Marblehead Schools Send Lunch and Compassion to Danvers High

The men and women of Marblehead's schools are thinking about their colleagues at Danvers High School.

On Monday, 130 Danvers High School staff members sat down to lunch catered by Panera and paid for by Marblehead public school teachers, guidance personnel and other staff.

Marblehead elementary school guidance counselor Allison Eaton organized the fundraiser. Point people at Marblehead's schools collected the donations for the sandwiches, salads, drinks and cookies.

Their donations were so generous that they paid for the luncheon and contributed a $660 check to the Colleen Ritzer Memorial Fund, a fund set up by her parents.

"It was just our way of showing them our support and letting them know that we are thinking of them and will continue to think of them during this difficult time," said Allison Eaton, a counselor at two of Marblehead's K-3 elementary schools, Coffin/Gerry.

Danvers High School Principal Susan Ambrozavitch sent Allison a thank you after the lunch, saying the high school staff appreciates the kindness from Allison, the staff and the Marblehead community at-large.

Marblehead Superintendent Maryann Perry said she is proud of the guidance counselor and staff for their kindness.

Other school districts have extended gestures of goodwill to Danvers High staff, as well.

Danvers High School math teacher Colleen Ritzer was murdered in a bathroom at the school on the afternoon of Oct. 22. A 14-year-old student has been charged with first-degree murder in the case.