CFBISD Alumni Spotlight: Ranchview Graduate Becomes a Systems Engineer at Lockheed Martin

Ranchview High School alumnus Grant LaSelle, Class of 2015, has found success in his career as a Systems Engineer with Lockheed Martin, a global security and aerospace company.

As a Systems Engineer, he spends his days working on the F-35 fighter jet. LaSelle, who attended Ranchview’s International Baccalaureate (IB) program, said CFBISD helped prepare him for future success. 

“The IB program did a solid job preparing me for the rigors of college,” LaSelle said. “And, the athletics program gave me great experiences and great friends.” 

He is also working towards his master’s degree in SMU’s Systems Engineering and Engineering Management program. He credits his high school teachers with playing an important role in his love of learning. 

“Mrs. Grisham taught me to be passionate about what I studied,” LaSelle said. “I loved the way she told stories to deliver us content and how her tests were styled like a lot of my college classes, regardless of their subject.”

Another teacher who had an impact on LaSelle was Aara Davoodi. He credits Davoodi with teaching him how to work hard in academics, comparing lessons in the classroom to lessons on the track.

“I wasn’t great at math,” LaSelle said. “He stayed after hours a lot to help tutor me, and I will always be grateful for that.”

After graduating from Ranchview, LaSelle went on to attend Texas Tech, where he studied mechanical engineering and also continued to run track and cross country as part of Tech’s 2018 National Championship team. 

In May 2020, he graduated from college with a degree in mechanical engineering. 

“My degree taught me how to think like an engineer, break down a problem, and use few resources as puzzle pieces to put an answer together,” he said. “That engineering problem solving, creativity and work ethic are what make me very effective in my current role.”