West Point Cadets Named Rhodes Scholars

WEST POINT, N.Y. – Four U.S. Military Academy cadets were among the 32 U.S. Rhodes Scholarship awardees named Saturday, Nov. 16. Class of 2025 Sarah Cao, Shepherd Dzina, Gabriella Sorrentino, and Ava Spinar will study at the University of Oxford in the fall of 2025.  

“We are proud of these four outstanding leaders and the team who supported them along the way. Sarah, Shepherd, Gabby and Ava have bright futures ahead of them as they study a wide range of disciplines at Oxford and serve our nation as Army officers,” said Dean of the Academic Board Brig. Gen. Shane Reeves. “Their achievements reflect West Point’s values of Duty, Honor, Country and inspire us all to pursue excellence.”

The four scholars were selected from the U.S. Military Academy this year; the second time West Point has had this many U.S. Rhodes Scholars since 1959. This class of U. S. Rhodes Scholars will be pursuing studies across the breadth of the social sciences, humanities, and biological and physical sciences. In addition to their remarkable academic achievements, they are all also distinguished by exceptional leadership and their determination to serve the nation through military service.

Learn more about West Point’s Graduate Scholarship Program at https://www.westpoint.edu/academics/scholars-program/graduate.

About the Recipients: 

Cadet Sarah Cao is an International Affairs and Chinese double major at West Point, with a minor in Terrorism Studies. She is a Stamps scholar, Winant scholar, and Stokes writing fellow. Cao has interned at the Center for Naval Analyses and the U.S. Mission to the United Nations. She has presented her research at a total of six conference panels. She is a Battalion Commander and leader on the International Affairs Forum and Chinese Language and Cultural Association. Cao hopes to serve as a Military Intelligence Officer. As a Rhodes Scholar, she plans to read for a Master of Science in Global Governance and Diplomacy and a Master of Science in Contemporary Chinese Studies.

Hometown: Plymouth, Minn.

“The Rhodes Scholarship represents an opportunity to build on my commitment to leadership and service, allowing me to explore diplomacy and governance at the highest level. I am grateful for the mentors, teammates, and communities who have shaped my journey, and I look forward to learning from fellow scholars as we address the challenges of our interdependent world.”

Cadet Shepherd Dzina is an Economics major and the Brigade Executive Officer at West Point, responsible for logistics and operations for over 4,400 cadets. He leads the Finance Club and conducts research with the Army’s Office of Economics and Manpower Analysis. Dzina interned at the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, evaluating foreign investments. Outside of the classroom, he enjoys cooking and published a cookbook in high school. Dzina hopes to be commissioned into the Infantry branch and pursue a career in Civil Affairs. As a Rhodes Scholar, he plans to read for a Master of Science in Economics for Development and a Master of Science in Global Governance and Diplomacy.

Hometown: Tuxedo Park, N.Y.

“I thank God for this incredible opportunity and am profoundly humbled to be selected as a Rhodes Scholar. I am eager to continue my studies in economic development at Oxford to better lead as an Army officer and serve communities in need around the world.”

Cadet Gabriella “Gabby” Sorrentino is an American History and Philosophy double major at West Point. She is writing a dual thesis, has conducted archival research, and was a contributing editor on an upcoming memoir. She currently serves as the Brigade Honor Captain, boxes competitively for West Point’s women’s boxing team, and previously served as Regimental Command Sergeant Major for Cadet Basic Training. Sorrentino hopes to pursue a career in the Field Artillery branch and then the Judge Advocate General Corps. As a Rhodes Scholar, she plans to read for a Master of Science in Migration Studies and a Master’s Degree in Public Policy.

Hometown: Monroe, N.J.

“It is an incredible privilege to be selected as a Rhodes Scholar and to have the opportunity to represent West Point and our Army as a member of the Rhodes community. I am looking forward to continuing my studies, developing as a leader of character, and contributing to our Army’s provision of aid during conflict and our response to conflict-borne migration.”

Cadet Ava Spinar is a Life Science major at West Point. Over the summer, she served as Commander of Cadet Basic Training and now is the Commander of the 1st Regiment, responsible for the academic, physical, military, and character development of 1,100 cadets. Spinar hopes to use her background in public health to become an Army physician and lead the military medical system. As a Rhodes Scholar, she plans to read for a Master of Science in Global Health Science and Epidemiology and a Master of Science in Genomic Medicine.

Hometown: Lincoln, Neb.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to represent West Point and the Army as a Rhodes Scholar. I am excited to use my experiences to continue supporting the health of soldiers and their families, and I’m looking forward to my career as a leader in Army medicine.”

About West Point  

The U. S. Military Academy at West Point is a four-year, co-educational, federal service academy located 50 miles north of New York City. It was founded in 1802 as America's first college of engineering and continues today as the world’s premier leader-development institution, consistently ranked among top colleges in the country. Its mission is to build, educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets to be commissioned leaders of character committed to the Army Values and ready for a lifetime of service to the Army and nation. For more information, go to www.westpoint.edu.