Virginia Education Association Names Lopez 2012 Legislative Rookie of the Year 

Arlington Patch | December 20, 2012
by Jason Spencer
www.arlington-va.patch.com 

The Virginia Education Association honored state Del. Alfonso Lopez, D-Arlington, this week, naming him 2012 Legislative Rookie of the Year.

Jaim L. Foster, president of the Arlington Education Association, presented Lopez with the award on Monday "for his stellar legislative efforts on behalf of public education," according to a news release.

“I am honored to receive this award from the VEA, especially here in Arlington where my mother served as a teacher and guidance counselor for over 20 years,” Lopez said in a statement. “I hope to honor her memory and her service to our community by continuing to be a champion for our public schools and our hard working, dedicated teachers.”

Lopez earned 100 percent on the Virginia Education Association’s annual scorecard for his voting record during the 2012 legislative session. His score was higher than any other freshman legislator in the House of Delegates, the release states.

“Delegate Lopez has proven to be a crucial ally of public education in the General Assembly,” said Robley Jones, director of government relations at the Virginia Education Association, in a statement.