RIVER FALLS – The annual River Falls Royal Ambassadors coronation will take center stage at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 15 at River Falls High School Auditorium (818 Cemetery Road).

The 2020 Royal Ambassadors will pass the baton to a new group. Grand Royal Emily Odegard, First Royal Dennis Grisar, Royal Abby Madsen and Royal Maddy Simon represented the community well in the midst of the pandemic. They were crowned at an outdoor ceremony last year.

Meet the seven 2021 Royal Ambassador candidates: Sophia Jensen will be a junior at River Falls High School this fall; she is the daughter of Leslie and Bryan Jensen. Sophia describes herself as positive, brave and fun-loving. Her school activities include track, cross country, band, gymnastics and Students Offering Support (SOS). In the community, Sophia volunteers as a gymnastics coach for non-competitive groups, Special Olympics gymnastics and is a worship assistant at church. If selected as a River Falls Royal Ambassador, Sophia would share her passion about mental health awareness, with a focus on breaking the stigma around mental health issues, especially for teenagers. She would provide information on mental health resources available in the community for families and community members.

Gwen Adams will be a senior at RFHS; she is the daughter of Sonja and Nate Adams. Gwen describes herself as energetic, hardworking and compassionate. Her school activities include RFHS concert band, marching band, jazz band, SOS, Connecting All Together Socially program (CATS) and the prom committee. In the community, Gwen has been part of the Teens in Power Program at the River Falls Public Library since she was in middle school. If selected as a River Falls Royal Ambassador, Gwen would focus on bullying, especially bullying in schools. She is passionate about bullying because of the impact this may have on a student’s school attendance, mental health and safety.

Madison Ziebarth will be a junior at RFHS; she is the daughter of Lisa and Mark Ziebarth. Madison describes herself as passionate, dependable and independent. Her school activities include RFHS marching band and jazz band. In the community, Madison has been involved with Hope Lutheran Church as a youth representative to the Synod, serving on the property committee, Sunday childcare, attending several youth mission trips and directing the children’s Christmas play the past two years. If selected as a River Falls Royal Ambassador, Madison would focus on obtaining adequate services and support for young children and adults with special education needs. Often young adults with disabilities have difficulty obtaining transportation and employment within our community. Being gainfully employed would positively impact their quality of life and independence.

Lillie McMurray will be a senior at RFHS; she is the daughter of James McMurray and Heather Chamberlin. Lillie describes herself as compassionate, creative and ambitious. Her school activities include forensics, musical crew and a National Honors Society recruit. Lillie received an academic letter award during her sophomore year. She has competed in the category of forensics group interpretation and recently participated in the state competition with her forensics team. In the community, she enjoys seeking volunteer activities. If selected as a River Falls Royal Ambassador, Lillie would focus on seeking more opportunities for young women of all age groups in the River Falls community.

Katie Olsen will be a junior at RFHS; she is the daughter of Karen and James Olsen. Katie describes herself as upbeat, compassionate, and hard-working. Her school activities include SOS and the high school gymnastics team. She received an academic letter award during her sophomore year. In the community, Katie is involved in her church youth leadership team. If selected as a River Falls Royal Ambassador, Katie would focus on the effects of vaping on teens. She would provide information on the negative and long-term effects of vaping. Often this social issue is viewed positively without understanding the impact on a person’s health.

Alexis Epstein will be a senior at RFHS; she is the daughter of Gary and Holly Epstein. Alexis describes herself as loyal, reliable and detail oriented. Her school activities include high school gymnastics, choir and marching band. She received awards for sports and academics during her sophomore year and was selected as “student of the term.” She has been part of the varsity state gymnastics team and received two honorable mentions for the floor exercise and balance beam. In the community, Alexis is part of the youth leadership team at her church and will be going on a mission trip to help less fortunate communities. If selected as a River Falls Royal Ambassador, Alexis would focus on racial justice by educating students and community members about ethnic groups and culture. Alexis views the importance of creating an awareness and respect for all races and cultures. This would promote racial and cultural inclusion providing a positive model and impact for our community.

Abby Wagner will be a senior at RFHS; she is the daughter of Stacey and Jacob Wagner. Abby describes herself as determined, creative and compassionate. Her school activities include high school marching band, participation in the high school musical and volunteering with the middle school musical. She received letter awards for band during her freshman and sophomore years. In the community, Abby is involved in teaching skating classes at the college, dance at St. Croix Valley Dance Academy, teaching Sunday school and helping with Wednesday night church classes. She has won several first-place awards during dance competitions. If selected as a River Falls Royal Ambassador, Abby would focus on providing information to students on understanding ways to cope with depression and anxiety. Abby would do this by identifying school staff and community agencies that provide support to students in crisis with depression and mental health issues.

The River Falls Royal Ambassador program is open to all 11th grade students who live with a parent or guardian in the school district. They must also have a 2.5 or higher GPA and be eligible to graduate.

The Ambassadors carry the goodwill and spirit of River Falls to other communities at parades, coronations and community events.

Submitted by River Falls Royal Ambassadors

Gwen Adams

Madison Ziebarth

Lillie McMurray

Katie Olsen

Alexis Epstein

Abby Wagner