The 2011 500 Festival princesses represent 11 Indiana colleges and universities and 24 cities and towns across the state. The young women were selected from 278 applicants based on communication skills, poise, academic performance, and community and volunteer involvement. The 500 Festival has narrowed the field to 33 princesses who will serve as ambassadors for the 2011 500 Festival.
In this blog series we will introduce you to the 500 Festival Princesses, share what they are doing in Indiana communities and their tips for the month of May. We will also share their dream line-up of 33 drivers from TheGreatest33.com. Want to earn bragging rights by sharing your line-up with friends and family too? Be sure to click the “share” feature after finalizing and submitting your line-up!
With 29 days remaining until the Indy 500, we’re pleased to introduce you to Sharyl and Brooke!
Name: Sharyl Pels
Hometown: Indianapolis, IN
School: Purdue University
Number of years you have attended the Indy 500? 12 The 500 Festival Parade? 5
Your tips for someone attending the Indy 500 for the first time:
Because my dad is a former “Yellow Shirt” at the track, I know that the best advice is to get to the track as early as possible! When the parking lots open at 5am, there is little traffic and a great spot is guaranteed. Although it’s early, it’s nice to know that from that point on, you are able to relax and enjoy the atmosphere of the day.
Your tips for someone attending the 500 Festival Parade for the first time:
View the Parade twice! Because the route loops around from Pennsylvania to Meridian, my family and I have learned that we can catch the beginning of the Parade on the west side of Pennsylvania and then walk only a block over to view the participants again as they head back up Meridian Street. This technique takes a bit of stamina and sometimes being forced to watch the Parade from behind the crowds, but it is definitely worth it to see the “greatest spectacle in parading”… twice!
This is what I am doing in my community as a representative of the Princess Program:
I am reaching out to members of the Tippecanoe County Boys & Girls Club so that members can learn more about the race and 500 Festival. I am also representing my school at Purdue’s Spring Fest and our annual Grand Prix race. I look forward to talking with an Indy area Girl Scout Troop about what it takes and how fun it is to be a Princess! Finally, I am so excited to becoming a tour guide for fourth grade students around the state taking a field trip to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
My Greatest 33 Line-up at Greatest33.com:
To see Sharyl’s Greatest 33 Line-up click here.
This May, I’m most looking forward to: The Back Home Again in Indiana Contest!
Let us know when you spot the 500 Festival Princesses in your community!
Name: Brooke Shafer
Hometown: Fishers, IN
School: Butler University
Number of years you have attended the Indy 500? 1 The 500 Festival Parade? 0
Your tips for someone attending the Indy 500 for the first time:
Sunscreen! Besides that, arrive early so you don’t miss any of the pre-race festivities. During the race, it can get hot in the stands so I took some time to walk around and take in everything that is going on all around the race. The Indianapolis 500 is a global attraction and what Indiana is known for making it truly a sight you must see to believe. And finally…sunscreen!
Your tips for someone attending the 500 Festival Parade for the first time:
Having never been to the 500 Festival Parade, I am full of advice for first time parade goers! Avoid standing behind tall people. Take snacks! I would suggest Cheez-Its because they are delicious and easy to pack. Wear as many brightly colored beads and flashy neon trinkets as possible. The more you stand out the more likely you will be seen by float riders giving out free stuff! Avoid standing behind tall people. I am aware this is the second time I have written this suggestion. It’s important so why not emphasize it. Bring a camera to take pictures….of me!!! And then tag me on Facebook. I suppose you could use your camera to take pictures of other things as well but…focus on my beauty first. Bring noise makers! Air horns are encouraged. Everyone enjoys a good thunder stick (You know those blow up things you bang together that sound like thunder). Hopefully this helps make your first experience at the 500 Festival Parade enjoyable!
This is what I am doing in my community as a representative of the Princess Program:
Since being selected as a 500 Festival Princess, a million opportunities have opened up to help out my community and the Indianapolis 500! Most of my responsibilities include spreading the word about the 500 Festival and the Indianapolis 500. So far, I have arranged to visit a few after-school programs in the IPS school district where I will educate our youth on what goes on during the month of May leading up to the race and the history of the Indianapolis 500! I am also working on setting up a “Race-to-Read” program at the Hamilton East Public Libraries where children and teens will be rewarded for reading through prizes and incentives. This experience has been so amazing and I cannot wait for May and all of the festivities to begin!
This May, I’m most looking forward to: Carb Day!
Congrats Sharyl. Loved your greatest 33.
We are so proud of you, Sharyl Pels!!!!!!
We love you, Sharyl xoxo
Have a blast this 500 season! You are the best ! Connie Cates
Sharyl, “Once a Princess ALWAYS a Princess” !!!
Congrats, Sharyl !!!! Can’t wait to see you in the parade!
Congrats Sharyl!
Sharyl, enjoy every minute of this wonderful experience!
Go Sharyl! Have a great time at the 500! GO BOILERS!!!!
Congratulations Sharyl! Enjoy the experiences that the month of May will bring you.
Congrats Sharyl!!! Sending our love from New Mexico. You are our #1 Princess!!! We love you!!! xoxo
Sharyl, have fun, be yourself and everything else will fall into place. Your the best!!!!!!
Sharyl – make sure you wave to me. Race weekend is the best weekend of the entire year.
Congrats Auntie Sharyl!!!! I wish I could be there to give you a big hug on your special day. Maybe someday I’ll be a 500 Princess just like you!!! I love you!!!
How exciting!! Good Luck Sharyl.
Sharyl, you are an inspiration to everyone you meet!
Yay go Sharyl!!
yeaaaaa sharyl. get it get it!
I could not think of a finer Indy princess than Sharyl Pels!
Good Luck!!!
You are just too cute Sharyl! Keep up all your hard work!
Good luck Sharyl! Go Boilermakers!
Congratulations, Sharyl!! We are so proud of you and wish you the best!! …Thinking of you always!!
Sharyl – I think Katie will follow in your footsteps and be the second princess from the Court. Great accomplishment.
Congrats Sharyl! Looks like you are making the most of your 500 Princess experience! I’m sure all the little girls you’ve talked to are looking forward to following in your footsteps. And how exciting that you get to be the featured Princess on the day of the Royal Wedding
!
Congrats Sharyl! You look gorgeous. Enjoy this wonderful experience!
Congrats Sharyl!
So proud that Sharyl is doing a wonderful job representing Purdue!
good luck sharyl
Congrats Sharyl. We are so proud of you. Love, Auntie Ml
good luck sharyl!!!
Yay Sharyl!! We love you! Good luck!!!!!!!
Hooray!!!!! Maybe if you get enough votes they’ll let you drive a few laps!!
Go Sharyl! So proud of you!
Sharyl would make a fabulous princess!
good luck congratulations
Way to go Sharyl!
So proud of you, Princess!
Kate Middleton WHO!? Sharyl Pels is the ONLY princess today!
Awesome job Sharyl- I second that Kate Middleton has nothing on you!
Great job Sharyl. Congrats on being the 500 Princess.
The prettiest one too.
Luv ya cuz
I feel the need….the need for speed…..and Sharyl Pels becoming the Indy princess!
Thank you for the helpful tips, Princess Sharyl!
Good luck big cuz.
Your the best
Rocco
Can’t wait to see the pictures! Congrats Princess!
Thank you for you informative tip’s
Best of luck
Good luck, Sharyl!
Only problem with having Sharyl as the princess is that the cars will all want to slow down and wave to her each and every lap! Go Sharyl!
SHARYL!!!!!!! you are the bomb.com!! yayyyyy BOILER UP!! =)
ajb
Congratulations, Shar-bear. Uncle John
From all of us at the kids’ table, GOOD LUCK Sharyl!!!!
Keeping my fingers crossed for you. Congrats!
Good Luck Sharyl!
Congrats Sharyl!! So fun!!
Sending much luv frm tampa! Congrats sharyl <3 dona!
Love you Sharyl!
We Love Sharyl!!!
Way to go. Enjoy the month of May. Don’t worry. I’ll take care of your pet.
Congratulations, Sharyl! (And what a wonderful and fitting day to be a “Princess”!)
Enjoy the “ride,” Princess Sharyl! Have fun and good luck!
The BEST of luck!
The BEST of luck, Sharyl!
Congrats Sharyl! Have a fabulous experience and live it up!
SHARYL, YOU ARE SO BEAUTIFUL!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!! I LOVE YOU!!!
Way to go sharyl
Way to go Sharyl!! Best princess ever!!
Great job Sharyl! Good luck! Boiler Up!
Sharyl enjoy the princess experience
Great advice Sharyl! Good luck!
Sharyl, next will come the “yellow shirt”!
You know I’ve been one of your most loyal graphic and PR peeps! You are destined for royalty, Sharyl!!
I am so proud and honored to know royalty, Princess Brooke! You are simply the BEST!!
Congratulations Sharyl!
congrats!! good luck
Cheryl, say hi to Will Power, Dario and Helio
Good luck Sharyl!!!
Congrats To Princess Sharyl<3 Love u!
Best Wishes Sharyl
Sharyl, Have fun at the parade!!
Cute picture Sharyl! So proud you’re a princess! xoxo
Good luck Sharyl!
Congratulations Sharyl! You will have a ball.
Congrats Sharyl!!<3 love u!
Sharyl – bet you can guess who this is from. May is a great month to be in Indy.
Congradulations
Congrats, Sharyl!! You are such a superstar
Love you!!
Congrats Sharyl. Now you’re really going to think you are a princess… Jk
Sharyl, Congrats and good luck girl!
Congrats Sharyl!
Princess Sharyl, Congratulations and have a fun month!
Woo sharyllllll!!!
Boiler-up Sharyl! Congrats!
Sharyl, Have fun and enjoy the race!
Good luck Sharyl!!! You’re awesome!
Go Princess Sharyl and Purdue! Congrats!
Good luck Sharyl!
BOILER UP!! AWESOME JOB!!
Sharyl, what a great job! The IMS is lucky to have you as a princess.
Sharyl – Best Wishes!!
Brooke – What a pleasure it is to know someone who has such a sense of humor and makes everyone so at ease! Congratulations and continue to enjoy all the fun!
Sharyl—Congrats and Good Luck!
We are so proud of Sharyl!! Great job.
Congrats Sheryl! So proud of you!! Xoxo
Sharyl, Here’s to an Indianapolis princess on the day another princess takes her crown. Happy Coronation! JoDee
Sharyl- Best of Luck!!!!!!! =D
Sharyl – Great job – the legend of the Court continues to grow.
Congratulations Sharyl! What a great role model you are!
I LOVE SHARYL, congrats on everythingg!
A royal day for a royal girl! Have fun Brook!
Congratulations Sharyl! What a fantastic experience!
Mr. Pels told me to tell you congratulations!
Mr. Pels told me to say congrats!! WOOHOOOOO
“Princess Sharyl” just naturally rolls off the tongue.
Sharyl you rock! Go girl!
Oh Sharyl how much you have changed! Congrats
Sharyl- Way to go! Good luck!
Good luck Sharyl!!!!
Proud to know royalty
Hopefully if we hit 200 comments, they’ll let you race.
The 500 is lucky to have a princess like you, Sharyl!! Great person and a great role model! Very happy for you!!
Super proud and lucky to know you Brooke Shafer, 500 Princess. Love you!
Sharyl – we knew you way back when. And look at you now Princess!!
Congrats Shar — so cool! Good luck!!
We’re all so proud of you Sharyl! yayaya!
What a beautiful princess!!
The best of the best!!
Brooke, You make me smile
I love how you are always your hilarious self and let your awesome personality shine through to others 
I am sooo happy for you that you achieved this opportunity…I cannot imagine a more genuine princess than you 
Sending all my love from Jersey 
congrats Sharyl!
Robbie is straight code mackin!!!
Sharyl, you’re such a beautiful princess!
Love you, Sharyl!!
Dang Sharyl.. lookin good and reachin out is what you’re all about!! Keep it up princess!
Sharyl, I am so proud of you!!
Sharyl, always knew we had royalty in the family!!
Sharyl, you are so gorgeous!
congrats sharyl! all of the roommates are proud and excited for you to have this great opportunity!
Congrats Sharyl, we are so proud of you!!!!
We love you, Sharyl!!!
Hooray for Princess Sharyl!!!!
Sharyl, have fun on race day!!! Best wishes!
Princess Sharyl has arrived!!
go sharyl!! ur the best =)
Sharyl – After all these years I knew you’d be royalty! Which tiara will you wear?
Congratulations Brooke – good luck!
In the history of the 500, there has never been a more qualified princess. Forget the Royal Wedding, you’re the real Princess! Keep it real Sharyl.
Sharyl – Wonderful Achievement!! You’re now part of the history of the month of May!!
Sharyl-Good luck!
Sharyl, we are so proud of our Granddaughter!
Brooke, you continue to amaze me…Where do you get it? I’ve met your parents…. you can’t be theirs!
Good Luck Sharyl!
Sharyl, can’t wait for the month of May to begin so race season can get into full gear! congrats!
Good job Princess Sharyl
Sharyl, you are beautiful! congrats!!
WOW, Sharyl, what a great ride you are going to have
Sharyl, you are even prettier than I remember. You are going to make one heck of a princess. Can’t wait to see you on race day!
Sharyl, you are a beautiful Princess !!!!
Sharyl – congrats and good luck! You make the Theta house proud : )
Tah ~ Dah … Princess Sharyl Love u, cuz!!!
You Go Girl!!! You are the BEST!!!
We know you can do it Sharyl! Congrats and go get it Princess
Congrats Sharyl! You are so pretty
Congrats Sharyl – Princess today, queen of the Court is next.
Congratulations Sharyl!! You are the perfect Indy 500 Princess and I wish I could be there for the parade and race. Good luck!
“The young women were selected from 278 applicants based on communication skills, poise, academic performance, and community and volunteer involvement.”
Wow! Nice Job, Sharyl! Congratulations!
“Because my dad is a former “Yellow Shirt” at the track.” Glad to see that your Dad exposed you to the finer things in life, like racing. Have fun and enjoy the experience.
Best princess ever Brooke!
Princess? You should be a Queen! Congrats!, Sharyl!
Congratulations Brooke! You are truly a gift to everyone you meet – and especially to those of us who get to have you as a friend! It’s amazing how much joy to and happiness you bring to others simply by entering a room! You’re such a natural – and the best princess ever!
Roses are red,
violets are blue,
Sharyl, what a lovely Princess are you!
Brookie, great BLOG! I hope you and Sharyl get the photo with the drivers. Have a great MAY!! Where do you get that sense of humor?
Way to go Sharyl….Wave when you go by in the parade we will be watching!
What a great role model…proud to be your neighbor!! Great job Sharyl!
Congratulations Brooke! You are the best!
Princess Sharyl, you’re beautiful!
Sharyl, you’re my favorite of ML’s neighbors. Love, E
You got my vote, Sharyl!!
Woo go Sharyl!!
Goooo brooke!! Get it sista!!!! Woooooohooo
Sharyl, way to go!!
Congrats Sharyl!
YAY BROOKE! I LOVE YOUUU. PLEASE WIN AND LET ME HAVE UR FIRST AUTOGRAPH.
Sharyl Pels & Kate Middleton both in the “lime light” today … what a great day for Princesses!!!
I heart you, Sharyl!!!
Good Luck Sharyl!!!!!!!! Your awesome!!!!!!!!!
http://www.violentornot.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/mikey37125?feature=mhum
Sharyl, you are the perfect princess
Sharyl, aren’t you glad your name isn’t Lucy? Haha. You are the best.
Sharyl, Marlene said you’re the best. I hear about you all the time.
Sharyl, I like you better than Marlene
Way to go Sharyl! Sounds like you have been having a lot of fun with your princess duties!
Dear Sharyl…you are the pricess with the biggest heart. Go Win
I hope my daughter growes up to be just like you Sharyl
Beautiful Sharyl….good luck
Sharyl Honey, they are lucky to have you. Good Luck.
Sharyl, wishing you the best.
Sharyl, we’re so excited for you. Have fun.
Congratulations Sharyl! You are our Favorite Princess! We are so proud of you
Congratulations, Sharyl. We are proud to have you as our princess!
Sharyl, My Nana told me that you are a real princess. I am rooting for you to be the queen!
Out of all of my babysitters, I like Sharyl the BEST. She is the MOST responsible one and she is always willing to watch a movie with me
Go SHARYL!!!!
Congratulations, SHARYL. Best wishes from your friends in New York!
Way to go SHARYL! Hope to see you doing the princess wave in the parade!
Congrats, Sharyl! Good to have royalty in the neighborhood!
Congrats on the honor, Sharyl! Look forward to hearing the story of you driving the car!
Congrats, Sharyl!
Good luck, Sharyl! Enjoy the festivities!
Our very own Pretty, Pretty Princess!
Love you!
Better start practicing England’s Royal Family hand-waving technique because Sharyl, you’re my favorite Princess!!
Umm…Sharyl is our very own Pretty, Pretty, Princess!
Love you! ! !
A most precious niece will make a most precious Princess! Go Sharyl Lynn!
Sharyl, I hope you have your GPS when you drive around the track !!!
This Princess is definitely going places! Best of luck to Sharyl!
Princess Pels has a nice ring to it!
A smile like yours, Sharyl, is made for a Princess’ face!
Go Sharyl! Have fun being a Princess!
Best of luck with another awesome adventure, Princess Sharyl!!
Sharyl, thank you for the wonderful advice about seeing the parade twice, I will have to give it a try. Best of luck.
Sharyl – you are awesome! congrats! Best princess out there
TEAM SHARYL! wooooooooooooooooooooo
Best of luck Sharyl Lynn!!
You rock Sharyl!! <3
We are really pulling for you!!! Can’t wait to see the pictures!!
New Mexico wants Sharyl for princess!!!!
Go Sharyl Go!!! ps – I love you.
The message 3 up is for SHARYL…. I got excited and forgot to write her name in there.
Sharyl for 500 Princess!!!
The Indy 500 would be lucky to have Sharyl Pels represent all Hoosiers as our Indianapolis 500 2011 princess! Class act all the way!
Go Sharyl!!! Good luck!
Best Wishes Sharyl
What an amazing opportunity! Good luck Sharyl, you’re awesome!
Yay Sharyl. You rock!!
SHARYL YOU ARE THE MOST AWESOME, GOREGOUS, DESERVING GIRL FOR THE CROWN! ALL I CAN SAY IS, “KATE MIDDLETON WHO????”
Sharyl, I can’t wait for a ride around the track with you!
We love you, Sharyl!
Sharyl Pehls you were born a princess!!! Good luck and have so much fun!!
Love you!
Congrats Sheryl! Have a blast!
Sharyl, when you win …
Congrats cousin Sharyl! You are awesome!
Congrats cousin Sharyl. I hope you win!
I hope you win! You deserve it!
YOU ARE AWESOME SHARYL!!!!!
Sharyl you rock! Good luck!
Congratulations Sharyl! You are the perfect princess, and I am so proud of you!
Amazing Sharyl. Go Girl
Congrats Sharyl!!
We love you Sharyl!
Go Sharyl Go!!!!!
Sharyl, you are awesome.
Congrats, Sharyl!!
Way to go, Sharyl!!
Have fun, Sharyl!!
Sharyl, enjoy every minute!!
Sharyl, it’s so exciting!
Sharyl, you ARE the princess!!
Sharyl, can’t wait to see more exciting pictures!
Congrats, Sharyl!
Sharyl, My grandpa says you are a great example for little girls. I want to be a princess when I grow up – just like you!
Sharyl, Can I be in the picture with you? My grandpa says you are an awesome example for little girls!
Sharyl, Do you think that they would let you drive the car? That would be really cool. I hope you win!!
Sharyl, We are so proud to have you as our neighbor! We are looking forward to seeing the picture
Sharyl, The “CCCC Boys” are wishing you the best! We are glad you are a princess!
Sharyl has inspired my grandaughter Kady to want to be a princess!!!
CastleCove is so proud of you Sharyl!
Princess Sharyl it has a nice ring…..congrats!!!
It was great watching you grow into the lovely princess that you are Sharyl!!!
She’s got poise She’s got grace She’s a winner….Go Sharyl!
Wassup…..way to represent ladies! See you at the race. Peace out.
Even if she is from Purdue I think Sharyl would be a great princess for the 500.
I have known Sharyl for many years. She is the one who is always smiling, always pleasant, always goes out of her way to be kind and giving–deserves the best.
What a beautiful person!
We can always count on Sharyl–kind, honest, sincere. A great representative of Indy
Good Luck, Sharyl, I know you will represent us in the best light!!
What a great model for my daughter and others. You go~
Always a joy to be around. Keep us the great work.
Beautiful inside and out.
Brooke – you are the best roommate ever…no wonder you are a princess! I LOVE YOU.
omg brooke is so pretty every other wednesday!
Congrats, Sharyl!
Proud of you Brooke!
Scott is so lucky! Great tips Brooke!
Brooke rules. And smells great.
Brooke you light up my life! Go for the gold! or the crown or whatever…
You are the best grandma ever! I can’t think of a better princess than you! minus sharyl…who is clearly superior
Dear Brooke,
I wish I was a princess like you! You are beautiful!
I can’t believe you did it Brooke!
Yeah Sharyl!
I am soooo excited for you!
Sharyl,
Congratulations!!
The Queen is hoping Princess Sharyl gets the photo session!!
Sharyl, you represent the “Court” well
Princess Sharyl, can I wear your crown?? ha ha
Ready set, smile SHARYL!!!!
Great going Sharly, good luck to you!
Good luck Sharyl best wishes!!
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE FOR POSTING SUCH NICE COMMENTS FOR ME ~ Sharyl
Congratulations have a great time, you will love it
Yayy!! Can’t wait to see you on race day! You better snap a pic of TK for me! haha
Ooop messed up meant to say yayy Sharyl!! can’t wait to see you on race day! (officially embarrased)
Good luck, Sharyl!!!!
Congratulations Brooke!!! Have fun with all the activities ~ we’ll be looking for you on race day!
Sharyl Pels! you’re amazing! i motion to make you queen of theta! those in favor, please say “aye”.