Kentucky high school grad denied diploma for speech praising Jesus

A Kentucky high schooler was reportedly denied his diploma after he gave thanks and praise to Jesus Christ in his graduation speech last week. His speech received roaring applause from the audience packed into an arena at Northern Kentucky University. 

On May 24, Micah Price had been given the green light to praise Jesus Christ in his commencement speech during the graduation ceremony for Campbell County High School in Alexandria, Kentucky. However, he also followed his speech telling "other Christians to stand up," per the New York Post. Price was reportedly denied his diploma for going off script and then received it a few days later.  

“Class, before another word is to leave my mouth, I must give the honor, the praise and the glory to my Lord and savior Jesus Christ," he said to the crowd at Truist Arena at Northern Kentucky University. “Who in his very words tells us he is the light, he is the way, the truth and 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.” 

During praise to Christ in his speech, his words were met with applause throughout the audience. Price had allegedly gone off script of what he was allowed to say, and after he concluded, school officials reprimanded him for his actions. “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 said in a TikTok video on Sunday. Price was given the diploma cover without the document inside.  

School officials had only approved him to thank his “Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" before he had to go back to the approved script for the commencement address. 

Superintendent Shelli Wilson told WKRC in response, “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." She then added, “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 added in the video. “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 took responsibility for the comments, saying, “I do no one’s bidding but God. So, if anyone’s in the wrong, I am. I deserve to get punished.” Price finally received the official document on Wednesday.