“She was so open,” said Corrigan on Hopkins’ speech. The event then moved into the library where about one hundred students who received tickets, could participate in listening to her speak, ask questions, as well as a book signing where she showed another side

The day started as she spent about an hour with Calabria’s second period Young Adult Literature class. “I felt extremely excited to see who she is, what her life is like and where she is now,” said Emily Miller, a student in Calabria’s Young Adult Literature class. Students also pitched in with handing out surveys and other small tasks as well as Barnes and Noble personnel who also set up a register for students to purchase Hopkins’ books. The gratitude and appreciation they hold for Calabria was matched by the thanks Calabria had for their help. Kline and Corrigan even bent the strict rules of no food in the media center to allow pizza and refreshments for all. Kline, transformed the media center for the event. He made this happen,” said Corrigan who, along with Media Specialist Mr. Calabria is the man, myth, and the legend.

Barnes and Noble was contacted by Hopkins’ publicist asking if they knew a teacher that would like to possibly set up an event at their school, thus leading them to Calabria. This location is one of three in the area that holds frequent book signings and events with authors.

Calabria has been a frequent and faithful customer of The Barnes & Noble in Brier Creek, ever since they opened about ten years ago. “Once I got that news at 11pm on a Friday night, I immediately jumped to it and contacted our principal to see if we could make it work,” said teacher, Just Think First advisor and avid reader, Tony Calabria. So, when this opportunity was extended to English teacher Tony Calabria, immediate action was taken. A visit from such a celebrated author was, to say the least, an honor. The feeling of excitement was mutual to all involved. Anything I was more excited about happening,” said Media Specialist Dorothy Corrigan. The Media Center took on the atmosphere of a cozy book store to host Hopkins as she shared insight with selected book enthusiasts. On September 4, Wakefield hosted New York Times Best Selling author Ellen Hopkins as she travels the US promoting her new book, Rumble, raising awareness to some unspoken teen issues.

Author ellen hopkins