By Alissa Bridges
Sister Carina Maris Okeke gives full credit to God for the series of events that ultimately led her on the journey to Riverview to become the new principal at St. Stephen Catholic School.
“It was St. Stephen that found my resume and called me about the position,” said Okeke. “I went through a phone and computer interview and once I came to Florida to interview in person, I knew I was meant to come here. God is good and he brought me here for a reason.”
Okeke was a principal at St. Leo/Sacred Heart School in Irvington, New Jersey for seven years and was very successful there. She is excited to make sure that she brings this success to St. Stephen as well.
“I think of all of the students as my children. It’s my goal to help make the school the best it’s ever been, lead the children to their greatest ever potential and give them a good relationship with God. I want this to be a safe place for children to grow and know God’s love,” said Okeke.
Although she has only been in Florida for a couple of weeks, Okeke has already developed a love for Florida, the Riverview community and St. Stephen’s. “The city is very welcoming, at an event the school had at Buffalo Wild Wings all the parents were coming up to me and saying hello. Everyone is very friendly. I’m very blessed and thrilled to be here,” she said. “I truly love being here at St. Stephen Catholic School.”
Outside of school, Okeke is known for her writing, songs, poems and spiritual articles. She published a book, titled The Love of the Unloved, received awards for her writing and launched two musical albums and is currently working on her third.
St. Stephen Catholic School is located at 10424 Saint Stephen Circle in Riverview. For more information, call 741-9203 or visit www.ststephencatholicschool.org.
