monticellotimes. com Monticello Riverfest • Thursday, July 2, 2026 Page 7
Q & A continued
Why did you decide to become a candidate for the Monticello Royal Ambassador Program?
I decided to become a candidate because I wanted to become more involved with the people in my life and the community. Seeing how positive and inspiring our current Royal Ambassadors are made me want to be part of that experience.
Are you involved in any sports, clubs, church groups or extracurricular activities?
I’ m involved in all of the theater productions at school, including one-act, the musical and the spring play, and have participated since sixth grade. I also compete in speech and joined Interact Club last year, where we volunteer at community events, Feed My Starving Children, senior homes and other organizations. What is your favorite Riverfest event?
The duck race. I love adopting ducks leading up to the race and cheering them on during the event.
What is your favorite place or thing to do in Monticello?
I enjoy spending time at Monticello’ s parks with my friends, whether we’ re playing games or just relaxing and talking.
What are you most passionate about?
The people and activities I love. My passion helps me push through challenges, stay creative and give my best in everything I do. What is a fun fact about you? I can perform several circus skills, including aerial silks, hammock, lyra, diabolo and trapeze.
What community service or volunteer work have you done?
Through Interact Club, I’ ve volunteered at community events, Feed My Starving Children, senior homes and other service projects around Monticello.
Can you describe yourself in
five words? Passionate, creative, caring, determined and adventurous. What are your plans after high school?
I plan to attend college and continue pursuing my interests in theater and the arts while exploring future career opportunities.
Who is your role model and why?
My mom. She’ s always encouraged me to be myself, follow my passions and work hard for the things that matter most.
If you could go anywhere, where would it be and why?
Denmark. I’ m half Danish, and its culture and my family there have always been an important part of my life. I’ d love the opportunity to visit again and reconnect with my heritage.
Freya Lemke
Age: 16 Grade: Junior
Why did you decide to become a candidate for the Monticello
Royal Ambassador Program?
I decided to become a candidate after Ella Moran, Lily Montgomery and Avarie Metcalf helped at my dad’ s benefit. Seeing the impact the Royal Ambassadors had on my family and the community made me realize how much they do for others, and I wanted to be part of that.
Are you involved in any sports, clubs, church groups or extracurricular activities?
I compete in hockey and track and field. I’ ve played hockey for 13 years and participated in track for four years. What is your favorite Riverfest event?
Art in the Park. I love seeing all the different vendors and everything they have to offer.
What is your favorite place or thing to do in Monticello?
Monticello High School. I like that it’ s a place where I get to see so many of my friends.
What are you most passionate about?
Hockey. I’ ve met many of my closest friends through the sport, and it’ s taught me the importance of teamwork, dedication and perseverance. What is a fun fact about you? I’ ve visited 27 of the 48 contiguous states.
What community service or volunteer work have you done or would you like to do?
I’ d like to volunteer at the library and help kids find books they enjoy reading.
Personalized care from doctors committed to our community.
For 75 years, Stellis Health has been caring for the community – building long-term relationships with patients and families to better support their health.
• Doctor-owned, independent medical group with 60 + providers
• Our clinicians live in and understand our community
• Often costing less than big care networks
To schedule an appointment, go to StellisHealth. com / get-care or call 763-682-1313.
Neighbors Caring for Neighbors
GOOD LUCK to our Royal Ambassador Candidate,
Layla Bilben at Riverfest!
DATASuccess
Empowering your success with technology
29 Lake Street S, Suite 300 Big Lake 763.263.7070