At Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC), we are determined to encourage students to aspire higher and grow. Many students develop through their campus program, meeting with mentors and volunteering. For senior Kamryn Kikta, her path to aspire higher is unique as out of the hundreds of applicants, she was one of 33 selected for the Indy 500 Festival Princess program.
“The mission of the 500 Festival is to produce life-enriching events and programs that celebrate the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500 and fostering a positive impact on the city of Indianapolis and Indiana,” Kikta explained. The program is very professional and upbeat to peak college students’ interest.
Her interest in the program first began with having several friends and connections involved in the 500 program. She said, “I felt that the mission of the program reflected my mission of fostering a positive impact on not only my local community but also my campus community.”
The highly competitive program presents excellent opportunities to full-time college students that must meet the requirements of a maintained cumulative GPA of 3.0. Selected applicants must also be involved in at least one worthwhile extra-curricular college or community service activity. Kikta, a highly involved nursing student, shared that her application journey presented some obstacles. She first applied for 2020 but she wasn’t accepted. However, that didn’t detour her. In 2021, the program was being held virtually as a result of COVID. Due to having a heavy course load and working in the COVID unit as a student nurse, she decided to focus on her studies. As the COVID cases dropped throughout 2021, Kikta knew she wanted to apply to the program one more time before she embarked on her journey after graduation in May of 2022. She was very excited when she received word that she was accepted.
“Being a Hoosier, you always attend state events, and the fact that I get to be a part of the Indy 500 Festival is amazing,” said Kikta.
Along with the benefits of being recognized by the plethora of sponsors and partners for the festival, there are many opportunities for professional growth. Kikta explained that every princess is connected with a mentor with similar interests. She’s been connected to Dr. Jim Callaghan, president and CEO of Franciscan Health Central Indiana and is looking forward to meeting with him soon.
Mannah Mace ’20 was selected as a 500 Festival princess in 2017 and shared that it still has great significance in her professional journey.
“The 500 Festival Princess Program was a life-changing experience for me, as this was one of the first opportunities that I was paired with a professional mentor who not only helped me through my time as a princess but also professionally helped me develop into a young businesswoman,” Mace said.
The program also allows you to make connections and build your network professionally while also making friends with students from other schools who have the same mentality and academic goals.
“Through my network and connections with the 500 Festival Princess Program, I have been able to meet business leaders of the top Indianapolis companies, start my career through an internship with the 500 Festival, and continue to give back by attending volunteer events that the 500 Festival sponsors every year,” Mace said.
When asked what she’d say in encouragement to SMWC students to apply to the program, Kikta said, “If you’re interested in community service and giving back to the College, this program is a great opportunity to use a larger platform to benefit both your hometown and college community.”
For more information about the Indy 500 Festival, visit its website.