FORT WAYNE, IN – The Building Contractors Association of Northeast Indiana (BCA) proudly announces the winners of the 2025 Presidential Merit Scholarships and Michael H. Kinder Jr. Memorial Scholarships. These programs were created to recognize significant achievements and reward deserving students pursuing construction-related college degree programs. The recipients of the two $2500 Presidential Merit Scholarships are Jayden Somsavath and Andrew Tierney. Mason Shoemaker is the recipient of the $2500 Michael H. Kinder Jr. Memorial Scholarship.
Shoemaker, a 2024 graduate of Wawasee High School, is currently completing a summer internship with Weigand Construction. He plans to continue his education at Ball State University, where he is majoring in construction management. Growing up around job sites fueled his early passion for building, and today, he’s driven to lead projects that bring designs to life, foster collaboration, and leave a lasting impact on the communities they serve.
Somsavath graduated from Bishop Dwenger High School this year and will attend Purdue University this fall majoring in Civil Engineering. His passion for the field stems from a desire to create meaningful infrastructure—roads that connect communities, bridges that endure, and systems that enhance everyday life. He’s drawn to civil engineering for its unique combination of problem-solving and tangible, real-world impact.
Tierney is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University Fort Wayne, with a focus on large-scale construction and industrial design in the food processing industry. Andrew is driven by a passion for building and improving lives. Since 2023, he’s gained hands-on experience with Shambaugh & Son, L.P., where he plans to continue after graduating in 2026. His goal is to combine technical expertise with leadership, eventually pursuing an MBA to prepare for project management roles and mentoring future engineers while contributing to efficient, sustainable, and impactful construction projects.
