Michael McCormick Foundation Honors Memory of Son, Offers Scholarships

Michael McCormick Jr. died at the young age of 19 in a car crash on August 2009. An athlete and Penn State University student, Michael's sudden death shocked his family. The McCormicks, though, eager to preserve Michael's memory and continue his legacy, decided to turn the tragedy into an opportunity for other students.  

The Michael McCormick Jr. Memorial Foundation began two days after Michael's death. The nonprofit awards scholarships to high school students attending private schools or going to college. 

"He was such a good kid and he was very passionate about certain things — friendship, loyalty, athletics and education," said Karen McCormick, Michael's mom and founder of the memorial foundation. "We immediately decided we wanted to do something to honor our son. People started giving us donations at his wake, it was crazy." 

This year's scholarship awards dinner was hosted at Mayfair Farms in West Orange and recognized seven outstanding students that were each awarded $2,500. 

"This was definitely really close to home and I think it's great that she did this. A lot of mothers may not turn their son's death into such a public event and they might just hide it or keep it under wraps but I just think this is really great they're giving back by giving out scholarships," said Nora Crann, one of the scholarship recipients and senior at West Orange High School. Crann said she will use the money in the fall when she attends Southern Connecticut State University to study education and sports psychology. 

Students applied online for the scholarship and submitted essays. The winners were selected by a committee and included students from Belmar, Verona, Orange, Clark and West Orange. Two students were awarded a scholarship to attend Seton Hall Prep next year,  and two West Orange students will use the scholarship money for college in the fall. 

"I feel very honored that I got the scholarship, my sister was very close to Michael," said Jamie Straus, a senior from West Orange High School. She will be attending Penn State in the fall. 

Last week's dinner raked in $15,000 in donations through ticket sales, a silent auction and a tricky tray. Guests paid from $50 to $125 to attend. 

"This is one of the main fundraising events," said Alice Ruiz, a family friend who helped plan the awards night. "Michael's family is just continuing his memory and continuing his sunshine that he provided for so many people. I give the McCormick family so much credit for looking at the positive and moving forward." 

Though Michael was not able to finish his college career, for his mother, being able to help students continue their education, brings her closure and healing. 

"It was a bad scene, but we're trying to make something good out of it," said Karen. "It will never be whole but we can certainly be better."