In a time when expressing faith publicly is often met with challenges, a high school graduate from Kentucky has emerged as a symbol of bravery and conviction. Micah Price, who attended Campbell County High School in Alexandria, Kentucky, made headlines by openly sharing his faith in Jesus Christ during his graduation speech. This bold move led to his diploma being withheld by school officials.
During the commencement ceremony on May 24 at Truist Arena, Northern Kentucky University, Price was initially approved to thank Jesus Christ in his speech. However, he took it a step further by encouraging his fellow Christians to stand firm in their beliefs. “Class, before another word leaves my mouth, I must give the honor, the praise, and the glory to my lord and savior Jesus Christ,” Price proclaimed, receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Price’s speech continued with a powerful message: “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 declaration resonated with many in the audience, but school officials were not pleased with his departure from the approved script.
After the ceremony, Price was confronted by school officials who informed him that he would need to face the school board to explain his actions. The school reprimanded him and initially 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,” Price recounted in a video posted on TikTok.
The Campbell County School District had previously permitted Price to mention his “lord and savior Jesus Christ” but insisted he adhere strictly to the preapproved script. Superintendent Shelli Wilson defended the school’s actions, stating, “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 repercussions. This is not about the content of his speech, but about maintaining the integrity of the graduation ceremony.”
Price, however, remained unrepentant. He explained 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, Price held no ill will towards the school officials, acknowledging that they were merely doing their job. He took full responsibility for his actions, stating, “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, Price received his diploma, calling it “an answered prayer.”
