Scholarship Helps UGA Student With Career Aspirations

Mar 26, 2025

By Katharine Jefcoats

Growing up in the shadow of the University of Georgia, Elise Thornhill had her eyes on the venerable institution from childhood.

Elise is a Georgette with UGA’s Redcoat Band

Her mother, Gwinnett County sheriff’s Maj. Batinna Thornhill, suspected her daughter was destined for a post-grad walk under the Arch one day.

“I am incredibly proud of my child’s achievements and her plans for college,” said Maj. Thornhill. Barbara ‘Elise’ has always had her sights set on attending the University of Georgia. From a young age, she fell in love with dancing and had the remarkable opportunity to perform on the football field with the Georgettes when she was 9. Fast forward a decade, and she is now a Georgette herself.”

Elise was able to score a scholarship through her mother’s membership in PBAGA. All children of PBA members are eligible to apply for a scholarship. Also, any student seeking a degree in the criminal justice field can also apply without a PBA affiliation. The scholarships are funded through donations to PBA’s Police Benevolent Foundation. In 2024, two dozen students earned scholarships in varying amounts.

Elise Thornhill with her parents

Elise is working on a major that sometimes overlaps with criminal investigations – political science and international affairs – with the goal of seeking a career that definitely rubs elbows with law and order.

“My majors will be political science and international affairs,” she said. “I chose these because I want to go into law school with the hopes of going into international law or becoming a child advocate. International law interests me because I would have the opportunity to not only travel but to make a positive impact on the world as a whole.”

Having grown up in a solid family in an environment of support and encouragement, Elise is determined to see that children born into less desirable situations have someone to stand up for them and make things right.

“The chance to be a child advocate is something that I want to pursue because I was fortunate enough to have such an amazing family and support system and I fully believe that all children should be able to experience the same opportunities,” said Elise. “Both pathways would allow me to help others and that’s something I learned from my mom and dad as they have both always driven me and pushed me to be my best and to be as helpful and selfless as possible.”

To that end, Elise said the scholarship award confirmed she is on the correct track.

“Receiving a PBF scholarship is special to me because it gives me validation that my goals are worth chasing and pursuing,” she said. “I am so thankful that my application was accepted as going to law school is truly something I am passionate about and others being able to see that, means the world to me.”

Elise and her mom at her high school graduation

A 28-year LEO veteran, Maj. Thornhill spent some of that time as an officer of the court and often shared legal anecdotes with her daughter, a driving force for Elise’s imagination.

“This is where my drive to want to be in the courts started as my mom would come home and tell me the stories of some of the cases she heard about,” she said. “I was immediately intrigued and loved being able to hear about them. Having her as a mentor in my life has shaped me into who I am now. She guided me to do the right thing and to always be honest. She has inspired me to be confident as she is the strongest woman I know and has never shown a sign of weakness, even at her lowest points.”

The two also bonded over support of the Special Olympics. Maj. Thornhill has participated in Special Olympics events since 1998, starting with fundraising efforts like waiting tables for tips.

“Attending the opening ceremonies hooked me instantly — the joy and dedication of the athletes were truly inspiring,” said Maj. Thornhill. “My participation extended to state and local events, where we practiced with athletes, shared meals and volunteered at the games, presenting medals to the winners.”

A significant highlight for Maj. Thornhill was in 2014 when she was chosen to represent Special Olympics Georgia at the Games in New York.

“I had the honor of running the torch and helping to raise awareness for the organization,” she said.”

Elise also got involved, creating her own fund-raising event.

“She created her own Polar Plunge fundraising page to support the cause and demonstrated her commitment by taking the plunge herself,” said Maj. Thornhill. “Her active support and involvement during events have been a tremendous source of pride and joy.”

Elise shares those same memories.

“One of my fondest memories growing up was doing the Law Enforcement Polar Plunge for the Special Olympics with my mom,” she said. “We would raise money, put together our costumes and jump into Lake Lanier when the water was at its coldest. Those memories showed me that doing something that can benefit others can be fun but also rewarding, especially when I reach my donation goal.”

Thornhill on the job with a younger Elise

Maj. Thornhill said she is pleased to see the young woman Elise is growing into and is proud of her choices.

“Elise has always been driven and goal-oriented,” she said. “When her brother graduated high school, she expressed her aspiration to be the valedictorian and speak to her graduating class. Although she didn’t achieve valedictorian status, she finished in the top 10 of her class — a testament to her dedication and hard work.

“She is an amazing young woman, and I am excited to see how she will positively impact the world,” continued Thornhill. “Her commitment and perseverance paved the way for a promising future, and I am confident she will excel in college and beyond. Supporting her on this journey is one of my greatest joys.”