The Manteca Historical Museum has expanded its tradition of honoring Manteca Youth Focus royalty unveiling portraits not only of Miss Manteca, but also of the Manteca City Ambassador.
The unveiling ceremony, held inside the museum last week, marked a historic moment for the community. Dozens gathered, including members of the Manteca Youth Focus (MYF) board, past and present titleholders, and museum leadership, including museum director, to celebrate the installation of the official portraits of Miss Manteca 2025 Kylie Anderson and Manteca City Ambassador 2025 Nihar Jain.
Each year the portrait of each Miss Manteca has been added to the museum’s permanent collection, beginning with the first titleholder, Karla Anderson-Bishop, who was crowned in 1968 by the Manteca Chamber of Commerce. Kylie Anderson now joins the distinguished line of 52 women before her as the 53rd Miss Manteca.
The Manteca City Ambassador title, introduced in 1994 during MYF’s inaugural year, has recognized 23 young men for their service and leadership. Until now, however, their images have not been part of the city’s visual legacy at the museum. Museum leaders have announced plans to collaborate with MYF to gather and display all past portraits of former Manteca City Ambassadors alongside the Miss Manteca collection.
“This is an extraordinary step forward,” said Douglas Scott, MYF Board President and Scholarship Competition Division Director. “For 31 years, young men have carried the torch of service as Manteca City Ambassadors. To see their leadership and legacy honored here in the same way as Miss Manteca is deeply meaningful for our organization and for the history of Manteca.”
In his remarks, Manteca City Ambassador 2025 Nihar Jain reflected on the significance of being the first City Ambassador portrait displayed in the museum.
“I remember visiting this museum and thinking how amazing it would be to also recognize the City Ambassadors,” Jain said. “I am so honored to be chosen as the first to be there, and I know I will not be the last. My goal has always been to show the youth of our community that hard work and dedication truly do pay off.”
He added, “If every youth kept that in mind, we would not only have a stronger community and city, but we would have a stronger world.”
Miss Manteca 2025 Kylie Anderson shared how meaningful it was to see her portrait placed among the women who have carried the crown before her.
“This museum preserves the history and heart of our town, and to be included in that legacy is something I will treasure forever,” Anderson said. “Each connection I’ve made as Miss Manteca has shown me just how rich Manteca’s history and spirit really are. My hope is that others feel inspired to step into their own communities, because when you do, you discover that being part of something bigger than yourself is where the most incredible opportunities come from.”
The unveiling comes just weeks after the 2025 MYF Scholarship Competitions, where 42 youth competed and a record-breaking $16,675 in scholarships was awarded. Both Anderson and Jain emerged as the winners from this year’s contest and now carry forward its legacy of service.
As the portraits of Miss Manteca and City Ambassador hang side by side for the first time, the museum celebrates not only two outstanding young leaders, but also the living, growing history of Manteca itself.
