Moorhead Area Public Schools superintendent Dr. Brandon Lunak didn’t have to go far to present the Spud Spirit Award for January 2025, which went to Aujanae Eubanks, a payroll clerk at the MAPS Operations Center. Eubanks is in her seventh year with the district.
Dr. Lunak surprised her with the award during a human resources meeting at the Ops Center. He told her that her nominator described her as “professional, kind and a rock for the Operations Center team and that you bring joy to those who work with you.”
He went on to share the story of how she stepped up to help cover when her department was short-staffed: “When the Human Resources team started looking for someone to administer the Absence Management System, Aujanae offered to assist with the system. She also identified other ways she could help cover that position’s work until a hire was made.”
The room applauded Eubanks when Superintendent Lunak added her nominator’s praise: “Though Aujanae is quiet at first, she is a joy to work with and the whole office has a soft spot for her.”
Aujanae’s teamwork and support of her coworkers is a fine example of how all MAPS staff members contribute 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:
S
tudents, staff, parents, families, and the Moorhead community
P
assionate, engaged, innovative, and growing in safe environments
U
nique, worthy, respectful, and relationship-based
D
iversity enriches our school and community
S
tewards of the public’s trust in effective and efficient operations
Spud Spirit Award nominations are made by staff, student families and community members.