John P. Halligan

On October 7, 2003, Mr. Halligan lost his 13-year- old son, Ryan, to suicide. It was revealed in greater detail, after Ryan’s death, that he was ridiculed and humiliated by his peers at his middle school and online. In 2004, Mr. Halligan spearheaded the Vermont Bullying Prevention law in honor of his son Ryan. In 2006, he then led the passing of a law which requires education about suicide prevention in public schools. Mr. Halligan has made it his life’s work to spread the need for awareness and prevention of bullying, cyberbullying, and teen suicide in the United States, Canada, and Latin America. He has appeared on several national TV programs, including Oprah, Primetime with Diane Sawyer, and PBS Frontline. Mr. Halligan has spoken to over 2000 schools spreading his message of hope and kindness.