By DAKARI TURNER
WISH-TV | wishtv.com
Thirty-three women have been selected for the 2024 500 Festival Princess Program in advance of May’s Indianapolis 500.
The women represent 18 Indiana colleges and universities and come from 23 different cities.
The women have a cumulative grade-point average of 3.74, according to a media release. Each one was chosen on merits according to “leadership, academic stewardship, community involvement, and embodiment of the Hoosier spirit.”
The National Bank of Indianapolis presents the 500 Festival Princess Program, and it sets to honor the women’s academic achievements.
A news release said, “While holding the title of a 500 Festival Princess, these 33 women will have the opportunity to create meaningful connections across the state, gain mentorship and leadership from the 500 Festival Board of Directors, and develop professional skills.”
The release said the women will contribute over 1,500 hours of community service, which include educating students about the 500 Festival at Indiana elementary schools, Girl Scouts organizations, and The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.
Each participant will get a $1,000 scholarship.
“We are thrilled to observe all the ways that this year’s class of 500 Festival Princesses will impact the communities in Indiana and enable them to showcase their leadership and academic skills,” said Bob Bryant, president and chief executive officer of the 500 Festival. “The 500 Festival is proud to see these 33 young women take this opportunity to create lasting memories, outstanding networking experiences, and meaningful friendships for years to come.”
The Indianapolis 500 race will be May 26.
Below is a list of those princesses from the Reporter’s coverage area.
- Lauren Bailey, Carmel, a graduate of Carmel High School, and a sophomore at Purdue University majoring in business analytics and information management.
- Elizabeth Baker, Noblesville, a graduate of Noblesville High School and a graduate student at Indiana University School of Medicine with an undergraduate degree in Spanish and human biology.
- Marin Davis, Zionsville, a graduate of Zionsville Community High School, and a sophomore at Purdue University majoring in political science.
- Jaslin Martinez, Noblesville, a graduate of Fishers High School, and a senior at Purdue University majoring in public health, pre-physician’s assistant.
- Kendrick Mernitz, Carmel, a graduate of Cathedral High School, and a senior at Indiana University majoring in cybersecurity and global policy, and middle eastern languages and cultures.
- Hannah Mullen, Fishers, a graduate of Hamilton Southeastern High School, and a junior at Ball State University majoring in graphic design.
- Parmida Nazarloo, Fishers, a graduate of Hamilton Southeastern High School, and a junior at Indiana University majoring in human biology.
- Kaitlyn Ross, Fishers, a graduate of Hamilton Southeastern High School, and a first-year law student at Indiana University Maurer School of Law with an undergraduate degree in biology.