Share your talents. Give back to the community. Earn money for college. Expand your leadership skills. Learn how to write a résumé. Gain confidence in public speaking. Make new friends. Wear a cool crown.

You could be the next Miss Manteca or Manteca City Ambassador or one of 28 other titles and awards being offered during the 2014 Manteca Youth Focus (MYF) Scholarship Competitions. MYF is an award-winning volunteer organization that has been recognized as “Best of Manteca” and also by Presidents Obama, GW Bush and Clinton through the Points of Light Foundation.  Come see what the buzz is all about.

MYF scholarship competitions are open to youth and young adults between the ages of 10-20 who attend school or reside within the boundaries of the Manteca Unified School District. This includes Manteca, Lathrop, French Camp and Weston Ranch. This includes college-age students who maintain permanent residence within MUSD boundaries but may attend accredited college or university outside the area.

Candidate’s age as of March 1 determines one of the three separate age divisions; Ages 10-12, 13-15 and 16-20.

No previous experience required, no modeling, no bathing suits; MYF is all about leadership and service. They offer nearly $6,000 in educational scholarships each year and EVERY participant earns a scholarship. If you or someone you know is interested in this fun, challenging & unique opportunity please attend the upcoming information sessions to find out more. If you are under 18, plan to bring a parent or guardian.

Competition information meetings are scheduled on Tuesday, Jan. 21, and Thursday, Jan. 23, at 6:30 p.m. at Leonard Photography, 300 East Yosemite Avenue (outheast corner of Lincoln and Yosemite).

It is not too late to find out about the exciting opportunities available via Manteca Youth Focus. For more info please contact Competition Director, Shim Lacy-Watson at 209-518-3915 or email Shim@MantecaYouthFocus.org. Forms and Information can also be found at www.MantecaYouthFocus.org. Workshops begin Feb. 1