Students in Grade 6 Technology Literacy were incredibly moved by the story of Ryan Halligan, a teenage boy from Essex, Vermont who committed suicide after years of being bullied by his peers. After their son's suicide in 2003, John and Kelly Halligan decided to fight bullying and cyber bullying head on, and began traveling around the country talking to students about Ryan's senseless death.

Ryan Halligan

After watching a video about Ryan's story, the students wrote emails to the Halligan's, expressing their sorrow and condolences. Then they created posters using MS Paint, depicting various scenes of bullying and cyber bullying, and tips on how to stop it.

See  John Halligan's response below.

Dear Ms. Malec,

 

Thank you for taking the time to send this kind email. We were so touched by their letters. I figured out from one of the messages that you showed them the Oprah piece.  I would love the opportunity to come and tell the rest of the story.  One of your students asked me to email your principal this morning with the details in how to book me.  I hope it works out.   I would love the opportunity to thank your students in person.

 

With kind regards

John Halligan