Dodgeball Tournament Will Raise Funds for Former Avon Gym Teacher's Memorial

Avon Middle School will hold a dodgeball tournament Friday in honor of a beloved physical education teacher and coach who died of cancer this fall.

"Our gym teacher Ms.Martin was one of the best teachers that you could ask for," Kerry Singer and Ellie Whitty, the eighth graders who are organizing the event, said in a press release. "We would like to carry on her legacy."

Colleen Martin, 48, also coached field hockey at the middle school. 

"The Avon community will always be thankful for the chance to have known and worked with Colleen Martin, " the district posted on its website. "She was a teacher, coach, mentor, colleague, and friend with an infectious laugh and a humorous wit. Her values defined her objectives as she lived her life without pretense: she was kind, optimistic, energetic, generous, honest, and hard-working. If she saw someone in need, she was there to help. Her solutions to problems were realistic, personalized and welcomed.  We will miss everything about her. It is rare that you meet someone who can influence so many for a lifetime." 

Money raised at the dodgeball tournament will help fund a memorial for Martin, according to a press release. 

The tournament on Friday, Jan. 10 runs from 3 to 5 p.m. in the middle school gym.