"In addition to their roles as heating and cooling experts, Carrier and Bryant distributors and dealers invest in their communities and provide these scholarships to students of the next generation to help them succeed," said David Meyers, vice president of sales for Carrier. "We're proud of our distributors as they support the aspirations of these talented students.”

The Carrier & Bryant Distributors' Education Foundation has awarded approximately $500,000 to 355 students since 1998 when it began as the Blees Scholarship in honor of the late William A. Blees. Blees served as a longtime adviser to Carrier and Bryant distributors. Following his passing, Carrier and Bryant heating and cooling equipment distributors established the foundation in Blees' honor to award college scholarships to the children of HVAC dealers' and contractors' employees.

The students are awarded the scholarship based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities, leadership potential, and personal motivation. Applications are screened by a professional scholarship administration firm, which also reviews the candidates’ short essay about their educational and career aspirations. The 2016 recipients include five students who are two-time winners.

The 2016 scholarship recipients are:

Precious Adams; Crookston, MN

Mika Awai; Napa, CA

Daniel Bean; Walpole, MA

Isaac Carter; Wasca, MN

Mitchell Clune; Coldwater, OH

Chelsea Hammond; Rehoboth, Massachusetts

James Harmon; Holt, MS

Olivia Herron; Greenville, OH

Brooke Herschleb; Sauk City, WI

Samantha Horn; Adams, MA

Kate Kennelly; Melrose, NY

Trenton Koeper; Upland, CA

Morgan Lancaster; Hendersonville, NC

Austin McHenry; Phoenix

Avery McNeill; Florala, AL

Braden Meadows; Kingston, GA

Colleen Mock; Quincy, IL

Jantzen Nakai; Honolulu, HA

Amber O’Brien; Woodford, VT

Stephanie Pope; Owens Crossroads, AL

Lauren Reed; Emma, MS

Isaiah Roepe, Emma, MS

Zachary Thornton; Woodstock, IL

Devon Watts; Winter Haven, FL

Kaci Whitehead; Syracuse, IN