Queen of Martyrs School Debuts New Scholarships To Assist Families

EVERGREEN PARK, IL — Queen of Martyrs School of St. Gianna Parish has established two new scholarships available to assist incoming families to make Catholic education possible for their children. The scholarships will be available this fall. More information and applications can be found on the school website. For more information email principal Stephen Davidson at sdavidson@qmschool.com

Virginia and Philip Davidson Memorial Scholarship

The Davidson family has established the Virginia and Philip Davidson Memorial Scholarship to assist incoming families at Queen of Martyrs School to make Catholic education possible for their children.

Virginia and Phil Davidson were longtime Queen of Martyrs parishioners who sent six children through the halls of Queen of Martyrs (Rose ‘72, Laura ‘73, George ‘74, Lizzy ‘77, David ‘79 and Jimmy ‘81). Virginia and Phil were fun, hardworking, loving parents who placed great importance on their Catholic faith, family, and the education of their children. They instilled in their children and twenty-two grandchildren these same priorities, strongly believing in the importance of a Catholic education. All twenty-two of their grandchildren attended or are currently attending Catholic grammar schools and high schools in the Chicagoland area.

“My grandparents were wonderful people who valued Catholic education for their children and grandchildren,” said Stephen Davidson, the newly appointed principal. “It is my family’s hope that honoring them through this scholarship will make Catholic education at Queen of Martyrs possible for families who desire a great faith based experience with high academic expectations and a great family environment.”

In honor of Virginia and Philip Davidson, three $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to the families of incoming Kindergarten - Grade 8 students, who will begin at Queen of Martyrs School in August of 2023-2024.

Families are invited to apply for this scholarship who exemplify Virginia and Philip’s belief in the importance of family and Catholic education. Applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. The applicant’s family must be a new, incoming family to Queen of Martyrs School in
2023-2024.

2. The applicant’s family must have completed the registration process, the school’s financial aid
form, and FACTS. Families with multiple children enrolling and demonstrated financial need will
be given the highest priority.

3. The student(s) must demonstrate good academic and behavioral performance as a student at
Queen of Martyrs. Involvement in extracurricular activities such as athletics, clubs, and service
is greatly encouraged.

4. The applicant’s family must submit an essay speaking to the importance of Catholic education
and family in their student(s) life. Essays must be typed, 12-point font, and double-spaced.

Carla Kirkland Memorial Scholarship

Carla Kirkland was a long-time teacher at Queen of Martyrs School and a staunch believer in the value of Catholic education. A product of Catholic education herself, Carla graduated from Loyola University with the intention of becoming a grade school teacher in the Archdiocese of Chicago, which she did first at St. Richards and then for over 20 years at Queen of Martyrs.

As longtime residents of Evergreen Park, Carla and her husband, Kevin, sent their three children on to Catholic schools as well and dedicated time and talent at both St. Bernadette and Queen of Martyrs over the years.

In her honor, the school is establishing theCarla Kirkland Memorial Scholarship to help make Catholic education more affordable with a $1,000 scholarship that will be awarded annually for families who reside in the former St. Bernadette parish and wish to send their children to Queen of Martyrs school. Applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. The applicant’s family must be a resident of what was the St. Bernadette Parish.

2. The applicant’s family must have completed the registration process, the school’s financial aid form, and FACTS. Families with multiple children enrolling and demonstrating financial need will be given the highest priority. The family may reapply each year for students in good standing.

3. The student must demonstrate good academic and behavioral performance as a student at Queen of Martyrs.

4. The applicant’s family must submit an essay relating the importance of Catholic education for the student’s life. Typed, double spaced and 12 font.