Workers from the state Department of Human Services (DHS) and friends applauded Monday during the Commissioner's Circle of Excellence Awards in St. Paul. DHS Commissioner Lucinda Jesson presented one of the seven awards to Liz O'Hara of General Mills' Good Works program. The awards recognize organizations that make outstanding contributions to clients of human services programs statewide.

Michelle Wernimont , contract manager for the DHS, said she attended Monday's ceremony for that "wow" moment. "It's so darn exciting just to see this work that's being done in Minnesota," she said.