In an era where the expression of faith is increasingly marginalized, a Kentucky high school graduate has become a beacon of courage and conviction. Micah Price, a student at Campbell County High School in Alexandria, Kentucky, boldly used his graduation speech to profess his belief in Jesus Christ, an act that led to the withholding of his diploma by school officials.
On May 24, during the commencement ceremony at Truist Arena, Northern Kentucky University, Price was initially given the green light to thank Jesus Christ in his speech. However, he went further, urging his fellow Christians to stand up for 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,” Price declared to an audience that responded with enthusiastic applause.
Price’s speech did not stop there. He continued, “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 was met with admiration from the audience, but school officials were less than pleased with his deviation from the approved script.
Following his speech, Price was confronted by school officials who informed him that he would have 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.
@priceproduction High school am i right
The Campbell County School District had previously allowed 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 something other than this outpouring of Christian faith.”
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.” He later received his diploma after a long holiday weekend, calling it “an answered prayer.”
Micah Price, who is set to join the US Air Force Academy, remains steadfast in his beliefs and expressed no regrets. “Holding it is just an answered prayer, that’s all it is, just an answered prayer,” he said. His resolute faith and willingness to stand up for his beliefs, even in the face of adversity, exemplify the courage and conviction that are increasingly rare in today’s world.
In a society where the expression of faith often faces resistance, Price’s actions remind us of the importance of standing up for our beliefs. His story is a testament to the power of faith and the strength of character, inspiring others to be bold and unwavering in their convictions.
