Meet the Executive Board

Liz Hicks
President

WHY SE-YA? As a high school librarian, SE-YA Book Fest is the culmination of everything I love about my job; this is my Super Bowl. There is nothing better than seeing teens excited about meeting the authors of the books they love. These authors are ROCK STARS to them! Starting this festival is a dream come true.
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A FAVORITE SE-YA MEMORY...One of my favorite SE-YA memories is being with my teenage son and greeting SEYA 2018 authors as they arrived at the hotel. After talking to Margaret Peterson Haddix, my son looked at me and said, "I know her; I have read her books!" 

Lindsey Kimery
Vice-President

WHY SE-YA? I host numerous authors at my school each year, as I believe it's one of the best ways to connect students to books. Author visits benefit readers and non-readers alike. I jumped at the chance to be part of the SE-YA team because I wanted to help other schools, educators, librarians, and students connect with authors and celebrate the power of books. 

A FAVORITE SE-YA MEMORY...Seeing the excitement and smiles on the faces of my students as they met their favorite authors!

Barb Collie
Treasurer

WHY SE-YA? SE-YA started as a conversation in a car on the way back from Charleston, SC and that conversation has turned into the biggest literacy event in Tennessee specifically aimed at middle and high school students. SE-YA Book Fest means that students get to meet multiple authors from all over the world that they might never have had the chance to meet face to face. SE-YA Book Fest means that young people get excited about books and reading and writing!
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A FAVORITE SE-YA MEMORY...My favorite SE-YA memory is actually reading student's social media posts during the event. These kids will say things on social that they won't say in person, such as, "Today has been the best day of my life!" ​

Sonya Cox
Secretary

​WHY SE-YA? “If you build it, {they} will come.” Our first year we poured our hearts into planning an event from the ground up. It seemed like a dream- an event for young adults to celebrate their passion for literature- actually meet real live authors?  Could it happen? Finally, the day arrived and students poured out of multiple school buses. At the first session, the students filed in as they clutched their favorite books and journals.  Finally, our rock star authors entered the room and a hush fell upon the full auditorium of young adults; they all seemed to lean forward at the same time.  Suddenly, it hit me that our dream was reality. This moment happens over and over every year. This is WHY we have SE-YA! 
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A FAVORITE SE-YA MEMORY...Awkward, but memorable! I was in the bathroom stall and overheard two of my favorite authors discussing their next book and possible endings they were considering. They discussed it as excitedly as if they were planning the next mission to Mars. My mind was racing as I pondered various possibilities for them to consider. I busted out of the stall to offer my suggestions… but I couldn’t speak because I froze in perfect Fan-girl stance. “Um, I like your ideas…” I stammered, and washed my hands while trying to appear normal. 

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