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Throughout the year, Harvie Spry – the head custodian at Baker Intermediate School – might be found performing daily duties to ensure the cleanliness of the building at 1645 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. 

However, in the days before Christmas, he can be found performing a different task. 

Going by the name “Harvie Claus”, Spry was once again found dressed as Santa and spreading Christmas cheer on Wednesday, December 18. 

“They know I’m coming. I’m [going to] be dressed up two to three weeks before [Christmas], and they’ll be asking, ‘Is Harvie Claus coming?’” said Spry. “I’ve not been trained to be a Santa Claus, but I dress up. I let my beard grow out a little bit.” 

Spry, who has been portraying “Harvie Claus” for several years, was first approached with the idea by current Baker Intermediate School Principal Josh Mounts. 

“We always celebrate the holidays and, when you have such a lovable and admired person on staff like Harvey…he was just a natural fit,” Mounts said. “He looks like Santa Claus. He’s got the beard and all…he’s a jolly soul too.” 

Originally taking on the role while wearing a blue suit, the local parent-teacher organization eventually bought a red suit for Spry to wear. 

Over time, the event has continued to progress. 

This year, Dan Sawyers – a parent – came dressed as the Grinch from the classic Dr. Seuss story to provide entertainment. 

Plus, along with the opportunity to take a photo with Harvie Claus, a bundle of activity books are given for students to choose from, as is a snowman soup kit supplied by the PTO. 

The latter includes hot chocolate, marshmallows, and Hershey’s kisses. 

And, Baker Intermediate School continues to serve its youth and adult population in other ways. 

Staff can enjoy a break room with a cocoa bar and more, plus – on Tuesday, December 17 – their first-ever Christmas lunch provided nearly 1,000 lunches to just under 400 families. 

“We want to continue that for years to come,” Mounts added. “We had…great support.” 

 For Spry, who plans to continue portraying Harvie Claus, the opportunity is one filled with cheer. 

“It’s something that I look forward to every year!,” he said.