Alyssa, who two years ago served as Indaina State Fair queen, said on her Facebook page that she is "ecstatic to have been selected as a 500 Festival Princess Ambassador for the 100th running of the Indy 500 along with 32 other incredible young women. It's such an honor and joy to represent one of the longest and greatest traditions in Indiana, as well as follow in my mother's footsteps."

The 500 Festival Princess Program has a long history of celebrating Indiana’s most civic-minded, academically driven college-aged women. Serving as a 500 Festival Princess provides young women with countless opportunities for leadership, networking, and professional development. 500 Festival Princesses will participate in the program’s personal and professional development initiative, which empowers participants to make a profound impact within their community and Indiana.

Each 500 Festival Princess will receive a $1,000 scholarship, made possible in part by the 500 Festival Foundation. 500 Festival Princesses are also provided with once-in-a-life-time 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 100th running of the Indianapolis 500.

“For more than 50 years, the 500 Festival Princess Program has recognized Indiana’s brightest college-aged women. The program’s new personal and professional development initiative and the scholarships given to each young woman will reinforce its rich history,” said Leslie Carter-Prall, 500 Festival board member and princess program committee co-chair. “The 500 Festival is proud to take the lead on investing our time and resources to shape Indiana’s next generation of leaders.” 

The 2016 500 Festival Princesses represent 13 Indiana colleges and universities and 21 cities and towns across the state. With a cumulative GPA of 3.5, this year’s 500 Festival Princesses were selected from hundreds of applicants based upon on communication skills, poise, academic performance and community involvement.

The 2016 500 Festival Princesses, Indiana hometown, high school, college or university and area of study are as follows (in alphabetical order): 

  • Jessi Arbuckle, Greenwood, a graduate of Center Grove High School and a junior at Taylor University majoring Public Relations
  • Shelby Bradford, Warren, a graduate of Huntington North High School and a senior at IUPUI majoring in Nursing                     
  • Sarah Correll, Macy, a graduate of North Miami High School and a senior at Purdue University majoring in Agricultural Education and Agricultural Economics  
  • Bianca Davis, Indianapolis, a graduate of Ben Davis High School and a senior at Indiana University majoring in Eonomic Consulting and Public Policy Analysis
  • Nina DeWitt, Stilesville, a graduate of Brownsburg High School and a junior at IUPUI majoring in Biology and Spanish     
  • Caitlyn Foye, Newburgh, a graduate of Castle High School and a sophomore at Butler University majoring in Biology   
  • Alyssa Garnett, Winamac, a graduate of Winamac Community High School and a second year graduate student at Purdue University earning a Masters of Business Administration
  • Alexandra Harris, Bloomington, a graduate of Bloomington High School North and a senior at Indiana University majoring in Arts Management         
  • Madeline Hayden, Plainfield, a graduate of Madeline Hayden and a junior at Purdue University majoring in Speech Language and Hearing Sciences         
  • Allison Hoffman, Huntingburg, a graduate of Forest Park Jr.-Sr. High School and a senior at Purdue University majoring in Professional Flight Technology                     
  • Elyse Hoy, Greenwood, a senior at Center Grove High School and a sophomore at Franklin College studying Biology and Pre-Med                   
  • Morgan Jacobs, Fishers, a graduate of Pendleton Heights High School and a sophomore at Indiana State University majoring in Business   
  • Kayla Keith, Carmel, a graduate of Westfield High School and a senior at IUPUI majoring in Tourism, Convention and Event Management      
  • Christy Kettler, Westfield, a graduate of Hamilton Heights High School and a junior at Purdue University majoring in Agronomy with a focus in Crop and Soil Management             
  • Amber Kriech, Carmel, a graduate of Carmel High School and a junior at IUPUI majoring in Organizational Leadership and Supervision  
  • Rebecca Kuhlman, Indianapolis, a graduate of Franklin Central High School and a senior at Marian University majoring in Communication        
  • Morgan Lee, Greenwood, a graduate of Center Grove High School and a junior at Indiana Wesleyan University majoring in Nursing   
  • Samantha Lozano, East Chicago, a graduate of East Chicago Central High School and a senior at Indiana University majoring in Political Science and Spanish       
  • Claire McElwain, Zionsville, a graduate of Zionsville Community High School and a junior at Indiana University majoring in Journalism           
  • Macy Nikirk, Bedford, a graduate of Bedford Lawrence North High School and a sophomore at IUPUI majoring in Marketing and Supply Chain Management     
  • Katelyn OMara, Indianapolis, a graduate of Perry Meridian High School and a senior at Franklin College majoring in Psychology and Studio Art with a focus in Painting 
  • Brianna Perry, Poseyville, a graduate of North Posey High School and a junior at the University of Southern Indiana majoring in Exercise Science and Pre-Physical Therapy  
  • Nilofer Rajpurkar, Greenwood, a graduate of Center Grove High School and a junior at Purdue University majoring in Biomedical Engineering           
  • Bukhti Shabbir, Indianapolis, a graduate of Twin Lakes Senior High and a post graduate student at the University of Indianapolis majoring in Physical Therapy
  • Briana Smith, Carmel, a graduate of Cathedral High School and a junior at Purdue University majoring in Psychology
  • Madison Stahl, Fishers, a graduate of Fishers High School and a junior at Indiana University majoring in Elementary Education  
  • Ally Stein, Fishers, a graduate of Hamilton Southeastern High School and a junior at Purdue University majoring in Education        
  • Kylee Stewart, Greenfield, a graduate of Mt. Vernon High School and a junior at IUPUI majoring in Journalism              
  • Bailey Troutman, Anderson, a sophomore at Indiana University Kokomo majoring in Communication Arts          
  • Caitlyn Waldrop, Hillsdale, a graduate of South Vermillion High School and a senior at Indiana University studying Biology and Pre-Med           
  • Kayla Wilson, Fishers, a graduate of Fishers High School and a freshman at IUPUI majoring in Civic Leadership   
  • Monica Wright, Indianapolis, a graduate of Cathedral High School and a sophomore at Butler University majoring in Marketing and International Business            
  • Brittany Young, Columbus, a graduate of Hauser High School and a freshman at Ivy Tech Community College of Columbus majoring in Agricultural Education  

One of these young women will be selected as the 2016 500 Festival Queen and will receive an additional $1,500 scholarship. The queen will be crowned May 21st during the 500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard, presented by Midwestern Engineers, Inc.

Support of the 500 Festival Princess Program is provided by: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Vera Bradley, The Sanctuary on Penn, retro 101, Macy’s, and the 500 Festival Foundation.

To learn more about 500 Festival’s events and volunteer opportunities, please visit www.500festival.com.

 

About the 500 Festival

Founded in 1957, the 500 Festival is a not-for-profit organization that produces more than 50 life-enriching events and programs while celebrating the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500 and fostering positive impact on the city of Indianapolis and state of Indiana. One of the largest festivals in the nation, each year more than half a million people attend an event or program produced by the 500 Festival. Since its founding, the 500 Festival has contributed more than $350 million in economic value to Indianapolis. To learn more about the 500 Festival, please visit www.500festival.com, follow us on Twitter @500festival, or on Facebook.

  
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Local News Briefs

U.S. 421 to be resurfaced south of Medaryville

PULASKI COUNTY - Indiana Department of Transportation contractor E&B Paving LLC will begin a resurfacing project for U.S. 421 between the two junctions of SR 14 on or after Tuesday, May 27.

During resurfacing activities, the road will be reduced to one lane with flaggers directing traffic in the area where work is occurring. This project will be ongoing through early August.

West Central to award diplomas to 41 seniors

Senior photos featured

FRANCESVILLE - The 58th annual commencement exercises at West Central High School will be Sunday (May 25), in the school gymnasium. Diplomas will be awarded to 41 seniors.

The program will open with a baccalaureate service at 2 p.m., sponsored by the West Central Ministerial Association, followed by the commencement ceremonies at 2:30 p.m. 

County Memorial Day Service May 26

The annual county Memorial Day Service will begin at 11 a.m., Monday (May 26), in front of the courthouse, Winamac.

The event is organized by the Winamac American Legion Post 71 and VFW Post 1728. Guest speaker will be Captain Casey Stephens. Dr. Robert Klitzman will serve as master of ceremonies.

PCPL lists activities, programs for May

The Pulaski County Public Library has listed its programs and activities for May. They include restorative yoga classes, adult canvas painting, and the opening celebration of the Story Trail at the park.

For more information on any program, call the library at 574-946-3432 or visit the library’s website at www.pulaskicounty.lib.in.us. 

PCHS 2025 picnic/resource fair May 28

Human Services celebrates 50 years

Pulaski County Human Services will hold its 48th annual Senior Citizen Health and Resource Fair at 10:30 a.m.  Wednesday May 28, at the Star City Community Building.

The event will also include a celebration of PCHS's 50th anniversary. Along with a picnic and volunteer recognition program, the day recognizes Older Americans Month with the theme "Flip the Script on Aging."

  

Indiana News

Mitch Frazier, AgriNovus Indiana president and CEO, to step down

INDIANAPOLIS (May 16) - AgriNovus Indiana announced Friday it is launching a search for a new chief executive officer following the resignation of its current CEO Mitch Frazier who will depart from the organization June 6.

Frazier, who has served as president and CEO of AgriNovus since June 2020, will become president of IBJ Media Corporation June 16.

61 Pulaski County students earn Ivy Tech degrees, certificates

KOKOMO (May 9) - Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo Service Area, which includes campuses and instructional sites in Kokomo, Loganspor and Peru, celebrated the Class of 2025 with three commencement ceremonies Friday, May 9.

The events, divided by schools, honored 1,128 students who are expected to have completed work on 1,432 degrees and certificates by the end of the Fall 2024 and Spring and Summer 2025 terms.

Northwest Indiana Forum hosts legislative wrap-up

CHESTERTON (May 2) – The Northwest Indiana Forum welcomed over 90 members for its annual Legislative Wrap-Up event Friday featuring bipartisan legislators from Northwest Indiana.

An engaging and informative panel discussion with the six key state lawmakers reflected on the 2025 Indiana General Assembly session and its impact on the region.

Pulaski County March unemployment rate drops to 3.1%

Pulaski County's unemployment rate dropped to 3.1 percent in March, down from 4.3 percent in February, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development reported Monday, (April 21). The rate was 3.7 percent a year ago.

The county had 6,586 employed persons in a labor force of 6,795 in March. In February those numbers were 6,533 of 6,830. A year ago the numbers were 6,302 of 6.546.

 

Indiana Health News

Measles outbreak in 29 states continues to be of concern

The U.S Center for Disease Control continues to monitor the growing outbreak of measles in the U.S. which is approaching 1,000 cases in 29 states.

Eight cases have were reported in the Indiana last month, all in Allen County. No additional cases have been reported in the state since that time.

  

Post News

West Central HS holds 2025 senior awards program

FRANCESVILLE - West Central High School held its annual Senior Awards program Monday evening (May 12). Seniors were recognized for various academic and athletic awards, honor roll, and scholarships.

Graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2025 will be at 2 p.m., Sunday, May 25, at the school gymnasium.

Missing Winamac teen found safe

WINAMAC - The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office reports the 14-year-old juvenile who was reported missing earlier this week has been located safe and reunited with her family.

The teen, Summer Campbell, 14, a freshman at Winamac Community High School had been missing since early Sunday morning (May 11), Officers followed multiple leads in over five days, both in and out of state.

PC Early Learning Network studies options for building infrastructure for quality childcare

The Pulaski County Early Learning Network continues its efforts to investigate paths forward for meeting present-day expectations for childcare across the county.

The group’s research confirms the cost of childcare by state can vary dramatically, and often the cost of early learning programs strain family budgets.

County to receive $994,531 in Community Crossings funds

MONTICELLO – More than $200 million in state matching funds were announced this spring for 245 Indiana cities, towns, and counties.

Gov. Mike Braun and Secretary of Transportation and Infrastructure Matt Ubelhor joined local officials from across northwest Indiana in Monticello May 8 to present awards for INDOT’s Community Crossings Matching Grant program.

PCELN works to build infrastructure for quality childcare in Pulaski County

Pulaski County Early Learning Network (PCELN) is working to ensure families in Pulaski County have access to affordable, quality childcare.

The network notes that many different groups in the county community must come together to address this critical need. Access to high-quality early childhood education means that children are more likely to build a foundation for success in school and life.