Students in the News
North Royalton High School senior Amulya Tiralapuram was recently named one of two first-place winners in the Tri-C Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest. Her thoughtful essay on Dr. King’s legacy earned her the top spot out of numerous student submissions.
As a contest winner, Amulya gave a speech about her essay at the 47th Annual MLK Jr. Celebration on Jan. 14, featuring Grammy-winner BeBe Winans, and the MLK Jr. Holiday Breakfast on Jan. 15 at Cleveland State University.
“Amulya is a fabulous writer, emerging leader and overall impressive person,” said North Royalton High School counselor Monica Boduszek. “We are so proud that her skills and perspective have been highlighted in the community through this honor.”
NRHS Principal Sean Osborne agreed, noting that Amulya wrote “a beautiful essay calling upon others to advocate for others and bring change where needed in the world.”
“Her conviction is admirable and a great example of the quality students North Royalton is blessed to be able to call our own,” he said.
Jason Geiger, a senior at North Royalton High School, has been selected for the 2024 Ohio Music Education Association All-State Orchestra. Geiger plays percussion in both the award-winning North Royalton Marching Band and Wind Ensemble. He is also a section leader of the school’s percussion/drumline section.
Geiger is one of only six players in the All-State Orchestra Percussion section. He was chosen through a rigorous audition process among the top high school musicians throughout Ohio. The All-State Orchestra will be conducted by Maestro Jonathan Taylor Rush. He is the associate conductor of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and a graduate of The Ohio State University.
The All-State Orchestra performs at 2 p.m. on Feb. 2, at the Columbus Convention Center as part of the OMEA Professional Development Conference.
Geiger has participated and performed at OMEA Solo & Ensemble events since seventh grade. He also plays piano in the school’s Jazz Band 1 and musical pit orchestra. He also is a member of Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony Group 1 at Cleveland State University.
Outside of his passion for music in school, Geiger has participated in the Ohio State Honors Band and the OMEA District 4 and 7 Honors Band at Cleveland State University. He is also a keyboardist and drummer in his church’s worship band and teaches piano lessons to younger students.
He takes private percussion lessons with Drew Andreatta, a professional percussionist and contemporary composer who has served on faculty at the College of Wooster and Baldwin Wallace University.
“I am proud to represent North Royalton High School in the All-State Orchestra and honored to be selected to perform with such a prestigious ensemble,” said Geiger. “I am greatly looking forward to playing under the direction of Maestro Jonathan Taylor Rush alongside many other talented students throughout the state.” ∞