MARCH 2023

Principal & Head Basketball Coach
Aplington - Parkersburg High School

"OVERCOMING ADVERSITY"
Aaron Thomas was raised in Parkersburg, Iowa and attended Aplington-Parkersburg High School. After graduating from high school, Aaron attended Drake University in Des Moines, IA. While attending Drake, Aaron was a four year letter winner on their basketball team.

Aaron has a passion for impacting lives and public speaking is one avenue he utilizes. Aaron Thomas’ father Ed was a beloved high school football coach who trained generations of players not only on the importance of hard work, but dedication, excellence and commitment. The small town of Parkersburg
endured a tragedy: the fatal shooting of Ed Thomas by a former player with some mental health issues. Rather than shun the family of their father’s murderer and perpetuate the tragedy that Parkersburg faced, Aaron and his family
called for understanding and forgiveness-because that’s what Ed Thomas would have wanted them to do.

In this incredible story of ordinary people thrust into an extraordinary situation, Aaron Thomas shares his family’s journey of showing uncommon strength during the darkest of times.