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Downingtown School Principal Who Died Suddenly is Fondly Remembered

By Mark Abrams

DOWNINGTOWN, Pa. (CBS) -- Students and staff at the Bradford Heights Elementary School, in Downingtown, Pa., are remembering a beloved educator who died unexpectedly, leaving a void in the halls and the hearts of many.

Dr. Michael Solon was in his ninth year as principal at Bradford Heights when, at the age of 50, he died suddenly over the weekend.

The married father of five children is being remembered on social media and by parents and staff as a dedicated educator who gave his all, every day, to the students.

Debra Rooney, a first-grade teacher who worked with Solon, says the youngsters loved him and rallied around him, especially when he'd stir up school spirit by playing the drums with the Bulldog band.

"We would sing a song, and then we would just let him go at it," she recalls.  "And he could play those drums, banging away for 10 or 15 minutes. You would have thought you were at a rock concert down in Philly!"

Solon's viewing is Thursday evening.  A  funeral service is set for Saturday at 10am at the Grove United Methodist Church, in West Chester.

 

 

 

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