How do you extend that Christmas feeling for 365 days of the year? Easy, add Michael Uber to your staff! Much like the Miracle on 34th Street, where Santa unabashedly says he is Santa Claus, Michael claims to be Santa, too. We all know that he works miracles with IT equipment for staff, allowing them to accomplish their daily computerized tasks, and for students, allowing them secure access for their enjoyment and communication with their family and friends. For this, we say THANK YOU, SANTA!! Others outside of SHS call him Santa, too. Specifically, he has been on National Television, a local television commercial for Commonwealth Credit Union, Light Up La Grange, Pewee Valley’s Yule Log, Light Up Campbellsburg, as well as other public, private, and family events just to name a few.
Michael joined Stewart Home & School in 2021. He made an immediate impact with his Santa-like appearance and his welcoming demeanor, which is a natural draw for students.
· What do you enjoy about your job? It is different every day. When I come in each day there are new challenges. I would get bored pretty quickly if I had to do the same thing every day.
· What brought you to SHS? A Santa customer of mine, and a former contractor at SHS, referred me to the school. He knew I was looking for another position and also knew of my love for people so he thought the position would be a great fit.
· Best memory of years at SHS? It is very hard to get it down to one memory – there are so many moments when you help a student with technology – the smile on their face as you hand back their device or show them their television is working again. It is priceless. I love the fist bumps and hugs every day. Another great memory is the way the staff is so patient with outages. Everyone knows I am doing my best and gives me grace when I most need it. That never happens in the corporate world.
· What is something that is constant in your opinion here? The passion of the staff to provide our students with the best of everything.
· Do you have any collections? I have three Christmas trees up year round and I collect themed ornaments for them. I have a Santa Tree, a Snowman Tree and a Snowflake Tree. I would love to have a Mrs. Claus Tree but Mrs. Claus ornaments (good ones at least) are hard to find.
What words of advice would you offer to our new incoming employees? You have to love people, and recognize that every student here is a child of God and has worth. Once you recognize that the rest falls into place. Oh, and it’s a lot of work, but worth it.
If you get the chance, visit his office, where even in the midst of summer’s oppressive heat you might hear him singing, “Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow”.
Michael, clearly you are Santa and we are blessed to have you!!
-Stephen Randolph