Four Marian University students have been selected as 2026 500 Festival Princesses, earning one of Indiana’s most distinguished civic honors. Chosen for their leadership, academic achievement, and commitment to service, the students will represent both Marian University and the broader Indianapolis community in events leading up to the Indianapolis 500.
The four Marian students selected for this year’s class are:
- • Pilar Bravo (Indianapolis) – Graduate of Perry Meridian High School and a sophomore majoring in Business Management.
- • Natalie Priser (Indianapolis) – Graduate of Bishop Chatard High School and a senior majoring in Business Management, Marketing, and Finance.
- • Hailey Ready (Greenwood) – Homeschool graduate and a senior majoring in Biology and English.
- • Ava Rogers (Terre Haute) – Graduate of Terre Haute South Vigo High School and a junior majoring in Business Management, Global Studies, and Pre-Law.
The 33 Princesses represent 19 Indiana colleges and universities and 21 cities across the state. Selected from hundreds of applicants, the 2026 class boasts a cumulative grade point average of 3.75. It reflects a wide range of academic interests and career goals, including nursing, psychology, exercise science, business, and the sciences.
The 500 Festival announced this year’s Princesses on Wednesday, Feb. 18, as part of its annual celebration leading up to the iconic Indianapolis 500 and the Month of May festivities.
The 500 Festival Princess Program honors Indiana’s most community-driven and academically accomplished young women. Throughout the season, Princesses serve as ambassadors of the festival’s mission, participating in community outreach, educational initiatives, and service projects across the state.
Collectively, the Princesses will reach more than 50,000 Hoosiers through more than 1,500 hours of service at schools, hospitals, and community events.
“The number and quality of Marian University's students as Festival Princesses is a powerful witness to our vision and commitment to leadership development, academic excellence, and service to others,” said President Daniel J. Elsener. “These leaders make manifest the mission of Marian University and Marian University's belief in the importance of the 500 Festival and Race to Indiana and millions of people beyond our borders.”
For the four Marian students selected, the honor represents more than a title. It is an opportunity to serve, to lead, and to carry forward a Hoosier tradition that connects communities across the state, nation, and world.