Bright Minds Shine: U. S. Students Secure Prestigious Rhodes Scholarships

In a remarkable achievement, 32 American students have been selected as 2026 Rhodes Scholars, showcasing their dedication to various fields such as housing, health, sustainability, and prison reentry programs. Among the winners are five students from U. S. military academies and three each from Yale University, Harvard University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). One standout is Alice L. Hall from Philadelphia, a varsity basketball player and student body president at MIT. Hall has been involved in sustainability projects with a women’s collective in Ghana and plans to pursue engineering studies at the University of Oxford. Her commitment to both academics and community service is truly inspiring. Sydney E. Barta, a Paralympian and member of the Stanford University track team, is another notable winner. Barta, who studies bioengineering and sings in the Stanford acapella group “Counterpoint, ” aims to study musculoskeletal sciences. Her dedication to sports and academics highlights her well-rounded abilities. Anirvin Puttur, a senior at the U. S. Air Force Academy, serves as an instructor pilot and flight commander. Puttur, who is studying aeronautical engineering and applied mathematics, also has a deep interest in linguistics and is proficient in four languages. His diverse skills and interests make him a standout candidate. The Rhodes Scholarship program, established in 1903, awards over 100 scholarships annually for students to pursue graduate studies at the University of Oxford. The program has a rich history, with more than 8, 000 alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields, including government, education, the arts, and social justice.