Two Local Women Selected As 2019 500 Festival Princesses
INDIANAPOLIS — The 500 Festival, a nonprofit organization providing life-enriching events and programs that celebrate the legacy of the Indianapolis 500, recently announced two college-aged women from Kosciusko County who have been selected as 2019 500 Festival Princesses.
Tenaya Shull, Mentone, is a graduate of Tippecanoe Valley High School and is currently a senior at Indiana Wesleyan University. She is majoring in community development.
Shull is the current president of IWU’s Dance Marathon.
“I find great joy and passion in the Princess Program’s mission statement,” said Shull. “I’m really looking forward to giving back to the community. We get to serve others and our hometowns, and just to give and help is such a blessing.”
Hannah Walter, Nappanee, is a graduate of NorthWood High School and is currently a sophomore at Purdue University. She is majoring in health science (pre-med.)
Walter is a part of Purdue University’s student government and Purdue Foundation Student Board. She also is involved with her church and enjoys running.
“I’m very excited for all the opportunities to volunteer and meet people,” said Walter. “It’s been great to meet girls from all around Indiana.”
Each 500 Festival Princess will receive a $1,000 scholarship, made possible by Marlyne Sexton, an Indianapolis philanthropist and president of The Sexton Companies, and the 500 Festival Foundation. 500 Festival Princesses are also provided with once in a lifetime experiences, including involvement with the 500 Festival’s statewide community outreach programs, volunteering at 500 Festival events and participating in various Indianapolis Motor Speedway functions, including the pre-race ceremonies and Victory Circle celebration for the 103rd running of the Indianapolis 500.
“The 500 Festival Princess Program, presented by Reis-Nichols, gives women the chance to strengthen their leadership and personal intelligence,” said Kathy Cabello, 500 Festival board member and Princess Program committee co-chair. “With over 50 years of history, the program implements each young woman with a remarkable experience. The 500 Festival is pleased to engage with Indiana’s next generation of leaders.”
The 2019 500 Festival Princesses represent 13 Indiana colleges and universities and 20 cities and towns across the state. With a cumulative GPA of 3.65, this year’s 500 Festival Princesses were selected from hundreds of applicants based on communication skills, academic performance and community involvement.
The 2019 500 Festival Queen Scholar will be announced on Saturday, May 18, during the 500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard, presented by Midwestern Engineers, Inc. The Queen Scholar will receive an additional $1,500 scholarship.
To learn more about 500 Festival’s Princess Program, please visit www.500festival.com/princessprogram.