"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!
Jaxen Potter
"Kindness and Respect don’t cost anything"My name is Jaxen Potter and I am a senior at Ballston Spa High School. I am a captain on the varsity basketball team, and the Co-President of the National Honors Society. I plan to attend college for business management and to play basketball.
How did you meet Coach Rich Johns?
I met Coach Johns at a Jimmer Fredette’s basketball camp when I was in middle school. Coach talked to the campers about Act With Respect Always, and his phrase ‘What’s your 99’ stuck with me. Since then, I have gotten to know Coach Johns well and he is someone I have looked up to.
How did you hear about Act With Respect Always?
I remember our elementary school having a few banners in our gym, but when I first learned about the message was when I first met Coach Johns at the camp. One of the greatest honors I’ve gotten is Coach Johns handing me the ‘What’s your 99’ shirt and telling me that I earned it.
How has the Act With Respect Always mission affected you personally?
Coach Johns and Act With Respect Always have taught me how to be a better leader, and how important your actions are when you are looked up to. I believe those leadership qualities led to my teammates trusting me enough to be a captain and leader for our team.
Please share with us how you have, or will in the future “Pay it Forward”
I help out and support our younger teams in our Ballston Spa basketball program, going to the younger kids’ capital district games, helping at camps, and supporting the freshman and JV teams. I also hope to coach basketball one day.
How would you describe the Act With Respect Always mission to others?
Kindness and Respect don’t cost anything, but could mean a lot to people. AWRA just wants, not only athletes, but everyone, to be better and have good values in life. A Coach Johns quote that I think sums up the AWRA mission is “Today matters. Make a difference in your life. Think kindness always.”
Would you recommend Rich to speak about Respect to others?
Coach Johns taught me the importance of being kind, showing respect and being a leader. Those are qualities that are very important in sports and in life, and no one teaches them like Coach Johns. Everyone should give Coach a listen.