Looking for a few good women for the class of 2006, the U.S. Naval Academy selected Katherine Dann- an appointment that came as no surprise to GPS classmates. They knew the Academic All-American swimmer and school May Day Queen had both the grit and grace to thrive in the predominantly-male brigade.

“It’s hilarious; people at the Academy can’t fathom that I went to an all-girls school,” Katherine says of the reaction of fellow midshipmen to her secondary education. “It’s not hard for me here academically or fitting in with the guys,” she adds. “And I’m not afraid to speak up and express my opinion.”

Katherine had more qualms about how she’d fare as a first-year student at GPS than as a first-year plebe in the demanding Annapolis environment. After moving to Chattanooga so that 12-year-old Katherine could attend GPS, the transition from an urban grammar school to GPS was dramatic. “I grew up in shorts, T-shirts and jeans,” she explains. “I swam and played soccer and was more of a tomboy. I didn’t want to wear a dress or go to an all-girls school. I remember the first day of class,” she adds. “Mom took a picture, and I was glaring at her.”

Overnight, Katherine’s demeanor changed. She made friends quickly, and the school’s cat-rat tradition (senior “cats” mentoring sixth grade “rats”) eased the way as a senior took Katherine under her wings. “We went on retreats,” Katherine recalls, “and your ‘cat’ would decorate your locker, leaving you little encouraging things. Guys would have made fun of the notes, but we could be silly.” Even the GPS dress had its merits. “Actually,” Katherine says, “it was great not to have to pick out what to wear each day.” 

She found herself plunging into the academic, athletic and social life of the school. “I loved getting involved in everything- even singing, and I couldn’t sing,” she says laughingly. “I tried something new each year.” She rowed on the crew team, played soccer, threw the shot put and flung the discus, participated in the outdoor leadership program and worked on Habitat for Humanity projects. And swam. From eighth grade through her senior year, Katherine was a member of the varsity swim team, specializing in freestyle sprints and relays. She helped GPS win state championships in the 200-yard relay event during her junior and senior years. The discipline of daily 5:30 a.m. practices and the strong sense of teamwork instilled by swimming made Katherine confident of handling any regimen. 

So did the classes she took. “I had great math and science teachers,” she says, “but my love was English.” Her senior year she encountered Todd Wells who teaches senior and AP English and challenges his students’ assumptions on a variety of topics. “He’d argue with you forever about politics and other issues,” Katherine says. “I’ve never learned so much from a teacher. Because of him, I question everything.”

GPS gave Katherine the chance to open her heart as well as her mind. For five years, she was a Special Olympics coach, donating a lunch period every Thursday during winter to teach mentally challenged and autistic youngsters to swim in the GPS indoor pool. “It was so rewarding,” she says. “I loved those kids. And working with them helped me become a better communicator.” 

One day at varsity practice, an older teammate suggested that Katherine join the Navy and be a Seal. Katherine found the idea intriguing. She was certainly drawn to water, having also taken a marine biology summer course at GPS. She would be near Washington politics, which interested her, and she would have a chance to travel the world. In fall 2002, Katherine was one of 200 females accepted into the 1200-member plebe class at Annapolis. 

“I’m so thankful for the academics and for teachers who loved teaching,” Katherine says of her preparation. “GPS gave me opportunities to get out of my confort zone. And there was a lot of teamwork at the school. Everything was about bringing your class together. I graduated with a hundred sisters, and I stay in touch with many of them.”

GPS swim coach John Woods, speaking at Katherine’s induction into the school’s Cum Laude Society her senior year, praised her inspiring dedication in the classroom and the pool. “Continue to overcome obstacles and relish in your victories,” he said to her. “Take your lessons to Annapolis and teach them well.”

Two very different schools, two very different uniforms. Katherine Dann has brought pride to both.