‘Kindness for Colleen’ day continues legacy of Danvers teacher murdered in school 10 years ago

DANVERS, Mass. — A decade after her life was cut short, a Danvers school teacher continues to inspire kindness across her community and beyond.

Colleen Ritzer was just 24-years-old and already a beloved math teacher at Danvers High School when the unthinkable happened. The Andover native was raped and killed inside the school on Oct. 22, 2013 by a student who was 14-years-old at the time.

But those who loved her the most make sure her legacy is one that is positive and always paying it forward. This week, the family and friends of Ritzer are asking people to perform an act of kindness in her memory.

“It’s a tough anniversary. She was an unbelievably warm, loving, caring human being. And, she just lost her life at a very young age,” said Nina Caron.

Community in Andover celebrating the life and legacy of Colleen Ritzer

Ten years later, those who knew and loved her have made sure Ritzer would have a far greater legacy.

“We want to celebrate the person that Colleen was. She was a woman who was such a positive force for so many people. A beautiful daughter and sister,” said Caron, who is the Race Director for ‘Step Up for Colleen.’

Caron’s daughter grew up with Ritzer and shortly after her death Caron created the annual ‘Step Up For Colleen’ 5K road race.

The race is the primary fundraising event for the Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Fund, which since 2014 the organization has given out $513,000 in scholarships to 100 future teachers and leaders.

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Boston 25 Reporter Kerry Kavanaugh asked Caron, “Hundreds of thousands of dollars raised in her name to so many worthy recipients. What does that say about Colleen Ritzer?”

“It says everything about her. The level of impact that that young woman had on so many people,” said Caron. “She was always compassionate, kind, always wanting to help her students.

A few years ago a good friend of Ritzer’s started the “Kindness For Colleen” Campaign, which encourages everyone to perform random acts of kindness in of her on this on the anniversary of her death.

“The world needs more of that,” said Caron.

In 2015, Phillip Chism was convicted of killing Ritzer in a women’s bathroom, stuffing her body into a recycling bin, and then burying her body nearby.

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