MONTICELLO — Three new Monticello Royal Ambassadors were crowned on a steamy, sun-baked afternoon last Sunday as family, friends, community leaders, fellow royalty from nearby cities and myriad members of the Aquatennial Ambassador Organization looked on.
Out of 10 candidates, Aurorah Kimble, Claudia Martin and Lily Tiemann were chosen to represent the city in 2024-25, when they will be embarking on a life-changing journey filled with community spirit, pride and service.
Gushing with delight, the trio of outgoing Royal Ambassadors — Katrina Hellman, Brianna Holker and Elle Lageson, decked out in matching shimmering blue gowns — placed a sparkling rhinestone crown on each young woman’s head before handing them big bouquets of colorful flowers along with white-and-blue sashes.
The coronation ceremony closed out a festive Riverfest, where this past year’s royals were a fixture, whether it was partaking in the pie-eating contest while donning shower caps, sliding into the community center pool for the Duck Splash or waving regally from their swan-themed parade float.
In a bittersweet, emotional moment, each gave a farewell speech, thanking their families, each other and the community, along with the Ambassador Organization, for what they considered an amazing, whirlwind year filled with new friendships and once-in-a lifetime opportunities.
The three new Royal Ambassadors have big high heels to fill, as they are now tasked with representing the community with pride and poise, typically attending about 85 events throughout the year, including Riverfest, grand openings and many other community functions.
They will all be seniors this coming year at Monticello High School, on track to graduate in the Class of 2025.
Kimble, sponsored by Riverwood Bank, enjoys being in the spotlight on stage whether that’s singing or acting.
“I love performing arts,” she said. “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.”
The youngest of four daughters, after high school, she hopes to study abroad and teach English as a second language.
Martin, sponsored by DATASucess, is an active swimmer, who is also involved in orchestra, prom committee, track and the National Honor Society.
An animal lover, she has three parakeets, and enjoys nature, along with finding new adventures.
“I love experiencing new things,” she said. “Whether it’s trying a new sport, meeting new people, or going new places, it always ends up being an adventure.”
After high school, her dream job is to become a meteorologist and a college professor. She plans to attend an out-of-state college for meteorology and chemistry, with a minor in astronomy, and hopes to one day earn a PhD in meteorology.
Tiemann, sponsored by Sherburne State Bank, is the eldest child in her family, with five younger brothers. She was given the title of Miss Congeniality.
Her career goal is to work in health care, likely as a nurse.
She loves to be active on the water, spending time at her family’s lake cabin.
Tiemann said she chose to run as a candidate because she wanted to grow herself and 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,” she said.
The next year will certainly give each of these young ladies plenty of opportunities for self-improvement.
The Royal Ambassador program aims to cultivate personal growth in the areas of confidence, time management, public speaking, collaboration, communication and volunteerism.
The other seven candidates in this year’s Royal Ambassador program were Allison Anderson, Ella Barthel, Izzy Bergeson, Brookelyn Brown, Ruby Minder, Meah Morris and Ivy Schroeder.
SEE RELATED RIVERFEST 2024 COVERAGE:
PHOTO GALLERIES: Parade , Party in the Park , Art in the Park , Taste of Monticello
ARTICLES: Making memories at Riverfest , Pie-Eating Contest , Family Fun Night
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