Bowling Green graduate student Heather Cowherd is one of five Derby Festival Princesses. “Being a princess is about being an ambassador for Louisville and the Commonwealth of Kentucky,” Cowherd said. “It is also about the importance of community celebration and community service.” DAVE KASNIC/Herald

Kentucky gets crazy in May. Each year, millions of patrons, natives or out-of-towners funnel into Louisville for the Kentucky Derby.

A year of planning ends in two weeks of events, featuring the Kentucky Derby Festival. Many have anticipated the upcoming Derby since the moment the last one ended. And for a select group of young women, the frenzy starts now.

“It’s a huge commitment,” said Heather Cowherd, a Bowling Green graduate student. “But I know it’s gonna be a lot of fun.”

Cowherd is one of five chosen as princesses for the Kentucky Derby Festival Royal Court. According to the Festival Web site, the princesses serve as ambassadors at 70 events from now until May 1. Their journey began last Monday with call-backs, then a day of press conferences and radio interviews.

“It will be difficult to balance everything with this and the traveling, but I’m prepared,” she said.

Some might dismiss the princesses, but Cowherd insists that the Royal Court is more than glitz and glamour. She plans to use the $2,000 scholarship toward her doctorate.

“It’s a service and scholarship opportunity,” she said. “It’s our chance to represent a city that stands for community celebration.”

Along with formal galas and poster premieres, a requirement for being a Festival princess is community service and speaking to schools about volunteerism. Cowherd said that’s what her life has been devoted to for years.

“I love interacting with people, reaching out, hearing their stories,” she said.

Cowherd hopes to continue her love of helping people with a career in the government or education administration. She will graduate in May with a master’s in public administration.

She began volunteering at 13 by helping her mother, who teaches third grade at Parker-Bennett-Curry Elementary School.

“The kids love her,” said Cheri Smith, the principal at PBC.

Smith said Cowherd worked closely with her in implementing a literacy program and a junior BETA club.

“She’s attentive, compassionate and provides the kids with a model of what they could become,” Smith said.

Cowherd mentors a 10-year-old Hispanic student, who she often gloats about.

“She used to be shy. She didn’t know English well,” Cowherd said. “Now she loves science. She’s very outgoing. It’s great to watch her blossom.”

Despite her lengthy list of achievements, including the Governor’s Citation of Excellence and the Bowling Green Human Rights Commission Women’s Achievement Award, Cowherd is modest and focused on whatever comes next.

“The service I do is not for recognition,” she said. “I do it because people need help.”

Cowherd said she is excited about getting to know the other princesses and attending events. But she values the experience most for its dedication to the citizens who have kept it alive for years.

“Derby week has always been a big deal for my family,” Cowherd said. “Now it’ll be even more special. It’s a pleasure to be a part of it.”