For more than three decades, Julie Brumfield has dedicated her life to education, coaching, and encouraging generations of students. Julie and her husband, Steve, live in Ona and are proud parents to Michael, Jenny, and Grace, as well as grandparents to Zander, Maddox, Leo, Nolan, Brooks, and Anniston. Through her years in the classroom and on the volleyball court, Julie has built lasting relationships throughout the community she proudly calls home.

Julie is finishing her 32nd year teaching at Cabell Midland High School, and her 33rd year overall. In addition to two years spent substitute teaching before beginning her full-time career. A graduate of Milton High School, she earned both her bachelor’s degree in 1991 and her master’s degree in 1994 from Marshall University.

She comes from a family deeply rooted in education. Her grandfather taught shop class at West Junior High many years ago, her mother, Phyllis Noble, taught in Cabell County for more than 30 years, and her father, Joe Noble, served as an elementary principal for over 30 years, including 17 years as principal at Ona Elementary School. “I grew up watching the love and dedication my parents had for their students,” Julie shared with Stroll Barboursville. “They encouraged and supported so many young people, and I always wanted to follow their example.”

Julie says the relationships she forms with students are what she treasures most about teaching. “I love getting to know my students and being someone they can talk to,” she said. “Sometimes students just need someone to listen, encourage them, or help them through a difficult day.” Over the years, she has taught many students whose parents she also once had in class. “I love the small community feel here,” Julie said with a laugh. “You really get to know families, and those relationships mean a lot.”

In addition to teaching, Julie built an impressive coaching career. She coached volleyball at the former Huntington High School before later coaching at Milton Middle School, where her teams captured three straight Cabell County Championships. She then spent 13 years coaching volleyball at Cabell Midland, including coaching both of her daughters and leading the Lady Knights to a state runner-up finish during her final season. She also assisted her sister, Jeanne Lunsford, with the Lady Knights softball team that won a state championship in 2005.

Julie says one of the most important lessons she hopes future educators understand is that teaching is about far more than academics. “Definitely don’t get into it for the money, because you’ll pay your bills but not much more,” she said. “Do it because you love influencing young people and being someone they can go to when they are having a bad day.”

After more than 30 years in education, Julie believes teachers often play a bigger role in students’ lives than many people realize. “Some kids only receive attention and love when they come to school,” she said. “Be that teacher who notices them, encourages them, and makes them feel important.”