High School Class Reunions Go Virtual
Class reunions tend to be dull, quiet affairs that bring a group of individuals together who haven't seen each other for 10, 25, or even 50 years. While most people put on a happy face, and try to pretend that they want to be at the class reunion, no one really wants to be there, which is why a local computer technology firm is launching its new 'virtual high school class reunion' project.
"I remember my 10th year high school reunion", said founder of Advanced Data Technologies, Howard Ewing. "You had two people at the reunion; those that were there to brag, and those that were there just because they wanted to see if anyone had failed miserably in the 10 years since we graduated. I don't think anyone really wanted to be there."
After his extremely disappointing high school reunion, Ewing went back to figure out a way to prevent others from having to endure such a horrible experience. While in his project development stage, he came up with the idea of offering a virtual class reunion.
"You know technology has advanced so much, that I thought why not have a high school reunion that is all based online", said Ewing. "This would allow all the people who want to brag to brag, and give people who just want to check out the scene a chance to try it out. No one has to waste any real time on it, and they can leave whenever they want."
The virtual class reunion will give class reunion organizers a chance to form a virtual gymnasium where everyone will meet at a specific time. However, instead of being there in person everyone tunes in using their web cam and microphone attached to computers. People can either take part in a large group discussion, or have the option to go off into private chats with other people they knew from high school.
"This might seem a little weird at first, but it's really a brilliant idea", said class reunion organizer, Tammy Freddo. "I really think this went over better than most people would think. No one has to travel, people can have their private little chats, and the cost is extremely low. It's a win-win for everyone."
The reception for the first every virtual class reunion has been extremely favorable. Over 20 schools have signed long term contracts with Advanced Data Technologies, and another 10 are on a yearly contract to offer these virtual class reunions for their school.
