👤 Who: High school seniors in Okaloosa, Walton, and Santa Rosa counties; sponsors Eglin Federal Credit Union, Sherry Harlow, APR; Linda Evanchyk; Carr Riggs & Ingram; Lisa Pitell Law Firm.
📝 What: Several $1,000 scholarships for students pursuing degrees in PR, communication, marketing, or journalism.
📅 When: Applications due March 16, 2026.
📍 Where: Available through local high school guidance offices and online at www.ecpro.org.
🎓 Why: To support education and advancement in public relations and related communication fields.
High school seniors across the Emerald Coast with dreams of studying public relations, marketing, journalism, or communication will have the chance to earn financial support this spring. The Emerald Coast Public Relations Foundation announced it will award several $1,000 scholarships to graduating students in Okaloosa, Walton, and Santa Rosa counties.
The annual program—now a long-running investment in the future of local communicators—will once again be supported by a group of community sponsors. For 2026, Eglin Federal Credit Union is sponsoring one of the scholarships. Another is funded by Sherry Harlow, APR, and a third is backed by Linda Evanchyk, Carr Riggs & Ingram in Niceville, and the Lisa Pitell Law Firm.
Last year, the foundation awarded $1,000 scholarships to two local seniors: Macy Wanner of Rocky Bayou Christian School and Zachary Neconie of Freeport High School.
To qualify, students must:
Be high school seniors living in Okaloosa, Walton, or Santa Rosa counties
Hold a minimum 3.75 GPA
Be U.S. citizens
Plan to pursue a degree in public relations, communication, marketing, or journalism
Applicants must also submit a brief essay on an ethical issue in PR or journalism, along with a list of their leadership experience or community service.
Over the years, students from Crestview, Niceville, Pace, Milton, Gulf Breeze, Freeport, Choctawhatchee, and Fort Walton Beach high schools—as well as Rocky Bayou Christian School and one home-schooled senior—have earned support from the Foundation.
Applications must be submitted electronically or postmarked by March 16, 2026. Forms and additional details are available through local high school guidance departments and on the Foundation’s website at www.ecpro.org.
The Emerald Coast Public Relations Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting education and professional development in public relations and related fields.
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