People from Louisville are usually pretty familiar with the Kentucky Derby and all the traditions that go along with it. But Patti Grice has a little more in-depth knowledge than the average resident of the city.

As a 2006 Derby Princess, the senior from Louisville had to educate herself on the famous horse race and the events that go with it. She studied the Web site for the Derby Festival to complete the interview process to be accepted into the Derby Princess program.

“We’re just so excited,” she said. “It’s a great time to represent my community and my school, too.”

Grice is one of five female college students selected to be one of this year’s Derby Princesses. The princesses represent the community at different Derby events. They are chosen through an interview process and judged on Derby knowledge, intelligence, personality and campus/community involvement.

“We’re kind of like ambassadors at the Derby festival,” Grice said.

Grice was also chosen to be queen of the Derby out of the five princesses at the Derby Ball last weekend.

Tara Hogue, a Western graduate from Bowling Green and a friend of Grice, said being a Derby Princess fits with Grice’s personality.

“She’s perfect for it,” Hogue said. “I was excited that she was crowned queen this weekend.”

Hogue and Grice, who are both communications majors, met in classes and have been friends for about three years, Hogue said.

Driving back to Louisville every week to attend festival events has been stressful, Grice said, but her professors have been understanding. Sometimes she has to drive the two hours back to Louisville after a night class, and doesn’t get home until around midnight, she said.

“Hopefully, I’ll have plenty of time to rest after this,” she said.

Grice also got engaged to her boyfriend, Louisville senior David Judd, two weeks after she found out about being a Derby Princess, she said.

The two were friends in high school, Judd said, and started dating while in college. He said he likes Grice’s ambition and personality.

“When she wants something, she goes and gets it,” he said. “She has a really big heart.”

The two plan to get married in December 2007, Grice said. She wants to go to law school, and Judd has a year left of college.

“I never ever thought I would get married young, or engaged young,” she said. “But I’m happy I did.”

Judd said it wasn’t something he expected either, and it was kind of a surprise to her when he proposed.

“When you find a girl like that, you can’t let her get away,” he said.