Kentucky High School Blocks Diploma For Student Who Praised Jesus In Unscripted Graduation Speech

In today’s world, expressing one’s faith can sometimes meet with resistance. This was the case for Micah Price, a graduate of Campbell County High School in Alexandria, Kentucky. Micah courageously used his graduation speech to share his belief in Jesus Christ, leading school officials to initially withhold his diploma.

On May 24, at the commencement ceremony held at Truist Arena, Northern Kentucky University, Micah had been given permission to mention Jesus Christ in his speech. He seized this opportunity to urge his fellow Christians to stand firm in their faith. “Class, before another word leaves my mouth, I must give the honor, the praise, and the glory to my lord and savior Jesus Christ,” he declared, receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Micah went beyond mere acknowledgement, proclaiming, “Who in his very words tells us he is the light, he is the way, the truth, and the life. Class, anyone in the audience today, I’m here to tell you that if you don’t have any of those things in your life and can’t seem to find the answer, then my lord and savior is your answer.” This heartfelt message was met with admiration from the audience, but school officials were not pleased with his departure from the approved script.

After his speech, Micah was approached by school officials who informed him that he would need to explain his actions to the school board. The school reprimanded him and temporarily withheld his diploma. “After the speech was over, one of the principals came in, tapped me on the shoulder, very politely and professionally told me that I was going to have to go in front of the board and explain what I did because I went off script,” Micah shared in a TikTok video.

The Campbell County School District had previously allowed Micah to mention his “lord and savior Jesus Christ” but had insisted he stick to the preapproved script. Superintendent Shelli Wilson explained, “All speakers were told that going off their submitted speech, or any unplanned choices at graduation, may have repercussions as they would at any school function. Off-program choices such as speech, signs, and caps in support of any cause or religion, injecting inappropriate language, or political election statements could lead to something other than this outpouring of Christian faith.”

Micah, however, stood firm in his beliefs. He mentioned that his initial script included the additional preaching, which was removed at the school’s request to avoid dividing the audience. “I think it was fine that I thanked him, but going in and urging them to follow him and urging other Christians to stand up and talk about him might be the thing they didn’t want,” he told WKRC.

Despite the reprimand, Micah held no ill will toward the school officials, acknowledging they were simply doing their job. Taking full responsibility for his actions, he said, “I do no one’s bidding but God. So, if anyone’s in the wrong, I am. I deserve to get punished.” After a long holiday weekend, Micah received his diploma, calling it “an answered prayer.”

Set to join the US Air Force Academy, Micah remains steadfast in his beliefs and has no regrets. “Holding it is just an answered prayer, that’s all it is, just an answered prayer,” he said. Micah’s unwavering faith and courage to stand up for his beliefs serve as an inspiration to many, showcasing the power of determination and conviction in the face of adversity.

 

In a society where expressing faith can sometimes be challenging, Micah’s story reminds us of the importance of standing up for our beliefs. His journey highlights the strength of character and the profound impact of steadfast faith, encouraging others to be bold and unwavering in their convictions.