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.