By Edward Lynn, Editor
EAGLE GROVE – The students of Robert Blue Middle School once again carried forward the legacy of Aaron Eilerts by dedicating a day to service projects in his honor. Although Aaron Eilerts Day is officially observed on February 24, the school held its annual day of service on Friday, February 21. The events of the day had the same goal as always, to ensure that Aaron’s commitment to helping others continued to inspire a new generation.
Aaron Eilerts, a former Eagle Grove student, was known for his unwavering dedication to service. Whether sewing pillowcases for hospitalized children, making blankets for pets, or supporting his local fire and police departments, Aaron devoted his short life to improving the lives of those around him. His impact was cut tragically short at the age of 14 when a tornado struck the Little Sioux Boy Scout Ranch in 2008, but his spirit lives on through the projects completed in his name each year.
Since 2009, when then-Governor Chet Culver proclaimed Aaron Eilerts Day as an official statewide holiday, communities across Iowa have participated in acts of service to commemorate his birthday. At Robert Blue Middle School, where Aaron once walked the halls, students, teachers, and volunteers came together once again this year to give back in a way that would have made him proud.
The service projects have traditionally included many of what have become known as “Original Aaron Projects”—the very same initiatives he took upon himself as a student. Students sewed pillowcases for hospitals, made pet blankets, and created holiday centerpieces for the senior center. Over the years, the school has also expanded the tradition by engaging in additional projects such as making paracord bracelets for military personnel, assembling care packages for chemotherapy patients, crafting kindness rocks, and producing welcome bags for new students.
Throughout the day, students were reminded that the event was not just about honoring Aaron but about embracing his philosophy of selfless service. Teachers and community members led efforts to ensure each student participated in making a difference, whether through small acts of kindness or larger, coordinated efforts.
As each Aaron Eillerts day concludes, students and staff gather for an assembly to reflect on their efforts and the meaning behind their work. The message is clear: the values Aaron embodied—generosity, compassion, and a tireless dedication to helping others—are alive and well at Robert Blue Middle School. Through their service, the students are not just remembering Aaron but actively continuing the work he started, ensuring his impact is felt for years to come.
