Providence Catholic HS In New Lenox Names New Principal

NEW LENOX, IL — Students at Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox will have a new principal for the 2022-23 school year, the school announced Tuesday in a news release.

Providence Catholic President Rev. John Merkelis announced that Paul Houston will be taking the reins starting July 1.

“After a rigorous national search, we have chosen the very best candidate for the job," Merkelis said. "Mr. Houston comes to us with the necessary administrative and educational experience required to lead our school community. In addition, we’re delighted that Mr. Houston happens to be one of our own. He is a former teacher and administrator at PCHS.”

Houston's career at Providence Catholic started in 1989 as a teacher and director of student activities, according to the release. In 1997, he went to Lyons Township High School, where he was assistant principal and served as its global studies division chairman, where he supervised and evaluated teachers and developed curricula.

“Being named principal of Providence is a great honor, and I embrace the opportunity to work closely with the staff, as well as the students and their families to advance the school’s mission," Houston said. "I know what a special place Providence truly is, and I am humbled to return to the place where I began my career. I’m blessed to have spent those first seven years at Providence Catholic, where the Augustinian core values of truth, unity and love provided a foundation that led to many successful and rewarding years at the high school level.”

Houston holds a Master's Degree in educational administration from Governors State University and a bachelor's degree in history from the College of St. Francis, according to the release.