In today’s environment, it might be challenging to express one’s opinions without running into resistance. Alexandria, Kentucky native Micah Price, a graduate of Campbell County High School, discovered himself in this predicament. During his commencement speech, Micah courageously proclaimed his faith in Jesus Christ, which initially led to the institution refusing to give him his diploma.
In his speech on May 24 at Northern Kentucky University’s commencement ceremony, which was held at Truist Arena, Micah was permitted to bring up Jesus Christ. Using the occasion, he urged other Christians to hold fast to 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,” he declared to a roar of applause from the assembly.
Beyond merely acknowledging, Micah said, “Who in his very words tells us he is the light, he is the way, the truth, and the life.” I’m here to tell the students and the public that my lord and savior is the answer if you don’t have any of those things in your life and you’re having problems solving the problem. Although the audience praised his earnest message, school administration took issue with his departure from the approved script.
After he finished speaking, Micah was approached by school officials who told him he would have to defend his behavior before the board of education. The school reprimanded him and postponed his diploma for a while. One of the principals walked in, touched me on the shoulder, and very gently and professionally informed me that I would have to go in front of the board and explain what I did, as Micah stated in a TikTok video.
The Campbell County School District had previously allowed Micah to refer to Jesus Christ as his “lord and savior,” but they had insisted that he follow a predetermined script. Superintendent Shelli Wilson provided an explanation, saying, “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.” Beyond this public display of Christian faith, off-program choices such as making political statements, using language incorrectly, or promoting any cause or religion through speech, signs, or caps could have the opposite impact.
Micah, however, did not waver in his beliefs. He added that the additional preaching that was originally included in his screenplay was removed at the school’s request in order to avoid dividing the audience. “Maybe it wasn’t what they wanted when I went in and pushed them to follow him and other Christians to stand up and talk about him,” he said to WKRC. “I think it was okay that I thanked him.”
Micah didn’t feel sorry for the school authorities despite their punishment because he knew they were only doing their jobs. Accepting full responsibility for his actions, he declared, “I obey God, not man. Therefore, if anyone is at blame, it’s me. I ought to be penalized. After a long holiday weekend, Micah finally received his certificate, which he called “an answered prayer.”
Micah is adamant about his beliefs and has no regrets. He intends to enroll in the US Air Force Academy. He said, “Holding it is just a prayer that has been heard; nothing more.” Micah’s unwavering faith and courageous defense of his beliefs inspire many, as they show the resilience of conviction and fortitude in the face of adversity.
Micah’s experience reminds us how important it is to defend our moral principles in a society where it may be challenging to do so. His narrative serves as an example of the strength of unwavering faith and the profound impact of great character, encouraging people to follow their principles with courage and unwavering faith.
