The 500 Festival today announces the eight college-aged women from Marion County who have been selected as 2026 500 Festival Princesses.

• Pilar Bravo (Indianapolis) - graduate of Perry Meridian High School, and a Sophomore at Marian University majoring in Business Management.
• Maxine Cosat (Indianapolis) - graduate of Mooresville High School, and a Senior at Indiana University Indianapolis majoring in Nursing.
• Margaret Gholdson (Speedway) - graduate of Speedway Senior High School, and a Senior at Purdue University majoring in Psychology and Theatre.
• Mackenzie Jarvis (Indianapolis) - graduate of Pike High School, and a Senior at Manchester University majoring in Business Management and Marketing and concurrently pursuing her MBA.
• Eve McElhaney (Keystone) - graduate of Southern Wells Junior/Senior High School, and a Senior at Indiana State University majoring in Political Science and Legal Studies.
• Treyanna Moten (Indianapolis) - graduate of Pike High School, and a Sophomore at Indiana University majoring in Social Work.
• Paola Perillo Parra (Indianapolis) - graduate of Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School, and a Senior at Purdue University majoring in Hospitality and Tourism Management.
• Natalie Priser (Indianapolis) - graduate of Bishop Chatard High School, and a Senior at Marian University majoring in Business Management, Marketing, and Finance.

The 500 Festival Princess Program, presented by The National Bank of Indianapolis, has a long-standing tradition of honoring Indiana's most community-driven and academically accomplished young women. As 500 Festival Princesses, they will embark on a meaningful journey of service and leadership, while growing their professional skills, building meaningful connections across the state, and receiving mentorship from the 500 Festival Board of Directors. Princesses play an important role in advancing the 500 Festival's mission by making a positive, lasting impact on Indianapolis and the state of Indiana while celebrating the legacy of the Indianapolis 500.

To request a visit from a 500 Festival Princess, clickHERE.

Throughout the Month of May, Princesses educate Hoosiers about the rich history and the iconic spirit of the 500 Festival and the Indianapolis 500 through statewide outreach, community service, and engagement - collectively reaching more than 50,000 people each year through over 1,500 hours of service at schools, hospitals, and community events across Indiana.

"We are proud to welcome this year's 500 Festival Princesses and look forward to the enthusiasm they will share with communities across the state" said Dave Neff, 500 Festival president and CEO. "Through this program, these young women will build lasting connections, grow as leaders, and help carry forward the spirit and tradition of the 500 Festival."

Support for the 500 Festival Princess Program is provided by The National Bank of Indianapolis, Marlyne Sexton (in memoriam), Khamis Fine Jewelers, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and the 500 Festival Foundation.

To learn more about the 500 Festival Princess Program, please visit 500Festival.com/Princess or search #PrincessProgram on social media.