In February 2002, we asked students at Wyoming's Laramie High School to tell us in their own words how the tragedy affected their lives and the public perception of their home town. Special thanks to them and to Principal Kim Sorenson for helping us bring you these true voices from Laramie.

"As a freshman at Laramie Junior High School, I was shocked when I heard the horrible news. It's sad that it takes a small town in Wyoming for everyone to acknowledge the abuse and discrimination going on in the world. Now Laramie is judged as a town, and the people in the town are also being judged because of their actions."
-Megan Murphy

"The state of Wyoming is probably one of the most understanding communities that I have ever lived in; the problem is that people won't get to hear about all the good things about this state for a while because of what happened on October 12, 1998."
-Noce Nayigihugu

"It hurts to have negative opinions put on us the way they have. You couldn't even travel somewhere without being interrogated by people on what happened and if Wyoming was really the state of hate crimes like everyone perceived it to be. Laramie has changed and will not be the same for me. Prejudices are not just formed in any certain place; I have realized hate can be anywhere."
-Anna Schuch

"When I look at Laramie now, it looks the same as it as it did when I was in seventh grade, when Matt Shepard died. October looks the same now as it did then, but I know that the October in 1998 left an imprint of tragedy and guilt on Laramie, one that still lingers today and one that will continue to linger for a very long time. The town of Laramie has gone through a lot, but only the people in Laramie can tell that particular story accurately. The worst insult a person can pay in this town is "you're gay". But yesterday I heard someone say, "When you talk like that, it's no wonder that Matt Shepard got killed." When people start talking like that, I know that there is hope for my town."
- Elizabeth Hacker

"Laramie residents are accused of being the "encouragers" of this crime that happened. Sadly enough, most people do not even know where Laramie, Wyoming is and yet we are still being criticized for the crime that happened in this town a few years ago. Just as an educational idea for those who do not know where Wyoming is (and they should, those of you who criticize us!) It's directly above Colorado and directly below Montana. And those off you who criticize us, always remember that if it were you, how would you want to be treated?"
- Sarii Crites

"I've experienced mixed emotions concerning the brutal murder of University of Wyoming student, Matthew Shepard. On one hand, I strongly disagree to homosexuality, but I also disagree with hate crimes such as murder. But my outlook on society changed a little bit after this because I became more aware of what could happen in our sheltered community. All in all, though it took a tragedy to do it, I feel that the press has been good for Laramie. I hope that the HBO movie will accurately portray our city."
- Cindy Posey

"I was born and raised in Laramie, and this is the first time I was ashamed of living here. Although the Matthew Shepard tragedy was over three years ago, it still impacts me. I remember crying for Matthew and I didn't even know him. Even though Matt died such a horrible death, I admire him. I admire that he wasn't afraid to be who he was, and that he died standing up for what he stood for. I only wish there were more people like Matthew Shepard."
- Laura Leigh Olden