March 21, 2025
Boca Raton, FL
Saint John Paul II Academy hires Mrs. Carissa Karakaedos as Principal
The Most Reverend Gerald M. Barbarito, Bishop of the Diocese of Palm Beach, along with Brother Daniel Aubin, current President, Mr. Edward Bernot, current Principal, and the Principal Search Committee, are delighted to announce that Mrs. Carissa Karakaedos was recently selected as the next principal of Saint John Paul II Academy following a national search by Ruotolo Associates.
Mrs. Karakaedos brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to Catholic values that align with Saint John Paul II Academy's mission. Her philosophy is driven through her dedication to educating the whole child by fostering academic excellence and spiritual growth. After relocating to Delray Beach, FL, in 2021 from Massachusetts, Carissa immersed herself in the community and began teaching CCD at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church in Delray Beach.
With a diverse background in large and small educational settings, she has served as a teacher and administrator across various grade levels. Her previous roles include Campus Principal at Lynn Public Schools (MA) and Assistant Superintendent at Shawsheen Valley School District (MA) and, most recently, Headmaster at Boca Prep International School. Carissa was instrumental in launching dual enrollment programs and technical skills-based certification initiatives to help prepare students for college and beyond.
“Carissa’s spirit of faith and commitment to building community will be invaluable as she fosters collaboration and strengthens relationships among faculty, students, and parents. Guided by the Lasallian tradition, we are confident that Carissa will help lead Saint John Paul II Academy into a new era of excellence, cultivating a nurturing environment where students grow in faith, knowledge, and service, embodying the values of our mission,” said Edward Bernot, current Principal of Saint John Paul II Academy.
As previously announced, Mr. Bernot will transition to the role of President as Brother Daniel Aubin steps down from that position on June 30, 2025. Both Mr. Bernot and Mrs. Karakaedos will begin their new roles on July 1.
SAINT JOHN PAUL II ACADEMY Mission Statement
Saint John Paul II Academy, located in Boca Raton, Florida, is a Catholic co-educational college preparatory school in the Diocese of Palm Beach following the tradition of Saint John Baptist De La Salle and the Brothers of the Christian Schools. Saint John Paul II Academy provides a rigorous academic curriculum to prepare students for success in college and life.
Their faith-based learning community fosters excellence in all programs and enables each student's spiritual, academic, artistic, and physical development. Dedicated faculty and staff instill the Gospel values of respect, concern for the poor, justice, peace, and responsibility while welcoming students of all beliefs and backgrounds.
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For more information on St. John Paul II Academy visit https://www.sjpii.net/
