Lisa Marie Rogali is accustomed to the spotlight.

The senior has performed as a soloist three times with various music ensembles — including the Penn State Concert Choir and Penn State Opera Theatre — and has held leading roles in various productions at Penn State and in the State College area. The seasoned veteran took on a new challenge, however, when she auditioned for the Metropolitan Opera at its National Council Auditions.

The auditions took place on December 5 in Pittsburgh, where Rogali ended up winning the Encouragement Award for her performance of Handel’s “Da tempeste” from “Giulio Cesare” and Menotti’s “Steal Me, Sweet Thief.”

Rogali is a voice student of Jennifer Trost, an associate professor of music and voice teacher in the School of Music. Rogali is pursuing a degree in music education and will student teach a general music emphasis course this semester. Hopefully, we’ll get to see this star continue to shine in her final months as a Penn State student.