"I Act With Respect"

Joseph Bokan

"If you treat everybody around you like you would like to be treated, you create an atmosphere that is respectful"

My name is Joseph Bokan, and I am a senior at Saratoga Springs High School. I am a varsity rower with the Saratoga Springs Rowing Association, as well as, a member of the high school investment club, National Honor Society, and Youth Squared of the Capital Region. After graduation, I will be attending a university in the Northeast to study finance and economics.

How did you meet Coach Rich Johns?
I have known Mr. Johns my entire life, as we are neighbors, and I have attended his presentations at school, basketball camps, and SRA. Whether I am shooting hoops in my driveway or raking leaves, Mr. Johns always has a smile and encouraging words for me as he walks by.

How did you hear about Act With Respect Always?
Act With Respect Always has been an organization that I have heard of since I was pretty young. I remember Mr. Johns talking with my dad and me about it when he was first starting the program. Now, there are signs and banners everywhere. It’s so recognizable – it’s great!

How has the Act With Respect Alway mission affected you personally?
The mission and message of the organization have been with me and influenced how I try to live my life in a big way. Knowing that I need to be responsible, respectful, fair and honest throughout every day has really helped in making smart choices, whether I am at rowing, school or work. It’s important, as senior members of teams or organizations, to set a good example and be positive role models for younger members. If you treat everybody around you like you would like to be treated, you create an atmosphere that is respectful, welcoming, and benefits all.

Please share with us how you have, or will in the future “Pay it Forward”
Having been a part of many different community service projects through school, church, and sports, I believe giving back to the community is a crucial part of being a well-rounded person. Providing others with that extra money or time you have is exactly how you can “Pay it Forward.” While working with an organization, Youth Squared, for the past 3 years, I have had many opportunities to give back to the Saratoga community, as well as helping globally. We’re a busy group, whether sending care packages to those affected by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, conducting workshops to help young people develop service opportunities, or helping with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. I intend to join service groups at my college campus and am particularly interested in working with Habitat for Humanity. Doing good things for others pays dividends to both you and the recipient!

How would you describe the Act With Respect Always mission to others?
The Act With Respect Always mission centers around building character and encouraging young people to treat others kindly, with respect, and without judgment. Realizing that each person is defined by who they are on the inside rather than on the outside is another key mission of AWRA. We are all more than meets the eye and have many gifts and talents to share. AWRA encourages young people to do just that.

Would you recommend Rich to speak about Respect to others?
Mr. Johns would be my first call if the opportunity ever presents itself to have a guest speaker. As a former coach and teacher, he gets across the mission of Act With Respect Always so well and really motivates young people to keep AWRA’s principles in mind throughout every day. He really believes in the mission and message and makes you believe, too.