Center Sponsors UPSTANDER Events

As part of the Center’s anti-bullying initiative, UPSTANDERS:Stand Up to Bullying, the Holocaust Center hosted community events featuring John Halligan. He shared the story of the life and death of his 13-year-old son Ryan, who committed suicide after years of being bullied. He spoke to students about the terrible consequences of bullying on families, and spoke to parents about ways to make their children safer. You can watch his story from his recent appearance on Oprah.

During the week of December 13-17 programs were presented at ten Orange County middle schools chosen by the district as pilot sites for the project. The goal of the initiative is to reach the vast majority of students who are neither bullies nor victims. As bystanders, they have the ability to intervene and interrupt, but often do not have enough confidence or encouragement to do so.

Ryan Halligan’s story was also presented at three community venues: Holy Family Catholic School on Apopka-Vineland Road, Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Winter Park, Lake Highland Prep Middle School. Each of the evening programs will begin at 7:00 pm, and are appropriate for parents, teachers and students.

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The Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida · 851 N Maitland Ave · Maitland, FL 32751 · Phone: 407-628-0555 · info@holocaustedu.org