It's been eight and a half months since a deadly tornado destroyed the Little Sioux Scout Ranch and killed four boy scouts. One of the scouts - Aaron Eilerts from Eagle Grove, Iowa - would have been 15 years old Tuesday. So Governor Culver declared February 24th Aaron Eilerts Day of Service and Giving. Students at the Mater Dei schools in Sioux City celebrate Fat Tuesday and Mardi Gras every year. But this year, it's a little different. They're incorporating service with celebration to honor Aaron Eilerts.

"Our whole theme for Catholic Schools is celebrate service," says Julie Tebbe, Director of Faith Formation for Mater Dei Schools.

"It's kind of scary to think that just in a single day you could lose everything," says Brennan Jackson, Living Instruments of Faith Team Member.

"It just made it feel really good to include Aaron in our thoughts today," says Cassie Stanek, Living Instruments of Faith Team Member.     

"And today, to celebrate his memory, we're going to do something special to celebrate others," says Tebbe.

The children of Mater Dei schools set aside part of their Mardi Gras celebration to honor and remember Aaron Eilerts and his service to others. 

"His name and his spirit will live on through our students," says Tebbe.    

This first grade class made spring decorations to brighten the lives and rooms of local nursing homes.

"It kind of teaches them how to go out and build up a community and help others in need," says Stanek.

Just like Aaron Eilerts did in his own life - one cut far too short.

"I think it helps to remember like what he stood for because he was a boy scout and everything and believed in service and that kind of stuff," says Jackson.

"To do it in memory of somebody like Aaron Eilerts just shows that his legacy lives on through all of us and especially young people," says Tebbe.

The Little Sioux tragedy hits especially close to home for Mater Dei students, because one of their graduates - Thomas Auen - was injured in the tornado. And Tuesday, Governor Culver actually went to Aaron Eilerts' hometown of Eagle Grove to celebrate the now annual day of service and giving. 

Reported by Erika Thomas. You can contact her at ethomas@kmeg.com.