Focus on anti-bullying, suicide prevention, technology risks, and forgiveness
Students from Johnstown High School and Knox Middle School had the chance to hear from John Halligan, a man who transformed his family’s tragedy into a mission aimed at preventing others from enduring the pain he suffered after losing his 13-year-old son to suicide.
As students gathered in their auditoriums for the presentation, some of the usual chatter was laced with whispers about the upcoming presentation. The room fell silent as Mr. Halligan took the stage and began “Ryan’s Story,” using a moving photo slideshow to introduce the students to his son. Through heartfelt and often distressing words, they met Ryan, a boy similar in age who had endured persistent, relentless bullying until it simply became unbearable.
Mr. Halligan spoke candidly and the room was charged with raw emotion. Many in the audience had witnessed bullying; some had been victims, and perhaps some had unknowingly or knowingly contributed to someone else’s pain. His narrative brought to life the real and devastating impact of bullying and cyberbullying, urging everyone to look closer at their actions and the potential warning signs in their peers.
Mr. Halligan passionately urged students to be upstanders, not bystanders, emphasizing the power they hold to create a positive change by speaking up and supporting each other. He discussed how technology frequently intensifies these challenges, underscoring the vital need for intervention and open communication.
High School Principal Nick Snow reinforced the impactful message that no student is ever alone. “I am so proud to be your principal,” he told students, thanking them for their respect. “Our goal is to make a meaningful difference. We all have examples of this in our own lives. As Mr. Halligan said, apologize if you’ve hurt someone. It’s something that could really change the outcome for others.”
Some left the auditorium in tears, embracing one another as they departed with a collective understanding: creating a safe, inclusive environment required everyone’s active effort. As they walked away, some students began reflecting on their own experiences, realizing moments when they felt excluded or witnessed others being marginalized. This introspection sparked conversations about personal growth and the changes needed to foster inclusivity.
“Having John Halligan share Ryan’s story with our students was both powerful and transformative,” said Knox Principal Nicole Panton. “His message encouraged students to connect with a trusted adult and to reflect on any actions that may have caused harm. We are already witnessing positive shifts in student behavior and conversations across our school.”
The lesson shared with Johnstown students and staff was clear: kindness, awareness, and action are powerful tools that can elevate a school culture and ensure that no student ever feels isolated, helpless, or without hope. The seeds of change planted through this experience carry with them the enduring lessons of Ryan’s story.
A message from Superintendent of Schools, Ms. Alicia D. Koster:
This was a poignant reminder of the compassion required to truly understand one another, the necessity of forgiveness, both of ourselves and others, and the strength we find when we stand united against the suffering caused by bullying.
As a school community, we are committed to fostering an environment where every student feels seen, supported, and valued. Our district offers comprehensive support services through our SEAL (Social, Emotional, Academic Learning) team and our building leaders, who are available to assist students and families experiencing a crisis or in need of connections to community resources.
We want every family to know that help is always within reach, and no one has to navigate difficult moments alone. Let this message serve as a renewed call to action for all of us—students, families, educators, and community partners—to continue building a culture of empathy and connection. Together, we can ensure that kindness is not just an ideal, but a daily practice that shapes the heart of our schools.
If you need support, please reach out using the contact information for SEAL provided in this link. Our school principals and staff are here with compassionate outreach and can also connect you with the right resources, such as school counselors, social workers, and a school psychologist available in each building. Additionally, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 by texting or calling 988.