Community Raises $30K For Andover Teacher Memorial Scholarship

ANDOVER, MA — Over $30,000 was raised in just a few days for a scholarship in honor of Tia Pittounicos, an Andover teacher who died on Feb. 4.

Pittounicos, who taught third grade at Bancroft Elementary, passed away unexpectedly after a short illness, according to her obituary. She was 24.

Pittounicos was in her first year teaching at the school, fulfilling a lifelong dream of teaching elementary school.

Jennifer Knight organized a fundraiser to create a scholarship in Pittocunicos's honor at Pentucket Regional High School, her alma mater. As of Tuesday afternoon, it has raised $30,450 from 430 donors in just three days, more than the $30,000 goal.

"There’s no doubt that Tia would have become the favorite teacher for many students," Knight wrote. "For many of us, she was already our favorite person. As we try to make sense of this senseless tragedy, Tia’s family and incredible group of friends would like to create a memorial scholarship in her honor. "

The scholarship will go toward a graduating senior who is pursuing a degree in education, Knight wrote. The fundraiser has been so successful, she later added, that it will be an annual scholarship and there will be multiple awards, although details are still being finalized.

"It is our hope that this worthy student will carry on Tia’s legacy of dedication to educating, nurturing and lifting up the next generation," Knight wrote. "{lease feel free to contribute anything you can - no amount is too small. And as hard as it may be right now, please smile and remember the love, laughter and true light that Tia brought into this world."

The GoFundMe can be found here.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.