Kaden Kemp of Kimberly graduates with a degree in secondary education and a minor in history. He’s led faith-based community groups, coached a championship JV bowling team and even studied in England to deepen his understanding of how British history shaped America. His future plans are to pursue a master’s degree in history at the University of Exeter in England.

Here are his prepared remarks from Saturday’s afternoon commencement ceremony:

Welcome, faculty, family, friends, and fellow graduates. I am honored to have the privilege of speaking to you today. My name is Kaden Kemp, and I am graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education. I enjoy to read and write, and I was a member of CRU on campus. Hopefully, that will be the last icebreaker you hear in your college career.

I’m going to use my time today to give a history lesson on Abraham Lincoln—sorry, history teacher here. But I don’t want to focus on what everyone already knows, like his presidency during the Civil War. Instead, I believe the most valuable lessons for us come from his early years, before he was one of the most powerful men in the world. Given his self-education and modest beginnings, few would have expected his rise to the top of American politics.

Lincoln’s early characteristics—his work ethic, commitment to lifelong learning, and ability to build connections through storytelling—are what propelled him forward. As we graduate and step into new opportunities, these same qualities can guide us in forging our own paths.

Work hard

Now, I know some of you might be thinking, “Hard work? That’s the best advice you have for me?” But hear me out. Every single one of us is sitting here today because of years of dedication, so we’ve already had plenty of practice. But why should we continue working hard after graduation?

Lincoln understood that hard work wasn’t just a means to an end—it was a mindset. In a letter to a mother whose sons wanted to join the war, he wrote, “Wanting to work is so rare a merit, that it should be encouraged.” He lived by this principle. As a young man, after a long day

of splitting rails or clerking at a store, he would stay up late reading and studying by candlelight. He refused to let his circumstances define his future.

As we move forward from today, let’s embrace that same determination. No matter where life takes us, hard work will continue to shape our success.

Never stop learning

Over these past years, we’ve developed the ability to absorb new ideas, adapt to challenges, and grow from them. That skill is something we should never lose.

Lincoln would have wholeheartedly agreed. Though he had little formal education, he was relentless in his pursuit of knowledge. As Doris Kearns Goodwin explains in the book, Team of Rivals, “In a time when young men were apprenticed to practicing lawyers while they read the law, Lincoln, by his own account, ‘studied with nobody.’ Borrowing law books from a friend, he set about on his own to gain the requisite knowledge and skills.”

Lincoln’s commitment to learning not only transformed his own life. It also became the foundation for the leadership that would eventually guide a nation through its greatest trial.

As we step into our futures, let’s follow his example. Whether it’s through reading, new experiences, or simply staying curious, continuous learning will set us apart and open doors we never expected.

Build meaningful connections through storytelling

One often overlooked lesson from Lincoln’s early years is the value he placed on storytelling and human connection. As one observer recalled, “When the court sessions were complete, everyone would gather in the local tavern from dusk to dawn, sharing drinks, stories, and good cheer. In these convivial settings, Lincoln was invariably the center of attention.”

This storytelling skill wasn’t just entertainment—it built relationships. The friendships he forged in these settings later became his strongest supporters in politics. Many of the men who sat around those fires with him worked tirelessly to help him win the presidency. Lincoln understood that stories are more than words—they connect people, build trust, and create a lasting impact.

As we enter the workforce, we will meet new people, and forming meaningful connections will be key to our success. One of the best ways to do that is by sharing our own stories—whether they’re funny, inspiring, or even a little embarrassing. So, I encourage you, write down your stories, reflect on them, and use them to connect with others.

Conclusion

Lincoln left an undeniable impact on this country, but it wasn’t just his presidency that made him great—it was his character, forged in his early years. The years ahead of us are just as crucial. By working hard, continuing to learn, and building meaningful relationships, we too can create a life we are proud of.

So, as we step into the next chapter, let’s take inspiration from Lincoln’s journey. Our paths may be uncertain, but the qualities that lead to success remain the same. Congratulations, Class of 2025, and as always—go Titans!