My name is Allie Cross. I have lived in Big Lake since I was three years old. At the age of 17 I am active in many school activities, serve as Big Lake City Councils Student Liaison, I am involved in the Big Lake Ambassador Program, and work at our local Erbert and Gerbert’s. Some activities I am involved in include theater, tennis, student council where I serves as Student Body President, EPIC, YDYS, Poetry Out Loud, and NHS. I have also participated in Art Club, Big Lakes Speech Team, and have managed the winter sideline cheer team. Additionally, my official titles within the Ambassador Program include 2016-2017 2019-2021 Junior Ambassador, 2023-2024 Big Lake Ambassador, 2025 Big Lake Ambassador Aquatennial Representative, and Junior Committee member.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My family is made up of my mom, dad, and brother Landon. We have two dogs, two cats, a parakeet, and eight chickens.
Q: How long have you lived and/or worked in Big Lake?
I have lived in Big Lake since I was three years old.
Q: Tell us about your current, past, or future career.
In the future I hope to work in pediatric medicine! I currently volunteer at the Princeton Hospital and have an annual winter decor sale that benefits Minnesota Children’s Hospitals as well as cancer research organizations.
Q: What is your favorite TV Show, Movie, Book? (Please list as many as you’d like!)
My favorite show would have to be Supernatural. My top three favorite movies would be Beauty and the Beast, The Greatest Showman, and the live action Aladdin movie. My favorite thing to watch though is the stage recording of Newsies! I also love to read and have a collection of over 100 books. My favorite books of all time are the Selection Series by Kiera Cass. I’ve been trying to get my friend Kaelyn to read them for awhile now… hopefully she will after reading this.
Q: If you could only eat one food/meal and have one beverage for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I would eat stir fry! I think you can change the ingredients so each dish is somewhat unique! My favorite drink forever and always will be cherry sprite!
Q: What are some of your favorite hobbies or pastimes?
I love reading, photography, and volunteering. I spend a lot of my time at school, studying, and planning my schedules for the week.
Q: What is one thing on your bucket list?
I want to visit all seven continents! So far I have traveled around North America as well as spent a week in Spain.
Q: What would you buy/do if you won the lottery?
Realistically, if I ever won the lottery I would invest in real estate. My goal would be to provide affordable rentals as well as start a couple Airbnbs.
Q: What has been a challenge you have had to overcome? (Life, School, Work, etc.)
Balancing my school, work, friendships, and extracurriculars has been something I continuously work on!
Q: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
If I could change one thing about myself, I would like to function perfectly on five hours of sleep instead of needing a full eight.
Q: Who has been a hero in your life?
My parents are my heros! They both are happy and successful and I hope to be like them some day!
Q: What is something even your family and friends may not know about you?
I was born with one kidney!
Q: What are a few of your favorite businesses / restaurants in Big Lake?
My friend Alayna and I love to visit the frozen spoon for ice cream!
Q: What is one of your favorite things about Big Lake?
I love love love the community of Big Lake! The people I have met in school, in the community, and through the opportunities given to me by Big Lake have helped me become the person I am. I owe a lot of my success to my parents but also to Big Lake as a whole.
Q: What advice would you give to people living in Big Lake?
Take the opportunities oven to you! There are so many opportunities, resources, and involvement groups in Big Lake. Take advantage of the community we have built!
