For nearly two decades, students at Eden Junior-Senior High School have found a comforting place in the guidance office with the help of longtime counselor Amy Banks. 

Beyond class schedules and college choices, students and staff say Banks lifted up those around her through her caring, selfless nature.  

"She helped with your personal life, she helped with relationships. She helped with parent struggles," said senior Caroline Szuflita.

Many saw it firsthand, both in hallways at Eden and outside the school. Alaina James, a junior, grew up with Banks in her life because her mother and Banks had been friends since they were children.

"Each day, if you could be a little bit more like her, our school would be a better place," James said. "Having a smile on your face, thinking about putting others before yourself in situations — she always did that."

Wednesday was "Be Like Banks Day" at Eden as pupils, faculty and staff paid tribute to Banks, who died unexpectedly of a heart attack two days after Christmas. She was 47.

"You couldn't think that someone like her was just gone like that," said senior Samantha Mason, as she fought back tears.

Banks, who grew up in Angola and lived in Orchard Park, leaves behind a husband and three sons.  However, she also leaves a legacy of kindness that students like Mason strive to replicate.

"Always have a smile on your face. Don't judge other people," said Mason, who was related to Banks and considers her an aunt. "Try to find the good side of every situation and try not to let anything bring you down."

It's that attitude that struck and inspired Scott Minton, a fellow guidance counselor at Eden whose office was right next to Mrs. Banks.

"It was beyond school. It was really that personal connection and making you feel important for that moment you were with her," Minton said. "You get into a position where you want to make a difference, but I think clearly what she exemplified and what she showed is the relationships, and helping out others and making life a little bit easier for somebody."

Banks’ effect on others was evident, with estimates of more than 4,000 people attending her wake.

As they mourn her death and celebrate her life, the school community is stepping up in her honor. Two weeks ago they held a blood drive at the school, as Banks was a frequent donor herself. 

The girls basketball team, led in part by captain Caroline Szuflita, dedicated a game to Banks' memory and raised about $1500 for a scholarship fund in her name.

"It was just really impactful to have everybody there. And to see her family there and all her friends and all the students there. It just showed that we loved her and how much she'll be remembered," Szuflita said.

As part of "Be Like Banks Day," faculty and staff dressed down and wore pink and black — colors Banks was known to favor. There's also talk of someday renaming the guidance office at Eden after Amy Banks.

Dave Hassett, one of her colleagues, set up a GoFundMe page to help her husband and three sons. So far, people have donated nearly $45,000.

"It's amazing. It reminds you that although there are tough times, we still have a loving community that will help everyone get through it," James said.