Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz surprised American Sign Language interpreter Nic Zapko by proclaiming Tuesday "Nic Zapko Day."
Walz announced the honor after he addressed the media regarding the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine during a news conference Tuesday in St. Paul.
Tuesday had the benefit of it being Zapko's birthday, and Walz cited her fast, animated, and accurate delivery of critical information.
"The state of Minnesota wishes her a very happy birthday and thanks her for her service," Walz said, citing her near-daily role in ensuring the 20% Minnesotans who identify as deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing receive real-time information.
Learn more about Zapko from this profile in June:
Staff photographer Elizabeth Flores contributed to this report.
New Minnesota GOP leaders seek peace with party's anti-establishment wing
Who is Republican Lisa Demuth, Minnesota's first House speaker of color?
Minnesota House GOP, Secretary of State Steve Simon return to Supreme Court
Supreme Court sides with DFL and Simon, says 68 House members needed for floor action
