Group ‘gives back’ to NPHS in memory of a friend

Five friends who graduated from New Prague High School have decided to give back to their school in memory of a friend who died from suicide.

The Duck Cup Memorial Committee includes Bryan Connelly, David Hruby, Eric Ceplecha, Brian Jindra and Jon Frykman. They have organized a golf tournament to raise money and use that money to pay for a speaker to present a program on mental health issues - and especially suicide prevention and awareness. This was the third year they have sponsored a speaker.

Josh Rivedal was this year’s speaker. He was at New Prague High School on Monday, Feb. 13, and gave several presentations to students, as well as one to staff and an evening presentation for parents and interested community members. Rivedal’s father and grandfather both committed suicide and he himself has suffered from depression. Rivedal is an author, actor and speaker who started the I’m Possible project to help people suffering from depression to re-engage in life.

In addition to the presentations at the high school, Rivedal spoke to eighth graders at New Prague Middle School on Tuesday, Feb. 14.