Brookfield East senior Nora Collins was named as the 2012 Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) Rising Star at a ceremony Sunday at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center in Appleton. 

"Thank you so much; this is such an honor," Collins said at the ceremony, as she started to choke up. "I'm gonna cry. I really appreciate this. Thank you WAMI, and of course my parents. I couldn't do this without you."

Collins has two CDs out on iTunes, called "Red Chuck Taylors," and "Run Away With Me." She also has music videos posted on her website.

Collins was a nominee for the Rising Star award last year, and since then has won other awards, including the state title in the Texaco Country Showdown, a country music talent search.

She has played for several large audiences at events like the Wisconsin State Fair and Summerfest, and she plays regularly at Potbelly's. She typically plays Friday nights at 5:30 at the Potbelly's at 17780 W Bluemound Rd., and Saturday nights at 6 p.m. at the location at 12455 W Capitol Dr.