Sponsored by Huntington Learning Center of Zionsville
For Anastasia Reinholt, becoming an Indy 500 Festival Princess was two years in the making. A senior at Butler University studying finance, Reinholt has always admired the Festival Princesses who serve as ambassadors for the Indianapolis 500 and the state of Indiana. However, her road to earning the coveted title wasn’t without challenges.
“I applied last year and made the top 66 but didn’t make the final cut,” Reinholt says. “I was encouraged to apply again and I’m fortunate that I did.”
The Indy 500 Festival Princess Program, a time-honored tradition, selects 33 exceptional college-aged women each year. These young women participate in leadership and networking events, and engage in meaningful community outreach. For Reinholt, the opportunity perfectly blended her love for connecting with people and her drive to make a difference.
Growing up in Lebanon, Indiana, and graduating from University High School in 2021, Reinholt was always aware of the program but hesitated to apply initially. “I think there was always a fear of the unknown,” she says. “It takes a lot to step out of your comfort zone.”
Reinholt has already started making an impact through her required outreach programs. She has volunteered at the Julian Center and Thrifty Threads, both of which support survivors of domestic violence in Indianapolis. She has additional events lined up, including reading to children at the Whitestown and Zionsville public libraries and delivering a speech at her alma mater.
“I’m hoping to do more than the required four events,” she says. “I love mentoring and connecting with people, and this program gives me the perfect platform to do that.”
Her commitment to service isn’t a new endeavor. She’s an active member of Alpha Chi Omega at Butler University, has deep roots in 4-H Boone County, and served as Miss Boone County in 2022. As a fashion review project leader, she supports and inspires young participants.
With graduation just around the corner, Reinholt acknowledges the challenge of juggling it all. She has already secured a job at Thompson Thrift Residential, where she will participate in a rotational program focusing on residential real estate development.
“It’s a lot of changes all at once,” she says. “I remind myself to stay in the moment and enjoy it because these opportunities don’t come around often.”
One of the unexpected joys of the program has been the connections she’s made with her fellow Princesses. “When I tell you they are absolutely phenomenal, I mean it,” Reinholt says. “We come from different backgrounds – some are going into finance, some into art, others are future doctors or lawyers – but at the end of the day, we all share a common goal: to serve our communities and inspire others.”
For Reinholt, being selected as a 500 Festival Princess is more than just an accolade; it’s an opportunity to make a difference. The scholarship accompanying the title will help her finish her finance degree, but the experience will leave an even greater impact.
“I was completely shocked when I got the acceptance email,” she says. “It’s such a unique opportunity and I feel so honored that the judges saw something in me.”
Reinholt is determined to make the most of every moment as she prepares for the whirlwind of events in May, culminating with the Indianapolis 500 itself. As she takes her place among the 33 young women representing this year’s festival, she’s not just celebrating the achievement; she’s using it to uplift and inspire others.
Catching Up with 500 Festival Princess Anjali Nataraj
The Indy 500 is more than just a sporting event. It’s a rite of passage steeped in traditions. One of those time-honored traditions is being chosen as an Indy 500 Festival Princess. For Purdue senior Anjali Natarajan, being named an Indy 500 Festival Princess is more than an honor; it’s an opportunity to give back to her community and inspire others. The Zionsville resident and Carmel High School graduate is set to graduate this spring with a degree in biomedical health sciences before heading to medical school. But before she dons her cap and gown, she will take on the ambassador role for one of Indiana’s most cherished traditions: the Indianapolis 500.
Natarajan first learned about the 500 Festival Princess Program through past participants, including her sorority sister Lauren Bailey, who was in the 2024 class. “Seeing her go through this process and the community outreach she was able to do inspired me,” she says. “I knew I wanted to be part of something that combined service with such a historic Indiana tradition.”
As a Festival Princess, Natarajan will engage in outreach efforts throughout the state, which aligns perfectly with her lifelong passion for volunteer work. She has already begun planning events in West Lafayette, where she hopes to visit local elementary schools to teach students about the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s history while empowering young children to dream big.
Her outreach isn’t just limited to students. Natarajan also plans to work with residents at Maple Park Village, a senior living community in Westfield. “I want to reach people across different age groups, and connecting with seniors is just as important,” she says.
Community service is second nature to Natarajan, who has spent much of her time at Purdue giving back. She volunteers at Natalie’s Second Chance, a dog shelter in Lafayette, and recently began working with IndyHumane. “It’s a different kind of service than what I’ll be doing as a Princess, but it’s something I love,” she says. “Animals bring so much joy, and I’m grateful to be part of helping them find homes.”
Her drive to help others also shapes her career aspirations. Her biomedical health sciences degree has provided her with valuable experiences, from working as a phlebotomist to conducting research abroad in Florence, Italy, where she studied pregnancy and postpartum health. Her research on breastfeeding in Florence was even published – a milestone of which she’s incredibly proud.
With medical school on the horizon, Natarajan is still deciding where she will attend. While she’s keeping an open mind about her future specialty, she is particularly drawn to pediatrics. “I love working with kids but I’m excited to explore all the possibilities medicine offers,” she says.
Balancing graduation, medical school decisions and the responsibilities of being a 500 Festival Princess is no small feat, but Natarajan embraces the challenge. “My Google Calendar is packed, but I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she says. “This experience is a once-in-a-lifetime, and I want to give it my all.”
As she prepares for the busy months ahead, Natarajan remains committed to her service mission. “The Princess Program is about so much more than a title,” she says. “It’s about making an impact, lifting others up and celebrating what makes Indiana special. I can’t wait to see what’s in store.”
With her dedication, compassion and commitment to excellence, Natarajan is poised to be a leader in her community and beyond.
