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

This week, the family and friends of Colleen Ritzer are asking people to perform an act of kindness in her memory.

Ritzer, a math teacher, was raped and killed inside Danvers High School on Oct. 22, 2013 by a student who was 14 at the time. Saturday marked the nine-year anniversary of her murder.

Community in Andover celebrating the life and legacy of Colleen Ritzer

“Nine years ago today, the world lost a caring, positive and amazing young woman. As we continue to mourn the loss of this wonderful daughter, sister, friend and teacher, we also look to honor who she was - a caring and kind individual. Join us today as we remember Colleen’s life and honor her legacy of kindness by spreading kindness. Be the good in someone’s day!” her loved ones wrote on a Facebook page, Kindness for Colleen, on Saturday.

Family of murdered Danvers teacher Colleen Ritzer reach civil suit agreement with security system

Since her death, numerous events have been held to honor the beloved teacher from Andover. In May, her hometown held its 9th annual “Step up for Colleen 5-K” run and walk in Central Park, with more than 3,000 people celebrating her life for that event.

Ritzer was 24 years old when one of her students, Phillip Chism, fatally attacked her after school.

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

Parents of murdered Danvers teacher Colleen Ritzer fight to keep wrongful death lawsuit alive

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