Best-Selling Authors Arrive in Andover

This week, Saint Augustine School of Andover welcomes two best-selling authors and illustrators as guests of the newly created program, SAAILS (St. Augustine Authors and Illustrators Literary Series) as follows:

• Wednesday, April 1st from 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm and 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm Author/Illustrator Marty Kelley, a former 2nd grade teacher, will lecture about the writing process (idea generation, rough draft composition, final editing). As a frequent speaker, his upbeat approach and digital slide show will cement writing basics for all ages. To compliment his second passion, illustration, Mr. Kelley will also host an evening lecture on illustration during which he’ll create ‘live’ drawings for his audience. (www.martykelley.com)

• Thursday, April 2nd from 12 Noon – 1 pm and 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm With more than 19 best sellers to his credit, respected Massachusetts-native Michael Tougias bring his own New England flair to the writing world with maritime survival stories and hands-on journeys through colonial New England. While visiting St. Augustine’s, Tougias will take visitors on an historic journey as the Pilgrim’s first landed on Plymouth Rock through a discussion of his book, King Philip’s War, accompanied by a hands-on presentation of historic artifacts that will bring history to life. In his evening presentation, he will share the true heroic and gripping account of the U.S. Coast Guard’s most daring sea rescue which took place off the coast of Cape Cod in 1952. His book, The Finest Hours, which is currently being made into a movie (Disney), regales the tale in depth. He’ll share his experience in how to interview subjects and then tell stories through the eyes of those who lived it, as well as how books become movies. (www.michaeltougias.com)

For years, St. Augustine School’s Cultural Enrichment Committee has brought unique academic programming to the school in the form of artists, musicians and scientists, to broaden student curriculum and further enhance what is being learned in the classroom via language arts, social studies and world cultures. The SAAILS series further extends the Committee’s efforts with the addition of best-selling authors and illustrators.

If interested in attending one of the evening events, please contact St. Augustine School for details at: 978.475.2414.

About St. Augustine School

Founded in 1914 by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, Saint Augustine School (26 Central Street Andover, Mass.) provides a high-quality Catholic education to children Nursery through Grade 8 within an environment supporting, encouraging and nurturing spiritual, intellectual, social and personal growth. St. Augustine School celebrates its strong Catholic identity, promotes academic excellence and fosters respect and justice for all individuals. Through its dedicated group of educators committed to teaching and learning in the Catholic tradition, St. Augustine School recognizes the unique gifts in each child and remains committed to helping each child reach their full academic, social and physical potential. For more information visit St. Augustine School at: www.staugustineandover.org.