A North Carolina high school valedictorian stood firm in his Christian faith during his graduation speech, boldly thanking Jesus Christ despite administrative efforts to censor his remarks.

The unnamed student, whose school attempted to remove references to Christianity from his address, delivered his speech unaltered over the weekend. The religious liberty law firm Liberty Counsel, which supported the student, confirmed that he was able to proclaim his faith freely after school officials backed down.

“I want to thank my Lord Jesus Christ for getting me through because if it weren’t for Him, I don’t know how I would’ve gotten through life,” the student said during his speech, according to Liberty Counsel. “Jesus Christ has always loved me.”

Liberty Counsel reported that school administrators initially pressured the valedictorian to revise his remarks, suggesting he replace “Jesus Christ” with more generalized language like “my faith” or “He has always loved me.” Concerned over what administrators called the “separation of church and state,” they hoped to avoid direct mentions of Christ.

But Liberty Counsel stepped in, advising the student of his First Amendment rights and encouraging him to stand firm. The group provided legal support and reminded the school district that private religious expression is protected speech, even at public school events.

In a redacted letter made public, Liberty Counsel stated, “Voluntary references to God or Jesus Christ in a graduation speech are all protected by the First Amendment and may not be censored by school officials.”

Liberty Counsel Chairman Mat Staver praised the student’s poise and courage. “The valedictorian’s respectful approach resulted in an uncensored, faith-filled graduation speech,” he said. “This victory is a powerful reminder that students do not lose their constitutional rights when they enter the schoolhouse gates.”

The group cited several Supreme Court decisions in support of student’s rights, including a 2022 ruling in favor of a high school coach disciplined for praying on the football field and another case affirming the right to fly a Christian flag at Boston City Hall.

“The U.S. Supreme Court has held that private speech is protected,” Liberty Counsel’s letter stated. “It is only government speech endorsing religion that is prohibited by the Establishment Clause. Private religious speech is not a ‘First Amendment orphan.'”

In addition to expressing his faith, the student’s speech shared the hardships he faced from multiple medical conditions, including a life-threatening illness. He credited his parents, teachers, and classmates and urged fellow graduates to be positive influences in the lives of others.

While the student’s name and the school’s remain confidential, the story has already resonated with Christians and religious liberty advocates across the country.

“In a time when so many young people are afraid to speak openly about their faith, this valedictorian’s boldness is both inspiring and needed,” Staver added.