"No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind."

What an amazing legacy Colleen has left behind! We are pleased to announce that in May/June, 11 Andover and Danvers residents were awarded a 2026 Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Scholarship. These recipients will strive to carry on Colleen's legacy as a caring and compassionate teacher. We also awarded Inspire Kindness scholarships to 8 graduates who have embraced the value of sharing kindness. Meet this year's recipients here!

This year, thanks to your generosity, we awarded $113,500 in scholarships, including $38,000 to 2026 graduating high school seniors, $68,000 to previous years' recipients, and $7,500 in graduate school scholarships to teachers. Since 2014, nearly $800,000 in scholarships have been awarded to 147 future teachers and leaders. It is because of your support that we are able to carry on Colleen's legacy in such a powerful way.

Awarding these scholarships gives us hope of the good in this world as we witness these graduating seniors embark on their journey towards becoming teachers and leaders, and the former recipients continue and/or begin their teaching or other careers. We are honored that they have allowed us to follow their journey and are so proud of how much they have already accomplished.

The Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Fund, Inc. is supported by donations made in Colleen's honor as well as the Step Up for Colleen 5K Walk/Run and other tribute events held in her honor, including the sale of the Colleen pink daisies and pink Christmas cacti. 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.

For the latest news about the Fund, events in support of Colleen's legacy, and to learn more about Colleen and the impact she made and continues to make on others, please like our Facebook page, follow us on Instagram or visit colleenritzer.org.

Thank you for allowing Colleen's legacy to continue guiding the way for future teachers and leaders and all those in our community. We are grateful to all of you.

Sincerely,

Tom, Peggie, Dan & Laura Ritzer