The Visiting Author Program has provided a unique learning opportunity to the students and staff at Avon Old Farms School for more than 20 years. This year, we welcomed award-winning journalist and author Adam Skolnick to campus after his book, American Tiger, was chosen as this past summer’s school-wide read.

At Morning Meeting on Monday, November 2, the school community gathered to hear from Skolnick, who began by sharing his own story. He told the audience about his early struggle to decide what he wanted in a professional career. He spent several months traveling and contemplating what direction he wanted his life to take. During a trip to Africa, he had the epiphany that creating the travel guides he had been relying on or doing similar work would not just earn him a paycheck, but fulfill him. “The reason I did it wasn’t for the money. I wanted to be in the flow of life.” He began by writing feature stories about his own hometown of L.A., and eventually built up a portfolio that included environmental journalism, conflict reporting, and exposés on extreme athletes.

His opening message had a few key takeaways. The first was the importance of perspective and perseverance in overcoming challenges. “How you show up to a situation, whether good or bad, will determine what you get out of that situation.” Skolnick also told students about the concept of original thought especially in the age of AI advancements. “We all have an original perspective based on where we’re from, how we grew up—and it’s yours to share.” His final message was a call for students to make an effort to find out all that life has to offer. “It’s hard to talk about because it’s all theoretical, but you feel it.”

The opening speech was followed by a panel-style discussion led by students Iggy Waluk ’28, Luca Coletti ’27, and Dean of Faculty & Curriculum Graham Callaghan ’95, P’25, who organized the event. The panelists and audience had the opportunity to ask Skolnick questions that ranged from queries about his world travels to what his next book will be about.

Following the morning’s event, Skolnick met with English classes for more intimate discussion. Skolnick was asked why he enjoys reading. “A book is something that can unlock you in a different way than any other form of entertainment. It’s the only way to find your own perspective, your own heart, and make you a well-rounded person.”

This answer resonated with students like Will Soffer ’27. “I’m just interested in reading more, especially things he’s written about like mental toughness in sports. Having the chance to talk to an avid reader and writer is a great opportunity I wanted to take advantage of,” Soffer said.

Soffer also offered his thoughts on this year’s Visiting Author program overall. “I thought it was awesome. He’s a great speaker and has a really interesting background.”

Skolnick was equally impressed with the Avon students. “Everyone shakes your hand and looks you in the eye. All the boys exude confidence and intelligence. I felt very welcomed by all the teachers and students, and obviously this is a beautiful campus,” he said. “It’s also just an honor to be involved with this program. So many great authors have come here before me.”

After lunch, Skolnick toured campus and concluded his day with a book signing session in the Baxter Library. During this time, he summed up what he hoped students took away from his visit. “Their originality is innate. The world wants to erase and replace it with groupthink, social media, and AI. It’s important to hone that and express it.”

For anyone that hasn’t already, you can join the rest of the Avon Old Farms School community in reading American Tiger. For more photos from Skolnick’s visit, click here.