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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. 

WATCH: Rory Feek and Daughter Indy Sing Heartwarming Rendition of “Papa What If”

One viewer felt the video was extra meaningful, as it features a child with down syndrome. She said, “I am overwhelmed by this. You see my son also has Downs Syndrome and I realize just how special this really is. Your wife left you with a very special gift.”

Joey was only 40 years old when she passed away. And the loss was felt by many. She and Rory were a popular bluegrass duo, both playing guitar and singing. With eight studio albums, and three Hot Country Song chart singles, the couple was awarded a Grammy in 2017, after Joey had passed. The Grammy was for the Best Roots Gospel Album.

The married duo had many other awards and nominations, such as the Academy of Country Music Awards category, Top New Vocal Due of the Year in 2009, and Vocal Duo in 2011.

Perhaps Indy will be the next to go on tour with her daddy and win a grammy like her late mommy.

In their performance of “Papa What If,” Indy started by singing, “Papa, what if the sun’s not shinin’? What would happen then?”

And daddy began playing his guitar, and singing, “If the sun stops shining, you’d be so surprised. You’d stare up at the heavens with wide open eyes.”

Continuing on with the birds tweeting in the background, “The wind would carry your light to the sky, and the sun would start shining again.”

One YouTube viewer wrote of the daddy-daughter performance of “Papa What If” that “Joey is smiling from the heavens for sure. Great job, Indiana. And great job, Papa. I absolutely love this video. These are the most beautiful memories.”

“What a beautiful song for father and daughter to sing together! Indy’s smile is beautiful, too!” wrote another YouTube user.

Dee Eliades said, “I have watched this over and over it warms my heart. Rory is a kind, gentle loving and compassionate man. What love between father and daughter.”

At the end of the sweet video, Indy says to Rory, “I love you papa,” smiling.

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.