But the most rewarding accomplishment for the St. Edmond High School senior is being able to help others.

Royster has put in 165 hours of community service and has earned his silver cord upon graduation.

But it’s much more than just the cord.

“I was taught the importance of helping others from a young age,” Royster said. “I love seeing the reactions of people finding out I am there to help and will not be accepting any payment in return.

To me, it’s not about filling out the service hours sheet to get a silver cord at graduation; I do it to help others, which is why I have continued doing it even after reaching the number I needed for the cord.”

One of Royster’s biggest loves has been singing. Whether it be choir, show choir or chamber choir, he has enjoyed fine tuning his voice.

“I mostly picked it up singing myself, but my parents, especially my mom, definitely had a hand in it as well,” Royster said. “Whenever we were on a trip anywhere, some kind of music was playing, and we hardly ever refused to sing along.

” I think that’s where my love for music started: in the safety of my own family before I developed my confidence to perform in front of others,” he added.

Being a part of choir has let Royster enjoy the chance to be himself.

“Choir and show choir are both very fun,” Royster said. “Choir has always been the class where I can just be myself. Show choir has so many benefits. You hang out with your friends, and you get to dance and sing at the same time. The competitions are always super enjoyable as well.

“Some of my fondest high school memories are from show choir competitions,” he said.

Royster is also involved in Quiz Bowl, and is a part of the Iowa Central Community College Band and Jazz Band.

“I simply have too many interests to dedicate all my time to one thing,” Royster said. “I love performing both vocal and instrumental music, Quiz Bowl, helping others in the community, and much more.

“I can’t imagine having to cut out all of these to focus on one interest in my high school career.”

While finishing his senior year at St. Edmond, Royster has also been a part of the Iowa Central Band and Iowa Central Jazz Band.

“The skill of being in the band itself is not that bad,” Royster said. “I would say the hardest part is leaving high school early, as band class starts in the middle of my high school classes.

“It is definitely more demanding to leave high school and return to see what I missed.”

Being a high school student and participating in college band is a rewarding experience.

“The concerts are amazing in the newly renovated Decker Auditorium, which is beautiful, and the quality of the sound is great,” Royster said. “You really see all the work you have put in pay off.”

As part of the Quiz Bowl team, Royster has been able to learn new information and share the trivia knowledge he owns.

“I have always really liked trivia and learning new information,” Royster said. “Quiz Bowl is a great way for me to show that. This year, we got first at both the Bishop Garrigan and Algona invitationals and qualified for nationals for the second consecutive year.

“I find it fun to compete against the same schools year after year, seeing how teams improve over time.”

Royster was also a 2024 Boys State participant.

“Unfortunately, I got sick about two days into my stay there, so I did not get the same experience as others,” Royster said. “However, from my time there, I really enjoyed it. It taught me the nuances of government, and I got to meet some members of the military band.”

Through his years at St. Edmond, Royster has had numerous people that he leaned on for support.

“My biggest influence has been my mom. She always pushed me to be the best I can be in both academics and fine arts,” Royster said. “She pushed me to continue going to my piano lessons, even when I wanted to quit. She is also a big reason why I love such a wide variety of music.

“I listen to anything from Broadway show tunes and smooth jazz to classic rock and third-wave ska, and I think a big reason for that is my mom playing all kinds of music at all times in my life.

“Outside of music, I also really look up to my Grandpa. He taught me a lot of what I find important today, such as the importance of my character on others. He was always very hard-working and left an undeniable impact on my life.”

As the year winds down Royster knows it’s going to be tough leaving the halls of St. Edmond.

“I will miss my friends and my teachers,” Royster said. “I’ve known many of my classmates since preschool, and seeing a friendship like that start to dwindle will definitely be tough.

“In addition, many of my teachers have had a substantial impact on my life. Having to move on from them will take time.”

As he moves forward, Royster is ready to see what is next.

“I am excited to see what college has in store for me,” Royster siad. “I’m excited to begin a larger, more diverse school where there are more opportunities for my interests in music, math, geography, and more.

“I am also going on a trip to Europe this coming summer where I will be singing in some of the most beautiful buildings on the continent.”

Royster plans on continuing to sing in a college-level choir and possibly play in a pep band for basketball games.

He is undecided of his college destination, but plans on majoring in actuarial science and statistics.

Vacation destination: Rome.

People I would like to have dinner with: Daveed Diggs, Steve Kornacki, Jack Black.

It would surprise people that: I’m obsessed with sports statistics.

My everyday role model: My parents.

I can’t go a day without: my playlist.

Where do I see myself in 10 years? A good job and well-traveled.

What are you listening to right now? 90s Ska.

A show you binge watch: “Survivor.”

Dream piece: “I Believe from The Book of Mormon.”

Favorites…

Performer that inspires me: Billy Joel.

Music genre: classic rock.

Book: “Small Steps:

The Year I Got Polio.”

Song: “Mr. Blue Sky”.

Musical: “The Book of Mormon.”

Performance: “2023 Iowa

Jazz Championships.”

Class: Calculus.

Instrument: piano.

Movie: “The Breakfast Club.”

Book: The Catcher in the Rye.

Phone App.: Spotify.