Next week Cosmopolitan magazine will name Derek Hawkes, 23, of Gorham, Maine’s most eligible bachelor. Hawkes, an insurance specialist with Unum and a 2003 Gorham High School grad, was surprised by his initial nomination and then “floored” when he learned of the honor, he said (see www.cosmopolitan.com for all 50 bachelors). The part-time freelance model and bartender recently sat down with the American Journal to talk about the recognition, why the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation is important to him and what the future holds.

Q: How do you get nominated for something like this?

A: I didn’t even know. You obviously don’t nominate yourself, and me being a guy I don’t even read Cosmo, being a chick magazine, but I guess what they had to do is fill out an online submission. Back in April or March, Cosmo would send out a form asking if they knew of someone who would be a fit for this and to send in two pictures and submit a 250-word blurb on why you think this person would be one of the hottest bachelors. I was down in Miami doing a modeling gig and I got a call from Cosmo. I said “What! What are you talking about?” I thought it was one of my friends pulling my leg or something. Sure enough they said, “somebody nominated you and we picked you for Maine.” Now what happens there is online voting for all 50 of us and whoever are the top six will have a chance to become Cosmo’s Bachelor of the Year. The grand prize is $10,000.

Q: What do you like to do for fun?

A: Go to the beach. I work out quite a bit. I go to Boston a lot because I am a huge Celtics and Red Sox fan, and I try to go to as many games as I can. I barbecue in the back yard and some times just hanging out. Friends are definitely important. I’ve got a good core group of friends that I like to hang out with.

Q: What type of literature do you like to read?

A: I am big into suspense. No particular authors to name of, but definitely that sort of genre, as well as anything kind of sports related I’m definitely into.

Q: When it comes to causes or charities, which are important to you?

A: Multiple sclerosis is a big one for me because my grandmother has it. It kind of hit home.

Q: What do you look for in a woman?

A: That’s definitely been the big one. Somebody who’s really driven for success is kind of huge for me. I’d be lying if I didn’t say looks are important, too, because if you’re not attracted to the person you might as well be friends. I definitely think someone who is goal driven.

Q: Why are you still a bachelor?

A: I cannot seem to find a normal girl. My ex-girlfriend, that was just not happening for me. At this point, I have been in three solid relationships that have lasted a total of six years, and all three of them ended horribly. I’ve kind of just stepped back, and if something happens, it happens.

Q: What are your views of this upcoming political season?

A: I think everyone needs to get out and vote. I think that our economy is in horrific shape right now. I was reading statistics online the other day that there is a decent percentage of Americans who are not even registered to vote, and I think that’s huge obviously. I think the main thing is to get out and vote, and it doesn’t really matter who you’re voting for, as long as you’re getting out there and putting your 2 cents in.

Q: Are the Red Sox going to win the World Series?

A: They better. Four years ago I would’ve said no chance. I’ve only lived through not many years of the entire depression that Sox fans have gone through, but coming so close in ’03, winning it in ’04 and ’07 and now maybe this year, I think they’ve got a good chance, especially after last night’s win (Monday night’ ALDS-clinching win against the Los Angeles Angels) we’ll move forward and see what happens.

Q: Fifty years from now, where do you see yourself?

A: Fifty years from now, wow. I’ll be 73, so I would hope by that point I’m retired and living still probably in Maine, but definitely having a secondary home down south. Hopefully been married many years by that point, have some grandkids and just enjoying life.

Q: Who has been the biggest influence in your life?

A: As cliche as it sounds I’m going with my parents. They set the bar for me as far as lessons in life, the upbringing and most of what I’ve learned came from them. They have helped make me into what I am today. I definitely have no regrets, and I thank them every day for it.

Derek Hawkes, 23 of Gorham, has been named as one of the ‘Hot Bachelors of 2008’ by Cosmopolitan magazine.