INDIANAPOLIS (May 27, 2025) – The 500 Festival announces the winners of its essay contest and best classroom contest for the 2025 500 Festival & Indianapolis 500 Education Program, presented by Indiana University Health. This year, 27,256 Indiana fourth-grade students took part in the Education Program.  

The Education Program is free for Indiana fourth-grade classrooms and immerses students in the world of the Indianapolis 500 and the 500 Festival. The program consists of a full in-class curriculum designed to meet fourth-grade Indiana Academic Standards. This year, 366 registered schools brought classroom lessons to life by either hosting a Mobile Trip at their school or attending a Study Trip at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  

Essay Contest 

Ryhker, a fourth-grade student from Syracuse Elementary School has been named the winner of the 2025 Education Program essay contest. Students who participated in the essay contest were prompted to discuss the impact of the Indianapolis 500 and how the race has impacted the city of Indianapolis as well as what it has taught people about perseverance, teamwork, and achieving goals.  

As the 2025 essay contest winner, Ryhker received a prize pack from Regions Bank, 4 tickets to the Indianapolis 500, and 4 tickets to the AES 500 Festival Parade. To read the winning essay, click here. Mrs. McCreary, teacher at Syracuse Elementary School, also received 2 tickets to the AES 500 Festival Parade and a teacher school supply pack from Regions Bank.  

The essay contest runners-up were Clara from Legacy Christian Academy and Kylynn from Springs Valley Elementary School. Both students received a prize pack from Regions Bank and 2 tickets to the AES 500 Festival Parade. 

Best Classroom Contest 

Amy Hackett’s fourth-grade class from the Indiana School for the Deaf in Indianapolis, Indiana has been named the winner of the 2025 Best Classroom Contest. They received the highest marks for creating a classroom theme based on the 500 Festival and Indianapolis 500 events. Classroom themes were judged on originality, design, student involvement, and the quality of education components incorporated into classroom learning. Amy’s class won a pizza party provided by Regions Bank. 

“The 500 Festival & Indianapolis 500 Education Program, presented by Indiana University Health, continues to be a vital part of our mission to inspire and engage the community while celebrating the legacy of the Indy 500,” said Bob Bryant, president and CEO of the 500 Festival. “This year’s contest brought in an incredible range of photos and essays that truly captured the excitement of the Month of May. Our fourth-grade participants showed remarkable creativity and enthusiasm in bringing the spirit of the Indianapolis 500 to life.” 

To learn more about the Education Program, visit 500Festival.com/Education. 

The Indianapolis 500 & 500 Festival Education Program is supported by: Indiana University Health, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the 500 Festival Foundation, Regions Bank, NTT INDYCAR Series, and Honda. 

Soap Box Derby Mini Car Race 

The Soapbox Derby is a youth-oriented soap box car racing program that has been running in the United States since 1934. The International Soap Box Derby® is a non-profit youth education and leadership development organization whose mission is to build knowledge and character, and to create meaningful experiences through collaboration, fair and honest racing competitions, STEM curriculum, and other community-focused activities. 

There were 17 cars in the mini car race field this year. Our first-place car was from Ms. Miller’s class at Bridgeport Elementary School.