For many Hoosiers, the Indianapolis 500 is more than just a race. It’s a time-honored tradition that brings the state together. For Holly DeLong, a 21-year-old senior at Indiana University Bloomington, being named a 500 Festival Princess is an opportunity to be part of that legacy while making an impact through leadership and community service.
DeLong, a Noblesville High School graduate, first learned about the program through a friend who applied the previous year. Inspired by the program’s commitment to professional development and community engagement, she decided to apply. When she received the news that she had been selected, she was overcome with emotion.
“I think it was more emotional than I expected,” DeLong says. “Now that I’m graduating and taking the next step in my life, being chosen as a Princess felt like such an honor. It’s an opportunity to give back to the rich history and tradition of the Indy 500 while also growing as a leader.”
Unlike traditional pageant-based programs, the 500 Festival Princess Program focuses on leadership, scholarship and service. Each year 33 young women from across Indiana are selected to serve as ambassadors of the 500 Festival, taking part in networking events, professional development and community outreach initiatives.
As part of her role, DeLong undertakes multiple community enrichment projects, a core component of the program. Her efforts, such as visiting classrooms across central Indiana to educate students about the significance of the Indy 500 and the mission of the 500 Festival, are making a real difference. She sees these visits as a way to inspire the next generation to embrace Indiana’s culture and history.
“I love being able to talk to students and share the excitement of the Indy 500,” she says. “It’s about more than just the race. It’s also about community, tradition and bringing people together.”
In addition to speaking engagements, DeLong has several service projects lined up, including volunteering with Habitat for Humanity to help build a house in Decatur County. She is also mentoring a young woman interested in applying for the program next year, reinforcing the importance of educating future participants about the benefits of the program.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the program for DeLong has been connecting with the other 32 Princesses, each with different backgrounds and career goals.
“When we first met at orientation, I was amazed by the diversity of interests and experiences,” she says. “Being part of such a supportive and empowering group is incredible. There’s a real sense of sisterhood among us.”
Balancing her final semester of college with the demanding schedule of a 500 Festival Princess hasn’t been easy, but DeLong credits the strong support system within the program for helping her to stay grounded.
With graduation on the horizon, DeLong is preparing for her next chapter. She has already secured a full-time marketing coordinator position with ERMCO, an electrical subcontracting company in Greenwood. She believes the leadership skills and experiences she has gained as a 500 Festival Princess will serve her well in her career.
“This program is about so much more than just celebrating the race,” she says. “It’s about leadership, service and making a difference in the community. If you’re passionate about giving back and being part of something bigger than yourself, I highly recommend it.”
