Spotlight Series

Welcome to the Fine Arts Spotlight Series! This district-wide recognition celebrates the incredible dedication, growth, and community spirit across our entire fine arts family.

"I wanted to shout out Mark Sfikas for his assistance helping me out with furniture for my art room! I had ordered new art tables for my classroom, and he personally assembled and delivered each one to my classroom. His help truly meant the world to me, and I’m so grateful to have such wonderful administrators here at Rushing. I really appreciate everything he did to help make my classroom a true art space!"
Caylee Rich (nomincator)

Iniyan’s journey began on practice pads to master fundamental stick control, establishing a disciplined, step-by-step approach to music. He credits band with teaching him the time management and consistency needed to balance 300 to 400 weekly practice minutes with private lessons and multiple instruments.

That same work ethic fuels his athletics. Iniyan competes in soccer and cross country—even winning his season-opening cross country meet. Looking ahead, he plans to study engineering in college while pursuing his dream of becoming a professional soccer player or runner.

Known for leading by example, Iniyan’s leadership style was shaped by an older band mentor last year. This inspired him to join the Hays Band Leadership Team to pay it forward and mentor younger students.

His band directors praise him as an outstanding student who gives 100% to everything he does. While he admits he is still building the bravery to step into the spotlight, his strong time-management skills have given him full confidence to commit wholeheartedly to high school marching band.

When asked what he would say to encourage younger students to join band he said:

"I feel like band is a family, and by being a leader and helping out everybody, we can bond together and build stronger relationships. You should definitely do band because not only are you learning a new skill, but you're building relationships with friends and band directors, getting a chance to become a leader, and getting a lot of opportunities to learn."

-Iniyan Thirumaliai

The Richland Wind Ensemble just wrapped up a historic, jaw-dropping 2025–26 school year by placing 2nd in Texas as a TMEA 4A Honor Band State Finalist! 🎶 Our incredible momentum kept rolling at the UIL Concert & Sight-Reading evaluations, where both of our concert bands brought home Superior Ratings and the coveted Sweepstakes award. Massive individual shoutouts go to our two stellar TMEA All-State Musicians for representing Richland at the absolute highest level. Plus, we can’t forget the fall 2025 marching season, where the band dominated with Superior Ratings at the UIL Region 24 Contest and earned a spot as a finalist at the competitive UIL Area B Marching Contest. We are so incredibly proud of our dedicated student musicians and directors for putting Richland Fine Arts on the state map—join us in celebrating their hard work! 🎉🙌