monticellotimes. com Monticello Riverfest • Thursday, July 2, 2026 Page 3
Meet Monticello’ s Royal Ambassador candidates
Sadie Fox
LAUREN FLAUM MONTICELLO TIMES
Arya Crummy
Natalie Weiss
Freya Lemke
A total of seven local high-schoolers will be competing for the crowns this year
Outgoing Royal Ambassadors Avarie Metcalf, Ella Moran, Lily Montgomery
MONTICELLO— The crowns may be awarded in a single afternoon, but they represent months of preparation.
Since beginning the program earlier this year, seven Monticello High School students have immersed themselves in community service, leadership development, public speaking and learning more about the city they hope to represent.
Their journey culminates Sunday, July 12, when the 2026-27 Monticello Royal Ambassadors are crowned at Ellison Park.
This year’ s candidates include Layla Bilben, Addyson Brunsberg, Arya Crummy, Sadie Fox, Evyn Jacobson, Freya Lemke and Natalie Weiss.
For more than 40 years, the Monticello Royal Ambassador Program has helped young women develop leadership skills while serving as ambassadors for the community.
“ It is the hope of the Monticello Royal Ambassador Program that each young lady has a wonderful experience during her candidacy while enhancing her leadership abilities, public speaking techniques and communication skills, while also giving her the opportunity to meet and greet the public and be a positive role model for all ages,” Royal Ambassador Committee member Liz Calpas has said.
Volunteerism is also a cornerstone of the program.
“ We hope to instill in them the benefits and importance of volunteerism so that it becomes
Evyn Jacobson
Layla Bilben
a rewarding and meaningful part of their lives now and in the future,” Calpas said.
Candidates must be between the ages of 16 and 20 and attend or have graduated from Monticello High School.
Those selected will spend the next year representing Monticello at Riverfest, community celebrations, business grand openings, parades and many other events throughout Minnesota. Royal Ambassadors typically attend about 85 appearances during their reign.
Addyson Brunsberg
Upon completing their year of service, each Royal Ambassador receives a $ 1,500 scholarship, along with a dress allowance, crown, sash and other benefits.
The Times asked each candidate a dozen questions about why she chose to participate, what she enjoys most about Monticello and her plans for the future. Their responses on the following pages offer a glimpse into the personalities, interests and aspirations of the young women hoping to represent their hometown.