Exclusive Content:

School Forces Student to Take Jesus Out of Graduation Speech, Plan Gloriously Backfires When She Drops This Line

“I’ve always been a rule follower. When they said not to chew gum, I didn’t chew gum. When they said not to use your cellphone, I didn’t use my cellphone. But today, in the spirit of defying expectations, and for perhaps the last time at this podium, I say..."

‘You Are Made in the Image of God’—Valedictorian’s Faith-Filled Graduation Speech Goes Viral for All the Right Reasons

A South Carolina high school valedictorian is going viral for her very faith-based graduation speech following a devastating tragedy.

High School Valedictorian Delivers Graduation Speech Hours After Dad’s Funeral

Early College High School valedictorian Alem Hadzic has gone viral after he took the stage at his graduation ceremony to deliver his speech—just hours after his father's funeral. 

Bullied 6th Grader’s Tears Turn to Joy After Community Rallies to Sign His Yearbook

Brody Ridder’s Best Day: The Impact of Kindness

Ridder received an exciting text message from her son the following day.

Brody Ridder posed for a photo with his new friends.
Courtesy Cassandra Ridder

“Facebook this,” he said, and included a picture he’d taken of his now filled yearbook.

Ridder explained, “He had messages from eighth graders and even 11th graders.”

And those kids who went out of their way to fill up Brody’s yearbook with encouraging messages really made Brody’s day.

Just some of the messages that filled Brody's yearbook.
Courtesy of Cassandra Ridder

“Brody’s exact words to me were, ‘This is the best day ever,’” she said. “Some kids even put their phones for Brody to contact them.”

Some of the messages Brody received were:

“Brody — you are the kindest little kid. You are so loved. Don’t listen to the kids that tell you different.”

“Brody – You are literally so sweet and I hope you have the best seventh grade ever.”

“You are amazing…”

“Hey Brody never stop being you…”

“Hey buddy, never change, never put your head down.”

“He dude. You’re freakin awesome. Stay that way.”

Watch Brody talk about the impact on him, as well as some of the high schoolers who stepped in, on this news report:

These kids who stepped up are wonderful examples for us, and for our kids, to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Jessica Sausto
Jessica Sausto
Jessica Sausto is a longtime writer and editor of Christian resources, news, and information.

School Forces Student to Take Jesus Out of Graduation Speech, Plan Gloriously Backfires When She Drops This Line

“I’ve always been a rule follower. When they said not to chew gum, I didn’t chew gum. When they said not to use your cellphone, I didn’t use my cellphone. But today, in the spirit of defying expectations, and for perhaps the last time at this podium, I say..."

‘You Are Made in the Image of God’—Valedictorian’s Faith-Filled Graduation Speech Goes Viral for All the Right Reasons

A South Carolina high school valedictorian is going viral for her very faith-based graduation speech following a devastating tragedy.

High School Valedictorian Delivers Graduation Speech Hours After Dad’s Funeral

Early College High School valedictorian Alem Hadzic has gone viral after he took the stage at his graduation ceremony to deliver his speech—just hours after his father's funeral.