Today, we’ve got a story that’s stirring up quite the buzz out of Kentucky.
A high school senior named Micah Price found himself in a surprising situation when his diploma was denied after his graduation speech. The reason? His heartfelt expression of faith.
Micah Price, a graduate of Campbell County High School, was given the honor of delivering an inspiring speech to his classmates. But what followed his speech left him and many others shocked. Price’s diploma was withheld because he deviated from the approved script by professing his faith in God.
According to Superintendent Shelli Wilson, speeches at the ceremony were pre-approved by school officials. Price was allowed to start his speech by giving “honor and glory to my lord and savior Jesus Christ,” but was instructed to stick to secular topics thereafter. Instead, Price extended his message, urging his fellow students to embrace God, stating, “He is the light, he is the way, the truth, and the life.”
High school graduate DENIED diploma for pointing classmates to Christ in commencement speech.
“My Lord and Savior is your answer. He will give you the truth, the way and the life.”
The graduate, Micah Price, was denied his diploma because he deviated from the speech previously… pic.twitter.com/CzhSKbEpxJ
— Standing for Freedom Center (@freedomcenterlu) May 28, 2024
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.” Despite this, Price’s faith-driven deviation led to the school’s decision to withhold his diploma temporarily.
Taking to TikTok, Price addressed the situation with remarkable maturity. “I am in the wrong technically, because I went against Campbell County code, the rules,” he admitted. He also urged people not to lash out at the school, highlighting the importance of love and prayer over anger and protest.
“Anyone that’s taking a hateful route to this, I please ask just you know, take a chill pill, take a time out, because in John 1, it talks about how it is absolutely impossible to say you’re a Christian if you don’t love your brother or your neighbor,” he said.
Price reassured his supporters, stating, “We will get the diploma, everything’s going to be fine.” Wilson confirmed that the diploma would not be permanently withheld and that Price would likely receive it after a meeting with district officials.
In a second TikTok video, Price reiterated his lack of hard feelings towards the school administrators. “They were doing their job,” he said. He emphasized that if anyone should gather at the school, it should be to celebrate Jesus, not to protest on his behalf.
“If anyone is in the wrong, it’s me,” Price continued. “I went against school policies, school rules. I went against that because I serve a higher power, because I serve Christ,” he said, pointing upward.
@priceproductionBlud needs to graduate♬ original sound – Micah price
Micah’s response to this ordeal has been nothing short of admirable. His calm, level-headed, and mature handling of the situation, even amidst significant pressure, is noteworthy. He’s demonstrated a strong commitment to his faith while advocating for peaceful and loving responses from his supporters.