The Emerald Coast Public Relations Foundation awarded $1,000 scholarships to recent graduates of Rocky Bayou Christian School in Niceville and Freeport High School at the organization’s monthly luncheon Tuesday at the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce.

Macy Wanner from Rocky Bayou Christian School received the Sherry Harlow, APR Scholarship, made possible by a grant from Harlow, a founding member of Emerald Coast Public Relations. Wanner will major in business at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama this fall. Her essay focused on the importance of integrity in marketing materials.

Zachary Neconie of Freeport received the scholarship sponsored by Eglin Federal Credit Union. Neconie is currently dual-enrolled and will attend Northwest Florida State University in the fall, majoring in marketing. He plans to eventually transfer to Florida State University. His essay emphasized the need for transparency in public relations.

• Melissa McSwain from Eglin Federal Credit Union presented Neconie with his scholarship check, while Harlow presented Wanner with hers.

The scholarships are awarded based on academic credentials, volunteer and service work, and an original essay addressing an issue of importance to public relations or marketing fields.

To qualify for the scholarships, candidates must be high school seniors residing in Okaloosa, Walton or Santa Rosa counties with a GPA of 3.5 or higher. They must be U.S. citizens planning to pursue studies in public relations, communication, marketing or journalism. 

Over the past few years, the foundation has awarded twelve $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors from Crestview, Niceville, Pace, Milton, Gulf Breeze, Choctawhatchee and Fort Walton Beach high schools. This year’s scholarships are the first to be awarded to graduates of Rocky Bayou Christian School and Freeport High School.