"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!
Steve Smith
"Tapping into that goodness makes us all better people."My name is Steve Smith and I have been an English teacher since 1997. For the past 15 years, I have taught and coached at Bethlehem Central High School in Delmar, NY. At Bethlehem, I am the coordinator of the school-within-a-school program called the Lab School, and I coach JV Golf and Boys’ Varsity Tennis.
How did you meet Coach Rich Johns?
I met Coach Johns in the spring of 1999 during my first season as the head coach of the boys’ varsity tennis team at Bethlehem High School. Coach Johns and Coach Fantauzzi quickly took this new coach under their wing and went out of their way to assist me in my new role. Coach Johns led a stellar program at Saratoga and one could always count on his players being gentlemen both on and off the court. This approach is all I have ever known and expected, since my days as a high school player, and it was refreshing to meet other coaches who valued the importance of respect and class as much as I do.
How did you hear about Act With Respect Always?
Soon after Coach Johns retired at Saratoga he contacted me about the AWRA initiative and asked if I would be willing to get involved. I jumped right on with my tennis summer camp, my golf and tennis teams, and with the Lab School.
How has the Act With Respect Alway mission effected you personally?
Each morning when I enter my classroom one of the first things I see is the AWRA banner Coach Johns gave me years ago. This banner is a physical reminder that my role as a teacher and coach can and does impact so many others, and how I conduct myself sets a tone for my students, colleagues and players. I am far from perfect, but my goal to always treat others with respect does allow me to feel as though I am doing the best I can each day.
Please share with us how you have, or will in the future “Pay it Forward”
Every time I welcome a new group of students or players I begin to “Pay it Forward” all over again. The cyclical nature of teaching and coaching allows a teacher/coach to reach new groups of young people all the time. So, I share the AWRA philosophy with all my players, students and families every new school year and season.
How would you describe the Act With Respect Always mission to others?
AWRA is about allowing everyone to realize and recognize there is good in others and within oneself. Quite simply, tapping into that goodness makes us all better people.
Would you recommend Rich to speak about Respect to others?
Without hesitation, Coach Johns’ mission is admirable and there’s nothing negative involved in it at all. Anyone can and will benefit from hearing the messages within the AWRA program.