“Reflecting on the many influences from CCA, I see a picture of a young person who was encouraged, challenged, and supported in ways that laid a foundation for success—not just in academics, but in life.”
“Before going to CCA I was a little lost in a large public school. Coming to CCA with smaller class sizes and teachers that knew me personally, helped me to thrive and start living out my academic potential. In this environment, I gained the confidence to speak up, share my thoughts, try new things and generally gain more confidence in all that I did.”
“I wish I had learned earlier that our teachers are more important than the subject they teach. Ruth Adams saw me with greater clarity than I saw myself and I regret not seeking her counsel more often. Ray Schultz was kind, patient, and gentle with kids who didn’t deserve his grace. His example lingers. I could name so many more – Diane Dawley, Kate Franklin, Deone Drake, Dale Fillmore, Barbara Purvis. Not to mention the ever-kind office staff—Mrs. Voglino, Mrs. Gummo, and the school nurse Mrs. Volkert.
It wasn’t the moments that shaped my time. It was the people.”
“I ended up at CCA because my mom wanted something more for me—a Christ-centered education—but I wasn’t ready to leave Buffalo,” Ken shares. “So, I took two metro buses each morning just to get to school. It wasn’t easy, but looking back, it was worth it.”
“I have always had a strong faith that keeps me focused in life, seeking wisdom and helping me make good decisions that feel best for me. I try to live that out in how I love and serve others I come in contact with.”
“Whether it was doing homework with classmates, mentally preparing for games, or just unwinding, those casual conversations and shared experiences helped build lasting friendships and made my time at CCA truly special.”
“My Christian faith become wholly conscious when I started attending CCA in 5th Grade. It became a lifestyle.
I had to re-learn how to foster it when I moved to work in Washington, DC, which was harder and took more intentionality, than when I was in at CCA.”
“Over and over again in my life God has shown Himself faithful. Too often I have doubted and asked the question, “Is God really going to come through?,” but every time He is faithful. I could tell story of after story of his faithfulness. Jesus is worthy of all your trust. Trust Him and you will never go wrong.”
When Aurimas Petrikas reflects on his time at Christian Central Academy, he sees it as a pivotal moment in his life—an experience filled with new challenges, opportunities, and lasting memories. Originally from Lithuania, Aurimas spent 11 years in school there before transferring to CCA for his senior year. Moving to Buffalo, New York, for his final year of high school was a significant transition, but one that helped shape his future.
“Studying at CCA taught me to incorporate my faith into every area of my life. It is not something that I put on Sunday morning while I drive to church. My faith is who I am, and I pray that I shine His light to everyone I meet.”