George Cross

I was born and grew up in Vermont.  After graduating from college and working for four years as a teacher, I left Vermont to pursue my teaching career.  In 1987, 25 years after leaving Vermont, I returned to become the Superintendent of schools in Winooski.  During the 12 years in that position, my wife Dottie and I had the opportunity to help a number of Vietnamese and Bosnian refugee families settle into our community.  One day as I was driving home, I saw several tall African young men playing basketball in the park near our house.  Dottie and I had heard about the resettlement of the Lost Boys, so we quickly put together a large fruit basket and went to find these young men.  This was our introduction to the community of Sudanese that now includes James Mabior. 

Over these last almost ten years or so, we have enjoyed our friendship with dozens of young Sudanese men and women.  We have transported them to doctor’s appointments and job interviews, we have given driving lessons, we have had the honor of attending high school and college graduations, as well as, marriages and citizenship ceremonies.  From time to time, we have been able to provide short term housing upon arrival or during college vacations for a number of young men.  Every interaction has been a new and rewarding experience. 

Having served eight years in the Vermont legislature after retiring from education, I have had the opportunity to introduce a number of Sudanese to the world of politics.  Currently I am the City Manager of the small city of Winooski.  In this capacity, I hope to continue my association with this fine group of young people.  On a personal level I am honored to be a part of James Mabior’s Werkok Youth Development Association (WYDA), Inc.  The plans of WYDA are very important to the people of the Werkok region of the Sudan.  I am delighted to have this chance to help.