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Port St. Lucie – Friday Focus

Article written by David Messner, Ph.D., Assistant Principal, RCSSL

National Character Education Speaker, Coach Johns, Shares His Message With St. Lucie Students

On March 7th and 8th, “Coach” Rich Johns delivered his message in multiple sessions with website the Renaissance Charter School of St. Lucie’s (RCSSL) fourth through eighth graders. New Yorker, Johns, a former elementary and middle school teacher and tennis and basketball coaching legend, provided a simple yet powerful message: ACT WITH RESPECT ALWAYS. Johns’ presentations supports Charter School USA’s character education program, S.T.R.I.V.E., and RCSSL’s anti-bullying initiative “Expect Respect.”

Act With Respect Always is a “pay it forward” movement, started in Johns’ sixth grade classes and tennis program, stressing the importance of personal character. It is designed to build respect and leadership, teach positive and constructive behavior, and help stop bullying before it starts. Looking at each person as a leader and stressing teamwork, kindness, empathy, courage, and honesty, he strives to make everyone aware of their daily actions.

Johns earned the United States Tennis Association’s National Starfish Award, given in recognition of his “no-cut” tennis program and his positive impact on hundreds of athletes. He has also acquired the National High School Coach of the Year Award for his exemplary leadership, enthusiasm, and team building skills. Rich serves on Wilson Sports Company National Coaches Advisory Staff.

Duke University Men’s basketball coach, Mike Krzyzewski, said, “… The Act With Respect Always program is making a huge, positive difference in the lives of many students.”