Franco-américain de l'année
Franco-American of the Year
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(e) 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.
The recipient is recognized based upon demonstrated successes including, but not limited to:
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
The recipient embodies the celebrated values of Franco-American heritage:
Integrity
Work Ethic
Community Spirit
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.
The Franco-American of the Year award is typically announced during the Saint-Jean-Baptiste
celebrations of June 24.
Mayor Jay Ruais
The Franco-American Centre of New Hampshire is proud to recognize The Honorable Jay Ruais as the 2026 Franco-American of the Year for his outstanding commitment to promoting French language, culture, and heritage in New Hampshire.
Originally from Salem, New Hampshire, Mayor Ruais traces his paternal heritage to Québec. Inspired from a young age to serve others, he has dedicated his career to public service as an officer in the Army National Guard, a policy professional, nonprofit executive, and, since January 2024, the 49th Mayor of Manchester.
Throughout his tenure as mayor, Jay Ruais has embraced and celebrated Manchester's rich Franco-American heritage. Under his leadership, the city's first French Immersion program was launched in the Manchester School District, providing new opportunities for students to learn the French language and connect with the region's cultural roots. He has also supported efforts to strengthen international ties through the Sister Cities initiative between Manchester and Sherbrooke, Québec.
Mayor Ruais has remained committed to improving the quality of life for all Manchester residents while recognizing the important role the Franco-American community has played in shaping the city's identity. His collaborative leadership with city officials, community organizations, and residents has contributed to Manchester's national recognition as one of the country's best-run cities, reflecting improvements in education, public safety, economic opportunity, infrastructure, and overall quality of life.
Through his leadership, service, and dedication to preserving the region's Franco-American legacy, The Honorable Jay Ruais joins a distinguished group of recipients whose work continues to enrich our community.
Lauréats Passés – Past recipients
2025 Dr. Katharine Harrington, PhD
2024 M. Mike Campbell
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
Do you know a good candidate for 2027?
Recognize an outstanding Franco-American?
Submit your nomination by emailing
info@facnh.com
Please include your name and phone number.
The nominee's contact information and
A brief summary (1 to 2 paragraph) of why the nominee shoul be selected for the award.
Vous connaissez un(e) Franco-Américain(e) exceptionnel(le)?
Proposez sa candidature en envoyant un courriel à
info@facnh.com
Veuillez inclure votre nom et numéro de téléphone.
Les coordonnées du (de la) nominée et
Un bref résumé (1 à 2 paragraphes) des raisons pour lesquelles le (la) candidat(e) doit être sélectionné(e) pour le prix.