Greenville High School (GHS) is buzzing with excitement as several esteemed alumni prepare to return to their alma mater to join the school's faculty in the Agriculture (AG) Department. Adding to the thrill is the fact that they will be working alongside their former teacher and mentor, Kristi Thompson, who has been an invaluable figure in their lives.
Chance Hamilton, a proud member of the GHS Class of 2014, will assume the role of AG Mechanics teacher. Hamilton expressed his enthusiasm about his new career at GHS, stating, "I'm excited to embark on a new career here at GHS. I'm eager to work with my fellow teachers and to make a positive impact on the lives of my students. I want to equip them with the necessary skills to thrive in the workplace after high school."
Ryan Driggers, a graduate of the Class of 2017, will take on the responsibilities of teaching AG Principles at GMS, as well as Freshmen Principles and Wildlife at GHS. Driggers looks forward to establishing connections with students and the community, leveraging his prior involvement in the Greenville FFA program to foster its growth. "I'm most excited about establishing connections with my students and building on the relationships I formed in the community when I was a student in the blue jacket," Driggers added. "I aim to strengthen the Greenville FFA program and help students forge successful careers after high school."
Another returning alum is Meaghan Calverley, who completed her student teaching in 2012-2013 under the guidance of Kristi Thompson. After teaching at Lamar for six years and being away for some time, Calverley will return to GHS to teach floral design and principles, building on her existing connections within the Greenville Independent School District (GISD) and eager to contribute to the growth of the floral program. "I already have a sense of belonging here in GISD," Calverley shared. "I look forward to nurturing existing connections, forging new ones, and expanding the floral program."
Kristi Thompson, a beloved teacher at GHS, expressed her excitement about having former students return as colleagues, stating, "They know the program and the community, so they understand our potential. I am eager to start the upcoming year on the right path."
In a testament to their dedication and commitment, these four advisors are currently accompanying 17 GHS students as they head to the 95th Texas FFA Convention at the Dallas Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center. This convention is expected to draw approximately 15,000 students from across Texas, providing an excellent opportunity for leadership sessions, networking with college representatives, and exploring career paths in the agricultural industry.
The students are bubbling with excitement as they anticipate the "fun night," featuring talent show-style skits where teams compete, and students get to vote for their favorites. With this year's theme being "County Comes to Town," the GHS students attending have prepared surprise outfits they will wear as a group.
Among the students, Camo Pitts is eagerly looking forward to meeting new people, as this will be his second time attending the convention. Joselin Estrada, on the other hand, is excited about reconnecting with friends made at the recent Area Leadership Conference held at A&M Commerce in June. Savannah Middleton, another student from GHS, is particularly thrilled about the opening sessions and the captivating light shows that mark the beginning of the convention.
GISD and Greenville High School take immense pride in welcoming back these alumni as they contribute their expertise and dedication to enriching the educational journey of current students. This reunion of past connections promises an even brighter future for the Greenville community as these talented individuals foster a passion for agriculture and equip students with the skills they need to succeed in their future careers.
