The Apprentice School Foundation has announced its 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th 2022 Danny Brookman Scholarship awards to Newport News Shipbuilding apprentices Jared Jones, Natasha McLemore, Maximus Sanchez and Jaedon Wood.

Jones is from Smithfield and started his apprenticeship on Nov. 7, 2022, as an electrician. He is a graduate of University of South Carolina, where he earned a 3.6 GPA.

Jones has spent a year teaching elementary music. He also volunteered in several churches playing piano or leading music. Jones is interested in learning his trade not only to make a good living, but to be able to help his friends and family with projects. He is looking forward to the shipyard becoming a lifelong career.

McLemore is from Newport News and started her apprenticeship on Nov. 7, 2022, as a shipfitter. She is a graduate of Woodside High School, where she earned a 3.84 GPA.

McLemore’s plans after high school did not work out as she had hoped. Three years ago she found her way to NNS, where she has spent some time as a make-up foreman. She has decided to further her education at The Apprentice School. McLemore, who was in the marching band and Girl Scouts in high school, is now ready to take advantage of the opportunities The Apprentice School provides.

Sanchez is from Williamsburg and started his apprenticeship on Dec. 5, 2022, as an outside machinist. He is a graduate of Lafayette High School, where he earned a 3.7 GPA.

Sanchez comes to The Apprentice School with a strong desire to continue the American dream his parents instilled in him. As he completed high school, The Apprentice School is the only school to which Sanchez applied because he knew it would challenge and test him, allowing him to grow into a meaningful career.  Sanchez’s mother escaped her urban upbringing by enlisting in the Navy, and he is ready to start his journey by serving the Navy as a shipbuilder.

Wood is from Virginia Beach and started his apprenticeship on Oct. 3, 2022, as a shipfitter. He is a graduate of Landstown High School, where he earned a 3.62 GPA.

In high school, Wood was in Navy JROTC. He also does all kinds of volunteering at his church, where he manages the livestream and sound during the services. He came to The Apprentice School to grow stronger, become smarter and acquire new skills.

The Apprentice School Foundation provides a tax-deductible opportunity for alumni, friends and community partners of The Apprentice School to help fund scholarships, historic preservation and community service projects that carry on the school’s legacy. Visit The Apprentice School Foundation’s website (www.tasfd.org) for more information.