From Leland to the Limelight: Kermit the Frog Addresses University of Maryland Graduates

Photo from UMD 2025 Commencement Ceremony Youtube video

A little green frog with deep roots in our small Delta town recently delivered a big message to college graduates on a national stage.

Kermit the Frog, the beloved Muppet created by Leland native Jim Henson, gave the commencement address at the University of Maryland on May 22. With his signature charm and wit, Kermit encouraged the Class of 2025 to “leap into life,” drawing both laughter and inspiration from the crowd.

“Life is about jumping in with both feet,” Kermit told the graduates. “You’re going to fall sometimes, but you’ll also fly.”

The appearance was more than a feel-good moment, it was also a nod to Henson’s legacy. Henson graduated from the University of Maryland in 1960 with a degree in home economics. It was there that he introduced the world to Kermit, a character who would go on to become a global icon.

But Henson’s story begins right here in Leland. Born in Greenville and raised in our area, Henson’s early life along the banks of Deer Creek helped shape the creativity that eventually led to The Muppet Show, Sesame Street, and generations of storytelling magic.

Today, Leland proudly celebrates its connection to the world of the Muppets with the Jim Henson Delta Boyhood Exhibit, drawing visitors from across the country who want to see where it all began.

As Kermit spoke to thousands of new graduates in Maryland, his message resonated back home, reminding us all that even the smallest towns can produce the biggest dreams.

Or, as Kermit might put it: “It’s not easy being green, but it sure is worth it.”