Will Frassinelli, a 12-year-old brain tumour survivor, had the honor of riding in a convertible at the Bayfield Fall Fair Parade held recently. Virtual High School employees were also on hand to raise awareness about their upcoming Run4Kids to raise money to establish a Online Learning Bursary Program with Childcan. Anyone who registers to participate in the run before Sept 19 will be entered into a draw for an Ipod Shuffle. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)

JUNE 6 - ISSUE 153 - VIRTUAL HIGH SCHOOL.COM: ONLINE EDUCATION A REALITY OF BAYFIELD'S ECONOMY: A jubilant Stephen and Patricia Baker share in the ribbon cutting to officially open the Virtual High School's new location on Main Street in the village. Stephen is the owner and founder of VHS, as well as the online school's principal. Patricia is the school's Registrar.

John Smallwood, spoke to the crowd gathered for the Grand Opening on Friday. He is currently the English Curriculum Coordinator at VHS and has worked with Baker since 1996 when they teamed up to create a Grade 13 Canadian Literature online course.

Jeremy DeMers, (far right) is the Elementary School Curriculum Coordinator at VHS. He was kept busy fielding questions from people who toured the school including, Joyce McIlwain (second from left) and Sue Burton (centre).

The reconstruction project on the former Martha Ritz House began in Feb. 2011. The staff of the Virtual High School were able to move in to their home one year later. The official grand opening of the building was held on June 1.

During the opening speeches, Roger Lewington, president of the Bayfield and Area Chamber of Commerce, spoke to the positive impact that both the reconstruction of the heritage building and the establishment of VHS has had to the Bluewater economy.