‘American Idol’ contestant to speak at event

By Holly Neumann

A former “American Idol” contestant will be the featured speaker at an upcoming program on mental wellness.

Franki Moscato will attend the free program, which will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, at the Manawa Masonic Temple, 520 N. Bridge St., Manawa.

The Waupaca Area Community Foundation and the Waupaca County Suicide Prevention Coalition are teaming up to present the program.

“WCSPC and WACF have partnered on numerous projects over several years,” said Sandi Moore, who represents the WCSPC. “The Franki Moscato concert/presentation stresses the importance of taking care of one’s self. Our mission is to educate about preventing suicide and promote positive mental health, including asking for help when needed.”

Moscato, 21, a singer and songwriter from the Oshkosh area, auditioned for “American Idol” as a 17-year-old in 2019.

“I deliver many talks,” she said. “My consistent messages are what I have learned in my short Christian life about vulnerability, helplessness and hopelessness; the realities of why some of us suffer; and how we can behave to overcome our (perceived) disease of what is sometimes a sad history of scorn and belittlement.”

Moscato’s key platform is to create a bully-free environment for people of all ages. She has also created the Franki Moscato Foundation to fight the growing epidemic of teen suicide. 

The event will kick off with a resource fair and refreshments from 5 p.m. 6 p.m. Moscato will follow from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and share her story of struggles with mental health while reminding everyone that their feelings matter and the importance of advocating for their own mental wellness.