Lehigh Valley Central Labor Council honors McNeill
Representative presented with William Werkheiser Award for community service
Rep. Jeanne McNeill October 26, 2021
HARRISBURG, Oct. 26 -- State Rep. Jeanne McNeill, D-Lehigh, was presented with the William Werkheiser Award for her work and service to the local community by the Lehigh Valley Central Labor Council during its annual banquet on Saturday. She is the first elected official to receive the honor in the award’s history.
“I was completely taken by surprise this past weekend, when I attended the labor council dinner with family and friends, only to be presented with the William Werkheiser Award,” said McNeill.
According to the labor council, the award is presented every year to a person, persons, or agency demonstrating strong community service leadership, and is named after its first recipient, William “Bill” Werkheiser. Throughout his years of service to the local community and the labor movement, he always had time to serve others, participating with various nonprofits and serving on many boards. It was Werkheiser’s dedication to community and others that the award is named after him.
“I am completely honored to join the list of those previously recognized for their service to others, those individuals who have worked to improve the health, welfare and overall recreation and betterment of our community,” McNeill said. “To be recognized for the things I do every day – not just in my role as a state representative — as a mom, grandmother, sister, neighbor, and a friend, is overwhelming. I feel very humbled by it. It’s absolutely amazing.
“It’s my hope that more people will realize that even though we may not see it, we do have the ability to improve and leave a lasting impact on others,” said McNeill. “Perhaps Charles Dickens said it best, ‘No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.’”
Community service has always been a top priority for McNeill, who was first elected to represent the 133rd District in 2017, and she brings that passion, dedication and willingness to help others to her role as a state representative. She was recently named vice chairwoman of the Northeast Delegation, and sits on multiple committees including: Game and Fisheries, Gaming Oversight, Insurance, Labor and Industry, Policy and Rules. McNeill is also a member of the following caucuses: Autism and Intellectual Disabilities, LGBTQ Equality, PA SAFE, and Women’s.