On October 1 and 2, freshmen from the Jonathan Law Class of 2013 traveled to the auditorium to see public speaker Alfred Watts.

Watts returned to Law for his second consecutive year, bringing with him a message of inspiration known as the Path of Success.

"I want to empower students with same principles that I have learned," Watts said. "I want the students to be able to achieve their dreams and goals."

In his presentation, which lasted roughly two periods of the school day, Watts gave several inspirational messages, preaching that "Life is based on choices" and "Don’t focus on your problem, focus on your response."

Watts sees his public speaking having a significant effect on students.

"Students who have graduated come back and talk to me, and tell me about the success they are having and the difference the program has made on them," Watts said. Watts was educated at Cornell University where he took a public speaking class and then became a teacher’s aide for the course, partially teaching the class. In addition to this, Watts has become a pastor, developing and increasing his public speaking skills.

Watts has a more extensive, four year program that he created. This program follows and offers help for individual students in difficult situations. Watts’ program had four seniors graduate and move onto four year programs at universities. 

The powerful message that Watts uses has lasted even past the freshman class, as sophomores remember his presence.

"Looking back on it, I think that the seminar has really had a positive effect on my life," said sophomore Austin Chavez. "I think about life differently when I remember what he [Watts] said." Watts put great emphasis on individuals such as Oprah Winfrey and Rosa Parks who have overcome adversity and have gone on to do great things.

This year, Watts wowed the freshmen class with his enthusiastic style of presentation.

"I liked how into his presentation he was," said freshman Eric Fry. "It helped me pay attention and really get what he was saying."

Mrs. Reshenk, a veteran Law teacher who has spent many years with freshmen thinks that Watts’ speech makes a difference in children’s attitudes.

"I would like for him to come talk to the junior class and the senior class," said Reshenk. "His goal focused teaching could do wonders for those who haven’t heard him speak."