"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!
Brooke Mathews
"The AWRA mission is a roadway to success."How did you meet Coach Rich Johns?
Coach Johns was my sixth grade Social Studies teacher. He made such a great impact on my learning experience, and during his teachings taught us all about respect and how to respect others. Mr. Johns didn’t just teach me about the history of the world, he taught life lessons and how to continue to stay positive and respectful to others because you never know what they could be going through in their everyday lives. Having integrity has always been #1 in Coach Johns’ life and his teachings throughout the Act With Respect Always program.
How did you hear about Act With Respect Always?
I learned about AWRA through Mr.Johns. It was introduced to Maple Ave. Middle School when I was in his class. It continued to become more and more popular in other schools around New York State, after Mr. Johns retired. He has visited many other schools to teach students and teachers about integrity and respect and the impact of having both.
How has the Act With Respect Alway mission effected you personally?
The AWRA has affected me personally because I always try my best to give my 99% all day, every day. We all have our ups and downs but it has made me realize that everything happens for a reason. Everybody has struggles in life. As a team, we all need to strive to create a better and a more welcoming community by giving our 99%
Please share with us how you have, or will in the future “Pay it Forward”
I am an NCBI leader. NCBI is a no bullying program. I have been a part of it since I was a freshman.
I became a leader in my sophomore year. Being a leader is an honor because I personally have been bullied and I love showing other students that they are not alone. We’re all in this together! Paying it forward means to stand up for others even if it means losing your “status”. “Paying it forward” can also mean lending a hand to a friend or stranger or even just giving them a friendly smile. Anything could help brighten their day.
How would you describe the Act With Respect Always mission to others?
The AWRA mission is a roadway to success. We’ve been hearing the saying “treat others the way you want to be treated” since pre-school, if not sooner. AWRA puts that saying into action. Everyone has choices in life. Sometimes you have to take a step back and think before you make those choices, whether it be a good choice or a bad choice.
Would you recommend Rich to speak about Respect to others?
I definitely recommend for everyone to listen to what Mr. Johns has to say about respecting others.
Mr. Johns is a role model to many people, including myself. He’s a hero, a coach, but most importantly a friend to everybody. Each and every person has the opportunity to make a positive change in the world. Show your 99%, just as Coach Johns works to do and continues to do.