"I Act With Respect"
A spotlight of inviduals from schools, communities, and from around the world who have taken it upon themselves to "pay it forward" as AWRA Ambassadors. They are vital role models in our society, we humbly thank you, and respect you!
Nicholas Grosso
"AWRA has affected me on-court, in the classroom, and in my everyday life"My name is Nicholas Grosso. I’m a Senior at Saratoga Springs High School and am a member of the Saratoga Varsity tennis team. I play the saxophone, have been a member of the student government, and participate in various clubs at Saratoga High.
How did you meet Coach Rich Johns?
I first met Coach at a tennis camp when I was in seventh grade looking to become involved in the Saratoga tennis program. Coach noticed me as one of the few younger kids on the team and took the time with me to improve my game; make sure I wasn’t left behind, and that I was noticed.
How did you hear about Act With Respect Always?
I first learned of AWRA in my elementary school seeing the overwhelming support represented with banners and wrist bands. I gained a true understanding of what AWRA is all about in the school tennis camp when I first met coach. It was discussing how we can apply AWRA on-court and in our daily lives.
How has the Act With Respect Alway mission affected you personally?
The act with respect always campaign has affected me on-court, in the classroom, and in my everyday life. The “What’s your 99” campaign I found myself applying it to my tennis game frequently. Tennis being a mentally grueling sport, I found myself looking to put my best self forward to my opponent out of respect. At the end of the day, on-court I aim to win matches but I’d rather leave the court with the respect of another player. The “Visible Project encouraged me to stretch for new friendships and put myself into situations I was hesitant to before. I noticed a simple “hello” or “how are you?” can truly impact someone’s day and it’s a really cool thing to see.
Please share with us how you have, or will in the future “Pay it Forward”
In the future, I hope to pay it forward by spreading the AWRA message as far as I can. I’ve been wearing my wrist bands for the last 5 years and I plan to continue next fall at Hobart William Smith. I look forward to the opportunity of spreading the campaign that’s affected me in so many positive ways to new friends and peers.
How would you describe the Act With Respect Always mission to others?
I would describe the act with respect campaign to others as the opportunity to create a stronger and healthier community through new friendships, peer awareness and respect for those around you. The mission is really a great opportunity to improve on your best self and encourage others to do the same.
Would you recommend Rich to speak about Respect to others?
I absolutely would recommend Coach to speak to others. He has been able to impact many people with the mission so far, indirectly and directly as I can testify on behalf of myself. Coach has been able to spread wisdom with people that has affected many for the good and I believe that anyone who has the opportunity, should hear the great mentalities on life that he is able to put forward.