Though most commonly called "Stevenson Elementary," the school's official name is Adlai E. Stevenson II Elementary School — named for Illinois' 31st governor.

Born in 1900, Stevenson grew up in Bloomington and attended Washington Elementary. His childhood home at 1316 E. Washington St. is on the U.S. Register of Historic Places. His grandfather served as vice president to Grover Cleveland and his father was Illinois Secretary of State. Stevenson served as Illinois Governor from 1949-1953.

While campaigning for President in 1952, Stevenson was famously photographed with a hole in his shoe. This labeled him as a relatable and frugal candidate. The photographer won a Pulitzer Prize for the shot. Stevenson, however, was not elected president, losing twice to Dwight Eisenhower.

In 1960, he was named U.S. ambassador to the United Nations by President John F. Kennedy. Stevenson died in 1965 and is buried in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Bloomington. He is often portrayed in the Evergreen Cemetery Walk.