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DENVER (AP) -- The Denver School of Science and Technology didn't win a contest to have President Barack Obama be the commencement speaker this year, but it's getting a Cabinet member instead.

The White House said Wednesday that Interior Secretary Ken Salazar will speak at the school's commencement ceremony May 29.

Salazar is a former Colorado attorney general and U.S. senator.

The Denver School of Science and Technology was among six finalists in the Race to the Top High School Commencement Challenge. Kalamazoo Central High School in western Michigan was chosen as the winner.

Obama had pledged to send a Cabinet secretary or senior administration official to speak at commencement ceremonies at the five other finalists.

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