Accomplished Fencer Receives Distinguished Alumni Award

Dunbar Celebrates 2012 Graduate and Olympic Champion Lee Kiefer

Lee Kiefer, a graduate of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School and an international sports star in foil fencing, has received the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award from Fayette County Public Schools. A champion in academics and service as well, she graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2017 and is pursuing a medical degree at the University of Kentucky’s College of Medicine. Still on a break for competition, Kiefer plans to resume her studies in June.  

Superintendent Demetrus Liggins presented the award Tuesday at Dunbar, which Kiefer last visited about 12 years ago. In brief remarks, she noted one of the reasons she loves fencing is that many different body types and sizes can successfully compete. She is 5-foot-4 and slender, but agile but aggressive. “Your girl likes to attack, attack, attack,” she said, smiling. “With hard work and a problem-solving spirit, anyone can win and have success,” Kiefer told the gathering of students. “That applies in life, too. I encourage you to explore your interests, nourish your talents, and work your butts off. Really good things can happen.”

Kiefer was part of the Math, Science, & Technology Center (MSTC) gifted and talented program at Dunbar, and teachers described her as a skilled multitasker who displayed a remarkable discipline and work ethic. “She was a phenomenal student who balanced her academics and extracurricular activities well. She was always prepared and submitted work on time even when competing abroad,” said Kendra Tackett, who taught her Earth Science.

Karen Young, a retired MSTC coordinator, agreed. “Lee juggled an extended school day, research, and her fencing practice and competition schedule seamlessly. She never asked for extensions to get work completed or to prepare for an exam. What she was able to accomplish academically was incredible,” Young said. “Lee was also very humble. She was winning international competitions, but never bragged about it when she got back. If you asked, she’d share, but I always felt like she sold herself short in the telling of her accomplishments.”

Kiefer has represented Team USA since age 15. While in high school, she became the only athlete to earn individual podium finishes at the senior, junior, and cadet world championships. Among the countless accolades, she is a four-time Olympian, three-time gold medalist, and the most decorated female American foil fencer of all time. She was inducted into the International Fencing Federation Hall of Fame in 2022.

“Lee exemplifies the values we strive to instill in all our students: resilience, humility, and a relentless drive for excellence,” Liggins said. “Her story is a reminder of the greatness that is achieved through hard work and balance, whether in academics, sports, or life.”

Did You Know? The Distinguished Alumni Award is named in honor of Gov. Andy Beshear, who accepted the inaugural award last May at Henry Clay High School, his alma mater.