Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz surprised American Sign Language interpreter Nic Zapko by proclaiming Tuesday "Nic Zapko Day."
Gov. Tim Walz honors ASL interpreter Nic Zapko on birthday
Walz proclaimed Tuesday as "Nic Zapko Day."
March 10, 2021 at 10:59AM
![Minnesota Governor Tim Walz surprised Sign Language Translator Nic Zapko proclaiming it "Nic Zapko Day" on her birthday after he addressed the media regarding the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine during a press conference, Tuesday, March 9, 2021 in St. Paul, MN. ] ELIZABETH FLORES • liz.flores@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/DPPG2HYHAI5IBLYODVNWEU33PE.jpg?&w=712)
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.
![Minnesota Governor Tim Walz surprised Sign Language Translator Nic Zapko proclaiming it "Nic Zapko Day" on her birthday after he addressed the media regarding the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine during a press conference, Tuesday, March 9, 2021 in St. Paul, MN. ] ELIZABETH FLORES • liz.flores@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/2ZH2B6VZQS34IXJF7QN4VSOSBA.jpg?&w=712)
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.
The governor said it may be 2027 or 2028 by the time the market catches up to demand.
