INDIANAPOLIS – The 500 Festival, a nonprofit organization providing life-enriching events and programs that celebrate the legacy of the Indianapolis 500, Monday announced three college-aged women from Vigo County have been selected as 2020 500 Festival Princesses.
Marriah McKillop, Emma Kathryn McMurtry and Margaret Mary McMurtry, all of Terre Haute, were among 33 college-aged women selected to serve as 500 Festival Princesses. They represent 14 Indiana colleges and universities and 22 cities and towns across the state.
With a cumulative GPA of 3.64 this year’s 500 Festival Princesses were selected from hundreds of applicants based on communication skills, academic performance, community involvement, commitment to service and leadership.
The
500 Festival Princesses are selected throughout a competitive process
consisting of a written application and two rounds of interviews. The 2020 500
Festival Princesses represent a diverse group of women with 26 different fields
of study ranging from education to software engineering to journalism to
biochemistry.
From February through May, 500 Festival Princesses will complete 30 hours of leadership development including: sessions led by business and community leaders, professional development events, and mentorship from 500 Festival Board of Directors. They 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 104th Running of the Indianapolis 500.
“The
500 Festival Princess Program, presented by Reis-Nichols Jewelers, gives young
women an opportunity to grow their leadership abilities and professional
development. The program ensures each participant an empowering experience with
opportunities to make a profound impact on their community and state,” said
Kathy Cabello, 500 Festival board member and Princess Program committee
co-chair. “The board of directors is honored to join the 500 Festival in
celebrating these remarkable current and future leaders.”
To learn more about the 500 Festival Princess Program, please visit www.500festival.com/princessprogram or search #PrincessProgram on social media.
