Justice Amick and Bailee Leathers, both graduates of Center Grove High School, have been selected as princesses of the 500 Festival Princess Program. Justice is a senior at Ball State University majoring in telecommunications and journalism and Bailee is a sophomore at Indiana University majoring in nursing.
The 500 Festival, a nonprofit organization providing life-enriching events and programs that celebrate the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500®, announces the selection of 33 women from Indiana universities and colleges to serve as 2019 500 Festival Princesses.
The 500 Festival Princess Program, presented by Reis-Nichols, has a long history of celebrating Indiana’s most civic-minded, academically driven young women. Serving as a 500 Festival Princess provides young women with countless opportunities for leadership and professional development. The 500 Festival Princesses will participate in the 500 Festival Leadership Development Program, presented by BKD, which empowers participants to make a profound impact within their community and Indiana. 2019 marks the 60th Anniversary of the 500 Festival Princess Program. Since the program’s launch, nearly 2,000 Indiana women have experienced the honor of serving as a 500 Festival Princess.
Each 500 Festival Princess will receive a $1,000 scholarship, made possible by the 500 Festival Foundation and Marlyne Sexton, an Indianapolis philanthropist and president of The Sexton Companies. 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 103rd running of the Indianapolis 500.
“The 500 Festival Princess Program, presented by Reis-Nichols, gives women the chance to strengthen their leadership and personal intelligence. With over 50 years of history, the program implements each young woman with a remarkable experience,” said Kathy Cabello, 500 Festival board member and Princess Program committee co-chair. “The 500 Festival is pleased to engage with Indiana’s next generation of leaders.”
The 2019 500 Festival Princesses represent 13 Indiana colleges and universities and 20 cities and towns across the state. With a cumulative GPA of 3.65, this year’s 500 Festival Princesses were selected from hundreds of applicants based on communication skills, academic performance and community involvement.
The 2019 500 Festival Queen Scholar will be announced on Saturday, May 18 during the 500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard, presented by Midwestern Engineers, Inc. The Queen Scholar will receive an additional $1,500 scholarship.
As representatives of the 500 Festival, Princesses play a crucial role in the execution of the 500 Festival’s mission to produce life-enriching events and programs that celebrate the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500 and foster a positive impact on the city of Indianapolis and state of Indiana. Appearances by the 500 Festival Princesses are available by request.
Support of the 500 Festival Princess Program is provided by: Reis-Nichols, BKD, Nicole Bryan Salon, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Vera Bradley, and the 500 Festival Foundation.
To learn more about 500 Festival Princess Program, please visit 500festival.com/princessprogram.
