May 22, 2006

(AgapePress) -- A Kentucky school superintendent says he's proud of the Russell County High School students who recited the Lord's Prayer at Friday's graduation ceremony.

Earlier in the day, a federal judge had banned prayers from the ceremony in response to a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union. But during the principal's opening remarks, about 200 students prayed aloud, drawing thunderous applause and a standing ovation from the crowd.

Associated Press reports the "revival-like atmosphere" continued when graduate Megan Chapman shared during her opening remarks that God had guided her since childhood. Chapman, who said the challenge by the ACLU unified the entire senior class, was interrupted several times by cheering as she urged her classmates to trust in God as they go through life, says the report.

"More glory went to God because of something like that than if I had just simply said a prayer like I was supposed to," she said.

Superintendent Scott Pierce says the graduates showed that the schools had taught them how to make "compelling decisions on their own." The students "exhibited what we've tried to accomplish in 12 years of education," said Pierce. Their response, said the superintendent, demonstrated the students have an ability to be "critical thinkers."

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