Meet Hailey Ready: The 2026 500 Festival Queen Scholar
Hailey Ready, a resident of Greenwood, has been named the 2026 500 Festival Queen Scholar for her exceptional accomplishments and community engagement. She was officially crowned during the 500 Festival Breakfast at the Bickyard, presented by CHA. Ready, a senior at Marian University studying Biology and English, is actively involved in various extracurricular activities, including the Marian Knight Drama Club and The Fioretti, Marian’s literary journal. She also volunteers at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum and the Indianapolis Zoo.
As the 500 Festival Queen Scholar, Ready will receive a $1,500 educational scholarship and will represent her princess class at the 110th Indianapolis 500 celebrations. She will wear the 500 Festival Queen Scholar’s crown at festival events and the Indianapolis 500, participating in pre-race and Victory Circle celebrations. Ready will continue to serve as a representative of the 500 Festival at different events throughout the year.
Ready is among the 33 Indiana college-aged women chosen for the 2026 500 Festival Princess Program. These princesses act as ambassadors for the 500 Festival, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, their hometowns, and their respective colleges and universities. They play a crucial role in educating Hoosiers about the history of the 500 Festival, celebrating the spirit of the Indianapolis 500, and serving their communities. Each princess receives a $1,500 scholarship and a custom pendant from Khamis Fine Jewelers, thanks to the generosity of the late Marlyne Sexton, an Indianapolis philanthropist and president of The Sexton Companies.
For more information about the 500 Festival Princess program, please visit the 500 Festival website. Hailey Ready's dedication to her studies, extracurricular activities, and community service has earned her the prestigious title of 500 Festival Queen Scholar, and she will undoubtedly represent the festival with grace and excellence throughout the year.