Will OCHS Junior Be the Next 'Wawa Idol?'

Patch "Whiz Kid" of the week: A.J. Klein

• AGE: 16
• SCHOOL: Ocean City High School junior
• ACCOMPLISHMENT: Selected as finalist for Wawa Idol; competes for title on June 29

Don't compare A.J. Klein to Troy Bolton of High School Musical fame. Sure, Klein's a jock (a member of the Red Raiders' soccer team) and enjoys singing—but he definitely doesn't sing while playing soccer, as Troy would do.

On June 29, Klein, of Petersburg, a part-time gas jockey at the Marmora Wawa, competes against 10 other finalists at Wawa's Hoagiefest in Philadelphia for the title of Wawa Idol. He plans to sing "You May Be Right" by Billy Joel.

The finalists were chosen from New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delmarva. A panel of celebrity judges will decide on the next Wawa Idol. Round One took place inside a Mays Landing Wawa. Klein sang "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" a cappella in the middle of store—winning some pretty surprised looks from people who were just in there to get their coffee.

Klein was among two winners selected to move on to Round Two at the Wawa NJ Divisional Offices in Columbus. Klein competed with 22 other finalists from all over New Jersey and was among three selected to move on to the finals.

Co-workers at Wawa are shocked by Klein's hidden talent, said his proud mom, Tiffani Lawton. His Nana, Terri Baker, is his other biggest fan. 

Regional Wawa Idol winners include six finalists from Pennsylvania, three finalists from New Jersey and two from Delmarva. The next Wawa Idol takes the stage at Wawa Welcome America, a week-long celebration of Independence Day. 

Klein was bitten by the acting and singing bug early.

"I've been performing since sixth grade," he said, when he landed a small role in Coffee Break, a rather obscure play. "I fell in love with it and I've been performing ever since."

Klein has been studying voice under Bob Snodgrass at Fox Studios for the last four years. He performs in various elite high school choirs and has performed in the last six theatrical productions at .

Outside of school, he is actively involved in Youth Opera of South Jersey, performing in multiple venues.  He is rehearsing for the role of Javert in the upcoming production of Les Miserables.

Klein also plays defense on the Raiders' varsity soccer team— hence, the Troy comparison.

Klein can be found most weekends pumping gas at the Wawa in Marmora. When he graduates, he hopes to study engineering with an emphasis on robotics. And maybe a minor in theater.

Break a leg, A.J.!

Check out AJ at youtube.com/user/AJKleinstein.