FORT WAYNE, IN  Building Contractors Association of Northeast Indiana (BCA) announces winners of its 2015 Presidential Merit Scholarships. These $1,500 scholarships were created to recognize significant accomplishments and reward worthy students in furthering their education in a construction"related college degree program.

Alexandra Doctor graduated from Heritage High School in June and is the daughter of Brent Doctor of MSKTD. She will begin her college studies at Purdue University this fall working toward her goal of becoming a structural engineer and to use her skills and passions to contribute to the Fort Wayne, Indiana, construction industry. While Doctor's high school accomplishments are noteworthy and too numerous to mention, the committee was equally impressed by her record of community service at such a young age. She has volunteered her time to several nonprofits and worthy causes, all while keeping her membership in the National Honor Society intact at school.

Jason Merchant plans to earn his AAS degree in Building Construction Management from Ivy Tech next spring. He is maintaining a strong GPA, keeping his name on the Dean's List each semester, all while working full"time and being a single father. He is currently employed by Hamilton Hunter Builders. His interest in the construction industry dates back to his high school days, and he has gained strong employment experiences since then with different mechanical"electrical contractors and now as project manager with one of the area's well known general contractors. His goals have always been to gain more skills and experience, and he believes an individual's professional career is always in need of keeping up with the times and the technological changes that comes with it.