Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Sticha.
Hi Angela, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Voices Behind the Mission
The story of Duck Cup Memorial began in the quiet years after losing their best friend during freshman year of college. When his closest friends gathered at his gravesite, they found themselves confronting a question that would change the course of their lives: If we could go back, what would we have done differently?
In that moment of honesty, they realized something painful — even as adults, they hadn’t known how to recognize the signs or support someone struggling with their mental health. That realization became a turning point. What started as grief transformed into a commitment: to make sure young people have the awareness, language, and tools they themselves never had.
From that moment came a simple goal: help even one person who might be struggling the way Dale once did. Their first effort—a single presentation to a ninth‑grade class in New Prague—made it clear that students were eager for honest, stigma‑free conversations about mental health. That response fueled their determination to grow.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Building the organization required learning everything from the ground up—forming a board, establishing a nonprofit, and creating sustainable programming. There were many challenges along the way as we worked to build a strong foundation.
The struggles continue today. There is still a great need for Mental Health Awareness education and resources, and making sure those resources are accessible to the community remains an ongoing challenge. Fundraising and maintaining financial stability are also constant hurdles as we work to sustain the organization and continue providing presentations and programs that make a difference.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Since its official launch in 2013, the organization has steadily reshaped how mental health is talked about, taught, and understood in schools. Annually more than 43,000 students, educators, and families have been reached through programs designed to open minds, reduce stigma, and create space for real dialogue.
Their approach centers on meeting students where they are. Through relatable stories, lived experiences, and practical tools, speakers help normalize mental health as part of overall well‑being. Students learn how to recognize warning signs, reach out for help, and support one another—shifting the focus from crisis response to proactive care.
Looking ahead, the organization remains committed to expanding access. Their K–4 program introduces the basics of emotional well‑being, while the 5–12 curriculum deepens understanding through personal narratives. Annual community events, including the Mental Health Resource Fair, continue to raise awareness of local resources and strengthen community support.
Reaching youth early, continuing that education as they grow, and consistently offering tools and resources remain at the heart of Duck Cup Memorial’s mission—a mission inspired by one friend, carried forward by many, and felt by thousands.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Their mission is carried forward by the dedication of its founders and board members—President Dave Hruby, Vice President Bryan Connelly, Nick Deutsch, Brian Jindra, Scott Ceplecha, Patricia Walker, and Jennifer Barlage—whose leadership continues to shape the organization’s impact. The work is further strengthened by the commitment of its staff. Executive Director Angela Sticha, Media Director Meghan Sweetland, Executive Assistant Carol Weiers, and Executive Assistant Jessica Snyder each play essential roles in amplifying the mission and supporting daily operations, ensuring the organization’s efforts remain both heartfelt and effective.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.duckcupmemorial.org/
- Instagram: duckcup.memorial
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/duckcupmemorial
- LinkedIn: Duck Cup Memorial
- Youtube: @DuckCupMemorial
