She and a court of four princesses — including Katie Huber, a graduate student at the School of Medicine, and Laura Don Oliver, a senior chemistry major, are Derby princesses — are ambassadors for the 2011 Derby Festival. Before the festival concludes, they will have attended nearly 70 events over a three-week period.
UofL Today recently caught up with a busy Maclin to get insight into what it is like to be queen:
Some of my friends in the past have been involved on the court as princesses and encouraged me to apply for a court spot. It seemed like a fun and very rewarding way to serve as an ambassador for an internationally acclaimed festival that celebrates the best two minutes in sports. It’s a wonderful way to bring Kentuckians together to celebrate the unbridled spirit of the state, and to showcase our pride on the world stage!
Becoming queen was an act of fortune, since the queen is chosen from the five princesses based on the spin of a wheel. It is an honor to serve as queen and as an official spokesperson for the festival, but it is even more rewarding to know that I am serving on the court with four other fantastic women who are equally deserving of the title. Our group is cohesive and fun, and I think that we are lucky to have a court with such amicable girls.
A “day in the life” of a princess involves a lot of interviews and public appearances. We are constantly on our feet and promoting the festival and the city of Louisville by meeting with sponsors, guests of the festival and the people who come to support the events.
The Derby Festival Princess Tea, which is sponsored by the Fillies, Inc., was by far my favorite event. Around 150 girls and their moms came to have tea with the current court and past princesses, and it was so nice to meet with all of the girls. We signed autographs and took pictures, and also demonstrated the importance of etiquette in a formal setting. I love having the opportunity to serve as a positive role model for these young ladies and others, especially since good role models are becoming more difficult to find in the public sphere.
(Editor’s Note: On campus, Maclin is a McConnell Scholar and a member of Chi Omega Sorority, UofL Dance Marathon, Student Government Association, College Republicans, Student Orientation Staff, Mortar Board, Order of Omega and Pi Sigma Alpha. She participates in other community service activities, as well.)