(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.