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19th Annual Ship Repair Digital Innovation Competition

On March 20th, the Virginia Ship Repair Foundation proudly hosted the annual Ship Repair Digital Innovation Competition at Nauticus in Norfolk. This dynamic event welcomed 10 middle schools from across Hampton Roads, all competing to present original, forward-thinking ideas aimed at improving the ship repair and shipbuilding industries.

The competing students showcased impressive creativity and practical problem-solving skills as they pitched their concepts to a panel of industry professionals. Their innovative solutions addressed real-world challenges—from enhancing workplace safety to streamlining shipyard operations—demonstrating not only their potential as future engineers and tradespeople, but also the effectiveness of integrating STEM and skilled trades education early in academic development.

This year’s competition winners are as follows:

  • 1st Place: Page Middle School

  • 2nd Place: Chesapeake Middle School

  • 3rd Place: Georgie D. Tyler Middle School

  • Finalist Recognition: St. Matthew's Catholic School

These outstanding teams earned not only well-deserved recognition, but also monetary prizes to support their schools' continued STEM and workforce development programs.

The success of this event was made possible through the generous support of our sponsors. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to education and workforce development:

  • Platinum Sponsors:
    BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair
    East Coast Repair & Fabrication, Inc.
    General Dynamics NASSCO-Norfolk
    Newport News Shipbuilding

  • Gold Sponsor:
    Bay Metals & Fabrication, LLC

  • Silver Sponsors:
    Hampton Roads Workforce Council
    MHI Ship Repair and Services
    The Tidewater Association of Service Contractors
    Metropolitan Solutions

We also extend a sincere thank you to our dedicated panel of judges and technical advisors, who offered their expertise and insight while evaluating the student projects:

  • John Banks (Newport News Shipbuilding) – Judge
  • Anthony Beebe (General Dynamics NASSCO-Norfolk) – Judge
  • Charles Bell (General Dynamics NASSCO-Norfolk) – Technical Advisor
  • Robert Coburn (General Dynamics NASSCO-Norfolk) - Technical Advisor
  • Elise Davis (General Dynamics NASSCO-Norfolk) – Technical Advisor
  • Victor Figueroa (General Dynamics NASSCO-Norfolk) - Judge
  • Jessica Galassi (Virginia Digital Maritime Center-ODU) - Technical Advisor
  • Jeff Julian (Industry Preservation LLC) – Judge
  • Joe Kosteczko (Old Dominion University) – Technical Advisor
  • Andy Linton (W.R. Systems, Ltd.) - Technical Advisor
  • Raymond Olivencia (East Coast Repair & Fabrication, Inc.) – Judge
  • Emmanuel Onafeko (Newport News Shipbuilding) – Judge
  • Sam Overmyer (MHI Ship Repair and Services) – Judge
  • Wigberto Rivera (East Coast Repair & Fabrication, Inc.) – Technical Advisor
  • David Spinazzolo (Metropolitan Solutions) – Judge
  • Casey Tarnowski (Lyon Shipyard, Inc.) – Judge
  • Robbie Walker (Marine Chemist Service, Inc.) – Technical Advisor
  • Chip Yates (Standard Calibrations Inc.) – Technical Advisor

In addition, this competition would not have been possible without the hard work and coordination of our volunteers, who served in roles ranging from judges and monitors to registration support and technical assistance. Their dedication to this initiative helped create a memorable, educational experience for all involved.

  • Ali Broemeling (Colonna's Shipyard, Inc.)
  • Kathleen Hinton (East Coast Repair & Fabrication, Inc.)
  • Jessica Johnson (Virginia Digital Maritime Center-ODU)
  • Meredith Martz (BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair)
  • Jennifer Renne (Virginia Digital Maritime Center-ODU)

The Digital Innovation Competition continues to be a powerful reminder of the talent, creativity, and potential that exists within our region’s youth. VSRA and VSRF remain committed to inspiring the next generation of innovators by promoting skilled trades and STEM education throughout Hampton Roads. We encourage educators, families, and industry leaders to support and participate in future competitions as we continue to build a stronger, smarter maritime workforce.

To access the photos from this event, click here and use the password "VSRF"


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