Ball State University student Dannielle Sylvester was crowned the 2007 500 Festival Queen from a field of 33 princesses Saturday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Along with participating in all Indianapolis 500 activities, Sylvester, who will graduate in 2008, was also awarded a $2,500 scholarship. The honor was a dream come true, Sylvester said in a press release.
"I remember sitting on the corner watching the parade and telling my dad I was going to be one of those girls one day," Sylvester said. "Here I am, so that's definitely going to be my favorite part - watching all those little girls' faces. Hopefully, they can do the same."
A field of 235 participants went through two series of five-minute interviews with judges before the 33 princesses were selected in February. The criteria judges used to choose princesses was based on academics, personality, and community outreach. In addition to Sylvester, four other Ball State students were selected as princesses.
Each princess was required to make two visits to elementary classes from their home area to teach children about the history of the Indianapolis 500. Princesses also visited nursing homes and hospitals to meet with the elderly.