(Indianapolis, IN) – A local woman has been selected as a 2025 500 Festival Princess.
Vicky Zheng graduated from Batesville High School and is a junior at Purdue University majoring in biomedical health sciences.
Organizers say the 500 Festival Princess Program recognizes Indiana’s most community-driven and scholarly-minded young women.
As 500 Festival Princesses, Zheng and the other women will have the chance to develop their professional skills, create meaningful connections statewide, and receive leadership guidance from the 500 Festival Board of Directors.
The 2025 500 Festival Princesses represent 17 Indiana colleges and universities and 20 cities and towns across the state, as well as a diverse group of women with various areas of study that include education, biomedical health sciences, and communications studies.
With a cumulative GPA of 3.70, this year’s class was selected from hundreds of applicants based on leadership, academic stewardship, community involvement, commitment to service, and leadership.
They play a significant role in advancing the 500 Festival’s mission of fostering a positive and lasting impact on Indianapolis and the State of Indiana while celebrating the legacy of the Indianapolis 500.
Princesses will have the opportunity to experience the Month of May in a unique and impactful way by educating Hoosiers about the rich history of the 500 Festival and Indianapolis 500 through statewide outreach, serving their communities, and celebrating the iconic spirit of the Indy 500, impacting over 50,000 Hoosiers through more than 1,500 hours of community service.
Their outreach efforts will include partnering with organizations they are passionate about, visiting local schools and hospitals, and attending community events.
The 500 Festival Queen Scholar will be announced on May 17 and will receive an additional $1,500 scholarship.
