Medway-Originated Group Launches “Ben’s Challenge” at Milford High.

Next week, Ben Speaks, an organization originally launched in Medway,  and Milford High School will launch Ben’s Challenge, an eight-week wellness initiative designed to empower students to take proactive steps toward mental, emotional, and physical well-being. The collaboration between Milford High School Principal Josh Otlin and Ben Speaks Founder Judy Giovangelo marks 16 years since two pivotal moments — Judy’s loss of her son, Ben, to suicide, and the start of Josh’s career as an administrator, during which he has witnessed an alarming rise in youth mental health issues..

“In my years as an educator, I’ve seen too many young lives disrupted by mental health crises,” said Principal Otlin. “We’ve learned to respond better when students are in crisis — but not enough has been done to prevent them from getting there. Ben’s Challenge gives us that opportunity to focus on wellness and prevention.”

When Judy approached Josh about bringing Ben’s Challenge to Milford, they saw an opportunity to spark a movement rooted in empowerment, education, and practical tools for wellness. Together with Milford faculty, Ben Speaks formed a leadership group of student ambassadors chosen for their influence in sports, clubs, and community life. “Our team at Ben Speaks is deeply committed to transforming the conversation around youth mental health,” said Giovangelo. “By equipping students with the tools to move, eat well, unplug, and act with kindness and gratitude, we’re planting seeds of lifelong resilience.”

Each week of Ben’s Challenge introduces a new wellness focus through workshops, keynote speakers, and student-led activities that inspire daily habits of health and awareness. “We’re not just reacting to the crisis — we’re creating a culture of prevention,” said Dashe Videira, Director of Operations for Ben’s Challenge, and a former Franklin resident.. “This is about helping students reclaim joy, balance, and community.”

Other area schools are reportedly looking into the program and its ability to help address their student mental health needs.

Ben Speaks is a nonprofit organization founded by Judy Giovangelo in memory of her son, Ben. The organization empowers youth and families to speak openly about mental health, break the silence around suicide, and cultivate wellness through education, movement, and connection.