Fort Wayne, Ind. – In a moment that has northeast Indiana buzzing with pride, three outstanding young women from our region have been chosen among the 33 official 2026 500 Festival Princesses. Hannah Dietel, Kierra Wilson, and Eve McElhaney will represent the Hoosier spirit on the biggest stage in motorsports this May.
Meet the Three Local Stars Taking Indy by Storm
Hannah Dietel – Woodlan Junior/Senior High School graduate and current senior at the University of Saint Francis – is majoring in Health and Exercise Science with a perfect 4.0 GPA. The daughter of Chris and Amy Dietel from Monroeville, she’s already a standout leader in campus ministry and volunteers weekly at Matthew 25 Health and Dental Clinic.
Kierra Wilson, a Wabash High School alumna and junior at Huntington University, is pursuing Occupational Therapy Assistant studies. Known for her infectious energy and deep commitment to service, Kierra has logged hundreds of volunteer hours with special-needs children and was named Huntington University’s 2025 Servant Leader of the Year.
Eve McElhaney rounds out the trio with a powerful double major in Political Science and Legal Studies at Indiana State University. The Southern Wells High School graduate serves as president of the Pre-Law Society and has already interned with the Indiana State Senate. She dreams of becoming a federal judge one day.
What It Really Means to Be a 500 Festival Princess
This isn’t just a crown and a sash.
Each princess receives a $1,000 scholarship, professional mentorship from top Indiana executives, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences leading up to the Indianapolis 500. They’ll speak at schools, ride in parades across the state, appear on live television, and stand on the yard of bricks at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“These young women become the face of Indiana’s future,” said Bob Bryant, 500 Festival Executive Director. “They’re not selected just for grades or beauty. They’re chosen because they’re already changing lives in their communities.”
Last year’s princesses collectively volunteered more than 4,200 hours and reached over 1.1 million Hoosiers through outreach events.
How Fierce the Competition Really Was
Over 250 exceptional women applied for the 2026 program. Only 33 were selected after a rigorous process that included essays, interviews with community leaders, and evaluations of academic records and service work.
Northeast Indiana has now produced at least three princesses in four of the last five years, an impressive streak that locals say reflects the work ethic and heart of the region.
From Small Towns to the Greatest Spectacle in Racing
In just three months, Hannah, Kierra, and Eve will trade quiet northeast Indiana campuses for the roar of 300,000 fans at the Brickyard.
They’ll wave from convertibles in the AES 500 Festival Parade, light up the stage at the 500 Festival Breakfast at the Bricks, and carry the Indiana flag during pre-race ceremonies on May 24, 2026.
For these three, the journey is just beginning.
Their families, friends, and hometowns are already planning watch parties and road trips to Indy. Because when a girl from Monroeville, Wabash, or Poneto stands on that legendary track, every small town in Indiana stands with her.
Northeast Indiana, we see you. And in May, the whole world will too.
Drop your congratulations for Hannah, Kierra, and Eve in the comments below, and let’s flood social media with #500Princess2026 pride!
