(Montgomery County School Board President Patricia O’Neill and former MCPS Superintendent Joshua Starr remember Michael Doran. Photo courtesy of MCPS)
WASHINGTON 鈥� Michael Doran,聽the principal of Thomas S. Wootton High School in Rockville, Maryland, has died, school officials announced Wednesday.
Doran was the principal at Wootton for 12 years. He聽was found unresponsive in his Bethesda apartment Wednesday聽morning and declared dead shortly after,聽said Larry A. Bowers,聽Montgomery County Public Schools聽Interim Superintendent of Schools.
“His boundless energy,聽engaging wit, and unwavering commitment to excellence for his students and staff made him聽a beloved part of the Wootton and MCPS communities,”聽Bowers said in a letter to parents and students.
Montgomery County School Board President Patricia O’Neill described聽Doran as a “fine human being.”
鈥淚 couldn鈥檛 believe it,” O’Neill said. “I mean he exuded so much vitality. I just can鈥檛 鈥� I鈥檓 stunned and I鈥檓 so sad for his family.鈥�
Doran聽worked for MCPS for 18 years and had a career that spanned four decades.聽Former MCPS superintendent Joshua Starr said Doran was an “exemplary” principal and recalled, fondly, walking the lunchroom with Doran.
鈥淗e聽would know almost everyone by name, and he knew something about them,” Starr said. “He just had this touch, and they (students) knew he cared about them as people as much as he cared about how they were doing academically.”
The first day of school聽for Wootton is Aug. 31. 聽News of Doran’s death spread quickly on social media, where there has been an outpouring of聽condolences.
Dr. Doran, Thank you for everything. You’ve impacted not only Wootton but the whole community. You will be missed.
鈥� Rachit Agarwal (@r_agarwal22)
I’m in complete shock… Dr. Doran is the kindest, most loving educator, mentor and role model to the Wootton community. We will miss you.
鈥� Heather Chen (@heatherGrey_)
Sad that one of the best principals I’ve had, & adored by many , passed away. R.I.P Dr. Michael Doran. 鈥� Sameer Malla (@skinsballr)
Rest in peace Dr. Doran. He will surely be missed by the Wootton community and many more. 鈥� Wootton Football (@woottonfball1)
Bowers said grief counselors would be on hand throughout the week.
海角精品黑料’s Kate Ryan contributed to this report.
