Christian Central Academy

📚✨ Adventure Awaits This Summer! ✨📚

What if reading could take your family on an adventure across Buffalo?

With Read Across Buffalo 2026, every 20 minutes your child reads earns a star on their reading map. As they fill in stars, they'll work their way toward prizes, special events, and a summer filled with exploration!

🌟 Read books
🦬 Explore Buffalo landmarks
🎁 Earn prizes
📖 Receive free books
🍦 Join us for our Mid-Summer Celebration
🏆 Celebrate your accomplishments at our Summer Finale

Whether you're reading at home, by the pool, at the park, or on the go, every page helps move you closer to your next adventure.
Registration is FREE and open to all students!

🔗 Learn more and sign up today: christianca.com/readacrossbuffalo

What a week it was!

As we officially close the 2025–2026 school year, our campus was filled with celebration. From end-of-year award ceremonies and classroom parties to field days, final exams, eighth-grade recognition, and commencement exercises for the Class of 2026, we spent the final week of school celebrating the hard work, growth, and accomplishments of our students.

While summer is now underway, we're taking a moment to reflect on all that God has done throughout this school year. Our theme, Godly Community, was more than a slogan, it was evident in every corner of campus, from our classrooms and chapel services to our athletic fields and performance stage, as we grew together in faith, learning, and fellowship.

Throughout the year, we watched students grow academically, spiritually, and personally. We saw teachers faithfully invest in the lives of their students, families support one another, and our school community come together to celebrate victories, navigate challenges, and point one another toward Christ.

"And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." — Colossians 3:14

Thank you to our students, families, faculty, staff, and supporters for making this year so memorable. We pray that your summer is filled with rest, joy, and opportunities to draw closer to the Lord. We look forward to welcoming you back this fall as we begin a new year together! 💙

🎓 Congratulations, Class of 2026! 🎓

This past Sunday, we had the privilege of celebrating the graduation of an incredible group of seniors as they officially crossed the stage and closed one chapter of their lives while stepping boldly into the next.

We were honored to welcome commencement speaker Steve Tybor, founder of Eight Days of Hope, who challenged our graduates to "not dream too small—dream big." He reminded them of the unique blessing of the close relationships they have built as a class and encouraged them to remember that no matter what profession they pursue, they are called to ministry and to be the hands and feet of Christ wherever God leads them.

The ceremony also included inspiring remarks from Valedictorian Isaac McFarland and Salutatorian Anna Gerardi, who reflected on their experiences and challenged their classmates as they prepare for the future.

We were also honored to recognize Mrs. Karen Jones with the Lifetime Service Award in appreciation for her faithful leadership and dedication while serving as Interim Head of School this year.

It was a beautiful afternoon filled with celebration, reflection, gratitude, and anticipation for all that lies ahead. We have been honored to walk alongside these graduates throughout their journey at CCA, watching them grow academically, personally, and spiritually.

Class of 2026, we are so proud of you. May you continue to seek God's direction, serve others faithfully, and pursue the dreams He has placed on your hearts.

🎓 Once a Crusader, always a Crusader. Congratulations, graduates!

Read Across Buffalo is back for Summer 2026, and registration is now open!
Open to students in grades K–12 across Western New York, Read Across Buffalo encourages families to read together while discovering the amazing attractions, museums, and experiences our city has to offer.

✨ FREE to participate
📚 Read all summer long
🎁 Earn prizes and rewards
🦬 Explore Buffalo attractions
🎉 Attend special events throughout the summer

Kick off your summer reading adventure with us at the Canalside Book Fest on Sunday, June 28, from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM! Stop by to pick up your reading map, learn about this year's program, and start your journey toward prizes, books, and Buffalo adventures.

Last summer, 439 students from 78 schools read more than 107,000 minutes and earned over $37,000 in prizes and experiences. This year, we're aiming even higher, and we'd love for you to be part of it!

📅 June 28 – August 29, 2026

🔗 Learn more and register today:
christianca.com/readacrossbuffalo

Tag a parent, teacher, grandparent, or young reader who should join us this summer! 📖✨

💙 Some teachers educate students. Others shape generations. 💙

On Friday, June 5, the Christian Central Academy community gathered to celebrate and honor a truly remarkable educator, mentor, and friend: Coach Cathy Tom.
For 40 years, Coach Tom faithfully served as CCA's Physical Education Teacher, investing in the lives of hundreds of students from 1986 to 2026. Through every class, field day, game, fitness challenge, and conversation, she modeled perseverance, encouragement, Christ-like character, and genuine care for every student she encountered.
During the ceremony, Coach Tom was presented with the Christian Central Academy Lifetime Service Award in recognition of her four decades of faithful service to Christian education and the countless lives she has impacted along the way.
The celebration also included a special alumni tribute video and photos from throughout Coach Tom's 40 years at CCA, highlighting the many lives she has touched and the legacy she leaves behind.
🎥 Alumni Tribute Video: [https://youtu.be/5gvGSUYA_ck]
In true Coach Tom fashion, she turned the focus away from herself and toward Christ. Reflecting on her years at CCA, she reminded everyone of the greatest commandment: to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.
She shared: “More than championships won, more than lessons taught, or years served, our greatest calling is to love God wholeheartedly and to guide others to do the same. I pray that every student who came through my class not only learned teamwork, discipline, and perseverance, but also saw the love of Christ reflected in the way we treat one another.”
As she concluded her remarks, Coach Tom received a standing ovation from those gathered to celebrate her remarkable legacy, a fitting tribute to a woman who has faithfully pointed generations of students toward Christ through both her words and her example.
Few educators have the opportunity to influence generations of students. Coach Tom has done exactly that.
Coach Tom, thank you for the countless lives you have touched, the example you have set, and the legacy you leave behind. Your faithful service has become part of the story of Christian Central Academy, and your impact will continue to be felt for years to come.
Congratulations, Coach Tom, on an incredible 40-year career. We love you, we thank you, and we celebrate you. ❤️

🎓 Alexander Guerin - Class of 2026
From Mrs. Basinski’s kindergarten class to graduation day, Alexander Guerin has spent the past 13 years growing up at CCA surrounded by friendships, memories, and experiences that helped shape who he is today.
Some of his favorite memories came through the simple moments spent with classmates, especially the school sleepover, a memory that still stands out from his years at CCA.
Through it all, Alex shares that CCA taught him how to “fight through adversity,” something that will continue to guide him into the future.
This fall, Alex will attend SUNY Erie Community College to study car mechanics, a path that fits one of his biggest passions. “I love cars a lot.”
During his high school years, Mr. Sweeney was a strong influence in Alex’s life and someone who made a lasting impact on his journey at CCA.
Looking ahead, Alex hopes to continue pursuing football and work toward earning a Division I scholarship. His advice to underclassmen reflects the importance of being wise and thoughtful in the way you carry yourself and the choices you make.
While he is excited for what is next, it is the younger students and community at CCA that he knows he will miss most.
Alex, we are thankful for the way you have been part of the CCA community over these past 13 years. It has been a joy to watch you grow from kindergarten to now, and we are excited to see what this next chapter holds for you.
💙

🎓 Mariia Dmytrenko - Class of 2026
Mariia Dmytrenko came to CCA from Ukraine during her freshman year, shortly after the war broke out in her home country. What began as a season of uncertainty became one filled with friendships, growth, and a community that walked alongside her through these past four years.
Some of her favorite memories came through the everyday moments spent with teammates and friends, especially hiking early in the morning with her track teammates during the Pittsburgh trip.
Through her time at CCA, Mariia shares that she has learned how to contribute to a community, be responsible, and become more proactive in the way she approaches life.
Along the way, she found support through the families and people who welcomed her in. After staying with another CCA family during her first year, Mariia became part of the Napoli family, who have been her host family ever since. She is also grateful for classmates and teachers who helped make CCA feel like home.
As she looks ahead, Mariia plans to take a gap year while continuing to explore her future path between business and graphics and animation. She shares that business offers stability, while art is something she genuinely loves, and during this next year she hopes to discover which direction she truly wants to pursue.
Her advice to underclassmen reflects the perspective she’s gained through her years at CCA: “Do not waste time. Take the most out of every opportunity that you are given. Be involved and proactive.”
Looking ahead, Mariia hopes to travel, continue growing into the best version of herself, and return to Ukraine to see her family again and “finally pet my cat Thomas.”
While she is excited for what is next, it is the people and opportunities at CCA that she will miss most, especially her classmates, sports, clubs, trips, and the memories made along the way.
Mariia, we are so thankful for the way you have been part of the CCA family over these past four years. It has been a privilege to walk alongside you during this chapter of your story, and we are excited to see where life leads you next!
💙

🎓 Nathan Needham - Class of 2026
During his time at CCA, Nathan Needham has grown in both his faith and the friendships that have shaped his high school experience. Through those years, music has remained a constant part of who he is and the direction he hopes to pursue moving forward.
This fall, Nathan will attend Houghton University to study Music Industry. He shares simply, “I love music and I want to be a music artist,” and is excited to continue developing that passion in college.
One of the biggest parts of Nathan’s CCA experience has been the friendships he’s built along the way. “Making a bunch of lifelong friends” stands out as one of his favorite memories from his time here.
Through it all, CCA has helped strengthen his faith. Nathan shares that his time here “has helped me grow in my faith exponentially,” something that will continue to guide him into this next chapter.
He is especially thankful for the influence of Pastor Garcia, who made a lasting impact on his journey.
Looking ahead, Nathan hopes to continue growing as a musician and one day become a professional artist. His advice to underclassmen reflects something he’s learned along the way: “Make sure you take time to rest.”
While he is excited for what is ahead, it is the people he will miss most. “All my friends.”
Nathan, we are thankful for the way you have been part of the CCA community and cannot wait to see where your gifts and passions take you next.
💙

🎨 What a night. 💙

On Friday evening, our CCA community came together for the very first Grace Race: Color Edition, and it was everything we hoped it would be and more.

The laughter. The color. The smiles. The cheering. The friendly competition. The conversations. The memories.

From the youngest runners to our parents, grandparents, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends, it was incredible to see our entire community gathered in one place, celebrating together.

What makes Christian Central Academy special isn't just what happens inside our classrooms. It's moments like these. Moments when students, families, teachers, and supporters come together as one family with a shared mission: raising up the next generation to know Christ, grow in wisdom and character, and impact the world for His glory.

The Color Edition brought a fun new twist to a beloved tradition, and seeing hundreds of participants covered in every color imaginable while laughing their way around the course was something we'll never forget.

A heartfelt thank you to our volunteers, sponsors, faculty, staff, and everyone who participated, fundraised, donated, and helped make this event possible. Your support helps provide tuition assistance for our families and opens doors for more students to experience a Christ-centered education.

Friday night was more than a fundraiser.

It was a celebration of community.

It was a celebration of mission.

It was a celebration of what God is doing through Christian Central Academy.

Thank you for making the first-ever Grace Race: Color Edition such a spectacular night. 🎨💙

📸

🎓 LilyCate Anderson - Class of 2026
Since joining CCA in 8th grade, LilyCate Anderson has been part of a season of growth, friendships, and experiences that have helped shape who she is today.
Some of her favorite memories came through athletics and the friendships built along the way, especially winning the varsity soccer championship last school year, a moment filled with excitement and celebration for the team.
Through her years at CCA, LilyCate shares that she has learned how “to stand in my faith as I go into a world where not everyone is Christian,” something that will continue to guide her as she steps into this next chapter.
This fall, LilyCate will attend SUNY Oswego to study Business Management, a path she chose because of the many opportunities it can lead to and the flexibility it offers for the future.
Along the way, teachers like Mr. Ashby made a lasting impact on her experience at CCA, helping bring encouragement and support to everyday school life.
Looking ahead, LilyCate hopes to adapt well to college life, build strong friendships, and find a career she enjoys. Her advice to underclassmen reflects the perspective she’s gained through her years here: “Push yourself to the best of your ability and make yourself proud.”
While she is excited for what is next, it is the friendships and community at CCA that she will miss most.
LilyCate, we are thankful for the way you have been part of the CCA community over these past five years. We are excited to see where life takes you in this next chapter.
💙