2026 Commencement Speaker: Secretary of Veteran Affairs Doug Collins
Veritas Collegiate Academy Washington, D.C. was deeply honored to welcome Doug Collins, the 12th U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs, as the keynote speaker for the 2026 Commencement Ceremony. Secretary Collins, who was sworn into office on February 5, 2025, following his nomination by Donald J. Trump, delivered an inspiring address that challenged graduates to lead lives marked by service, integrity, faith, and purpose.
A native of Gainesville, Georgia, Secretary Collins developed a lifelong commitment to public service through the example of his parents—his father, a Georgia State Trooper, and his mother, who cared for senior citizens in her community. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science and criminal justice from University of North Georgia before completing a Master of Divinity at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He faithfully served as pastor of Chicopee Baptist Church for eleven years, building a strong foundation in ministry and community leadership.
In 2006, Secretary Collins was elected to Georgia's 27th State House District. During his first term in the legislature, he graduated from Atlanta's John Marshall Law School and established his own legal practice. He later represented Georgia's Ninth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2013 to 2021, where he became known for his principled leadership and commitment to public service.
In addition to his work in government, Secretary Collins has served as a chaplain in the U.S. Air Force Reserve since 2002. He completed a deployment to Iraq during 2008–2009 while stationed at Balad Air Base and continues to serve as a colonel in the Air Force Reserve. His distinguished career in military service, ministry, law, and public office reflects a lifelong dedication to serving both God and country.
It was a tremendous privilege for the Veritas Collegiate Academy community to host Secretary Collins as the 2026 Commencement Speaker. His words of wisdom and encouragement left a lasting impression on the Class of 2026 and their families, challenging graduates to pursue lives of conviction, servant leadership, and faithful stewardship as they begin the next chapter of their journey.
2026 Commencement Special Speaker: Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins
Veritas Collegiate Academy Washington, D.C. was honored to welcome Brooke Rollins, the 33rd U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, who delivered a special virtual address to the Class of 2026 during the school's Commencement Ceremony. Although she was unable to attend in person because her own daughter was graduating the same evening, Secretary Rollins graciously took time to offer words of encouragement, wisdom, and congratulations to the graduates, making her message especially meaningful for students and families alike.
Secretary Rollins was sworn in as the 33rd United States Secretary of Agriculture in February 2025 after being nominated by Donald J. Trump. As the nation's chief agricultural officer, she oversees the U.S. Department of Agriculture and works to support America's farmers, ranchers, rural communities, and food supply while advancing policies that strengthen American agriculture.
A native of Glen Rose, Texas, Secretary Rollins earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Development from Texas A&M University before receiving her Juris Doctor with honors from the The University of Texas School of Law. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her leadership in public policy, public service, and organizational development, serving in a variety of state and national leadership roles before joining the President's Cabinet.
Prior to becoming Secretary of Agriculture, Secretary Rollins served as President and CEO of the America First Policy Institute and previously led the Texas Public Policy Foundation, where she helped shape policy initiatives focused on education, economic opportunity, and constitutional government. Her distinguished career reflects a deep commitment to servant leadership, principled decision-making, and strengthening communities across the nation.
Secretary Rollins' thoughtful commencement message challenged the Veritas graduates to pursue lives of faith, courage, and purposeful leadership while remaining committed to serving others with integrity and excellence. The Veritas community was deeply grateful for her willingness to participate in this historic celebration and for the encouragement she shared with the Class of 2026 as they embarked on the next chapter of their lives.
Fiona Wang, Valedictorian Class of 2026
Fiona Wang graduated as the Valedictorian of the Veritas Collegiate Academy Class of 2026, earning the highest cumulative GPA in her class while exemplifying academic excellence, Christ-like character, and servant leadership throughout her four years at Veritas. Since enrolling in the ninth grade, Fiona distinguished herself by completing 12 Advanced Placement courses, earning a school-record 11 scores of "5" and recognition as an AP Scholar with Distinction, while maintaining a perfect 4.0 unweighted gpa. A member of the National Honor Society, she served as Student Government President, led numerous campus initiatives and community service projects, and founded the Veritas branch of the Yongmei English Club, which provided English instruction to more than 60 students in rural China. Her academic pursuits included research with the Harvard Graduate School of Education, coursework at UC Berkeley and Stanford University, and innovative STEM research focused on improving classroom instruction. An accomplished ballet dancer and recipient of numerous academic honors, Fiona consistently demonstrated the leadership, integrity, and pursuit of excellence that define a Veritas graduate. In the fall of 2026, she will attend the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, where she will continue her outstanding record of scholarship, service, and leadership.
Lisa Feng, Salutatorian Class of 2026
Lisa Feng, Salutatorian of the Veritas Collegiate Academy Class of 2026, has been a distinguished member of the Veritas community since the seventh grade, consistently demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to scholarship, leadership, creativity, and service. Graduating near the top of one of Veritas' most academically accomplished classes, Lisa excelled in the school's rigorous classical Christian curriculum, earning outstanding results on Advanced Placement examinations, including five scores of 5, while conducting university-level research in economics, environmental sustainability, and public policy through programs with UCLA and the Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture. Her impressive academic résumé includes the publication of peer-reviewed research on sustainable maritime development, reflecting the depth of intellectual curiosity and academic maturity that define her work. Beyond the classroom, Lisa served as Student Government Vice President, organized major school events, led the A Cappella and Band Clubs as president, and earned numerous honors as an accomplished vocalist, including the prestigious Vocal Music Level 10 Certificate from the Central Conservatory of Music. Her extensive volunteer work with environmental initiatives, hospitals, nursing homes, educational outreach, and community organizations exemplifies a life marked by compassion and servant leadership. In recognition of her remarkable academic achievements, leadership, and character, Lisa earned admission to the highly selective Georgetown University, one of the nation's premier universities, where she will begin her studies in the fall of 2026. The Veritas community celebrates Lisa's exceptional accomplishments and is confident she will continue to lead and serve with excellence as she embarks on this exciting new chapter.
Meron Fekado, Student Body Chairwoman
Meron Fekado, Chairwoman of the Student Government for the Veritas Collegiate Academy Class of 2026, has been a dedicated member of the Veritas community throughout all four years of high school. During her time at Veritas, she distinguished herself as a servant leader, faithfully serving in Student Government for three consecutive years, culminating in her election as Student Body Chairwoman. In this role, Meron represented the student body with wisdom, integrity, and compassion while helping lead many of the school's most significant events, traditions, and student initiatives. Her commitment to serving others, encouraging her peers, and fostering a strong sense of community made her an influential leader and a respected role model on campus. Throughout her four years at Veritas, Meron consistently exemplified the school's mission through her character, leadership, and dedication to excellence. In the fall of 2026, she will continue her academic journey at Virginia Tech, where she will undoubtedly continue to develop as a scholar, leader, and servant. The Veritas community celebrates Meron's outstanding contributions and looks forward to the positive impact she will make in the years ahead.