www . abcnewspapers . com HALLOWEEN magazine October 16 , 2024 | Anoka County Shopper | Page 15
Farewell 2024 Anoka Royal Ambassadors
CLAIRE GRONSKI
Sponsor : Fifth Avenue Dental
As I reflect on this remarkable year serving as an Anoka Halloween Royal Ambassador , I see how fortunate I am to have been able to represent this incredible community . Over the course of this year , I was able to learn even more about the rich history and traditions of Anoka and grow an even deeper love for it . We also had the opportunity to visit countless other communities and learn about all the incredible places that build up the state of Minnesota . Through visiting these other communities , we built so many friendships and connections that will last a lifetime and gained experiences I will never forget . This year I was also able to grow my skills in public speaking , interviews , and I have become incredibly comfortable striking up conversations with just about anyone . None of this would have been possible without so many people in our corner supporting us and leading us in the right direction ! Mom and Dad , I cannot thank you both enough for your commitment to me and this crazy world this past year , you not only made me feel so loved and supported but made everyone else around you feel that same way . Parades would not have been possible without the two of you ! I love you guys so much ! Stella , what an extraordinary and unique thing you and I got to experience together . This program has done incredible things for us both , but the most important thing is that it brought us even closer together . Seeing the impact you left on everyone before me in this role has been so special and I am beyond proud to call you my sister . Thank you for everything you have done for all of us this year , I love you ! Tasha and Devah , you two have made this year so special and I am so glad we got to do this together ! The bond we have with each other is truly like no other and I am so grateful for the team the three of us make ! Tasha , you are hilarious and truly such a light in all our lives . Devah , you are the kindest person who always makes me feel so loved and supported . I couldn ’ t have done any of this without my pumpkin and skeleton , I love you guys ! Chaperones , thank you for always putting up with the three of us and our chaos ! You guys truly made the days go by so fast because we had such a blast with every one of you ! We are so thankful for you all ! Megan and Taryn , we couldn ’ t have done any of this without you two ! Thank you truly for everything you have done for us , and for always making us feel like the most special girls in the world . We love you both so much ! Finally , to the community of Anoka , thank you for welcoming the three of us with open arms and allowing us to represent you . It truly has been the biggest honor of my life and I hope we made you proud !
TASHA MOMANYI
Sponsor : The Lavender Barnyard
When I decided that I wanted to join this program , my main goal was to serve my community with other young intelligent women my age and get to know them on a deeper level . The three-month candidacy taught me how to connect with others around me and how to create meaningful , long-lasting friendships . I learned that being authentic and completely me would take me far in life . I was selected by my fellow candidates to be the 2024 Alexandra award recipient . I learned that Alexandra Skaalerud was a light on this earth and the reason why she left long-lasting impacts on others is because she was authentically herself . If it wasn ’ t for the candidates and this experience , I wouldn ’ t have known about Allie ’ s impact on her friends and everyone she met . This program has provided me with skills that would have taken me a very long time to obtain on my own , but now will carry with me for a lifetime . There was a time when I was unable to hold a conversation with people around me , but through this program , I am now able to do this with ease . When I look at the person I am today , I am incredibly proud of myself and my personal growth and don ’ t know where I ’ d be without this program . I will miss seeing the friends I made this year because they taught me so much about myself and others around me . The laughter and smiles we all shared will forever be engraved in my mind . I have always wanted to be a person that helps or inspires at least one individual that I meet . This year I was able to do this within our community and in neighboring cities and states that we visited during our reign . I wouldn ’ t have had the courage to do this without my crown sisters . Devah and Claire have been the two people that kept me on my toes , held me accountable and never failed to make me feel on top of the world . Having them as my crown sisters has been the biggest blessing that I could have ever asked for . They made my year one filled with love . All of this would not be possible without our chaperones . They are the ones that keep us safe when we are out and for that I am grateful ! The community of Anoka Halloween has given me the foundation , platform and encouragement that I didn ’ t know I could receive and for that I am forever grateful . Words cannot express how appreciative I am for everyone that gave me the privilege and opportunity to be one of your 2024 Anoka Halloween Royal Ambassadors .