Matthew W. Sharpless, a Forest Technology student who received his associate of applied science degree from Pennsylvania College of Technology in May, has won the Bailey/Brunton Award for Outstanding Achievement.
For winning the honor, Sharpless, of Huntingdon, receives a Brunton Pocket Transit (with a retail value of $289) and a commemorative plaque. The Brunton Pocket Transit is one of the most respected field instruments used by foresters, geologists, surveyors, civil engineers and environmental engineers worldwide.
The Brunton Co., a co-sponsor of the award, is century-old Riverton, WY,-based business that manufactures optical instruments, advanced professional and sporting compasses and outdoor metering instruments.
The other sponsor of the award is Bailey's, a mail-order woodsman-supply business founded in 1975 and based in Laytonville, Calif. Penn College frequently does business with both companies, using Brunton equipment and ordering a variety of items for the forestry program through Bailey's, said James C. Pivirotto, associate professor of forestry. Faculty selected Sharpless as the award winner.
"It's appropriate that Matthew receive this award from companies that we deal with a lot at the College," Pivirotto said.