Our Christmas Story  / Aunt MK And Uncle Bob (Loving Godparents )
One Christmas when Shayna was a little girl probably about 5 or 6, we went to Christmas Eve mass, the whole Stefanik family, as we always do. Shayna was sitting on my lap, close to her Uncle Bob, and as usual eating my tic-tacs. Eating them too, not sucking on them. There was an older man at the end of our pew all by himself. During the service, the man started to cry. Shayna asked a million questions. "Why was he by himself". "Where is his family" "Does he have kids" Me and Uncle Bob tried to answer all her questions as best we could. Trying to soothe the mind of a little girl. Then she asked "Why is he crying". We had to come up with some answers that made sense to her. Then she asked as only a little girl (angel) would  "Can we ask him to come to gram/paps with us". Unfortunately we didn't give her the right answer to that question-we gave her an adult excuse that there was just so many people at grams house already. Talk about regrets. I wish we would have taken that man home with us and been his family for that holiday night. He would have fallen in love with Shayna like the rest of us. You see, Shayna had the holiday spirit as a child. Wow, to get that moment in time back. Things would be different. Shayna, I hope you recognize that man in heaven and enjoy this Christmas with him in heaven. Tell him we are sorry. WE really should have listened to you. Close

Dance / Megan Ferrie (Friend)

I was driving to work today and for some reason I decided to pop in my Coyote Ugly soundtrack. One of the songs on the cd is "Devil went down to Georgia" and everytime I hear that song it reminds me of the dance Cortney and Shayna did in one of the MPS dance shows. I just remember watching and thinking, wow those girls can dance!! Shayna was an awesome dancer and I always wished I could dance as good as her someday. Now, every time I hear that song I think of her!

Mrs. Stefanik, I've really enjoyed reading these stories and I'm glad we could all come together and make this holiday season blessed with many wonderful memories of Shayna. You and your family are always in my thoughts and prayers!

Love,
Megan

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Sleeping Beauty  / Mom
Shayna loved to snuggle in bed.  As a teenager, that was pretty normal.  But she was always a "night owl"  never an early bird.  Do you know that she used to miss the afternoon kindergar bus(regularly) because we couldn't get her out of be no matter how hard we tried.  It wouldn't matter if she went to bed at 7PM the night before, mornings we just not her thing Close

Keep the stories coming.  / Aunt Mary Kay
To all Shayna's friends-keep the stories coming.It feels so much better to laugh than to be sad. Thanks for helping all of us. Cyndie-again, great idea. I believe God knew Shayna was going to be here only for a short time so he made sure he planted many, many stories in everyone's memories and hearts and what an awesome idea to share them. Isn't that the message behind Christmas anyway-to share. Close

story <3  / Leila Rad

one time me and shayna got back from being out and i was sleeping over.. we wanted to make muffins so we made them andput them in the oven and wen we came back to get them out everything was melted cuz we put in a plastic muffin holderr!! it was really funny, we had to scrap out the melted muffins and plastic... and also the infamous desk story with the boy and the backbrace whichwould take her forever to tell the whole thing cuz she wouldl always be laughing so hard.. wen we had to split up in groups in peer leadership one time and we had to do tasks to see wat group won shayna told that story for the part wen we had to tell a story to make everyone laugh... and she def told the class that story and everyone laughed
i miss you sooo much shay
   Luv you , Leila
p.s. sorry about the plastic muffin tray mrs and mr stefanik!

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too many memories to name!  / Emily Sukitsch (Friend)

First off, I love this idea Mrs. Stefanik - I've really enjoyed reading these memories and taking a walk down memory lane. Can't say it hasn't brought a tear to my eye, but definitely more smiles.

I was in Peer Leadership and homeroom with Shayna too. We hung out outisde of school and probably had more fun than we should've =o)

When asked what my favorite memory was, the back brace story so many people have already shared is probably the first. However the second one to come to my mind came on one of the first days in Peer Leadership. It was before Shay and I were good friends, and it was a partner activity. One of us was blindfolded and the other one had to lead them around outside, it was about trusting them etc. So I got partnered up with Shayna and led her around just fine and dandy. Then when it was time to switch roles and I was blindfolded...she ran me into a tree! So not only did it stop there, but what did she do about it?! She laughed hysterically! She thought it was one of the funniest things ever. At that point I had no choice but to laugh and realized this is one crazy and funny girl. So that is one of my favorite stories.

I remember talking to her in homeroom when she was a new student about where she was from and we found out we were both born at Magee's in Pittsburgh. As college drew to a near we talked about being reunited in Pittsburgh (i go to Pitt) It still makes me sad everyday knowing shes not down here with us where she should be. But reading stories like this and looking like pictures brings a smile to my face, just like she always did. She was an amazing dancer, person, and friend and consider myself lucky to have known her for 3 years. I miss her a lot and she and her family are in my prayers always, especially around the holidays.

Hope these stories brought smiles =o)

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Shayna Memories  / Megan Ferrie (Friend)

I have so many great memories of Shayna, most coming from Mrs. Johns ethics class (the first time I met her), Peer Leadership, and of course Fr. Mike's ethics class. One of the funniest memories about Shayna that always cracks me up was in peer leadership whenever she would tell a story and she'd say "like" atleast 50 times in a 2 minute story!! It was sooo funny because we were all aware of it, and we'd sit there and listen and count how many times she'd say it. Then whenever we told her about it, she'd try not to say it, but of course she couldn't and it was that much funnier. And of course, along with Carolyn, I remember the story about the boy getting stuck to a desk because of his back brace... I think we were all on the floor laughing for that one!
Another thing that always makes me laugh is Senior year when I asked her to sign my yearbook because I loved getting people to sign, and she told me she didn't want to. But, of course I made her anyway and she wrote something like, "Megan, have a great summer! Shayna" To this day, I still read that and laugh and remember how much she didn't want to do it!

Shayna, you're always in my thoughts and prayers. - Megan

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Singing lessons  / RACHEL CICERO (FRIEND)
 shayna must have just came back from point park and we were at will collins house and we were just sitting in the living room i dont remember who was in there but shayna must have taking a singing class at point park and she was teaching us how to sing properly... the proper way of singing must of been to keep ur mouth like straight up and down and so she had to keep her fingers next to her mouth so it wouldnt open wide and try to sing it was great

i will never forget that day.
shay, i know we weren't that close but you have changed my life. You will never be forgotten.

*~* I'm lovin' angels instead*~*

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Mr. Morris  / Carolyn Wells (Friend)
Where do i begin with funny memories about shayna. Shayna and i became close are Jr. year of high  school, where we found are selves in 6 out of 8 classes. Some of my most memorable times of high school were sitting next to her in Peer leadership and Mr. Morris' alegabra class. Her and I were both not very good math students, so we found other way to spend this class period. We spent every class throwing things in his hair, calling each other cell phones to make them ring aloud (to make him mad!), and her telling me funny stories about pittsburgh. He soon serperated us to other sides of the rooms, but as soon as he turned around we were back next to each other. One day she came in to class telling this story about this kid at her old school getting stuck under a desk because of his back brace and her trying to rescue him. I couldnt stop laughing. I got kicked out of class because my laughter was uncontrolable! From that moment on i made her tell everyone this story!


Shayna: I no your in heaven dancing and making everyone up there laugh now. I miss you so much! I always wonder "Who you'd be today..." Close

More stories  / Mom
I am loving these stories...more...more...more Close

The First Time I Met Shayna  / Sara Pawlowski (A Friend )

I will never forget the first day of school Sophomore year. It was the first class of the first day of school and I walked into the classroom and I sat with 2 of my friends, Mark and Constantine. Behind us was this "new girl" that we didnt know, so the 3 of us turned around and introduced ourselves. We found out that her name was Shayna and that she was from Pittsburg. The next thing out of Mark's mouth to Shayna was "Are you Jewish?" and the 4 of us just started laughing so hard. Shayna just looked at him with this priceless look like "what r u talking about". From that day on, the 4 of us sat in the back of Mr. Amicucci's economics class and had a blast. We got in trouble alot for laughing, but we never stopped having fun. I had always remembered that day so vividly and had always wondered why. I hardly ever remember the first time i meet people, and for some reason, I've always remembered that day like it was yesterday. I now know why. Thank you God for letting me meet and get to know Shayna - she was a beautiful girl with a beautiful spirit.

To the Stefanik family - Believe. Shayna is with you always... I pray for you all - I pray that Shayna gives you strength. Mrs. Stefanik, what a great idea! Memories keep Shayna's spirit alive and keeps us all going strong.

Shayna we love you. I'm glad God let our journeys through life cross paths. I'll always be lovin' angels.

Sara P.

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Pap's embarrassment  / Aunt Mary Kay (aunt)
Sorry- had to write another one. Sunday was always spaghetti dinner at gram and pap's house. The ritual was we all ate and then usually the kids ran from the table leaving the adults to talk adult. One day after dinner as all the adults sat talking, Shayna's pap decided to tell an adult joke. As he was finishing the joke, all of a sudden Cyndie says "Where's Shayna?". Sure enough Shayna raises her hand above the table. She had been laying across the chairs and of course we realized it alittle too late.  I can still see the look on our faces, her pap's face and Shayna's face too. What I wouldn't do to see that look again. Miss you babe! Close

Pool time!  / Lindsay Brinchi (Friend)
I remember the first time I came to your house with Clare. We were all going to go swimming. Your house was so nice! It was also the first time I met your parents. It was so fun just swimming and hanging out and being silly! I wish I could call you and hang out right now. I know your watching over us all! Miss and love you angel! Close

Halloween and Chi Chi's  / Lindsay Brinchi (Friend)
I rememeber Halloween at Chi Chi's and we were allowed to dress in costume. I had an extra costume because I bought this Dorthy one from Spencer's and then changed my mind and wore a French Maid one. So I gave you the dorthy one and we looked so cute! I have a picture from that, and I still have the outfit you wore. It makes me sad sometimes when I pull it out but I always smile about that night, because it was the same night Sheryl came in to eat AND i had to serve her!!!! I miss you Shayna!! Close

Okay, so I thought of another favorite Shayna story...  / Clare Loveland (friend)
This was when Shayna and I worked together at Chi-Chi's. We were both hostesses, so we were up in the front of the restaurant together all the time, and when the restaurant was slow, there wasn't much to do. So, we'd goof around a lot. I remember one Friday night we worked together, and we were both in really funny moods- end of the week crazies kind-of-thing. And we were sucking helium from the balloons and singing and dancing... I couldn't stop laughing!! Whenever customers would call or come in, we'd talk with a lisp or cross-eyes, or something else crazy and we'd start cracking up. Everyone looked at us like we were crazy. That was one of the best nights with Shayna... I'm laughing right now just thinking about it. :) Close

Does anyone remember Shayna telling us this story?  / MOM
Shayna came home from the Point Park Summer Dance Program with SO MANY funny stories and tell them in a way that only Shayna could.  Shayna loved her Gay friends.   She loved the way that they expressed themselves and loved the fact that they were great friends, loyal, true and FUNNY!  I remember her talking about 1 dancer (I can't remember his name) I just know that he had GREAT LEGS!  Shayna told us that he auditioned for a part and was so disappointed that he didn't get picked, after all (she said that HE said in his flamboyant voice which she imitated SO WELL....What is wrong with these people, I would be great in this part....CAN THEY NOT SEE THAT I HAVE GREAT LEGS!  

You guys have to remember this story.  It took her at least 10 min. to give us every last detail and Shayna hands would move, her voice would change and her expression were PRICELESS!   I thank God for today, and 18 years of memories of Shay!

More stories please!  Sherry...I forgot about that day in LA with the flip flops, not only were we laughing, but everyone who was passing by. It was like she was ice skating in the rain.  Next time it rains, I think I'll go outside and play in it in honor of Shayna Close

A favorite shayna story  / Clare Loveland
I remember Shayna and I used to spend Sunday nights together... First we would go to church together, and then we used to go to the St. Luke's CYO Basketball games. Being at different schools, we always had so much to talk about when we got together and we would end up sitting in the back of the church whispering and holding in our laughter the whole time. Then at the basketball games we used to cheer and yell funny things, anyone who use to go to the games can definately agree with me. We'd always be the crazy ones on the side of the court... the coach would even come up to us after the games and laugh with us and knew us by name. We'd always yell "Hey Coach!" I still remember her laughter and goofy stories... Close

Shay story  / Erin Marks

one night we were waiting outside of the dance room at MPS before dance team practice- Mercyhurst was having an event in the cafeteria called Mps Idol.. Noelle and I had signed Shay up for the competition- so we tried to get in so she could sing... they wouldnt let us in because we wouldnt pay- but we still really wanted to hear Shayna sing... so we went back to the hallway in front of the dance room and she performed for us. It was hilarious... she sang missy elliot- work it- in her high-pitched opera voice - she sang a few other stupid songs and did a little dance - we could not stop laughing. Shayna was such a funny girl... she was always laughing and making her friends laugh. so many memories!!

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Baker's disaster.  / Aunt Mary Kay ("Buddy")
I remember when I was going to be creative and give away "Cookies in a Jar" for Christmas presents and Shayna spent the night to help me make them. Since we didn't like the way the ingredients looked in the pictures of the jars we were making, we decided to mix up the ingredients alittle.  I guess we thought we were alittle smarter than the baker that put the recipe together. Certainly two heads together didn't help that night. We decided to put the chocolate chips in first and then the sugar. Stupid move on our part. The sugar slipped all throught the little spaces of the chocolate chips and Shayna looked at me and giggled and said "OOPS"! We decided that I would keep the "oops" one for myself. We laughed making all the others and needless to say, followed the directions exactly. I can still see the look on her face and hear the laughter.  I don't think I'll ever make them again-won't ever be the same. Miss you Shay. <3.

Cyndie-such a good idea to tell our Shayna stories. Although we have so many. Can't wait to read them all.   Close

Happy Days  / Sherry (aunt)
Dear Shayna, I remember the Ca. trip during spring break and the weather was so bad. It was pouring rain and freezing on Rodeo drive and you had on big clunky flip-flops that were soaking wet. Zack started pushing you and Shayne was pulling so you could slide on the streets. We had so much fun on such a miserable day. You sure showed us you can have fun under dark clouds. Shortly after your trip I saw a gold necklace with a sandle and a little diamond in the middle. I laughed and bought it because it reminded me of your flip flops. I am wearing it during the holidays so I can laugh the whole seasons even if there are dark clouds. I know you will be sliding and laughing with us!!!!! Love you Aunt Sherry Close