"I Act With Respect"

Maddie Siebeneck

"A little kindness goes a long way"

My name is Maddie Siebeneck and I am a Junior at Saratoga Springs High School. I have played on the Girls Varsity Tennis Team for the past 5 years and enjoy playing soccer for the Saratoga-Wilton Soccer Club. I’m also passionate about volunteering in my community and participating in clubs such as Key Club and Women’s Empowerment Club.

How did you meet Coach Rich Johns?
I first met Coach Johns back in 7th Grade during my first year on the Girls Varsity Tennis Team. During our pre-season tryouts, Coach Johns had come to talk to our team and spread the positive message of Act With Respect Always. Since that talk, I have always looked up to Coach as a mentor and have admired the work of the AWRA program and the message it spreads.

How did you hear about Act With Respect Always?
I first heard about the Act With Respect Always program from my older sister Ellie Siebeneck, who was also a member of the Girls Varsity Tennis Team and graduated back in 2020. Coach Johns was one of the speakers at the tennis banquets that I attended with my sister back when I was in elementary school and I remember thinking, even back then, that Coach was really inspirational. He spoke about bullying, and, even as a child, I knew that what he spoke about was very important.

How has the Act With Respect Always mission affected you personally?
I believe that now more than ever it is super important that children and teens think very seriously about always trying to “achieve their 99”. We are growing up in a time when cyber-bullying has become a very real, very concerning issue and I have personally come into contact with multiple friends and acquaintances who have been victims of bullying. I believe that, even when it may not be the easiest choice, it is so important to be your best self and not take part in anything that might be perceived as unkind to anyone else!

Please share with us how you have, or will in the future “Pay it Forward”
I truly always try to be kind to all my friends and acquaintances – you never know what someone else may be going through. And I believe a little kindness goes a long way! I also enjoy volunteering at the Senior Center and at SNACpack. It feels great to be able to give back to my community and put a smile on someone else’s face!

How would you describe the Act With Respect Always mission to others?
The Act With Respect Always mission teaches us to always have self-respect and to always respect those around us. It has helped me to be less judgmental of myself and others and encouraged me to always try to be the best person I can be. Coach’s message of “What’s Your 99% Today?” has kept me grounded and always makes me think about how my actions could potentially affect others. It also makes us focus on everyone’s true character and reminds us to never underestimate the power of kindness. Coach’s mission shares very important life lessons – lessons that, now more than ever, are so essential to creating a kinder, and more respectful world for our future!

Would you recommend Rich to speak about Respect to others?
would definitely recommend Coach to speak about Respect to others. I always look forward to hearing him speak, and I always leave feeling inspired to be a better person. His mission for spreading kindness and respect is one that everyone can benefit from! Anyone who has the opportunity to listen to Coach’s message will be asked to evaluate their own lives and character in a different light. I believe that audiences of all ages will be able to change it for the better after listening to Coach Johns speak. And, after listening to Coach, his audiences can “pay in forward” by spreading kindness and respect wherever they go!