Governor Tim Walz proclaimed March 9 as “Nic Zapko Day” in honor of the American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter who has appeared at nearly all of the governor’s in-person press conferences during the pandemic to help convey the latest updates.
Governor Walz made the announcement at the end of that day’s COVID-19 press conference and presented Zapko with a framed version of the proclamation.
“There’s been somebody here since the beginning, ensuring that every single Minnesotan had access to this information, and that person is by far the most popular person on this podium and the most well-known,” Governor Walz said. “I would like to make a proclamation today for Nic Zapko, who we’ve all come to really appreciate and enjoy.”
Zapko’s animated delivery has earned her much positive attention on social media and a growing fan base.
“Nic’s interpreting has ensured that the Minnesotans who identify as deaf, deafblind, or hard-of-hearing receive real-time information about health and safety,” Governor Walz read from the proclamation.
Zapko was visibly surprised by the announcement, which she interpreted to the audience just seconds after Governor Walz announced it. She and the governor then posed for photos with the framed proclamation.
Zapko, who is deaf, said she reads each of the tweets and Facebook messages fans send her. “I feel somewhat overwhelmed,” Zapko said. “This is all so unexpected because I was just showing up to work and I certainly didn’t expect to go viral. So, I’m touched, I’m inspired, and I’m inspired that they are inspired.”
Read Full Article from Twin Cities Pioneer Press (MN) (03/09/21)
Author: Ferguson, Dana
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