Several Marian University students have been selected as 2026 500 Festival Princesses, a prestigious program that promotes leadership, community service and engagement across Indiana during the lead-up to the Indianapolis 500.
The 500 Festival Princess Program, established in 1959, selects 33 college-aged women from across the state to serve as ambassadors for the festival. The number represents the 33 drivers who compete in the Indy 500 each year. Princesses are chosen based on communication skills, leadership, scholarship and commitment to service.
Among this year’s cohort are Marian students Natalie Priser, Pilar Bravo, Hailey Ready and Ava Rogers.
For Pilar Bravo, a double major in marketing and management with a minor in civic leadership and capitalism, becoming a princess is both personal and purpose driven.
“Representing Marian and expressing my passion for community service and outreach have been my main motivation in becoming a Princess,” Bravo said.
According to Bravo the experience holds special meaning from her childhood.
“As a kid, I remember being in awe of the 500 Festival Princesses. I even have a picture with one who was also named Pilar,” Bravo said. “It’s a full-circle moment that I now get to be that role model for someone else.”
Bravo’s time at Marian has shaped her leadership and service mindset.
“Being immersed in an atmosphere of optimism and leadership has inspired me to continue striving for positive change,” Bravo said. “It’s a heartfelt honor to be part of something so meaningful.”
According to Natalie Priser, the opportunity to represent Marian and serve the broader Indianapolis community drew her to the program.
“I decided to be a 500 Festival Princess because it is such a special opportunity to represent Marian while serving the Indianapolis community,” Priser said. “I love being involved and creating meaningful experiences, so this felt like the perfect fit.”
Hailey Ready, a biology and English double major with minors in math and theatre, said her diverse academic interests and passion for motorsports made the program especially appealing.
“One of my favorite things about having all of these interests is the way I am able to connect with people across disciplines,” Ready said. “I saw the Princess Program as an opportunity to make those connections through outreach.”
Ready said there are 33 princesses in total, including four Marian students.
The selection process includes an application and multiple interview rounds before orientation in February.
The program emphasizes public speaking and community interaction, which fosters personal growth.
“The program calls for a lot of public speaking and community engagement,” Ready said. “But the individual conversations we have with members of the community allow us to grow even more.”
According to Ready the experience has deepened her appreciation for the Indianapolis 500 and its impact.
“I’m learning just how much love for the 500 is out there,” Ready said. “It’s something that really sticks with people, and I’m thankful to be part of it.”
Ready also described a strong sense of connection among the princesses.
“Every girl I’ve met has something unique to add to the program,” Ready said. “It’s been fun getting to connect with each of them on an individual level.”
Participants take part in outreach events throughout the spring, leading up to the Month of May festivities.
Through the program, the students gain experience in leadership, communication and community engagement—skills they say will benefit them in their future careers and personal lives.
