Slain Teacher Remembered By Students for Joy, Bright Smiles at School

Slain Danvers High math teacher Colleen Ritzer is remembered by students as someone who brought lots of joy and a bright smile to the school and into her classroom.

"My favorite memory of her was the fact she didn't get mad, just laughed with us when we called her ritz cracker. We're gonna miss her so much," wrote one student via Twitter. Other students tweeted simple messages of "RIP Ms. Ritzer" and said she will be greatly missed.

Ritzer, 24, of Andover, was allegedly murdered by a teenage male suspect Tuesday night. That teen is being arraigned Wednesday afternoon in Salem District Court.

Students also utilized social media outlets to organize a candlelight vigil in memory of Ritzer. As of last report, a vigil will be held at Holy Trinity United Methodist Church (across from the library) at 8 p.m.

As for Ritzer, it appears she maintained her own Twitter account, regularly engaging with students by posting homework assignments, wishing them well on exams, striking up conversations on life outside of school, or simply sharing humorous takes on math.

"The new DHS slogan should be 'find something good in every day' in honor of a down to earth math teacher, Colleen Ritzer," another student tweeted.

Dan Millette, the pastor at Danvers Church of the Nazarene, also says that "in light of the horrific tragedy that has come to light this morning" the church will open its doors to the community for prayer Wednesday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The church is located at 181 Dayton St.


Did you know Colleen Ritzer, did you have her as a teacher at Danvers High? Share your thoughts and memories in the comments section below.