INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — For her outstanding achievements and community involvement, Hailey Ready, of Greenwood, is the 2026 500 Festival Queen Scholar.

Ready was crowned on Saturday during the 500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard, presented by CHA.

As Queen Scholar, Ready will represent the rest of her princess class and play a significant role in the 110th Indianapolis 500 celebrations.

“I’m so excited! I love the Indy 500, and the Festival, and I’m so excited that I get to represent both of those things,” Ready told News 8.

Ready is a senior at Marian University pursuing degrees in Biology and English. She is involved in the Marian Knight Drama Club, has held multiple leadership roles at The Fioretti, Marian’s literary journal,...