By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
MYF young leaders shine: Celebrating scholarship winners and Manteca’s community champions
youth focus pants
This file photo shows an example of the many community service projects Manteca Youth Focus members have done over the years. From left, Alyssa Dominguez, who was Miss Pumpkin Fair, and Miss Watermelon Street Fair Autumn Nava after they teamed up to collect over 200 pairs of jeans for Ray of Hope's Jeans 4 Teens Drive.

By SHIM LACY

For the Bulletin

Each year, Manteca’s signature events bring the community together to celebrate local culture and foster civic pride.

The “Family” City of Manteca is well known for its annual 4th of July parade and Manteca Pumpkin Fair, sponsored by the Manteca Sunrise Kiwanis Club, Watermelon Street Faire, coordinated by the Manteca Chamber of Commerce, as well as a variety of winter holiday themed activities including the City of Manteca Tree Lighting Ceremony and Christmas at the Center event and the chamber’s Twilight Holiday Parade and Christmas in the Park activities.

Manteca Youth Focus (MYF) is dedicated to promoting these events in an unconventional way — by awarding “titles” as well as educational scholarships to deserving youth via their annual Manteca Scholarship Competition.

MYF is also unique in the world of “pageants” in that it offers titles to the runners-up in the scholarship program so that more students can benefit from the valuable leadership opportunities offered by serving at signature events.

These youth play a vital role in the festivities, serving as official representatives and goodwill ambassadors. Their hard work and dedication not only enrich the community but also earn them scholarships and accolades. MYF was proud to honor these remarkable young individuals who have excelled in their roles, demonstrating outstanding leadership and service.

 “These young people, working alongside our community leaders, contributed hundreds of hours of volunteer service this past year promoting our signature community events over Northern and Central California. The MYF Board is honored to include them as members of our History of Excellence,” remarked Scholarship Competition Director, Douglas Scott.

Each of them were given the opportunity to plan and carry out a “community advocacy project” to address a need in the community. Additionally they each earned a scholarship from MYF and a President’s Volunteer Service Award from the Points of Light Foundation that included a letter signed by Joe Biden, President of the United States. Advocacy project topics varied widely based upon the passion and interests of the individual team members.

Here is a brief summary of their individual highlights from their year of service:

Pumpkin Fair Representatives

Since 1998 MYF has awarded this title to youth who serve as official representatives of the annual Manteca Pumpkin Fair with scholarships partially sponsored by the Manteca Sunrise Kiwanis Club. This title is conferred to the 2nd place or “1st alternate” in each age division of the MYF Scholarship Competition.

Miss Pumpkin Fair 2023 – Mallory Myers is in the 12th grade at Joseph A. Gregori High School in Modesto and will receive a $500 scholarship. Her commendable efforts have earned her the Bronze Level President’s Volunteer Service Award.

Mallory successfully completed her third MYF Community Advocacy Project, where she supported the HOPE Family Shelter by hosting a Halloween costume collection drive and donating 15 costumes for the children. Her dedication to community service is further highlighted by her previous titles: Miss Young

Manteca 2019-20, Miss Teen Manteca 2021, and her longstanding membership in the MYF All-Star Student Service Team since 2019.

Miss Teen Pumpkin Fair 2023 – Saige Carstensen is in the 12th grade at Venture Academy in Stockton and will receive a $250 scholarship. Saige's volunteer work has been recognized with the Silver Level President’s Volunteer Service Award. She completed her second MYF Community Advocacy Project by supporting the Happy Pet Owners animal foster program, raising over $400 and collecting several hundred dollars in pet food and supplies.

Alongside her mother, Saige also fosters kittens for adoption throughout the year. Saige has been a dedicated member of the MYF All-Star Student Service Team since 2022.

Miss Young Pumpkin Fair 2023 – Kayleigh Douglas is in the 8th grade at Walter Woodward Elementary School and will receive a $100 scholarship. She has been awarded the Silver Level President’s Volunteer Service Award for her outstanding volunteer work. Kayleigh completed her MYF Community Advocacy Project by partnering with Carter’s Pet Mart in Manteca to support the Pets and Pals Animal Shelter of Lathrop.

She successfully raised over $650 in monetary donations and several hundred pounds of pet food, which Carter’s Pet Mart matched pound-for-pound. Kayleigh previously served as Miss Young Pumpkin Fair 2022 and has been a member of the MYF All-Star Student Service Team since 2022.

Young Pumpkin Fair Ambassador 2023 – Caden Stephens is in the 8th grade at Delta Charter Home School in Tracy and will receive a $100 scholarship. Caden has been an active member of the MYF All-Star Student Service Team since 2022, demonstrating a strong commitment to community service and leadership.

Watermelon Street Faire Representatives

Since 2021, MYF has honored youth with this title to serve as official representatives of the annual Crossroads Watermelon Street Faire with scholarships sponsored by the Manteca Chamber of Commerce. This title is conferred to the 3rd place or “2nd alternate” in each age division.

Miss Watermelon Street Faire 2023 – Elizabeth Neuner is in the 12th grade at Sierra High School and will receive a $500 scholarship. She has earned the Silver Level President’s Volunteer Service Award for her efforts. Elizabeth successfully completed her third MYF Community Advocacy Project in support of Agape Villages Foster Family Agency, collecting pajamas in 2021, over four dozen hygiene packs in 2022, and comfort items in 2023.

 Elizabeth previously served as the very first Miss Watermelon Street Faire in 2021, Miss Teen Pumpkin Fair 2022, and has been a member of the MYF All-Star Student Service Team since 2021.

Miss Young Watermelon Street Faire 2023 – Morgan Silva is in the 8th grade at Joshua Cowell Elementary School and will receive a $50 scholarship. She has been awarded the Gold Level President’s Volunteer Service Award. Morgan completed her MYF Community Advocacy Project with LOVE Inc. of Manteca, setting up donation stations to collect funds and school supplies for teachers and children in need across Manteca. Morgan has been a member of the MYF All-Star Student Service Team since 2022.

Winter Fest Representatives

Since 1996, MYF has honored youth with a title to serve as representatives of winter holiday themed activities throughout Manteca with scholarships sponsored by Manteca Youth Focus. When there are five or more contestants in any age division, this title is awarded to the 4th place or “3rd alternate.”

Miss Winter Fest 2023 – Alyssa Dominguez recently graduated from East Union High School and will receive a $500 scholarship. She plans to attend Modesto Junior College to pursue a career as a primary school teacher. She has been recognized with the Silver Level President’s Volunteer Service Award. Alyssa completed her second MYF Community Advocacy Project by creating the EUHS Care Closet, providing clothing and personal care items for students in need. S

he utilized social media to promote the campaign, garnering donations from the community and online. Alyssa previously served as Miss Pumpkin Fair 2022 and has been a member of the MYF All-Star Student Service Team since 2022.

Miss Young Winter Fest 2023 – Madison Motzkus is in the 8th grade at New Haven Elementary School and will receive a $50 scholarship. She has earned the Bronze Level President’s Volunteer Service Award. Madison's MYF Community Advocacy Project, scheduled for this month, will be a new event for the community.

She is partnering with the Deaf Puppy Comedy Club to host a “Four-Legged Fashion Show” to raise funds for the Manteca Animal Shelter. Madison previously served as Miss Young Winter Fest 2022 and has been a member of the MYF All-Star Student Service Team since 2022.

These young ambassadors have shown exceptional dedication and service to our community. Their achievements are a testament to their hard work and the positive impact of youth involvement in civic activities.

The MYF Board of Directors invites the community to attend the 2024 scholarship competitions where 35 outstanding young people of achievement will compete to be the next captains and their share of more than $9,000 in educational scholarships.

 The competitions will take place Saturday, June 28, at 7 p.m. m for contestants ages 16-20, and Saturday, June 29, at 9:30 a.m.. for contestants ages 10-12 and 3:00 pm for contestants ages 13-1. All shows take place at Cornerstone Community Church in Manteca.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children and available for purchase online at MantecaYouthFocus.org or at the door.

Manteca Youth Focus programs are open to youth between the ages of 9-20 from the greater Manteca community which includes the cities of Manteca, Ripon, Lathrop and the communities of River Islands, French Camp, and Weston Ranch (South Stockton).

The organization also periodically sponsors recreational “prince and princess” fundraiser programs for children ages 9 and under. For more information on MYF programs email MantecaYouthFocus@gmail.com or visit www.MantecaYouthFocus.org.