Culture & engagement
At St. James Academy, we believe that our diverse student body reflects the universality of the Church, which calls us to see and honor the dignity of every individual as made in the image and likeness of God. As a school rooted in the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, we are committed to fostering a community where cultural diversity is embraced and celebrated, as it allows us to know and love each other more deeply. Being a place where all are welcome and all feel that they belong, is a vital part of this mission, yet always rooted in the truth of Jesus Christ.
Our student population races and/or ethnicity
(number will not equal 100 due to students selecting more than one race and/or ethnicity)
1.2%
Black or African American
1.9%
American Indian or Alaska Native
6.1%
Asian
0.4%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
10.5%
Hispanic/Latino
93.5%
White
Through the lens of Catholic Social Teachings, particularly the principles of human dignity, solidarity, and the call to community, we see cultural diversity as an essential aspect of our mission to “develop the minds and hearts of young people to know Truth, choose Good, and live virtuously in the service of others.” By ensuring that our students see themselves reflected in the art surrounding them and represented in our cultural celebrations, we aim to honor their unique identities. This not only allows our students to know they belong here and feel seen and valued, but it also provides a space for all students to learn the richness of their peers’ cultural backgrounds.
It is in knowing the “other”—their customs, traditions, and experiences—that we cultivate relationships rooted in love and respect. These relationships help us to live out our school’s core values of prayer, truth, and leadership, and they are vital to continuing a culture of gratitude and servant leadership.
Our dedication to these values ensures that future generations of St. James students will continue to enjoy a school culture where the Gospel is lived out daily, and where our community is united in the pursuit of truth and the love of Christ. We strive to maintain an attitude of gratitude, not only toward God but toward one another, as we grow together in faith and service. We prepare our students to share the light of Christ in the world, equipped to be leaders who, through their relationships and actions, embody the love, respect, and service that Christ himself modeled.
Building Artwork
According to the teachings of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, art is a uniquely human way of expressing ourselves that mirrors God’s creative work. Our murals, infused with a sense of faith and adoration, authentically capture and exalt the profound mystery of God. Through these sacred artworks, we showcase the spiritual beauty of God and depict saints in a way that honors their divine grace while showcasing the exceptional talent, knowledge, and skill of the artists involved.
St. Rose of Lima
Artist: Emily Alvarez (born in Miami) active Kansas City, KS
Medium: acrylic
About St. Rose of Lima
St. Rose of Lima, born Isabel Flores de Oliva in 1586 in Lima, Peru, is a revered saint in the Catholic Church and a shining example of holiness and devotion. From an early age, Rose displayed an extraordinary love for God and a desire to live a life of radical devotion.
Rose’s family recognized her spiritual gifts and supported her in pursuing a life consecrated to God. Despite facing many challenges and temptations, Rose remained steadfast in her commitment to prayer, penance, and acts of charity.
Her deep love for Christ led Rose to adopt extreme mortifications and austere practices, such as wearing a crown of thorns and fasting extensively. Through her self-imposed sufferings, she sought to unite herself more closely with the sufferings of Christ and to offer her life as a sacrifice for the salvation of souls.
St. Rose’s life was characterized by her unwavering faith, humility, and love for the poor and the sick. She dedicated countless hours caring for the needy, using her hands to tend to the sick and the poor. Her compassion and selflessness were a radiant reflection of Christ’s love.
St. Rose of Lima is considered the first saint of the Americas, and her life serves as an inspiration for Catholics worldwide. Through her acts of charity, Rose exemplified the Catholic virtue of selfless love and became known as the patroness of social justice. She reminds us of the power of sacrificial love and the transformative potential of a life completely surrendered to God. St. Rose’s extraordinary witness continues to inspire believers to embrace a life of holiness, humility, and charity and to seek God above all things
St. Moses the Black
Artist: JT Daniels (born in Kansas City) active Kansas City, KS
Medium: spray paint
About St. Moses the Black
St. Moses the Black, also known as St. Moses the Ethiopian, was a remarkable man in early Christian history whose life exemplified the transformative power of God’s grace. Born in the fourth century in Egypt, he was a former slave and a notorious bandit who led a life of violence and crime.
One day, while attempting to hide from authorities in a monastery, Moses witnessed the profound faith and peacefulness of the monks. Struck by their devotion to Christ, he repented his sinful ways and embraced the Catholic faith. Moses fervently sought to change his life and committed himself to a path of humility, repentance, and self-discipline.
Recognizing his sincere repentance and spiritual fervor, the monks accepted Moses into their community. Over time, he became known for his deep prayer life, his commitment to serving others, and his remarkable humility. Through his words and actions, Moses demonstrated the transformative power of God’s love and forgiveness. St. Moses’ conversion journey serves as a powerful reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy.
Recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church, St. Moses the Black is venerated for his extraordinary life of conversion and unwavering faith. His life teaches us that no matter our background or past mistakes, with God’s grace, we can become instruments of love and reconciliation in the world. St. Moses remains an enduring example of the power of God’s transformative love and the potential for redemption in all of us.
Our Lady of Guadalupe
Donated by friend of St. James
Faculty Spotlights
Mr. Mike Medina
Director of Facilities & Wrestling Coach
His father was from Venezuela, his younger brother Gonzalo was born in Venezuela. Mr. Medina was born in the United States, moved to Venezuela as a 1yr-old, back to US at 5yrs-old. His father came to US in 1967 to attend UMKC/KU and played soccer while in pharmacy school.
Mrs. Marisa Hurd
ASL Teacher
Her family – mother, father, sister and brothers were all born in Costa Rica. She was the first generation born here in the U.S. – in Kansas City, Missouri! She lived in Costa Rica as a little girl, starting kindergarten there and finishing all her schooling in the US. One of her paternal aunts, Flora Flores, graduated from KU and was the first person to teach Spanish on local television! She lived to be 103 years old. Long live the Flores side!
Mrs. Jenn Godar
Director of Advancement
Her grandmother was born in Jalisco, Mexico. She and her family came to the US in 1921 when she was 10 days old. Her name was Maria de Concepcion as she was born on December 8th. They settled in Chicago where her great-grandfather had family members who could get him a job at the steel mill, even though he spoke no English.
Mr. Greg Bomhoff
AP Physics/Chemistry teacher, XC & Track Coach, Dean of St. Peter
His mom’s family originates from Michoacan state in Mexico (just west of Mexico City). They fled the country in the midst of the tumultuous Mexican Revolution.
Mr. Christian Duran
Theology Teacher
Born in L.A. from parents from Bucaramanga, Colombia. His parents moved to the US in 1996.
Dr. Wendy Leon-Ryan
Director of Culture and Engagement, Spanish Teacher, & Dean of St. Padre Pio
She was born and raised in Ecuador. She got married in Ecuador to her husband from Wisconsin, and moved to the US in 2005.
Mrs. Tanya Olsen
Spanish Teacher
Born in the US to parents from El Salvador. She has been back and forth her whole life. Moved here most recently in 1999.
