May 26, 2022

Wednesday morning, 10 Greenville High School students were getting ready for their second interviews with L3Harris when they got an unexpected surprise: they were HIRED!

Several L3Harris leaders came to GHS and told the students they had earned jobs with the company right out of high school.

"You've got what it takes to work at L3Harris! Congratulations!" said Craig Driggers, Director of Operations Management at the Greenville L3Harris site. "I know you thought you were coming for your second interview today, but you got the job!

Next, it was down to brass tacks.

"You'll receive five to six weeks of training -- and you'll be paid from day one," he said. "This is real world stuff now, guys. Be on time, and I'll see you at work!"

To commemorate the event, Driggers presented each new hire with a large silver medallion, made at L3Harris, engraved with the GISD lion on one side and the L3Harris logo on the other, along with each of their names. After shaking hands and taking pictures, Driggers took a moment to reflect on the emphasis L3Harris is putting on recruiting locally and growing their own talent.

"We have known for a long time that Greenville has outstanding STEM programs. And it’s hard not to be impressed with these young adults. They were fantastic in the interview process,” he said. “There is a huge demand for aircraft electricians and mechanics, and these students have the ability to be well compensated for the certifications they have earned. They also have the ability to continue their education with the company’s assistance."

Miranda Hines is one of the students who got the surprise offer to work for L3Harris, an aerospace and defense company that employs 6,500 people, making it the top employer in town.

"I was shocked, especially since we were certain we were just interviewing. When he said the words, I was just standing there, stunned," she said. "I know people who have been trying to get a job at L3Harris for 10 years, and I just can't believe I'm actually going to be working there. As soon as I walked out of the auditorium, I called my mom, and we were both so excited, we were talking over each other. I think she thought I was confused, so I kept having to convince her I actually got the job. I think more than anything, sharing the news with my mom made me feel so proud."

Driggers, who graduated from GHS, said this was only the beginning.

"I'm a proud Greenville graduate,” he said, pointing out that other members of his leadership team graduated from Greenville or other Hunt County-area schools as well. “The goal is to build on this.”

A huge congratulations to:

• Joel Vega Alderete
• Miranda Hines
• De’Corvius Mapps
• Jared Morales
• Tyra Ramirez
• Ny’kia Smallwood
• Kevin Ugalde
• Jose Angel Vaca
• Alex Vega
• Luis Venegas

We are #GISDProud of you!