The 500 Festival, a nonprofit organization committed to enriching the quality of life for Indiana residents and visitors, today announced that 33 college-aged women from across Indiana have been selected to serve as 2016 500 Festival Princesses.

by Rachel Eckerle, reckerle@500festival.com

The 2016 500 Festival Princesses, Evansville area hometown, college or university and area of study are as follows (in alphabetical order):

Caitlyn Foye, Newburgh, a graduate of Castle High School and a sophomore at Butler University majoring in Biology    Biology

Brianna Perry, Poseyville, a graduate of North Posey High School and a junior at the University of Southern Indiana majoring in Exercise Science and Pre-Physical Therapy

Caitlyn Waldrop, Hillsdale, a graduate of South Vermillion High School and a senior at Indiana University studying Biology and Pre-Med

The 500 Festival Princess Program has a long history of celebrating Indiana’s most civic-minded, academically driven college-aged women. Serving as a 500 Festival Princess provides young women with countless opportunities for leadership, networking, and professional development. 500 Festival Princesses will participate in the program’s personal and professional development initiative, which empowers participants to make a profound impact within their community and Indiana.

Each 500 Festival Princess will receive a $1,000 scholarship, made possible in part by the 500 Festival Foundation. 500 Festival Princesses are also provided with once-in-a-life-time experiences, including involvement with the 500 Festival’s statewide community outreach programs, volunteering at 500 Festival events and participating in various Indianapolis Motor Speedway functions, including the pre-race ceremonies and Victory Circle celebration for the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500.

“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. “The 500 Festival is proud to take the lead on investing our time and resources to shape Indiana’s next generation of leaders.”

The 2016 500 Festival Princesses represent 13 Indiana colleges and universities and 21 cities and towns across the state. With a cumulative GPA of 3.5, this year’s 500 Festival Princesses were selected from hundreds of applicants based upon their communication skills, commitment to service, leadership, scholarship, and professionalism.

One of the 33 Princesses will be selected as the 2016 500 Festival Queen and will receive an additional $1,500 scholarship. The queen will be crowned May 21st during the 500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard, presented by Midwestern Engineers, Inc.

Support of the 500 Festival Princess Program is provided by: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Vera Bradley, The Sanctuary on Penn, retro 101, Macy’s, and the 500 Festival Foundation.

As ambassadors of the 500 Festival, Princesses play a critical role in the execution of the 500 Festival’s mission to produce life-enriching events and programs while celebrating the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500 and fostering positive impact on the community of Indiana.  Appearances by 500 Festival Princesses are available by request.
To learn more about 500 Festival’s events and volunteer opportunities, please visit www.500festival.com.

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