MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – A Portage High School student took home the top award in Prepared Speaking at the Future Farmers of America National Championship.
Josie Roberts spoke about her achievement, saying the real win is the ability to share her message about the rural mental health crisis.
Roberts said she does not come from an agricultural background but found a way to tie in her interest in healthcare to her speech.
“My speech was on the rural mental health crisis and farmer suicide rates,” Roberts explained. “I live in a rural community and I’ve been affected by access to healthcare, both financially and physically, and that is a huge part of the mental health crisis.”
Roberts’ speech focuses on a farmer who tried to take his own life, striking a chord with her audience.
“They came up to me and they just shared, they said ‘your speech impacted me so much,’” she said. “[They said] ‘I’ve been personally effected by suicide, I’ve lost someone through this.’”
Roberts said her main goal was “connecting with people, sharing the message and the story, and having an impact on people’s lives.”
Because Roberts is a national champion, her speech is available online for all to watch. You can find it here.
If you or someone you know are struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts, you can text HELP to 741-741 or call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline.
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