International Academy Teacher Loses Battle With Cancer

International Academy teacher Dr. Mark Snow passed away this weekend after battling cancer, according to an email from the school district.

The International Academy is located at Lakeland High School.

Counseling services are being made available to students, and the family is planning a memorial service for mid-March.

The email from Principal Lynne Gibson and Associate Principal Nhu Do reads as follows:

Dear Parents and Guardians,

It is with difficulty and a heavy heart that I am writing this email. Over the weekend, Dr. Mark Snow lost his battle with cancer and passed away.

Although he was a PhD researcher and supervisor for Pfizer Pharmaceutical in Ann Arbor, he also had a gift for teaching in the classroom. He was highly knowledgeable, compassionate, funny, intelligent and passionate about teaching and learning. Students would hang out in his room after school, learning and laughing. He brought the Ocean Bowl to the IA. It is a true testament to our daily work when we know we have inspired others. Dr. Snow certainly inspired staff and students and many students have chosen a career path in biology due to his positive influence.

Dr. Snow was also a caring, optimistic, and an open-minded person. If you were having a bad day, it seemed an interaction with Mark made it better. He always had something positive to say, be it about his subject, his students, his family, or his friends. Throughout his cancer treatments, he remained an inspiration with his strong will, determination, and continued kindness. He had a way of channeling his energy in such a positive way. I'm sure the devotion we feel, was also shared at home with his wife and two children.

This morning, we talked to 10th - 12th grade students about the loss of Dr. Snow, letting them know that we have counselors, teachers, and administrators available to support them if they need to talk.

The family is planning a memorial service at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens in mid-March. Arrangements will be made through the Muehlig Funeral Chapel.  We will share with you the final details of the service as soon as they are determined.

Please keep Dr. Snow's wife and children in your thoughts during this difficult time of loss.

Sincerely,

Lynne Gibson
Principal

Nhu Do
Associate Principal