LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Frank Ballardo was nominated by his principal, Kathy Livingston.

Mr. Ballardo is a LifeChanger. This highly respected custodian creates meaningful connections with Fernan students as he greets them in the cafeteria daily at breakfast and lunch. Mr. Ballardo knows all students by name (over 300!) and knows their interests. He follows up to ask about special events they have been excited about and is creative in motivating them based on their individuality. For example, Mr. Ballardo knows which children like to eat alone or which students like to be helpers. He uses his sense of humor to get kids to smile and laugh.

"Frank is a natural in his ability to interact with students who come to us with many needs in ways that make them feel welcome at Fernan. In addition, he came up with positive ideas to help reduce noise and keep the cafeteria safe during lunch. Frank knows them well enough to notice if there is a change in behavior or something that needs to be brought to our attention. Previous students return and make a point to ask if he is still here and love to go visit him," said Livingston.

Mr. Ballardo takes pride in his work and the school building. He goes above and beyond to keep the school clean and in good repair, always appearing welcoming to students, families, and communities. Whether patching walls, doing extra daily tidying up and cleaning during construction projects, or painting things, Mr. Ballardo is always looking for ways to improve the building and make it the best it can be.

"The definition and responsibilities of a custodian don’t come close to describing all that Frank does for Fernan. He is always quick to respond to any staff or student need and is willing to do whatever it takes to keep our elementary school being the amazing school it is," said Livingston.

As the school year begins each fall, he ensures the floors are waxed, carpets have been shampooed, and all other major projects have been completed well before staff return. He does this so he can be attentive to teacher and classroom needs. He seeks suitable tables, additional bookcases, and whatever is needed to prepare each room to greet its new class. If Mr. Ballardo can’t locate something “just right,” he will often build it. For instance, during the pandemic, the school needed a way to display more books in the library. He made a “book stadium” so students could safely select book choices and still have various options. Not only does Mr. Ballardo create a stellar environment at the beginning of the year, but he also responds to needs promptly throughout the year. It doesn’t matter how disgusting or grimy a task might be. He smiles and says, “No problem! That’s my job.”

Mr. Ballardo has been at Fernan STEM Academy for over 14 years. He humbly makes all this magic happen, never expecting anything in return. Mr. Ballardo doesn’t seek the limelight. The relationships and confidence in knowing he has done everything he can to make Fernan shine is all the recognition he seems to need. His adoring Fernan family believes otherwise. 

Here are a few words from staff whose lives have been impacted by Frank’s dedication:

• "I watch Frank build relationships with staff and students every day. He upholds the values of Fernan's mission and vision in how he interacts with kids and holds them accountable. Frank has memorable jokes, handshakes, and stories with so many of our students. They look up to him as a male role model, and he is a champion for them."
• "Frank always has a smile and a friendly welcome to the day. He is quick to help when we need him and is a positive influence on the building. He also is excellent with the kids. The kids love him! We are so thankful for all he does for us!"
• "Frank has been a backbone at Fernan for many years! He has welcomed kids, teachers, and all who enter the doors with a confident “Hello” and a willingness to help. He is a strong role model for kids, likes a good story, and always prepares for jokes. Frank is a tough guy who can fix anything but melts when it comes to grandkids. Frank is reliable and hard-working, but don’t let him fool you; he always looks forward to the weekends!"
• "Thank you, Frank, for all you do for our Fernan Family!"
• "Frank greets everyone and is always positive! He is very prompt with requests and great with the kids. Frank also considers what teachers need and ensures we are always taken care of. Not only is he a custodian, he is a great friend and caretaker! Frank is a wonderful person who is always there to help students and staff. He takes care of our building and lends his helping hand whenever necessary. He always offers to help when it comes to moving items around, finding needed classroom items, and always with a warm smile."
• "Frank is the best and always willing to lend a helping hand!"
• "Besides Frank's regular duties, he is always willing to go above and beyond to help with special requests and projects."
• "He has been instrumental in establishing our aquaponics system and keeping it running smoothly."
• "Thanks to Frank's continuing care, we have thriving aquaponics with happy fish and plants!"
• "Frank is a kind person who genuinely cares about our school. He is always coming to the rescue and arrives with a smile on his face. He has a great attitude, is nice to the students and staff, and has a great sense of humor. He’s such an important part of the Fernan family!"
• "When I moved to Fernan, Frank greeted me and welcomed me to my new classroom. He was my first friend at Fernan! He was so thoughtful and asked what I needed, and he quickly retrieved what it was so that I would have everything I needed. I will always remember his continuous acts of kindness!"
• "Frank does so much for our school! He is everywhere daily, ensuring our school is safe and inviting for our students and families."
• "My friend Frank is so good with kids! He knows their names, asks them how their night was, gives hugs, and knows what they are doing for the weekend. Frank is funny! I personally enjoy time with him during the school day. We laugh hard and talk about our own kids, his cute granddaughter, football, and all of Fernan’s memories. Frank is my very good friend first and then a great custodian."