2026 Ambassador Candidates
2026 Ambassador Candidates
Addison Aldrich
The ghost of last year has returned for round two—and I’m ready to get this party started. I’m Addison Aldrich, a past 2025 ambassador candidate and Anoka class of 25 graduate. This fall, I’m pursuing my education at Anoka Ramsey, where I plan to transfer to a 4-year institution in the future. One of my favorite things is my job at Goodrich Pharmacy St. Francis, where I enjoy getting to know my customers and learning a thing or two about pharmacy. Outside of school and work, I volunteer downtown Anoka and love hanging out with my friends and going shopping. Another big part of my life is business, watching basketball, and my fluffy dog, Bear. I’m so excited to get a second chance after an unfortunate year for my family. I can’t wait to be a further part of Anoka Halloween. As well as continue to help the town I know and love!!!
Anna Kokesh
My name is Anna Kokesh. I am a student at Anoka High School. At my school I am involved in the National Honors Society and STAR (Students Together Are Responsible). In my free time I enjoy playing card games with my family, playing the piano, and spending time up north at my cabin. My family and I love to travel! I play soccer for North United Soccer Club. I’ve worked at Goodrich Pharmacy in Anoka for 2 years. I am super excited for the next few months spending time and giving back in Anoka.
Arabella Bolander
Hello everyone! My name is Arabella Bolander I am a student and senior at Anoka high school. Some things that I love to do are being with my friends, dancing I tried out dance when I was ten years old and continue to have a strong passion for it. I have also been dancing with the Anoka twisters dance team since 2022. reading, traveling, listening to music, and being involved with my church such as going on mission trips to Nashville Tennessee, Seattle Washington, Guatemala, and Tusla Oklahoma and each one of these trips has really impacted me and strengthened my faith. I really enjoy working with kids and hope to be a kindergarten teacher as my future career. A few things I hope to take away from this program are new friendships, confidence, professionalism skills, and new memories. I am beyond excited to help out in the community and meet new people.
Atira Collins
Hey boo! I am Atira Collins, I am currently a senior at Anoka Highschool. I mostly use my free time to see my friends and family, but when I am not I love to spending it taking care of my puppies, being outside in the sun, or learning more about taking care of the planet! I’ve always love to know more about how we can take better care of this earth we are on and being able to spread that information. Which ties into why I wanted to join this program! I want to be more active in this community, spreading more love for people and for this earth that we share. I currently work at Sonic in Elk River as a manager. I’ve been there for over 2 years now. While working there I’ve realized how nice it is to talk to people and help them. I’m excited to be apart of the Anoka Halloween ambassador royalty program for a few reasons! I’d love to get to know the girls I’ve been going to school with for a while now, as well as get to my to know new people in my community. I love to be able to represent the city I grew up in and the holiday I love. Looking forward to a spooky season!
Audrey Thamert
Hello, my name is Audrey Thamert! I am a senior at Anoka High School where I am a member of NHS, Educators Rising, and FCA. Outside of school I love playing volleyball, reading, and spending time with my family and friends. I am the oldest of seven children in my family which keeps my life exciting and fast paced! My favorite thing for us to do together is summer road trips, each year we visit a new location and explore for a week before driving back home. The absolute best place I’ve been (so far) is Glacier National Park in Montana. When I’m around home I enjoy working at the YMCA childcare center and babysitting around my neighborhood! I am looking forward to a wonderful next few months spent serving the Anoka community alongside my fellow candidates!
Audrina Glass
Spooky greetings my fellow Anokans, my name is Audrina Glass and I just started my senior year at Anoka High School. After high school, I hope to become an Elementary School Teacher. In my free time, I enjoy going on walks with my mom and older sister and getting frozen yogurt with my best friend Josie. I also love working with children. I am currently involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes program (FCA) at my high school, along with the Bible’s and Breakfast program. I am also on the Anoka Fall Performance Team, where my team and I dance at our home school football games, school pepfests, and dance shows at nearby cities. I am a Certified Childcare Assistant (CCA) at Lincoln Elementary in downtown Anoka and I also have a coaching assistant position at my dance company Just For Kix, located in Blaine. I’m so very excited to be spending my next 2 months in Anoka and I’m looking forward to meeting so many new friends and new people!
Ava Hanna
Spooky Salutations! My name is Ava Hanna! I am a senior at Anoka High School, and am involved in many activities and clubs there. Some of my favorites are Concert Choir, National Honors Society and Student Council where I get to make connections with many different people and do things that I love! Outside of school I enjoy reading, photography, sewing, traveling, and making memories with my friends. I am so excited to be a candidate this year, and to get to know a bunch of the girls in my grade that also love serving the community!
Bailey Barth
Hey pumpkin, my name is Bailey Barth! I’m a rising senior at Anoka High School hoping to pursue a law degree in college. When I’m not studying or volunteering, I enjoy being active in school clubs like student council, NHS, and DECA. I’ve been a ballet dancer since I was two years old and love performing for family and friends in classical ballets like The Nutcracker and Giselle. Dancing is my favorite hobby, even though pointe shoes can be painful! I was also an assistant teacher for youth ballet classes for two years. My family loves traveling, and I take my digital camera everywhere we go to take pictures for my scrapbooks. English is my favorite subject and I love reading and writing. I’m honored to be a candidate this year and so excited for the opportunities to come!
Carrie Gillilan
Hi from the Anoka boo crew, my name is Carrie Gillilan! I attend Anoka High School, and I am a senior this year. In my free time, I often read, crochet, watch movies, go to the gym, or hang out with my friends! I enjoy learning, so I love to expand my knowledge on various topics. Being a well rounded individual is very important to me. I am involved in Theater and Choir, two activities that I hold very dear to my heart. I love expressing myself through art forms like music and performance. Outside of school, I work at I.Appeal and have been there for over a year! I’m so excited to spend time with the residents of Anoka this holiday season!!
Chloe Johnson
Hey boo! My name is Chloe Johnson, and I’m currently a senior at Anoka High School. In my free time, I love being outside, baking and cooking, and most importantly, spending time with friends and family. Whether it’s enjoying the fresh air or trying out a new recipe, I find joy in simple moments that bring people together. I’ve worked at sonic for 3 years now was recently promoted to manager, where I enjoy connecting with customers and being part of a supportive and fun team. Being a candidate for the Anoka Halloween Royal Ambassador Program means a lot to me because it gives me the chance to celebrate the traditions of our town while giving back to the community. I’m excited to represent the Halloween Capital of the World and help contribute to making this season memorable for everyone. Here’s to a spooky, fun filled season ahead!
Claire Wippich
Ghostly Greetings, my name is Claire wippich! I am a senior at anoka high school, when I graduate I plan on going to college to be a vet tech. In my free time, I play games, nap, find rocks and cuddle with my cats. I am currently involved in marching band, and when school starts I will be starting choir and theater. I have been in 4 theater productions and will be ending my final 4 years in marching band. What I enjoy best about Anoka, is hanging downtown and visiting antique shops. I am so excited to spend time in the community of anoka for the next few months.
Courtney McGovern
Boo to you! My name is Courtney McGovern. I’m a senior captain of the Anoka Twisters Winter Dance Team and a 4 year member of the Anoka Fall Performance team. Outside of school I enjoy photography, spending time with my friends, staying active, and getting coffee. I’m looking forward to creating new friendships with my peers while making unforgettable memories. I’m so excited to spend the next few months helping out the city of Anoka.
Ella Nelson
Haunted Hellos! My name is Ella Nelson, and I’m beyond excited to be spending the next few months in Anoka! I’m currently working toward becoming a Elementary School Special Education teacher because I love helping kids learn, grow, and feel valued for exactly who they are. Outside of school, I work at Scooters Coffee, where I get to bring a little joy (and a lot of caffeine) to people’s mornings. In my free time, you can usually find me doing hair and nails—it’s one of my favorite creative outlets—or swimming, which is something I’ve grown to love. My family is super important to me, and I treasure every moment I get to spend with them. Whether I’m working, learning, or just hanging out, I try to bring a positive and encouraging spirit into everything I do. I can’t wait to meet new people and serve the Anoka community this season!
Ella Vansickle
Ghostly Greetings, my name is Ella Vansickle! I am attending Anoka High School in class of 2026. In my free time I enjoy shopping, dancing, hanging out with my cat and hanging out with my friends! I’ve been dancing since I was 2 and am Captain of the Anoka Fall dance team & the Anoka Winter dance team! I’m so exited to spend these next few months spending time with some amazing girls and being apart of the community of Anoka!!
Hailey Blair
Hey Boo! I am Hailey Blair a born and raised Anokian. I am so excited for my senior year and can’t wait to embark on all my future adventures. Currently, I am a manager at Maurices in Coon Rapids and find joy in helping all the women that cross paths with me. In my free time I love all things art. I recently completed a mural in Random Hippie and have been working with my sponsor Dottie ever since! (She’s amazing). Family and friend time also means the world to me, I am beyond lucky to have such supportive people surrounding me. I cannot wait to spend some quality time with my beloved city! Stay spooky!!
Haley DeRungs
Haunted Hellos, my name is Haley DeRungs! I am a senior at Anoka High School, where I am an athlete on the Cross Country, Nordic Skiing, and Track and Field teams. I also enjoy being a member of Anoka Student Council, HOSA Future Health Professionals, National Honors Society, Spanish Honors Society, Students Together Are Responsible, and Rally Crew, where I serve on the executive board for 3 of these organizations. In my free time, I love doing anything outdoors, reading, baking new things, and traveling when I can. I’m looking forward to my last year of high school before going to college, and am especially excited to be a part of this amazing program!
Haley Leibel
Spooky Salutations, my name is Haley Leibel! I am currently a senior at Anoka High School and plan to pursue further education in the field of Criminal Justice or Criminology upon graduation. During the academic year, I am actively involved in the choir program at Anoka and will serve as Choir President this upcoming year. Additionally, I have been a member of Anoka High School’s National Honor Society for the past 1.5 years and have had tons of fun volunteering around Anoka and its neighboring cities. In my free time, I enjoy drawing, reading, watching movies, and hanging out with friends! I am so excited to spend the next three months getting to know my fellow candidates and serving the community of Anoka!
Izzy Hanson
Ghostly greetings, my name Izzy Hanson. I am a competitive cheerleader, apart of the fall dance team, and I am also a cheerleading coach. I really enjoy being outside and spending lots of time with my family and friends, I also enjoy being able to help others around me by volunteering, or overall just helping a stranger when they need help with little things. I also really enjoy studying psychology and would love to go to school and major in psychology and work in that type of field. I haven’t picked what field yet but that’s is a plan of mine. Overall I am so excited to be apart of the ambassador program, I know I will have such a blast and can’t wait to meet more friends over the next few months!
Josie Berreau
Hello! My name is Josie Berreau, and I’m honored to be a candidate for Anoka Ambassador. I’ll be starting my senior year at Anoka High School in the fall of 2025. At school, I enjoy studying history, Spanish, and early childhood education. I’m actively involved in several sports, including swimming, where I serve on the leadership team, and track in the spring. Outside of school, I love spending time with friends, shopping, and visiting my family’s lake home in northern Minnesota. I also have the privilege of working as a host at Boketto, a fine dining restaurant in St. Louis Park. I want to sincerely thank my sponsor, Two Scoops, for supporting me in this exciting journey. I can’t wait to experience everything Anoka Halloween has to offer!
Lainey Bakken
Haunting Hellos, my name is Lainey Bakken! I am a senior at Anoka High School where I am an active member of NHS, and captain of the Anoka Fall Performance Team! I also dance competitively at Vogue Dance Company most days of the week. Outside of my busy schedule I enjoy hanging out with my friends and family, staying active, napping, and am always down for getting a sweet treat! I am very excited to serve and learn about the community of Anoka and express my kind, and hardworking personality for the next few months!
Lucy Mitshulis
Haunting Hello! My name is Lucy Mitshulis, and I’m thrilled to share a little bit about myself. I plan to attend UW–Superior, where I will major in Elementary Education and minor in Psychology. I’m also excited to continue my athletic career by playing Division III hockey for the university. Beyond the classroom, I like to stay active by doing crossfit and I play soccer, hockey, and track. I love the outdoors, so some of my favorite activities are kayaking, fishing, and road trips. Currently, I work at Hattrick Hockey, where I’ve been employed for the past three years. Its been such a great experience there, it has brought me so many great relationships and future job skills that will help me in my future! I’m incredibly excited for the opportunities, challenges, and new experiences that lie ahead during my candidacy!
Maggie Henning
Hi, my name is Margaret (Maggie) Henning. I was named after my Great Grandma Margaret who stood at around 4’11” most of her life. I am a born and raised Catholic, live with my three siblings and two parents, and stand at 5’1″. I am a senior at Anoka High School and a part time PSEO student at Anoka Ramsey Community College. I spend my time playing volleyball, hanging out with my friends, eating food, doing schoolwork, reading, listening to music, going to church, and working. I’ve worked at Truffles and Tortes in downtown Anoka for the past two years or so and at Bill’s Superette in Ramsey for around a year. I am so beyond grateful that I have the opportunity to be a candidate for the Anoka Ambassador Program and get to learn more about the community.
Megan Hjelle
Hi! My name is Megan Hjelle and I am a senior at Anoka High School! I am currently doing full time PSEO at Anoka Ramsey Community College and I am playing soccer at Anoka. A few hobbies of mine are spending time with friends and family, playing sports, going on walks, movie nights, listening to music, and spending time at church. I work at Stoney River Assisted Living in Ramsey as well as Caribou Coffee in Anoka. Alongside work, I am a member of St. Katharine Drexel church in Ramsey where I participate in a few committee’s and councils that are meant to better the church community as well other communities. I hope to go to college to study Occupational Therapy. I am super excited to have lots of fun experiences, service opportunities, and opportunities to foster new friendships this fall!
Natalee Beisley
Spooky salutations, my name is Natalee Beisley! I enjoy participating in theatre, choir, and NHS through my school. Outside of school I work at Wild Woods Waterpark as an attendant and attend Northgate Church, have a passion for writing poetry, spending time with loved ones, traveling, scrapbooking, sticker collecting, and singing. I love working in customer service, volunteering at Feed My Starving Children, and babysitting. I strive to show God’s love through connecting with my community and being a light for those around me. I hope to attend college and earn my master’s in English education, build a family, and adopt as many dogs as I can! I’m so excited to serve the Anoka community with my amazing peers for the next few months!!
Rebecca Clemente-Cumatz
Hey everyone! My name is Rebecca Clemente Cumatz, and I’m a senior at Anoka High School. After graduation, I plan to go to college and pursue my dream of becoming a pediatric nurse. I’ve always loved helping others, and I’m so excited to turn that passion into a career. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, painting, camping, and spending as much time as I can with my family and loved ones, they’re the most important part of my life. I also enjoy volunteering and giving back to the community whenever I can. Traveling is another thing I love, especially visiting new places and spending time in my hometown of Guatemala, which will always have a special place in my heart. I’m really looking forward to the next few months as an opportunity to grow, meet amazing people, and serve the Anoka community in meaningful ways.
Rylee Wahlberg
Haunted hello! My name is Rylee Wahlberg. I am a proud athlete who plays both soccer and lacrosse and loves being active. In the summer, I enjoy going up to my cabin to spend time on the water wake surfing and hanging out with my family and friends. In my free time, I like to take walks with my dog, cook, and play board games. At school, I am involved in DECA and STAR, which have helped me grow as a leader. I am beyond excited to spend the next few months serving Anoka and its community, and I can’t wait for all the memories and friendships I will make along the way!
Sadie Griffith
Hi everyone! My name is Sadie Griffith, and I am an upcoming senior at Anoka High School. Throughout school I am a part of the National Honors Society and The Steam Program. I am also one of the captains of the girls soccer team and a manager for the girls basketball team. Outside of school, I love spending time with family and friends, baking, doing new crafts, watching movies, and being active outside. I can’t wait to get to know everyone and see all the exciting things to come during our candidacy experience. I am truly excited to learn and grow as a person in the months to come. Not only that, but also to give back to the community that has given me so much. Anoka has been my home forever, so I am eager to make a positive impact!
Sarah Jensen
Haunted Hellos, my name is Sarah Jensen! I’m a senior at Anoka High School and love being involved in my school and community. I’m a multi-sport athlete in swimming and track, serving on the swimming leadership team. I hold leadership roles as President of Student Council and the Tornado Service Club, Head Designer for Anoka United, and Social Media Manager for SWOT. I’m also active in Speech, HOSA, Spanish Honor Society, NHS, and ASL Club. Volunteering is one of my biggest passions. I’ve completed over 640 hours of service throughout high school and earned three Gold President’s Volunteer Service Awards. In the future, I’m excited to earn my CNA license and pursue nursing in college. I’m so excited to be a candidate to keep serving my community and to make new friends!
Shelby Aldinger
Hi, my name is Shelby Aldinger, I attend Anoka High School and plan on going to the University of Minnesota Crookston to study and ride on the Equestrian Team. In my free time I like to spend time with friends, volunteer for my community, assembled and am President of the Anoka Hennepin Future Farmers of America Chapter (FFA), engaged in Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), compete in Horse Judging and Hippology, play violin in Concert Orchestra and shoot archery. In the summer I also like showing horses with my friends and I am a board member on the Appaloosa Youth Association. I am super excited to spend time getting to know everyone and serving the community of Anoka!
