Contestants are being sought for the second annual Manteca Jubilee competition on March 20.

Up for grabs are four sets of Ms. Manteca and Mr. Manteca crowns:

*Jubilee (ages 21-34)

*Jubilee Elite (ages 35-49)

*Jubilee Elegant (ages 50-64)

*Jubilee Classic (ages 65 plus)

The competition that includes categories of speech, patriotic dress, and formal attire is part of a fundraising dinner set for March 20 at the Manteca Senior Center to raise funds for the Manteca Youth Focus scholarship program.

“The Manteca Youth Jubilee is a fun fundraising contest for adults where everyday community members get to dress up, be celebrated, and support youth scholarships at the same time,” said Shim Lacy who helped found the youth service group.

Last year, Manteca Youth Focus titleholders and all-star teams logged a combined 16,000 hours of community service.

“No pageant experience required,” Lacy said. “No perfection expected. No pressure. Just a welcoming environment that asks you to share your heart, humor and willingness to say ‘yes’.”

Lacy added, “this is about stepping outside your comfort zone in a safe, supportive way and doing something memorable for yourself while making a difference for young people in our community.”

The winners receive a crown and will ride on a float for the Fourth of July parade when Manteca marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence this year.

The success of the initial Manteca Jubilee allowed Manteca Youth Focus to increase the size of their main scholarships for the winners of the Miss Manteca and Manteca City Ambassador from $1,500 to $5,000.

Lacy noted that is enough to almost cover a year’s tuition at a California State University campus are all of the fees for a two-year community college degree plus cover most of the books.

 “That is real impact, real students, real futures changed,” Lacy said.

Information and entry forms for the Manteca Jubilee can be obtained by calling Lacy at 209-518-3915 or emailing shimlacy@gmail.com.

The deadline to enter the Manteca Jubilee competition is Feb. 15.

Manteca Youth Focus is now taking applications for its various scholarship competitions.

More information as well as the application forms can be found at mantecayouthfocus.org.

The deadline for entering Manteca Youth Focus competitions is March 15.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com