By Terry Karkos,Staff Writer

MEXICO – In an emotional presentation Tuesday night, former Town Manager Joseph Derouche was named Mexico Citizen of the Year for 2005.

Many of the more than 100 people who attended the Mexico Night of Appreciation ceremony in the Recreation Center wiped tears from their eyes and gave a standing ovation.

Disabled with multiple sclerosis and in a special wheelchair, Derouche struggled to overcome emotions.

“All I ever wanted was for the betterment of our community,” he said, voice breaking.

He thanked those who helped him unify the town and force it to redevelop to the point of being on the verge of a major economic boom.

“Hopefully, the things we put in place will come true. I’m only 45 years old, but I still have a lot of vision and thoughts, so, maybe, you’ll see me come back (from the disease), maybe you won’t. I had 12 years here to be with you,” Derouche said.

“I appreciate this award, and I thank everyone in this building from the bottom of my heart. Thanks a lot,” he added.

With a voice thick with emotion, Board of Selectmen Chairman Barbara Laramee set the stage to honor Derouche, reading a letter from resident Ernest Robichaud that moved the board to select Derouche.

“This individual not only possesses a desire to see his community prosper and thrive, but gets involved in such a way as to see that it happens,” Laramee read.

“His foresight and ability to see potential gains for our area has helped to revitalize area committees and has brought interested participants into the community.

“Thanks, Joe, for making Mexico, Maine, stand out on the map,” she said.

Other top awards went to Millicent Mann, named Volunteer of the Year; Sheryl Briggs, named Full-Time Employee of the Year; and Fire Chief Gary Wentzell, Part-Time Reserve Employee of the Year.

After listing the several organizations to which Mann volunteers time and money, and her accomplishments, Town Manager John Madigan said Mann “has had a sincere dedication, passion and love for our great town of Mexico.”

Reading from a nomination letter by Louise Arsenault, Madigan said of Briggs, “When our soldiers were about to return home from tour of duty, (Briggs) decided that they were not going to get the same reception that our Vietnam veterans received.”

He said she “took on the tedious job of spearheading the perfect reception, and, to go beyond that, as she is known to do, also acknowledged all Vietnam vets at that time, as well as all veterans.”

Madigan recognized Wentzell for “continuing to give efficient, prompt service to the community.”

Madigan’s office staff, Briggs, Penny Duguay, Janna Schuster and Anne Young, won the Town Manager’s Award.