Andover Cheerleading Step Up for Colleen 5K

The “Step Up for Colleen 5k” is an annual race that raises money for the Colleen Ritzer Memorial Scholarship. Colleen Ritzer was a teacher in Danvers who tragically lister her life- she was killed by one of her students in 2013. She and her family were members of the Andover community and she attended Andover public schools. Each year, students from AHS and Danvers high school are awarded her scholarship. These are students who intent to study education in college. I received her scholarship when I graduated from AHS in 2015.

 I had 26 girls participating- both JV and Varsity.

 They volunteered for the entirety of the race. 8am-12pm. The girls cheered as people began the race at the start line and then moved to the finish line to cheer on runners and walkers as they finished the race.

 I chose to have my team participate in this because it is very near and dear to my heart. As a scholarship recipient, the Ritzer family has done so much for me and it is my way of giving back to them and teaching my team about being part of the community and helping others. Colleen inspired people through kindness and sharing her spirited personality with the world, and that is what we should strive to do as individuals and the message I want to teach my team.