Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman Shows Her Support For the Arts at a Young Audiences Performance in District 12

L to R, back row: Michele Russo President & CEO Young Audiences; Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman; Bear Tavern parent and Young Audiences Trustee Mikaela Levons; Superintendent Hopewell Valley Regional School District Dr. Rosetta Treece; Principal Bear Tavern Jay Billy; President & CEO NJ Principals and Supervisors Association Donna McInerney; and Executive Director ArtsEdNJ Wendy Liscow. Front row: Bear Tavern 4th grade students.

On Apr 25, 2025, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman showed her support of arts education by attending a Young Audiences Arts for Learning (YA) performance at Bear Tavern Elementary School in Titusville. Over 200 students in grades 2 through 4 experienced cultural enrichment with YA performance ensemble Samba to Salsa.

The school-wide performance, A Journey Through Latin Percussion, celebrates the traditions of Latin drumming. Students learn about the origins, history, and classic rhythms of samba, salsa, and more. For some students, this was their introduction to Latin American percussion. Samba to Salsa includes artists Josh Robinson, Alex Shaw, and Andres Cisneros.

Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman is a staunch education and arts advocate. She serves on the Congressional Education Committee and is a long-standing member of the Congressional Arts Caucus. Congresswoman Watson Coleman is active in her district, connecting with her constituents. She was thrilled to attend an in-school performance to understand how the arts support young people and the school leaders in her district.

“The students at Bear Tavern Elementary are an impressive bunch. No doubt, that’s the product of great teachers, involved parents, and an enriching learning environment. It was a joy to see how programming like that which was put on by Young Audiences was able to capture the attention of so many young people and encouraged them to exercise both their minds and bodies,” said Congresswoman Watson Coleman.

Congresswoman Watson Coleman was joined by Young Audiences representatives, including President & CEO Michele Russo, YA Trustee and Bear Tavern parent Mikaela Levons, and YA Trustee and Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation for Educational Administration Donna McInerney. Hopewell Valley School District Superintendent Dr. Rosetta D. Treece, and Principal Jay Billy welcomed students, teachers, and guests to the performance at Bear Tavern.

“We’re deeply grateful to Congresswoman Watson Coleman for joining us today and for her continued support for arts education. Her presence underscores the vital role of creativity and cultural connection in education, and we’re honored to share the impact our programs have on young people every day,” shared Michele Russo, President & CEO, YA.

Photos from the event can be viewed here: https://app.air.inc/a/bNpXV2TTf.

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About Young Audiences Arts for Learning New Jersey and Eastern PA

Young Audiences Arts for Learning NJ & Eastern PA, established in 1973, is the leading arts-in-education resource in the region, offering teaching artist-led performances, workshops, residencies, and professional learning programs to schools across New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania. With an extensive roster of professional teaching artists spanning various art forms, Young Audiences has impacted more than 15 million children in its 50-year history. Committed to inspiring young minds and fostering inclusive learning environments, Young Audiences strives to ensure that every child receives rich and meaningful arts experiences. Through diverse and accessible programs, the organization aims to strengthen arts education, meet curriculum standards, and enrich cultural life in communities throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania. To learn more, visit yanjep.org.