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�����԰ is pleased to announce the endorsement of Héctor Aponte '26 and Jade Jimenez '26 as candidates for the Rhodes Scholarship, one of the world’s most prestigious and competitive international academic awards. The endorsement recognizes the students’ exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to service.

About the Rhodes Scholarship

Established in 1902, the Rhodes Scholarship is the oldest and perhaps the world’s most distinguished international graduate fellowship. Funded by the Rhodes Trust in Oxford, England, the scholarship provides full financial support for postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. Each year, only 32 students from the United States are selected based on a combination of academic excellence, leadership potential, energy to use one’s talents fully, and moral character.

The application process is among the most demanding in higher education. Candidates must prepare a detailed personal statement, academic statement of study, and between five and eight letters of recommendation, followed by a university-level interview assessing their intellectual depth, leadership, and vision for service. Those endorsed advance to a district-level interview for national consideration.

Héctor Aponte: Leading Through Inquiry and Service

Héctor Aponte, a from Taunton, Massachusetts, has distinguished himself as both a scholar and a campus leader. Serving as president of the Student Government Association and this year’s student convocation speaker, Aponte has demonstrated an ability to unite academic excellence with service to others.

When designing his honors thesis, Aponte pursued an ambitious, data-driven project analyzing undergraduate political behavior during the 2024 presidential election. The scope of his national survey required special approval to be conducted jointly with another student, underscoring his commitment to original research and collaboration.

Beyond his major, Aponte has challenged himself through independent studies in philosophy and theology, seeking a deeper understanding of ethics, governance, and civic responsibility. The committee praised his inquisitive nature, demonstrated discipline, and strong writing and analytical skills, noting the committee’s confidence he will excel in any course he chooses to pursue.

Jade Jimenez: Designing Connections Across Disciplines

Jade Jimenez, from Brewster, New York, brings an interdisciplinary approach to her studies that bridges art, science, and human experience. An with minors in and , Jimenez has demonstrated creativity and leadership both in the classroom and on the global stage.

Her work with Stonorov Workshop Architects led to her participation in the Venice Biennale’s Time Space Existence Exhibition, one of the world’s most prestigious international showcases of design and architecture. Her contribution appeared alongside projects curated by architect and engineer Carlo Ratti, whose call for architecture that “harnesses all the intelligence around us” reflects the very spirit of her work.

During the interview with the committee, Jimenez spoke about a desire to help increase student success and retention in the field of architecture. She has dedicated herself to being a mentor for architecture students. Having gone through the program herself, she believes she can help other students anticipate and navigate through the educational process while helping prepare them for any upcoming challenges. While at Norwich, she has served on numerous committees in support of student success, retention, and career readiness.

Norwich’s Legacy of Excellence: BG Tracey (Jones) Poirier '96

The achievements of Aponte and Jimenez continue a proud Norwich tradition of academic distinction that includes BG Tracey (Jones) Poirier ’96, �����԰’s first and only Rhodes Scholar.

As a Norwich undergraduate, Poirier earned her bachelor’s degree in English and communications before attending Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar, where she completed two master’s degrees, one in anthropology and another in human resource management.

After Oxford, she served eight years on active duty as a U.S. Marine, later joining Army National Guard. During her military career, she earned the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, and an Army Commendation Medal among her awards and decorations. She demonstrated the same level of determination in both her civilian and military careers, perfectly resembling Captain Aldan Partridge’s vision of a citizen-soldier. She rose through the University’s leadership ranks to become assistant vice president for leadership and student experience and was promoted to brigadier general in the Vermont National Guard.

BG Poirier embodies the enduring Norwich ideal of service, scholarship, and leadership, an example that continues to inspire new generations of Norwich students to reach for excellence on the world stage.

The Committee

This year’s committee included a diverse group of faculty and staff committed to education and civic engagement. The committee was chaired by , assistant vice president for international education, and included , associate professor of biology; Dr. Huw Read, Charles A. Dana Professor of computer security and information assurance; and Steve Rand, director of civic engagement.