One of the most tragic parts of the death of a young person is the lost potential — the things left undone.

As we learned in the Wednesday, May 8, edition of the Butler Eagle, the members of Boy Scouts Troop 6 decided to help complete the plans of 15-year-old Aiden Lutz, who was killed in October when he was hit by a vehicle on Dutchtown Road. Aiden was planning to build a Little Free Library at a Butler Area School District elementary school as his Eagle Scout project.

The Little Free Libraries organization supports the creation of book-sharing boxes that are placed in publicly accessible locations around a community. The goal is to expand access to books for all communities.

Aiden’s Troopmates went a bit further than his original plan. Because of donations made in his memory, they were able to raise enough money to buy two libraries. They’ll be placed at McQuistion Elementary School — which Aiden attended — and Northwest Elementary — where his mother works.

And the community’s support is doing even more, according to Beth Orsborn, committee chairwoman for Troop 6.

“There is still a bit of money left to (buy) books. It’s coming together pretty well,” she said. “The whole thing connected the community in a big way.”

The choice of Little Free Libraries was appropriate for more than one reason. Not only did Aiden plan to create one for his Eagle Scout project, he was also a role model for younger Scouts.

“The enthusiasm you have as a little kid, he had as a bigger kid. He was really good as a Scout because he was always willing to try everything,” Orsborn said. “When he became an older Scout, it made him a great mentor because the younger Scouts could relate to him.”

His Troop’s efforts to finish Aiden’s work means his example will continue to inspire others for a long time to come.

— JK