South Side Native Named New Principal of Queen of Martyrs School

EVERGREEN PARK, IL — South Side native Stephen Davidson has been chosen as the new principal of Queen of Martyrs School of St. Gianna Molla Parish. A veteran administrator in Catholic education, Davidson will step into his new role on July 1.

Davison was hired based on the recommendation of the principal selection committee, Fr. Benedykt Pazdan, pastor of St. Gianna Molla Parish and the head of Queen of Martyrs School, said in a statement.

“It’s no secret Queen of Martyrs School has seen more than its fair share of change over the last few years, but I am confident Mr. Davidson is the long-term answer to providing the stability our school, students and teachers need. His experience and strong background in academics, coaching, and student life make him the right person to lead our school into the future for many years to come,” Pazdan said.

Davidson returns to the South Side where he grew up. He currently resides with his family in Elmhurst, after six years as assistant principal and principal at IC Catholic Prep. Davidson was baptized at Queen of Martyrs Church and grew up in Oak Lawn where he attended St. Catherine of Alexandria and then nearby Marist High School. His grandparents, Virginia and Phil Davidson, were long time Queen of Martyrs parishioners who sent six children through the QM school halls in the 1970s and 1980s.

“I am excited to step into this new leadership role and I look forward to working with our teachers and parents to provide an amazing academic experience and Catholic education for our students,” Davidson said. “I am committed to build upon the traditions of Queen of Martyrs School and set high expectations for the growth of the school well into the future.”

After graduating from the University of Notre Dame in 2003, Davidson returned to his alma mater, Marist High School, teaching theology and Spanish for 14 years. Additionally, he coached cross country, track and boxing, and served as the director of student activities along with serving as the National Honor Society moderator and student council moderator.

In 2017, Davidson joined IC Catholic Prep in Elmhurst as the assistant principal of academics/curriculum working to align curriculum with national and state standards. In 2020, he became the principal. During Davidson’s years at IC Catholic Prep, enrollment grew by 25 percent. Numerous successful initiatives were put in place including renovations to classrooms and facilities, updates to courses and technology, the launching of a one-to-one student device program, and the implementation of an all-school day of service.

Davidson holds a BA with majors in philosophy, theology and Spanish from University of Notre Dame, a master’s in teaching (Type 10 certification) from Dominican University and a master’s in school leadership (Type 75 certification) degree from Concordia University.