WPAOG sends warm wishes for a very Happy Thanksgiving! We wish to express our sincere thanks for all that you do for West Point during this season of gratitude. It is an honor to serve the Long Gray Line.

Four West Point cadets are among the 32 U.S. Rhodes Scholarship awardees for 2022. Cadets Hannah Blakey, Holland Pratt, Veronica Lucian and Krista Flinkstrom will study at the University of Oxford next fall as recipients of this award. The West Point Graduate Scholarship Program is a Margin of Excellence Program and is supported by donor funding. The program offers intensive mentorship of cadet graduate scholarship candidates by assisting them in synthesizing their experiences in the academic, military, physical, and character programs—as well as their other developmental experience as cadets—and in formulating and articulating visions for their future service. The program consists of a formal course sequence and developmental experiences beyond the classroom. Cadets in the program apply for nationally-competitive scholarships, including the Rhodes scholarship. Full story.

On November 30, WPAOG is pleased to be taking part in Giving Tuesday—a global day of celebrating and encouraging philanthropy. During this season, we are reminded that every generous act is significant, and each gift in support of West Point truly matters for our cadets, alumni, the Academy, and the nation. Donations are essential to support Margin of Excellence programs for our cadets and keep the Long Gray Line strong. Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram that day, and tell us how you support West Point!

The Department of Physical Education (DPE) recognized first class cadets Carter J. Macias and Mennat-Allah T. Mohamed with the LTG Hal Moore Warrior Athlete of Excellence Award for their achievements and dedication to physical development. After a three-month screening process, it was determined that the cadets who were chosen best exemplified the qualities of LTG Moore, the tenets of the warrior ethos and performed at the highest level in the physical pillar at USMA. The award is named after LTG(R) Harold “Hal” G. Moore ‘45, who is well-known for leading the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Calvary Division (Airmobile) in the Battle of La Drang during the Vietnam War. Full story.

Join us for the Go Army! Beat Navy! Tailgate on December 11. The tailgate will take place at American Dream near MetLife Stadium from 11am-2pm. Register today as tickets sell out fast. Registration closes on December 1. All attendees will receive an Army-Navy Spirit Button. This year’s button design winner is Margaret Nencheck ’04. Interested in becoming an event sponsor? Check out our sponsorship flyer for details on “Suite Life” and “Spirit Mission” packages and learn how you can promote your brand at the tailgate! Thank you to our 2021 sponsors RallyPoint and USAA.

During Army's last home game against UMass on November 20, the Class of 1971 generously presented a 50th Reunion Gift of $2.2 million in support of the Directorate of Cadet Activities, the Combating Terrorism Center, and the Student Conference on United States Affairs. Class President Michael Ritchie and Class Fundraising Chairman Ross Witschonke represented the Class on the field. Joining them was the President and CEO of WPAOG, Todd Browne '85. Accepting on behalf of West Point was Superintendent LTG Darryl A. Williams '83. The Class of 1971 has achieved record lifetime giving participation with 95%, and record class gift campaign participation with 93%. For these remarkable results, the class was recognized with special streamers to their class flag.

The Army Black Knights closed out the home portion of its 2021 slate with a 33-17 senior day victory over UMass at Michie Stadium. A 14-point effort in the fourth quarter helped the Black Knights (7-3) put away the game against the Minutemen (1-10), who trailed Army by as little as two with less than 14 minutes to go. Army will hit the road for a game against FBS Independent foe Liberty University on November 27 in Lynchburg, Va. Kickoff is scheduled for 12pm and the game will be carried on ESPN+. The team's penultimate contest will be a precursor to the Army-Navy game on December 11 at MetLife Stadium. Full story.

On November 20, West Point Ethics Debate Forum sent two teams to the 26th Annual Northeast Regional Ethics Bowl Competition. Both teams did tremendously well, so well that they were forced to face each other in the semifinals. Ultimately, the teams took home second and fourth place, with West Point’s top team earning a bid to the National Competition this spring. The West Point Ethics Debate Forum has now qualified for Nationals four out of the last five years with the most recent National Championship win coming in 2017.

Congratulations to the 12 cadets selected as Stamps Scholars! Stamps Scholars are chosen for their academic excellence, leadership experience, and exceptional character; less than 300 are selected from over 300,000 applicants nationwide. Stamps Scholars benefit from a national network of peers and the opportunity to attend biennial conventions and other events where Scholars investigate pressing issues and learn from accomplished community leaders. At West Point, Stamps Scholars receive $10,000 for research and enrichment opportunities. Full story.

Bring Army Spirit home for the holidays this year with unique gifts from the WPAOG Gift Shop. Order one of our new polos, Katie Kime robes and home décor, or put an AOG exclusive T-shirt in your favorite grad’s stocking. Whether you’ve been naughty or nice this year, we have the gifts to make your holidays merry. Open Monday - Friday, 10am - 5pm or online 24/7 at WPAOGGiftShop.com. Be sure to shop and ship early this year to make sure you get everything on your list.

Plebe setter Diana Etheridge of Army West Point Volleyball was named the 2021 Patriot League Rookie of the Year. Ethridge, the Chandler, AZ native, was tabbed Rookie of the Year after tremendous efforts on the court during the regular season posting 898 assists on 96 sets played ranking third in the league for assists per set (9.35). She notched a season-best 61 assists in Army's five-set win over American and dug 23 balls in the team’s win over Sacred Heart earning Patriot League Rookie of the Week three times for her weekend performances in 2021. Full story.

Yearling Georgia Jones has been selected as the 2021 Patriot League Women's Cross Country Scholar-Athlete of the Year announced on November 8. Jones is the second Cadet in program history to win the distinguished honor. Jones, a native of Mont Vernon, NH, followed her breakout freshman campaign, in which she was named the Patriot League Rookie of the Year, with a record-setting sophomore season. She has been the Cadets' top runner in every race she has participated in, including winning three events and setting personal records in three different race distances. Full story.