"I Act With Respect"

Alyson Crosby

"You should always treat everyone with respect"

My name is Alyson Crosby. I am a senior at Hammond Central School. Our School is very small and my graduating class has 16 students. I play soccer, basketball, and softball. I am a captain of all three sports and currently in basketball season. Academically, I have over a 90 average, I am on National Honor Society and Student Council.

How did you meet Coach Rich Johns?
I met Coach Johns last year in the Spring, softball season had just started. Our school was going through a tough time. Coach Johns presented to our 9-12 grades and I got to talk to him personally after because of how much his presentation impacted me.

How did you hear about Act With Respect Always?
I heard of Act With Respect Always from Coach Johns. Our school had recently put up his “What’s your 99” prior to his presentation so I was really excited to hear what Coach Johns had to say. I was always taught to be respectful but what Coach Johns said that day really opened my eyes as well as others.

How has the Act With Respect Alway mission affected you personally?
Not only has the “Act With Respect Always helped me athletically, but it has greatly helped me grow as a person. In everyday life, I try to remember the “invisible backpack” which was one of the things Coach Johns taught me. You never know what other people are carrying on their back, so you should always treat everyone with respect. Coach Johns has also helped me develop into the player I am. Whenever I get frustrated in sports, I think of what he taught that day last Spring about personal traits and being respectful because you never know who is watching.

Please share with us how you have, or will in the future “Pay it Forward”
Coach Johns has taught me how important it is to do the little everyday acts as well as the big ways to “Pay it Forward”. I often help with our school’s Elementary and Modified girls basketball. Helping younger athletes is very important because they look up to varsity players like me. As a captain of all three sports, and being on National Honor Society I’m already held at a higher standard on the court and in the classroom. I will always try to treat others with respect because it does not only benefit me personally, but also sets an example to the younger students around me.

How would you describe the Act With Respect Always mission to others?
Often, many people get caught up in their daily life and forget the importance of how far being respectful, kind, positive and supportive can take you. I have seen on the court or field when I say something positive to my teammates, they start showing that same positivity to each other. Which starts a chain reaction. Everyone has the power to change somebody else’s life just by their everyday actions, which I think is a huge part of the Act With Respect always mission.

Would you recommend Rich to speak about Respect to others?
Not only would I recommend Coach Johns to speak to athletes and students, I would also recommend him to speak to teachers, coaches, and adults. Anyone of any age has something to learn from Coach Johns. I can’t wait for Coach Johns to come back to our school and speak to us again.