Savannah Tech hosted bestselling authors as part of Savannah Book Festival’s SBF@Schools

(SAVANNAH, Ga.) Savannah Technical College hosted three acclaimed authors on Friday, February 7, as part of the Savannah Book Festival’s SBF@Schools program. 

This marks the college’s fifth year participating in this enriching community initiative, offering students and the public valuable exposure to different career paths and fostering a love of reading. The event was free and open to the public.

This year’s author visits offered unique connections to Savannah Tech’s diverse programs, from Culinary Arts to general studies, demonstrating the importance of literacy, critical thinking, and community engagement in all fields.

Todd Richards and Amy Paige Condon, authors of “Roots, Heart and Soul,” engaged with attendees.

Todd Richards is the culinary director of Jackmont Hospitality and has overseen the development of popular restaurant concepts like One Flew South and Chicken+Beer. His 2019 book, “Soul,” won an IACP Cookbook Award and further highlights the diverse career paths within the culinary world.

A highly respected chef, Richards has helmed kitchens at prestigious establishments including The Shed at Glenwood, the Pig and the Pearl, and the Oakroom at the Seelbach Hotel, where he earned a AAA 5 Diamond Award.

Currently residing in Savannah, Ga., Amy Paige Condon is a co-author of three bestselling cookbooks, including “The Back in the Day Bakery Cookbook,” “Wiley’s Championship BBQ” and “Bress ‘n’ Nyam: Gullah-Geechee Recipes from a Sixth-generation Farmer.” She is also the author of the biography “A Nervous Man Shouldn’t Be Here in the First Place: The Life of Bill Baggs.” 

Founding the Refinery Writing Studio in 2017, Condon demonstrates the power of storytelling and research, skills applicable to various disciplines, including culinary arts, where clear communication and recipe writing are essential.

Mark Greaney, author of numerous New York Times bestselling thrillers, was interviewed by Savannah Film Academy Director John Grace and answered SFA students’ questions.

Mark Greaney is the author of the popular Gray Man novel series, including titles such as “The Chaos Agent,” “Burner,” “Sierra Six,” and “The Gray Man.” His extensive research for these novels has taken him to over 35 countries, and he has trained with military and law enforcement personnel. He is also the author of New York Times bestsellers in the Tom Clancy universe, including “Tom Clancy Support and Defend.”

These author visits underscored Savannah Tech’s commitment to providing a well-rounded education, fostering intellectual curiosity, and connecting students with real-world experiences. The SBF@Schools program aligns perfectly with the college’s mission to empower individuals through education and community engagement.

For more information, visit https://www.savannahbookfestival.org/community-outreach/sbf-at-school/.