Andover is the Site of Fourth Annual Step Up for Colleen 5K On May 7

ANDOVER, MA – Thousands of walkers and runners will gather in Andover on Sunday, May 7, for the Fourth Annual Step Up for Colleen 5K, to be held in memory of beloved teacher Colleen Ritzer, 24.

The 5K begins at 9 a.m. following a brief 8:45 a.m. opening ceremony. Partipants will meet at the parking lot on Barlett near Andover Town Hall.

The net proceeds from the 2017 Step Up for Colleen 5K Walk/Run will benefit the Colleen E. Ritzer Memorial Scholarship Fund. The Scholarship fund was established by Colleen’s family to benefit Andover and Danvers High School seniors who demonstrate a passion for teaching, academic excellence and love of family and who will pursue a degree in education.

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.

Since its inception in October 2013, the scholarship fund has awarded over $86,000 in college scholarships to 30 future teachers. This would not be possible without the support of so many.

Online registration is available at www.stepupforcolleen.com.

Race director Nina Caron expects thousands of walkers and runners again this year.

“Colleen Ritzer continues to inspire people throughout our community,” she said.

“Many have searched for a
way to honor Colleen. This race is one way that those who knew her, or those who have been touched by
her story, can do something ‘good’ by generating resources for a scholarship in her name to benefit future,
caring teachers," she said.

Attendees are asked to wear pink, Colleen’s favorite color.

For more information about the event go to:www.stepupforcolleen.com.

Ritzer, an Andover native and 2007 graduate of Andover High School, was killed on Oct. 22, 2013 by one of her Danvers High School math students, Philip Chism, then 14, who was convicted of first-degree murder. He was sentenced ot life in prison with the possibility of parole after 25 years for the murder and two concurrent, 40-year sentences for her rape and armed robbery.