On Saturday, Sept. 25, the Apprentice School celebrated Homecoming with its football game against Fairleigh Dickinson-Florham. Prior to kickoff, the school recognized the oldest living Apprentice School graduate Russell S. Derring with a special award and an autographed football of the 2010 Builders. The award came 20 days after his 100th birthday.
Mr. Derring submitted his application to the school on November 8, 1929 and started his apprenticeship four days later. As recorded in a memorandum to Homer L. Ferguson, Mr. Derring completed his apprenticeship on March 17, 1934 as a plumber. Following 38-years of service to the company in several assignments, Derring retired in 1972.
He turned 100 on September 5, 2010 and still makes it a point to attend Apprentice Alumni and athletic events.
Mr. Derring is shown receiving his award from Danny Hunley, Vice President of Operation for Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding and with Director, Education Everett Jordan.