A Night of Harmony and Heritage: Veritas Choir Shines at Mount Vernon

Photo with Dr Ben Carson

In a moment that blended the timeless echoes of America's founding with the vibrant voices of its youngest patriots, students from Veritas Collegiate Academy's choir took the stage at the American Cornerstone Institute's Fourth Annual Founders' Dinner on September 20, 2025. Held amid the hallowed grounds of George Washington's Mount Vernon estate in Virginia, the event drew a constellation of national leaders—including President Donald J. Trump, governors, and esteemed members of the administration—for an evening dedicated to preserving the principles that built our nation.

The invitation to perform was a profound honor, extending to a select group of our talented young singers who represented Veritas with grace and poise. Under the direction of [Choir Director's Name], the ensemble delivered a stirring selection of patriotic hymns and classical pieces, their harmonious notes rising like a beacon against the historic backdrop of the Potomac River. As the sun set over the estate's manicured lawns, our students' rendition of "America the Beautiful" and selections from Handel's *Messiah* set a tone of reverence and unity, captivating an audience that included not only dignitaries but also the institute's founder, Dr. Ben Carson, whose vision for educational freedom and American values aligns so closely with our own mission at Veritas.

President Trump, fresh from diplomatic triumphs abroad, addressed the gathering with his signature blend of wit and resolve, honoring late allies like Charlie Kirk and championing school choice initiatives that empower families to seek truth-centered education. "There could be no more appropriate place to host this gathering," he remarked, evoking the spirit of Washington himself. Our choir's performance served as the perfect prelude, weaving threads of melody into the fabric of the evening's discourse on liberty, faith, and the enduring American experiment.

For our Veritas community, this was more than a performance—it was a living lesson in the power of witness. These students, drawn from classrooms where classical learning meets Christ-centered virtue, stood as ambassadors of the academy's commitment to forming minds and hearts for service. One performer reflected afterward, "Singing before such leaders, in a place sacred to our founders, reminded me why we pursue excellence: to glorify God and bless our nation."

As we turn the page on this unforgettable chapter, the Veritas choir looks ahead with renewed inspiration. Events like this affirm that our pursuit of veritas—truth—is not solitary but shared, echoing across generations and gathering places like Mount Vernon. We are grateful to the American Cornerstone Institute for the opportunity and proud of our students who helped make history sing.

School Choir