MUNCIE, Ind. -- A Ball State University senior says the skills she honed as a member of University Singers was the key to being selected as the 1999 Indianapolis 500 Festival Queen.

Danielle Slone, a 22-year-old from Connersville, Ind., was selected May 22 from a group of 33 princesses to reign over 500 Festival Week activities.

"I’ve been a member of the University Singers for the last two years and the experiences I’ve learned there, as well as other university activities, really helped me with this," she said.

For the first time the festival eliminated the traditional contest that included talent and evening gown competitions. This year the contestants were interviewed by a panel of independent judges on three occasions.

"We were judged on leadership, communication skills, professionalism and community and school activities," she said. "All the contestants are very well educated and the judging reflects that you have done well in school."

Slone is a choral music education major and serves as the cast souvenirs coordinator for University Singers, one of America’s top collegiate entertainment groups. She designs and executes production of cast jackets, lapel pins, videotapes, t-shirts, and other collegiate memorabilia.

She is the daughter of Danny and Gelenda Slone of Connersville.

"It is truly a wonderful feeling to represent Ball State, Connersville and Indiana," she said. "This was a big surprise to me. When I woke up the next day after being selected, I thought it was all a dream. It is going to be a very hectic couple of weeks. I don’t think I’ll get too much sleep."

Slone will serve as an ambassador of Indiana at all 500 Festival events during race week. She also participates in the IPALCO 500 Festival Parade, the nation’s largest motor racing parade on May 29.

Her other activities include attending the Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial Dedication, 500 Festival Memorial Service, Xerox Ball, 500 Festival Community Day at the Speedway, and congratulating the race winner at the conclusion of the world’s largest one-day sporting event.

Following a tradition begun in 1959, 33 princesses from across Indiana were selected to represent the 500 festival, participate in all festival events and volunteer programs, learn through professional opportunities, and have fun through community involvement.

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact Ryan Chelli with the 500 Festival at (317) 237-3416.)