"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!
Jessie House
"I want to make sure that up and coming freshman and sophomores act with respect towards their coaches teachers and other classmates"My Name is Jessie House. I am currently a junior at Saratoga Springs High School. As of right now I have played 4 sports for Saratoga Springs High School. These sports including Field Hockey, Tennis, Basketball and Softball. The most recent sport I have been a part of is Girls Varsity Tennis. Outside of sports, I am also the Vice President of my junior class.
How did you meet Coach Rich Johns?
The first time I met Coach Johns was when I was a freshman on the JV softball team. Coach Testa was my coach and she and Coach Johns are very close friends so she had Coach Johns come over and talk to my softball team.
How did you hear about Act With Respect Always?
I heard of Act with Respect Always from Coach Johns, but in middle school I had heard of the program because of my older brothers. As I entered high school and was engaged with the varsity tennis team and other sports, I became more familiar with the program.
How has the Act With Respect Alway mission effected you personally?
The Act with Respect Always mission has taught me to always respect others no matter what. Academics and athletics are both a huge part of my life so as a student and player I need to respect my coaches and teachers. AWRA is especially useful when I’m frustrated in a sport, even if I’m losing or having a bad day, I still need to respect the other team and my coaches. This can be difficult for me because I always push myself to be the best and when I’m not, I need to reflect on the positive and continue with my game or match the best I can out of respect for my teammates and coaches.
Please share with us how you have, or will in the future “Pay it Forward”
As Vice President of my junior class and a top player for the girls varsity tennis team, I want to make sure that up and coming freshman and sophomores act with respect towards their coaches teachers and other classmates. As an upperclassmen, the underclassmen look up to us. We are their role models and we have to set examples for them. If they see us acting with respect towards others, hopefully they will too.
How would you describe the Act With Respect Always mission to others?
Act with Respect Always is not only applied to student-athletes but to students everywhere. This program teaches us how to become a better person and gain positivity and improve our own character. Our actions affect others so if our actions are positive and powerful, was can help others gain positivity and courage as well.
Would you recommend Rich to speak about Respect to others?
I would undoubtedly recommend Coach Johns to speak about Act with Respect Always. His message is empowering and should be heard by all high school students to help them thrive in their academics and athletics.