It's hard to believe, one, that you're gone and two, that it's been a year since Heaven had a great gain, while the rest of us  experienced a massive loss.  However, I know your life hasn't ended.  Indeed, the great hope of our shared Christian faith is this:  "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord."  Must really be something.  I love you my friend and agree with your wife and sons that after you were born the mold was tossed out.  You were, and are, one matchless individual.

Soon to graduate with a lifetime ahead of us.  We began our friendship at HDA in the '66-'67 school year and remained the best of friends until 2023.  I could not have had a better friend.  You're greatly missed.

Debra and Family: My condolences on the loss of your beloved husband and father.
Van was always enthusiastic and loved being involved in sports. He was a great example of what a father should  be and it was clear he dearly loved his wife and family. 
My son opened some year old face book messages and asked me if I knew Van. Was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing  and would have attended his service.  God bless Debra.

My Condolences. Just finding out about Dr. Mitchell. I wish I had known sooner. I was a young teacher at Mollie Ray under his Leadership. He always wiped my tears and gave the best advice   Then, later I taught in South Orlando before he went to H. S. He was a great man, and an awesome Educator. He  will never be forgotten.
Mrs. Donna R. Batts - North

Not a day goes by that I don’t think of my big brother, Van.  When we were kids, he would give me till 10, and I would take off running down the road with BB’s flying all around, but I became a pretty good runner in college. Every day after middle  school, I had to throw him @ 20 passes with the football, but in college I became our sorority QB and could really sling the football. I really knew he loved me when we lived in Key Largo and some boys were throwing a kitten into the water around some small sharks. I began to weep, and he sighed and told me to wait there by the bridge.  I heard screaming below and suddenly my brother  came up and shoved that little orange Hemingway cat  in my arms - he gave those mean boys bloody noses. I had that cat 20 years. Van was my big brother and my hero, and I’ve always loved him and his wife (my sorority sister, 
Debby).    Love u always, Van. 

 I’ve written and erased my first sentence a few times because I feel that there aren’t any words you can say to really comfort someone when their loved one passes away.  in my opinion “my condolences ” is something that people say out of respect to someone who lost a loved, but, that never really knew that loved one that  just passed, because for me, “my condolences”  doesn’t feel right  for me to say to you  all because how I really feel, is that my heart physically hurts!!! It hurts because Dr Mitchell was the literal definition of an amazing human being, husband, and some thing that I’ve seen first hand,  father!!!!! I met Dr. Mitchell officially when I was renting this beautiful house from Mike! And Mike would bring his dad to help fix things if it need to be fixed or replaced etc etc.. ,the love you all show one another is extraordinary!!!! The love and respect he showed his beautiful wife and  you Mike, was something out of a perfect movie! True definition of a loving home and family.., I remember how he used to patiently listen to my then 10 year old daughter Aniyah’s stories  and genuinely have a full on conversation about life and goals and the best things in life in general.. over the years, Dr Mitchell was Aniyah’s fave person and she wouldn’t allow Dr Mitchell to leave with out a picture she colored for him out of her coloring book… every time!!! Later on I found out he was my husband’s principal back in the 90s and then my younger brothers principal in 2003 ish … the fact the name “DR MITCHELL” is known by probably the whole east side or Orlando speaks volumes! He’s loved by us all!!!! Great man! Best stories, and the purest heart!!!! I truly and genuinely don’t have the right words to say to you all that will ease the pain of not having him physically anymore but you all have a piece of him in each and every one of us!  

I just learned of the passing of Van. He and I were colleagues with OCPS. I recall with fondness our days as school principals. He was a person of good character, talent and compassion. My sincere condolences to the family on this great loss. 

Dr. Mitchell was a great man. Talked the Talk and walked the walk. He hired me as a AFJROTC instructor in 2007 on the spot, and allowed me free rein to create the largest and most decorated unit in the history of Colonial HS. He was always there to talk to, and was never too busy for anyone. As a 30 year military veteran, I salute him and give him my upmost respect and honor. RIP Dr. Mitchell. 

CMSgt James Williams
US Air Force retired.
FL-861 AFJROTC (2007-2015)

Fortunate and blessed to have had him in our lives. He lived a life of service and lead with his heart.  A true example of what can be accomplished when one dedicates themselves to helping others achieve. 

He will be missed but he is not gone. His legacy lives on through every student and educator he mentored and cared for. 

We owe a great deal of gratitude and are fortunate and blessed we had him in our lives to be a guiding light and the father figure so many at Colonial needed. 


I was saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Mitchell. I was a science teacher at Colonial from 2001 until my retirement in 2010. He was a very caring principal and was always caring about his teachers, and of course the students.  I will always remember him checking out the rooms almost daily... coming into the room.. and the first student to say... "it is great to be a Grenadier" would be thrown a candy bar. He would frequently stay in my room to observe what I was teaching. He will be missed by all.

Barry Allen-Anderson

As one of Dr. Mitchell's former students, I witnessed firsthand the profound impact he made on our school community. Dr. Mitchell was a champion for all at Colonial High School, a beloved educator who left an indelible mark on my life and many others.

Despite being one of the largest high schools in the nation, CHS faced challenges with deteriorating facilities. However, Dr. Mitchell carried himself with dignity and brought that same dignity as our principal. Under his exceptional leadership, CHS underwent a remarkable transformation, a testament to his unwavering faith in our community.

Dr. Mitchell's dedication to our education shaped our experiences. He created a nurturing environment of growth and learning, where his wisdom and integrity served as a guiding light. He greeted us with a warm smile, offering guidance and support. He made us feel valued and inspired us to pursue our dreams.

Beyond his role, Dr. Mitchell believed in our potential and encouraged us to exceed expectations. His passion for education fueled our drive for greatness. He actively participated in extracurricular events, fostering a sense of belonging and instilling pride in us all.

Reflecting on his life, I cherish the memories shared at CHS. From spirited pep rallies to memorable graduation ceremonies, his presence was a constant source of inspiration and encouragement.

To the Mitchell family, please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of such an extraordinary individual. Dr. Mitchell's legacy as an educator and leader will forever live on in the hearts and minds of all whose lives he touched. May the knowledge of his enduring impact bring you comfort during this difficult time.

You were not just our principal you were a movement in a lot of our lives most of which lives were impacted in a super positive way it hurts to see that you are no longer with us and eventually we all age but I feel you were gone too soon. I pray you are now in a place of peace. You impacted all of us as students but most of us came to adulthood and still recall the fond memories of the life decisions that were impacted through your influence of doing the right thing and you will go far im proud to have been your student and it’s always going to resonate with me that you did anything and everything for your students thank you dr. Mitchell it’s always great to be a grenadier !!! May you rest in peace we all love you #classof2004 

Aloha in God's love & peace.  The best principal that came at the right time for CHS.  Truly was role model for our children at CHS.  I can hear him saying.... It's great to be a Grenadier.  God Bless the Mitchell Family.  In His Love the Molaka Family.

I so remember his booming voice with joy! Polly Roper. former OCPS Principal Remember his enthusiasm for life!

I am so sorry to hear of your loss Dr. Debby. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family’s 

Bob and Lois Mauch 

I would like to say thank you to the surviving family members of Dr Paul Van Mitchell I was one of his students and personally feel that I would not be the man I am today without the influence of Dr Mitchell I was one of the first students to graduate from the new school which he helped build to further our education and for that I will always be internally grateful

Chri stian L colonial high School class of 2003

At the end of the year, we had track and field day.  It was a major event that spanned a few days.  He would track the teams and individuals on large posters with tournament brackets.  Obviously, in the 70’s one couldn’t just buy hurdles for third graders, so Mr. Mitchell made them.  He took two plastic milk jugs, filled them full of sand, stuck a metal coat hanger in the jug with a cradle shape, then placed a piece of bamboo across each hanger.  Now consider that there were four or five lanes with at least ten hurdles in each lane.  That’s a lot of milk jugs full of sand and hangers!
Mr. Mitchell was a firm but kind disciplinarian when we needed it. Our school had a principal, but when a teacher said you were going to see Mr. Mitchell … well, your heart would start to sink.  There was a sidewalk that went from the school building down to the basketball court / equipment shed area. Mr. Mitchell would stand at the other end of the sidewalk waiting on you– which made the sidewalk seem longer. He would stand at the other end glaring at you with that disappointed expression. I would have rather endured a paddling than to suffer that look. Mr. Mitchell would pull you aside, have a few firm words of why you shouldn’t do what you did, and then send you on your way. The thing is, whether it was ten minutes later or the next day, he would treat you as if you were his star student again. He always made us feel he believed in us all the time– even when we were in trouble.
At the time we thought every school had a Mr. Mitchell.  As we grew up, we realized there was only one.  We were very blessed to have him. Our childhood would not have been complete without Mr. Mitchell in it.  As we read the posts from others, we can only imagine how wonderful it would have been to have had Dr. Mitchell as a principal.  He was truly an amazing man who deeply cared about what he did and whom he was doing it for.  What an example for all of us.  
The Odell Brothers / Marcus, Michael, and Jeff

Dear Mitchell Family, 
Please excuse the awkward picture posted of Dr. Mitchell. The picture was taken by an elementary student in the 70’s!  When we met him, he was not Dr. Mitchell but Mr. Mitchell.  We were very fortunate to have Mr. Mitchell as our PE Teacher during our elementary school years at Riverside Elementary.  We believe it was Mr. Mitchell’s first teaching job out of college.  
Mr. Mitchell wasn’t just a PE teacher. As many people have already posted, he was a mentor, a coach, a friend, and sometimes–because we deserved it – a disciplinarian.  I dug out this picture because it says so much about the man he was.  In the picture Mr. Mitchell was building something for us.  Can you imagine today a PE Teacher sawing and hammering during class with students helping them?  Mr. Mitchell made sure we had more than just the normal equipment.  Our basketball goal backboards were customized with specially painted designs.  He had tires from heavy equipment brought and bolted them together into a large pyramid.  Then he painted the structure as if it were something from Disney World.  He was always building something for us to make PE a wonderful experience.  I am sure he spent a lot of his own time and money making sure his students had what they needed. 
As a coach he taught us many different team sports.  Imagine teaching third graders how to play field hockey!  He taught us how to play in zones and move as a team.  In reality It was probably more like magnet ball than field hockey.  Nevertheless, Mr. Mitchell did not get frustrated with us.  He would yell out in that commanding Mr. Mitchell coaching voice: “AWWW, BLUE TEAM, RED TEAM IS LEAVING YOU SOME OPPORTUNITIES OVER HERE; THERE IS A ZONE THAT IS EMPTY!”  After every game it was very important that we did the sportsmanship handshake with the opposing team. If anyone tried skipping out on that show of goodwill, Mr. Mitchell made sure they knew their attitude was wrong.

So sad to hear this news. I loved working at Colonial Ninth Grade Center. Dr. Mitchell had all of us so motivated and excited to teach the kids. I honestly can say that I worked with THE  BEST people,  and he and Debbie Haddix were phenomenal leaders to work for. He was such a friendly and present admin. He truly believed in every person’s ability to achieve a goal through hard work. Many prayers to his family. I recently lost my mom who was also 70; it is hard to lose someone whom you hoped to have around for fifteen or more years, but the signs of a good person’s life are lasting and ever present. May his lasting legacy bring you comfort in this tough time. 

Dear Debby and Family,
Hold those many memories of all the special moments you shared with Van close to your heart to bring you comfort.  You were all a wonderful family to Van.   He always felt your love and support.  Our sincere love, thoughts and prayers are with you.  


I went to high school with Van, as we knew him, for all 4 years. He was a friend, great guy, and quite the joker. I know your memories will carry you through...that and the prayers of so many!

There are not many individuals you come across in life that you would describe as an icon. I met Van as a graduate student at UCF. He had an unmistakable presence about him. He commanded the room. As the years went on, I met individuals who knew him and worked with him in OCPS. There was always a distinct reverence in how people spoke of Van. Years later, I had the good fortune to work with Van's daughter-in-law Consuelo at Seminole High which gave me the opportunity to interact with him even more. Although the Central FL community will miss Van immeasurably, we are all better for having known him. 

Dr. Mitchell was an inspiring, driving force for Colonial students & staff.  As parents, we were so happy to have him come in as Principal and become such a positive influence in advancing the spirit and curriculum of a high school that at the time needed just that! He was always there for his kids, showed them respect, received it in return and they adored him! Thank you Dr. Mitchell for your life's dedication to your students, their parents & the community.  May your family know that you not only touched their lives but the lives
of many, many more. Rest in eternal peace & cheers to a great man!

Dear Debby and boys,  we have just heard that Van has passed away  i  can't tell you how sorry we are .  We had no idea he was sick.  We always liked him so much  We still love you very much.  Aunt Thelma and Uncle Billy

Dr. Mitchell will always have a special place in my heart. He gave me my first opportunity to become a head baseball coach and Im forever grateful. He was the best principal I have ever worked for and he worked countless hours serving the peolpe of Colonial HS.  I never met a man that worked as hard as Van. He was a loyal man who would do anything possible for people.  You are a hero and will never be forgotten. 
Debi, Mike and Mark your family will always be a model for my family and we love you.

 God Bless, 
Scott, Shayne, Dakoda, and Cassidy Grove

Dr. Mitchell was truly an inspiration and one of the few who cared in the system. He is one of the people who inspired me to inspire others in the field of education. Thank you for everything. Rest well and know you made an impact on every kid. 

My condolence to the family

You were a great principal you will  always be remembered in our hearts rest in peace 🕊️

It's great to be a grenadier ❤️🖤
 Class of 2009


I will always be grateful for Dr. Mitchell. He gave me a chance to teach when nobody else would. Because of him I got the chance to live out my aspirations of being an educator. I can't say enough how lucky I was that he saw something in me that was worthy of the opportunity. I will miss him. My heart goes out to his loved ones, whom I hope know that there are many of us who continue to spread the lessons he taught us, to others every day.

My condolences to the family! 

Dr. Mitchell was and will be forever part of our lives. He helped many of us during high school years with encouraging words & much love, for that we are forever thankful. 

It is GREAT TO BE A GRENADIER!!
❤️🖤CLASS OF 2010 ❤️ 🖤 

Dr. Mitchell was my principal at Colonial and my professor at UCF. He was an incredible leader and had so much pride in his school, teachers and students. He empowered future educational leaders to make a difference. I am proud to have learned from him. Rest in peace, Dr. Mitchell. My condolences to his family and friends. 

Dr.  Mitchell was bigger than life and so much more than just a principal. He was an extraordinary man whose legacy will live on  with all of the lives he touched. Thank you for truly making it great to be a grenadier. 

Dr. Mitchell, although my mother may have drove you crazy, I appreciate your support on me completing school on my graduation time. Thank you for always being kind, and allowing us to just be kids. My prayers to your loved ones and Thank You! 

When I heard the news my heart broke.  I have so many amazing and funny memories from all the years I worked with him at Colonial High School. His compassion, leadership and guidance has never been duplicated.  I was so incredibly lucky to work with him for the first half of my career.  I still have the Snickers bar from his retirement party  "It's great to be a Grenadier!"  

My brother in law Van was the best husband, father and grandfather I’ve know. Such a good man and mentor to kids. He will be missed by everyone that knew him! 

To have a principle that so many students can agree with was so nice and caring is something truly special. You made it great to be a Granadeer! Rest in peace! 

Dr. Mitchell was an amazing man! As a young administrator I was always appreciative of our conversations and his guidance.  I never met a more respectful and professional educator.  
I have spoken about him and his impact on my career many times. Two of my fondest memories include catching the biggest redfish of my life with him and his son in Canaveral and attending his last Colonial HS graduation event. My deepest condolences to his family and lived ones on their loss. This man was bigger than life and he will be missed. I for one was lucky to know him and call him my friend. 

Student signed a petition to try to convince him to stay, he was that amazing, patient, and understanding . There was never another principle like him, the stadium errupted with cheer when he attended the 2012 graduation 1 year after his retirement.  He changed lives, may he rest easy.

I graduated Colonial High in 2004 and he was the best principal you could ever ask for! He always made it a mission to say hi to everyone and to motivate us every step of the way! RIP 🕊️

Uncle Van was there when I was born 38 years ago. This man was such an amazing person in and out. He is going to be missed by so many. Love you uncle van!!!

Dr. Mitchell was such a great role model and an outstanding principal.  I never knew that years after graduating, he would become my boss.  He was still that same great light, mentor, and someone I looked up to.  Thank you for being the great inspiration you were to myself and so many.  You will truly be missed.  My deepest condolences to the family.  Sending you my thoughts and prayers.  

My husband and I had the privilege of graduating from Colonial High School with Mr. Mitchell as our principle, class of 2000. He made us proud to be a Grenadier! Thank you for all you did for our school and students. 

Dr. Mitchell a great principle who touched so many students. He has made such an impact on many people's lives and so many students will miss him dearly. He definitely left an impact and memories on so many. He was always so kind, stern, and understanding. Dr. Mitchell "It's great to be a Grenadier!" R.I.P

My siblings and I all had the privilege to graduate high school with you as our principal. You are one of the main reasons I was so proud to be a Grenadier. My condolences to your family at this time. Thank you for being an irreplaceable leader and such a strong foundation in many students' lives. Rest in peace!

Dr. Mitchell was an amazing principal and person! He was always encouraging and very involved. Unlike most principals was always around  and supportive when you needed it. Rest in peace!! Prayers for the family in this time. 

My condolences to the family. Dr. Mitchell was an amazing principal and he truly made it great to be a grenadier. 

You will forever be a fond memory for us grenadiers. You were always involved and very present in supporting all the different clubs, sports and activities as a principal. Your firm presence with a light hearted approach, drove success during the years you served at CHS. As students, we will never forget when you walked into any classroom, and that instinctual rushed panic of the entire class trying to be the first to shout, “it’s great to be a grenadier!”, just to win that prized candy bar from you. I hope you knew the impact you had and that you are forever a part of our cherished memories at CHS. Rest in peace, Dr. Mitchell.  “It’s great to be a grenadier!” 🫶🏻💂🏻‍♀️🪽

My deepest condolences to the entire Mitchell family! May God strengthen you in this very difficult time! But be encouraged, because just like Doc would walk his rounds at the Colonial campus, I could just imagine him making his rounds in heaven! Be at peace!

Your office door was always open and I will never forget how the lil Grenadiers from the day care would come running in there to see you. You ALWAYS stopped everything and made them feel so special and important and loved. Tim, Bryce and I send prayers to your family as we remember your incredible strength, leadership, mentorship and guidance. My heart is heavy but my spirit soars as I know how blessed I am to call you my principal.

Sending my love and deepest condolences to the Mitchell family during this time. 
Dr. Mitchell was the heart and soul of the Grenadier family, and it’s truly so heartbreaking that he is gone. Such a wonderful man who went above and beyond for his students. 
You’ll forever be the greatest part of being a Colonial Grenadier. 
#ForeverOurPrincipal #ForeverGreatToBeAGrenadier

Class of 2001.

Dr Paul Mitchell was a great principal. He will be missed by many. To his family please accept our condolences on.


My condolences to Dr. Mitchell's family. Now he and my former husband, Ed Tanzi are talking all about Colonial Baseball. Sending prayers for you. 


It was an honor to be the class of 2007 his last year as principal he will be known as the greatest grenadier principle of all time.

I remember sitting in the second row of Ms. McNamara's english class, and Dr. Mitchell walked in. Our 10 grade class nearly broke our neck yelling "Its Great to be Grenadier".  Or the time, you said my name over the intercom during lunch cause I had gotten into trouble. Dr. Mitchell you sparked a fire in us with just those five little words to the point that even in my age now, this saying cannot be forgotten.  Most people don't remember their High School principal. Usually that is unheard of, but not you Dr. Mitchell, you changed the standard to principalship in OCPS. And for that I am grateful. 

I never met a principal that cared so much for their students the way you did. You always made sure your students were good. Your big smile is what I will miss the most. It’s Great to be a grenadier! ❤️🎓

Condolences to Dr. Mitchell’s family.  He was an inspirational principal, and you could tell he really cared about Colonial High and its students.  

Condolences to Dr. Mitchell’s family. 

Dr. Mitchell was an outstanding principal, who truly cared for each and every student. I have so many fond memories with him as a student at Colonial. Once a Grenadier, always a Grenadier💂🏼‍♀️

My condolences to Dr Mitchell’s family. I was a student back in the late nineties when he was the principal at Colonial High School. I remember him standing at the gates when it was time to leave in our buses. He had a poster that reminded us “it’s great to be a grenadier.” I have to admit that stayed with me all my life. My daughter was a student at CHS and I always spoke about Dr Mitchell. RIP Dr. Mitchell and thank you for being the greatest principal that Colonial had. 

It’s Greeeeeaat to be Grenadier! I remember his very first day on campus and he came out with that in his over-enthusiastic way. Not gonna lie, my cynical self wondered how long that would last or if he really meant it. Turns out, he meant every word of it and never stopped saying it to the end. Rest easy, good sir!

To the family of Dr Paul Mitchell Dr Mitchell educated many students and fought for the betterment of our education and for that we will be internally grateful Christian L. Student colonial high School class of 2003 rip doc

Once a grenadier always a grenadier 💂‍♀️💂‍♂️ 

Thank you for everything you did for the class of 2007. You dedicated your heart and soul to Colonial High School. You touched so many of our lives. You truly cared. You guided us the right way. 

My condolences to your entire family Dr. Mitchell. You'll truly be what we call a HERO!

Love, Bertha Miguel

To my dearest brother-I will love you forever. You taught me how to fish, ski, throw a football, and how to love life.  You were the best big brother I could ever ask for. I always looked up to you and will always have you in my heart. 

The softest stern giant that was Dr. Mitchell was often seen with a smile and a word of inspiration. Protected our oceans and saved and tracked marine life on the side this man helped communities of all walks, whilst helping our earth as well. My love to his family. May our memories never be tarnished. May his work ripple throughout the ages forever blessing us.  

My deepest sympathies to his family. Dr. Mitchell was the best principal at Colonial High School. He was always involved with his students and cared for all of us. I was C/O 2000 and I’ll remember him with the fondest memories. I'll have his family in my prayers. It’s great to be a Grenadier! 

As a former student, I can say Dr. Mitchell was such an advocate of his students and our school. We weren’t the wealthiest group. We weren’t the smartest. Regardless, he knew our worth. I remember him asking me “Are you going to be our movie star?” when I walked the line at graduation. An honorable man that will be missed.

He was a great Principal and great man, in general!  I always loved when he would pop into the classrooms and give out candy.  Looking at my graduation picture will be very sad now.  Rest in peace, Dr. Mitchell!

I send my condolences to Dr. Mitchell's family. I had the honor of having been a student for him and he was such a great principal. He always cared about his students and we were very lucky to have him. 

He made colonial the best of what it is today, he was always involved and always called me speedy . C/o 2005.

One day me a few friends decided to leave school early out of the gate where the old auto shop used to be. I had a friend who lived in the last house on the other side of the fence and I would park my car there. This is when the school was being remodeled and the temporary office building where near that gate in portables. We made it all the way down the street and and where about 5 houses from my car. Dr. Mitchell flew up in his what had to be 1987 Toyota  Corolla and said “ don’t run , get in”. He brought us back to school walked us to the middle of campus and said “ I am going to trust that you will all go back to your classrooms “ he wrote all of us a tardy excuse sent us on our way and said “ if you guys try that again I will be right behind you to pick you up, remember it’s great to be a grenadier” and let us go. I will never forget that for as long as I live. He was a great man and will be missed. Rest in peace and thank you!

My condolences to his family. Dr. Mitchell was the best principal at Colonial High School. He was always involved with his students and cared for all of us. I was class of 2000 and to this day remember him with the fondest memories.  I'll have his family in my prayers 🙏🏼.  


Catherine Posso 

Dr Mitchell was a unique principal! He was such a caring person, you could be one of the worst kids in school and he would still try and find a way to get to you to let you know that he cares about you. I remember seeing him walk into classrooms and all you could hear is "It's Great to be a Grenadier!" For Candybars. I remember it like it was yesterday.

Dr. Mitchell was a great principal and a great mentor to so many including myself. He always saw the best in people and did his best to bring light into this world with every interaction. The Franklin family sends their prayers and condolences to the entire Mitchell family! 

Dr. Mitchell was the best principal, motivator and encourager Colonial High School has ever seen. When he came in the entire vibe and attitude of the school changed. I was so blessed to have had that influence on my life and he will never be forgotten. My love and prayers go out to the entire Mitchell family. 

Heard the news today and it has brought me to tears. I immediately remembered all the great life advices he would give me. I was one of those students who thought I wouldn’t be able to graduate and Dr. Mitchell was always there to encourage me to keeping going or the time he would randomly pop up in classrooms and give out candy. Great times great memories I will forever cherish! Class of 2011 his last year at colonial high school My condolences to his family and friends! R.I.P.

Dr Mitchell was my professor at UCF in the master’s in educational leadership program. No matter the time or day he always answered or responded to my text messages. He’s always showed up for me in the times I’ve needed him. May god bless your sweet soul. Thank you for always going above and beyond for your students. You will be missed forever. 

Dr. Mitchell was a very upright and just human being. If you asked me, I would have said this is the type of person that will be 90yrs of age and still beat me in the weight room. My condolences to his beloved’s and friends. I have one memory I’ll never forget of Dr.Mitchell, as I’m going through the first floor I see a student running from administrators and security, the student is running fast and jumps the fence and here you see Dr.Mitchell out of nowhere and with one hand pull jumps the fence like if it was 2ft high and grabs the person. I’ll never forget that but also his tone of voice was very captivating when he spoke! Cheers Dr.Mitchell 

Dr Mitchell was one of the best principles in the world! He made such an impact in my life & I would never ever forget him!

Dr. Mitchell was the best, most caring principle. You genuinely cared about all of your students. You always remembered my name and checked in to see how my classes were going. You will be missed.

I was lucky enough to have you as my principal in at Colonial High School.  I still tell people about the time you said hi to me in tenth grade and I was shocked you knew my name.  You were always a fair and great leader with us and always made it Great to be a Grenadier!  Last time I saw you was at Jackie Knight’s memorial and you still remembered me.  My condolences to your family, you will always be remembered by me and many of my friends for the impact you had as a principal.

I’ll never forget jumping out of my seat when you walked into class and the big smile on your face before you gave out that candy bar. You made a huge impact on SO many of us. I hope you got to enjoy your retirement. May god hug you tight in heaven!

How lucky are we to have had you as a principal! Your unconditional love for your job, school and your students is one of many reasons why you are a legend and never forgotten. Thanks for everything and thanks for being there at one of the scariest moments of my life. Rest in Peace Dr.Mitchell 🙏🏼

Amazing man that had a huge impact on the lives of many of colonial high school students. He motivated us all to be better versions of ourselves and I will never forget him. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. Fly high Dr. Mitchell 🙏

He was one of the best High school principals I have ever met.  He supported all the programs in Colonial High school and was proud to be in the school ever day.   I was truely thankful to have him there for my four years and be be there when he announced he was leaving.   I will never forget him and everything he did.  Truly a remarkable person.   

OBITUARY

Dr. Paul Van Mitchell

20 August, 1952 – 24 June, 2023

Baldwin Fairchild at Chapel Hill & Chapel Hill Cemetery

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