Each Monday we feature an enterprising Houstonian who gets things done in the Bayou City. This week we hear from Greg Ditch, an award-winning engineering teacher at Chavez High School whose students built a land speed race car that won the Texas Mile.
My Top 5 Things to Do in Houston
by Greg Ditch
- Food Trucks and Independent Restaurants – I hate eating at chains, and working on the lower East End of Houston gives me plenty of opportunities to eat at family-owned restaurants. There also are food trucks everywhere you turn. The food is made with such pride and care, it’s so awesome.
- Education – I truly believe in lifelong learning and I take advantage of opportunities for professional development offered by Rice and the University of Houston System. I completed coursework at Houston Baptist and taught at high school bridge programs offered through Houston Community College. There are so many great colleges and schools in our city.
- Motor Sports – People say I have gasoline in my DNA, and they might be right! There are some great venues for racing here like Royal Purple Raceway and Houston Motor Sports Park. These places allow amateurs to come out for a street legal series. Ellington Field is converted into a land speed course twice a year, and our students will enter The Houston Mile there in April. There also is Motor Sports Ranch for sports car enthusiasts.
- Festivals and Celebrations – There always seems to be something happening in this city and it allows me the chance to learn more about the culture of the people here. Freedom Over Texas is my favorite. It is such an amazing event. I recently helped a friend get a van running for the Art Car Parade, so I would love to experience that first hand.
- Houston’s Airports – I love traveling and with airports at both ends of town, getting in and out of Houston is very easy. From Hobby, I can catch a cheap Southwest flight to a nearby getaway. It’s so easy to get in and out of the airport — whether I’m taking myself or dropping someone off. Intercontinental offers many direct flights into different parts of the world. In years past, I have been able to catch direct flights to some great cities around the world like Paris and London. I love getting on a plane in Houston and de-boarding halfway around the globe.
About Greg Ditch
Greg Ditch teaches engineering at Chavez High School, where he also serves as campus induction coordinator. Before moving to Houston in 2009, he worked for world champion land speed racer and Honda dealer, Al Lamb of Dallas. Once he joined Houston I.S.D., he formed an after school program that allowed him to combine his passions for racing and teaching. Focusing on science and career skills, Greg’s program earned national media attention when his students built a land speed race car that won its class at the Texas Mile with NASCAR driver Donnie Neuenberger at the wheel. The recipient of the Elizabeth Brand Teaching Excellence Award in 2011, Greg told us, ” I am so proud to work in the Houston Independent School District and love everything this amazing city has to offer.”
