(Montgomery County School Board President Patricia O’Neill and former MCPS Superintendent Joshua Starr remember Michael Doran. Photo courtesy of MCPS)
WASHINGTON — Michael Doran, 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 was found unresponsive in his Bethesda apartment Wednesday morning and declared dead shortly after, said Larry A. Bowers, Montgomery County Public Schools Interim Superintendent of Schools.
“His boundless energy, engaging wit, and unwavering commitment to excellence for his students and staff made him a beloved part of the Wootton and MCPS communities,” Bowers said in a letter to parents and students.
Montgomery County School Board President Patricia O’Neill described Doran as a “fine human being.”
“I couldn’t believe it,” O’Neill said. “I mean he exuded so much vitality. I just can’t – I’m stunned and I’m so sad for his family.”
Doran worked for MCPS for 18 years and had a career that spanned four decades. Former MCPS superintendent Joshua Starr said Doran was an “exemplary” principal and recalled, fondly, walking the lunchroom with Doran.
“He 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 for Wootton is Aug. 31. News of Doran’s death spread quickly on social media, where there has been an outpouring of condolences.
Dr. Doran, Thank you for everything. You’ve impacted not only Wootton but the whole community. You will be missed. pic.twitter.com/amlfdjvGiU
— Rachit Agarwal (@r_agarwal22) August 19, 2015
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.
— Heather Chen (@heatherGrey_) August 19, 2015
Sad that one of the best principals I’ve had, & adored by many @woottonpatriots, passed away. R.I.P Dr. Michael Doran. #WoottonStrong — Sameer Malla (@skinsballr) August 19, 2015
Rest in peace Dr. Doran. He will surely be missed by the Wootton community and many more. #woottonstrong pic.twitter.com/aBFelUHag1 — Wootton Football (@woottonfball1) August 19, 2015
Bowers said grief counselors would be on hand throughout the week.
WTOP’s Kate Ryan contributed to this report.
