Q & A: Seven girls are vying to be crowned as Royal Ambassadors

Layla Bilben

Age: 16 Grade: Senior

Why did you decide to become a candidate for the Monticello Royal Ambassador Program?

I’ d thought about becoming a candidate for years because

it always looked like so much fun. A few of my friends were participating, and the ambassadors told me how much they enjoyed it and how much they had grown through the program. I decided to step outside my comfort zone and hopefully make new friends along the way.

Are you involved in any sports, clubs, church groups or extracurricular activities?

I attend Wednesday night activities at Riverside Church and have for the past six years. I joined the Monticello High School trap shooting team this year and recently competed in a big meet in Alexandria. I’ ve also run cross country for nearly five years, where I’ ve made great friends and challenged myself to reach new goals. What is your favorite Riverfest event? Watching the fireworks. I love relaxing with family and friends while watching the colorful display light up the night sky.

What is your favorite place or thing to do in Monticello?

Watching sunsets from the three crosses at Resurrection Church. It’ s one of my favorite places in town because of the beautiful view.

What are you most passionate about?

Helping others. I hope to become a nurse someday because it will allow me to make a difference in people’ s lives. What is a fun fact about you? I taught myself how to bake sourdough bread. It’ s challenging, but I enjoy sharing loaves with other people.

What community service or volunteer work have you done or would you like to do?

I would like to volunteer in ways that allow me to help and care for others while giving back to my community.

Can you describe yourself in

five words?

Empathetic, responsible, supportive, a problem-solver and friendly.

What are your plans after high school?

I plan to attend a four-year college and study early childhood education. Who is your role model and why? My mom. She always works through difficult times and makes sure my siblings and I are supported.

If you could go anywhere, where would it be and why?

Norway. Much of my family is of Norwegian descent, and I’ d love to experience the country’ s beautiful scenery and culture firsthand.

Addyson Brunsberg

Age: 17 Grade: Senior

Why did you decide to become a candidate for the Monticello

Royal Ambassador Program?

I decided to become a candidate because I wanted to make new friends, become more involved in my community and grow into a more confident, well-rounded person. I saw this as a great opportunity to challenge myself, develop new skills

CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK

To Our Royal Ambassador Candidate At Riverfest!

WE WANT TO WISH OUR ROYAL AMBASSADOR CANDIDATE GOOD LUCK AT RIVERFEST!

Arya Crummy

The Crummy Boy Shop, Inc. Monticello, MN 612-412-1028

142 W Broadway St. Monticello, MN 55362

Riverfest 2026 | Page 4

763-272-1047

www. kohlerlawoffice. com