Oskaloosa school principal drowns in Lake Michigan while on vacation
An Iowa school principal died while swimming in Lake Michigan while on vacation with his family.
Mark Scholes, 44, the principal of Oskaloosa Middle School, drowned in Ludington State Park on July 9. He will be remembered as a dedicated educator “who had an incredible impact on our students, staff and community,” the Oskaloosa Community School District posted on Facebook.
According to a Facebook post from the Mason County Sheriff’s Office in Michigan, Scholes was reportedly struggling in the water near the mouth of the Sauble River. He slipped beneath the surface as other beachgoers tried to reach him.
“Several people entered the water to assist the suspect, but by the time they reached him, he had already slipped underwater,” the sheriff’s office reported. “Citizens who responded were able to locate the victim underwater and pull him onto a raft and then to shore where CPR was begun.”
Scholes was pronounced dead at Corewell Health Ludington Hospital.
“Mark was an incredible person and educator who dedicated his life to serving others,” Oskaloosa Schools Superintendent Mike Fisher said in a statement. “Mark was someone who made those around him better every day.”
The district offered grief counseling for students and staff at Oskaloosa Middle School.
“His passion for education and commitment to the success of our students were evident in everything he did,” the school district said in the Facebook post. “We all mourn this terrible loss.”
Kyle Werner is a reporter for the Register. Reach him at [email protected].
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