Photos: Brandon McCauley’s faith-based graduation party

Brandon McCauley with friends at his high school graduation party, April 4, 2014, in Lebanon, Ohio. McCauley used the party as a chance to speak with his friends about his faith. Steven Turville for Al Jazeera America

McCauley, who says he found Jesus and “got saved” in seventh grade, speaks about the Gospel. During his senior year, he ran a lunchtime Bible study program open to his class of 429 people. Steven Turville for Al Jazeera America

McCauley had the option to defer his plan of studying architecture at the University of Cincinnati in order to spend a year in Mexico doing missionary work. Steven Turville for Al Jazeera America

McCauley asked his principal if he could speak about God at the school’s graduation ceremony. The administration was not receptive. Steven Turville for Al Jazeera America

McCauley, who was eager to tell his classmates how to fulfill their potential, holds his younger sister Riley at the party. Although 60 percent of Americans believe religion has too little presence in public schools, in 2000 the Supreme Court ruled that prayer at public school graduations is unconstitutional. Steven Turville for Al Jazeera America

McCauley prays with friends Sarah Clem, left, and Rachel Hundley. He believes God will guide him in communicating his views on sin and his love for Christ. Steven Turville for Al Jazeera America

McCauley’s mother, Marnie Gosser, hugs him after he spoke. The gathering, at a National Guard armory, was alcohol-free. Steven Turville for Al Jazeera America