From County Down to Bethesda, Maryland

Michael Doran’s roots were in Newcastle, County Down, Northern Ireland. He grew up in Reading, England in a family that prized reading and education. As the first in his family to attend university, Dr. Doran had a deep commitment to education and lifelong learning.  

As a student at Battle Secondary School, in Reading, Michael Doran was encouraged by his headmaster to continue his education. He became the first Battle student to go to university since its founding in 1897, and he graduated from Southampton University. He went on to earn Masters and Doctoral degrees from Columbia University.

Having found his calling in Education, Dr. Doran always sought to guide and encourage students who struggled or lacked advantages. Over a 40 year career, Dr. Doran touched thousands of lives and developed meaningful relationships with students, teachers, staff, and parents. He served for 12 years as Principal of his beloved Wootton High School. Dr. Doran was immensely proud of the students, faculty, and staff and deeply appreciative of the support they received from the Wootton community.

After Dr. Doran’s untimely passing in August, 2015 his family—his wife Kathy Lavinder, son Samuel Doran, and daughter Emma Doran—determined to continue his mission to help Wootton students.