monticellotimes. com Monticello Graduation • Thursday, June 4, 2026 Page 3
Valedictorians have their sights set on the future
Top students in Class of 2026 share plans following high school, including colleges, majors
Alexandra Andrist
I plan to attend the University of St. Thomas. I will be majoring in biology on a pre-med track. I chose this field because I hope to someday specialize in orthopedic surgery and rehabilitation. In this field, I can do my part to help young athletes get back on the field, court or ice, doing what they love.
Hannah Chaffins
I will be majoring in psychology at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.
Calvin Chang
I plan to attend the University of St. Thomas to major in data science. I chose this field because I am well versed in math and statistics and have an understanding of programming.
Julia DeChene
After high school, I plan to attend the University of Colorado Boulder. I plan to major in psychology and minor in Spanish before pursuing a master’ s degree in occupational therapy. I hope to help individuals gain or regain independence and confidence in their daily lives.
Nicholas Green
I will attend Iowa State University to earn a degree in aerospace engineering. I hope to one day design rocket engines, something that has fascinated me my whole life.
Alisha Grue
After high school, I will attend the University of North Dakota Honors Program, majoring in human nutrition while following the pre-physician assistant track. I chose this path because of the important role nutrition plays in overall health. I also plan to be involved in the
LAUREN FLAUM / MONTICELLO TIMES
Monticello High School’ s 2026 valedictorians gather on a staircase at the school this spring. Bottom row, from left: Koleson Ketchum, Samantha Voll, Julia DeChene, Lauren Hansen and Alisha Grue. Second row: Nicholas Green, Eve Nygaard, Meah Morris and Alexandra Andrist. Third row: Ruby Minder, Addison Ruda, Abby Ruda and Ellie Koprek. Top row: Calvin Chang, Claire Paumen and Hannah Chaffins.
Letters of Love chapter, club sports and work as a certified Lagree instructor.
Lauren Hansen
After high school, I will attend the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse to continue both my academic and track and field careers. I plan to major in exercise science and hope to become a physical therapist.
Koleson Ketchum
After high school, I plan to attend North Dakota State University to pursue a degree in engineering. I chose NDSU because of its many STEM facilities and opportunities to help me discover which engineering path best fits my passions and career goals.
Ellie Koprek
I will attend West Texas A & M to play volleyball and major in either psychology or elementary education.
Ruby Minder
My plans after high school are to attend the University of
Minnesota to earn a degree in biology and participate in the honors program. I also hope to complete a pre-med pathway and eventually become a pediatric doctor because I love science and want to help others.
Meah Morris
After high school, I plan to attend Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I plan to major in mechanical engineering with a minor in biomedical engineering. I hope to return to Minnesota and work for a medical device company to help improve lives through innovation.
Eve Nygaard
I plan to attend Anoka Technical College and earn a degree in biomedical equipment technology. I hope to become a biomedical equipment technician.
Claire Paumen
After high school, I will attend the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, where I plan to major in accounting and minor in financial services and banking. I discovered my passion for accounting through hands-on experience in the field.
Abby Ruda
I will attend Concordia University, St. Paul to continue both my academic and athletic career. I plan to major in business management.
Addison Ruda
I will attend Concordia University, St. Paul to major in sports psychology while continuing my basketball career.
Samantha Voll
I will attend the University of St. Thomas to continue my basketball career. I am currently undecided about my major.