2018 Princesses Set 60-Year Program Record for Highest GPA

These women are the real deal. Whatever you thought you knew about the 500 Festival Princess Program, throw it out. It's not a pageant. It's not a competition. The sashes and tiaras are part of the history, but the academics and community outreach are part of the present. These are 33 of Indiana's most impressive college leaders and achievers, and they're in a class of their own.

"We're all going to be working for them someday," a 500 Festival staff member said following Princess selections. "Someday soon."

This year's class of Princesses has set the record for the highest cumulative GPA in the Program's 60-year history with a 3.72 average. Three are in pursuit of Doctorates. Two more are studying Neuroscience. Others will become leaders in the liberal arts with degrees in Art, Journalism, Music History and Literary Theory, and there's no shortage of future Business, Education, and Nursing professionals, either.

Altogether, they represent 14 different colleges and universities from as far south as Evansville University to as far north as Indiana University - Purdue University in Fort Wayne, and everywhere in between. Many represent Indianapolis-based schools with six IUPUI students, four from Butler University, and one apiece from Marian University and the University of Indianapolis.

The 33 Princesses also hail from 21 different cities and towns, representing the 500 Festival - and impacting lives - all across Indiana. From Hayden to Munster (almost Cincinnati to Chicago), these Princesses will volunteer more than 4,000 hours toward community outreaches in their hometowns over the next three months.

It's the second-straight year the Princesses have set a new record for the highest GPA. They're proving once again that there's more to the sash and tiara, and you certainly shouldn't mess with a Princess.