Peach Tree Times

Last week, Senate President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy announced the creation of a nonprofit organization to honor former State Senator Sheila McNeill. The Sheila McNeill Legacy Scholarship Fund aims to provide financial support to a Naval midshipman attending the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. This initiative acknowledges McNeill's dedication to the U.S. Navy and the Navy Submarine Base at Kings Bay, Georgia.

"I was proud to see the Senate establish the Sheila McNeill Legacy Scholarship Fund and commemorate the life and legacy of a dear friend," stated Sen. Kennedy. "There is no better way to pay tribute to an extraordinary leader like Sheila McNeill than aiding the next generation of military service members."

Senator Mike Hodges also expressed his admiration for McNeill: "Sheila was a great friend, an exceptional legislator and a trailblazer in every sense of the word." He added that he is honored to dedicate part of State Route 40 as the Sen. Sheila McNeill Memorial Highway.

During her time in the Georgia Senate, McNeill was known for her advocacy for veterans and military service members. She made history as the first woman to serve as National President of the Navy League of the United States from 2003-2005. Former Senator McNeill passed away in August 2024.

Donations for this cause can be made by dropping off checks at Room 321 in the State Capitol or mailing them to PO Box 1738, Roswell, GA 30077.