Proven Impact: 20+ Years, 2,500+ Schools, 1 Million+ Students
In memory of Ryan Patrick Halligan 1989-2003
John Halligan's Speaking Fee
Ryan's Story Presentation Speaking Fees and Program Options
I believe in being straightforward about my fees. Schools have real budgets and limited time, so I want you to know exactly what to expect before we begin the scheduling process.
My fees include all normal travel expenses, including airfare, hotels, rental cars, mileage, meals and parking. There are no additional travel charges for most locations.
My goal has always been to make Ryan's Story accessible to as many students and families as possible. If your school has a limited budget, please reach out. There may be ways to share a presentation day with another school or work together as a district to reduce the cost.
PRIMARY MARKET REGION
New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire
First Student Presentation: $2,000
Each Additional Same Day Student Presentation: $1,000
Live Parent Evening Added to the Same Visit: $1,000
District Shared Day Pricing
Schools within the same district or geographic area are welcome to share a presentation day.
One school: $2,000 total
Two schools sharing the same day: $3,000 total, or $1,500 per school
Three schools sharing the same day: $4,000 total, or approximately $1,333 per school
There is no limit on audience size, and multiple schools may also come together at one location to share the cost.
REST OF THE UNITED STATES
First Student Presentation: $3,000
Each Additional Same Day Student Presentation: $1,000
Live Parent Evening Added to the Same Visit: $1,500
District Shared Day Pricing
One school: $3,000 total
Two schools sharing the same day: $4,000 total, or $2,000 per school
Three schools sharing the same day: $5,000 total, or approximately $1,667 per school
Schools may also combine audiences at one location when that works best for the district.
MY VERY SIMPLE, SCHOOL FRIENDLY TERMS
✅ All normal travel expenses included
✅ No deposit required
✅ No cancellation fee
✅ Payment due within 30 days after the presentation
✅ No limit on student audience size
✅ Schools may share a presentation day to reduce costs
I understand that weather, testing schedules, school emergencies and other unexpected circumstances can affect a scheduled presentation. I assume the financial risk associated with cancellation and do not charge schools a cancellation fee.
SMALL SCHOOLS AND LIMITED BUDGETS
If your school cannot make the standard fee work, please contact me.
One of the most effective options is partnering with another nearby school and sharing the presentation day. Smaller schools can also combine students at one location.
My priority remains the same as it has been since I began sharing Ryan's story: reaching as many students, parents and educators as possible.
INTERNATIONAL PRESENTATIONS AND CONFERENCE KEYNOTES
Please contact me directly for international engagements, conferences and keynote presentations.
Ryan's Story Presentation LLC
(802) 578-8229
PAYING FOR RYAN'S STORY
Start here: the grant templates.
Most schools that tell me they can't afford the program have never asked anyone for the money. These four documents are written and ready — fill in your school's name, enrollment, and a few local numbers, and you have a complete grant application.
→ How to Use These Templates — start here. Where to find funders, what to attach, what reviewers ask. View PDF
→ Grant Request — Public or Private School — one school, one assembly plus a parent evening.
Download Editable Word Template | View PDF Sample
→ Grant Request — Christian or Faith-Based School — the same letter grounded in the dignity of every person as a child of God. For diocesan funds and faith-aligned foundations.
Download Editable Word Template | View PDF Sample
→ Grant Request — District-Wide — for superintendents funding two or more schools in a shared day.
Download Editable Word Template | View PDF Sample
Each letter includes current national data, an outcomes and evaluation table, a section explaining how suicide is addressed responsibly in a school setting, and a completed budget using my published fees (for the northeast regiion only, please edit for other regions.)
Where schools find the money — roughly in order of how fast they come through:
PTA/PTO budgets · Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions, Knights of Columbus, Masons, Elks · community and local education foundations · regional hospital community benefit funds · county health department funds and city block grants · Title I, Title IV and Title V · in New York, BOCES Arts-in-Education; in New Jersey, municipal alliance funds · U.S. Dept. of Education (Safe and Drug-Free Schools) and DOJ (OJJDP) grants
RYAN'S STORY PARENT EDUCATION VIDEO PROGRAM
Schools and districts may provide parents and caregivers with secure online access to my prerecorded parent presentation throughout the school year. Rather than requiring parents to attend at a particular time, families can watch the presentation privately and at their convenience. This video presentation is identical to the live parent/caregiver evening presentation ...
Ryan's Story - You Don't Have to Have All the Answers
"You don’t have to figure out your child’s emotional well-being all by yourself."
In this presentation, John Halligan shares the deeply personal story of his son, Ryan, who was lost to suicide in 2003 after facing bullying and cyberbullying. This video is specifically designed for parents and guardians who are navigating the "emotional roller coaster" of their children's middle and high school years.
John offers practical knowledge and tools learned through the hardest possible experience, focusing on:
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The Power of Connection: Why simply being present and listening is often more important than having the "perfect" answer.
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Building a Circle of Support: How to identify a network of trusted adults, school counselors, and community resources to help carry the load.
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Modern Challenges: Understanding the shift from physical bullying to the devastating impact of "bruised hearts" caused by online rumors and digital cruelty.
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Actionable Steps: Guidance on starting difficult conversations, recognizing warning signs like "cutting" or withdrawal, and setting healthy digital boundaries.
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Resilience: Building the five core pillars of competence, confidence, connection, character, and caring in our children.
Seeking help is a sign of strength, not a failure of parenting. Let’s work together to ensure no child has to carry a serious problem alone.
Resources Mentioned:
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Visit website: https://www.ryanpatrickhalligan.org/
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Parent Resources: https://www.ryanpatrickhalligan.org/resources
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Books by John Halligan:
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Ryan's Story: A Father's Hard-earned Lessons About Cyber Bullying and Suicide (for adults)
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Ryan's Story: Loved Beyond Belief (for students)
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Crisis Support: If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or call 911.
FEE FOR VIDEO ACCESS
Parent Presentation Video — School Year License
Two videos included — one in English, one in Spanish — so every family in your school can watch, on their own time, in the language they speak at home.
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$500 per school, unlimited parent and caregiver access
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Schools under 300 students: $300
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District-wide: $4,000 maximum, any number of schools
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Licenses run through July 1, 2027. Licenses purchased after March 1, 2027 run through July 1, 2028.
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Schools booking a live parent evening receive complimentary access.