GradCast 2007

As Taskforce Iraqi Freedom continues, we embark on the fourth year of Gradcast. We reflect on global events and our connections with our deployed soldiers and our Central Texas Community. It is truly an honor and a privilege to provide the venue for soldiers to watch their sons and daughters graduate. Technology provides the connectivity, but it is people that make the connections. This project began with a vision and continues with passion. Our soldiers fight for our freedom and make daily sacrifices, and this Gradcast is one way we show our support for our soldiers and their families. Through the collaborative effort of The United States Army, Killeen ISD, and their corporate partners, Apple Computer, Azbell Communications, Time Warner Business Solutions, TOTAL Marketing and The Bell County Expo Center, deployed soldiers will be able to attend virtual graduations via web casts. Sites include: Iraq, Germany, Kuwait, Korea, Afghanistan, Guam, and Japan, as well as the US sites.

Our deployed soldiers who are stationed in Iraq will also be able to participate in an interactive videoconference. Media magnification will enhance the graduation and Grads will be able to see their loved ones down range as they accept their diploma. The virtual graduations will be broadcast to nine sites in Iraq.

Test your connection before the day of event
To insure that you will be able to access the live streams, please visit our guide to viewing live streaming events. Be sure to check your connection using this page ahead of time. If you encounter any problems, please follow the steps outlined in the guide.

Viewing the Event
Click the video button to the right to view the live webcast at the times specified in the schedule below. Click the "Project" button to launch a larger version of the video in QuickTime Player. You may wish to use this version when projecting for classroom use. To make sure the stream is useable in Iraq, this will be a low bandwidth webcast.


Bell County Expo Graduation Schedule

Date	High School	CST	Iraq
Thursday, May 24, 2007	Belton High School	8:00 PM	0600
Friday, May 25, 2007	Copperas Cove High School	7:30 PM	0530
Saturday, May 26, 2007	Harker Heights High School	3:00 PM	2400
	Shoemaker High School	8:00 PM	0600
Sunday, May 27, 2007	Killeen High School	2:00 PM	2300
	Ellison High School	6:00 PM	0400
Saturday, June 2, 2007	Temple High School	10:00 AM	1900

Jim Hawkins, PhD., System Superintendent, responds to the needs of a unique district population and the military families across Central Texas. Gradcast 2007 supports our Bell County Military families in celebrating area high school graduations. Technology and collaboration continue to bridge the miles for the Graduates of 2007 and their families both here and abroad.

MG General Joseph F. Fil, Jr., 1st Cavalry Division Commander, Commander MND Baghdad, addresses the Class of 2007.

Send your questions and comments to:
gradcast.kisd@killeenisd.org