Joel Cross, Fargo South’s head custodian, was surprised on Friday, March 11, by being presented with the district-wide Support Staff of the Year award. He thanked his custodial staff at the first opportunity, stressing that everything that goes into keeping the school looking its best is a team effort, and that he was grateful to represent them.

Cross has worked at Fargo South for 15 years as custodian, assistant engineer, head assistant engineer, evening assistant engineer and now lead custodian. He is described as an extremely hard worker who goes out of his way to make the school a clean and welcoming environment.

He has grilled at senior picnics and DJ’d school events. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he has been open to new ways to keep students and staff safe at South.

Cross was met by his family, who stood with him onstage in the South High theater as he accepted his award from Dr. Bertsch and Dr. Gandhi.

He spent most of the time with his young son, Oliver, in his arms. Oliver leaned down into the microphone to exclaim, “Good job, Dad!”