The Manteca Youth Focus’s 2009 Young Manteca Scholarship Competition is on Saturday, March 7, at 3 p.m.

The Competition for the titles of Miss Young Manteca and Young Manteca City Ambassador will be held at Cornerstone Community Church located at 17900 Comconex Road in Manteca. Miss Young Manteca 2009 Emma Scott and Young Manteca City Ambassador 2009 Colton Harris will pass the torch of leadership on to two new individuals as part of the 2009 Young Manteca Scholarship Competition.

Two young men and six young women ages 10 to 12 have stepped forward to accept the honor and challenge of serving as Young Manteca City Ambassador 2009 and Miss Young Manteca 2009. They are also competing for their share in over $600 of scholarships to be awarded through the annual Scholarship Competition.

These outstanding young individuals will be featured in the Community Advocacy Speech Competition, in which they will present a community service project to be carried out in the coming year. They will also share their unique personal talents in the Stage Arts phase of Competition.

Last week the contestants were scored in an additional 3 phases of competition including Community Service Résumé, Scholastic Achievement, and Personality Interview.

Under the direction of Kristina Stamper, a former Miss Manteca 2001-2002 and Miss California State 2003, with Co-Director Lavonna Robins and Assistant Director Alanna Robins, the theme of the competition show is “All-Star Round-Up” featuring the 2009 contestants with entertainment by the Manteca Youth Focus Entertainers and Alumni. The host for the event will be former Manteca City Ambassador 2006 and California State Ambassador 2007, James Reed and former Miss Manteca 2006, Lauren Robins.

Sponsored by Manteca Youth Focus, contestants will have the opportunity to earn an education savings bond for each of the top prizes as Miss Young Manteca and Young Manteca City Ambassador. The first alternates will also earn an educational savings bond and the opportunity to represent the annual Sunrise Kiwanis Pumpkin Fair, held the first weekend of October, as Miss Young Pumpkin Fair and Young Pumpkin Fair Ambassador. The second alternate will also earn an educational savings bond and serve as Miss Young Winter Fest, representing the Manteca Twilight Holiday Parade.

There are also awards available in the areas of Community Service, Scholastic Achievement, Stage Arts and Most Inspirational. The audience will get to have their “say” by selecting the “People’s Choice Award.”

Tickets are $8 each for general admission and can be purchased at the door. For more information contact Kristina Stamper at (209) 612-6930.

Young Manteca City Ambassador Candidates:

Name: Nicolas Perez
Age: 10
School: Manteca Christian School
Stage Arts: Dance Presentation
Sponsor: M&L Vacuums, In The Cutz, Anderson’s Mower and Bike, & ABC Transmissions Inc.

Name: Eriq Kurys
Age: 10
School: Neil Hafley Elementary School
Stage Arts: Vocal Presentation
Sponsor: Dr. Carmelita Nisperos

Miss Young Manteca Candidates:

Name: Anmol Kaur
Age: 10
School: Lincoln Elementary School
Stage Arts: Speech Presentation
Sponsor: Ms Nyar, Ms. Arp, American Furniture Gallery, Dr. Shorab Barkhordar of Kaiser Permanente, Family & Friends

Name: Genevieve Elise Hammarstrom
Age: 10
School: New Haven Elementary School
Stage Arts: Hula Dance
Sponsor: DBA ZEP – Men Construction

Name: Mikaela Lee Bristow
Age: 10
School: Neil Hafley Elementary School
Stage Arts: Dance Performance
Sponsor: Vern’s Towing Inc.

Name: Taela Lynn Ann Heath
Age: 11
School: Stella Brockman Elementary School
Stage Arts: Vocal Performance
Sponsor: Bob’s Pharmacy

Name: Cipriana Lopez
Age: 11
School: New Haven Elementary School
Stage Arts: Dance Performance
Sponsor: Delicato Vineyards

Name: Lauren Elizabeth Perez
Age: 12
School: Manteca Christian School
Stage Arts: Lyrical Dance
Sponsor: Norcal Muffler & Truck, Custom Sounds & Window Tint, & Tammy’s Baby Shoppe