Torlakson Selected Legislator of the Year by Western Association for College Admission Counseling

Torlakson to be recognized at the 7th Annual Legislative Conference.

SACRAMENTO, CA — Assemblymember Tom Torlakson (D-Contra Costa) has been named Legislator of the Year by the Western Association for College Admission Counseling (WACAC). Torlakson will be honored at the organization´s Seventh Annual Legislative Conference to be held at 6 p.m., Wednesday, February 3, 2010, at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento. Each year, WACAC gives the award to a legislator for his or her outstanding commitment and service to the educational community.

"I am honored and humbled to have been chosen for recognition," said Torlakson, a longtime math and science classroom teacher. "We must continue to provide students with access and opportunities so they can meet with counselors who can guide them to seek the kind of post-secondary education that suits their needs and prepares them for a 21st century workforce."

WACAC advocates for student rights in the college selection process and encourages participation of traditionally underrepresented populations in post-secondary education while helping students realize their potential as they make the transition from secondary schools to colleges and universities.

"We are fortunate to have someone with Assemblyman Torlakson´s background working to shape our educational policy," said Minh-Ha Hoang, WACAC President and Associate Director of Admissions at the University of San Diego. "I am confident that his leadership and passion for serving tomorrow´s leaders will prove invaluable to the future of students in California."