School principal drowns in Lake Michigan, officials say. ‘Epitome of a great leader’
The principal of an Iowa middle school drowned while on a family vacation in Michigan, officials say.
The Mason County Sheriff’s Office in Michigan said Mark Scholes, 44, had been struggling in the water Tuesday, July 9, in Lake Michigan at Ludington State Park.
Several beachgoers tried to help Scholes, but he “slipped under the surface” by the time they reached him, deputies said. He was eventually pulled to shore and good Samaritans administered CPR.
Scholes was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead about an hour after the incident, according to the sheriff’s office.
He was identified as the principal at Oskaloosa Middle School in Iowa, according to the Oskaloosa Community School District.
School officials said Scholes had been vacationing with his family.
“Mark was a dedicated educator and leader who made an incredible impact on our students, staff and community,” the school district said. “His passion for education and commitment to our students’ success were evident in everything he did.”
Scholes began working for the school district in 2013 as an assistant principal, and became principal at Oskaloosa Middle School in 2019, KCCI reported.
Mike Fisher, superintendent of Oskaloosa Schools, referred to Scholes as his “mentor” who taught him “so much about leadership,” according to The Oskaloosa Herald.
“Mark was one of the best human beings I’ve ever met in my life. He was (one of) the most optimistic, caring passionate people,” Fisher told the publication. “Every ounce of his being was devoted to giving back to others.”
Others praised Scholes for his leadership and always having a smile to offer.
“He was the epitome of a ‘great leader, great educator, great person,’” Wendy Stuelke Parker said in a Facebook post. “He exuded kindness and was committed to making school successful for every single student. He adored his wife and four sons and spoke often of the things they did as a family.”
Oskaloosa is about a 60-mile drive southeast from Des Moines.
Drownings
At least 4,000 people die from drowning every year in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and drowning is a leading cause of death for children.
Some factors can make drowning more likely, including not knowing how to swim, a lack of close supervision, not wearing a life jacket and drinking alcohol while recreating near or in water.
The National Drowning Prevention Alliance said there are tips to help keep you safe in the water, including checking local weather conditions, never swimming alone and choosing the right equipment.
“Don’t hesitate to get out of the water if something doesn’t feel right,” the group said on its website. “Whether it’s that the current is getting rough, rain has started to fall, or your body is just not responding like you would like it to due to fatigue or muscle cramps, then just leave and return to the water another day. It’s always a good thing to trust your instincts.”
This story was originally published July 11, 2024 at 9:29 AM with the headline "School principal drowns in Lake Michigan, officials say. ‘Epitome of a great leader’."