A principal who goes out of his way to learn student’s names, interests and does all he can for the benefit of a well educated, healthy school — this has been the goal of Principal Joey McQueen the past six years.

McQueen will not return for the 2024 – 2025 school year, for he is headed for part 2 of his retirement. He went into retirement in 2012 but decided to return to education in 2014 as a retire-rehire. Years later, he decided to become an assistant principal.

“I came to Lampasas to be an assistant principal and was thrust into being the principal in January of 2019 when the previous principal left,” McQueen said.

Throughout his years as principal, McQueen tried to support every extracurricular activity. One year, when McQueen traveled with the theatre students for a One Act Play competition, he worked with the police to arrange a way to surprise the students with the news they were advancing to the state. A  police car stopped in front of the bus and turned on his lights. 

“This was just after COVID and we had to leave the contest early,” theatre director Greta Peterson said. “Mr. McQueen got on the bus and smiled his biggest smile and told the kids the results!  They were shocked and excited.  They didn’t know he had arranged the police escort.  Above and beyond…that’s what Mr. McQueen is all about!”

McQueen has also given loads of support to the soccer team by being there and helping with their issues.

“When we had problems with parents in Salado, he separated them for our home game so we wouldn’t have any problems again, ” junior Seth Kachel said.

Even though McQueen is leaving education, that doesn’t mean he isn’t going to continue to work.

“I am going to be a real estate agent with Always Here Properties, LLC, sell lumber and be the coordinator for Building Badgers Youth League,” McQueen said.

As he leaves his education days behind, McQueen wishes the best for all the students he has worked with. 

“I have always been genuine and want the students to know I truly care for them and want to see them succeed,” McQueen said. “Be true to yourself and do what makes you happy. Life is too short to waste it.”