Valedictorian and Salutatorian Spotlight | Leah V. and Karis L. '25

Scroll to read about our Class of 2025 Salutatorian, Karis L., and Valedictorian, Leah V.!

As the daughter of Chinese immigrants, Karis L. was raised near Riverdale in The Bronx alongside her younger brother and sister. She attended St. John’s School from Prek-3 until 7th grade and graduated from St. Margaret of Cortona School in eighth grade. 

Throughout her time at Cathedral, Karis has maintained Principal’s List all four years. She is a member of the National Honors Society and has been involved in various clubs, such as World Youth Alliance and Yearbook Club. 

Looking back on her four years, Karis favorite memories include the stories and laughs shared at the lunch table, school events such as pep rally, prom, and spirit days, and the many bonds of friendships made throughout it all. 

Outside of school, Karis volunteers for The Kingsbridge New York Public Library as a teen advisory group member, where she creates book displays, collaborates with other members in choosing supplies and craft kits for library programs, and works with the librarian to promote reading for children and young adults. Karis has also volunteered at her sister’s volleyball games as a line judge. In addition to this, she has been a pianist since the 4th grade. Currently, Karis is a level 5 pianist, playing at the second highest level, according to the NYSSMA, the New York State School Music Association. 

In her Salutatorian speech, Karis reflected: “As we step into the future, remember that graduation is not an end. It’s a new beginning. It’s a chance to step into the unknown, experience new things, and create new memories. However, don’t forget about the many cherished memories created throughout these last four years.”

This fall, Karis will be attending the University at Buffalo as a David Ackers Scholar, where she will major in a 6-year pharmacy program, pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Karis is deeply grateful for the support of her parents and siblings and especially Ms. Tourdo, Ms. Bove, and Mr. Yozaites.

Karis, we wish you all the best in your next adventure!


Leah V. is the proud daughter of Honduran and Dominican-American parents. Alongside her two older sisters, she was born and raised in Washington Heights, where she attended Saint Elizabeth School from kindergarten through eighth grade. There, she consistently earned a place on the A Honor Roll and was inducted into the Junior National Honor Society. At Cathedral High School, Leah continued to excel academically, remaining on the Principal’s List throughout all four years and earning induction into the National Honor Society.

During her time at Cathedral, Leah immersed herself in student life and volunteer work while pursuing her aspiration to enter the medical field through the Medical Gateways Program. As part of the program, she interned at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, assisting nursing staff and engaging directly with patients. She also participated in the Health Professions Recruitment and Exposure Program, or HPREP, where she was mentored by Weill Cornell medical students, explored various healthcare careers through sessions with board-certified physicians, and took part in an anatomy lab.

Beyond the classroom, Leah dedicated her time to her community.  She volunteered at the Alianza Dominicana Cultural Center, teaching children ages 6–10 about Dominican culture and history, leading arts and crafts sessions, and helping prepare for the Dominican Day Parade. Over the summer, Leah worked as a Junior Garden Aide, restoring green spaces in Washington Heights, maintaining garden beds at P.S. 8 Luis Belliard School, improving soil conditions, and performing trail maintenance at the Highbridge Park Mountain Bike Trails. Additionally, she worked with Youthful Savings to inspire and empower young people to explore entrepreneurship.

Leah was honored to be named one of Cathedral High School’s “Five Faces,” recognized for embodying the school’s core values of service, faith, hard work, respect, and integrity. Leah’s extracurricular involvement included joining the cross-country team, Future Business Leaders of America, Yearbook Club, Film Club, and Stock Market Club, and serving as Vice President of the Home Economics Club.

In her Valedictorian speech, Leah shared two moments from senior year that truly stood out to her. First, the infamous tug-of-war match against the juniors: “Even though it ended with our entire team being sprawled out across the floor, what mattered most was our unity.” Second, the senior sunset: “We all came together eight hours after school ended on our last day just to watch the sunset. Moments like those—marked by togetherness, laughter, and shared challenges—remind me how much we’ve grown, not just as students, but as a family.”

This fall, Leah will attend Stony Brook University, where she plans to pursue a degree in biomedical engineering and continue her journey toward a career in medicine. She is deeply grateful for the endless care and mentorship of her parents, and Mr. Yozaites, Dr. Sawicki, Ms. Fernandez, Ms. Myrie, and Ms. Bove. Leah is also the grateful recipient of scholarship support from Mr. and Mrs. Jack Houlihan, in honor of their mothers who were both Cathedral alumnae. 

Leah, we are so excited to see what you will accomplish and who you will become!