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The spring of 2011 proved to be a very rewarding time for me, especially with my crowning as KY Derby Queen for the Derby Festival. It will certainly be an experience I will never forget! The Derby Princess Program is an initiative put forth by the Fillies, Inc., which is a group of 250 women in the Louisville community that act as a support group for The Kentucky Derby Festival. Every year, the Fillies opens the application in the Fall for young women ages 18 and older who are attending either college or graduate school in the state of Kentucky, or who are Kentucky residents. Once the online application is received, all girls are interviewed by a panel of around eight or nine judges for five minutes. This past year, over 120 girls applied for one of five positions on the royal court. Out of the first round, 15 semi-finalists are selected for a ten - fifteen minute interview held by three out of state judges in January. The evening after the final interview, the final five girls are announced. I can honestly say that the McConnell interviews still take the cake for the most challenging interview I have ever had!
Throughout the semester, the royal court attends upwards of 70 different events, where they serve as ambassadors for the Derby Festival leading up to the actual KY Oaks and Derby. Perhaps the most rewarding experience was the opportunity to serve as role models for countless young girls in the Louisville area and state. As Queen for the royal court, I acted as the official spokesperson, and constantly had the media snapping photos, quick video clips, or vying for interviews (most especially during the 3 weeks leading up to Derby). It was fun while it lasted, but given my personality, I prefer the quiet comfort of my home and circle of friends, and have no desire to experience publicity in that fashion! Unfortunately, there are not as many positive role models in the limelight, and in some ways I do wish that the 2011 royal court could have more of a lasting impact on the children than its more famous counterparts. It is interesting to note how often times people like the young women who served with me on the court, who best represent important values, never directly seek out attention.
With the end of my tenure as Queen comes the bittersweet moment of graduation. I am sad to see the past four years fly by so quickly, but I am happy to move forward to the next chapter of my life as a graduate student and soon to be wife. With these new responsibilities comes the task of finding permanent employment, and so I look forward to securing a full time job after my summer position as an admissions counselor for the University of Louisville. I love this university and the Cardinals, and am happy to further its mission of recruiting some of the best and brightest students to UofL! Go Cards!
-Trish