Ryan’s Story Presented In Lindenhurst

LINDENHURST, NY - In an effort to raise awareness of the effects that bullying has on students, Lindenhurst Middle School hosted Ryan’s Story, an antibullying program based upon the life and death of 13-year-old Ryan Halligan.

Ryan was a middle school student from Vermont who died by suicide in 2003 due to depression and constant bullying.

In an emotional presentation that included a slideshow of Ryan throughout the years, Ryan’s father, John Halligan, recounted to the sixth-grade students of Lindenhurst, the story of his son’s life and the ridicule he endured.

In separate sessions for students and parents, he discussed the devastating impact his son’s suicide has had on his family, and the power of forgiveness.

“Ryan was so focused on the people who didn’t like him that he forgot all about those people in his life who loved him,” Halligan said. “I assure every one of you in this room, you are loved beyond belief.”

He also urged students to seek help from a trusted grownup if they, or someone they know are having similar bad feelings and to speak up if they know someone who is bullying a classmate.

“Bullies tend to pick on people for the audience reaction. If you don’t give them the attention, or let them know you don’t think it is cool, they won’t have the same desire to do it.”

Pictured, from left, are LMS sixth-graders Sophia Ievolello, Alyssa Castillo, David Vitrovyy, Justin Renna and Gabriella Cilen with Ryan’s father, John Halligan

Photo courtesy of the Lindenhurst Union Free School District