MONTICELLO — Every year, as it has done for more than 40 years now, the Monticello Royal Ambassador Program brings together a group of young women with high hopes and takes them on a life-changing journey filled with community spirit, pride and service.
The program opens doors and educates candidates about the City of Monticello, while helping them to grow, learn and discover their potential, according to Royal Ambassador Committee member Liz Calpas, who helps to run the program.
This year, there are 10 candidates competing to serve as the 2024-25 Royal Ambassadors.
“It is the hope of the Monticello Royal Ambassador Program that each young lady has a wonderful time during her candidacy period, and that the program will help enhance their leadership abilities, public speaking techniques and their communication skills, while also giving them the opportunity to meet and greet the public and be a positive role model for all ages,” Calpas said in introducing the candidates during a recent Monticello Chamber of Commerce & Industry Luncheon.
The Royal Ambassador program cultivates personal growth in the areas of confidence, time management, public speaking, collaboration, communication and, perhaps most importantly, volunteerism.
“We hope to instill in them the benefits and importance of volunteerism, so that they become a rewarding and meaningful part of their lives now and in the future,” Calpas said.
To be eligible, candidates must be between the ages of 16 to 20 years old, and must be graduates or attendees of Monticello High School.
If chosen, they will have the chance to serve as ambassadors for the Monticello community, where they will be involved in Riverfest, community grand openings and many other community events.
Royal Ambassadors typically attend about 85 events throughout the year and represent the community with pride and poise.
In addition, scholarships in the amount of $1,500 are awarded to the ambassadors upon completing their duties and reign. Additional items awarded to the Royal Ambassadors include a dress allowance, crown/sash and more.
This year’s candidates and their sponsors are:
• Allison Anderson, H & R Block
• Ella Barthel, Martie's Farm Service
• Izzy Bergeson, Rally Gear
• Lily Tiemann, Sherburne State Bank
• Brookelyn Brown, Kohler Law Office
• Aurorah Kimble, Riverwood Bank
• Claudia Martin, DATASucess Inc.
• Ruby Minder, ServPro Team Hickman
• Meah Morris, Loch Jewelers
• Ivy Schroeder, Schlenner Wenner & Co.
Q&A with candidates
The Monticello Times asked each girl a total of 10 questions, to which they provided thoughtful answers that show their unique personalities and perspectives. Read their responses here.
Q: Why did you run as a candidate for the Monticello Royal Ambassador Program?
Lily: I chose to run as a candidate because I wanted to grow myself and to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I coined last year as “the year of trying new things” for me and it gave me a lot more confidence to try more experiences outside of my comfort zone. Like my mom said, “When else in your life are you going to be able to do something like this?” That is why I am running: to grow myself and hopefully shine a light to others.
Ruby: I am running as a candidate for the Royal Ambassador Program as another way to be involved and help out in the community. My other reason was I thought it would be a good experience to gain life skills.
Izzy: I decided to run because my friend brought me to the meeting, and the activities and involvement they described interested me. I’m not very girly, so when I heard about all the dress wearing I had some hesitations, but ultimately this has helped me branch out in life. I’m really enjoying representing the town of Monticello.
Claudia: I wanted to have fun, be an inspiration to others, and help out the community.
Allison: I wanted to learn more about the city and to help others who share this amazing town with me.
Aurorah: I had heard a lot about the program from Lori Kothenbeutel. She seemed very enthusiastic about the program and it piqued my interest.
Ella: I ran for the ambassador program because I wanted to learn more about the community and what happens within Monticello.
Ivy: I heard that there was a class for self defense if I was to be a candidate and it immediately caught my attention.
Meah: I decided to run to be a Monticello Royal Ambassador because I wanted to volunteer and be a part of the community. After living here for five years now I am always intrigued meeting new people and faces. Improving my communication skills was also a big part of my decision.
Brookelyn: I wanted to volunteer in the community and have a chance to meet more people, as well as have opportunities to take classes such as self defense.
Q: What is your favorite Riverfest event?
Lily: I have been to Riverfest twice but the time I remember the most was in 2019 to watch the parade. That was actually the year that my neighbor Grace Schillewaert was Ms. Monticello and I remember seeing her in the parade.
Ruby: My favorite Riverfest event is family night at Pioneer Park. I have gone every year with my family since I was born and the event is very nostalgic for me. I look forward to it every year.
Izzy: I really enjoy the art fair each year. There’s so many diverse collections of items and beautiful pieces that I could spend hours roaming the park and still not be able to fully appreciate all the fine craftsmanship.
Claudia: Though I have not attended Riverfest in the past, I think my favorite event will be the 5K race since I plan to run it this year.
Allison: Party in the Park.
Aurorah: I have always enjoyed going to Art in the Park. Since I was about 7 years old my grandma has brought me to the event and that time with her I've always held dear.
Ella: My favorite Riverfest event is the Art in the Park because you get to see all the different artwork and vendors and most of all being by the Mississippi River.
Ivy: My favorite Riverfest event is the car show, being able to see all the tractors and then afterward getting snow-cones and my face painted.
Meah: My favorite Riverfest event is the parade. I have been in the parade before but watching is so much better, because who doesn’t love candy?
Brookelyn: I like the parade, as well as the car show.
Q: What is your favorite place or thing to do in Monticello?
Lily: My favorite thing to do in Monticello is to go to Bertram. I have lots of fond memories there like enjoying the wonderful nature while taking walks on the paths, swimming in the cool waters, and biking on the bike trails.
Ruby: My favorite thing to do in Monticello is to go on bike rides at Montissippi Park. The scenery there is beautiful and the trails are great to bike on.
Izzy: Montissippi Park is my favorite place because I have so many memories tethered to it. I remember the rainbow park by the lake when I was little, the deer that crossed the paths, and hammocking with my best friend on sunny days.
Claudia: I love going to the parks for my runs or just to walk around, take pictures, and experience nature.
Aurorah: I like going to Ellison Park to walk along the river and swing with my mom on the swing set.
Ella: Go to the parks with family friends.
Ivy: I love getting popsicles or other sweet treats at La Michoacana in the summer but in the winter I love ice skating at West Bridge Park.
Meah: My favorite thing/place to go in Monticello is Bertram. I love going for long walks in the woods or going to the beach on a hot sunny day.
Brookelyn: I love going to Bertram Lake or Monti Hill and watching the sunset.
Q: What is a “hidden gem” in Monticello?
Lily: I think that the hidden gem in Monticello is the restaurant Chin Yuen. The food that they serve there is so good that my family and I have had it for many birthday dinners including several of mine. I love Asian food and this restaurant has heavenly cream cheese wontons, delicious sesame chicken and phenomenal fried rice that make for the most amazing meal.
Ruby: The hidden gem in Monticello is Bertram Lake. This lake is beautiful and it has a campground and park making it great for family days. I spent a lot of time there as a kid.
Izzy: The backroads. I’ve been on sunset drives around the edges of town, and there is nothing like it anywhere else. The sky is gorgeous, and everything is just so bright and reflective.
Claudia: I think a hidden gem in Monticello is the Cornerstone Cafe. I really love their French toast.
Allison: The cheese curds at Hawks.
Aurorah: Not really hidden but going to Monti Hill to watch a sunset is wonderful.
Ella: The Mississippi River.
Ivy: I love Swan Park because you can feed and watch all the swans. Sheila Lawrence used to feed many swans here so it’s become a hotspot for the loud, obnoxious trumpeters.
Meah: A hidden gem in Monticello is Montiview Park. The park overlooks all of Monticello and creates a beautiful view. With a sunset in the background and summer weather it is arguably the best place in Monticello.
Brookelyn: I feel like Ellison Park isn't greatly popular, so I'd say that.
Q: What are you most passionate about?
Lily: I am passionate about people needing clean water around the world, about watercolor paint, about doing hard things, about being outside, about my family and friends, about being healthy, about learning and about enjoying this wonderful world. But I would say that I am most passionate about caring for others and bringing positive energy because that is what Jesus did.
Ruby: I am really passionate about giving back to my community. I have been involved in Interact, a community service group, for five years. Volunteering is a great way to lift your mood and leave a good impact.
Izzy: My family, both blood-related and other. They mean the most to me on this earth, and I strive to provide for them and encourage joy in their lives. They give me my passion, so in turn I am passionate about them.
Claudia: I love experiencing new things. Whether it’s trying a new sport, meeting new people, or going new places, it always ends up being an adventure.
Allison: My family and making others smile.
Aurorah: I love performing arts. This past year I was a part of two of the Monticello High School choirs, the musical, and One-Act. I find joy performing on stage and presenting what I’ve worked hard for people. It’s so fun.
Ella: Being able to help others and making them happy.
Ivy: I love to bake and make sweet treats for my friends and family. It’s very calming and I feel more educated learning new recipes.
Meah: I am most passionate about personal growth. I love learning new things, making memories/adventuring, and being around people who influence me for the better.
Brookelyn: I'm most passionate about music, I've loved it my whole life and I’m very involved in it.
Q: What’s a fun fact about you?
Lily: A fun fact about me is that I used to live on a farm.
Ruby: A fun fact about me is I love all pets. Right now I have a dog and two cats, but if I see any pet I will automatically have a smile on my face.
Izzy: I love to write. Whether it be poems (my favorite) or stories, my brain is constantly swimming with words. Writing is also a healthy way for me to express myself and communicate with others.
Claudia: I have three parakeets named Angel, Lemon and Cirrus.
Allison: I have three adorable dogs.
Aurorah: I am the youngest of four daughters.
Ella: I lived on a farm my whole life.
Ivy: I love spiders and I think they have a bad reputation for no reason. Spiders have a unique way to get food compared to other bugs, and they eat other insects.
Meah: A fun fact about me is that I have lived in Monticello for six years and it is definitely different than up north but I much prefer it.
Brookelyn: I play electric guitar.
Q: What are your plans after high school?
Lily: I am thinking about going to college to be a nurse or to be in some kind of job in the health care field.
Ruby: My plans after high school are to go to the University of Minnesota and pursue a degree in the medical field. With the end goal of becoming a doctor after college.
Izzy: I’m between a few options, but I like to keep it open to change. Currently, I want to go to college in either the Twin Cities or Duluth to earn a degree in whatever field fits me. After college, it’s my goal to earn a steady living so I can give back to the people in my life and travel.
Claudia: I want to go out of state and get my PhD in meteorology.
Allison: Attend a four-year college and major in finance.
Aurorah: I plan on going to college.
Ella: Attend a four-year college.
Ivy: I plan to go to school at Dunwoody College of Technology and get a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
Meah: My plans after high school are to go to college somewhere in Minnesota or in a neighboring state, along with doing some traveling, hopefully to all of the national parks.
Brookelyn: I plan on moving in with my boyfriend and going to college in Duluth.
Q: What are your future career aspirations?
Lily: I would really like to land a job in health care. I’m still not sure where or what job but that is a path I am interested in.
Ruby: My future career aspirations are becoming a doctor in pediatric or family care. I have always wanted to help others with my career and this is the perfect fit for my goals.
Izzy: I think I’d enjoy being in either architecture or something more in the biomedical engineering field. I’m a hands-on learner, and I love science. My brain is very equipped to spatial problems and how things fit together.
Claudia: I want to become a meteorologist and a college professor.
Allison: I hope to have a good career that can support me and my future family.
Aurorah: I hope to either become a TEFL educator or do missions work.
Ella: Education and agriculture.
Ivy: I want to be an aerospace engineer, I want to put people on the Moon and on Mars. I wish to be a part of the technological advancements of the world.
Meah: My future career aspirations are to go into the STEM field to be either an engineer or a medical professional.
Brookelyn: I'd love to work with animals, such as being a zookeeper.
Q: What is your favorite movie or TV show?
Lily: My favorite movie is “Top Gun Maverick”
Ruby: My favorite movie is “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” (1971). I have loved this movie since I was little because of the songs in it and my Grandma and Dad love it as well making it a family favorite.
Izzy: “Friends,” hands down. I can always rely on this show to make me laugh, and it has many relatable qualities throughout it. I often watch this show with my mom and my closest friends.
Claudia: My favorite movie is “The Hundred Foot Journey.”
Allison: My all time favorite TV show is “The Bear.”
Aurorah: “The Chosen”
Ella: “Fuller House”
Ivy: I love horror movies so my favorite movie is “As Above So Below.” It’s very creepy and takes place down underneath Paris in these very small tunnels. They have to get out but with all the mind tricks it’s difficult to escape.
Meah: My favorite movie is “10 things I Hate About You.”
Brookelyn: I enjoyed “Stranger Things.”
Q: If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?
Lily: I would love to travel everywhere if I could. If I could pick anywhere to travel to I would love to go to Africa. I have family and friends who are from there and it would be amazing to get to know their culture better. I also would choose Africa because that is where lots of people need clean water and I would love to help a team get these people access to clean water.
Ruby: If I could travel anywhere I would go to Vancouver, Canada for their treetop walk. The photos of this walk look stunning and Vancouver seems like it has a lot of beautiful scenery and activities to do.
Izzy: There’s so many options, and I know I’ll never get to experience everything, but I believe travel is useless without those you love. This is why I’d choose to visit my friend who recently moved to Arkansas. All my family and friends live close by, so I get to spend as much time with them as I want. I’d like to visit her so I could see all the strange sites Arkansas has to offer, whilst being in the company of a loved one.
Claudia: I would go to France because I have always wanted to see the Eiffel Tower in person.
Allison: Italy
Aurorah: New Zealand has been a place I’ve wanted to visit since I was little.
Ella: I would like to travel to Iceland, and be able to see the different types of waterfalls, bodies of water and be able to try different foods.
Ivy: I dream of going to Italy; I love Italian culture and food. You can go to Rome, go into the mountains, look at beautiful art, or be down in the Mediterranean Sea.
Meah: If I could travel anywhere I would go to Rome, Italy.
Brookelyn: I’d travel to Iceland. It has a lot of things to do, and really pretty sights to see.
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