On Saturday, April 23rd, the 500 Festival Princesses were all in attendance at the Indianapolis Arts Center to celebrate the 2022 Princess Program, presented by The National Bank of Indianapolis. 2022 marks the 63rd anniversary of the Princess Program. Throughout the years, more than 2,000 of Indiana’s most accomplished college-aged women have experienced the excitement of serving as ambassadors for the 500 Festival and the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.  

One of the unique experiences of the 500 Festival Princess Program is the opportunity to create lifelong connections with business and community leaders. On Saturday, the 500 Festival Princesses met and connected with the 500 Festival Board of Directors, who mentor each Princess throughout the season.  

Notable speakers of the evening included James Poore, Chairman of the 500 Festival Board of Directors, Bob Bryant, President & CEO of 500 Festival, as well as Scott McDermott, Vice President of the National Bank of Indianapolis. Former Princesses were also in attendance, including Lindsay Monroe and Janae Quinn, the 2021 Marlyne Sexton Queen Scholar.  

Each 500 Festival Princess received a question on-stage regarding their background, involvement, or commitment to service throughout their collegiate careers. Many Princesses were joined by their close friends and family who accompanied the 2022 class outside after the programming for refreshments and photos. 

From visiting schools, nursing homes, or hospitals in their community, to speaking at professional and service organization meetings, the Princesses have spread the word about the impact of the 500 Festival and the Indianapolis 500. To date, this year’s 500 Festival Princesses have conducted more than 150 outreach efforts across the state, reaching tens of thousands of Hoosiers.  

Over the past few months, they have taken part in the 500 Festival Leadership Development Program, presented by BKD. Led by accomplished individuals from within our community, these young women are learning how to network and better serve their community. Additionally on Saturday, each 500 Festival Princess received a $1,000 scholarship. These scholarships were made possible in part by the 500 Festival Foundation and Marlyne Sexton. 

Through the generosity of Marlyne and the 500 Festival Foundation, we have been able to expand the impact of the 500 Festival Princess Program and we’re appreciative of their investment in Indiana’s next generation of leaders!