“shared how she hoped others would know Christ and be saved from eternal hell.”
“and yet the newsfolks still argue over a valedictorian speech cause it mentioned God.”
Do you think that maybe the complaints might have been that she insulted every non-Christian in the room, by telling them they were destined for eternal hell?
I doubt seriously whether they would have had any problem with her thanking God for her good fortune and his guidance. The problem comes when “Christians” feel a need to judge those who do not believe the same things that they do. Sure, there is a place for that. Its called a church, or a church sponsored event. It is not a public graduation ceremony. The commentators were right, and this “valedictorian” may have gotten good grades, but she wasn’t very smart.
Well...that is the Gospel as preached. Jesus himself said he didn't come to bring peace, but a sword (Matthew 10:34). His message obviously still does that today, as this little event proves!