"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!
Caitlyn Bell
"I am currently trying to start a community service group that focuses on major projects around the community that usually get overlooked"My name is Caitlyn Bell and I am a freshman at Saratoga Springs High School. I am blessed to be on the Saratoga Girls’ Varsity Tennis Team. I enjoy participating in the USTA team tennis on the school tennis team’s off season. I have an interest in becoming an exotic animal vet and I take care of two sugar gliders.
How did you meet Coach Rich Johns?
I met Coach Johns through the tennis team. I originally met him three years ago when I was a member of the JV team. He came in to talk about what it means to be on a team. I remember even now about how he talked about teamwork and how being part of the Saratoga Tennis program is truly a precious experience. He stressed how the team was not just about tennis, but about growing as people.
How did you hear about Act With Respect Always?
My brother had told me about it, but my first, true introduction, came from Coach Johns. I will forever be thankful for the full introduction that I received.
How has the Act With Respect Alway mission effected you personally?
My sister was helping a special needs child when I thought that it would be nice if I were to meet him. I ended up investing countless hours, spending hours with this child and developing a special relationship. Meeting him and getting to know him made me think about my life and realized how fortunate I am to be alive. He had such a positive outlook on life and made me feel how every little thing is a blessing. I gained so much from that situation, more than I ever imagined possible.
Please share with us how you have, or will in the future “Pay it Forward”
I am currently trying to start a community service group that focuses on major projects around the community. I would like to focus on things that usually get overlooked in our community. One project I would like to see is a holiday dinner for people in the Navy. There are many Navy servicemen and women stationed in Saratoga that come from other parts of the country. A holiday meal would be a nice way to pick up their spirits. Another project is to focus on backstretch workers and their needs. My future wish is to pay it forward with my dream job as a vet.
How would you describe the Act With Respect Always mission to others?
The Act With Respect Always mission is to build ones character and to ‘pay it forward’. AWRA helps people to focus on who they really are. It makes you think about your actions and whether they are positive or not. The self-awareness that AWRA stresses helps to build character in leaps and bounds. AWRA also takes bullying head on to nip it in the bud. Paying it forward has taught me how doing good things for others is truly rewarding.
Would you recommend Rich to speak about Respect to others?
I would definitely recommend Coach Johns. It is rare to have someone who is able to express such a powerful message so effectively. His message has put an imprint on me, in the best ways possible, and I would love to have nothing more than to have the message spread. His message ultimately leads to success as a person.