CHRISTIAN CENTRAL ACADEMY
Pre-K-12 Private College-Preparatory School39 Academy Street Williamsville, NY 14221
Ken Newsom
For Ken Newsom, the journey to Christian Central Academy didn’t begin with convenience—it began with conviction. In 1976, as a high school student living in the heart of Buffalo, Ken’s mother had a deep desire for him to receive a Christian education. Her original plan was to send him to a boarding academy, but Ken, not wanting to leave home, pushed back. The result was a compromise—one that would ultimately shape the direction of his life.
“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.”
Ken began his CCA journey when the school was still known as Faith Christian School, located at Randall Baptist Church in Williamsville, before it moved to the old Sheridan Hill Elementary School building and officially became Christian Central Academy. In those early days, CCA was small but mighty—and for Ken, it became a place of belonging, growth, and lifelong impact.
He graduated in the Class of 1980, one of only 15 students. Reflecting on his favorite memories, Ken recalls the friendships he built and the unforgettable experience of playing basketball. “Breaking the scoring record in 1980 by putting up 43 points in a game—that was a highlight,” he says. “And I’ll never forget my coach and mentor, Junior Attea, who would even give me a ride home after practice.”
After high school, Ken went on to earn an A.S. from Erie Community College and a B.S. from Buffalo State College. His time at CCA gave him a foundation, but it was the combination of his experiences—academic, personal, and spiritual—that prepared him for the road ahead. “The education was important, but so were the values. Those years shaped how I approach life, work, and people.”
Ken fondly remembers several teachers and leaders who left an impression on him, including Principal Dale Fillmore, teacher Robert Spicer, and Coach Attea. “It’s been 45 years, but I still remember the names of those who poured into me. That says something.”
Today, Ken serves as the Chief Financial Officer for the Buffalo & Erie County Workforce Development Consortium, Inc., helping individuals across the region access meaningful employment and training opportunities. He lives in Williamsville with his family and beams with pride when he talks about his daughter, who, he says, “promises to change the world.”
When asked what advice he’d share with today’s students, Ken doesn’t hesitate: “Be your own person, and resemble the qualities of Jesus Christ.”
Though his time at CCA was just four years, the impact of those years—alongside the many other influences that helped shape his journey—remains significant. From two metro buses each morning to breaking basketball records, Ken’s story is one of resilience, faith, and service. Christian Central Academy is honored to have played a role in his path, and we are proud to count Ken Newsom among our alumni family.