Christina Sedgwick, 17, has been named the 2015 Distinguished Young Woman of Post Falls.

The Post Falls High School junior excelled in the self-expression, interview and scholastic categories during the competition Saturday evening at Post Falls High. She now has the opportunity to participate in the state program. From there, she may be eligible to compete in the national finals in Mobile, Ala., after she graduates next June.

"It was just amazing the progress that the girls made from the very first rehearsal to last night at the final program," DYW of Post Falls co-chair Tracey Fouche said Sunday.

Fouche, of Post Falls, is a former DYW contender who participated in the program about 10 years ago. She said it was neat to be in a new position where she could be a leader and mentor to the young ladies, especially having once been there herself. She said many of them were petrified to perform their talents and for many it was their first time experiencing a professional interview and public speaking.

"They just really shined. They did such an amazing job in all the categories," she said. "We're just so proud of them. It was exciting to watch them grow and see the change that's taken place in them."

The 15 young ladies were evaluated in five categories: scholastics, interview, talent, fitness and self-expression. The first finalist was Maraya Deuser, 16, and second finalist was Randi Loudin, 17.

Info: www.ajm.org