St. Bede's appoints Dr. David Lawrence as its new school head.
Dr. David Lawrence, a resident of Princeton and a passionate educator with a faith-filled leadership style, has been appointed as the new principal of St. Bede Academy. The announcement was made on July 15, 2025, signalling the start of an exciting new chapter for the Catholic high school.
Born and raised in Marseilles, Dr. Lawrence attended Ottawa Township High School before pursuing his academic journey at Northeastern Illinois University, the University of St. Francis, and Concordia University, where he earned successive degrees. His educational background, combined with his service in the U.S. Navy, has prepared him well for his new role.
In his previous positions as principal at Ladd Grade School and Lincoln School in Mendota, and as a teacher in Spring Valley at the elementary level, Dr. Lawrence has demonstrated a commitment to fostering a strong community, enhancing the student experience, and strengthening academic programs.
As he prepares to begin his role in the upcoming school year, Dr. Lawrence's first-year goals for St. Bede Academy are clear: building trust, fostering open communication, and strengthening the school's Catholic identity. He wants every Bruin to feel known and loved, and challenged to grow.
St. Bede Academy, with its rich legacy, values, and mission, has caught Dr. Lawrence's admiration. The next term at the school starts on August 13, and the entire community is eager to see how Dr. Lawrence's leadership will shape the future of the institution.
For more detailed information about Dr. Lawrence's first-year goals and his background, contacting St. Bede Academy directly or keeping an eye out for official statements from the school would be advisable.
[1] Source: St. Bede Academy official website, press release dated July 15, 2025.
Dr. Lawrence's educational and self-development journey, consisting of multiple degrees and service in the U.S. Navy, has prepared him well for fostering a strong community, enhancing the student experience, and strengthening academic programs at St. Bede Academy. Aligning with the school's mission, Dr. Lawrence aims to build trust, foster open communication, and strengthen the school's Catholic identity, ensuring every Bruin feels known, loved, and challenged to grow.
