HAMMOND — Rich Johns, a former elementary teacher and Hall of Fame coach, will be in the Hammond Central School District on Wednesday, Dec. 1, delivering a message on anti-bullying and mental health awareness.

Johns grew up in a small village in South Glens Falls. As a young student and athlete he learned quickly that his teachers and coaches were there to help him succeed and grow. However, the most important lesson he learned was that you must work hard and respect everyone in your life. He now shares this message of resPect with students in school communities all around the country.

His program called Act with Respect Always was started by Johns more than a decade ago. It encourages students to approach their teachers and classmates with empathy and challenges them to gauge their own meter of kindness. The former Saratoga teacher and coach calls this; what’s your 99. Meaning what's the kindness in your heart, people can’t see it when they first meet you but quickly learn it’s the kindness you give and share with others.

The 99 concept of mindfulness to everyone helps inspire others to draw reflection towards their every minute awareness.

Life with COVID has taken a toll on the mental health of our school leaders and students and with kids back in school full time this year Johns has introduced a new concept called Your Solid Five. These are five people you can trust, rely on or go to anytime, anyplace for physical and emotional support without judgement. They can be a parent, sibling, teacher or classmate. You never know what a student or classmate is going through, Johns says “it is so important to act with kindness and respect always.”

To learn more about Johns, visit https://actwithrespectalways.com/coach-rich-johns/.