Testimonials from High Schools and Youth Groups
February 14, 2010
Jon Watts stretching before sharing music with the Southern Appalachian Young Friends in Asheville
“Jon has a positive, easy going, AND intensity about him that drew the kids in and engaged them.”
Scott Harrington, Principal at Friends School of Baltimore
“Friend Jon connected well with students from both Quaker and other backgrounds. His vibrant spoken word messages touched on themes of environmental stewardship, peace, equality, justice and other Quaker testimonies with an authenticity and immediacy that expanded the vocabulary of worship for all of us. His message has resonated with us long after his visit.”
John W. Baird, Head of School, Westtown School
“Jon Watts has tapped into a deep-seated yearning in all of us to feel joy and fun, even as we are acknowledging and accepting that the world could use some fixing.”
Tom Hoopes, Teacher of Quakerism and World Religions, George School
“Jon’s honesty about his own experience crosses age boundaries… a magic ability to connect with multi-generational groups.”
Elizabeth Walmsley, PYM Middle School Program Coordinator
“For many Young Friends, the highlight of the conference was Jon’s workshop.”
Alison Duncan, Coordinator of the Baltimore Yearly Meeting YFs
“Jon has a gift with this age group. The audience was rapt during his performance, and I hear a reference to Jon Watts in the halls at least once a week. I feel that he had a special connection with students often labeled as “difficult”. His work is incredibly personal, and deals with anger and frustration in beautiful ways that validate the tough personal conflicts many adolescents face.”
Angie Martin, teacher at North Cross Upper School
“The honesty in his music has the ability to cut through the cynicism most teens have when it comes to adults… I think Jon’s willingness to open himself up to scrutiny by writing and singing about his own, imperfect, spiritual journey allows his audience to listen more openly.”
Friendly Adult Presence at the Southern Appalachian Young Friends gathering
“Our group needed an awakening and Jon really delivered that. At the following conference there was a similar feeling that was a throwback to his workshop… I am so thankful that we could start finding a center again after a couple years of uncertainty.”
Hannah Lorraine Gropper, BYM Young Friends
Jon Watts performing at FGC 2009