Shortly after winter break ended, Ellen Hopkins Elementary special educator Morgan Lassila heard a knock at her door. When the door opened, a line of her favorite students led Moorhead Area Public Schools superintendent Dr. Brandon Lunak into the room. He had come to surprise Morgan—in her third year with the district—with the first Spud Spirit Award of 2026.
“Morgan works with students who can be physically aggressive, showing up with patience, advocacy and consistency,” said Dr. Lunak, echoing her nominator’s praise. “Despite the challenges of her role, she still finds time and energy to volunteer for her Spud family. From walking in the Homecoming Parade to building genuine connections with students outside her caseload, Morgan goes above and beyond.”
Her nominator went on to say: “She embodies what it means to show Spud Spirit by giving her best not only to the students she directly serves, but to the entire school community. I have yet to meet anyone more deserving of the Spud Spirit Award than Morgan. She has thoroughly earned it.”
Morgan’s dedication to her students and the Ellen Hopkins community sets a fantastic example of our 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.