Jason’s Journey
Jason Booher is a nationally recognized keynote speaker, superintendent of Mercer County Schools (KY), and a 30-year veteran of public education whose life story is a powerful testament to resilience, leadership, and purpose.
At just 13 years old, Jason survived the 1988 Carrollton bus crash—the deadliest drunk driving crash in U.S. history—which claimed 27 lives. Rather than allowing tragedy to define his future, Booher turned pain into purpose, dedicating his life to serving others as a teacher, basketball coach, principal, and educational leader.
During his coaching career, he led teams to three Kentucky Boys’ Basketball State Championships and guided his small mountain school from eastern Kentucky to the 2010 KHSAA Sweet 16 State Championship—an extraordinary achievement in a state where every school, regardless of size, competes for one title.
The Carrollton tragedy also shaped a lifelong personal commitment. Having witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences of impaired driving, Jason made the decision as a teenager to never drink alcohol or experiment with drugs. Today, he shares with audiences that a meaningful, joyful, and successful life can be lived fully without those choices—something he strives to demonstrate through the life he has lived.
Jason is also a Six-Star World Marathon Majors finisher, completing the world’s six most prestigious marathons to honor the victims of the Carrollton crash and raise awareness about the consequences of impaired driving.
Through powerful storytelling and real-life leadership lessons, Jason inspires audiences across the country to overcome adversity, rise above tragedy, and pursue their goals with courage, discipline, and purpose. His upcoming memoir, Fire and Glory: A Journey of Survival, Determination, and Purpose, shares the remarkable journey that shaped his life and mission.
A Dream, a Tragedy, a Championship…
A Dream…
In Kentucky, high school basketball is unlike anywhere else in the country. Every school—large or small, public or private—competes for one state championship at historic Rupp Arena. For generations of Kentucky kids, lifting the KHSAA Boys’ Sweet Sixteen State Championship Trophy represents the ultimate dream.
Growing up in Kentucky, Jason shared that same dream.
A Tragedy…
At age 13, Jason survived the Carrollton Bus Crash—the deadliest drunk driving crash in U.S. history—which claimed 27 lives.
In a single moment, everything changed. What could have defined his life instead became the foundation of a deeper purpose.
A Championship…
Twenty-two years later, Jason led his small mountain school from eastern Kentucky to the 2010 KHSAA Boys’ Sweet Sixteen State Championship at historic Rupp Arena—a moment that fulfilled the dream of every Kentucky kid who has ever picked up a basketball.
It was proof that perseverance, leadership, and belief can turn even the most unlikely dreams into reality.
Jason’s Book: Fire & Glory
Fire and Glory is the true story of a boy who survived one of America’s greatest tragedies and later led his underdog team to the pinnacle of high school basketball glory. From the ashes of the Carrollton Bus Crash to a KHSAA state championship victory 22 years later, Jason Booher’s journey is one of raw heartbreak, relentless purpose, and the power of resilience. A Kentucky “Hoosiers” story born from pain, this memoir will challenge readers to rise above the wreckage in their lives—and lead with courage, faith, and fire. It inspires readers to embrace courage, pursue their passions, and lead with fire and glory.
PRESALE COMING SOON
Coaching Highlights & Awards
- 3-time Associated Press Kentucky State Boys Basketball Coach of the Year (2009, 2010 & 2013)
- Courier Journal’s 2009 State Boys Basketball Coach of the Year
- Kentucky High School Athletic Directors Association’s 2009 Outstanding Coach of the Year (All Sports)
- Only coach in the state to ever lead a boys basketball team to the All “A” State Championship and the KHSAA Sweet 16 State Championship in the same season (2010)
- KHSAA Sweet 16 Boys Basketball State Champion (2010)
- 2-time All “A” Classic Boys Basketball State Champion (2009 & 2010)
- 5-time Region Champion (2005, 2007, 2009, 2010 & 2013)
- 8-time District Champion (2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 & 2014)
- 2-time All “A” 15th Region Champion (2009 & 2010)
- Led Shelby Valley and Covington Holmes to the Sweet 16 quarterfinals.
- Overall Record 285-97 (75% Winning Percentage)
Sharing the Story in Impact After the Crash
In the documentary Impact After the Crash, Jason Booher and fellow survivors share their stories of tragedy, resilience, and hope following the Carrollton Bus Crash. Watch on Amazon Prime Video.
News Articles
At 13, he survived Kentucky’s deadly Carrollton bus crash. Now he’s a school superintendent
Jason Booher runs all six world major marathons in memory of the 27 lost in the Carrollton Bus Crash
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