The Emerald Coast Public Relations Foundation awarded three $1,000 scholarships to recent high school graduates from Okaloosa County at the Emerald Coast Public Relations Organization’s luncheon Tuesday at the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce.

• Naomi Roberts from Niceville High School, Trinity Hightower from Collegiate High School and Avery Brannon from Fort Walton Beach High School each received a scholarship.

Roberts plans to major in digital journalism at the University of Southern Mississippi. Her essay focused on the need for accuracy in journalism. She was presented with her scholarship by Laura Coales, vice president of marketing and public relations for Eglin Federal Credit Union, which sponsored the award. Roberts’ presentation was made earlier because of schedule conflicts.

Hightower was presented her scholarship by Sherry Harlow, a founding member of ECPRO, who also sponsored the award. Hightower 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.

Brannon was awarded her scholarship by Kathy Morrow, president of ECPRO. She will attend Florida State University in the fall, majoring in marketing. Her essay also focused on the ethical uses of artificial intelligence. Brannon’s scholarship was made possible by donations from Linda Evanchyk, Carr Riggs & Ingram, Niceville and the Lisa Pitell Law Firm.

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 addressing an issue of importance in public relations or related fields.

Over the past few years, the foundation has awarded $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors from Choctawhatchee, Collegiate, Crestview, Freeport, Fort Walton Beach, Gulf Breeze, Milton, Niceville and Pace high schools and Rocky Bayou Christian School.