"Mrs. Bumpus was always one of my favorite teachers. She always took care of me and made me feel like I was one of her own children. I was very blessed to have a teacher like her.”

Keith Null, Lampasas High School Class of 2004

Sue Ellen Bumpus, Honorary Coach for Jan. 15, was nominated for recognition by Keith Null, a graduate of Lampasas High School in 2004, who is now an NFL quarterback for the St. Louis Rams.

Sue Ellen grew up in Lampasas and graduated from Lampasas High School. She went on to graduate from Southwest Texas State University and began her teaching career in San Marcos.

The next few years she also taught in Uvalde and Brackettville, while working toward completion of her master’s degree.

In 1971, Sue Ellen and her husband seized upon an opportunity to relocate back to Lampasas, and she spent the next 25 years teaching here at the primary level. She cherishes those days, as do her students.

Most liken Mrs. Bumpus to their mother, and she remembers how often students addressed her as “Momma” or “Mother.” She was acquainted with the families of most of her students and felt privileged to watch these children grow and mature through their school years in Lampasas.

Her perspective broadens now, as she watches those who once passed through her life as a second-grader participating in sporting events or FFA, FHA and 4-H activities, and it has become much more meaningful to her.

Her former students remain very important to her.

Upon completing 32 years in the classroom, Sue Ellen retired in 1996. When her second-graders promoted her from “Momma” to “Grandma,” she figured it was about time for her to leave the classroom.

But retirement for her does not mean sitting in a rocking chair. She serves on the Lampasas Library Board, spends hours assisting with the downtown art mural project and helps with the annual Spring Ho Festival, lending her expertise as a former committee member of that event.

She and her husband spend time in Lubbock visiting her mom and dad, and granddaughter, and Sue Ellen does not mind at all being called “Grandma” by her!

All information provided by the LHS Slam Dunk Club.