June 2006 NEXT MEMBER EVENT UCLA, L.A., CALIFORNIA: 06.30.06 Council Corner Princess Olutope (right) with All-Star Survivor winner Rupert Boneham after the Parade. Olutope's Parade Lap at the Indy 500 The Greatest Spectacle in Racing: Eyewitness Account of the Indianapolis 500 from the perspective of a 500 Festival Princess Olutope A. Omosegbon NSHSS Student Council Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis 2009 Having attended Lakeview Christian Center upon arriving in Indianapolis in 2002, I have had the wonderful pleasure of knowing a Mrs. Colleen Bartel. However, it was not until January 2006 that I realized that she was the program coordinator of the 500 Festival Princess Program. On an annual basis, this organization selects 33 Hoosier women as ambassadors of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the 500 Festival. The Indianapolis 500 Mile Race is the world's largest single-day sporting event, and these two entities share in that success. After being gently persuaded to apply to a program that I knew very little about, I had a very important first interview. Little did I know that this interview would trim 300 applicants down to 66 hopefuls. I prepared myself by researching the two organizations and practicing my interview. The week following my first Saturday interview, I found out that I was chosen! Upon hearing the good news, I knew that the next couple months of my life were going to be nothing less than spectacular. I had the misconception, which is all too common, that this was a beauty pageant. It certainly was not, considering the fact that the queen is chosen based upon the number of outreaches she is able to complete, as well as her interview skills which are tried and tested during three separate occasions. Throughout the months, I participated in parades, conducted my own outreaches, attended an Indianapolis Pacers game, showed up at various and volunteered at other community events that would help propagate the coming of the race in May. When May finally arrived, the whirlwind of the end quickly began to make way for race weekend. The weekend started off with the girls moving into the dormitories of the University of Indianapolis and a dinner with the family. Saturday morning was the parade. The 500 Festival Princess float was absolutely beautiful, and each girl looked extraordinarily exquisite. Later that evening we enjoyed the Snakepit Ball, where the crowd was treated to a performance by KC and the legendary Sunshine Band. The following day concluded our program with the Indy 500 and the unbelievable finish by Sam Hornish, Jr. All in all, I encourage any female to pursue a program like this in her respective state. Although I am limited to words, I hope my pictures give you a little bit more insight into the wonderful experience I recently had. To all you Hoosier college-bound ladies, apply for the program. Check www.500festival.com for more information. Enjoy the summer! ARTICLES IN THIS SECTION: > Main Page > The Greatest Spectacle in Racing by Olutope Omosegbon IN THIS ISSUE: IMPORTANT DATES MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS MEMBER MENTOR MEMBER REFLECTIONS COUNCIL CORNER SCHOLARSHIP UPDATE PARTNER ARTICLE PARTNER NEWS PUZZLERS June is National Parks Month. Test your knowledge and win free stuff! BACK TO MAIN PAGE MEMBER CONNECTION Connect with other members in the NSHSS forums. Chat with members from around the globe. Visit the Member Connection section.