http://www.raptureforums.com/forum/ Discussions on religious freedom, church-state separation, and the sanctity of human life issues from a conservative Christian world view, keeping Christians informed about what is going on in the courts and government policies regarding the protection of human life and religious liberty. Politics and individual candidates can only be discussed within the framework of these political issues as the elections approach. This is not a forum for arguing political agendas or candidates, it is for helping educate believers in making wise voting decisions. en Wed, 19 Jun 2013 03:12:43 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.raptureforums.com/forum/images/misc/rss.png http://www.raptureforums.com/forum/ http://www.raptureforums.com/forum/christian-citizens/76729-high-school-valedictorian-witnesses-god.html Thu, 06 Jun 2013 22:12:26 GMT With his speech, valedictorian brings God to graduation
By Jessica Ravitz, CNN


Programming note: The valedictorian's father, Roy Costner III, appears on "Piers Morgan Live" at 9 ET tonight. His son, Roy Costner IV, appears on CNN Newsroom with Brooke Baldwin at 2 p.m. ET Friday on CNN.


(CNN) - Leading up to Saturday’s ceremony, Roy Costner IV prayed on what he was going to do. Liberty High School’s 2013 valedictorian would soon find himself in front of a microphone. He’d have a pulpit from which he could address his small community tucked away in South Carolina’s mountainous corner.

Only his father and pastor knew what was weighing on his heart and mind. Could he, should he, insert a prayer in his preapproved graduation speech? He’d been told by the school principal that talk of religion wasn’t allowed, and so far he’d followed the rules.

But as the day approached, the 18-year-old couldn’t deny what he felt he needed to do.

“I wanted to stand up for God,” he explained Wednesday. “This is what God wanted me to do.”

So Costner, in cap and gown, stood behind the podium and ripped up his original speech. Before he gave shout outs to coaches, cheerleaders and friends, there was something else he wanted to say.

“One thing I am certain of is we’re all a sum of our experiences, both good and bad,” he told his fellow graduates, a class of about 150. “All in all, those experiences, the people who mentored us, that we look up to, they have helped carve and mold us into the young adults that we are today. I’m so thankful that both of my parents led me to the Lord at a young age. And I think most of you will understand when I say, ‘Our father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name …”

The crowd before him began to cheer as he recited The Lord’s Prayer, drowning out a few verses. The school principal, sitting behind him, appeared uncomfortable and peered down at papers on her lap. The school district’s superintendent, a few seats over, couldn’t help but smile.

“I was tearing up,” Costner said, remembering the moment. “I was overwhelmed by the response. … The clapping was so loud I couldn’t hear myself talking into the microphone.”

Some who were there heaped on praise when talking to CNN affiliate WYFF. One called it “pretty impressive.” Another student said it “took a lot of courage” and that “people were proud that he stood up for what he believed in.”

Rest of story at With his speech, valedictorian brings God to graduation – CNN Belief Blog - CNN.com Blogs ]]> Christian Citizens mattfivefour http://www.raptureforums.com/forum/christian-citizens/76729-high-school-valedictorian-witnesses-god.html