RATHDRUM - Malia Parker took a page out of pianist and composer Jon Schmidt's book.

A chat with the musician during a recent concert paid off.

Parker was named Lakeland High's Distinguished Young Woman during the scholarship program for juniors at the school on Saturday night.

For her talent, Parker - who has been playing the piano since she was 8 - played "All of Me" by Schmidt.

While speaking with Schmidt, Parker learned that he practices 14 hours a day.

The song is about putting everything you have into your efforts, and that's what she did, said Debbie Waddell, the event coordinator.

"She truly studied how (Schmidt) performs that song," Waddell said. "She wanted to live up to his expectations."

Her performance won the talent category and she also placed first in the fitness and interview categories.

"She has a sparkling personality and had a strong talent," Waddell. "She's such an inspirational young lady."

Parker, who won $500 for placing first, will represent Lakeland at the state DYW contest in Idaho Falls in October. Eleven girls competed in the local program.

Parker, of Hauser Lake, will represent the Lakeland DYW program at community and business events during the next year. She plans to become an emergency room doctor and possibly attend the University of Washington or Brigham Young University.

The first alternate was Lane Morrow, who earned $300, and the second alternate was Nicole Boyer, who earned $200.

Morrow won the self-expression category, while Boyer won the Scholastic and Spirit of DYW portions. The participants choose the Spirit of DYW recipient.

Individual category winners earned an additional $150 for each category.

Morrow, of Rathdrum, plans to study marine biology at the Coast Guard Academy. Boyer plans to become a dermatologist, an actress or college professor and possibly attend Brigham Young or Colorado University.