February 19, 2016
Each festival princess will receive a $1,000 scholarship and be involved with the festival’s statewide community outreach programs, volunteering at festival events and participating in Indianapolis Motor Speedway functions, including the pre-race ceremonies and Victory Circle celebration for the May 29 race.
“For more than 50 years, the 500 Festival Princess Program has recognized Indiana’s brightest college-aged women. The program’s new personal and professional development initiative and the scholarships given to each young woman will reinforce its rich history,” said Leslie Carter-Prall, 500 Festival board member and princess program committee co-chair, in a news release.
The queen will be crowned May 21 during the 500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard.
This year's princesses represent 13 Indiana colleges and universities and 21 cities and towns across the state. With a cumulative GPA of 3.5, they were selected from a record number of applicants based on communication skills, academic performance and community involvement.
