Response
Katy has presented The Story of Bob to over 250,000 young people in more than 450 schools, as well as to parents, conference delegates and community members all over the world.
This is what Katy's audiences have said:
Rae Shidlo, Counsellor at the Keith Lynn Alternative School wrote:
Katy, Thank YOU for your invaluable presentation "The Story of Bob" to the students and staff at Keith Lynn Alternative Secondary School in North Vancouver. What an impact you made on us. Your forgiving nature, your genuineness, your frankness, your personal story makes you unforgettable. Today students are still discussing the power of your presentation. Some of them are rethinking the meaning of "ratting out", realizing that calling for help when things are going wrong is the right thing to do and it's not "ratting". Your story awoke a consciousness in all of us... not to remain silent when we see violence. Your voice, Katy, is enabling our youth to reflect on choices they've made. Hopefully, it will encourage them to take positive action in the future. At the very least, they are more aware of how quickly a situation can go wrong, and the tragic rippling effect on others from one action or inaction. Thank you for sharing your gift of forgiveness with us. You have made a very positive impact on all of us at Keith Lynn.
The Career and Personal Planning (CAPP) coordinators from Oak Bay High School in Victoria, Reta Clark and Lana Rahn, made the following comments about The Story of Bob:
"Katy's presentation was outstanding. We hear about car crashes and unsupervised parties on the nightly news. Katy brings the news into the classroom through her personal story.
Katy's presentation hooked students immediately. She brought Bob to life as he was. Through slides and video Katy illustrates the wonderful moments families share. Then, in a calm, poised and gentle manner she addressed social, emotional and factual information without prejudice or bias.
The Story of Bob engaged the students and teachers from her first words. As she brought the exceptional life of her husband into our hearts and minds we all sat in admiration of her courage and strength. The images of Bob as a father, friend, husband and athlete are ones we will never forget. With poise and grace Katy told her story and helped us understand the power of the night her husband was murdered. The students were touched and moved as they came to understand how this event changed the lives of this family, and of an entire community.
Personal responsibility, the challenge to stand up and make a difference, and the power of choice all became questions and the topic of conversations at our school."
Shirley Handley, chair
~ on behalf of Saskatoon Catholic Services Foundation Board
Katy Hutchison shared her story with us at our 2nd Annual Light Up a Life luncheon. She has a wonderful ability to take her audience on a walk with her through her journey from tragedy to restorative justice advocate. Katy is warm and honest as she shares her positive attitude towards life. She models personal courage and her vision of a world where troubled youth can hope for a better future. Her story touched our hearts and her example gave us hope.
Mrs. Julie Czerwinski, Correctional Officer & Life Skills Instructor:
"The presentation you delivered was extremely powerful and moving. Your depth of forgiveness and power to see a better future for your self, your children, your family and your community is truly awesome and inspiring. As you know, you really affected our community here. We had three residents asking how they could be apart of a Restorative Justice process with their victims. I am pleased to inform you that the Probation Officers in attendance, as well as the staff here at the Centre are doing everything in our power to assist these young offenders to grow and learn from your shared experience, and make amends with their victims. Your influence is having the ripple effect we spoke of, and for that we are extremely grateful for the time you spent with us."
Nanci Farrell, Principal, Lord Kitchener Elementary School - Vancouver, BC:
"Our Grade 6 & 7 students had the good fortune to hear "The Story of Bob". In a compassionate yet effective way, Katy Hutchison spoke of a situation many young people will find themselves in - being in an unsupervised gathering when making a poor decision can have serious implications. In an era where we are always reacting to crises, this prevention-based talk is timely, powerful and inspiring."
The following letter was received from a Grade 11 student following the presentation:
"Thank you for taking the time for sharing with us your stories and unforgettable memories. I really could find no words to describe the way I felt listening to you tell us of your past.
There has always been tension between my parents and myself as I always felt they were too overprotective. We often fought about going to parties and about the high expectations they place on me. As the eldest of four children in my family, my parents continually stress the importance of responsibility and being a good role model.
I was so deeply touched by your presentation that I now understand my parents and they now know that I will be more open-minded. Out of the many times that we have fought, I hardly remember ever saying sorry and asking for their forgiveness. They never did anything to deserve the silent treatments or the rude behaviours. I will always remember that anger will cause destruction and that only forgiveness can start the healing process. This will always remain close and dear to my heart.
To me you weren't just a guest speaker. You have become an inspiring role model for me. I admire your courage and strength to educate our society by bringing Bob's spirit and dreams back to life. Your moving presentation will never be forgotten."
The following feedback was received from Grade 10, 11 & 12 students after hearing Katy's presentation of The Story of Bob:
" The Story of Bob was terribly distressing and chalk-full of important messages like synergy, the importance of staying both clean and sober, the crucial need for adult chaperones, the legalities of house parties and responsibilities of the host. I, for one, know that I will carry everything presented in Katy's speech with me for the rest of my life."
" Parties like the one that Bob was killed at happen all the time around where I live, thankfully no one has ever ended up dead because of them. I have attended the occasional one with friends and I know what is meant by 'synergy'. Everyone is all acting the same way. Katy told us that we have the power to change the effect of synergy from good to bad and from bad to good. If a party is going the wrong way, and turning into the 'mob mentality' , you can change its course or you can leave. Leaving is probably safer - but it is up to you. We all have the power of choice and these choices can definitely determine our fate."
"I like most others am guilty of often doing things without thinking, but this incident was a real eye-opener for me, in terms of what reckless actions can result in. It also made me realize exactly how important it is to take responsibility for your actions."
"The speech that Mrs. Hutchison gave last week was a powerful, effective, and harsh presentation that showed the brutal reality of the real world to a bunch of extremely privileged kids. I thought that this was an effective way to express the dangers of un-chaperoned parties, and what can happen when individuals are under the influence."
"The nice part of Katy's presentation was that it was very personal. It wasn't a government agency telling us about the dangers of the world, but an actual person, who is going out of her way, to help others avoid the problems she has faced, and stay safe. It has made me think about future decisions I will have to make, and maybe will change the outcome."
"I thought Katy's presentation provided a very clear reality check for many students. Besides being moved, I was amazed at her strength and her ability to forgive the men who had killed her husband."
"I really enjoyed Katy's presentation. Well, maybe enjoyed isn't the right word - it was engaging, but it was a difficult story to hear about. One of the things that really stood out to me, during the presentation and afterwards, was how many things were in the presentation. Each student interpreted her story and advice very differently."
"The fact that something so horrible could happen at your every day party kind of scared me. I always knew that alcohol could make you do stupid, stupid things, but something so close to home, happening like this kind of opened up my eyes."
"Overall it was one of best presentations I have seen at GNS, because it is so relevant, and I don't think I will ever forget it."
"Mrs. Hutchison's presentation opened my eyes and made me think twice when I plan my weekends. After the presentation, I was surprised to see many of my peers shocked and aware of the presentation."
"My first thought was that this was going to be another boring lecture. But my thoughts changed as soon as I heard Katy Hutchison speak; she did not act like she was bigger and better than us, but instead showed us that she was a real person with feelings and emotions. She did not dictate but rather informed us on the situation and was periodically including us in the speech, whether it was asking our advice or letting us comment on the situation."
"Honestly, I thought her presentation was beneficial. I know she changed some people's views on drinking at parties without chaperons because she changed my view. Even if no one else benefited, at least I did. She touched one person, and that was her goal."
"I found your presentation encouraging and comforting. I spent time in juvenile correction facilities when I was a kid. I think that if anyone had cared about my outcome as much as you cared about the guy who killed your husband's outcome, I might be a better person today - or at the very least, that part of my journey might have been easier. It is encouraging that there are people out there as forgiving as you."
"You are a very comfortable speaker. I'm sure you touched a lot of people - including me. It was awesome, keep it up. I now realize what I have to think twice about when I go to a party. Thank you so much."
"I feel your presentation actually made an impact. The way you speak really makes things real. Usually it is very easy to dismiss or disqualify information in presentations, or say it could never happen to you. With your presentation it is impossible to do that."
"You brought us into your life with Bob. We got how the events affected you, instead of just being preached at as to what to do or not to do."
"That is the most interesting and touching presentation that I have ever attended. Every part of it was meaningful."
"I thought your story was very impactful and emotional. It made me think about similar situations that could've ended tragically. I think that now many people will take responsibility when going out and think about the consequences that could happen."
"I truly appreciate and admire your courage and strength for standing up for moral rights and teaching us a very valuable lesson. It takes amazing strength to give others a path of righteousness after a loss such as yours. I will never forget you."
"It amazes me how anyone could have such courage and perseverance in life after having been through such devastating trauma! You, and The Story of Bob, truly inspires me and thousands of others in the values of life and how precious it is. The influence of your presentation reaches beyond only sending out the messages of safety and respect for that it touches one's spirituality."
"Thank you for sharing your story. It moved me, and I am sure it moved others. You have been more effective at spreading the message than any other programs so far."
"I was really lucky to have had a chance to listen to a speech from someone amazing as you are. Your kindness is very much needed in this world. Thank you for the hope and inspiration you gave me."
Katy Hutchison
