On Wednesday, June 17th, 2026, I had the privilege of graduating from The Veritas Schools’ Debate Institute as a member of the 2026 cohort.
Looking back on where I started, this moment feels truly full circle. When I first joined Veritas, I was still learning to use my voice and did not yet understand the power of being part of a community that challenges and supports you. Over the past year, Veritas became a second home and a place where I was encouraged to grow as both a scholar and a leader.
One of the most important lessons I learned is that real change doesn’t happen by chance or overnight—it happens when you embrace challenges, learn from failure and keep moving forward. This program pushed me past my comfort zone and helped me become more confident, resilient and prepared for the future.
I would also like to thank the individuals who fostered my growth. Thank you to Mr. Brandon P. Fleming and Mrs. Tameka Thomas, Ed.S., who believed in my potential and chose me and my education every step of the journey. I would also like to extend my eternal gratitude for the Instructors and TA’s: Isaiah Stephens, George Bronner, Hamilton Henderson, Suhailah Owuo-Hagood, Sarah Hargrove, Jason Dural, Suraya
Khoja, Fatmata Bah, and so many more who invested in my growth not only as a scholar, but as a human being. You taught me that my voice and my growth mattered in a world that’s always evolving.
Now that this chapter has come to an end and our cohort ventures to grow and debate at Harvard Debate Council’s Summer Workshops, I’m so proud to have been able to follow the path of becoming a world leader.
Thank you so much for a monumental year.