The Winner School District has won the 2008 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. The honor is the highest recognition given by the U.S. government to employers for supporting employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. The Winner School District was one of 15 recipients nationwide out of a record 2,199 nominees.

"Winning this award is a tremendous accomplishment for the Winner School District and for all of South Dakota," said Sen. John Thune, R-S.D. "The Winner School District goes above and beyond in supporting those who serve America, and this award is richly deserved."

National Guard and Reserve members or their family members from throughout the country nominated their employers for the award in recognition of their outstanding support. A national selection board comprising senior Defense Department officials and business leaders selected the recipients for this year's awards.

The Freedom Award will be presented to the Winner School District and the other recipients during a ceremony Thursday, Sept. 18, at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C.