Featured Alumnus: Mike Fish ’95

What began with legendary former teacher and Director of Admissions Frank Leavitt ’52 taking a chance on a local floundering freshman, has since turned into a multigenerational asset for the Avon community. 

After a lackluster introduction to his public high school career, the parents of Mike Fish ’95 decided that he needed a more structured environment. Growing up in Simsbury, he had played hockey with several students enrolled at Avon Old Farms, but he wasn’t sure he’d be accepted. “Frank Leavitt gave me a shot. I didn’t have the best grades, but he gave me a chance to improve them and I didn’t want to let him down.” Fish did more than just improve his grades—he would earn Dean’s List honors all four years he was at Avon.

His accolades at Avon weren’t limited to academics. He participated in chorale, the bar association, and the spirit club. He was a multi-year member of the varsity soccer and hockey teams, captaining both his senior year. He also served on the student council, and was eventually elected vice-warden. Mike still found time to work with Habitat for Humanity and other community service opportunities, and it became one of his favorite aspects of his time at Avon. “You get involved in all these ways of giving back, helping the community. Avon really teaches you the importance of giving your time.”

At his commencement, Mike was awarded the U.S. History Award and the Founder’s Medal. “I still have the Founder’s Medal coin,” Mike shares. “I actually carry it with me everywhere. It’s my lucky coin.”

Mike went on to attend Bowdoin College where he played hockey and soccer, and studied political science and economics. He then began his professional career in New York City with AIG in various underwriting and management roles. In 2003, he left to pursue a more entrepreneurial role with a regional broker on Long Island where he established and managed their environmental insurance and risk management division. 

In 2007, Mike married his wife, Jessica, and began looking for career opportunities outside of the city. In 2008, with the first of three sons on the way, Mike returned to the Farmington Valley and settled in Avon. He founded M.J. Fish, LLC, a specialty environmental insurance brokerage, so that he could continue to work in the realm of risk management and insurance, while also getting involved with a family real estate business. Somehow, he still found time to coach multiple local youth sports teams and serve on the Foundation Board of Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. 

It was also around this time that Mike first joined the Avon Old Farms School Alumni Council (formerly National Council). “I’m the happiest person when I get on Avon’s campus,” Mike says of why he serves on the council. “I’ll always give back to Avon.” The Alumni Council serves as the link between the alumni community and the school, working to enhance the overall alumni experience through organizing engaging events, facilitating networking opportunities, and providing valuable support and resources.

After all, the value of giving back was instilled in Mike during his time at Avon. He says that’s only part of the impact Avon has had on him. “Avon truly changed my whole trajectory. It really brought me out of my shell. You have to be a somewhat sociable and confident person if you’re in the business world and Avon was pivotal in developing these traits where I had lacked them prior. Then there’s the structure and habits that were driven into us. Looking people in the eyes and saying hello. Going out of your way to help others because it is the right thing to do. I remember Mr. Narsipur always made sure my hair was cut, and that I had my jacket and tie. It’s all part of building a good man. Also, one other thing instilled in me from Avon is this concept of winning. I still think of ringing the bell when I accomplish anything, even now. Of course, I have to mention the Brotherhood as well. It continues on after graduation. I’m doing business with other Avon guys almost every day.”

It's for all of these reasons and more that Mike decided to send his children to his alma mater. His oldest, Jordan ’27, is already a sophomore, with middle child Ryan hoping to begin his freshman year here in the fall. He says he feels grateful that his sons will get to have much of the same experience that he had as a student. “Avon does a perfect job of staying true to their core values and beliefs while moving along into modern times. All the reasons I love the school for my own boys, are the same reasons why I loved it as a student.” 

Mike was recently on campus in his role as hockey coach for the third annual Avon Youth Hockey Night, where local youth teams are invited to watch an Avon varsity game. He is also mulling over the idea of lacing up his own skates to return to action for the annual AOF Alumni Game. 

For any other alumni interested in returning to ice in the Jennings Fairchild Arena, puck drop will take place Saturday, February 15, at 12:50 p.m. This will be followed by a family skate and reception, leading up to the Avon varsity game against Deerfield at 3 p.m.