Politics & Government

Selectmen Observe Moment of Silence for Colleen Ritzer

"We cry out for reason, for cause, accountability, understanding, and we struggle to rebuild each day the sense of trust and security that was taken from us," said Selectman Chairman Gardner Trask.

The Danvers Board of Selectmen took a moment of silence before Tuesday's meeting to remember slain math teacher Colleen Ritzer.

Ritzer was murdered Oct. 22 allegedly by one of her algebra students at Danvers High School, 14-year-old Philip Chism.

Board chairman Gardner Trask also read a prepared statement Tuesday, in which he reflected on the tragic events and the difficult questions they raise for everyone affected by Ritzer's death, as well as reassurance that the community is resilient and will persevere.

"It has been said, when something tragic occurs you have three choices: you can let it define you, you can let it destroy you, or you can let it strengthen you," Trask said.

Trask's statement, which he provided to local news outlets, is below in full.


"Two weeks ago Danvers was thrust once again onto the world stage. We became the place where 'THAT could never happen here.'

"The community, with a heavy heart, mourns the passing of Colleen Ritzer, a young, exuberant teacher who had just started her professional life in a school system she loved. Our community rails against a senseless, indefinable act that is alleged of one of its young students. We feel heartbreak for the Ritzer family, and compassion for the mother and siblings of the accused. We cry out for reason, for cause, accountability, understanding, and we struggle to rebuild each day the sense of trust and security that was taken from us.

"Parents want to know what to tell their children, how to counsel and comfort them. Educators, who were thrust into a world they never conceived of, continue to look for ways to help the children while struggling with their own emotions and reactions. Neighbors throughout the town wrestle with the varied emotions of denial, anger, depression, blame, accountability, and finally, acceptance. Religious leaders search for the right words, the right balanced message, for people inside and outside of their congregations. School and town officials work to support not only the children, but also their parents, the teachers, the school faculty, and the emergency responders directly affected. School, town, and public safety administrators continue to face understandable questions from the community about security, safety, training, and communications.

"The plain, stark truth is this; an act of violence occurred in our town, involving people we know, and that shook the foundation of our community. We are forced to face, and may be compelled to discuss with our children, the fragility of life, the concept of mortality, the perceptions of safety, and for some, the concept of faith and belief. While the immediate tragedy has passed, there are still troubling times ahead as details that will be publicized through the judicial process may have the potential to reopen emotional wounds. With the support of a strong school administration and caring community, we can guide the students, parents, and others affected, through the storm again.

"It is little solace to say 'it could have happened anywhere' when 'anywhere' is now our home.

"The Danvers community has been thrust into trying times before, and we persevered then as we will now. Strong leaders in the School Department, aided by crisis professionals, have moved the students back to a state of redefined normalcy without shying away from the reactions and emotions of the faculty and students. Our emergency responders once again demonstrated professionalism in the face of unprecedented conditions. Town management has once again stepped to the fore and guided response in a manner most of us could not imagine.

"It has been said; when something tragic occurs you have three choices; you can let it define you, you can let it destroy you, or you can let it strengthen you.

"Danvers has, and will, persevere. Danvers is resilient. Danvers is strong."


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