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Emerald Coast Public Relations Foundation offering scholarships to area graduating seniors

The Emerald Coast Public Relations Foundation will award several $1,000 scholarships to high school seniors in Okaloosa, Walton and Santa Rosa counties pursuing communications-related degrees.

Ashley Ward

The Emerald Coast Public Relations Foundation will award several $1,000 scholarships in 2026 to graduating seniors in Okaloosa, Walton and Santa Rosa county high schools who plan to pursue college degrees in public relations, communication, marketing or journalism.

Three scholarships have been designated with sponsorships from Eglin Federal Credit Union, Sherry Harlow, APR, and a third scholarship funded through financial support from Linda Evanchyk, Carr Riggs & Ingram in Niceville and the Lisa Pitell Law Firm.

In 2025, the foundation awarded $1,000 scholarships to Macy Wanner, a graduate of Rocky Bayou Christian School, and Zachary Neconie, a Freeport High School graduate.

To qualify, applicants must be high school seniors residing in Okaloosa, Walton or Santa Rosa counties with a GPA of 3.75 or higher. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and planning to pursue studies in public relations, communication, marketing or journalism.

Required application materials include a brief essay addressing an ethical issue in public relations or journalism and a list of demonstrated leadership or community service.

The foundation has previously awarded $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors from Crestview, Niceville, Pace, Milton, Gulf Breeze, Freeport, Choctawhatchee and Fort Walton Beach high schools, Rocky Bayou Christian School and to one home-schooled senior.

The deadline for applications, submitted electronically or by mail, is March 16, 2026. Applications and additional information are available in high school guidance counselors’ offices and here.

For more information, contact Joe Purka at 850-974-1491 or jwpurka@gmail.com.

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