Campbell County High School graduate Micah Price alleges that his diploma was briefly withheld from him after he went off-script during his graduation speech and encouraged his audience to find Jesus. Superintendent Shelli Wilson stated that Price was chosen by his principal to give his speech and that all speeches have to be approved. According to Wilson, Price was approved to thank his “Lord and savior Jesus Christ.” Price, however, chose to go off-script. “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,” he told the crowd. Price was confronted by school officials after the ceremony.

Wilson shared that Price could expect to receive his diploma after a meeting with the principal. “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 stated the disciplinary action was in accordance with policy. “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,” she said. Price shared his situation on TikTok. “I am in the wrong technically, because I went against Campbell County code, the rules,” he admitted. “I do no one’s bidding but God. So, if anyone’s in the wrong, I am. I deserve to get punished,” he added.

He also urged his followers to respond to the situation in love. “Anyone who’s taking a hateful route to this. I please ask that you would just take a chill pill, take a time-out, because in 1 John, it talks about how it is absolutely impossible to consider yourself a Christian if you cannot love your brother or your neighbor.” Price was able to receive his diploma after the long holiday weekend. “Holding it is just an answered prayer, that’s all it is, just an answered prayer,” Price told a local news outlet. Did Price regret the delay? “I would do it again times two.”