Betty Ann Whitis has a very familiar last name. Kline Whitis Elementary School is named after her husband, a former coach and elementary school principal.

Betty Ann was born and reared in Lampasas. She went through the public school system here, graduating in 1950.

She went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Mary Hardin- Baylor and her master’s degree in music education from Southwest Texas State University.

She has taught music at the elementary level, and choir, music appreciation and music history at the high school level since 1960.

Before coming back to Lampasas, Mrs. Whitis taught in Belton a couple of years and also in Victoria. Her passion is obviously music, but more so her passion for teaching children music far outweighs any other pursuit.

Her students earned seven 1st Division ratings in solo performances that qualified them to compete at the state level this past summer. She also has had numerous All-State Choir winners over the years.

Besides these accomplishments, Mrs. Whitis also was the grand marshal last summer for the Spring Ho Parade.

Some fond memories former students have of her is when she would stage variety shows, and students would perform with costumes and sing all types of music. She always puts others before herself and loves each child she comes in contact with, whether they are students of hers or not.

Mrs. Whitis has two sons: David, the local sheriff, and Kelly, who resides in Austin.

All information provided by the LHS Slam Dunk Club.