It is perhaps the most compelling proof of a life well lived, no matter how short or long, when one’s life’s work carries on long after their lives are over. Young Aaron Eilerts was only 14 years old when his life ended, and would have been 29 years old this week. A remarkable young man who was known for his personal mission of service to the community, Eilerts has inspired a tradition of service which endures to this day.
Aaron Eilerts Day, the official statewide holiday in Eilerts’ honor that marks his birthday, has been celebrated in communities across Iowa since the holiday was proclaimed by then Governor Chet Culver in 2009. Here in Eagle Grove, at Aaron’s old school, Robert Blue Middle School, today’s students and staff make it their mission to carry on Aaron’s. Fourteen years since the first Aaron Eilerts Day, Aaron’s life work is still going strong.
What started as Aaron’s projects, remembered today by those who knew him as “Original Aaron Projects” such as sewing pillowcases for patients in the hospital, teachers, and firefighters, and making pet blankets, has expanded to a dizzying number of projects performed by the whole student body, led by the teachers and by community volunteers.
3D printed and hand wrapped percussion mallets for school bands, cards for deployed members of the military, paracord bracelets for active duty military members, chemo care packages, NICU hats and hearts, kindness rocks, worry stones, domino joybots (aka Botjoy), welcome bags, holiday centerpieces for the senior center, and so much more were mass produced, all to help those who may need it, or lift someone’s spirits.
One common refrain was repeated over and over, “today’s not about you,” teachers and students reminded each other. But they didn’t really mean it was about Aaron, it was about the people in need. Just as it was every day for Aaron himself. “Today’s about helping others,” said teacher Tim McCloud, who was leading the bead making team, “We’re here to help”
Mickey Cooper, who was volunteering, knew Aaron from church. “These are the projects he used to do for other people,” she said, “it’s just to remind everyone we’re here to serve.”
“It’s been something that we’ve done a long time. It’s great to honor Aaron in the same way he did,” said teacher Linc Morgan, who led the pet blanket project, “selfless service.” Morgan noted that the pet blankets are “Aaron’s projects that he did. So it’s nice to continue this.”
Amy Ascherl, who led the Pillow Cases for Patriots project, said this year’s batch will go to the 1168th unit, out of Audubon, Iowa. “Aaron was one of my students. I’m one of the few left in the building who had him in class,” Ascherl noted. “I love that we still do this. It means a lot, so many years later.” Ascherl noted that none of today’s middle school students were even alive when Aaron was. “I like that we still make it a priority.”
Principal Josh Schild also taught Eilerts. “Aaron Eilerts day is a day when we do things for others,” Schild noted. “It’s not a day about ourselves. It’s a day when we honor his legacy.”
