Laura Waters: Distinguished Student

With all the focus on Olympic champions, there’s another kind of champion in Eastern Idaho. This week’s United Dairymen of Idaho Distinguished Student is a Bonneville High School senior who is a national fiddling champion.

“I just really love the outlet that it is for me to have fun and play and I love competing, that’s one thing that I’ve loved for quite a few years,” Laura said.

That drive to compete has paid off. Laura went from state junior fiddle champion to regional champion to national champion and even got to perform at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. She loves her fiddle.

“It just allows me to be creative.” Laura said. “It kind of helps my mind to think of new things – that’s one thing I love about the fiddle is that it’s really open to your own style.”

Music is a big part of Laura’s life. She sings and plays piano too. She plans to go to Utah State and become a music therapist.

“You just use music to heal people, and it’s something that I’m really passionate about,” Laura said. “It has helped me in my own life and I want to show other people how to use music to heal.”

When it comes to academics, Laura truly enjoys learning. She has a near perfect GPA and got a 30 on her ACT – good enough to get her a scholarship to Utah State. As she wraps up her high school career, Laura has this advice for other high school students.

“Just enjoy every moment of it, try your hardest in your school work and try to get involved in things and just have a blast,” Laura said.