January 22, 2020
Lubbock Cooper High School
Keynote Speakers
Ricky Mitchell
Ricky Mitchell’s life changed forever on March 31, 1991. After celebrating Easter with family, Ricky’s brother, Rusty, and his family were hit by a repeat offending drunk driver on their way home outside of Sterling City, Texas. Rusty was killed on impact, but his two-year-old son, Aaron, his wife Tamara, and his four-year-old daughter, Thekla, were all taken to the hospital in San Angelo. While Tamara and Thekla suffered only minor injuries, Aaron’s were fatal. He died three days later.
Ricky became an advocate that day for drunk driving victims. As a band director, school administrator, and church choir director, he has shared Rusty and Aaron’s story with hundreds of people, including those who attended the very first Youth SUMMIT in 2001. However, the results haven’t been all bad. Ricky with share more details of that devastating time along with the events that followed that he and his family view as miracles.
Ricky has been married to his wife, Pam (also a retired educator) since 1977. They have two handsome sons, both who are married, and a beautiful granddaughter, Wren, who is the highlight of their lives. Ricky can’t believe SUMMIT is turning 20 and can’t wait to return for the anniversary.
Ricky became an advocate that day for drunk driving victims. As a band director, school administrator, and church choir director, he has shared Rusty and Aaron’s story with hundreds of people, including those who attended the very first Youth SUMMIT in 2001. However, the results haven’t been all bad. Ricky with share more details of that devastating time along with the events that followed that he and his family view as miracles.
Ricky has been married to his wife, Pam (also a retired educator) since 1977. They have two handsome sons, both who are married, and a beautiful granddaughter, Wren, who is the highlight of their lives. Ricky can’t believe SUMMIT is turning 20 and can’t wait to return for the anniversary.
