Hometown Pride

Local Resident Selected as a 500 Festival Princess

Writer / Renee Larr

Photography Provided

The month of May in Indiana is steeped in tradition around the Indy 500. Each year, 33 college-aged women are selected as 500 Festival Princesses and serve as ambassadors for the 500 Festival, their hometowns, and their colleges and universities. Westfield resident Madeline Worcester was one of the ambitious young women selected to participate this year. 

“When I was around 6 years old, my parents took us to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and I remember meeting the princesses,” Worcester says. “At the time I didn’t really know what it meant to be one, but I knew I wanted to be just like them.” 

In order to be selected, the young women must maintain a cumulative college grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. They’re also expected to be involved in at least one worthwhile extracurricular college or community service activity. Worcester is actively engaged in many activities at Marian University, where she is a junior. 

“I’m on the dance team, serve as vice president of my sorority, last year I was chosen as Miss Indiana Collegiate U.S.A., and I have held two internships,” Worcester says. “I feel my leadership skills in all those areas are the reason I was one of the 33 women chosen to be a 500 Festival Princess.” 

The title comes with a significant time commitment for each participant. The women are expected to attend many events related to the 500 Festival throughout the month of May. Each 500 Festival Princess is responsible for community outreach within her hometown, college town or Indianapolis. They work closely with the 500 Festival staff to develop messaging, talking points and presentations.

“Currently I have four community outreach events planned,” Worcester says. “I have one planned for my old elementary school, one planned for my high school, one planned for the business I work at, and one planned for a local nursing home.” 

The 2019 Guerin Catholic High School graduate knows she’s lucky to be chosen and relishes the opportunities bestowed on a 500 Festival Princess. 

“I’m gaining incredible leadership skills while helping my community,” Worcester says. “I know many people don’t get these same opportunities, so I’m grateful. I’ve been able to network with different people, companies and organizations in the area.”

Worcester has already been offered a full-time job where she is an intern. She hopes to join the Indiana Pacemates or the Indianapolis Colts Cheer program. She currently has a side business she would like to grow in the future. 

“I would also love to stay involved in my community and of course the 500 Festival going forward,” Worcester says. “It’s such an honor to be chosen, and I’m so lucky I’ve been able to meet all these other incredible women.” 

For more information, visit 500festival.com. 

Student Spotlight is sponsored by Wittler Orthodontics.