Kiefer's Memorial Debate Tournament

This past Friday and Saturday was the second annual Kiefer Memorial Debate Tournament at Lehi High school. After Kiefer's accident the debate coach at Lehi High school, Mr Mansfield, changed the name of the debate tournament to the Kiefer Memorial Tournament. This year over 33 high schools from all over the state participated with over 1000 students. It has became one of the largest in the state. It doubled in size from last year.

Kiefer was a great debater. In his sophomore year he took either first or second in almost every tournament that he competed in. He took second in the state competition and was told by the judge that it was because he was a sophomore. The girl they gave it to was a senior and Kiefer would still have two more years to go to national (if they only knew). He lettered his sophomore year and won the entire tournament at a national debate camp the summer before the accident with his "beautiful" argument on AIDs. Mansfield actually read his "beautiful" argument at the funeral, it was amazing. He was also the president of the debate team as a junior, which is not typical. Debate and drama were what Kiefer lived for. He loved to be in front of people and he loved to argue (he got the arguing part from me).

The tournament is based on Kiefer. They gave out bandannas to each competitor (Kiefer always wore a black bandanna tied around his wrist). The individual prizes were dog tags. The trophies are all skate boards with a long board for first prize (Kiefer rode his long board or mini everywhere). They also have a dance. Everyone that we talked to say it is the best tournament.

This year Mr Mansfield asked Kyler, Randy and I to help hand out the prizes. It was really great to be there and to be part of something that Kiefer loved so much. It is also great to know that he is remembered and will not be forgotton; to know that every year people will get to hear about my son, to learn just a little about him and his passion for debating. I am so honored to be Kiefer's mom. Everyday I just try to think about how blessed I am to have had nearly 17 years with this smart and wonderful boy. He taught me so much and I still think that I am continuing to learn from him everyday as I try to be a someone that he can be proud of. He touched the lives of so many in such a short time. He was so smart and had such a big heart. I am so glad that Kiefer had found something that he loved so much and that he was so good at it. Thank you Mr Mansfield for honoring Kiefer and keeping his memory alive.