MEDINA, Ohio – The Medina Board of Education has approved a motion to name the main stage at the Medina Performing Arts Center the Gary Cuilla Main Stage in honor of the late Gary Cuilla, who served as Medina High School’s marching band director for many years and retired in 2015.
Assistant Superintendent Kris Quallich gave a presentation to the board Sept. 16 recommending the renaming of the PAC’s main stage.
“I have the privilege of being in charge of the naming committee and we brought together staff, community members and students and board member Amy Smoyer was present,” she said. “We met to review the recommendation we had received from a number of individuals to name something after Gary Cuilla and we decided to recommend naming the main stage of the performing arts center after him. I think everyone on the committee was honored to present this to you tonight.”
According to a summary from the committee, Cuilla’s leadership and passion for music left a lasting imprint on countless students during his tenure. Under his direction, the Medina High School Marching Band flourished, earning recognition across the state and inspiring a culture of excellence, dedication and creativity that continues today under the direction of Jason Locher.
“Gary Cuilla’s influence can still be felt in the hearts of his former students and in the traditions that continue within our music program,” Quallich said. “Dedicating the main stage in his name is a fitting tribute to his legacy and his lasting contributions to the performing arts in Medina. As the recommendation for naming indicated, Gary cultivated a ‘Tradition of Excellence’ culture within the Medina Musical Bees organization, which is still felt today.”
Quallich said the Gary Cuilla Main Stage will serve as a permanent reminder of Cuilla’s dedication to music education and his profound impact on the Medina community. She said a public naming ceremony will take place in the future.