John Halligan, whose 13-year-old son, Ryan, committed suicide after being bullied, will address Udall Road and Beach Street Middle School students and staff in West Islip on Mon., Feb. 22 and Tues., Feb. 23, respectively. Additionally, he will present a 90-minute community-wide presentation on Mon., Feb. 2, 7 p.m. at West Islip High School.

A district-wide Anti-Bullying Committee, formed two years ago, is being chaired by Udall Road Principal Daniel Marquardt, who reports that his students have created an Internet Safety Committee, which will be showing a video of student interviews about bullying. Additionally, the Udall Unplugged Club will perform two songs, 15 by Taylor Swift and Welcome to My Life by Simple Plan.

Mr. and Mrs. Halligan have worked diligently to raise awareness about bullying since the loss of their son. Additionally, they’ve been instrumental in helping to establish important bully prevention and suicide prevention laws in Vermont.

The West Islip Anti-Bullying Committee urges parents to speak with their children about these presentations; this is an important issue that needs to be discussed together.

Any parent who does not want their child(ren) at this presentation should notify Mr. Marquardt in writing before Feb. 10. Those who have questions may contact the principal at 631-930-1650 and view www.ryanpatrickhalligan.org.