The historical richness of Momence fascinates Tristan Hamilton, and it makes sense, as Tristan's ancestors are a fixture in the area's history. His story parallels the story of Momence itself, where his ancestors not only settled but left their mark, like the store location used in filming the FX television drama Fargo's third season. Though he honors the past, this senior forges his own path in a distinguishing display of street epistemology and appreciation for the macabre elements of pop culture.

Tristan's mother passed away in August, and the associated grief provides additional depth to his discussion of family roots in the community. The loss fuels his aspirations. In our conversation, he reflects on his love for history and the town's past; he is highly interested in working at a museum or a library, places where stories like his family's are preserved for future generations. Tristan describes Momence with equal parts pride and realism. The town's small population provides a responsive ecosystem where "everyone knows each other." He says the familiarity brings comfort and challenges, as news and rumors travel fast, but support is quick to mobilize in times of need.

Tristan values the power of relationships, citing his best friend Desiree and family as significant influences. He emphasizes that his relationships have shaped his political ideas and approach to adversity and helped shape his overall personality. He notes that the two sides of his family offer a balanced perspective, teaching him alternate perspectives and the value of doing the right thing.

A lover of music and film, Tristan once played the saxophone but stepped away due to the academic demands heightened by COVID-19's shift to e-learning. His musical tastes are eclectic, ranging from the electronic synth-pop of Daft Punk to the classic crooning of Frank Sinatra. His passion for horror movies is unmistakable, and he's devoted to the hobby. Owning over a thousand films, he categorizes his favorites into unique segments: Evil Dead 2 as his favorite, Hereditary as the scariest, and Pulse as the most fun. His collection boasts a rare gem – a 1936 Western movie titled The Phantom Horse, of which only twelve copies exist worldwide.

Contrary to expectations, Tristan's favorite season is Thanksgiving, not Halloween, despite his fascination with horror movies. He concedes that schools should be off the day after Halloween to allow students time to recover from the night's festivities. Despite his admiration for fictional depictions of fear, he's described by friends as a "good kid." Tristan is known for his kindness and laughter, which can liven up school assemblies you're forced to sit through.

Tristan's personal history is as much the story of Momence as he is a character in its tale. In a way, Tristan's story is the narrative of the town itself – rich in history, full of character, and always ready to embrace the next chapter. Looking back, he has some advice for himself: strive for academic excellence and remember the respect and self-satisfaction that comes with good grades. With a baggage cart of determination in tow, Tristan adds to our region's history not only through yarns of ancestral connections but also through powerful anecdotes of dealing with grief and celebrating unique aspects of our identity, no matter how eclectic our passions may seem.