| Gene and Peggy
Schmidt raised their daughters on a philosophy of positive thought and action.
In any situation, they were taught that their reaction was the only control they
truly had.
This philosophy was never meant to be challenged as intensely as it was for
the whole family on the tragic and fateful night of July 1, 1993. After seeking
a  ride home
because her throat was sore, college student - Stephanie Schmidt, only three days
before her 20th birthday, was brutally raped and murdered by a co-worker who had
served ten years in prison for rape.
Unaware of his past-she did nothing wrong. Unaware of his past-she made no
error in judgment. Unaware of his past-she accepted a ride from a co-worker: a
co-worker whose violent past was kept silent. "If I had only known," echoes from
that silence.
Irresponsible silence, neglectful parole supervision, and the total lack of
common sense gave every consideration to her murderer, but none to Stephanie.
Although their grief exceeded their rage, the Schmidts focused immediately on
a single purpose: keep this from happening again.
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With support of friends
and neighbors Stephanie's family demonstrated that there can be hope beyond despair,
love and positive family values do make a difference, and public attitudes and
laws must be changed.
Successfully writing and changing six laws in Kansas, and after receiving
validation by the United States Supreme Court on legal challenges, the Schmidts
focused on trying to restore common sense back into the judicial system. They
have become the voice and conscience of law-abiding citizens.
The most difficult part of their quest is changing attitudes. Date rape and
the use of stimulates for sexual gain and exploitation directly relate to archaic
attitudes. Perpetuated by low self esteem and fostered by the lack of integrity
these antiquated persuasions still thrive in children and adults alike. But, through
the implementation of positive and compassionate attitudes the cycle can be broken
and violent crime reduced-for all age groups.
Continuing to break the silence, the Schmidts speak to churches, civic groups,
campus organizations, and parent/teacher organizations. Additionally, they have
developed educational and awareness programs for grades K-12, and place great
emphasis on messages to the 16 to 24 year-old age groups. Because there is no
age limit on crime victims, safety and awareness cannot be restricted by gender
or age groups.
Through their programs and by speaking publicly on awareness and legal issues,
they hope their efforts will prevent similar tragedies from happening. Although
Stephanie may be gone, but she is not forgotten; and her song continues.
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