Karen Marie 'Uta'atu (19) is the first Tongan to enter the prestigious United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, after successfully graduating from her US Naval Academy Preparatory school in May earlier this year.

Karen was one of 1,200 students who took the Oath of Office to become freshmen for the incoming class of 2013 at an Induction Ceremony to the Naval Academy on July 1. Her class was chosen from a pool of over 15,000 of the highest quality applicants, the most since 1988.

Following the induction ceremony is the beginning of the four years intensive training to prepare students for a life as Midshipmen and future officers.

Karen was born and raised in Tongatapu to a Tongan father, Brigadier Tau'aika 'Uta'atu, the Commander of the Tonga Defence Services, and an American mother, Christine 'Uta'atu, a CPA.

She attended Tonga High School and successfully completed her Seventh Form level in 2007 before deciding to follow in her father's footsteps and join the military.

Her mother Christine said that Karen initially applied for the Naval Academy incoming class of 2012 and was offered a place at the Preparatory School where she studied for a year before entering the academy this year.

"This was very good for her because it was like a gate bridge in preparing her for the four years in the Academy."

Christine also said they were very happy with Karen's acceptance into the Naval Academy because it is a really tough school. Some of the criteria for application required one had to have high academic, physical and moral character, high physical ability and leadership character.

"Growing up with a father in the military, and attending school in Tonga that wore uniforms with plaited hair and ribbons every day helped Karen because she came from Tonga disciplined, and she adapted really well to her new surroundings when she started at the Prep school," said her mother.

In addition, Karen is a talented football player who has represented Tonga numerous times in regional tournaments in the Women's Under 20 National Team. She continues to play football at the Naval Academy.

Karen will graduate in 2013 and will be commissioned as an officer of the US Navy.

She is the second of the 'Uta'atu's four children.