MICHIGAN CITY – When Queen of All Saints teacher Diane Gasaway’s classroom telephone rang during class, she wasn’t expecting the message that came from the voice on the other end. Despite keeping her composure for the most part, her seventh-grade students sensed something was up as her eyes opened wide.
What the students couldn’t hear was a representative from the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) informing Gasaway she was one of nine recipients of the 2025 Lead. Learn. Proclaim. Award.
“I can’t believe it. I’m in shock over the whole thing,” said Gasaway. “I thought, this is nationwide, there’s no chance. I just do what I do. I teach.”
The LLP award recognizes educators outstanding efforts, contributions and achievements in support of Catholic school education.
Besides Gasaway, the other eight honorees include Michael Arvites (Archdiocese of New Orleans), Veronica Cardenal (Managua, Nicaragua), James Hickey (Archdiocese of Boston), William Huben (Archdiocese of Omaha), Tonia Jones (Diocese of Boise), Maria de La Guardia (Archdiocese of Miami), Andrew M. McLaughlin (Archdiocese of Philadelphia) and Father James Valenzuela (Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee).
The nine recipients will be honored on April 21, the eve of the NCEA 2025 Convention in Orlando, Fla., April 22-24.
“The LLP awardees embody the mission of Catholic education through their faithful dedication to shaping hearts and minds in Christ’s image,” said Dr. Steven F. Cheeseman, NCEA president/CEO, in a press release. “Their work is a testament to the transformative power of Catholic education. We are proud to celebrate their devotion to their students and communities.”
Gasaway is described as a dedicated educator, mentor and servant leader in her parish.
According to the nomination letter, submitted by QAS principal Kim Gondeck, Gasaway’s 37 years of service to Catholic schools in the Diocese of Gary have been “a driving force in advancing academics, discipline, English as a Second Language programs, and faith formation. Her dedication to modeling Catholic values and fostering a culture of growth has been exemplary.”
In addition to her myriad roles in the school, Gasaway humbly proclaims Christ’s message of service as a Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, lector, greeter and small group leader. She can also be found assisting with numerous church programs or praying weekly in the adoration chapel.
“I try to do those things because that’s who I am,” she said. “That’s part of setting examples for the students. We are here to serve. I feel that’s part of who we should be as Christians.” Students and colleagues find inspiration by Gasaway’s consistent modeling of faith through her words and actions. Her life embodies the mission to "learn to serve and to love in Jesus' name," making a significant impact on the lives of those around her.
The nomination also highlights her proactive approach, from addressing the needs of students coming from poverty and trauma-filled homes to spearheading efforts to educate faculty on effective teaching methods and foster a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by these students. Students in need of extra help find resource support and after-school assistance with Gasaway because she believes that every student has the potential to learn and grow.
“Back when I started teaching, things were very different than they are today,” said Gasaway. “Technology, students and families were all different. I’ve had to learn and adjust to all of those changes through the years and keep Christ in mind all the way through.” Gasaway spent her first 15 years of teaching at St. Mary the Immaculate Conception, also in Michigan City, before returning home to Queen of All Saints, where she attended school. Although she could have taught anywhere, she knew Catholic schools are where she was called to be, because they are Christ-centered.
“That goes to the core of teaching in a Catholic school. I always wanted to teach in a Catholic school,” she said. “Getting this award through the NCEA is even more meaningful because Catholic schools have been so important to me. It’s not that I’m just a teacher, but I’m a teacher in a Catholic school.”
Gasaway explained how teaching at a Catholic school not only allows her to live out her faith, but to help students shape and form students in their faith. The nomination shared how she “consistently championed the development of students' Catholic faith, encouraging older students to actively participate in parish life – by training them to be lectors, servers, or Eucharistic ministers – and guiding them on their spiritual journey. Diane's forward-thinking approach to education equips students to become successful adults and effective evangelizers of faith. Her legacy of leadership and innovation will continue to inspire and shape the future of our Catholic school.”
The timing for the phone call may seem providential for Gasaway.
“The best time to have gotten that call was with a group of students in front of me,” she confessed. “I wanted to start crying at the time. It was very impactful. That’s why I teach, for those kids right in front of me.”
Caption: Queen of All Saints teacher Diane Gasaway congratulates a small group of former students including Ashley Sparks, Julia Zerbes, Annaliese Vazquez, Emily Buskirk, Alex Aguirre and Erin Piazzisi following their high school graduation in 2024. (Provided photo)
