Best-selling Author Visits Heritage Middle

Published November 12, 2009

Weeks after receiving a visit from a Nigerian king, Heritage Middle School played host to another VIP November 5. On that day, New York Times best-selling author Andy Andrews arrived at the school to meet with seventh graders. Author of several best-selling novels like The Travelers Gift and The Noticer, Andrews is recognized as an internationally known speaker and novelist whose combined works have sold millions of copies worldwide.

Students in Melinda Leake's seventh grade class at Heritage Middle School began reading Andrews' novel The Noticer in October, after Thomas Nelson Publishing donated 30 hardback copies to her classroom.

According to Leake, it didn't take long before her students developed a real passion for the novel and its author. "They loved it," said Leake. "They're begging me to read more of his books."

As luck would have it, Andrews heard the students were reading his novel and offered to visit the school during an upcoming trip to Nashville. That offer became a reality on November 5 when Andrews arrived in Thompson's Station. For nearly an hour, the best-selling author spoke to the students about his novels and about making the right choices in life.

"I see people everyday who seem to be devoid of hope," Andrews told the students, "which is why I want you to always remember, no matter where you are in your life, that the most important part is ahead of you."

For the students and staff at Heritage Middle School, the visit was an experience they will not soon forget. "Having Mr. Andrews come to our school brought the book to life by helping the kids connect with one if its main characters... Andy himself," said Leake. "You don't get to meet a New York Times best-selling author every day."

If you'd like to watch Andy Andrews visit to Heritage Middle School, it will be broadcast on WC-TV in the coming weeks. You can check the WC-TV Program Guide for specific times.