Remembering Kellie

New Lexington continues a tradition that honors a well-loved teen.

Kellie Padgett passed away in a car accident 13 years ago. Now, a volleyball tournament is held to remember her. Cassi Moore was close friends with Kellie, and organizes the event.

"Each year we’ve decided that we wanted to do something, so in 2002 was the first year we started the tournament so this is our eighth tournament," says Cassi Moore, Head Coach of New Lexington’s girls’ volleyball team.

The tournament continues to grow with a record ten teams participating today. Kellie’s family attends who also lost a son a year after Kellie. They say the day is a good way to remember them both.

"Just different things that we do to try to keep their memory alive and again, it’s something for the community and something for the kids," says Kellie’s father, Bill Padgett.

"I think it’s something special. Something in her memory and every year they do a great job doing the sport that she loved the most," says Audra Jones, Kellie’s sister.

Friends, family, former teammates, and current players all came out.

"i want to keep this thing going for Kellie and for the community," says Moore.

All proceeds go back into the volleyball fund to provide the team with new equipment and uniforms.