Peach Tree Times

An Atlanta native who is a U.S. Naval Academy student is among 32 Americans chosen to be this year's Rhodes Scholars.

Sen. Ralph Warnock (D-GA) posted on Twitter that the student was reflective of the best qualities in the state of Georgia.

“Congratulations to Atlanta native & @NavalAcademy student Sarah Skinner on being one of *only* 32 Americans selected as a Rhodes Scholar. You represent the best of us, Sarah — and Georgia is so proud of you!’’ Warnock wrote

The 2022 class of U.S. Rhodes scholars has the biggest number of women ever chosen for the scholarship in one year. with 21-year-old Skinner holding several leadership roles at the Naval Academy while serving as a company commander in charge for 150 midshipmen, according to The Atlanta Journal Constitution.

“Skinner is an honors political science major, with a Chinese minor, at the U.S. Naval Academy. Her honors research is aimed at evaluating the overall effectiveness of middle power nations and middle power institutions in mitigating hegemonic competition and conflict between the U.S. and China. This past summer, she studied Taiwanese virtually through National Taiwan University,” according to a United States Naval Academy (USNA) press release.

Aside from being the 21st Company commander, Skinner is captain of the Navy Women’s Rugby team and a member of the Golden Key National Honor Society and previously had a dual role as both the 21st Company drill sergeant and honor sergeant, The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported. 

Skinner is also a University of Oxford student who seeks to finish a Master of Philosophy degree in international relations and as a Rhode Scholar will cover her scholarship expenses for two years, according to The Atlanta Journal Constitution.   

“Rhodes Scholars are chosen based on high academic achievement, integrity of character, a spirit of unselfishness, respect for others, potential for leadership and physical vigor,” the USNA reported. “The value of the Rhodes Scholarship varies depending on the academic field, the degree pursued, and the college chosen at Oxford.”