ABERDEEN, S.D.(HubCityRadio)- Students and faculty were in for a surprise of lifetime Thursday at Aberdeen Roncalli Middle & High School.

Aberdeen Educator Dan Gallagher was recognized as the 2025 Milken Educator Award in front of an assembly unaware this was happening.

Vice President of the Milken Educator Award Jennifer Fuller(a former winner herself, one of about 3,000 receiving the award) describe the underrated job of being a teacher.

Fuller wants to take the time to acknowledges all teachers at Roncalli.

Fuller discuss the motivation for the Milken Awards.

Fuller inform the assembly that they don’t take nomination and explain how they determine who gets the award.

Fuller announced the winner.

South Dakota Secretary of Education Joseph Graves reads the proclamation from Governor Rhoden.

Dan Gallagher who had no idea he was getting this award spoke to assembly.

One of the benefits of the award is a $25,000 award.  Gallagher talks about what to do with the money.

Gallagher is the lone recipient in South Dakota in 2025 to receive the Milken Award for this year.

Check out more videos & photos of the event at https://www.milkeneducatorawards.org/educators/view/dan-gallagher.