ARLINGTON — No one was more surprised than Arlington Mayor Margaret Larson by her own recent honor.

Larson was named the 2010 Citizen of the Year by members of the Arlington-Smokey Point Chamber of Commerce at the March 7 Arlington City Council meeting.

“For once, I am speechless,” Larson said, after Chamber Executive Director Michael Prihoda announced that she would receive the Citizen of the Year Award.

Prihoda explained that the Chamber selected Larson for this honor to recognize her dedication to the citizens, businesses and service organizations of Arlington, “that makes Arlington a better community for everyone.” He noted that, beyond her mayoral duties, Larson has served as a Rotarian and a former Arlington School District employee, and has actively supported the development of the Arlington Centennial Trail and fundraising for the Linda M. Byrnes Performing Art Center.

The Chamber will officially present the award to Larson at its annual Black-and-White Gala dinner and auction on April 9 at the Medallion Hotel in Smokey Point. Please call the Chamber office for ticket information at 360-659-5453.

“The Citizen of the Year Award is pretty darn special and I don’t take this lightly,” Larson said. “I think we have some wonderful citizens who are also so deserving of this award.”