HOUSTON — Deborah Nearmyer, vice president of faith and mission at St. James Academy in Lenexa, was awarded this year’s Duc in Altum Schools Collaborative (DIA) Luke 5:4 award.
She received the award during DIA’s 10th annual Schools Summit, which took place from Oct. 21-23 in Houston, Texas.
“Receiving this award is incredibly humbling,” said Nearmyer. “To be counted among the workers of the vineyard from St. James Academy, Camp Tekakwitha and our collaborating schools from around the country is an honor and a joy.”
Nearmyer, with her husband Deacon Dana Nearmyer, cofounded Camp Tekakwitha in 1998. The camp continues to flourish, welcoming some 1,700 youth each summer.
She has also been active in youth ministry and confirmation preparation in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.
Nearmyer got involved with the DIA during its inception around 10 years ago.
“It is a wonderful, growing group of schools, educators and formators who are looking to continue to connect young people with the Sacred Heart of Jesus,” she said.
According to its website, DIA “seeks to share the collective wisdom and resources of its like-minded, faith-filled school members for the betterment of each institution, the growth and support of passionately Catholic education at-large and the transformation of the culture of our society.”
For Nearmyer, it’s been a place to share best practices and focus on the unique mission of Catholic schools.
“The collaboration is a gift to me in my work and as a daughter of God,” she said. “Its mission in the church landscape today is very important.”
To learn more about DIA, visit the website at: diaschools.org.
