Conor McCarthy Raises $55,000 at Golf Fundraiser in Memory of Mellissa Andrew

Name: Conor McCarthy, Class of 2011 graduating senior

Senior Mastery Project: This past September, Conor McCarthy, a senior at Avon High School, decided to organize the Mellissa Andrew Memorial Golf Tournament, a fundraiser in honor of his close friend and classmate, Mellissa Andrew, who died in a car accident in August 2010. She would have been graduating with McCarthy Tuesday. McCarthy worked with Anne Marie Piehl, Andrew’s mother and many local parents to plan the fundraiser. There were at least 265 registrants and the event raised $55,000. The proceeds went to the Smiles for Mellissa fund, which will pay for a sign language teacher at Avon High School. An introduction to sign language class will pilot in the fall and 20 students are signed up.

Fun Facts about Conor: He has been a member of the Avon High School golf team for four years and he has worked at the Farmington Woods Golf Course as a part of the bag staff for three years. McCarthy has also volunteered through the Church of Saint Ann in Avon.

How was your experience?: “It has been a really exciting experience … I had no idea what it took and it was a lot of work. I’m glad to have family and friends who gave me a lot of support. My committee is excellent,” McCarthy previously told Patch.

A Thank You from McCarthy: "Thank you to all the golfers, dinner guests and volunteers for making this an successful event," McCarthy wrote in an e-mail to Patch.

What will you remember most about Mellissa?: “She was just the greatest person. [She] always made you smile when you were talking to her,” McCarthy previously said.