Students Pray At Graduation To Defy Judge
Associated PressSaturday, May 20, 2006
RUSSELL SPRINGS, Ky.,

May 19 -- A federal judge on Friday blocked a high school in southern Kentucky from including prayers in its graduation ceremony, prompting students to begin reciting the Lord's Prayer during the opening remarks.

About 200 students interrupted the principal's comments with the prayer, drawing thunderous applause and a standing ovation from the crowd.

Earlier in the day, a judge banned prayers from the ceremony in response to a lawsuit filed this week by the American Civil Liberties Union. The lawsuit sought a restraining order on behalf of an unidentified student at Russell County High School.

Superintendent Scott Pierce said he was pleased with the students' response.

"They have the ability to make these compelling decisions on their own," Pierce said. the rest