POST FALLS - Hailey Smith on Saturday night earned the title of Post Falls Junior Miss 2011 and will go on to represent the other 21 participants at the state competition in November in Coeur d'Alene.

"I'm so honored to represent such a great community," Smith said. "I'm going to have opportunities I've never had before. I can't wait."

Smith, 17, of Post Falls, said all the girls are talented, beautiful, and smart.

She said she is looking forward to going to ceremonies, parades, and events to represent all the other contestants and the city.

"Junior miss practice was the highlight of my week, every single week," Smith said. "This is definitely the highlight of my junior year, if not my high school career."

Smith is the daughter of Larry and Connie Smith. Hailey Smith receives a $750 scholarship, donated by Midway Auto Group.

Cynthia Keck, part of the Post Falls junior miss committee, said, "Any of our 22 girls would have been a fabulous representative."

Keck said Smith did well in the competition because of her good grades in school and the difficulty of the classes she has enrolled in. Smith also did well in her individual interview with the judges.

The scholarship program event was at Post Falls High School, and the theme was "Hollywood."

"It's because all of our girls are stars," said Keck.

The theme was selected by the junior miss committee and Heidi Mueller, Post Falls Junior Miss 2010.

First finalist Saturday was Miranda Houchens, who received a $500 scholarship donated by Knudtsen Chevrolet. The second finalist was Katie Sofaly, who received a $300 scholarship donated by Panhandle State Bank.

Smith also received the $250 scholastic scholarship, and the $250 fitness award scholarship.

Houchens also received the "be-your-best-self award," and the self expression award, earning $250 scholarships for both awards.

Sofaly received the "spirit-of-junior-miss award," and the judges interview award, earning $250 scholarships for both.

Bri Castilleja won the talent award, playing piano, for which she received a $250 scholarship.