HISTORY OF EXCELLENCE
Founded in 1968, the Miss Manteca program originated as a contest that chose a local girl to represent the business community and the Manteca Chamber of Commerce. In 1987 the program was lead by the Manteca 4th of July Celebration committee and combined the previous Miss Manteca title with the Miss 4th of July title. After the 1991 contest, the program went dark through 1994. It was that year that the former director, Carol Noceti, approached former titleholder Shim Lacy, to “reimagine” the program altogether. Inspired by a similar former state program, Manteca Youth Focus was born. MYF removed all phases of competition pertaining to physical beauty and added the “Ambassador” program for young men and the “Teen Division” for ages 13-15. In 1999, they expanded further to include the “Young Division” for ages 10-12. In 2009, the program evolved to add the “Community Advocacy Project” speech phase which challenges all youth participants across all age divisions to develop a platform to address an issue in the community for which they would like to have a positive impact. Today, the Manteca Youth Focus Scholarship Competitions are the premier youth leadership and development program in the greater Manteca community, having awarded well over $50,000 in educational scholarships over the past two decades.
THE CITY TITLES
Manteca Youth Focus awards the city titles and educational scholarships to winners of their respective age divisions in the annual Manteca Youth Focus Scholarship Competition. These young people have served as the “captains of our all-star team” representing the city of Manteca and Manteca Youth Focus at dozens of community events throughout the Central Valley of California.
Here is a summary of the outstanding young men and women of achievement who have earned this special recognition.
Since 1995, Manteca Youth Focus has sponsored and awarded the Miss Manteca title and scholarship to the winner of the annual Manteca Youth Focus Scholarship Competition in the 16-20 age division:
- 2023 Sheen Gupta
- 2022 Molly Dua
- 2021 Arveen Birdi
- 2019-20 Sydnee Navarro
- 2018 Ashlynn Nussbaumer
- 2017 Christina (Arcos) Rivas
- 2016 Allison Nussbaumer
- 2015 Liana Bassett
- 2014 Priscilla Ohnmacht, also Golden State Ambassadress ’15
- 2013 Carolina (Gutierrez) Diaz
- 2012 Myklyn (Balmut) Wasserman, also Miss California State ’14
- 2011 Victoria (Watson) Pulido
- 2010 Tanya (Towner) Hopkins
- 2009 Amanda (Rosas) Durbin, also Miss California State ’10
- 2008 Ashley (Parker) Norman
- 2007 Emma (Henry) Birlew
- 2006 Lauren (Robins) Homer
- 2005 Amber (Fonseca) Baxter, also Golden State Ambassadress ’06
- 2004 Michelle Priest
- 2003 Katie Farnsworth
- 2001-02 Kristina (Priest) Stamper, also Miss California State ’03
- 2000 Amber (Adams) Dixon-Campbell, also Miss California State ’01
- 1999 Tiffany (Gerstel) Douglas
- 1998 Gina (McKeever) Loza
- 1996-97 Kristina (Rich) Busch
- 1995 Tammy (Garrison) Tubbs
In 1994, members of the former Manteca 4th of July Celebration Committee held a contest to bring back the Miss Manteca title. Later this same year, Manteca Youth Focus was officially formed and was granted permission to take on the leadership of the title.
- 1994 Donnell (Carter) Snyder
From 1987 – 1993, the official title was changed to Miss Manteca 4th of July and was sponsored by Manteca 4th of July Celebration Committee:
- 1991-93 Tedra (Williams) Torrice
- 1990 Shim Lacy
- 1989 Shannon (Leatherwood) Gieselman
- 1988 Ericka (Mendes) Meadows
- 1987 Jacqueline (Guillory) Hensley
Established in 1968 through 1986, the Miss Manteca title was sponsored by Manteca Chamber of Commerce:
- 1986 Dana Fortsen
- 1985 Millie Morales
- 1984 Paula (Tilton) Lewis
- 1983 Elizabeth (Cafferky) Sudkin
- 1982 Suzanne Lasiter
- 1981 Lenna (Martz) Lewis
- 1980 Cheryl (Scarbrough) Neuner
- 1979 Sandy Mulvihill
- 1978 Marcie Hansen, also Miss San Joaquin County ’78
- 1977 Paula (Langum) Fonseca
- 1976 Renee (Johnson) Mullings
- 1975 Gayle (Myers) Green
- 1974 Kathleen (Kelley) Skudstad
- 1973 Alicia (Anderson) Burgess
- 1972 Maureen (Groznik) Harrah
- 1971 Kristie (McDougall) Sickler
- 1970 Rhonda (Behlin) Waddle
- 1969 Yvonne Silva
- 1968 Karla (Anderson) Bishop, 1st to hold this title
Established in 1994, Manteca Youth Focus created and continues to sponsor the Manteca City Ambassador title and scholarship which is awarded to the winner of the annual Manteca Youth Focus Scholarship Competition in the 16-20 age division:
- 2023 Erfan Ballew
- 2022 Landon Everett Wolfe
- 2021 Scott Whitby
- 2017 Gabriel Ortega
- 2016 Nathaniel Padilla
- 2015 Lechi Nkwocha
- 2014 Colton Harris, also Golden State Ambassador ’15
- 2013 John Dumaguing
- 2012 Taylor Hasal
- 2010 Dalton Harris
- 2009 Horst Bauer, also California State Ambassador ’13 & Golden State Ambassador ’12
- 2008 Greg Atherton
- 2006 James Reed, also California State Ambassador ’07
- 2005 Caleb Draper, also California State Ambassador ’06
- 2004 Matthew Vaughan, also California State Ambassador ’05
- 2001-02 Trystan Blair
- 2000 Carl Lindberg, also California State Ambassador ’02
- 1999 Jose Bosque Jr.
- 1998 Robert Heacox, also California State Ambassador ’99
- 1996 Cliff Chamberlain, also California State Ambassador ’97
- 1994-95 Dan Lansford, 1st to hold this title, also California State Ambassador ’96
Established in 1995, Manteca Youth Focus created and continues to sponsor the Miss Teen Manteca title and scholarship which is awarded to the winner of the annual Manteca Youth Focus Scholarship Competition in the 13-15 age division:
- 2023 Kennedy McLead
- 2022 Alani Isabel Mullenix
- 2021 Mallory Myers
- 2019-20 Katie Kotch
- 2018 Arveen Birdi
- 2017 Ashlynn Nussbaumer
- 2016 Sydnee Navarro
- 2015 Charissa (Goodman) Spurlock
- 2014 Allison Nussbaumer
- 2013 Priscilla Ohnmacht
- 2012 Hannah Goe
- 2011 Taela (Heath) Poulos
- 2010 Lauren (Perez) Gutierrez
- 2009 Victoria (Watson) Pulido
- 2008 Myklyn (Balmut) Wasserman
- 2007 Amanda (Rosas) Durbin
- 2006 Julie (Mello) Conti
- 2005 Ashley (Parker) Norman
- 2004 Lauren (Robins) Homer
- 2003 Michelle Priest
- 2002 Melinda Campero
- 2001 Amber (Fonseca) Baxter
- 1999-00 Melissa (Brady) Perry
- 1998 Amber (Adams) Dixon-Campbell
- 1996-97 Tiffany (Gerstel) Douglas
- 1995 Andrea (Rich) Williams, 1st to hold this title
Established in 1996, Manteca Youth Focus created and continues to sponsor the Teen Manteca City Ambassador title and scholarship which is awarded to the winner of the annual Manteca Youth Focus Scholarship Competition in the 13-15 age division:
- 2023 Trenton Bradshaw
- 2022 Marcus Menkai Ang
- 2021 Landon Wolfe
- 2019-20 Ace Sulek
- 2018 Josiah Lott
- 2017 Nicklaus Pio
- 2016 Jesus Valdez
- 2015 Matsua Garcia-Mendez
- 2014 Nathaniel Padilla
- 2013 Eriq Kurys
- 2011 Colton Harris
- 2009 Dalton Harris
- 2008 Tyler Scott
- 2007 Tyler Ryan
- 2006 Matt Hall
- 2005 Christopher Navalta, also California State Ambassador ’12, Golden State Ambassador ’11, & California State Teen Ambassador ’06”
- 2004 David Campero
- 2003 Matthew Vaughan, also California State Teen Ambassador ’02
- 2002 William Huezo
- 2001 James Reed
- 1999-00 Karl Zirpel, also California State Ambassador ’01
- 1998 Trystan Blair
- 1997 James Burns
- 1996 James Burns, 1st to hold this title
Established in 1999, Manteca Youth Focus created and continues to sponsor the Miss Young Manteca title and scholarship which is awarded to the winner of the annual Manteca Youth Focus Scholarship Competition in the 10-12 age division:
- 2023 Yannis Ang
- 2022 Izabella Louise Neuner
- 2021 Ariceli McBroom
- 2019-20 Mallory Myers
- 2018 Alani Mullenix
- 2017 Danielle Grabowski
- 2016 Brooklynn Cockriel
- 2015 Katelin Bean
- 2014 Sydnee Navarro
- 2013 Ashlynn Nussbaumer
- 2012 Allison Nuassbaumer
- 2011 Priscilla Ohnmacht
- 2010 Taela (Heath) Poulos
- 2009 Lauren (Perez) Gutierrez
- 2008 Emma (Scott) Piet
- 2007 Jordan Renfro
- 2006 Destiny Sexton
- 2005 Cheyenne Milligan, also California State Teen Ambassadress ’09 & Golden State Teen Ambassadress ’08
- 2004 Amanda (Rosas) Durbin
- 2003 Lexie (Duncan) Bennett
- 2002 Julie (Mello) Conti
- 2000-01 Jacqueline Vargas
- 1999 Ashley (Gerstel) Rohles, 1st to hold this titlz
Established in 1999, Manteca Youth Focus created and continues to sponsor the Young Manteca City Ambassador title and scholarship which is awarded to the winner of the annual Manteca Youth Focus Scholarship Competition in the 10-12 age division:
- 2023 Jacob Russell
- 2021 Trenton Bradshaw
- 2017 Dylan Owens
- 2014 Tyler Plath
- 2013 Bradley LeBaron
- 2012 Erick Enriquez
- 2010 Eriq Kurys
- 2009 Nicolas Perez
- 2008 Colton Harris
- 2007 Tyler Scott
- 2006 Charlie Priest, also California State Ambassador ’14”
- 2005 Marcus Baziuk
- 2004 Gabriel Castellanos
- 2003 Christopher Navalta
- 2002 Alejandro Cordaway Jr.
- 1999 Matthew Vaughan, 1st to hold this title
THE PUMPKIN FAIR TITLES
Manteca Youth Focus awards the Pumpkin Fair titles to the 1st alternates of their respective age divisions in the annual Manteca Youth Focus Scholarship Competition. These young people earn scholarships sponsored by the Manteca Sunrise Kiwanis Club and have served as the official host and hostess of the annual Manteca Pumpkin Fair, an event that attracts tens of thousands of visitors to Downtown Manteca in October each year.
Here is a summary of the outstanding young men and women of achievement who have earned this special recognition.
Since 1999, Manteca Youth Focus has awarded the Miss Pumpkin Fair title with a scholarship sponsored by the Manteca Sunrise Kiwanis Club to the 1st alternate in the annual Manteca Youth Focus Scholarship Competition in the 16-20 age division:
- 2023 Mallory Myers
- 2022 Alyssa Krissy Dominguez
- 2021 Molly Dua
- 2019-20 Molly Dua
- 2018 Molly Dua
- 2017 Carolina (Ortega) Vargas
- 2016 Christina (Arcos) Rivas
- 2015 Fechi Nkwocha
- 2014 Liana Bassett
- 2013 Liana Bassett
- 2012 Jessica Ray
- 2011 Jessica Ray
- 2010 Victoria (Watson) Pulido
- 2009 Tanya (Towner) Hopkins
- 2008 Amanda (Rosas) Durbin
- 2007 Ashley (Parker) Norman
- 2006 Kellie (Kotch) Mendoza
- 2004-05 Ashley (Gerstel) Rohles
- 2003 Melinda Campero, also Miss California State ’04
- 2001-02 Mary (Hernandez) Ealy
- 2000 Kristina (Priest) Stamper
- 1999 Stephanie Angel
In 1998, Manteca Youth Focus partnered with the Manteca Sunrise Kiwanis to reestablish the Miss Pumpkin Fair title which was initially awarded to the 2nd alternate in the annual Manteca Youth Focus Scholarship Competition in the 16-20 age division:
- 1998 Breanne (Wigginton) Ferguson*
From 1982 to 1998, the Miss Pumpkin Fair title was sponsored by the Manteca Sunrise Kiwanis Club and awarded during a separate pageant held during the annual Manteca Pumpkin Fair
- 1987 April Thomas
- 1985-86 Adelle Perez
- 1984 Dianna Wyrsch
- 1982 Denise Furtado
Prior to 1982 the title of Miss Pumpkin Festival Queen was awarded by the Manteca Jaycee’s Club:
- 1981 Paula (Tilton) Lewis
- 1980 Rena (Lundgren) Uecker
- 1979 Dori (Overstreet) Richardson
- 1976 Raelene (Quaresma) Minaudo
- 1975 Jeri Nunes
- 1974 Barbara (Johnson) Maplethorpe, 1st to hold this title
*deceased
Since 1999, Manteca Youth Focus has awarded the Pumpkin Fair Ambassador title to the 1st alternate in the annual Manteca Youth Focus Scholarship Competition in the 16-20 age division:
- 2023 Ace Orion Sulek
- 2022 Ace Orion Sulek
- 2016 Gabriel Ortega
- 2014 Jose Fausto
- 2013 John Shaughnessy IV
- 2012 Thomas Klingenfuss
- 2009 John-Alan Hewitt
- 2008 Patrick Baker
- 2006 John Igisaiar
- 2004-05 Christopher Wychules
- 2001-02 Caleb Draper
- 2000 Tim Clark, 1st to hold this title
Since 1999, Manteca Youth Focus has awarded the Miss Teen Pumpkin Fair title to the 1st alternate in the annual Manteca Youth Focus Scholarship Competition in the 13-15 age division:
- 2023 Saige Carstersen
- 2022 Elizabeth Elektra Neuner
- 2021 Brooklynn Cockriel
- 2018 Katie Kotch
- 2017 Molly Dua
- 2015-16 Ashlynn Nussbaumer
- 2013-14 Katherine Ray
- 2012 Priscilla Ohnmacht
- 2010-11 Robyn Glover
- 2009 Jordan Renfro
- 2008 Tanya (Towner) Hopkins
- 2007 Cheyenne Milligan
- 2006 Amanda (Rosas) Durbin
- 2005 Kristina (Candelaria) Valencia
- 2004 Kellie (Kotch) Mendoza
- 2003 Brittany (Lew) Russell
- 2002 Michelle Priest
- 2001 Dominique Vargas
- 1999-00 Ronnie Joy (Maier) Rodriguez
Established in 1998, Manteca Youth Focus initially awarded the title of Miss Teen Pumpkin Fair to the 2nd alternate in the annual Manteca Youth Focus Scholarship Competition in the 13-15 age division:
- 1998 Lacey (Gerstel) Chamberlain, 1st to hold this title
Since 1999, Manteca Youth Focus has awarded the Teen Pumpkin Fair Ambassador title to the 1st alternate in the annual Manteca Youth Focus Scholarship Competition in the 13-15 age division:
- 2008 Dalton Harris
- 2007 Christopher Navalta
- 2003 Samuel Braitman
- 2001 Caleb Draper
- 1999-00 David Talcott, 1st to hold this title
Since 1999, Manteca Youth Focus has awarded the Miss Young Pumpkin Fair title to the 1st alternate in the annual Manteca Youth Focus Scholarship Competition in the 10-12 age division:
- 2023 Kayleigh Brooke Douglas
- 2022 Kayleigh Brooke Douglas
- 2021 Malynne Myers
- 2019-20 Lauren Cross
- 2018 Madilyn Garrison
- 2016 Emma Yeszin
- 2013-15 Arianna Kurys
- 2011 Allison Nussbaumer
- 2010 Cipriana Lopez
- 2008 Taela (Heath) Poulos
- 2009 Taela (Heath) Poulos
- 2007 Lauren (Perez) Gutierrez
- 2006 Myklyn (Balmut) Wasserman
- 2004-05 Destiny Sexton
- 2003 Amanda (Rosas) Durbin
- 2002 Lexie (Duncan) Bennett
- 2001 Brittany (Leland) Miles
- 2000 Brianna Bettancourt, also Golden State Jr. Ambassadress ’00
- 1999 Erika (Walters) Austin, 1st to hold this title
Since 1999, Manteca Youth Focus has awarded the Young Pumpkin Fair Ambassador title to the 1st alternate in the annual Manteca Youth Focus Scholarship Competition in the 10-12 age division:
- 2023 Caden Stephens
- 2013 Tyler Plath
- 2011 Zachary Chamberlain
- 2009 Eriq Kurys
- 2007 Colton Harris
- 2006 Kyle Wollaston, 1st to hold this title
WATERMELON STREET FAIR TITLEHOLDERS
In 2021, Manteca Youth Focus, in partnership with the Manteca Chamber of Commerce, created a new scholarship which is awarded to the 2nd alternate in the annual Manteca Youth Focus Scholarship Competition. In 2023, the program was edited to promote the Upper Age Division. These young people earn scholarships sponsored by the Manteca Chamber of Commerce and represent the Manteca Crossroads Watermelon Street Faire:
- 2023 Elizabeth Neuner
- 2022 Autumn Nicole Nava
- 2021 Elizabeth Neuner, 1st to hold this title
- 2022 Deziree Alexiz Valladarez, 1st and only to hold this title
- 2022 Yannis Enlin Ang, 1st and only to hold this title
WINTER FEST TITLEHOLDERS
Manteca Youth Focus may award the Winter Fest titles to the 3rd alternates in the annual Manteca Youth Focus Scholarship Competition when there are at least 5 competitors in their respective age divisions. These young people earn scholarships sponsored by Manteca Youth Focus and represent MYF at various winter themed holiday events throughout Manteca.
Here is a summary of the outstanding young men and women of achievement who have earned this special recognition.
Beginning in 2022, Manteca Youth Focus may sponsor and award the title of Miss Winter Fest to the 3rd alternate in the annual Manteca Youth Focus Scholarship Competition in the 16-20 age division.
From 2003-2021, Manteca Youth Focus sponsored and awarded the Miss Winter Fest title to the 2nd alternate in the annual Manteca Youth Focus Scholarship Competition in the 16-20 age division:
- 2023 Alyssa Dominguez
- 2019-20 Johanna Lott
- 2015 Cynthia Frausto
- 2014 Chabryel (Snaer-Fay) Honoré
- 2013 Robyn Glover
- 2012 Liana Bassett
- 2011 Serena (Wood) Shelton
- 2009-10 Erika Hafer
- 2008 Sarah (Dankiewicz) Langdon
- 2007 Haley Hoffdahl
- 2006 Emma (Henry) Birlew
- 2005 Lauren (Robins) Homer
- 2003-04 Kristin (DePrater) Laney
From 1999-2002, Manteca Youth Focus awarded the Miss Winter Festival title to the 2nd alternate in the annual Manteca Youth Focus Scholarship Competition in the 16-20 age division. The Manteca Lions Club continued to sponsor the educational scholarship:
- 2001-02 Lacey Fonseca
- 2000 Shae O’Mara
- 1999 Laura (Johnston) Sizemore
Established in 1996, Manteca Youth Focus partnered with the Manteca Lions Club to create the Miss Winter Festival title and scholarship which was initially awarded to the 1st alternate in the annual Manteca Youth Focus Scholarship Competition in the 16-20 age division:
- 1998 Lanette (Day) Trickey
- 1996-97 Stacey Davis, 1st to hold this title
Beginning in 2022, Manteca Youth Focus may sponsor and award the title of Winter Fest Ambassador to the 3rd alternate in the annual Manteca Youth Focus Scholarship Competition in the 16-20 age division.
From 2003-2021, Manteca Youth Focus sponsored and awarded the Winter Fest Ambassador title to the 2nd alternate in the annual Manteca Youth Focus Scholarship Competition in the 16-20 age division.
From 1999-2002, Manteca Youth Focus awarded the Winter Fest Ambassador title to the 2nd alternate in the annual Manteca Youth Focus Scholarship Competition in the 16-20 age division. The Manteca Lions Club continued to sponsor the educational scholarship:
- 2001 Andrew Teller
- 2000 Trystan Blair
- 1999 Andrew Teller, also California State Ambassador ’00
Established in 1996, Manteca Youth Focus partnered with the Manteca Lions Club to create the Winter Festival Ambassador title to the 1st alternate in the annual Manteca Youth Focus Scholarship Competition in the 16-20 age division:
- 1998 Christopher Steuer
- 1996-97 Matthew Grizzle, 1st to hold this title
Beginning in 2022, Manteca Youth Focus may sponsor and award the Miss Teen Winter Fest title to the 3rd alternate in the annual Manteca Youth Focus Scholarship Competition in the 13-15 age division.
From 2003-2021, Manteca Youth Focus sponsored and awarded the Miss Teen Winter Fest title to the 2nd alternate in the annual Manteca Youth Focus Scholarship Competition in the 13-15 age division:
- 2021 Alani Mullenix
- 2014 Cynthia Frausto
- 2013 Allison Nussbaumer
- 2012 Katherine Ray
- 2010-11 Liana Bassett
- 2009 Marissa Candelaria
- 2008 Destiny Sexton
- 2007 Rachel (Clinton) Flick
- 2006 Ayla Fleming
- 2004 Katelyn (Johnton) Holte
- 2003 Lauren (Robins) Homer
From 1999-2002, Manteca Youth Focus awarded the Miss Teen Winter Fest title to the 2nd alternate in the annual Manteca Youth Focus Scholarship Competition in the 13-15 age division. The Manteca Lions Club continued to sponsor the educational scholarship:
- 2002 Ashley (Gerstel) Rohles
- 2001 Stephanie Hilson
- 1999-00 Amber (Fonseca) Baxter
Established in 1996, Manteca Youth Focus partnered with the Manteca Lions Club to create the Miss Teen Winter Festival title to the 1st alternate in the annual Manteca Youth Focus Scholarship Competition in the 13-15 age division:
- 1998 Valerie (Howes) Abenroth
- 1996-97 Amber (Adams) Campbell, 1st to hold this title
Beginning in 2022, Manteca Youth Focus may sponsor and award the Teen Winter Fest Ambassador title to the 3rd alternate in the annual Manteca Youth Focus Scholarship Competition in the 13-15 age division.
From 2003-2021, Manteca Youth Focus sponsored and awarded the Teen Winter Fest Ambassador title to the 2nd alternate in the annual Manteca Youth Focus Scholarship Competition in the 13-15 age division:
From 1999-2002, Manteca Youth Focus awarded the Teen Winter Fest Ambassador title to the 2nd alternate in the annual Manteca Youth Focus Scholarship Competition in the 13-15 age division. The Manteca Lions Club continued to sponsor the educational scholarship:
- 2003 Ricardo Granados
- 1999-00 Wesley Chamberlain
Established in 1996, Manteca Youth Focus partnered with the Manteca Lions Club to create the Teen Winter Festival Ambassador title to the 1st alternate in the annual Manteca Youth Focus Scholarship Competition in the 13-15 age division:
- 1998 Christopher Spurgeon, 1st to hold this title
Beginning in 2022, Manteca Youth Focus may sponsor and award the Young Winter Fest Ambassador title to the 3rd alternate in the annual Manteca Youth Focus Scholarship Competition in the 10-12 age division.
Beginning in 2022, Manteca Youth Focus may sponsor and award the Miss Young Winter Fest title to the 3rd alternate in the annual Manteca Youth Focus Scholarship Competition in the 10-12 age division.
From 2003-2021, Manteca Youth Focus sponsored and awarded the Miss Young Winter Fest title to the 2nd alternate in the annual Manteca Youth Focus Scholarship Competition in the 10-12 age division:
- 2023 Madison Motzkus
- 2022 Madison Motzkus
- 2018 Sophie Cockriel
- 2014 Nora Herzog
- 2013 Charissa (Goodman) Spurlock
- 2012 Ashlynn Nussbaumer
- 2011 Nancy Enriquez
- 2010 Mikaela Bristow
- 2009 Cipriana Lopez
- 2008 Lauren (Perez) Gutierrez
- 2007 Myklyn (Balmut) Wasserman
- 2006 Nicole (Moreno) Daniels
- 2005 Marisa Hadley
- 2004 Cheyenne Milligan
- 2003 Brittany (Leland) Miles
From 1999-2002, Manteca Youth Focus awarded the Miss Young Winter Fest title to the 2nd alternate in the annual Manteca Youth Focus Scholarship Competition in the 10-12 age division with sponsorship by the Manteca Lions Club for the educational scholarship:
- 2002 Amanda (Rosas) Durbin
- 2000-01 Lexie (Duncan) Bennett
- 1999 Dominique Vargas, 1st to hold this title
From 2003-2021, Manteca Youth Focus sponsored and awarded the Young Winter Fest Ambassador title to the 2nd alternate in the annual Manteca Youth Focus Scholarship Competition in the 10-12 age division:
- 2007 Scott Fisher, 1st to hold this title
From 1999-2002, Manteca Youth Focus awarded the Young Winter Fest Ambassador title to the 2nd alternate in the annual Manteca Youth Focus Scholarship Competition in the 10-12 age division with sponsorship by the Manteca Lions Club for the educational scholarship.
Breanne Wigginton Memorial Most Inspirational Award
The Most Inspirational Award is an historically iconic honor awarded each year during our annual scholarship competitions. This award is perhaps the most special because it is the contestants themselves that select the recipients in each age level they believe best represents the mission and goals of the MYF scholarship competitions. It reminds us to have humility in victory and sportsmanship in defeat and to put the needs of others before ourselves.
In the senior division (ages 16-20), this award takes on additional significance, as it is dedicated in loving memory to Breanne Wigginton. Breanne was one of the original youth participants in MYF programs in the mid-90’s. She competed at the teen and adult levels, never having earned a title on stage. However, she did win the most inspirational award each time. In 1998, she was selected as Miss Pumpkin Fair mid-year just weeks before the fair, as MYF entered a partnership with the Manteca Sunrise Kiwanis to have our alternates serve as their titleholders. Breanne was crowned, very humbly and without fanfare, in the then director Carol Noceti’s living room alongside the teen alternate Lacey Chamberlain. Both girls were overjoyed to have this honor and set a new standard for sportsmanship, humility and grace. Their tremendous year of service set a new standard for youth service but also solidified a close sponsorship relationship with the Manteca Sunrise Kiwanis that continues to this day. Breanne was not only a talented artist, musician and vocalist but her greatest lasting legacy and most precious title was that of loving mother to her two beautiful daughters. While in high school Breanne was an athlete and volunteered as member of the Manteca Police Explorers. After high school she went on to serve our country in the military and also entered the sheriff’s academy. Tragically, her light was extinguished much too soon. In 2019, the MYF Board of Directors voted to rename the senior division inspirational award in her honor in the hopes to carry on her legacy of loving kindness and service above self.
- 2023 Who will it be?! Join us Sunday 6/25 at the Manteca Senior Center!
- 2022 Alyssa Dominguez
- 2021 Arveen Birdi
- 2019-20 Johanna Lott, 1st to earn this award