When Dillon Haug was 5 years old, a severe car accident left him in a coma. Doctors did not expect him to live long; he had suffered a traumatic brain injury and spent several weeks in critical condition.

But to the surprise of many, Haug recovered enough for his parents to take him home after three months. His recovery was gradual, and he faced incredible challenges just to learn daily tasks. But today, Haug, 27, lives on his own, works at Wal-Mart in Spearfish, and attends Black Hills State University.

Recently, he was nominated by South Dakota Advocacy Services for the "Outstanding Citizen with a Disability Award," which he will receive at the Governor's Award Luncheon on Tuesday, March 4, in Pierre.

The award is given to an individual who demonstrates "outstanding achievements in the promotion of independent living and employment opportunities for other individuals with disabilities."

Haug was nominated by Sandy Hook, a South Dakota Advocacy Services employee, who has known him and his family for 10 years.

"He's an outstanding individual who has done so much with his life. He is very active, very eager to learn, and he's never afraid to try new things. He participated in Boy Scouts, he was student manager of his high school basketball team, and he belongs to a coffee group made up of bankers, lawyers, and businessmen," Hook said

Haug graduated from Custer High School in 2000, and then at age 19, he moved out of his parents' house to Willmar, Minn., where he graduated with honors from the occupational skills program at the community college.

"I wasn't supposed to be here," Haug said in an interview, "and I feel like I have a lot more to do in the world. I was notified a week ago about the award, and I'm excited about attending the ceremony. My family is very proud, and so am I. It's been tough, but I've accomplished a lot through the years."

Beyond being active in school, work, and church, Haug is also involved in various boards and committees. He is a member of the Protection and Advocacy Developmental Disabilities Advisory Council and is the vice chairman of the South Dakota Council on Developmental Disabilities.

Hook credits his initiative and willingness to try new things as a few of the reasons he's been able to overcome his disability.

"He's an awesome young man," Hook said. "He's had some challenges in his life. Dillon is very active, very eager to learn, has great leadership skills, and will talk to anyone. When you meet him, you can't help but become his friend."

As a representative from South Dakota, Haug was involved in national advocacy in Washington, D.C.

Most recently, at the Alliance for Full Participation Conference, he attended workshops on employment for those with disabilities.

But he spends most of his time just enjoying and being involved in the Spearfish community.

"I love it here," he said. "It's a nice community, and it's easy to get around. I'll probably live here a long time."