Tommy Liu, Valedictorian

Tommy Liu, a Senior at Veritas Collegiate Academy in Washington D.C., has distinguished himself as this year's Valedictorian through his remarkable intellect and commitment to academic excellence since joining the school in the 10th grade. Excelling in Advanced Placement courses, Tommy has demonstrated exceptional analytical skills, particularly impressive given that English is his second language. His academic achievements include an outstanding SAT score of 1550, highlighting his dedication to mastering the English language. Tommy’s prowess extends beyond the classroom; he ranked in the top 2% in the National Economics Challenge and has shown commendable leadership as President of the Veritas Volunteer Committee, organizing initiatives like the Veritas Basketball Mentorship Program. A committed advocate for community service, he co-founded the Sunshine Volunteer Group, dedicating over 980 hours to support underprivileged communities, and created educational activities for rural students through the Reading Club of Dao Town School. His philanthropic efforts include a significant donation to establish a school library. Having been accepted into prestigious institutions such as Johns Hopkins University and the University of North Carolina, Tommy has chosen to pursue a six-year path in medicine at Hong Kong University School of Medicine, aspiring to become a medical doctor.

Kevin Miao, Salutatorian

Kevin Miao, a Senior at Veritas Collegiate Academy in Washington D.C., has earned the title of Salutatorian this year, recognized for his exceptional intelligence and dedication since joining the school in 9th grade. He has excelled in Advanced Placement courses, achieving scores of 5 in Biology, Chemistry, and Calculus BC. Among his numerous academic accolades are a Global Bronze in the Intermediate Biology Olympiad, a Silver Award in the Junior Canadian Chemistry Olympiad, and first-place finishes in the Science Olympiads for both Biology and Chemistry. Beyond his studies, Kevin has published a peer-reviewed paper on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, holds several patents for his innovations, and actively tutors his peers. As a committed member of the Varsity Tennis team, he has contributed to the school community while maintaining perfect attendance at practices. He has been accepted into several prestigious universities, including Washington University in St. Louis, UC Davis, UC Santa Barbara, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, and the University of Florida at Gainesville, where he will begin his studies this fall. Congratulations to Kevin Miao, Salutatorian!

Scott Turner,

Commencement Speaker

This year’s Commencement keynote address will be delivered by U.S. HUD Secretary Scott Turner, who was confirmed by the United States Senate on February 5, 2025, becoming the 19th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and a member of President Donald J. Trump’s Cabinet. In this significant role, Turner is pivotal in addressing housing challenges and promoting urban development throughout the nation. Prior to his confirmation, he served as the Executive Director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council (WHORC), where he led the interagency Opportunity Zones Initiative, focusing on revitalizing economically distressed areas while promoting affordable housing and new business development in collaboration with state, local, tribal, and territorial governments.

A lifelong Texan, Scott Turner has deep-rooted connections to his community. He served as an Associate Pastor at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, providing guidance and support to countless individuals and families. From 2013 to 2017, he represented the 33rd District in the Texas State Legislature, championing legislation designed to enhance the quality of life for his constituents.

In addition to his public service, Scott Turner is known for his impressive athletic career, having played nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL) with the Washington Redskins, San Diego Chargers, and Denver Broncos. The determination and leadership he exhibited on the field continue to inspire his approach to governance. His diverse background in sports, community service, and public office uniquely equips him to motivate the Class of 2025 as they enter a new chapter in their lives. We are honored to have him share his insights and vision for the future during this year’s commencement ceremony.

Gabriela Guevara-Perdomo,

Student Body Chairwoman

Gabriela Guevara Perdomo is a dedicated and accomplished senior at Veritas, where she has been a student since the 9th grade and currently serves as the President of the Student Government since September 2024. Her leadership journey began in 2022 as Treasurer, followed by her role as Vice-Chairman in 2023, during which she consistently set a high standard for academic excellence and community engagement. Gabriela's effective communication and organizational skills have played a vital role in organizing successful fundraisers and activities that foster a vibrant school community. Beyond her contributions at Veritas, she has taken part in meaningful service initiatives, including a missionary trip to Paramaribo, Suriname, where she led spiritual formation seminars for children. Additionally, her internship at the Consulate of El Salvador in Montreal showcased her expertise as a translator and her ability to connect diverse cultures. Recognized with the prestigious William Wilberforce Award for Service, Gabriela exemplifies compassion, integrity, and a strong commitment to holistic growth for herself and her community. Gabriela has also received acceptance to several prestigious universities, including the University of Virginia, Ohio State, Michigan State, and UMass Amherst. We wish her all the best and extend our heartfelt gratitude for her future service.

Ambassador to Niger, Eric Whittaker

Keynote Speaker

Eric Paul Whittaker, is a distinguished American diplomat who served as the United States Ambassador to Niger from 2018 to 2021. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Science in Community Health Education from the University of Illinois, as well as a Master of Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Public Policy from the Wilson School at Princeton University. Since beginning his diplomatic career in 1990, Whittaker has held significant roles, including Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Africa and the Sudans and deputy chief of mission at U.S. embassies in ten African countries. He also began his public service as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Philippines. As the keynote speaker at this year’s Veritas Senior Commissioning Ceremony at the U.S. National Cathedral, Whittaker is set to inspire graduates with his extensive experiences and insights into international service and leadership.