TURNER — The Bear Pond Improvement Association, whose members want to ensure that the two Bear Ponds stay pristine and free of hazards, recently awarded a $500 scholarship to a Leavitt Area High School graduate.

Harrison Knowlton of Turner is the recipient of the 2015 scholarship. Knowlton achieved an excellent academic standing while at Leavitt Area High School and was valedictorian of his class.

He participated in various activities in the school and in the community as well.

Knowlton has completed his first semester at Middlebury College and plans to major in biology.

The improvement association, founded in 1958, is a volunteer-based, nonprofit organization of nearly 200 member families. The association’s main purpose is to oversee the well being of Big Bear and Little Bear ponds and the surrounding watershed in Turner and Hartford.

The goals are to maintain and/or improve the health and beauty of the ponds for the benefit of human and wildlife residents.