Featured Firstie: 1/C Annabel Powers
POSTED ON: Friday, October 21, 2022 1:29 PM by mediarelations@usna.edu
Today’s Firstie Friday is the Brigade Dignity and Respect Officer: MIDN 1/C Annabel Powers. Powers is a mechanical engineering major from New Orleans, Louisiana and a member of 12th Company.
Powers came to the Naval Academy to challenge herself and serve others with honor. This sense of duty originates from her parents and her experiences growing up in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina: “It brought a sense of community into my upbringing and instilled a strong desire to help others and fight for what is right.”
On the Yard, Powers sings with the Women's Glee and the Riveters, an all-female a capella group. She is the president of both the Dolphin Club for aspiring submariners and the Women's Network. Her leadership style and resilience is inspired by the writer James Baldwin, who said, “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”
Her favorite memory as a midshipman is going to Israel for the STEM Middle East Language, Regional Expertise, and Cultural (LREC) trip in 2021. “We studied Arabic at the University of Haifa and traveled all over the country, meeting some incredible people and experiencing the fascinating, historical, and amazing culture of Israel.” She also cherishes the powerful experience of singing at the USS Thresher’s memorial service at the Arlington National Cemetery during her plebe year. “It brought me a gigantic sense of pride and honor to be a part of the Navy.”
Powers is excited to perform in the Music Department’s Halloween Concert next weekend and looks forward to traveling with the Women's Glee to sing with the Indianapolis Symphonic Orchestra during Veterans Day Weekend. Powers will commission as a submarine officer in May.
USNA
Category: Midshipman