monticellotimes. com Monticello Riverfest • Thursday, July 3, 2025 Page 3
Meet Monticello’ s Royal Ambassador candidates
Ruby Minder
LAUREN FLAUM MONTICELLO TIMES
Arya Crummy
MONTICELLO— Every year, as it has done for over 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
Avarie Metcalf
Ella Mora
A total of seven local high-schoolers will be competing for the crowns this year
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, seven candidates are competing to serve as the 2025-26 Royal Ambassadors.
Just one, Ruby Minder, is 17 years old, entering her senior year at Monticello High School, while the other six are 16 years old, heading into their junior year at MHS: Arya Crummy, Sadie Fox, Veronica
Outgoing Royal Ambassadors Aurorah Kimble, Claudia Martin and Lily Tiemann
Joseph, Avarie Metcalf, Lily Montgomery and Ella Mora.
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 has said.
Veronica Joseph
Sadie Fox
Lily Montgomery
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.
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 include a dress allowance, crown / sash and more.
The Monticello Times asked each girl a total of 12 questions, to which they provided thoughtful answers that show their unique personalities and perspectives. Read their responses on the pages ahead.