DAPHNE, Ala. — “Santa” Ernest Berger, president, and “Elf” Cathy Barnette, executive director of Santa-America, traveled to Atlanta, Ga., to present at the Alabama/Georgia Independent Schools Association Annual Conference on Nov. 5.

Hosted by the Lovett School, nearly 1,500 participants from over 150 member schools convened to share stories and successful educational programs with their colleagues.

Berger and Barnette were joined by Bayside Academy Headmaster Tom Johnson to present “The Elf Experience,” a community service program for high school juniors and seniors to accompany Santa as he visits children and families in hospice, with chronic pediatric illness or suffering from post traumatic stress disorder throughout the year.

Bayside Academy is the first school in the country to launch a “Teen Elves” community service program.

Johnson shared his perspective on the importance of the program.

“This is a unique program for high school students to join Santa to deliver the unconditional gifts of love, hope and joy to special-need children 12 months a year,” he said.

The Elf Program is a playful but serious way to instill the values of community service and build responsibility. Berger said the motto of the program is “Elf before Self!”

To learn more about Santa-America and for more information on building a program in your school, visit www-santa-america.org, or contact Barnette at (251) 379-0462.