First female student at Sherrard High accepted into West Point

It’s been 40 years since a Sherrard High School student was accepted to the U. S. Military Academy at West Point (that was 1986 graduate and current Superintendent, Lt. General Steven W. Gilland.)

Now, Sherrard senior Ava Egel is making history as the first female and only the second student overall from the school to earn this opportunity, a news release says.

“Ava’s acceptance into the United States Military Academy is a remarkable accomplishment,” said High School Principal Alex Johnson. “It is not surprising that she is the first female from Sherrard to earn this honor. In her four years at Sherrard, she has been an active leader in many different areas of our school. We are tremendously proud of her and know she will do great things at West Point.”

Acceptance to West Point is extremely competitive. According to U.S. News, the acceptance rate is only 12%. 

Illinois Congressman Eric Sorensen personally called to notify Egel of her acceptance. As part of the highly selective process, applicants must secure a nomination from a U.S. senator or representative, and Sorensen provided one of her recommendations.

“This opportunity allows me to show girls that it is possible to apply for something that has never been done before and make history. It means that I can make everyone around me proud and give back to the community who has grown me into what I am today by committing to serving our country,” said Egel.

Egel’s path to West Point was solidified last summer when she attended the academy’s Summer Leadership Experience, a selective program that gives students a firsthand look at cadet life. During the week-long experience, she trained alongside peers from across the country, navigating physically and mentally demanding challenges designed to test endurance, teamwork, and leadership.

She stood out among her peers, earning recognition during the program for her performance and leadership.

More importantly, the experience confirmed what she had been working toward – this was where she belonged. Surrounded by driven, like-minded students and immersed in the academy’s culture, Egel found a sense of purpose and connection that shaped her decision to pursue an appointment.

“What truly sets Ava apart is her character,” Superintendent Carl Johnson wrote in a recommendation letter for Egel. “She leads with humility, motivates others through her example, and conducts herself with unwavering integrity. She balances a demanding academic schedule, varsity athletics, employment, and extensive community service – all while maintaining enthusiasm, discipline, and an unmistakable drive to serve something greater than herself.

“I can say without hesitation that Ava Egel possesses the intellectual capability, physical grit, leadership potential, and moral character to excel at the United States Military Academy. She is precisely the kind of cadet who will strengthen the Corps and uphold the long-standing values of Duty, Honor, Country.”

She will report to West Point in June, when she will complete Cadet Basic Training—known as “BEAST” – a rigorous six-week program that marks the beginning of her journey and her official induction into the Class of 2030.

“I am very excited and proud of everything that led up to this moment. I’m an excited type of nervous about what the future holds,” said Egel.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.

Berbagi :