ATLANTA (March 26, 2025) — Last week, Senate President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy (R–Macon) honored former State Senator Sheila McNeill, who served the 3rd Senate District from 2021 to 2023, by forming a nonprofit organization in her name. The Sheila McNeill Legacy Scholarship Fund will provide financial support to a Naval midshipman attending the United States Naval Academy (USNA) in Annapolis, Maryland, recognizing McNeill’s lifelong 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,” said 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. By providing a stipend for one semester, our fund ensures that a dedicated midshipman has financial support for additional expenses not covered by the Academy, such as personal and academic necessities. This assistance allows recipients to focus fully on their rigorous education and leadership training without undue financial stress. Sheila was a steadfast advocate for our nation’s defense, and I know she would be proud to see her lifelong mission continue through this non-profit.”
Sen. Mike Hodges (R–Brunswick), who now serves the 3rd Senate District, added, “Sheila was a great friend, an exceptional legislator and a trailblazer in every sense of the word. Having known her and her family from the time we grew up together in church, I knew that Sheila’s dedication to serving her family and community and her sense of purpose was unmatched. I am proud to participate in the Sheila McNeill Legacy Scholarship Fund and honored to dedicate a portion of State Route 40 as the Sen. Sheila McNeill Memorial Highway.”
During her tenure in the Georgia Senate, Sheila McNeill was a fierce advocate for veterans and military service members. Additionally, she made history as the first and only woman to serve as National President of the Navy League of the United States (2003-2005). Former Sen. McNeill passed away in August 2024, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and service.
For those who wish to support this cause, donations can be made to the Shelia McNeill Legacy Scholarship Fund:
· Checks may be dropped off at the Office of the Senate President Pro Tempore, Room 321 in the State Capitol.
· Checks may also be mailed to PO Box 1738, Roswell, GA 30077.
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Sen. John F. Kennedy serves as the President Pro Tempore of the Georgia State Senate. He represents the 18th Senate District, which includes Crawford, Monroe, Peach and Upson counties, as well as portions of Bibb and Houston counties. He may be reached at (404) 656-6578 or by email at John.Kennedy@senate.ga.gov.
Sen. Mike Hodges serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Reapportionment and Redistricting. He represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes Brantley, Camden, Charlton, Glynn, McIntosh, and a portion of Ware County. He may be reached by phone at (404) 463-1309 or by email at Mike.Hodges@senate.ga.gov.
For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.