Grace High School senior Kallie Stoddard was named Idaho's 2026 Distinguished Young Woman in a program that brought together 36 of Idaho's most talented and accomplished young women.

Stoddard of Grace won the Caribou County Distinguished Young Woman title earlier this year and competed at the state competition held in Idaho Falls on Oct. 11.

"Competing at the state level was an incredible experience," Stoddard said. "The girls and volunteers were so talented and kind. Even though the pressure was intense, I wouldn't change a thing."

Contestants spent a week away from home rehearsing daily, learning fitness routines, preparing for judges' interviews and working on stage presence and performances.

"Performing on that beautiful stage with the crowd's energy was unlike anything I've ever felt," Stoddard said.

To prepare for the state competition, Stoddard spent hours practicing mock interviews, staying current on events, rehearsing her piano piece and maintaining her fitness level.

Beyond the competition itself, Stoddard said her greatest takeaway was the confidence it gave her.

"I went into the competition thinking I was just a small town girl," Stoddard said. "By the end of the week, I learned to be proud of who I was and what I stood for. I've grown so much more confident in myself, my speaking abilities and my talents."

Being crowned was a huge highlight, but Stoddard said her favorite part of the experience was the people she met.

"I'll never forget the volunteers, the host moms and the other 35 girls," Stoddard said. "They truly showed me what the Distinguished Young Women program is all about."

She encourages younger girls thinking about participating to be themselves.

"Every young woman has something to offer," Stoddard said.

Each young woman has a place within the Distinguished Young Women program to showcase her talent and beauty, she said.

Next summer, Stoddard will represent Idaho on the national Distinguished Young Women stage in Mobile, Alabama. While the competition will be a new level, Stoddard is excited to meet more incredible women and proudly represent her small town Idaho roots.