Students denied graduation speeches

PACE, Fla. - Seniors at Pace High School are getting ready for their graduation, but this year the Class and School Board Presidents won't be allowed to speak.

"There's more at work here, especially in light of the lawsuit that came down in August," said Rev. Joseph Rogers with Pace Assembly Ministries.

The students can't speak because of a consent decree signed by the Santa Rosa County School District. The decree stems from an ACLU lawsuit.

The ACLU says school officials promoted their own religious beliefs at school influencing students which might include the two Presidents.

"I think that these students have worked hard to earn the right to speak and they deserve to be able to speak and speak freely," said 2006 Student President Nicky Gandy.

And even though some students can't speak at their own graduation, they can speak at the Baccalaureate ceremony.

Pace High School held its 2009 Baccalaureate ceremony at Pace Assembly of God on Thursday.

Class President, Kaitlynn Floyd says being able to speak at this ceremony is good enough.

"I honestly consider it a blessing that I can speak here because I'm not afraid to offend anyone and I can just really show my faith the way I want to, knowing the crowd here knows what they're coming here to listen to," she said.

Now this crowd and this class hope others will listen too.

"I just think this year, we're going to make it through and our class is going to make a stand at Baccalaureate and that will show where their heart really is," Floyd added.

The graduation ceremony is this Saturday at the Pace football stadium. Some students say there will be a show of support for religion in school, but in a respectful manner.