(ANGOLA) - A Trine University student will help represent one of Indiana's signature traditions this spring.
The university says Olivia Parker, a junior from Lebanon majoring in exercise science, has been selected as a 2026 500 Festival Princess.
Each year, 33 college-aged women from across Indiana are chosen to serve as ambassadors for the Indianapolis 500 and the 500 Festival, helping promote events and educate communities about the race's history and traditions.
Parker said she has long admired the program after growing up attending the 500 Festival Parade, where her family helped with parade setup.
She says one of the opportunities she is most excited about is returning to her former elementary school to help with its Kindy 500, where students build cardboard cars and race them in celebration of the Indy 500.
Trine says Parker went through a three-stage selection process that included an online leadership application, an in-person panel interview in Indianapolis and a final Zoom interview before being chosen.
She says being named a 500 Festival Princess fulfills a goal she has had since her sophomore year and gives her the chance to represent both Boone County and Trine University.