Submitted
The 500 Festival today announces the seven college-aged women from Hamilton County who have been selected as 2026 500 Festival Princesses.
- Megan Broviak (Noblesville) – graduate of Noblesville High School, and a Sophomore at Butler University majoring in Chemistry and Spanish.
- Melanie Gutierrez (Westfield) – graduate of Early College High School at Midland College, and a Senior at Indiana University East majoring in Psychology.
- Jackie Lawrence (Noblesville) – graduate of Noblesville High School and Butler University, and a law student at Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law.
- Cameron Noe (Westfield) – graduate of Westfield High School, and a Sophomore at Ball State University majoring in Media and Journalism.
- Emma Pearce (Noblesville) – graduate of Noblesville High School, and a Junior at Indiana University majoring in Sports Media with a certificate in Journalism.
- Hannah Pensyl (Westfield) – graduate of Westfield High School, and a Doctor of Dental Surgery student at the Indiana University School of Dentistry.
- McKinley Underhill (Noblesville) – graduate of Noblesville High School, and a Senior at Purdue University majoring in Animal Sciences.
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.
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.