OHIO — The Larry A. Hart Memorial Scholarship Committee has announced they recently determined the recipient for 2017.

The Larry A. Hart Memorial Scholarship is a $1,000 scholarship ponsored by the Ohio Wildlife Officer’s Lodge #143 of the Fraternal Order of Police, and The Twin Valley Rod and Gun Club in Preble County.

Keaton Montgomery was chosen from several excellent candidates. Keaton is the son of Joshua and Joyce Montgomery of Moscow, Ohio. Keaton is currently an Ohio National Guard Private/E-3 (MOS: Military Police) and studying at US Grant Career Center, Bethel, Ohio. Keaton will graduate May 2017 from both the New Richmond High School and the Grant Career Center with being on the Academic Honor Roll. While in school, he has played soccer, attended the Junior Police Academy Camp, and belonged to the Drug Free Club of America. Keaton enjoys spending time outdoors with fishing, hunting and camping. He is employed by The Ohio Division of Wildlife as a Creel Clerk. In this position, he interviews Ohio River anglers to obtain effort, catch, harvest and information for the ODNR. Keaton will further his education at Hocking College working towards a major in National Resources Law Enforcement, specifically as a Wildlife Officer.

The scholarship is available to those persons who are graduating or have graduated from an accredited high school, and will enroll, or are enrolled in an accredited college majoring in Law Enforcement or Natural Resources Studies.

This scholarship was established in memory of Wildlife Officer Larry A. Hart. At the time of his death, Larry Hart was a 30-year veteran of the Ohio Department of Wildlife. Those in the professions of Wildlife Management and Law Enforcement recognize his integrity and his commitment to service and conservation.