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Gayle Baugh, Darcie Cox selected as 500 Festival Princesses
INDIANAPOLIS — Two Putnam County graduates were recently announced as 500 Festival Princesses.
Cloverdale graduate Gayle Baugh and North Putnam graduate Darcie Cox are among 33 women representing 19 colleges and universities and 21 cities and towns across the state.
Baugh is a junior at Vincennes University majoring in elementary and special education, while Cox is a sophomore at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College majoring in elementary education.
With a cumulative GPA of 3.71, this year’s class represents a diverse group of women with a range of areas of study including nursing, elementary education, business, engineering, sports media and pre-med.
Each year, the Princesses conduct more than 1,500 hours of community outreach to more than 50,000 people, educating Hoosiers about the history of the 500 Festival and legacy of the Indianapolis 500. The 500 Festival Princesses also participate in the 500 Festival Leadership Development Program, which empowers participants to make an impact within their community and the state.
In addition, each Princess will receive a $1,000 scholarship, made possible by the 500 Festival Foundation and Marlyne Sexton, an Indianapolis philanthropist and president of The Sexton Companies.
“We are excited and eager to see the 2023 class of the Princess program excel in community service and leadership opportunities throughout their hometowns and 500 Festival events,” said Bob Bryant, 500 Festival president and CEO. “These 33 young women will have an unforgettable experience, foster lifelong friendships and make meaningful connections throughout their communities and the state of Indiana.”