Academy Advantage • Fall/Winter 2022

AcademyADVANTAGE the

Foundation Community

From the Principal

Dr. Vincent Montoro

As I peer out my office window on a cool, cloudy day; the green of summer still catches my attention. It is hard to believe that colder temperatures have arrived. However, we know from experience that the green of summer will eventually turn into the peak colors of fall and then the white of winter. It is inevitable. Just like we can count on fall giving way to winter, we can count on God and His faithfulness. Many aspects of life are expected and inevitable, but many are not. Having a firm foundation in Jesus Christ is key. Therefore, Jesus is and will remain our ever present cornerstone at Christian Central Academy.

It is our charge to build upon the solid rock of Jesus Christ and His living word. This school year we are growing in love while building community and engaging in captivating learning experiences. Our biblical theme for 20222023 is I Peter 4:8-11. The Message version reads, “Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and He’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!”

This mission of loving wholeheartedly carries into the engaging learning experiences we’ve set into motion. The House System is new to CCA this year. It is intentionally designed to help students find a place of belonging, offer mentoring and leadership opportunities, and foster school spirit. We will serve, cultivate, and compete while spurring on one another towards Christ. A unique opportunity for specialized study will be the focus of the Enrichment Term which will take place after Christmas Break. These courses and related activities will be planned with the intent to supplement in-class learning or to cover topics that are important but not easily covered

We are excited about our new initiatives and believe that all of us will be growing in our faith through community, service and growing in our knowledge of God and His world, so we are all prepared to serve God wherever He

Dear CCA Community, Fall Greetings!

Wholehearted

Dutiful dedication and unwavering support for the stalwart success of Christian Central Academy is flowing from the hearts of each of the Board of Directors as they take up their terms with a fervent pledge to honor the mission and heart of the school.

Taking over the reigns as Board President this year is Karen Jones. She has been married to Josh for 23 years. Mrs. Jones is the mom of Ben, Kate and Jillian who have been students at CCA since Kindergarten. Born in New Brunswick Canada, with a Canadian “mum”; then growing up on a cattle ranch in southeastern Colorado, where her dad is still working as a rancher, rooted Mrs. Jones in hard-work. She attended Ordway Baptist Christian School K-12. Mrs. Jones went on to complete a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Pedagogy and a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance at Bob Jones University (97’, 99’). Before moving to Buffalo in 2006, Mrs. Jones was grateful for the opportunity to teach at Bob Jones University, Furman University and Charleston Southern University.

I think the best place to start as far as my heart for the school is by answering the question “Why did we send our children to CCA?” When Josh and I considered that our first child, upon entering kindergarten, would spend more of his waking hours being influenced by other adults, CCA was an easy choice. We decided that we wanted our son to be in a place where our teaching at home worked together with what he was hearing and learning at school. So we enrolled him in the fall of 2011 (and a few years later our daughters as well) and we haven’t looked back. Yes, there have been bumps along the way. During these times, we always reminded ourselves why we chose this school in the first place.

In the short 11 years our children have been at CCA, this world has become a heavy and scary place. Our students, at young ages, are confronted with things we never dreamed of when we were kids. Now more than ever, it is important that we have a place such as Christian Central Academy in our WNY community.

I was asked to join the Board of Directors in late 2020. CCA’s previous Board President, David Stewart, completed his term in August 2022, and I was honored to be asked and to commit to a three year term as President of CCA’s Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors responsibility involves oversight of finances, strategic planning, providing spiritual leadership and generally carrying out the purpose of the school.

Throughout the 2022-23 school year, we will continue to work on our four-year strategic plan (2021-2024): vibrant spiritual life, great faculty/staff culture, generate “buzz”, wider community culture, academic and fiscal success.

My personal desire and that which I’ve devoted to much prayer, is that our CCA community and the greater WNY community will see that we are unique, that we are “in the world but not of the world.” I pray for my own family and for our school community that we would not consider God “just an add-on” to our lives. Rather that we would orient our lives around Him and that all we do and say would please the Lord.

We covet your prayers, for CCA’s Board of Directors, administration, faculty and staff and especially for our children. Thank you for your faithful support of Christian Central Academy.

2022-2023

Board of Directors

Karen Jones - President

Lucian Visone -Treasurer

Jeff Fancher - Vice President

Jesse Jerge* - Secretary

Chris Gasz

Gregg Ruhl

Jay Sackett*

Dietrich BONHOEFFER HOUSE

Jonathan EDWARDS HOUSE C.S. LEWIS HOUSE

CCA House System

THREE Houses ONE CCA

New this year! The CCA House System has been designed to help students find a place of belonging, offer mentor and leadership opportunities, and create school spirit. Students will serve, create community, and compete while spurring one another on towards Christ.

ALL students K-12 are divided into one of the three different houses and are a part of the same house for their duration at CCA. Siblings who attend our school will be placed in the same house. Each house has a House Counsel made up of one male and one female staff member, as well as student leadership.

Each month house huddles take place where all students, staff, and faculty in grades 6-12 come together for activities, service, laughter, and fun. Each month student leadership meets for training, devotions, and activities with the purpose of growing as a school leader. There will be quarterly in-school house competitions (K-12) that showcase the gifts and talents of all students at CCA. So far this year, houses have rallied together for spirit week, homecoming, and our first ever school-wide CCA Family Serve Day.

Our goal through the house system is to help create a strong community at CCA through specific, intentional events where students are encouraged to be leaders, thinkers, and servants for Christ!

BONHOEFFER HOUSE PERSEVERANCE

Involves persistence in welldoing, fruit-bearing and running the appointed race despite trials and distractions of life.

STRENGTH

Courage or fortitude to endure in the face of moral, physical, spirtitual or social adversity.

WISDOM

The ability to discern or judge what is true, right or lasting; being able to use knowledge and experiences to make good decisions.

EDWARDS HOUSE

CHARACTER

The will to do what is right, as defined by God, regardless of personal cost, and with an unwavering commitment.

KINDNESS

The sincere and voluntary use of your time, talent, and resources to better the lives of others, with genuine acts of love, compassion, generosity, and service.

TRUTH

That which is sincere; consistent with the mind, will, character, glory, and being of God.

LEWIS HOUSE HOPE

An optimistic state of mind; the confident expectation and anticipation of something good in the future.

INTEGRITY

The virtue of wholeness, honesty; a consistent and uncompromising adherence to strong moral and ethical principles and values.

FAITH

Belief with strong conviction (sometimes even in some thing for which there may be no tangible proof); complete trust, confidence, reliance or devotion.

International

Mariia Dmytrenko arrived at the Buffalo International Airport mid-August this year leaving behind her family in war-torn Ukraine.

The entire Christian Central Academy community wanted to pull together to share love and make a difference in Ukraine since its war with Russia began. In June, CCA’s annual ‘Grace Race’ (a USATF certified 5k run) fundraiser supported humanitarian efforts in the ravaged country. Through connections with the Dmytrenko family, CCA began fundraising specifically to help bring Mariia to Western New York and provide her with an opportunity very few in her country will ever have.

CCA is proud of it’s International Student Program (ISP) which exposes our students and WNY to cultures from around the world through relationships and interactions. This year, we have 10 international students, from China, Germany, Spain and Ukraine.

Miss Katie Miller, Christian Central Academy’s International Student Program Coordinator, has been leading these efforts, arranging logistics, coordinating Host Families, welcoming students, and providing a unique experience for students from around the globe. Many of these countries are at-risk for political and religious persecution.

Mariia Dmytrenko will celebrate her 15th birthday at the end of October with her loving Host Family in Western New York. The Zumeata family is already a family of 5 but have welcomed Mariia with open arms. Kelly Zumeata is currently a 2nd grade teacher at Christian Central Academy. She met her husband while teaching in Peru, and he is currently the pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Lockport.

On Friday, October 21, WIVB News 4 Buffalo aired a feature during their Hope Rises segment on Mariia and the CCA International Student Program. The students experience a two-week orientation to see what Western New York has to offer as well as acquaint themselves with living in America. Mariia is settling in as a typical high school freshman. She has joined the volleyball team at CCA, made friends, attended Homecoming and dug into her studies. Niagara Falls is her favorite site so far.

“I love the school so much. Teachers are respectful of students. Everyone is so nice and I appreciate it.” Mariia told host, Chris Horvatits. When asked how Mariia is handling being separated, she responded, “It was hard to leave my family but I need to study too and be in a safe place...I am so afraid for my parents. They are still in Ukraine and some friends in Kiev. But I know people are praying and Ukrainians are strong.”

What would normally be an additional revenue stream for other schools has become a ministry and mission for Christian Central Academy. Fundraising has made it possible for CCA’s international students, such as Mariia, to travel to Buffalo and participate, but funds have not met all the needs, including the sacrifices being made by Host Families. Check out our website, www. christianca.com, for more on Mariia and the ISP at CCA.

PREFECTSpotlight

Madeleine Bellanti • PRAISE BAND PREFECT

Hometown • Buffalo, NY Alumni Relations • Siblings

Crusader Sports • Softball Hobbies • Musical Theater, Acting, Singing

Future Plans

• I would like to major in either Opera Performance or Drama.

Favorite Verse • I was pushed hard, so that I was falling, but the Lord helped me. Psalm 118:13 (ESV)

Legacy • I would like to be remembered as someone who shows that life’s struggles don’t define you. You can still do what you want to do and be who you want to be, even if your struggles last your whole life.

Colleges • University at Buffalo, Niagara University, New York University, The Julliard School

CCA Prep • CCA helped me feel more comfortable socializing both with my peers and adults. The declamation competition and the play made me realize that I want to pursue acting and theater.

ACADEMIC PREFECT • Omari Cunningham

Hometown • Buffalo, NY

Crusader Sports • Soccer Hobbies • History, Politics, Video Games

Future Plans • I plan to major in Political Science and then on to Law School, to hopefully become a lawyer.

Favorite Verse • Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10

Legacy • I hope to leave a legacy of leadership and be a role model for all future generations at CCA, hopefully inspiring others to take up the role of leadership.

College Apps

• University of Texas-Austin, University of Texas-Dallas, Southern Methodist University, University of North Texas, University at Buffalo, Boston University

CCA Prep • CCA has prepared me to defend my faith and given me the tools to defend my faith in college.

Victoria DelValle • ACTIVITIES PREFECT

Alumni Relations

• Aunt

Crusader Sports • Soccer, Volleyball, Cheer Hobbies • Reading and True Crime

Future Plans • I would like to major in Criminal Justice and Psychology

Favorite Verse • So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

Legacy • I want to be a good example for younger students and a light in their life, and when I graduate I want to know that I’ve made an impact in the lives of fellow CCA students and even teachers.

CCA Prep • CCA has helped prepare me by having colleges visit which has helped me explore some of my options. CCA has trained me to stay strong in my faith and helped me learn to make wise decisions.

CHAPLAIN PREFECT • Madison Filipiak

•

Crusader Sports • Volleyball

Hobbies • Water Sports, Boating, Watching Sunsets

Alumni Relations • Mother

Future Plans • I would like to major in Social Work or get my Real Estate License.

Favorite Verse • You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you. Song of Songs 4:7 (NIV)

Legacy • I want to leave a very positive and friendly legacy of one who is always looking for more ways and opportunities to better not only chapel services but the school as a whole.

CCA Prep • CCA prepared me by teaching me to work well with others. Before CCA I would always prefer to work alone but now my mindset has changed, and I love working with my classmates.

Hometown • Tonawanda, NY

Hometown

East Amherst, NY

Our seniors at Christian Central Academy serve as leaders in our Prefect positions.

Each Prefect is responsible for helping lead different aspects of our school in areas of academics, chapel, athletics, admissions, the arts, student care and activities.

ADMISSIONS PREFECT • Hannah Holman

Hometown • Cheektowaga, NY

Crusader Sports • Volleyball, Track & Field Hobbies • Writing, Reading, Friends

Future Plans • I am looking into the field of English or the Arts.

Favorite Verse • I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. John16: 33 (ESV)

Legacy • Just help people remember that their faith is their own and no one can take that away from them. Also, to remember hard times are imminent so knowing God and yourself is important.

CCA Prep • CCA has helped prepare me for college, especially, by building a foundation for my faith.

Ariana Marshall • STUDENT CARE PREFECT

Hometown • Williamsville, NY

Alumni Relations • Mother

Crusader Sports • Basketball Hobbies • Sewing, Swimming, Reading, Art

Future Plans • I would like to major in Marine Biology

Favorite Verse • Job 28 - The entire chapter.

Legacy • I want to be an example of someone who worked hard in spite of hard circumstances.

Colleges • University at Buffalo, Stony Brook University

CCA Prep • CCA has provided me with challenging school work to better prepare me for college.

ATHLETICS PREFECT

•

Hometown • Maracaibo, Venezuela

Alumni Relations • Cousin

Crusader Sports • Volleyball, Basketball Hobbies • Tennis, Watching Formula 1 Races

Future Plans • I would like to major in Biomedical Engineering.

Favorite Verse • My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26 (ESV)

Legacy • I would like to leave the model United Nations club for the CCA students to learn in a fun way and have great experiences while in it.

Colleges • University of Rochester, Rochester Institute of Technology, Cornell University, University at Buffalo, Florida Atlantic University

CCA Prep • CCA has prepared me academically as well as spiritually.

Sofie Visone

• CREATIVE ARTS PREFECT

Hometown • Williamsville, NY

Alumni Relations • Siblings

Sabrina Reverol

Crusader Sports • Soccer, Basketball, Track & Field, Cheerleading, Softball

Hobbies • Drawing Painting, Listening to music

Future Plans • I would like to go to an Art School in New York City.

Favorite Verse • For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Legacy • I would like to be remembered for being kind and leave a legacy of kindness.

Bohan Wan • NEW & INTERNATIONAL STUDENT PREFECT

Hometown • Beijing, China

Crusader Sports • Soccer

Hobbies • Drawing, Ping Pong, Gaming, Movies

Future Plans • I would like to major in Computer Science then specialize in Game Design. I have plans for building my own design team and traveling the world.

Favorite Verse • But who can discern their own errors? Forgive me my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression. May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart by pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:12-14(NIV)

Legacy • I want to be a good example as the New Student Prefect, especially towards the International Students.

College Apps • University of Washington, Canadian Universities

CCA Prep • It granted me the opportunity to become better at my skills and beyond. I learned how to be a leader and how to interact with people that are totally different from where I come from. CCA has been a great help to get ready for the things to come.

HEAD PREFECT • Rachel Yager

Hometown • Cheektowaga, NY

Crusader Sports • Volleyball, Basketball, Track Hobbies • Reading, Movies & Musicals, Fashion

Future Plans • I would like to major in Neuro-oncology with a Psychology minor.

Favorite Verse • No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. Romans 4:20-21 (ESV)

Legacy • I want to be remembered as someone who was kind and who anyone could come to for anything - be it comfort or advice.

College Apps • University at Buffalo, Ithaca College, Boston University, RIT, John Hopkins University

CCA Prep • CCA has helped prepare me with organizational skills, work ethic and independence. I’ve also learned how to handle a large work load.

Marriages

Heather Scott (Class of ‘99) married Marty Kostek on October 1, 2022.

Births

Darrick & Jodi (George) Castronova (both Class of ‘91) welcomed their first grandson, Tatum Russell Castronova on September 19.

Luke & Elyse (Serrano) Wittlinger (both Class of ‘15) welcomed Mia Elyse Wittlinger on September 30.

James Williams (Class of ‘06) and his wife Lindsay welcomed their first child, Virginia Frances Williams, on August 14.

CHR ISTIAN CENTRAL ACADEMY

Advancement

Michael O’Hara is the Director of Advancement . His children have attended CCA since 2010

my wife Rebecca, our youngest daughter Clover, and I took a big trip. Our first flight to JFK Airport was canceled so we missed our connecting flight from JFK to Dublin. Even though we missed out on our first day in Ireland, we were determined to push on with a trip that was ten years in the making. We caught both flights the following day and were successfully able to adjust our schedule for the remainder of the trip.

This past summer

Driving on the “wrong” side of the road, on the “wrong” side of the car and using my left hand for the manual transmission was a bit of an adjustment, but we made the drive from Ireland’s east coast to our 100 year old AirBnB in the quaint town of Doolin, on Ireland’s west coast. My wife is a photographer, and Doolin was a short drive to the Cliffs of Moher, where she had a photoshoot scheduled the following day. A special treat for me was to travel down narrow (very narrow) country roads outside of the small village of Aclare in County Sligo. The hunt was on for the ruins of Belclare Castle where my O’Hara ancestors lived in the fifteenth century. And, I may or may not have proven the myth wrong by climbing the remaining tower and it not falling on an O’Hara. Amazingly, the small countryof Ireland has over 30,000 castles. In fact, the owner of the castle we stayed in near Galway gave us a tour and explained something I want to share with you.

Irish law allows owners of historic sites to improve and build on the property but only using the original foundations already in place. The only limit an owner has are the possibilities the original foundations provide. As Christian Central Academy soon approaches its 75th anniversary, we are revisiting and evaluating the foundation our wonderful school laid so long ago. It has been encouraging to observe the wisdom and faith of our school’s founders in basing the function and mission of CCA on God’s truth, which will always stand true, regardless of how the culture around us changes.

During our trip to Ireland, I was reading through 1st and 2nd Chronicles. Each chapter highlighted leadership change, along

with a proclamation whether the new king “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord’ or not. In each of these chapters, it seems as though the basis of the proclamation was whether or not the king restored the temple of God. Even though the temple was obviously not the same as scripture, or the theological or philosophical beliefs of the nation of Israel, it served to unite the people of God and focus them on what set them apart from all the nations around them. That being, their allegiance and submission to the one true God and His plans for all the inhabitants of earth.

So, it was no wonder that it resonated with me when CCA’s Advancement Assistant, Lorrin ‘LJ’ Anderson, shared what God was speaking to her heart regarding Nehemiah in the Old Testament. Nehemiah was a captive servant to the king of Persia, and he wept and mourned when he heard that the temple and the walls of Jerusalem were in ruins. Upon Nehemiah’s arrival in Jerusalem and his evaluation of the walls and foundations, he called together the community and encouraged them that God’s hand and favor was for the rebuilding of the city walls and temple. It’s the response from the Jerusalem community that I hope you will receive as a call to action.

In Nehemiah 2:18, the community of Jerusalem responded to Nehemiah by saying, “Let’s rise up and build.” Our wonderful school was started for the glory of God and for His purposes and the foundation of those purposes are waiting for the current CCA community, close or far, to “rise up and build!” So, Nehemiah is our theme for this year’s Gala and Auction on Friday, December 9, at Salvatore’s Grand Ballroom. I hope you will join us for this wonderfully fun evening! The Gala is our largest fundraiser and feeds into our school’s Annual Fund, which strengthens the future of our school and puts a distinctly Christ-centered education within reach of more students, who otherwise would not be able to attend.

Western New York needs a Christian elementary, middle, and high school whose mission it is to help boys and girls, young men and young women, “grow in wisdom, stature, and in favor with God and men,” so that they will be equipped to influence the world for Christ! Will you help to strengthen Christian Central Academy for this good work? Will you “rise up” to help us build?

We’ve examined the foundations, they are solid for building upon, and I am excited about the possibilities!

Since 1949, Christian Central Academy has advanced the mission of developing young hearts and minds for Christ in Western New York. Imagine what Western New York would look like without CCA! It is up to each new generation of parents, grandparents, alumni, and friends of the school to take the baton to help sustain and position a Christ-centered education for the next generation to come.

Your tax deductible donation ensures more students will receive training from an early age to love the Lord with all of their heart, mind, and strength. As children grow at CCA, they are shaped by the loving and nurturing environment but are also equipped with knowledge, wisdom and boldness that prepares them to impact the world for Christ. Alumni carry with them the spiritual and academic lessons learned as they venture into their places of work and service here at home and throughout the world. The work of Christian Central Academy is Kingdom work, and your gift is helping us expand God’s Kingdom!

Your generosity will impact all areas of school life, including academics, athletics, the arts, financial aid, classroom updates, technology, facilities, safety, staffing, and professional development. CCA has been leading with excellence for almost 75 years, and we must be equipped and funded to do so for at least 75 years more. Our 100 year old school building, that we love and adore, has both immediate and long-term needs. Keeping a quality Christ-centered education affordable in a challenging economy will continue to be a challenge for so many families that eagerly desire what CCA provides. And, our committed staff and faculty deserve to be better equipped in an ever changing educational and cultural landscape.

Annual giving

As you prayerfully consider your giving amount to Christian Central Academy, please consider what would be a ‘best ever’ gift from yourself. Please know that your sacrificial gift, together with that of others who respond faithfully, will have a true impact and is needed now more than ever. As a not-for-profit organization, your donation(s) between now and December 31 are tax deductible, but donations in November aid the school in its decision making, so thank you for blessing CCA with your donations as early as possible.

Enclosed in this edition of the Academy Advantage you will find a donation card and return envelope. You can select a “One-Time Gift” or help sustain the mission of CCA with a commitment to “Monthly Giving.” Donations can be made via check, cash, providing your credit card information on the donation card or online at ChristianCA.redpodium.com/Giving.

If you are of the age (72yrs+) where you are required to take minimum distributions from any of your retirement accounts, you may benefit from the tax advantages of making a Qualified Charitable Contribution (QCD) from your account directly to CCA. Even in a downturn market, donating long-term appreciated stock to Christian Central Academy may help provide you a tax deduction and eliminate capital-gains charges. CCA can provide you with our brokerage information to make such transfers easy. CCA, of course, also welcomes donations from foundations and Donor Advised Funds.

Thank you for your generosity!

Let Us Rise Up and Build Nehemiah 2:18 27th

us for an evening of fellowship at the Gala

Scan for the Gala site, Donate an item or service or View Auction items.

OUTlook

Ilove creating practical art. By that I mean, art that doesn’t have to hang on a wall to be appreciated, art that serves a practical function. I love making beautiful, useful items and teaching my students how to do the same and introduce them to opportunities where they may earn a living making beautiful, useful items. Thanks to a generous donor and supporter of our school, a dream of mine has been realized this year. I have loved working with clay since high school when my ceramics teacher entered one of my pieces into a college art show where it earned me a small scholarship. I have longed to use my interest in clay to benefit the students of CCA since I began teaching here in 2014. The sculpture and ceramics class uses our newly donated kiln and freshly renovated ceramics room to learn skills that are based in the fine arts and inextricably linked to manufacturing and production, chemistry, physics, and math. The kiln is used to create chemical changes in the clay and glazes by subjecting them to intense heat over 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. That change turns the clay pieces from a dry piece of dirt to a durable, glossy, usable work of art. All of this sounds very lofty and exciting, but the reality of having the necessary equipment, tools, and building upgrades in order to make this dream a reality came with a hefty price tag. I am blessed to be part of a community of faculty, staff, parents, and other supporters who recognize how influential our small school is and are willing to sacrifice to be part of it and help it thrive. I will be forever grateful for the generosity of the anonymous donor that continues to support the arts department, and I look forward to making the most of this opportunity to serve the students of CCA.

Through the generosity of both parents and donors, the school building itself received some efficient updates and better functioning spaces over the summer. CCA is committed to continual improvement in both the educational environment and the community culture.

House Huddles

KRISTEN Guerin • ART Teacher • HIGH School

Potter’s Wheel

The Skutt KMT1227 is the ultimate low fire production kiln

House of Bonhoeffer

House of Lewis House of Edwards

Workers were busy over the summer in many of the spaces in the building. The front hallway walls were painted white to match the rest of the halls. Wood panels were installed along with wooden radiator covers to warm up the space. The Auditorium doors and displays branded in CCA blue to pop with Crusader spirit. Look for giant letters on the tall stairwell walls to inspire and encourage. More signage is outside on our campus perimeter to direct visitors and families with new in-ground signs. A fourth grade classroom was painted a calming dark blue and accented with matching curtains. The rest of the room was updated with built-in bookshelves, custom boards, air conditioning, a dedicated reading corner and curriculum specific decor. The welcoming feel of the room invites the students for a full day of learning. The new House System inspired new spaces. Carving out designated hangout space from the corners at the top of the stairs provided the opportunity to give students a place to gather in community.

NY State theme

Faithful

The Naming of The Coach Kevin McNamara Alumni Soccer Game

It is with heavy hearts that we lay to rest one of the most influential coaches in CCA’s history.

We rejoice because Kevin has entered into God’s presence, but our hearts grieve the loss of laughter he brought and witness he was to those he encountered. Lovingly referred to as Coach Mac, CCA’s 2017 yearbook dedicated to Kevin states, “Often heard quoting John Piper in one breath and spouting “Duke” the next, Kevin McNamara touched the lives of young men, women, children, and colleagues for 32 years. Coach Mac has been a plumb line, keeping young people’s lives in line with Christ.”

Kevin McNamara began serving the Lord at Christian Central Academy in 1983 teaching physical education. He moved his family to Arizona during the summer of 1985 but returned to Buffalo the following summer to help his unexpectedly widowed father-in-law. Kevin resumed teaching at CCA September 1986 thru June 2016. Kevin will be remembered as a beloved husband of Cheryl (Sherri); devoted father to his two daughters, Erin and Beth; and loving grandfather to Imogen Rae. Kevin treasured time with his family and friends and was a loyal friend, uncle, teacher, and coach. In addition to teaching and coaching at CCA, Kevin coached the Girls Varsity Soccer Team at Williamsville South for over 28 years.

Coach Mac’s life centered on his faith in Christ, and he brought this into every aspect of his life. Cathy Tom, Kevin’s long-time teaching partner at CCA, said it best, “Kevin’s voice will forever be echoed in the halls of CCA.” Kevin has been nominated to be placed in CCA’s Athletic Hall of Fame this year.

During Homecoming on September 24, Christian Central Academy commemorated Coach Mac with the naming of the annual alumni soccer game. From this date forward, his legacy will live on at CCA, on the soccer field and in the hearts of those who knew him.

Though retired from CCA, McNamara was still the head coach at Williamsville South at the time of his death. The JV Coach, Melissa Spada, worked with Coach Mac the last four years and has taken over his Girls Varsity team. “He has created a soccer program at Will South that is based on a family first mentality...where each players talents and interests are celebrated. He cared so much for his players both on and off the field, and that family culture is something I hope I can continue.” McNamara wasn’t seen as a rival coach, but as a mentor and friend to many of the area soccer coaches in Western New York. Amherst soccer coach, JoAnna Fildes presented the entire South soccer team with T-shirts honoring Coach Mac and a rose each, after their matchup on the day of McNamara’s funeral.1

The following quotes were collected from the 2017 CCA yearbook and McNamara’s memorial page online.

24.

Matthew 25:23

Mr. Mac was my favorite teacher from the moment I came to CCA; this was the same for a lot of the kids. He taught me how to do right and to be a man when the time came. He did this by his own example and it worked. I believe that who I am today is a result of the things he taught me about life. Caleb Martel ‘17

There can be a fine line you walk as a competitor and a Christian. You give your all on the court or field without exception. You also display grace and sheer joy while you do it. Coach Mac was the master of walking this line and expecting every student athlete to do the same.

David Wrigglesworth ‘02

Well done, good and faithful servant.

Cathy Tom speaks during the inaugural naming ceremony at Homecoming on September

CCA Alumni for the soccer game

1 Nagy, Patrick “ Resilient South soccer dedicates season to ‘Coach Mac’”

Fifty-seven years with the whistle & Kevin was one of the very best coaches and family men I have had the opportunity to work for. His presence and impact on WNY girls soccer is impressive. Bill DeGlopper1

More than “my friend’s dad,” Mr. McNamara was a staple in my entire life. I remember him in my childhood as my teacher and he remained a constant in my adult life. My lifelong friendship with his daughter Erin is one of my life’s greatest blessings, and the thread of her entire family is woven in the fabric of who I am. Jennifer Adema1

People who know Kevin would affectionately refer to him as “a piece of work”. Actually all believers are “God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Eph 2:10). God skillfully built into Kevin a charm, friendliness and good humor that always left me uplifted and encouraged. Being “in Christ,” the fruit of the Spirit “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Gal 5:22) were evident in him. Douglas Sukhia1 JULY 21, 1951 –SEPTEMBER 4, 2022

I am thankful for the investment in two generations of Trippie men. Thank you, coach. Dan Trippie ‘90

“LET’S GLOW CCA!” was the theme this year. Cozy Coupe cars were decorated, paraded and donated to Foster Closet. The pep rally had teachers and students competing in their houses for the first time; cheering on the many events over the weekend. CCA Varsity Soccer took on the Central Baptist Lions out of Delevan, NY. The Crusaders won 2-1.

Seniors, Winston Martey (#7) and Daniel Humphreys (#11) pass the ball.

Powder Puff Game Seniors (blue) vs. Freshmen (yellow)

Junior, Joanna Holman, chases after Sophomore, Lexi DelValle.

1 Perna, Dengler, Roberts Funeral Home

CHRISTIAN CENTRAL ACADEMY

39 Academy Street Williamsville, NY 14221

The Academy Advantage is when students grow together under one roof towards God and make a mark outward into the world.

Christian Central Academy will provide an environment in which the faculty, staff, and students will grow “in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”

Luke 2:52

CCA is CHRISTCENTERED ACADEMICS