Manchester Sophomore Tabbed as Rising Star

A Manchester Township High School sophomore will be the first ever to represent the school in the Rising Stars program at the Algonquin Arts Theatre.

Vocalist Amanda Batista will perform Thursday, singing “Widmung,” a German aria composed by Robert Schumann, after winning a finalist spot in the 15th edition of Rising Stars, which sought classical musicians from across New Jersey.

Batista, who performs in the high school's choir and honors choir, won the vocal music freshman student of the year in May, and also performs on xylophone in the marching band. She had a role in Manchester's musical last spring, playing Sally in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown.

She'll perform twice at the Algonquin Arts Theatre on Thursday; once at 10 a.m. and once at noon. Tickets are free, but have to be reserved in advance by calling 732-528-9211.

The theater is located at 173 Main Street in Manasquan.