On Monday, March 6th, Mr. John Halligan joined us to offer a presentation for our students. He relayed his own tragic experience as a Dad whose 13 year old son took his own life in 2003, after incessant bullying by peers since the 5th grade, both in school and online. Mr. Halligan further shared that Ryan wrestled with underlying mental health issues and depression and that these factors contributed to Ryan’s vulnerability and ultimate suicide. His story was riveting and powerful, and reminds all of us that there is a face, a person, a heart, on the other end of the screen and every in-person interaction.
We thank Mr. Halligan for sharing his experience with us and helping us to recognize the signs of bullying and depression and to find the courage to stand up to bullying, knowing that action on our part could have a powerful effect on someone's life.
To learn more about Ryan and the Halligan Family's story, we encourage you to visit a website named for his son: www.RyansStory.org.
To learn more about Ryan and the Halligan Family's story, we encourage you to visit a website named for his son: www.RyansStory.org.