Hutton Honors College

Indianapolis Native, Recent IU Graduate & HHC Student Annie Berning Crowned 2009 Indy 500 Festival Queen

INDIANAPOLIS (May 16, 2009) - The 500 Festival announced today that Annie Berning of Indianapolis, Indiana was selected the 2009 500 Festival Queen at the annual Breakfast at the Brickyard, presented by ProLiance Energy held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Berning graduated earlier this month from Indiana University where she majored in political science and Spanish, and received a certificate from the Liberal Arts & Management Program (LAMP). Berning, age 21, is one of 33 young women selected for the 2009 500 Festival Princess Program, serving as ambassadors for the 500 Festival and Indianapolis 500. She is a 2005 graduate of Southport High School. She is the daughter of William and Sharon Berning, and Rita Berning.

Princess Abby Dorsett of Terre Haute, Ind. a senior at Butler University majoring in public relations and advertising, and Princess Katie Rayl of Kokomo, Ind. a senior at Indiana University majoring in finance(with concentration in real estate) and management, were chosen as 2009 Princess Court members. Dorsett is the daughter of Brian and Gina Dorsett. Rayl is the daughter of Kyle and Lisa Rayl. The 500 Festival Queen and Princesses attend 500 Festival events and volunteer throughout the month of May. In addition, the 33 princesses are involved with statewide outreach programs of their choosing. Princesses are also present at various Indianapolis Motor Speedway functions and participate in the Indianapolis 500 Victory Circle celebration.

As 500 Festival Queen, Berning, is a recipient of a $2,500 educational scholarship from the 500 Festival and WTHR Channel 13. In addition, Berning will wear a jeweled crown provided by G. Thrapp Jewelers at 500 Festival events and the Indianapolis 500®. She will participate in a variety of appearances throughout the week and participate in the Indianapolis 500 pre-race and Victory Circle celebrations. She will continue to represent the 500 Festival at various functions throughout the year.

The 500 Festival Princesses represent 10 Indiana colleges and universities and 25 Hoosier cities and towns. The young women were selected from 245 applicants based on communication skills, poise, academic performance and community and volunteer involvement. The princesses will help commemorate the 2009 500 Festival and Indianapolis 500.

To be eligible for the 500 Festival Princess Program, applicants must be between the ages of 19 and 23, single and legal residents of Indiana. Candidates must also be full-time undergraduate students in a fully-accredited Indiana college or university and maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.8 on a 4.0 scale.

Sponsors for the 500 Festival Princess Program include WTHR TV-13, G.Thrapp Jewelers and Contemporary Dental Concepts. Apparel and accessory providers include Finish Line, Brooks, Secret Ingredient, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Vera Bradley and Etc. Boutique.

To learn more about 500 Festival events and volunteer opportunities, please visit www.500festival.com, or contact the Festival office at (317) 927-3378.