Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Jill Atwood ReportingOne Utah soldier stationed in Afghanistan had the chance to watch his daughter graduate from high school today. How, you ask? Well the wonders of technology allowed it to happen. Sergeant first class Steve Mckinnon watched the entire ceremony via internet.
Steve Mckinnon was activated about nine months ago and has been gone for his youngest daughter's entire senior year, but her graduation was one moment he was not about to miss.
Whitney Mckinnon says her dad missed all of her choir performances this year, but today is her biggest performance, she's singing in front of the entire senior class of Alta High School and dad has a front row seat.
Toni McKinnon, Whitney's Mother: “She was so excited when she found out that Steve was going to watch. Tops of the day, that much better.”
Whitney is graduating with honors; as a proud mom videotapes the ceremony, sergeant first class Steve Mckinnon watches a streaming live video feed.
Whitney Mckinnon, Alta High Class of 2004: “It means the world to me. That’s the one thing I wanted this entire year. He’s been gone my whole senior year and that’s the one thing I wanted.”
Across an ocean Dad is beaming with pride as daughter takes the stage and grabs her diploma. Whitney admits she needed him this year, but realizes his country needed him more.