Former Saratoga Coach Continues “Act with Respect Always” Mission

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Coach Rich Johns, a former tennis coach at Saratoga Springs High School, continued his “Act with Respect Always” program with a series of speaking engagements over the last few months.

In April, Coach Johns spoke at a Saratoga Springs Rotary Club meeting, as well as the New York State Recreation and Park Society’s annual conference at the Queensbury Hotel in Glens Falls. Late last year, he also spoke at Hoosick Falls High School. 

According to Johns, “Act With Respect Always” is a pay it forward movement stressing the importance of one’s personal character. In his speeches, Johns introduces several concepts, including:

• The 99% (What’s Your 99) and the 1% (Accept The 1), a personal character assessment plan that aims to bring the concept of mindfulness to everyone

• The Visible Project, which encourages everyone to send notes of gratitude to a friend, relative, teacher, or anyone else that has shown them kindness

• The Solid Five (Who Are Your Solid5), or five people who can be relied upon for non-judgmental physical and emotional support