From my inbox: The Sneeze

Actually, the email I received one of the variants of what really happened; different versions of what happened have circulated for some time now. But this is the true story, verified on Snopes.

It happened on May 20, 2001 at Washington Community High School in Illinois. With the help of the ACLU, Natasha Appenheimer, that year's valedictorian, had brought suit barring the inclusion of prayers at the students' graduation. Prayers had traditionally been part of the ceremony, and the community and student body were upset by the decision... particularly when, 3 days prior to commencement, an injunction had been issued forbidding prayer at graduation.

Some students - along with community members - gathered before the procession, decorating mortarboards with slogans such as "I'm praying now", and "1 nation under God". One parent provided students with over 120 wood-and-nail crosses. And Ryan Brown - who was to graduate and give a speech during the ceremony - arranged with some friends to stage "The Sneeze".

While proceeding to the podium, Ryan bowed  for a moment in silent prayer. The crowd responded by standing and applauding, to which Ryan responded, "Don't applaud for me - applaud for God!"

He then stood before the crowd and, during the course of his speech, faked a sneeze. And in one loud voice, his fellow classmates responded with a resounding, "GOD BLESS YOU!"

The audience exploded into applause. This graduating class had found a unique way to invoke God's blessing on their future... with or without the court's approval.

And I join with those students in saying "God Bless You"!