PEARL – Kenneth Palmer was 2 years old when his parents learned he was deaf. The 20-year-old Chicago man heard his first sounds at age 3 after receiving a cochlear implant.
Palmer’s life has been full of challenges, including the failure of the implant he depended on to be a part of a hearing world. But he – like the fellow graduates he addressed during the 2 p.m. Hinds Community College commencement exercises on Dec. 11 – learned how to navigate life despite many obstacles.
“I danced without hearing the music or feeling the rhythm…worked at Chik-fil-A without being able to hear my co-workers and depended entirely on lip reading for every conversation,” Palmer told classmates at the Muse Center ceremony for Hinds graduates with last names beginning O-Z. “Do not let obstacles prevent you from being successful. If anything, take those obstacles and overcome them.”
Hinds fall commencement speakers for the Dec. 11, 2025 2 p.m. ceremony at the Muse Center were Kenneth Palmer, 20, of Chicago, selected to give the remarks on behalf of his classmates, and Constance Olexy, 19, of Pearl, who offered the invocation.
Palmer joined 900 Hinds students earning nearly 1,300 credentials during four graduation ceremonies held Dec. 10 and Dec. 11. Across the class, 466 students graduated with honors, including 239 cum laude, or 3.2 to 3.59 grade point average; 166 magna cum laude, or 3.6-3.99 GPA and 63 summa cum laude, a perfect 4.0 GPA.
Palmer graduated with an associate degree in general studies and plans to transfer to Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., in the fall. In the meantime, he will continue working with first grade students he teaches the ABCs. He hopes to open a rehabilitation center for children with disabilities after obtaining a bachelor’s degree.
“I tell them (his students) there are no shortcuts to navigating life,” Palmer said.
•
With six campuses in central Mississippi, Hinds Community College is a comprehensive institution offering quality, affordable educational opportunities with academic programs of study leading to seamless university transfer and career and technical programs teaching job-ready skills.
Our Mission: Hinds Community College is committed to moving people and communities forward by helping develop their purpose, passion and profession.
Our Vision: Hinds Community College will be a catalyst to create a competitive economy and a compelling culture for Mississippi.
Our Values: Hinds Community College aspires to the following IDEALS: Integrity, Diversity, Excellence, Accountability, Leadership, Stewardship.
To learn more, visit www.hindscc.edu or call 1.800.HindsCC.