Three months ago, nine Andover, Danvers and Nashoba Regional High School graduates departed eastern Massachusetts for institutions of higher learning as close as Boston College and as far away as the University of Delaware all with a common goal: to pursue their dream of becoming a teacher, just like Colleen Ritzer. These individuals, the second group to receive a Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Scholarship, have just completed their first semester of college as they prepare to follow in Colleen’s footsteps to become a teacher who will inspire, care and challenge their future students to be, and find, the good.

Danvers High graduate Rebecca Hardenstine, currently attending Providence College, has not only developed a greater passion for becoming a teacher, but has discovered another interest and is now an elementary/special education and psychology major.

“I believe that understanding psychology will only help me become a better teacher and understand my students more,” shared Hardenstine.

The scholarship has enabled her to attend her “first-choice” college. “This combined major is not offered at many other colleges.  Further, due to both a merit scholarship at my school and this scholarship I was able to avoid taking any unsubsidized federal loans,” she added.

While only a first-year student, Hardenstine has already obtained valuable field experience in a local elementary school.

“Each week me and a group of my peers would walk over to the school and help facilitate various after-school programs,” Hardenstine explained. “During this time, I worked with the second graders. Even if I was having a bad day, their pure energy and excitement for learning was contagious. Each time I went in I was reminded of why I want to be a teacher. Their smiles, laughter, and curiosity inspire me; and I cannot picture myself being anything other than a teacher.”

In Boston’s Chestnut Hill neighborhood, Danvers High graduate Haley O’Shea quickly discovered that she can accomplish “anything I set my mind to.”

During her first semester, O’Shea took an interest in her child growth and development class where students learn about children’s cognitive, physical, and psycho-social development from birth to middle childhood – knowledge necessary for a future teacher.

While the scholarship provided financial support for O’Shea to pursue her degree in education, she shared that it is the honor of being a recipient of a Colleen Ritzer Scholarship that motivates her to succeed.

“No amount of money can compare to the drive I have been given to carry on Ms. Ritzer’s legacy of kindness,” shared O’Shea. “Receiving the Colleen Ritzer Scholarship was by far the greatest honor I have ever received simply because it is in Ms. Ritzer’s memory. I aspire to someday be like Ms. Ritzer and the scholarship has given me the confidence I need to continue on my journey to becoming a teacher no matter what hardships I might face along the way.”

On October 22^nd of this year, O’Shea joined thousands across the area and country who participated in the #Kindness4Colleen campaign in which individuals were encouraged to perform random acts of genuine kindness in memory of Colleen.

Teaming up with her resident assistant, O’Shea led the #Kindness4Colleen effort at Boston College.

“My floor mates and I decided that we would each perform a random act of kindness to brighten somebody else’s day,” she explained. “My RA created note cards that would be passed on to recipients of each random act of kindness. The recipients would then be encouraged to perform an act of kindness themselves and pass the note card along once more, thus creating a chain of kindness throughout Boston College.”

“Ms. Ritzer’s legacy is now known and loved by my floor mates, who come from all across the country: Alaska, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Texas and Washington. Ms. Ritzer’s legacy of kindness has reached all corners of the country.”

O’Shea is grateful to those who support the scholarship fund, thereby contributing to Colleen’s legacy.

“Ms. Ritzer’s legacy continues to shine through in the lives of the students she touched and I am honored to be able to spread this legacy of kindness,” explained O’Shea.

At Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, Andover High graduate Meghan Johnson has taken a particular interest in introduction to learning sciences.

“It is fascinating to learn the science behind learning and thinking and how different teaching methods can be utilized to foster good learning environments,” said Johnson.

Thanks to the scholarship, Johnson did not have to apply for a work study position thereby providing additional time to focus on her pursuit of an education degree.

“I am still interested in pursuing a degree in education because I think it is a field that needs new, innovative thinkers to come in and change the way that it currently works,” Johnson shared.

To the supporters of the scholarship fund, Johnson offers her sincere gratitude.

“Thank you so much for supporting this scholarship. It means a lot to receive this scholarship and I’m looking forward to pursuing my career in education because of you.”

At Roger Williams University in the seaside town of Bristol, Rhode Island, Danvers High graduate Jenna Romano has embraced her independence as a college freshman where she is meeting new friends, enjoying the challenge of her courses and finding happiness in her new home.

Romano’s favorite class during her first semester was psychology of learning, a requirement for elementary education majors. Her appreciation for the subject matter lead Romano to declare a minor in psychology. Romano, too, ventured off campus visiting an elementary school during the semester to observe a teacher in the classroom. Following the visit, Romano “couldn’t wait to have my very own classroom one day. I am so excited to become a teacher, I can’t imagine myself doing anything else.”

The scholarship has immeasurably influenced her pursuit of a degree in education.

“The scholarship has absolutely made a huge impact on my life and will definitely affect my career,” Romano explained. “I am able to pursue my dream job without the financial worries. I can focus on what I need to do to accomplish my goal and the scholarship has allowed me to do that.”

Romano is also grateful for the generous supporters of the scholarship fund.

“Without their [supporters] generosity, I would not be where I am today,” Romano shared. “Not only did the scholarship help financially, but being a recipient of the Colleen Ritzer Scholarship reminds me each day of Ms. Ritzer and her legacy.

While grateful for the supporters, Romano remains inspired by Colleen.

“I continue to live by her words by spreading kindness, and I feel so honored to be compared to such an amazing teacher,” Romano explained. “I couldn’t thank the scholarship supporters and the Ritzer family enough for their continued support.”

This year, the family extended eligibility to seniors at Nashoba Regional High School. Colleen taught at Hale Middle School in Stow after college. The students she taught are now in the high school. The scholarship was also awarded in memory of Michelle Farnsworth, a Nashoba High student who lost her battle with cancer in 2015.

Currently studying elementary education at the University of Delaware, Nashoba High graduate Clara Greszczuk, has immersed herself in the many opportunities offered by “UD” such as club meetings, performances, speakers and community service trips.

Greszczuk is already contemplating a year abroad and participating in a community service trip, endeavors that the scholarship will help to make a reality.

“There are such great opportunities available to travel the world and learn about other cultures as well as help others in those places,” said Greszczuk. “Since this scholarship is helping with tuition, these trips would be less of a financial burden.”

Her interest in obtaining an education degree has continued, with a goal of becoming a high school teacher, just like Colleen.

“That is the age where I really connected with my teachers,” explained Greszczuk. “My teachers here continue to inspire me by challenging me to think critically about the world. I have also learned a lot about my teachers and how they got to where they are today. I learned about how lucky I was to have had such wonderful teachers at home while not everybody I’ve met here has had those great experiences.”

In Manchester, New Hampshire, a quick drive from Andover High where she graduated from this past spring, Casey Flanigan is also embracing her newly discovered independence at Saint Anselm College.

Her favorite class thus far as she pursues a degree in education? Calculus. In addition to enjoying a field in which Colleen specialized, Flanigan spent time this semester volunteering in a middle school classroom which reinforced her love of teaching. Connecting with three other education majors in her residence hall, she discovered a common principle shared by the students: to “make a difference in someone’s life and be a good role model for students in our classroom.”

Similar to the other recipients, Flanigan, too, is thankful for the supporters of the scholarship fund.

“Without you, this scholarship would not be possible and students like me may not be able to pursue their goals,” shared Flanigan. “Thank you so much for this opportunity, I will be forever grateful.”

At Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, Andover High graduate Sarah Rothmann, learned to take advantage of every opportunity offered by the college experience, especially during the first-year where students can explore their passions.

As an education major, it’s no surprise that Rothmann was drawn to exploring narratives on education and American writers since 1900. Through a placement, she has already begun to share her passion for learning with students.

“This semester I was placed at a local elementary school to help struggling students with their reading,” Rothmann explained. “Their eagerness to improve their reading skills and their genuine excitement about seeing me every week has solidified my desire to become a teacher and become more involved with education policy. Everybody has a different learning style and as a community of young, aspiring leaders, we want to help enhance the education of younger students.”

Katherine Rex is well on her way to earning a degree in education at the University of New Hampshire in Durham where she took a particular interest in human growth and development, English and ballet, which has provided an every other day respite from her studies.

Rex remains passionate about her pursuit of an education degree.

“I am even more interested in becoming a teacher than I was when I entered college,” said Rex. “I want to make difference in children’s lives, and by becoming a teacher, I will be able to help them and make the world a safer and better place.”

Colleen continues to influence Rex in her pursuit of an education degree.

“I think about Colleen every day and never forget to live everyday as she would, with an open heart,” shared Rex. “It is important for me to surround myself with people who are interested in the same things as me, because I know they will be just like me and Colleen. My friends have the biggest hearts, and we would do anything for each other. It makes me feel so good that I was able to find amazing friends like this in such little time.”

“I am so blessed and honored to be continuing Colleen’s legacy,” added Rex.

 

The first recipients of a Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Scholarship have completed their third semester of college and, driven by a passion to be an inspiration to young learners, continue to pursue a degree in education so that they, like Colleen, can be an enthusiastic presence in the classroom. Many of the scholarship recipients have spent countless hours in classrooms observing various teachings styles and how to impart upon students a memorable learning experience.

Andrea Lang (Danvers), a sophomore elementary education major with a minor in math and Spanish at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, continues a strong interest in the field. That interest swayed Lang to spend the summer working at a Montessori School and as a DARE Camp counselor.

“I’m continuing to pursue a career in education because I am still passionate and excited about working with children and impacting their lives in a positive way,” shared Lang. “Through my experience with both groups of children this summer and seeing them grow and change as a result of my influence, I was reminded of the happiness that working with children brings me and was reassured that teaching is what I am passionate about. I am excited about the challenge of finding the most beneficial, relevant, and efficient way to help each individual student succeed, understand the material, and be excited about learning.”

Lang offers her gratitude to supporters of the scholarship fund for enabling her to pursue the dream of becoming a teacher.

“Thank you for helping and encouraging me to accomplish my career and educational goals and making it possible to do what makes me happy,” added Lang.

Also at the University of Massachusetts – Amherst, Christine Aumais (Andover), has declared psychology and public health as her major which she will use to prepare for a career in school counseling or school psychology. She hopes to apply concepts learned in the classroom help students reach their full potential.

“My education classes are the classes that I am the most interested in, and most eager to go to class and do the readings for,” explained Aumais. “I’ve learned that there are so many different aspects of education that I wasn’t even aware of, but each one continues to pleasantly surprise and interest me. Even more so, I’ve learned and become more sure that working as part of an education system is what I truly want to do with my life.”

As Aumais pursues her degree, the scholarship continues to make a positive impact on her studies.

“The scholarship has continued to make a difference in my ability to pursue higher education opportunities because it helps relieve some of the financial burden of buying textbooks, and tuition and allows me to focus on my classes with access to all of the materials I need to succeed,” shared Aumais.

Aumais, too, shares her appreciation for those who have generously supported the scholarship fund.

“I would like to thank the supporters of the scholarship fund again, not only have they helped take some of the financial burden off of my college experience, this scholarship is a constant reminder of how to live my life,” shared Aumais. “I do my best to be kind to people, and follow Colleen’s legacy, as well as finding the good in everyday, which often times is just knowing that there are so many people supporting me.

Soon, Tess Dever (Andover) will formally apply to the University of Connecticut’s Neag School of Education where she will major in elementary education with a concentration on mathematics. If Dever had any doubts about her chosen career path, they were assuaged in her first two semesters at college.

“While taking the education courses so far at UConn, I have learned that this is my true passion,” shared Dever. “I enjoy these classes so much, and know that I am gaining tools now that I will use in my future. As I go through these courses, I know that this is what I am meant to do. I am happiest when I am in the classroom working with students, and I want to spend the rest of my life doing what makes me happiest”

Thanks to the Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Scholarship, Dever was able to travel outside of the country to experience learning in poorer areas of the world.

“It was because of this scholarship that I was able to do a four-week study abroad program in Cape Town, South Africa over the summer,” explained Dever. “In Cape Town I was able to intern at an elementary school, working with underprivileged children. The scholarship also continues to help me pursue my degree at UConn.”

“To the donors, I want to say thank you, because without this, I would not be able to pursue this degree and without this, I wouldn’t be able to reach my dream of becoming a teacher,” added Dever.

University of Massachusetts – Amherst student Courtney Comeau (Andover) is learning the importance of teachers and the lasting wisdom they share with their students.

“Teachers impact students every day and play a crucial role in their development,” Comeau shares. “My education classes are a constant reminder to me as to why I want to become a teacher.  I feel passionate about giving each student an equal opportunity to succeed.”

Pursuing a communications major with an early education minor, upon graduation, Comeau will fulfill the requirements to teach at the pre-school to second grade levels.

“I want to make a difference in as many children’s lives as possible,” Comeau shares. “I want to be a positive role model in children’s lives. I want to encourage them. I want them to look up to me and feel worthy because of something I said to them that made a difference in their life. I feel that with pursuing a career in education, I can make a difference in future generations both in and out of the school environment.”

While only in her second year of undergraduate studies, Comeau is already looking ahead to potential graduate school opportunities.

Comeau is honored for being named one of the first recipients of a scholarship in Colleen’s name.

“I think the Colleen Ritzer Scholarship is a nice way to help students find greatness and empowerment in themselves and live up to Colleen’s idea of what a great teacher is,” said Comeau. “I will always be proud to be a recipient of this powerful scholarship and I am reminded of it every year and continue to feel more proud each year.”

At Endicott College, elementary education major Emily Felter (Andover) also spent considerable time observing teachers in classrooms where she is learning how education impacts all children, regardless of financial means.

“I am very passionate about making sure all students are given fair and equal opportunities to learn,” said Felter. “This means all children are treated with respect and love, and I will instill a sense of confidence. I want children to have the confidence to believe they can succeed if they want to.”

In those classrooms, Felter witnessed how a teacher can make a significant difference in the life of a child.

“Last winter I spent a few weeks in a third grade classroom as an intern,” said Felter. “In this class I had many wonderful experiences interacting and teaching the class. This internship proved to me that this is what I want to be doing.”

Felter, also, expresses her thanks to the thousands of individuals and organizations that have generously given in support of the Colleen E. Ritzer Scholarship Fund.

“College is expensive and there are so many things to worry about and balance,” said Felter. “To receive help in paying for college is extraordinarily helpful. I would like to thank all of the supporters of the scholarship fund. It means so much to me that our community can come together to support our future teachers.”

At Assumption College, Jessica Ferronetti (Andover) has blended her interest in the Spanish culture with her passion for education as she pursues a dual major in Spanish and education. As a second year college student pursuing an education degree, Ferronetti has already engaged with students in a classroom.

“I was given the opportunity to plan and teach a lesson for my class this semester and I had so much fun doing it,” shared Ferronetti. “This showed me that I really do want to teach Spanish, and I have really enjoyed learning how to convey my love of Spanish to my students.”

Her interest in teaching is nurtured by this and other experiences where Ferronetti works with students.

“This past summer, I was able to experience teaching campers the leadership skills they need to have in order to be counselors at the summer camp I work at, and I looked forward to working with these amazing kids every day,” said Ferronetti. “They were middle and high school aged kids, right around the age that I want to teach. My experiences with these different groups of kids over the summer really solidified my choice to pursue a career in education.”

Ferronetti remains thankful for the honor of being selected to receive a Colleen E. Ritzer Scholarship for the legacy to which she is contributing.

“I am so grateful to have received the Colleen Ritzer scholarship,” shared Ferronetti. “It has allowed me to have less of a financial burden so that I can focus more on my studies. I am also grateful to be following in Colleen’s legacy. It has really made a difference in my life, and it is an amazing way for Colleen’s legacy to live on– to inspire students to pursue what they love, and to teach others to have this love.”

Also at Assumption, her pursuit of an education degree not only excites, but is a driving force for sophomore Carly Sakallarios (Andover).

“You know that you’re on the right path when you are excited to wake up and go to class every day because you know that what you are going to learn is going to help you do what you have always wanted to do,” shared Sakallarios.

Driven by her dream of becoming a teacher, the scholarship has provided necessary resources to enable Sakallarios to pursue her career goals.

“The scholarship helps a great deal in paying for tuition, so instead of worrying about having a job on campus, I am able to further focus on my studies,” Sakallarios explains.

In addition to her classes, Sakallarios has also joined an on-campus community service club, the Reach Out Center (ROC). This past semester, through the ROC, she has volunteered in a kindergarten classroom applying what she has learned in a College classroom in an elementary school environment.

Catherine Lamoly (Danvers), a second year student at Roger Williams University who will double major in secondary education and history, is learning about the type of teacher she hopes to be upon graduation.

“Taking education classes has taught … that things are going to get challenging at times, and that’s a good thing,” said Lamoly. “Through the education program at my school, I was given the opportunity to frequently sit in on a high school history class and observe, as well as speak with and help out the students. Going to the school gets me so excited about what the future holds for me.”

And during those challenging times, Lamoly reflects upon the scholarship and its namesake.

“The scholarship makes all the difference,” explains Lamoly. “When things get really difficult in school, Ms. Ritzer’s scholarship is what motivates me to keep going. I’m so thankful that I was able to receive this scholarship and that it motivates me to become an influential teacher every day. It made me so happy to see members of the class of 2015 receive the scholarship and I look forward to see more students carry on Ms. Ritzer’s legacy as time goes on.”

Wagner College sophomore Mary Leahy (Danvers) is often reassured of her decision to major in education.

“I have found my calling in life,” shares Leahy. “Every education class that I have taken thus far has reconfirmed my love for teaching and my desire to have my own classroom one day. “

Like many scholarship recipients, Leahy has taken an interest in a particular discipline in education.

“My favorite class this semester is an education class called, Learning Environment for Students with Exceptionalities,” explained Leahy. “It is a special education based class where I learn the different special education categories under the Americans with Disability Act and what all of the Individual Educational Plans (IEP) would look like. As my final project, I made an IEP for a student that was assigned to me at random. I had to ensure all of her needs were accounted for based on test results and teacher observations. I loved this class because my ultimate goal is to be a special education teacher and this class taught me so much about the field and most importantly taught me how to write an IEP.”

Thanks to the scholarship, Leahy, a psychology and childhood general and special education double major, is empowered to pursue her interests which includes more than 100 hours of teacher observation in actual classrooms.

“This scholarship provides financial relief so that I can go to school without the burden of a student loan weighing on my shoulders,” explained Leahy. “This scholarship allows me to focus on my studies and not have to worry about working to pay for school.”

For Leahy, the scholarship is much more than a financial award, rather a great responsibility.

“I would just like to say thank you to everyone who supports the scholarship for not only aiding me in living out my lifelong dream of becoming a teacher but also for helping to keep Ms. Ritzer’s legacy alive.”

Each day generates newfound excitement and enthusiasm for Sarah Mountain (Danvers), an elementary education and American studies double major also at Salem State.

“The scholarship has absolutely made a difference in helping me receive my education,” said Mountain. “The scholarship has not only just given me financial help, it has given me confidence in myself. Whenever I am having a rough day and everything seems too much I remember all the things that have helped me get to where I am now. I think of these things and remember how thankful I am for them. The scholarship is definitely one of the things I remember that I am thankful for.”

Mountain pursues a teaching career not simply to impart knowledge upon students, but, like Colleen, to influence their lives in a memorable way whether it be working at an after-school program or learning in the classroom.

“I choose a career path in education not only because I love school but because I love helping people by making a difference in their lives,” said Mountain. “The teachers in my life always made a huge impact on me and I would love to be able to do the same for others. A teacher can change a student’s life; I would love to be able to make an impact on others in the future.”

To the supporters of the scholarship fund, Mountain is grateful.

“I want to thank everyone who has supported the scholarship fund, because of their contributions I am one step closer to reaching my dream to become a teacher,” shared Mountain. “The scholarship fund can help recipients like myself make a difference for others. Their act of kindness in supporting the scholarship can help many more accomplish their goals of teaching. “

At Salem State University, Samantha Walters (Danvers) thoroughly immersed herself in, and enjoyed, a class titled Contemporary Secondary Schools.

“We learned about how middle & high schools have changed and adapted over the years, and all the different techniques put into teaching all the different subjects,” shared Walters. “At the end, we had a final group project where we had to create a presentation on the effectiveness of teaching our major subject(s), as well as how the techniques have developed. This was the last time our professor would teach this class, because he was retiring, and I’m very thankful I got to have him because I learned a lot from him, and his experiences that he shared with us. He is also actually very involved in the Danvers community, as he has grandchildren in the schools. We spoke about Colleen and some of my other high school teachers sometimes.”

Walters looks forward to sharing that same type of inspiring moment with her future students.

“Teachers make a big difference in students’ experiences in high school, and it’s so nice to think that someday you could have a great impact on even just one student,” explained Walters. It’s a rewarding experience I can’t wait to have on my own. I will be forever grateful to the supporters of the scholarship, and of course the Ritzer family.”

All are invited to a Sunday, December 13, 2015 Annual Pops Concert presented by International Cars and its flagship dealership, Honda North. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Scholarship Fund and other local charities.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

The concert features the Hillyer Festival Orchestra 1 p.m.at the Danvers High School Auditorium, 1 p.m., 60 Cabot Road, Danvers. Guests will enjoy traditional holiday classics and festive sing-a-longs under Maestro Dirk Hillyer, with guest Soprano, Erin Smith.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Ticket Prices:  Adults $20, Seniors (Age 60 and over) $15, $10 for High School/Middle School Students, Children Under 12 are free.

 

Many stories have been shared of Colleen Ritzer’s ability to transform dull, complex math lessons into fun learning exercises that students would happily participate. That legacy of a love for teaching – and devotion to students personal and academic success – was spread across the Atlantic this summer and shared with students living in the worst of conditions.

Tess Dever, one of the first recipients of a Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Scholarship, and a student at the University of Connecticut, spent four weeks this summer participating in a study abroad program in Cape Town, South Africa. According to Dever, “It was because of this scholarship that I was able to go on this life-changing experience.”

In Cape Town, Dever interned at Christel House, an elementary school established by an American, Christel DeHaan. According to Christel House, they “transform the lives of impoverished children around the world — breaking the cycle of poverty and building self-sufficient, contributing members of society.” The schools sponsor a “robust K-12 education and a strong character development program are complemented with regular healthcare, nutritious meals, guidance counseling, career planning, family assistance and College and Careers support”

According to Dever, the children who attend the school live impoverished lives, the victims of the country’s 46-year Apartheid racial segregation policy that unjustly forced many into poverty. While Apartheid ended in 1994, many of the families affected by the policy continue to reside in the slums, lacking the financial resources to pursue new opportunities

In South Africa, where Dever interned, there are over 1,000 applicants each year for only 60 slots at Christel House. The parents of many applicants are drug addicts, gang members or abusive.

“The school tries to accept students whose entire family will benefit from them getting a quality education,” shared Dever. “If the family owns an oven, fridge, stove, or microwave, they are considered too rich to go to Christel House. The students who attend all live in the townships in South Africa, which are the slums. The townships are the areas that classified black and colored people were forced to live in under Apartheid. Unfortunately, even though the law no longer says that they have to live in these areas, none of them have the funds to move out.”

Christel House, and students such as Dever who intern there, are a structural and personal refuge for these children. Each morning, students are picked up at 7 a.m. and return home at 5 p.m. They receive meals and snacks, nourishment they would likely forgo if not selected to attend the school.

“Christel House really provides them with the tools to get a quality education, and keeps them off of the streets, where gang members try to recruit kids every day, “ added Dever. “In South Africa, a high school degree is equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in America, so attending Christel House is a truly life-changing opportunity for the students. Even having one family member who has a high school degree provides the family (with what seems like, to them) endless possibilities.”

The four weeks Dever spent in South Africa with the Christel House students left an educational and personal impact.

“I learned more from them [the students] than I ever could have imagined,” Dever explained. “From day one, I walked into the classroom and felt the love that these kids had. The stories that they would tell me about their home lives made my heart ache every day, but the optimism that these students had about everything was absolutely astonishing.

I will carry the lessons I learned into all of my future classrooms.”

Scholarship Recipients Have Declared Education as their College Major

***

Last Year’s Recipients to Receive Second-Year Award
(ANDOVER, Massachusetts)-Tom, Peggie, Dan and Laura Ritzer announced yesterday the 2015 Andover recipients of a Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Scholarship, awarded to graduating high school seniors who will pursue education as a major in college to carry on Colleen’s legacy as a caring and compassionate teacher. This year, the family will award a total of $30,000 in scholarships, including $12,000, second-year scholarships to last year’s recipients, the first to receive a Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Scholarship.

The 2015 scholarship recipients from Andover include: Casey Flanigan, Meghan Johnson, Katherine Rex and Sarah Rothmann. Last week, the family awarded a scholarship to graduating Nashoba Regional High School senior, Clara Greszczuk, awarded in memory of Michelle Farnsworth, a Nashoba High student who lost her battle with cancer in 2015. Colleen taught at Hale Middle School in Stow after college; the students she taught there are now in the high school. Four scholarships were also awarded last week to graduating Danvers High School seniors.

The scholarship fund is supported by individual donations that were made in the wake of Colleen’s passing in October 2013 as well as the Step Up for Colleen Ritzer 5K and other tribute events held to honor Colleen’s memory. The scholarship fund 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.

“Our family continues to be touched and strengthened by the many stories friends and strangers have shared about the difference Colleen made in their lives, and the lives of her students,” said the Ritzer Family. “This scholarship fund enables Colleen’s spirit to continue to make a difference as a new generation of teachers is provided financial assistance so that they, too, can pursue their passion for teaching. We are grateful to the many individuals and organizations who continue to support the scholarship fund as they provide critical resources to help form a new generation of caring and compassionate teachers who will be dedicated to their students’ personal and academic success.”

Applicants were required to complete an application that requested information such as extra-curricular activities, awards and recognitions and plans for college.  They were also asked to submit a 500-word essay describing why they plan to pursue a degree in education and what or who has inspired them. The last piece of the application encouraged applicants to reflect on words shared by Colleen in her college essay in which she wrote:

            “Teachers have been an inspiration to me ever since I was just a young girl. Starting in pre-school, I knew I loved helping the teachers and would one day want to be just like them. My dream is to become a teacher, one who shapes the minds and lives of children. My goal has always been to become a teacher that will impact students’ lives.” 

            Casey Flanigan will attend Saint Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire where she will pursue a degree in secondary education with a concentration in math. During all four years of high school, she was a member of Phoenix Swimming and the Andover High School swim and dive team. Those organizations which Flanigan volunteered her time include Birthday Wishes; Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Merrimack Valley; Frost School; and Special Olympics.

“I expect that after spending four years in college, I will be well-prepared to take the next step and become a teacher,” said Flanigan in her scholarship essay. “I want to be able to look back on college and know that it helped me become the best version of myself. I also hope that I can learn things in college that will help me be a good mentor and role model for future students. I have always looked up to my teachers, and hope that I will learn those skills necessary to do so in the next four years.”

Flanigan was recognized with the Coach’s Award from Phoenix Swimming.

            Meghan Johnson will attend Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts where she will pursue a dual degree in education and math. During high school, she was a volunteer, or intern, for Andover High School Sustainable Garden Project; Camp Runels; Girl Scouts; and New Horizons for Youth. She was also a member of the Girls Varsity Ice Hockey and Ultimate Frisbee teams.      

“Someday, I hope to be a great teacher like Colleen and become a leader in education reform to make school a more positive and enriching place for students,” said Johnson in her scholarship application. “Because of Smith’s open curriculum, I have to take half of my classes outside of my majors, math and education. These outside classes will prepare me to promote a positive learning environment for my students, as I will be able to have intelligent conversations across subject lines with my students in and out of the classroom.”

Johnson was recognized with the following awards: Excellence in Math 4; High Honor Roll; K-12 Gold Award and Most Athletic and Fun to Work With.

            Katherine Rex will attend the University of New Hampshire in Durham, New Hampshire where she has declared majors in elementary and special education with aspirations to become a kindergarten teacher. Rex’s lengthy list of volunteer service includes cheerleading coach; church mission trip; Lazarus House; peer mentor; St. Augustine School; and Warrior Way.

“Making a difference in the lives of others has always been important to me,” said Rex in her scholarship essay. “I always knew I wanted to do something to make a difference in the world. I am so excited to see what the next four years brings me. Becoming a teacher has always been my dream and now is that chance to begin that dream.”

In addition to babysitting her cousins at no charge for many days after school, Rex was recognized with the Deidre Ann Didio Memorial Spirit Award; High Honor Roll; and Excellence in Biology Award.

            Sarah Rothmann will attend Bates College in Lewiston, Maine this fall where she will pursue a degree in education. At Andover High, Rothmann was a star athlete of the cross country and indoor and outdoor track teams. Her volunteer endeavors include service with the EXCEL Program, Healthy Kids Running Organization, student-resident mentor, Religious Education teacher and Warrior Way leader.

“I am inspired by Colleen’s dream to become a teacher ‘one who shapes the minds and lives of children’ and will use these words as my motivation to enlighten the lives of my siblings and all students around me,” said Rothmann, the second oldest of seven children, in her scholarship application.  “Wherever I may end up, whether I am teaching abroad in a foreign country or teaching at the local elementary school across the street, my goal will be to serve as both a role model and mentor to my students and help them become driven and hardworking individuals who strive to accomplish their lifelong goals and endeavors.”

Rothmann received a number of recognitions for her academic pursuits. These include: Bates Scholarship; Excellence in English, Excellence in French I, II and V; Excellence in Masterpieces of British Literature; Excellence in Modern American Literature; High Honor Roll; and National Honor Society.

Eligible applicants must be Andover or Danvers High School seniors who plan to pursue a degree in the field of education at an accredited four-year college or university. Guidance counselors encouraged well-rounded students who plan to major in education or a specific subject (i.e. math, science, etc.) with a concentration in education to apply for a competitive scholarship.

Applications that met eligibility requirements were reviewed by a selection committee comprised of family members and educators including: Tom Ritzer, Colleen’s Dad; Peggie Ritzer, Colleen’s Mom; Susan Craig, Colleen’s Aunt; Todd Butterworth and Sarah Giaquinta, Danvers High School Math Teachers; Kimberly Bergey, Andover High School Guidance Counselor; and Kimberly Rocha, Nashoba Regional High School English Teacher.

The Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Scholarship Fund is held at the Essex County Community Foundation.

Scholarship Recipients Have Declared Education as their College Major

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Last Year’s Recipients to Receive Second-Year Awards

(ANDOVER, Massachusetts)-Tom, Peggie, Dan and Laura Ritzer announced last evening the 2015 Danvers recipients of a Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Scholarship, awarded to graduating high school seniors who will pursue education as a major in college to carry on Colleen’s legacy as a caring and compassionate teacher. This year, the family will award a total of $30,000 in scholarships, including $12,000, second-year scholarships to last year’s recipients, the first to receive a Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Scholarship.

The 2015 scholarship recipients from Danvers include: William Carleton Jr., Rebecca Hardenstine, Haley O’Shea and Jenna Romano. On Monday of this week, the family awarded a scholarship to graduating Nashoba Regional High School senior, Clara Greszczuk. The scholarship was awarded in memory of Michelle Farnsworth, a Nashoba High student who lost her battle with cancer in 2015. Colleen taught at Hale Middle School in Stow after college; the students she taught there are now in the high school.  Andover recipients will be announced next week.

The scholarship fund is supported by individual donations that were made in the wake of Colleen’s passing in October 2013 as well as the Step Up for Colleen Ritzer 5K and other tribute events held to honor Colleen’s memory. The scholarship fund 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.

“Our family continues to be touched and strengthened by the many stories friends and strangers have shared about the difference Colleen made in their lives, and the lives of her students,” said the Ritzer Family. “This scholarship fund enables Colleen’s spirit to continue to make a difference as a new generation of teachers is provided financial assistance so that they, too, can pursue their passion for teaching. We are grateful to the many individuals and organizations who continue to support the scholarship fund as they provide critical resources to help form a new generation of caring and compassionate teachers who will be dedicated to their students’ personal and academic success.”

Applicants were required to complete an application that requested information such as extra-curricular activities, awards and recognitions and plans for college.  They were also asked to submit a 500-word essay describing why they plan to pursue a degree in education and what or who has inspired them. The last piece of the application encouraged applicants to reflect on words shared by Colleen in her college essay in which she wrote:

            “Teachers have been an inspiration to me ever since I was just a young girl. Starting in pre-school, I knew I loved helping the teachers and would one day want to be just like them. My dream is to become a teacher, one who shapes the minds and lives of children. My goal has always been to become a teacher that will impact students’ lives.” 

William Carleton Jr. will attend the University of New Hampshire in Durham, N.H. this fall where he will major in music with career aspirations to teach that subject. Carleton participated in a number of extra-curricular activities during his high school years including: cast and crew member for school musicals; Boy Scout troop guide; music director for the school’s A Capella group; and was a member of the football, swim, golf and math teams. He also served as a bass singer in the MMEA Northeast Senior District Choir.

“Math may not be everyone’s favorite subject, but I found it as an entertaining puzzle,” Carleton wrote in his essay. “When I had Ms. Ritzer, she would always find a theme for every chapter’s title slide. For example, chapter one would be puppies and chapter two could be autumn trees. It was something that made the classroom relaxing, and easier to concentrate in.”

Carleton has earned a number of impressive recognitions, some of which include: All-State Choir Recommendations; Eagle Scout, Honors Student; Up and Coming for Choir Award and the Swimming Determination Award.

“…I met up with her (Ms. Ritzer) and told her that I was looking to pursue a teaching career in music,” Carleton added. “Impressed and excited, she offered me the chance to come by during one of her freshmen classes and teach simple algebraic equations, such as the Distributive Property or the Pythagorean Theorem.  She was truly a teacher dedicated to every student’s success; she is a teacher I want to be like.”

Rebecca Hardenstine will attend Providence College in Providence, R.I. where she will pursue a dual elementary/ special education degree to prepare herself to “help all of my students to the best of my ability.” Hardenstine’s lengthy list of community engagement includes CCD teacher; Danvers Library page; Girl Scout; Homework Club volunteer; Global Activism vice-president; and Tomorrow’s Teachers volunteer. She is a member of the Danvers Marching Band and held leadership positions in the National English Honor Society, National Honor Society and World Language Honor Society. She also leads Bible Study for Courage.

            “I do not believe I can become the best teacher I can be by just reading books and being in classrooms,” Hardenstine shared in her application essay. “In order for me to be the dynamic teacher I want to become, it is important for me to have a meaningful life. And having a meaningful life means growing spiritually, making a difference in my community, and having a career that I love.”

Her volunteer and academic accomplishments have been recognized with the College Board AP Scholar Award; Danvers High School Outstanding Student Award; Dartmouth College Book Award; Girls Scouts’ Gold Award; and was recognized with a Certificate of Academic Excellence by the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents. Hardenstine was also a member of the President’s Education Award Program.

In preparation for her future classroom, Hardenstine has already begun to gather a “collection of supplies, posters and books…given to me by retiring teachers who wanted to pass on the legacy.”

Haley O’Shea will enroll at Boston College as a member of the class of 2019 where she will study to become a high school English teacher. O’Shea’s high school involvement includes National Honor Society; National English Honor Society; school committee; school council; Senior Center Volunteer; Student Bible Study; Tomorrow’s Teacher’s, World Language Honor Society; Yearbook; and member of the softball team.

“At an early age, my love for learning and my desire to help others caused me to decide that someday I would want to help children discover who they want to be, just as my teachers have helped me,” O’Shea wrote in her application essay. “Ms. Ritzer has taught me that ‘being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind’ and has reminded me to be kind to all whom I meet. My teachers have shaped me into the person I am today – a kind, courageous individual. They are the reason that I, too, wish to become a teacher someday. I want to be a teacher to inspire others to stand up for what they believe in.”

O’Shea was awarded the Danvers Girls’ Softball Sportsmanship Award; Danvers High School AP European History and Biology Award; the Book Award from Smith College; and named an AP Scholar Award by the College Board.

Jenna Romano will attend Roger Williams University in Bristol, R.I. this fall where she will major in elementary education. Romano’s impressive community service engagement includes: organizer for the Alzheimer’s Association; coach, Danvers Youth Cheerleaders; member of S.A.D.D.; Freshman Mentor; member, Student Council; and volunteer for Tomorrow’s Teachers. She was a varsity Hockey Cheerleader and balanced a part-time job.

“Becoming a teacher has always been a lifetime goal of mine,” explained Romano in her essay. “Ms. Ritzer left a wonderful legacy behind which was ‘be good to people’ and that will forever live on. I will always remember the things she stood for. I hope that one day when I am a teacher, I will be able to touch the lives of my students and inspire them to be the best that they can be just like my teachers did for me.”

Romano’s academic recognitions include member of the National English and World Language Honor Societies.

Eligible applicants must be Andover or Danvers High School seniors who plan to pursue a degree in the field of education at an accredited four-year college or university. Guidance counselors encouraged well-rounded students who plan to major in education or a specific subject (i.e. math, science, etc.) with a concentration in education to apply for a competitive scholarship.

Applications that met eligibility requirements were reviewed by a selection committee comprised of family members and educators including: Tom Ritzer, Colleen’s Dad; Peggie Ritzer, Colleen’s Mom; Susan Craig, Colleen’s Aunt; Todd Butterworth and Sarah Giaquinta, Danvers High School Math Teachers; Kimberly Bergey, Andover High School Guidance Counselor; and Kimberly Rocha, Nashoba Regional High School English Teacher.

The Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Scholarship Fund is held at the Essex County Community Foundation.