Highland, Arkansas – The Highland School District is mourning the loss of a familiar and deeply respected presence following the death of Blake Medlock, the district’s Dean of Students, who passed away earlier this month after a long battle with cancer. His death on Dec. 3, 2025, has left a lasting sense of grief across the school community, where he spent more than a decade shaping lives both inside and outside the classroom.
Medlock was a Highland native and a graduate of Highland High School, a connection that made his work especially personal. He returned to his hometown not just as an educator, but as someone determined to give back to the school that helped shape him. For 12 years, he worked at Highland High School, building relationships that went far beyond discipline or administrative duties.
“He had tremendous Rebel pride, and this place was his home. The school was his home. He loved his colleagues and the students. He loved everything the school was about and stood for, he wanted to make it a better place,” said his wife, Mary Medlock.
Students and staff alike remember Medlock as someone who balanced structure with compassion. Highland High School Principal Dr. Allen Woods said Medlock had a rare ability to hold students accountable while still earning their trust and respect.
“One of the best things he has done is he was one of the ones that would discipline the kids, but every kid knew that he cared for them and he had a great relationship. He would take the time to establish those relationships not just doing his job but being genuine and every kid knew he was being genuine,” Woods said.
For many students, Medlock was more than an administrator. He was a mentor, a coach, and a steady presence during difficult moments. Sophomore Zepplin Shultz, who was coached by Medlock in cross country, said his office was always open.
“I would always go to his office and talk to him for hours about my personal life and personal problems and he would always give me advice. He gives everybody here advice about their problems,” Shultz said.
Mary Medlock said her husband had an unwavering belief in young people, even when they struggled to see their own potential. She said he was known for searching for the good in every student, no matter how challenging the situation.
“Blake believed in the potential of every student, and he believed every student has something to offer and he would dig — sometimes real deep — to find the good,” she said.
Medlock’s journey with cancer began in 2021, when he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. In 2022, he rang the bell marking that he was cancer-free, a moment that brought hope to his family, colleagues, and students. However, the cancer later returned, leading to a renewed fight that he faced with quiet strength.
Despite ongoing pain and treatment, those close to him say Medlock never let his illness define him or diminish his commitment to students. Shultz recalled how Medlock continued to show up with positivity even during his hardest days.
“He always had a smile on his face. He was going through a lot, he was always in pain, but he always put on a smile. He always helped students when they needed it. He always cared for everybody. He was the light in my darkness and people should be the light in other people’s darkness,” Shultz said.
The impact of Medlock’s life was clear during his funeral service, which drew a large crowd of students, educators, and community members. Shultz said the turnout reflected how widely Medlock’s influence was felt.
“It’s been kind of rough; people are doing the best they can. Monday, we had a really great funeral service. A lot of people came. It was really nice seeing how much of an impact on people,” Shultz said.
Principal Woods said Medlock leaves behind a significant void at Highland High School, but also a powerful example to follow.
“With him not being here anymore, we have a big void right now, but we’ve also had the time to reflect and talk about the good times. That’s what we need to do, to keep him in our memory and speak about him. We want to continue what he has brought here,” Woods said.
Woods also emphasized Medlock’s dedication to his family, noting that his greatest role was outside the school building.
“As great of an administrator and person he was at school, he was a better husband and father,” Woods said.
To honor his legacy, Mary Medlock said the family has established a scholarship in his name for Highland High School graduates pursuing careers in technical or vocational skills. The scholarship reflects Medlock’s belief in practical pathways, hard work, and giving students the tools they need to succeed.
As the Highland School District continues to grieve, students and staff say Medlock’s influence lives on in the relationships he built, the encouragement he gave, and the example he set. His legacy remains woven into the halls of the school he loved and the community he never stopped believing in.
