I looked up to Stephanie as a librarian and person to emulate. When she asked me to be part of TBF, it was something I attended myself so I felt honored that she wanted me, a "little person" compared to the rest of the committee, to be part of the TBF family and help with an amazing event. She taught me how to compose a professional email to a publisher asking about books to sell for Greater Rochester Teen Read Week. I feel more confidant about what I do because of her teachings. The night before working my first TBF, she told me at the end of the Friday dinner to "get home and get to bed" because I had a long day ahead of me. I laughed because I knew she was going to be up and at it the next morning way before me!

TBF is the best teen fest in the world (and I've been to the other ones, all wonderful too but...). Stephanie was a world class leader, friend, cheerleader. Even though I knew she was stressed, she always seemed to find time to make sure everyone knew they were valued and appreciated. It's a great loss to be sure, but the festival is bigger than her now and will live on in her spirit. Here's to a brighter future after the darkness passes.

Stephanie was truly a rock star librarian. I was (and will forever be) in awe of her commitment to and enthusiasm for young adult literature. She was a role model in a superhero cape, showing all of us what spirit, creativity, and determination look like. I'm so grateful to have met and worked with her during my time at the Greater Rochester Teen Book Fest.