Franco-American of the Year
Franco-américain de l'année
The Franco-American of the Year award is given out each year to a person who has distinguished himself or herself by example and action as a leader in the Franco-American community.
Franco-American of the Year
Franco-américain de l'année
The Franco-American of the Year award is given out each year to a person who has distinguished himself or herself by example and action as a leader in the Franco-American community.
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The recipient is recognized based upon demonstrated successes including, but not limited to:
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Contribution to French life in NH, through promotion of French language, culture and heritage
Contribution to the larger community, either local or regional, through civic involvement and engagement
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The recipient embodies the celebrated values of Franco-American heritage:
Integrity
Work Ethic
Community Spirit
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The honor is usually awarded based upon the recipient’s contributions over a period of years. In certain situations, the award may be given based upon some exemplary accomplishment during a more limited period of time.
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The Franco-American of the Year award is typically announced during the Saint-Jean-Baptiste
celebrations of June 24. An award ceremony will be held at the NH PoutineFest on October 12, 2024.
2024 Franco-American of the Year
The Franco-American Centre presents the 2024 Franco-American of the Year Award to Mike Campbell for his outstanding work with the local Franco-American community.
“The Franco-American Centre of Manchester, NH, has been recognizing a ‘Franco-American of the Year’ since 1983. The recipients are always outstanding members of the community who have distinguished themselves through contributions to French culture in NH,” said Josée Vachon, past award recipient and current chair of the selection committee.
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Mike Campbell
Mike Campbell is the producer of the French-Canadian Legacy Podcast and has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 Franco-American of the Year Award. This prestigious award recognizes Mike's significant impact on preserving and promoting Franco-American culture.
His unwavering dedication to this cause has made a lasting and meaningful difference within the community. Notably, Mike also dedicates his time to public service as a member of the elected School Board of Hudson, NH, where he defends French courses.
As the co-founder of the French-Canadian Legacy Podcast, Mike has successfully produced and curated 100 episodes that have garnered over 140,000 listens. Furthermore, his influence extends to launching the Franco Route GeoTour, which saw over 4,500 separate finds in its first two years.
In addition to his impactful digital presence, Mike serves as a Board Member of Héritage, Corp., a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds to support young adults studying French in Québec. His commitment to education and preservation of the French language and culture is further evidenced by his role as the Producer of French-Canadian Voyages, a forthcoming YouTube series that captures the essence of Franco-American sites throughout New England.
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Lauréats Passés – Past recipients
2023 M. Jesse Martineau
2022 M. Timothy Beaulieu
2021 Mme Aurore Dionne Eaton
2020 (Pas de célébration)
2019 Mme Doris Irène Proulx
2018 Mme Josée Vachon
2017 M. Maurice Demers
2016 M. et Mme Raymond et Pauline Houle
2015 Gérald Cyprien Cardinal Lacroix
2014 Mme Marie Raiche
2013 M. et Mme Emile et Suzanne Tetu
2012 M. Robert Perreault
2011 Hon. Thomas De Blois
2010 M. Roger Lacerte
2009 Mme Angele L. Côté
2008 M. Walter J. Parenteau
2007 Hon. Arman Capistran
2006 Msgr. Charles Desruisseaux
2005 M. Robert E. Raiche Sr.
2004 M. Réal Gilbert
2003 M. Edmond Girard
2002 Mme Rolande Villemure​
2002 M. Ovide M. Lamontagne
2001 Mme Gloria Pilotte
2000 M. Richard Boucher
1999 M. Andre Martel
1998 M. Roger W. Lawrence
1997 Mme Adele Boufford Baker
1996 M. Raymond Côté
1995 Dr. Sylvio Dupuis
1994 M. Richard Charpentier
1993 M. Maurice Pilotte
1992 Soeur Doris Bernier, P.M.
1991 Mme Simone T. Binette
1990 M. Robert Jobin
1989 M. et Mme Theodore et Marie Cusson
1988 Mlle Bernadette Benard
1987 M. Joseph Maltais
1986 M. Gérard Villemure
1985 (Pas de célébration)
1984 Dr. Robert Beaudoin
1983 Mme Georgette Jean