Eastside High School just got a whole lot bigger—and for many students, better. The school officially unveiled its brand-new student activity center Monday, a $12 million project named after the man who’s shaped generations: Aaron Willard.

Willard, who recently retired after 36 years of service as athletic director, coach, and assistant principal, was front and center for the ribbon cutting. Emotions were high. Laughter, hugs, and even a few quiet tears filled the new 30,000-square-foot facility as former players, students, staff, and community members came together to celebrate both the man and the milestone.

A Facility That Speaks Volumes—Without Needing Seats

This isn’t your average school gym. Sure, it’s got a gleaming hardwood floor that practically begs for sneakers and squeaks. But this space wasn’t just built for games.

Superintendent Ryan Abbott said it plainly: “This was built for our students first.”

What sets the Aaron Willard Student Activity Center apart isn’t just the design or its size. It’s what’s not there that caught some attention too. The facility isn’t meant for crowds—at least not yet.

It includes:

• A regulation-size hardwood court

• A three-lane indoor track

• A fully-equipped weight room

• Bleachers with room for about 900 people (if needed)

One staff member joked, “It’s like a sports car that hasn’t had its first race yet.”

Who Is Aaron Willard? Ask Anyone in Butler.

Aaron Willard’s name isn’t just etched on the building. It’s carved into the very culture of Eastside.

He’s been around since mixtapes and tube socks. In 1989, he took on his first role in the district. Over three decades later, he’s seen trends, students, and sports all come and go—but stayed committed.

One retired teacher summed it up: “Aaron was always the first in the building and the last to leave. He didn’t just coach kids—he built people.”

It was that relentless focus on the students—their growth, their confidence, their sense of belonging—that led the district to honor him in this way.

Planning, Delays, and a Whole Lot of Sweat

The project didn’t happen overnight. It began as a vision in early 2023, during a school board meeting that barely filled half a cafeteria.

At the time, the community had questions: Would it raise taxes? Do students even need this? Isn’t the old gym good enough?

But after months of planning and open forums, approval came through in April 2023. The final price tag hovered around $12 million—less than some had feared, but still a hefty chunk for a small district.

Then came the tricky part.

Bad weather stalled foundation work. Supply issues delayed key equipment. There was even a period where they ran out of concrete forms—”which no one saw coming,” said the site manager.

By late spring 2025, everything finally came together.

More Than Just Sports: A Space for Everyone

It’s not all about jump shots and sprints. This building is meant to be flexible.

Abbott emphasized that the center would host band rehearsals, cheer practices, off-season conditioning, and more.

“One of the most important things we did was not limit this space to athletics,” he said. “It’s for all students.”

At Monday’s event, a group of marching band students walked the perimeter of the track—testing acoustics, rhythm, and, according to one of them, “how loud we can get before someone tells us to stop.”

There’s no sound meter yet, but smiles said enough.

A Local Win in a Broader Education Struggle

While Eastside’s ribbon cutting felt celebratory, it also struck a chord with districts watching from the sidelines.

Rural schools across Indiana and much of the Midwest have faced shrinking budgets, aging buildings, and tough staffing challenges. Many have shelved capital projects or opted for cheaper upgrades.

This is where Eastside zigged when others zagged. Instead of scaling back, they leaned in.

Here’s a quick comparison of recent rural school capital projects in Indiana:

One education analyst pointed out: “You don’t often see a $12 million facility in a town like Butler. It speaks to long-term vision—and guts.”

Students Already Feel the Difference

For those walking into Eastside’s new activity center this week, it’s more than just a new space—it’s a new vibe.

One senior football player said it straight: “This makes you wanna show up early and stay late.”

Another junior in the track program was already tracking laps on her smartwatch. “We’ve never had anything like this before. Not even close,” she said.

Even students not involved in sports seemed pumped. A student in theatre tech was spotted scoping out power outlets for a possible future stage setup.

It’s early days, but the message is clear: this place matters.