Whitney Wolanin's Rising Star

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"I've written songs based on my own experience. I pull topics from my sister and friends, about what kids our age go through. I make the lyrics like a story. We write about being independent and self-reliant - one of my big messages. You need stick to your guns and not conform."

Mike McVay – a longtime radio and entertainment industry consultant – listened to Wolanin's Christmas album last year. He had met Vincent during a Funk Brothers gig in Cleveland, where McVay Media is based, but didn't know Whitney was his daughter. "I listened to the CD," says McVay, "and said 'Holy shit, how old is that girl? Her voice is so big.' I had no idea she was 15. This girl can sing."

McVay has a track record for advising stations – he consults 150 in North America - to jump on strong new artists early, including Josh Groban, Lily Allen and the Goo Goo Dolls, when they crossed from alternative to pop. It's likely McVay will be right behind Wolanin when "Loud and Clear" breaks. "You don't want to jinx anybody," he says, "but she could be this generation's Mariah Carey. With that big powerful voice, she could really take off."

With her sights set on Vanderbilt University in Nashville for 2008, the concert halls won't be far from the lecture halls.

Wolanin has not yet been on tour with a band – she plans on doing some radio-station sponsored gigs this summer – but she has sung in more than 20 sports stadiums. She's in demand to sing the National Anthem. Last year, the Wolanins approached Red Sox management about a Fenway Park gig. They said they were booked all season. Then, they heard Whitney sing – and a spot opened up at a Yankees game, no less. She'll likely sing at Fenway again this summer.

Oh, and she's a junior in high school in the International Baccalaureate program who maintains a straight A average "All college classes," she says. "It is tough sometimes, the work load is pretty heavy." Her favorite subject is photography – "another medium I can express myself in. It's very calming, and taught me patience." She plans on attending college – at present her sights are set on Vanderbilt in Nashville in the fall of 2008. "My parents and I decided I should have a normal childhood, and get an education in case I need to fall back on something." She plans to study business.

Is Whitney – both emerging star and honors student - envied or supported by her high school peers?

"A lot my friends take it well," Whitney says. "Some people don't, and there are little problems. It's high school." Not for long.