Slain Danvers High School Teacher Colleen Ritzer Honored At Football Game
DANVERS (CBS) -- Twenty-four pink balloons get released into the cold night sky, with Danvers math teacher Colleen Ritzer looking down on those she tried to help.
"She was 24 year old and we are just really happy to be a part of it and support Danvers in any way we can tonight," Wintrhop Cheerleading Coach Rachael Mustone said Saturday night.
The Wintrhop-Danvers varsity football game was packed Saturday night. Admission was free but a collection was taken at the gate to help raise money for the Colleen Ritzer Scholarship Fund.
Police say the 24-year-old Danvers teacher was murdered earlier this week by one of her students.
"This is very difficult for all of our children, knowing what happened in that school," Danvers parent Lisa Smith said.
During the game, the players and parents wore decals in memory of Ritzer. Before the game, a moment of silence was held and the flag was flown at half-staff.
"We can't erase what happened. We have to overcome it. I don't know how, but we will ... we do have a strong community," Danvers parent Gina Cordova said.
The Danvers football team played great and pulled off a big win.
"I couldn't be more proud of these guys. They responded better than I thought that any team could for the task at hand," Danvers football coach Sean Rogers said.
