High school Withholds Diploma After Speech Incident During Graduation
A Kentucky high school student, Micah Price, has not yet received his diploma after deviating from his approved graduation speech to emphasize his religious beliefs.
Price, a graduate of Campbell County High School, took the stage on Friday dressed in a purple cap and gown with a white stole, initially adhering to his approved script. He began by giving “the honor, the praise, and the glory to my lord and savior Jesus Christ,” which was met with enthusiastic applause.
However, Price then diverged from his prepared remarks, continuing to proclaim his faith: “He is the light, he is the way, the truth, and the life. Class, everyone in the audience today, I’m here to tell you if you don’t have any of those things in your life, you can’t seem to find the answer, my lord and savior is your answer he will give you the truth, the way, and the life.”
Following the ceremony, Price posted a video on TikTok revealing that he had not yet received his diploma. “I don’t have a diploma, I’m not sure if everyone has theirs yet. So if you do, congrats. If you don’t, I’m right there with you,” he said.
He acknowledged that he had been instructed not to deviate from the script, particularly concerning religious references, but chose to do so anyway. “I am in the wrong technically because I went against Campbell County code, the rules,” he admitted.
Superintendent Shelli Wilson explained that Price’s principal had chosen him to deliver the address and had approved a brief mention of his religious beliefs. However, all speakers were warned that straying from their submitted speeches could lead to repercussions. “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,” Wilson stated.
Wilson confirmed that Price has graduated and will receive his diploma after meeting with the principal later in the week. She added, “While I know, personally, that many of us are proud of this young man’s beliefs and are practicing Christians ourselves, the principal has to consider the possibilities of students going off the planned program.”
Price’s mother, Melonie Neely Farris, expressed pride in her son’s decision to use his speech to share his religious message. In a Facebook video, she announced that Micah is joining the Air Force following graduation and supported his choice to spread his faith. “Micah is called to do what we are all called to do, share the love of Christ, that’s exactly what he did and by the way I heard things, the entire audience loved it! We will face what comes his way but we will never deny the love of Christ.”
The incident highlights the tension between personal expression and adherence to school guidelines during significant events such as graduation ceremonies. While Price’s actions have garnered support from some, they also underscore the challenges schools face in maintaining a balance between individual beliefs and institutional protocols.