Moorhead Area Public Schools superintendent Dr. Brandon Lunak paid an early morning visit to Moorhead High School to present longtime food services worker Cindy Noennig with the Spud Spirit Award for December 2025. Cindy is in her 22nd year of service with the district.
Dr. Lunak surprised Cindy with the award, bringing her straight off the morning’s food prep line, causing her to jokingly warn him “I’ve still got banana hands!”
“Cindy equals sunshine. A person can't help but feel happier when you are around her. Even when nothing is going right in the kitchen, you are always cool, calm, collected and the voice of positivity,” said Dr. Lunak, relaying her nominator’s glowing words. “Cindy has cared for all the MHS students who walk through the kitchen doors and has made sure they have everything they need to succeed, whether that be food or companionship.”
Her food services coworkers and assembled MHS administrators cheered and clapped as Dr. Lunak praised Cindy.
He continued: “Students gather around her cashier station waiting each day to talk with her before they go on their way. She talks to every student that comes through her line and gets to know them adding a personal touch to their dining experience. Cindy is an amazing human. You will never see her without a smile and positive attitude. She also played a major role in helping move into the new MHS building two years ago!”
Cindy’s joy and care for MHS students show how every MAPS worker contributes to the district’s mission to develop the maximum potential of every student to thrive in a changing world.
The Spud Spirit Award is a recognition program that honors MAPS staff who live by the district mission to develop the maximum potential of every learner to thrive in a changing world and showcase our Spud Spirit statements:
Students, staff, parents, families, and the Moorhead community
Passionate, engaged, innovative, and growing in safe environments
Unique, worthy, respectful, and relationship-based
Diversity enriches our school and community
Stewards of the public’s trust in effective and efficient operations
Spud Spirit Award nominations are made by staff, student families and community members. Nominations are open at the beginning of each semester during the school year.