A Kentucky high school student says he hasn’t received his diploma yet because he went off script in his graduation speech and urged the audience to seek Jesus. Micah Price, a graduate from Campbell County High School in Kentucky, said he was given permission by school officials to start his speech by thanking “our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” WKRC Local 12But he went further and addressed the crowd.
“He is the light, the way, the truth and the life,” Price said. “Class, everyone in this audience today, if you don’t have any of those things in your life, [and] If you can’t find the answer, my Lord and Savior is the answer. He will give you the truth, He will give you the way, and He will give you the life.”
Price acknowledges that he went off script, and also says he never received his diploma.
“I violated Campbell County ordinances, rules, so technically I’m in the wrong,” he said in the TikTok video.
Superintendent Shelley Wilson told WKRC Price will receive his diploma after meeting with his principal.
“Everyone giving a commencement speech was told that, just like any other school event, there could be repercussions if they kept the speech they submitted or made an unplanned choice,” Wilson said.
The superintendent added: “Personally, many of us are proud of these young people’s faith and know they are Christians themselves, but principals must consider the possibility of students being deviated from their scheduled programs.”
Meanwhile, Price said school principals are feeling intimidated by the situation and urged supporters to respond with love.
“I ask that anyone who is coming to this in a hateful way calm down and take a break, because it says in 1 John that if you cannot love your brother and your neighbor, it is simply impossible for you to consider yourself a Christian,” he said in the video.
Price also requested prayers.
“If you really think you are a Christian, please pray for me with love. That’s all I need. But thank you for your support. … We will receive our diplomas. [and] Everything will be fine.”
Image credit: ©GettyImages/XiXinXing
Michael Faust He has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years, and his work has appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, Christian Post, Leaf Chronicle, Toronto Star and Knoxville News Sentinel.
