Moorhead Area Public Schools superintendent Dr. Brandon Lunak made a surprise visit to the second floor of Horizon Middle School East to present 7th grade math teacher Sophia Sowada with the Spud Spirit Award for April 2025. Ms. Sowada is in her second year with the district.
Joined by Horizon student Ewan Maii, who was shadowing the superintendent and helped present the award pin, Dr. Lunak addressed Sophia’s late-morning math class. He said her nominator described her as “an exceptional educator who goes above and beyond to support both her students and their families,” adding that she was praised as always being patient, understanding and dedicated to making sure her students receive the best education possible.
Dr. Lunak then shared the story from her nominator of when his daughter was struggling with algebra and feeling discouraged. Ms. Sowada not only provided her extra support during the day but also took the time to send her family personalized tips and resources to support their learner at home. The nominator said “Thanks to her dedication and encouragement, my daughter not only improved but regained her excitement for learning. She is even helping her younger sister in fifth grade with her math homework!”
A current student of Sophia’s also said she “tries very hard to explain lots of things we don't understand, taking hard things to explain and breaking it down to a simpler way that’s better to understand.”
Sophia’s dedication and effort on behalf of her students speaks directly 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.