University of Miami in 1987. He earned his J.D. from the University of Miami School of Law in 1991. He is a member of the Democratic Party and is the former U.S Representative for Florida's 26th Congressional District. 

Candidate Curbelo is a 1998 graduate of Belen. He attended the University of Miami where he earned a bachelor's degree in business administration and a master's degree in public administration. He is a member of the Republican Party and is currently serving as the U.S. Representative for Florida's 26th Congressional District. 

Moderator Llamas is a 1997 graduate of Belen. He graduated from Loyola University in New Orleans with Bachelor of Arts degrees in both broadcast journalism and drama and speech. He is an Emmy award-winning journalist and anchor of ABC News "World News Tonight" Sunday. He joined the network in September 2014 as an anchor and correspondent, reporting for all ABC News programs and platforms. Llamas is part of the ABC News political team currently covering the campaign of Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump. 

“Having our alumni participate in this very important debate on campus and in front of members of the student body is a wonderful testament to their commitment to their alma mater and the value of a Catholic Jesuit education,” said Mariano Loret de Mola, executive director of the Belen Alumni Association. 

“We are proud of this opportunity for Belen students to participate in a meaningful exchange with Belen alumni who are leaders in our community. Their commitment to public service is an outstanding example of what it means to be 'Men for Others',” added Antonio Castro, the alumni association's president.

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