St. Johns County, Florida, Sheriff Rob Hardwick, far left, presented the Carnegie Medal to Jaclyn Rogé, far right, and Kennedy Armstrong at a Nov. 22 ceremony held at the Richard O. Watson Judicial Center in St Johns County.
The presentation was held immediately after the sentencing of the man who attacked Rogé’s daughter, Madison Schemitz, outside of a local restaurant in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, on June 3, 2023.
Schemitz, 17, had just left the restaurant when her ex-boyfriend, wielding a 4-inch pocket knife, ran up from behind and stabbed her. After knocking her to the ground he continued to stab her repeatedly in the back. Madison had been in the restaurant with her mother, 43-year-old Jaclyn Rogé. She was behind her daughter when the assailant had run past her to attack Madison, and Rogé immediately ran over to intervene. She engaged the assailant and pulled him off Madison, but he turned to Rogé and stabbed her in the forehead, hand, and leg. As they struggled, 22-year-old Kennedy Armstrong and a friend pulled into the parking lot. Hearing screams, Armstrong immediately sprinted across the parking lot and tackled the assailant to the ground. When the assailant tried to get back up, Armstrong jumped on his chest and pinned his arms down. Lying on his back, the assailant began to cut his own throat while Armstrong glanced over at the victims. Bystanders jumped onto the assailant and wrested the knife from him. Armstrong had sustained a cut to his right hand that severed an artery. First-responders then arrived and rendered first aid to all, including the assailant. He was later prosecuted and pleaded guilty to attempted murder and aggravated battery. Madison had been stabbed 17 times in the chest, arms, and back. She was partially paralyzed. Rogé spent four days in the hospital recovering from her wounds. Armstrong lost blood from the severed artery and suffered nerve damage to his hand. He underwent surgery and physical therapy.
While all three are still recovering from their injuries, they have each continued to endure and take part in their everyday lives. Schemitz was able to take part in her high school graduation just one year after the attack; she walked across the stage to receive her diploma.
“Knowing that we have such a strong and caring community behind us has kept our spirits high, and for that, I’m forever grateful,” Schemitz said.
Schemitz expressed gratitude for both of her heroes.
“Mom, you’ve been my rock and my best friend throughout this entire journey. Your love, your strength and your unshakable belief in me have carried me through the hardest times… Kennedy, I will never be able to thank you enough for saving my life in a moment of absolute need. You were there, acting without hesitation, and you’ve been by my side helping me rebuild and stay strong.”
Sheriff Hardwick was optimistic about the impact Schemitz’s story would have.
“This was a good day for Madison and her family. Although this sentence doesn’t change the physical challenges Madison has to endure, she can now put this chapter behind her and focus on her bright future…we look forward to her continued positive impact in our community,” Hardwick said.