Santa and Mrs. Claus Visit ELBS

‘Twas the week before Christmas when all through our school, came a familiar visitor who is really quite cool! Most days he’s our mayor but here is the trick – just for this day he’s our very own St. Nick!

Santa and Mrs. Claus visited all 240 students in the Elizabeth Lee Black School on Tuesday, Dec. 18 to deliver gifts chosen especially for them.

The holiday couple, otherwise known as Mayor Joe and Rhonda Schember, has been filling the roles for more than 30 years. They began when their youngest daughter, Jodi, started in preschool at the Barber National Institute, and now say that this is their favorite day of the year.

During their visit, the Schembers pass out presents selected by teachers in all of the classrooms. To fund the project, the Learning Center Parent Group holds fundraisers throughout the year to purchase the gifts and sponsor holiday parties and other activities.

While Christmas comes but once a year, the Schembers have been active throughout all seasons at the Barber National Institute. Joe served on the Board of Directors and Rhonda was president of the School parent group and chaired the Ladies Only Luncheon. In 2008 and 2017, they also served as chair couple of the annual Barber Christmas Ball.