"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!
Rachel Shaver, Senior at Saratoga Springs High School
"Actions speak louder than words!"My name is Rachel Shaver and I am a senior at Saratoga Springs High School. I have been blessed with the opportunity to be a part of the Saratoga tennis team for the past six years. I am entering college this coming fall to study nursing and I’m also looking forward to playing tennis on the collegiate level as a way to carry out my passion for the sport.
How did you meet Coach Rich Johns?
I met Coach Johns in seventh grade upon becoming a part of the Junior Varsity tennis team. Not only was he a coach to me but he was also a mentor of mine and continues to be a very positive influence in my life.
How did you hear about Act With Respect Always?
I heard about the Act With Respect Always program through Coach Johns himself. He came to speak to my tennis team as he has done with many different teams in multiple school districts. I’ve heard him speak about AWRA many times throughout the years and each time I become even more impressed and inspired by what he has to say.
How has the Act With Respect Alway mission effected you personally?
The AWRA program has molded me into a more compassionate and kind person. From hearing Coach Johns speak it has become part of my daily routine to ask myself, “What’s my character score?”. This constant evaluation of my thoughts and actions has led me to become a better person as a whole.
Please share with us how you have, or will in the future “Pay it Forward”
I “Pay it Forward” by participating in volunteer work and trying to be a kinder person. As always, I continue to represent AWRA by wearing all of my attire, explaining to others what it truly means to act with respect always and hoping that they too spread the word. I also pay it forward by completing random acts of kindness, not just because it will “up my character score”, but because actions speak louder than words and kindness will only encourage others to also “Pay it Forward” in the same way.
How would you describe the Act With Respect Always mission to others?
I would describe the Act With Respect mission to others as an opportunity to better the world. By evaluating your character score, thinking about how your actions and words affect others, and continuing to Pay it Forward with acts of kindness and compassion, the world becomes full of better people. If you could be the start of anything, why not be the start of something great? A kinder world is a better world.
Would you recommend Rich to speak about Respect to others?
Absolutely I would recommend Coach Johns to speak to others about his mission. It is a very uplifting and powerful program that I don’t think anyone should go without hearing. It has changed me for the better as I’m sure it does for anyone who hears Rich Johns speak.