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. 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.

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.