04/11/05 — SCHS student missing after beach trip

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SCHS student missing after beach trip

By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on April 11, 2005 1:50 PM

A Spring Creek High School 10th grader is believed to have drowned over the weekend while on a school trip to Myrtle Beach, S.C., for a band competition.

Myrtle Beach police confirmed that Antwan Lewis, 16, was swimming in the ocean with a group of students late Saturday afternoon when he reportedly went under the water and did not resurface. Sources said several classmates attempted to find Lewis, but were unsuccessful.

One student was treated at an area hospital for hypothermia and later released, said school officials.

Coast Guard and other rescue crews have conducted a search since Lewis was reported missing, but so far have not found his body. The search continued today.

The beach patrol division of Myrtle Beach Police Department is investigating the case.

School officials activated a phone tree over the weekend, notifying the staff of the situation. School psychologists, additional counselors, and social workers were on hand at the school today to assist students and staff, and letters were also sent home to parents.

The marching band left early Friday morning for the weekend competition.

Band students and chaperones returned to the school on Sunday afternoon.

Michael Andrade, band director, remained in Myrtle Beach to assist authorities and be with family members of the missing student.