Three Okaloosa County Students Earn Emerald Coast Public Relations Foundation Scholarships
The Emerald Coast Public Relations Foundation awarded three $1,000 scholarships to recent graduates of Niceville, Collegiate, and Fort Walton Beach High Schools at the Emerald Coast Public Relations Organization’s luncheon held at the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, July 14th.
One scholarship is sponsored by Eglin Federal Credit Union, one by Sherry Harlow, APR, and one is made possible by donations from Linda Evanchyk, Carr Riggs & Ingram (Niceville), and the Lisa Pitell Law Firm.
Naomi Roberts from Niceville High School plans to major in digital journalism at the University of Southern Mississippi. She was presented with a $1,000 check by Laura Coale, vice president of Marketing and Public Relations for the Eglin Federal Credit Union. (This presentation was made earlier due to scheduling conflicts.) Ms. Roberts’ essay focused on the need for accuracy in journalism.
Trinity Hightower from Collegiate High School was presented with her $1,000 scholarship award by Sherry Harlow, founding member of ECPRO. Trinity will attend Southeastern University in the fall, majoring in Communications-Public Relations. Her essay focused on the importance of honesty in the use of artificial intelligence.
Avery Brannon, a recent graduate of Fort Walton Beach High School, was awarded her $1,000 scholarship from Kathy Morrow, president of the ECPRO. Ms. Brannon will be attending Florida State University in the fall, majoring in Marketing. Her essay also focused on the ethical uses of artificial intelligence.
Candidates for the scholarship must be high school seniors residing in Okaloosa, Walton, or Santa Rosa counties, with a GPA of 3.75 or higher, and planning to pursue studies in public relations, communication, marketing, or journalism. The awards are based on academic credentials, volunteer and service work, and an original essay that addresses an issue of importance in public relations or related fields.
Over the past few years, the Foundation awarded $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors from Choctawhatchee, Collegiate, Crestview, Freeport, Fort Walton Beach, Gulf Breeze, Milton, Niceville, Pace High Schools, and Rocky Bayou Christian School.
The Emerald Coast Public Relations Foundation was incorporated in 2007 under the Laws of the State of Florida as a Not-For-Profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling Toll-Free within the State of Florida (1-80O-HELPFLA). Registration does not imply endorsement by the state.