"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!
Johanna Friedman
"My students are working to pay it forward every day."In the fall of 2012, I met Coach Johns, as he was a panelist following the movie Bully, which was being shown at the Saratoga Film Forum. I had been aware of Act With Respect Always, as Coach had been a teacher in my school district.
I spoke with Coach about the novel, Thirteen Reasons Why that I was teaching, for the first time, with my ninth graders. He graciously put together a presentation combining information from his program and the novel, and came in to speak to all of my classes. He highlighted that we should look at a person’s 99%, what’s on the inside, and not their 1%, what’s on the outside. Furthermore, students took a pledge to Act With Respect Always and they signed a large banner hanging in my classroom to remind them of their pledge. Having this visual also serves as a reminder to all students to treat others how you wish to be treated. It is a common saying, but a saying that too often gets forgotten in the drama of high school and adolescence.
After Rich’s presentation to my classes, we talked about ways we can put this into action. Students suggested the following: being the one to invite someone, who doesn’t have anyone, to sit with in the cafeteria, to sit with them at lunch or if a friend makes a rude comment to someone else, tell them it is not okay. Also, try to say something kind to at least five people every day. Always be kind and never judge anyone, those are words to remember every day. My students are working to “pay it forward” every day.
The Act With Respect Always mission is an extremely valuable and important mission in our society now more than ever.
Johanna Friedman
English Teacher
Saratoga Springs High School
Saratoga Springs, NY