The Nexstar Legacy Foundation awarded its first scholarships dedicated to improving professionalism in the plumbing trades by attracting high-caliber young talent.

Brad Messmer, Purdue University, received the foundation’s highest award, the Frank Blau Jr. Scholarship Award, which includes a $6,000 grant to continue his studies. Messmer’s father, Ed, owns Messmer Mechanical, a plumbing and HVAC contractor in Jasper, Ind.

Three other students each received $3,000 scholarships to apply to continuing their studies:

• Krystin Burrows, University of Colorado, is employed by Applewood Plumbing & Heating Co., Denver.
• Justin Latta, Auburn University, is seasonally employed by Aux Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electrical, Bessemer, Ala.
• Joshua Roden, University of Minnesota, Duluth.

All four scholarships were awarded during Nexstar’s Super Meeting in Denver. The mission of the Nexstar Legacy Foundation is to “give back through an industry that has been so good to us.” If you are interested in contributing to the organization, knowing more about its fundraising efforts, applying for a scholarship or want more information on its mission, visit the foundation’s Web site at www.nexstarfoundation.org.