COEUR d'ALENE - A new queen has been crowned.

Rayna Solberg, a 17-year-old Coeur d'Alene High School junior, is the 2015 Distinguished Young Woman of Coeur d'Alene. She earned the honors following the two-day Distinguished Young Women competition, which took place in the Kroc Center on Friday and Saturday evening.

"I'm overjoyed and just so honored to be able to represent Coeur d'Alene," Rayna said Sunday.

This year, 22 juniors in the Coeur d'Alene School District vied for scholarships and the DYW title in what is formerly Junior Miss. The young ladies were evaluated by a panel of judges in five categories: scholastics, interview, talent, fitness and self-expression.

"I'm a very shy person, so being able to step out of my comfort zone and really just be me was the most challenging," she said. "I'm a quiet, laid-back person."

Rayna performed a piece from the Spanish ballet "Don Quixote," a variation she executed "on point," or on her toes. She has been dancing for more than 10 years and teaches ballet to 7- and 8-year-old dancers. She said while her career dream is pediatrics, she hopes she can continue to perform.

"I still want to incorporate performing arts with dancing and singing because I'm classically trained with ballet and singing," she said.

The contestants began preparing for DYW about three months ago. Rayna said she really enjoyed working with the other young ladies.

"It's just been a complete honor, being able to work with all 21 girls and the people who have helped each one of us over the months prepare for the program," she said.

"Some of these girls will start out in their own shells," said this year's DYW chair and Coeur d'Alene High science teacher Erika Lewis. "It brings them out of their shells and teaches them how to be articulate and be confident."

Once a participant is named the Distinguished Young Woman, she continues to the state competition and potentially nationals. Although one young lady is chosen, Lewis said DYW is by no means a "one-woman show."

"Even though we only have one chosen as a representative of Coeur d'Alene, I truly believe all these girls are winners because of what they receive from the program," she said. "Everlasting friendships, interview skills, learning how to present themselves in a confident manner and being a role model for younger girls in our community."

Rayna was also recognized with the Spirit of Distinguished Young Women, an award voted by the judges and her peers.

"It's someone who embodies the spirit of the program," Lewis said.

Lewis said this year's "Circus under the Big Top"-themed program was successful thanks to mentor and accountant Kim Wasco, choreographers Monica Newell and Kylee Solberg, stage decorator Michele Dirks and judge's chair Saprina Schueller.

Rayna said she wouldn't have been able to succeed without the support of her friends and family, as well as guidance from Lewis.

"She's an absolutely outstanding person and leader," Rayna said.

For those who are considering competing next year, Rayna said they should just go for it.

"It's an incredible experience that's unforgettable, no matter if you win or lose," she said.

The state competition will be held in Coeur d'Alene the first week of November with nationals taking place in Mobile, Ala., in June 2015.

Other scholarships and awards:

Runner-Up: Emilie White

Finalist: Brooke Wolford

Scholastic scholarship: Alayne Chipman, Eve Buck, Emilie White

Interview scholarship: Danielle Collinson, Eve Buck, Emilie White

Talent scholarship: Bradie Lewis, Rayna Solberg, Justie Argo

Self-Expression: Rayna Solberg, Emilie White, Brooke Wolford

Fitness: Tori Chavez, Danielle Collinson, Rayna Solberg

"Be Your Best Self" scholarship: Emilie White

Spirit of Distinguished Young Women (voted by contestants): Rayna Solberg