Paying it Back, The Schmidt Family
Donation protected
Everyone has a story of a teacher that has shaped his/her life. A teacher whose lessons taught you more than just reading, writing, and arithmetic. Perhaps it is a memory of a teacher who inspired a passion that led you down your current career path? Or maybe a teacher who was your foundation when you didn’t have anyone else? How do you repay that kind of dedication? How do you say thank you?
Jack and Roberta Schmidt have dedicated their lives to teaching not only the arts, but instilling into their students values such as respect, hard work, generosity and love.
Lately, Jack and Roberta have had some unforeseen setbacks that have caused them to struggle financially. I see this a unique opportunity for former students, or anyone impacted by Jack and Roberta to have a positive impact on a teaching family. A teaching family who has given so much of themselves to their students for so many years and helped shape who we have all become.
Our target goal is $10,000. This money would be instrumental (pun intended) in helping them get back on their feet financially.
Below are some of the many testimonials of past band students on how Mr. & Mrs. Schmidt have impacted the lives of their students. If you are a former student, I implore you to consider a donation, in any size, to this crowdfunding campaign and invite you to leave an impact statement of your own.
*All of the monies raised in this crowdfunding campaign (minus the gofundme fees) will be given directly to Jack and Roberta Schmidt.
Mr. Schmidt has been one of the few people in my life that has shaped what kind of man I strive to be. His encouragement and direction have fostered a life-long love of music, but extends so much deeper than just the arts. Working hard, being kind and decent to everyone are traits I have learned from his example, and make me treasure this man, his wife and their influence in my life.
-Peter Jacobs, Class of 1990
In the summer of 1985, I came in as a freshman to the Harding band. I was in desperate need of structure, and a community that I could belong to. Jack and Roberta welcomed me rough edges and all. Jack made such an impression on me as a Godly man and leader that I wanted to be a band director too. In 1996, I had the privilege of taking the band director job at Harding after Jack left. My life would have turned out much differently had it not been for their amazing, loving example.
-Todd Caffee, Class of 1989
Jack and Roberta taught me more than music. They taught me that attitude is the cornerstone of everything. If I can control my attitude, then I am in control of my life. I choose to look for the positive in every person and every situation. I hope that I can inspire others to be aware of their attitude and work for good like the Schmidts have done for me.
-Marilyn (Merkley) Lepore, Class of 1991
I can't begin to describe the impact that Mr. Schmidt had on both my and my brother's life growing up. He helped us discover our passion and love for music. He always challenged us to strive to be better and stressed the importance of discipline. My parents always told me that Mr. Schmidt was their favorite teacher because he was the only one to inspire both of their children. I will forever have a special place in my heart for the Schmidt family.
- Aly Skeens, Antwerp High School, Class of 2010
The Schmidt family has certainly made its mark upon my life. As teachers, musicians, and directors, Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt opened up opportunities beyond the classroom. They provided life lessons in leadership and in discipline. They challenged us to work hard and to better ourselves -- never to settle. Their faith and empathy helped me and my family on numerous occasions. In all of my favorite "glory years" memories, there is usually a member of the Schmidt family. I would not be where I today without their involvement in my life, and for that, I am thankful.
- James Wilhelm, Harding High School, Class of 1993
The impact of Jack and Roberta Schmidt, for me, began in middle school and continues to this day. They are a rock, an inspriation and continue to inspire me to be the best verison of myself. Their comitment to me has been lifelong, and appreciated beyond measure.
-Neekol Gary, Class of 1991
Jack and Roberta Schmidt have dedicated their lives to teaching not only the arts, but instilling into their students values such as respect, hard work, generosity and love.
Lately, Jack and Roberta have had some unforeseen setbacks that have caused them to struggle financially. I see this a unique opportunity for former students, or anyone impacted by Jack and Roberta to have a positive impact on a teaching family. A teaching family who has given so much of themselves to their students for so many years and helped shape who we have all become.
Our target goal is $10,000. This money would be instrumental (pun intended) in helping them get back on their feet financially.
Below are some of the many testimonials of past band students on how Mr. & Mrs. Schmidt have impacted the lives of their students. If you are a former student, I implore you to consider a donation, in any size, to this crowdfunding campaign and invite you to leave an impact statement of your own.
*All of the monies raised in this crowdfunding campaign (minus the gofundme fees) will be given directly to Jack and Roberta Schmidt.
Mr. Schmidt has been one of the few people in my life that has shaped what kind of man I strive to be. His encouragement and direction have fostered a life-long love of music, but extends so much deeper than just the arts. Working hard, being kind and decent to everyone are traits I have learned from his example, and make me treasure this man, his wife and their influence in my life.
-Peter Jacobs, Class of 1990
In the summer of 1985, I came in as a freshman to the Harding band. I was in desperate need of structure, and a community that I could belong to. Jack and Roberta welcomed me rough edges and all. Jack made such an impression on me as a Godly man and leader that I wanted to be a band director too. In 1996, I had the privilege of taking the band director job at Harding after Jack left. My life would have turned out much differently had it not been for their amazing, loving example.
-Todd Caffee, Class of 1989
Jack and Roberta taught me more than music. They taught me that attitude is the cornerstone of everything. If I can control my attitude, then I am in control of my life. I choose to look for the positive in every person and every situation. I hope that I can inspire others to be aware of their attitude and work for good like the Schmidts have done for me.
-Marilyn (Merkley) Lepore, Class of 1991
I can't begin to describe the impact that Mr. Schmidt had on both my and my brother's life growing up. He helped us discover our passion and love for music. He always challenged us to strive to be better and stressed the importance of discipline. My parents always told me that Mr. Schmidt was their favorite teacher because he was the only one to inspire both of their children. I will forever have a special place in my heart for the Schmidt family.
- Aly Skeens, Antwerp High School, Class of 2010
The Schmidt family has certainly made its mark upon my life. As teachers, musicians, and directors, Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt opened up opportunities beyond the classroom. They provided life lessons in leadership and in discipline. They challenged us to work hard and to better ourselves -- never to settle. Their faith and empathy helped me and my family on numerous occasions. In all of my favorite "glory years" memories, there is usually a member of the Schmidt family. I would not be where I today without their involvement in my life, and for that, I am thankful.
- James Wilhelm, Harding High School, Class of 1993
The impact of Jack and Roberta Schmidt, for me, began in middle school and continues to this day. They are a rock, an inspriation and continue to inspire me to be the best verison of myself. Their comitment to me has been lifelong, and appreciated beyond measure.
-Neekol Gary, Class of 1991
Organizer and beneficiary
Neekol Lacy Gary
Organizer
Fort Wayne, IN
John Schmidt
Beneficiary