Family of Fraser teacher, 23, killed in hit and run starts scholarships in his honor

The memory of Fraser High School social studies teacher Connor McMahon, who was struck and killed by a car in June, will live on in two scholarships started by his family in the hopes of continuing the 23-year-old's legacy of teaching and kindness.

One fund will send children who could not otherwise afford it to the Recreation Authority of Roseville and Eastpointe's summer day camp, where McMahon worked as a counselor for the last five years. The other will be awarded to graduating seniors at Fraser High School, McMahon's alma mater, who are interested in pursuing a career in teaching.

After graduating from the University of Michigan, McMahon decided to return to his alma mater to teach high school students. He'd wanted to be a teacher since a young age, and friends and family said he couldn't have been happier at his job. McMahon wanted to make a difference in student's lives and was "totally dedicated," according to his father, Corey McMahon.

Connor McMahon was hit and killed by a car while changing a flat tire on the side of Interstate 94 near Eight Mile Road in June. He was returning home to Roseville after a rained-out Tigers game.

The driver, Brooke Lynn-Denise Charles, 25, of Grosse Pointe Woods, pleaded no contest to operating while intoxicated, causing death. Other charges against her, including failure to stop at the scene of a serious accident and assaulting, resisting or obstructing a police officer, were dismissed, according to records from the Wayne County Circuit Court. Her sentencing is scheduled for January 12 in front of Judicial Officer Bridget Hathaway.

Connor's parents, Corey and Kathleen McMahon, are trying to turn the senseless tragedy into something positive, Corey said. Kathleen McMahon hopes the scholarships will ensure her son isn't forgotten.

"He (Connor) was very giving, genuine, compassionate," Corey McMahon said. "He had such love for those kids and for teaching, hopefully he inspires some teachers. ... This is going to be his legacy."

The McMahons are raising money for both scholarships, which will be awarded this upcoming spring and summer. They already raised around $6,000 through a golf outing in September, Corey McMahon said. That's enough to send five children to the Recreation Authority of Roseville and Eastpointe's summer day camp.

"One will go towards students that are going into teaching," he said. "The summer day camp one is covering kids for the summer program that wouldn't otherwise be able to afford it."

Fraser High School students have until April 1, 2024 to apply for the Connor David McMahon Memorial Scholarship. The ideal candidate would be pursuing a degree in education and want to "be greater, and make a difference," according to the application.

The McMahons hope to give out two teaching scholarships this spring. Those looking to support the cause can donate to the Fraser Area Educational Foundation, a nonprofit that funds projects to enhance teacher creativity and student enrichment, here, and specify the donation is for the Connor McMahon Scholarship. People can also mail checks for the foundation to the school administration building at 33466 Garfield, Fraser 48026.

Fraser High School is also selling t-shirts at the school store to support the cause, Kathleen McMahon said. The shirts celebrate Connor McMahon's love of Marvel and have his favorite Stan Lee quote on the front — "I guess one person can make a difference. 'Nuff said" — with a drawing of him dressed up as Spiderman and the McMahon name across the back.

Since his death, summer day camp staff have added his initials to their uniforms, and the Fraser High School football and soccer teams dedicated their seasons to the former teacher.

"I think he would be very honored and he would want to help as many kids as he could," Kathleen McMahon said.

hmackay@detroitnews.com