"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!
Haley Perrone
"I strive to give my 99% every single day."My name is Haley Perrone and I am a senior at Saratoga Springs High School. I am in the New Visions Health Careers Program and I have an interest in entering the medical field. I am also fortunate enough to be a player on Saratoga’s Girls’ Varsity Tennis Team.
How did you meet Coach Rich Johns?
Coach Johns was my 6th grade social studies teacher. He was one of the teachers that made the largest impact on my education. Coach Johns didn’t just teach about ancient civilizations, he taught life lessons. He had always emphasized the importance of integrity, but at this time, AWRA was still in its beginning stages. We reconnected in the fall of my junior year when I joined the varsity tennis team. Although he had retired as the coach, he would come to our practices and matches always full of enthusiasm and encouragement.
How did you hear about Act With Respect Always?
Act With Respect Always was introduced while I was in middle school and gained momentum as the years progressed. The organization had greatly impacted athletics at Saratoga and by the time I was in high school, the mission had begun its spread to other communities.
How has the Act With Respect Alway mission effected you personally?
The AWRA mission has affected me personally because I strive to give my 99% every single day. I have always been taught that respect and kindness are some of the most important values that a person can have. The Act With Respect Always mission incorporates these values and encourages students and athletes to consider them in their everyday life. Listening to Coach Johns speak about AWRA just reinforces these values in my head and heart.
Please share with us how you have, or will in the future “Pay it Forward”
My way of giving back to my community and the world as a whole is offering my service and a little bit of optimism whenever I get the chance. I greatly enjoy volunteering in the local soup kitchen on Sunday afternoons and getting the opportunity to converse with some of the members of our community who have incredible stories to share. I have also been to Uganda with an organization called AOET, which provides health care, education, and basic necessities for children whose lives have been impacted by AIDS. I will be taking my second volunteer trip to Uganda just 10 days from now. While I am there, I am able to interact with individuals who have struggled immensely and can “pay it forward” by offering medical care and a warm smile.
How would you describe the Act With Respect Always mission to others?
The AWRA mission encourages individuals of all ages to step back and think about the repercussions of their actions. It emphasizes the importance of respect for others and for oneself. It reminds us of the golden rule, “treat others as you’d like to be treated.”
Would you recommend Rich to speak about Respect to others?
I would absolutely recommend that everyone listen to what Coach Johns has to say. I would definitely say he is a role model for me. He is a man who noticed an opportunity to make a difference and you can feel the immense passion that he feels for his mission in his presentations.