Category: #PrincessProgram

March 24, 2020

500 Festival Princesses Continue to be Rooted in Service

As we all know, the world is currently facing a unique and challenging time. However, it is more important than ever to band together and support our community, country, and world. Committed to cultivating the next generation of leader’s, the 500 Festival Princess Program is dedicated to leadership and professional development. A staple of this …

January 23, 2020

Tips to Prepare for Princess Program Interviews

The 500 Festival Princess Program, presented by Reis-Nichols Jewelers, celebrates Indiana’s most civic minded, academically driven young women. Applications have been reviewed and interviews are quickly approaching! The first round of interviews for the 2020 Princess Program will take place January 25. The interview process can seem daunting, however, it is a wonderful opportunity to …

August 14, 2019

Princess Program Testimonial- Macy Pohl

The role of being a 500 Festival Princess was not only an experience of a lifetime, I was able to impact lives through service and ambassadorship. While wearing the crown and sash, I was given a platform to volunteer, advocate, and educate individuals on Indiana history and topics I am passionate about. During my time …

August 13, 2019

Princess Program Testimonial: Haley Begay

While the crown and sash might say otherwise, the job of being a 500 Festival Princess is not that of royalty, but of servitude. All 33 of us princesses are servants of Indiana. The Indianapolis 500 only lasts half a day, but the service we do will continue on long after this leadership role we …

April 6, 2018

33 Princess Approved Spring Favorites

Quickly approaching is the 500 Festival’s favorite season; a time when the sun starts shining, the black and white take hold and we’re in full gear toward the month of May. Our love for this time of year is rooted in the racing, running, festivities and celebration, so to continue the spirit of sharing things …

April 2, 2018

From Tiaras to White Coats

This year’s Princess class has a variety of interests. While some study the arts, business, and education, three of these 33 young women are professional students in graduate school. Carolina Vogel is a 1st-year medical student at Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine, and Elaina Etter and Olga Vlashyn are both pharmacy students at Purdue …

March 20, 2018

500 Festival Princesses Walk in St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The 500 Festival Princesses are going green! Sporting some shamrock style among their sparkling tiaras, a group of the Princesses welcomed the festive weekend by joining Indianapolis’ annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration on Friday, March 16. Before the checkered flags and the red, white and blue that accompanies May’s Memorial Day Weekend celebration, the Princesses …

March 5, 2018

Don’t Mess With a Princess

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 …

January 16, 2018

5 Common Questions About 500 Festival Princess Program Interviews

The applications have been submitted and interviews are on the way! On January 20, the first round of interviews for the 2018 500 Festival Princess Program, presented by Reis-Nichols Jewelers, will take place. As a 500 Festival Princess Program Alumna, and a 500 Festival staff member, I’m often asked what participants can expect. While the …

January 2, 2018

500 Festival Princess: Annie Cole

Annie Cole 2017 500 Festival Princess Annie Cole shares her favorite moment interacting with youth last spring. Throughout my time as a Princess, I had countless moments interacting with Indiana’s young people, but one particular moment stood out to me. I asked a first grade class what it meant to be a Princess. Of course, …