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Category: Scholarship Recipients

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NewsScholarship Recipients
December 21, 2021

Inspire Kindness & One Wish Project

In 2020, we created the Inspire Kindness scholarship. Hannah Finn, the inaugural recipient from Andover, was the inspiration for this scholarship. At 14, Hannah started a nonprofit, One Wish Project, an endeavor that provides birthday celebrations for children in need who live in a local shelter. Hannah recognized the need and felt that every child deserves to have their birthday celebrated. Hannah baked a cake herself and through donations, buys gifts for the child, then delivers the cake and gifts to the shelter. Five years later, she has expanded from humble beginnings in Lawrence to include several shelters throughout Massachusetts. She has grown the nonprofit, which used to operate out of her home, to now having an office in Andover, MA and storage space at the Andover/North Andover YMCA.

Earlier this month, Boston’s Magic 106.7, partnered with Hannah to promote her nonprofit. Hannah had previously been interviewed for Inspirational Women, a podcast the station sponsors. For two weeks, the morning team at Magic would talk about One Wish Project and interviewed someone daily, including Hannah, her mom, Claudia Mintz, who handles the day-to-day work while Hannah is away at college, volunteers who now deliver the birthday cake and gifts for Hannah, and some of the recipients of the project. The initial goal was to have listeners donate by going to the One Wish Project Amazon List and choose items that are delivered directly to her storage space. Their goal of 200 toys was met on the first day of the promotion! By the end of the two weeks, over 2,400 gifts were donated.

We are honored to have Hannah as a scholarship recipient. Colleen loved birthday celebrations so we know she would have loved this. Hannah, who is currently a sophomore at University of Massachusetts – Amherst, is a Communications Major in public relations. Hannah hopes to start a One Wish Club next year at the University to get more students involved in community service. She is also hoping to join a Women in Business club. Hannah is hoping to study abroad in Australia in her Junior year.

Hannah is an amazing young woman who has already done so much good for others at such a young age and we expect she will continue to do great things.

To learn more about her One Wish Project please visit https://www.onewishproject.us/.  You may also listen to Hannah’s interview at https://www.audacy.com/podcasts/morning-magic-with-david-sue-kendra-20620/check-in-with-one-wish-project-founder-hannah-1013605290  and other interviewees.

We wish Hannah continued success with her nonprofit and look forward to following her journey as she continues spreading kindness!

Danvers 2021 Recipients w Catie and Sam
Scholarship Recipients
July 19, 2021

Inspiring and Impactful Future Educators Awarded 2021 Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Scholarships

Inspiring and Impactful Future Educators Awarded 2021 Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Scholarships

(ANDOVER, Massachusetts) – Following another challenging year that instilled in teachers and students alike a newfound sense of resiliency, the family of Colleen Ritzer, Tom, Peggie, Dan and Laura, announced the 2021 recipients of a Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Scholarship, awarded to graduating high school seniors who plan to pursue a degree in education. The recipients of this scholarship will strive to carry on Colleen’s legacy as a caring and compassionate teacher. In addition, “Inspire Kindness” scholarships were also awarded to students, one in honor of Andover’s Brian Feeney, who exemplified kindness in action and deed, and caring through his selfless work throughout the community.

This year, the Ritzer family awarded over $63,000 in scholarships in Colleen’s name, including $22,000 to 2021 graduating seniors and over $41,000 to previous years’ recipients. Since its inception in 2014, over $370,000 in scholarships have been awarded to 82 future teachers and leaders, some of whom have already begun their teaching careers and are pursuing master’s degrees.

“With over 80 current and future teachers and leaders following in Colleen’s footsteps, we are in awe of the continued impact of Colleen’s legacy and the influence she continues to have on so many current and aspiring teachers and those committed to community service,” said the Ritzer family. “It gives us hope of the good in this world as we witness these former students begin their teaching careers. We are honored they have allowed us to follow their progress.”

“This year we lost our dear friend Brian Feeney, the team leader of ‘Team Helpers’ from Century Bank for the 5k held each year in Colleen’s memory,” added the Ritzer’s. “Brian was a steadfast supporter of our family and the Step Up for Colleen and he shared so many qualities similar to those of Colleen. It is an honor to award a scholarship in his memory this year. Each of the recipients are caring individuals who demonstrate passion for their chosen profession, just as Colleen did.”

This year’s recipients from Andover and Danvers High Schools demonstrate a strong will for serving others and are excited to begin their journey towards their own classroom. Each recipient exhibited tremendous promise through their high school endeavors from National Honor Societies to participating in extracurricular activities and community service such peer mentoring and not only playing, but coaching and mentoring the athletes, in the sports they love.

The 2021 Scholarship recipients from Andover include Paige Gillette, Kaelyn Grava, Ashley Kendrigan, Alexandra Papazian and Madilyn Serapiglia. The Scholarship recipients from Danvers are Jared King, Jenna Lowd and Liana O’Brien. The 2021 Inspire Kindness recipients are Navya Pandya of Andover and Ashely DeRocco of Danvers. The recipient of the Inspire Kindness Scholarship in Memory of Brian Feeney is Benjamin Miragliotta of Andover.

Learn more about each of this year’s recipients here.

The Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Fund, Inc. is supported by donations made in the wake of Colleen’s passing in October 2013 as well as the Step Up for Colleen 5K Walk/Run and other tribute events held to honor Colleen’s life and legacy. The Scholarship is a permanent tribute to Colleen and builds upon her legacy by helping future teachers obtain a college degree so that they, too, can share their passion for teaching with future students.

Memorial ScholarshipScholarship Recipients
July 21, 2020

2020 Recipients: Inspiring and Impactful Future Educators Awarded Scholarships

(ANDOVER, Massachusetts) – Following a challenging semester that instilled in teachers and students alike a newfound sense of resiliency, the family of Colleen Ritzer, Tom, Peggie, Dan and Laura, announced the 2020 recipients of the Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Scholarship, awarded to graduating high school seniors who plan to pursue a degree in education. The recipients of this scholarship will strive to carry on Colleen’s legacy as a caring and compassionate teacher. In addition, this year, “Inspire Kindness” scholarships were also awarded to students who exemplify the act of being kind and caring through their work in their communities.

This year, the Ritzer family awarded over $60,000 in scholarships in Colleen’s name, including $26,000 to 2020 graduating seniors and over $34,000 to previous years’ recipients. Since its inception in 2014, nearly $305,000 in scholarships have been awarded to 71 future teachers, some of whom have already begun their teaching careers and pursuing master’s degrees.

“With over 70 current and future teachers following in Colleen’s footsteps, we are in awe of the impact of Colleen’s legacy and the influence she continues to have on so many current and aspiring teachers and those committed to community service,” said the Ritzer family. “The continued support of the Scholarship from generous members of our community continues to inspire and strengthen us as a family. As we witness former recipients embark upon careers of meaning and high school graduates begin their pursuit of a teaching degree, we excitedly follow their progress. Each of the recipients are caring individuals who demonstrate passion for their chosen profession, just as Colleen did.”

This year’s recipients from Andover High School, Danvers High School and Central Catholic High School demonstrate a strong will for serving others and are excited to begin their journey towards their own classroom. Each recipient exhibited tremendous promise through their high school endeavors from National Honor Societies to participating in extracurricular activities and community service such peer mentoring and not only playing, but coaching and mentoring the athletes, in the sports they love.

The 2020 Scholarship recipients from Andover include Emma Accardi, Lauren Bessette, Matthew Comeau, Madilyn Francis, Brooke Hardock, Nicole Major, Julie Purtschert and Addison Jaromin. The Scholarship recipients from Danvers are Erin Lally, Michael Mahoney and Gabrielle Sherrick. The 2020 Inaugural Inspire Kindness recipients are Hannah Finn of Andover and Chloe Callahan of Danvers.

Learn more about each of this year’s recipients here.

The Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Scholarship Fund is supported by donations made in the wake of Colleen’s passing in October 2013 as well as the Step Up for Colleen 5K Walk/Run and other tribute events held to honor Colleen’s life and legacy. The Scholarship is a permanent tribute to Colleen and builds upon her legacy by helping future teachers obtain a college degree so that they, too, can share their passion for teaching with future students.

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Memorial ScholarshipNewsScholarship Recipients
December 11, 2019

Salem News: Danvers native McCarthy grabs prestigious field hockey honor

By Nick Giannino Staff Writer
December 9, 2019

Kristen McCarthy’s collegiate field hockey career may have come to a close last month, but not before she etched her name in the Endicott College record books.

By the time she had wrapped up her final Gulls’ game, the former Danvers High standout came in at first all-time in assists (28), second all-time in points (153) and third all-time in goals scored (52). More impressively, she did all that in just 47 games.

Her offensive prowess and all-around consistency landed her back-to-back Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) Offensive Player of the Year awards, including her senior season this fall. Late last week, she added one last prestigious honor to her resume: The 2019 First Point USA/National Field Hockey Coaches Association Division 3 New England East Regional Player of the Year.

Click here to continue reading.

(Photo Credit – David Le/Endicott College)

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Memorial ScholarshipScholarship Recipients
September 22, 2018

On to the Classroom: Samantha Walters

Hometown:
Danvers, MA

College/University:
Salem State University

High School:
Danvers High School

Major:
Mathematics

Minor: Secondary Education

Post-Grad Plans:
Samantha is currently enrolled in the 4+1 program at Salem State University, which she will receive a Master’s degree in education upon her completion. Through the program, she is working at Revere High School in Revere, Massachusetts as a paraprofessional. As a paraprofessional, Sarah will be an aide for a freshman special education math class, while also student teaching in freshman algebra classes.

Colleen’s Impact:
“Colleen stood out to me as a teacher – especially a math teacher. Her love of math was inspiring, and her class was unlike others that I’d had. I already loved math, but I knew it wasn’t everybody’s favorite. I think for many students, she made math a class to look forward to rather than previously dreading it. Additionally, her class wasn’t just about coming in to learn formulas or content. She was great at forming relationships and getting to know her students. She was professional but personable. She didn’t just teach math; she and her lasting impact have taught others how to be kind and how to keep a positive attitude. It was very clear that she loved what she was doing. I chose this profession because I want to make students feel the same way she did – about math and about being a good person.”

Note to Donors:
“I would not be in this position without your immense support and generosity, and I will always be grateful for the many ways this scholarship has made an effect on my life.”

Advice to Students Considering a Career in Education:
“My advice to anyone considering a career in education is to go for it and don’t be afraid to try! It can be overwhelming and scary at first, but at the end of the day, it feels rewarding to know that you helped even one student in each class. Think about the reasons why you want to enter the profession and always keep these thoughts in the back of your mind. Also, think of a teacher that made a lasting impact on you, and strive to be that person for someone else.”

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Memorial ScholarshipScholarship Recipients
September 22, 2018

On to the Classroom: Catherine Lamoly

Hometown:
Danvers, MA

College/University:
Roger Williams University

High School:
Danvers High School

Major:
Secondary Education, History

 

Post-Grad Plans:
Catherine is a full-time substitute teacher at Holten Richmond Middle School in Danvers. She also plans to attend graduate school in the near future.

Colleen’s Impact:
“More than anything, this scholarship has been one of my biggest motivations beginning from the day I became one of the first recipients in 2014. I feel incredibly blessed to have learned from Ms. Ritzer, and many others, the importance of a positive classroom environment, where all students know they are welcome, safe, and able to succeed. Every student needs that in their life. Although I’m unfortunately not a full-time teacher quite yet, I am fully committed to carrying on Ms. Ritzer’s legacy with the students I will be working with each day at HRMS this year.”

Note to Donors:
“Being one of the original recipients is the biggest honor I’ve ever received. I have so much pride knowing that the Ritzer family felt I was capable of carrying on such an exquisite legacy. I also thank the donors for supporting me through my years in college and beyond.”

Advice to Students Considering a Career in Education:
“This will be the most challenging and rewarding thing you will ever do. When things become difficult, never feel too discouraged because whether you’re aware of it or not, you are positively impacting your students’ lives every single day.”

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Memorial ScholarshipScholarship Recipients
September 22, 2018

On to the Classroom: Jessica Ferronetti

Hometown:
Andover, MA

College/University:
Assumption College

High School:
Andover High School

Major:
Spanish, Middle and Secondary Education

Minor:
Psychology

Distinction:
Magna Cum Laude

Post-Grad Plans:
Jessica is currently teaching Spanish 1A and 2C at North Andover High School as a long-term substitute until December. In March 2019, she will travel to Argentina where she will teach English at the university level until November 2019.

Additional Information:
While at Assumption College, Jessica was enrolled in the Honors Program, where she had the opportunity to write an overarching thesis that included her study and research over four years. Her thesis was written in Spanish and was titled: Un estudio de la ética y los métodos de traducción, con una traducción de Instrucciones para salvar el mundo por Rosa Montero.

During the summer following her junior year, Jessica traveled to Argentina where she taught Spanish Literature and English at a primary and secondary school. Learn more about Jessica’s time in Argentina.

Jessica also received a Fulbright Grant for the English Teaching Assistant Program. Through the program, she will be teaching English in schools in Argentina, while also serving as a cultural ambassador for the United States. Learn more from Assumption College. 

Colleen’s Impact:
“Colleen’s quote reminded me that even on the bad days, there is something good in every day. As I start my teaching career, I am keeping that in mind and showing my students to find the good in every day and to be good to each other. Being kind to each other is such an important thing to have in a classroom, especially in a Spanish classroom where students take risks by trying a new language. I am a better teacher by listening to Colleen’s words.”

Note to Donors:
“Thank you for supporting the scholarship! It has helped me to realize my dream of becoming a high school teacher.”

Advice to Students Considering a Career in Education:
“Take some time to go observe in a classroom – at your elementary school, middle school, or high school – to find what level is best for you. I did this and I found that even though I loved the idea of elementary school, there was no way I would be a successful elementary school teacher. I found my place as a high school teacher. And don’t be afraid to go to your professors or your supervising practitioner for help – you’ll learn so much by talking to them and they’ll help you to be a better student and a better teacher. Finally, all the work is worth it when you suddenly see a group of students understand the material they have been struggling with.”

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Memorial ScholarshipScholarship Recipients
September 22, 2018

On to the Classroom: Carly Sakellarios

Hometown:
Andover, MA

College/University:
Assumption College

High School:
Andover High School

Major:
Elementary Education, English

Minor:
STEM

Distinction:
Magna Cum Laude

Post-Grad Plans:
Carly is working towards her Master’s degree in early childhood education through the Teacher Education Fellowship Program at Merrimack College in North Andover, MA. Through the program, she is teaching in a K1 classroom at Lawrence Family Development Charter School in Lawrence, MA.

Colleen’s Impact:
“Colleen was a person that I looked up to as a child. Knowing that she was symbolically with me through this journey to becoming a teacher has been more meaningful than I can express. I am overwhelmed with gratitude.”

Note to Donors:
“Thank you so much for being part of my journey to becoming a teacher. Having some financial relief with the help of this scholarship has enabled me to focus more on learning from amazing professors and volunteering more in elementary classrooms, so I am very grateful.”

Advice to Students Considering a Career in Education:
“There will always be people who will try to talk you out of teaching because it is a hard job and they like to focus on the salary. But don’t let those discouraging people stop you from pursuing education. When you are in your own classroom changing the lives of your own students you’ll know that all of the hard work was worth it.”

aumais grad – square
Memorial ScholarshipScholarship Recipients
September 22, 2018

On to the Classroom: Christine Aumais

Hometown:
Andover, MA

College/University:
University of Massachusetts, Amherst

High School:
Andover High School

Major:
Public Health

Minor:
Education, Psychology

Concentration/Specialization:
Developmental Disabilities and Human Services

Post-Grad Plans:
Christine is currently applying for graduate school, where she would like to pursue a degree in school counseling. She is also excited to find a position in which she can combine everything she’s learned in school, such as organizations that provide training to individuals in the healthcare field regarding the best approach to working with patients that have developmental or intellectual disabilities.

Colleen’s Impact: 
“In entering a new and transitional time, Colleen’s legacy has been particularly important in guiding me in the right direction. At times it can be stressful to not have the long-term plans that I am so used to and accustomed to, and the message of seeing the good in every day has helped relieve so much of that stress. Through application processes and studying for pre-requisite exams, I am often reminding myself that the ability and opportunity to do this is a gift, and I have prepared myself to be successful in these endeavors. It has helped me shift my nerves and uncertainty for what the future holds, to the excitement of the possibilities.”

Note to Donors:
“During my time at UMass, my love for learning grew exponentially as I could study and explore the topics that I was most interested and passionate about. Even more so, it was made so much more special by knowing that there were so many people supporting me and encouraging me. I hope that I someday inspire such love of learning in my own students, and have the opportunity to be a part of the community that encourages, supports and uplifts them the way that you all have for me.”

Advice to Students Considering a Career in Education:
“My advice to students considering a career in education is to just give it a try. Taking a course or two in an education department can give you an idea of whether or not it is something you want to pursue, or the specific area in education that you may be interested in. If you take a class in education, even if you decide that it’s not something you want to continue with, you still will have gained knowledge and perspective that you did not have prior, so there is no harm in just trying it out! Personally, I felt that along with affirming that I want to pursue a career in education, these courses also helped me in communicating with my own teachers and even peers more effectively. I was able to include things I learned in my education classes in how I delivered presentations in other, entirely unrelated classes. Also, after taking a course called “Educational Psychology” I realized that although I think I would love teaching, my demeanor and skills are better suited to that of a school counselor, and it is where I think I could make the greatest impact on students.”

dever grad square
Memorial ScholarshipScholarship Recipients
September 22, 2018

On to the Classroom: Elizabeth Dever

Hometown:
Andover, MA

College/University:
University of Connecticut

High School:
Andover High School

Major:
Elementary Education

 

Post-Grad Plans:
Elizabeth will be attending the Teacher Education Fellowship Program at Merrimack College in North Andover, MA where she will get her Master’s degree in special education: moderate disabilities. Through the 12 month program, she will be working full time at Summer Street Elementary School in Lynnfield teaching second grade, while taking classes at night.

Additional Information:
Elizabeth had the opportunity to spend four weeks in Cape Town, South Africa, where she taught extremely underprivileged students. It was a life changing experience for her that taught her lessons of empathy, compassion and patience, which she continues to carry into her teaching experiences. Learn more about Elizabeth’s time in South Africa.

Colleen’s Impact:
“I have carried on Colleen’s legacy throughout my college career, but it will be a whole other responsibility to carry on her legacy in my future classroom. It is a challenge I am excited to take on in the next few years.”

Note to Donors:
“Thank you so much for supporting me through my undergrad degree, it has been quite the journey that has flown by.”

Advice to Students Considering a Career in Education:
“To anyone considering a career in education: although the days may be tough and take a lot of hard work and dedication, every second is worth it. Receiving a “thank you” or a hug at the end of each school day makes you realize how great of an impact you can make on young minds.”