Medina Schools Renames Main Stage After Longtime Educator

The Gary Ciulla Main Stage honors the legacy of a beloved band director and music teacher.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:07pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a saxophone repeated in a tight grid pattern, representing the performing arts and the lasting impact of an inspirational teacher.The dedication of the 'Gary Ciulla Main Stage' honors the legacy of a beloved music educator who inspired generations of students in Medina, Ohio.Medina Today

The Medina City Schools district has renamed the main stage at the Medina High School Performing Arts Center after Gary Ciulla, a longtime educator and band director who had a profound impact on generations of students. Community members, school officials, and Ciulla's family and friends gathered to pay tribute to his memory and celebrate the dedication of the 'Gary Ciulla Main Stage'.

Why it matters

Ciulla's legacy as an inspirational teacher and mentor lives on through the thousands of students he taught and the music program he helped build at Medina High School. Naming the main stage after him ensures his contributions will be honored and remembered for years to come.

The details

The Medina Board of Education approved the motion to name the main stage after Ciulla last fall, following a recommendation from the district's naming committee. Ciulla received numerous honors throughout his career, including the Medina City Schools Distinguished Service Award and recognitions from the Ohio State Senate and House of Representatives.

  • The dedication ceremony took place last month at the Medina High School Performing Arts Center.
  • The Medina Board of Education approved the motion to name the main stage after Ciulla last fall.

The players

Gary Ciulla

A longtime educator and band director at Medina High School who had a profound impact on generations of students through his music program and mentorship.

Jason Locher

A colleague and former student of Ciulla, who praised him for making every student feel valued and connected.

Nick Ciulla

Gary Ciulla's son, who said he is proud to carry on his father's legacy through his own success in music.

Kristine Quallich

The Assistant Superintendent of Medina City Schools, who said the district's naming committee recommended naming the main stage after Ciulla to honor his lasting contributions to the performing arts.

Medina City Schools

The school district that approved the motion to name the main stage at the Medina High School Performing Arts Center after Gary Ciulla.

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What they’re saying

“Gary didn't just build a great band program, he built a family. He made every student feel valued and connected.”

— Jason Locher, Colleague and former student of Gary Ciulla

“My dad took immense pride in his students and everything they achieved. I'm proud to carry on his legacy through my own success in music.”

— Nick Ciulla, Son of Gary Ciulla

“We met to review the recommendation we had received from a number of individuals to name something after Gary Ciulla, and we decided to recommend naming the main stage of the performing arts center after him. Gary Ciulla's influence can still be felt in the hearts of his former students and in the traditions that continue within our music program. Dedicating the main stage in his name is a fitting tribute to his legacy and his lasting contributions to the performing arts in Medina.”

— Kristine Quallich, Assistant Superintendent, Medina City Schools

What’s next

The Gary Ciulla Main Stage will be officially dedicated during a special ceremony at the Medina High School Performing Arts Center on May 15, 2026.

The takeaway

By honoring Gary Ciulla's legacy as an inspirational music educator, the Medina City Schools district is ensuring that his impact on generations of students will continue to be felt for years to come. This dedication is a testament to the lasting power of great teachers who build not just programs, but communities.