Four Ball State University students will be traveling throughout Indiana to promote the Indianapolis 500.
According to the 500 Festival Web site, 263 Indiana women from universities statewide applied to participate in the 500 Festival Princess Program.
The princesses attend events and volunteer programs throughout the month of May, performing community outreach programs, according to the site. In addition, princesses participate in pre-race ceremonies and various Indianapolis Motor Speedway functions.
Officials chose the 33 princesses based on 11 factors including community involvement, volunteer activities, sense of humor and high energy level, according to the Web site.
Sophomore public relations and advertising major Nicole Botich said she is the only princess representing northern Indiana.
"Being a princess is a great experience for Ball State women, to not only get Ball State's name out but also their hometown's," Botich said. "It's a great PR opportunity [for the university] to show they have strong, independent, confident women."
Botich said she wants to work for the racing industry once she graduates and she hopes her involvement with the festival will open doors.
Junior elementary education major Natalie Wilson said her association with the 500 Festival began six or seven years ago when her grandfather encouraged her to participate in the mini-marathon, a festival event that attracts about 30,000 people.
Wilson said her brothers and father also participated with her.
"Pageant-type things aren't usually my cup of tea, but my mom said there was scholarship money involved," Wilson said.
She said the festival seems to be an event women outside of the Indianapolis area might not know about.
"I think [being a festival princess] will be a great experience," Wilson said. "I've been given a special opportunity and I'll use it to its full extent."
Wilson said she would focus her community outreach at schools; she recently coordinated a program for kindergarten through third grade students about dental health.
Senior telecommunications major Krystal Shull said the princess program was something she has always wanted to do.
"I'm absolutely honored to be able to represent not only my hometown [of Kendallville}, but also the Indy 500," she said.
Shull said she would hold community outreach programs at schools, nursing homes, hospitals and churches throughout the state in preparation for the race.
BSU princessesNicole BotichSophomore, public relations
Natalie WilsonJunior, elementary education Krystal ShullSenior, telecommunications
Krissy MargasonSophomore, elementary education
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