Oskaloosa Middle School principal dies swimming while on vacation in Michigan

An Iowa principal died 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 was remembered as a dedicated educator “who made an incredible impact on our students, staff, and community,” the Oskaloosa Community School District posted on Facebook.

Scholes was reported to have been struggling in the waters near the outlet of the Sauble River, according to a Facebook post from the Mason County Sheriff’s Office in Michigan. He slipped under the surface as other beachgoers attempted to reach him.

“Several persons entered the water in an effort to assist the subject, however, by the time he was reached he had slipped under the surface,” the sheriff’s office reported. “Those citizens who responded were able to locate the victim under the surface and pull him to a raft, and then to shore where CPR was started.”

Scholes was pronounced dead at the Corewell Health Ludington Hospital.

“Mark was an incredible human being and educator who dedicated his life to serving others,” Oskaloosa Schools Superintendent Mike Fisher said in a statement. “Mark was someone who made the people around him better every day.”

The district offered student grief counseling at the Oskaloosa Middle School for students and staff.

“His passion for education and commitment to our students’ success were evident in everything he did,” the school district said in the Facebook post. “We are all grieving this terrible loss.”

Kyle Werner is a reporter for the Register. Reach him at kwerner@dmreg.com.