Easton Geier

As our conversation begins, Easton Geier, a fifth grader from Jasper County, reveals with a mix of shock and excitement that he is the subject of this magazine profile. An intelligent and unassuming boy, Easton has a variety of passions and seems to excel in each one. I tell him I’m not surprised at all. Observing his athletic, articulate, and diverse interests, even at ten, I recognize a young leader displaying wisdom far beyond his years.

Easton mentions that social studies is his favorite subject, with a particular interest in the Jurassic and Native American periods. Yet, it’s not just the subjects themselves he enjoys; he particularly favors project-based learning for the collaborative opportunities and the satisfaction of seeing a task through from start to finish.

Ultimately, “My friends, the projects that we do, and my teachers,” he articulates, are what make Jasper County schools unique. He appreciates the great teachers, the structure of the school day, and the activities that fill it.

In addition to social studies, Easton takes pleasure in English. He writes and reads historical and realistic fiction for enjoyment. At home, he spends time playing outside or with his pets. Last Easter, his family welcomed Tilly, an energetic one-and-a-halfyear-old golden retriever. The Geiers also care for five chickens and a turkey, and Easton hopes to acquire a second turkey to contribute to the species’ population. “Some species of turkeys are endangered,” Easton notes, his compassion for nature and wildlife preservation shining through at a young age.

An active lifestyle is another of Easton’s joys. He eagerly anticipates playing gaga ball and football during recess. While soccer is his preferred sport, baseball holds a special place in his heart, idolizing Yadier Molina. Easton plays both midfield and goalie in soccer and enjoys pitching and center field in baseball, representing his school and participating in various club teams.

Easton aspires to one day take over the family’s oil business, a legacy passed from his grandfather to his father, and, he hopes, eventually to him. He is already investing time during the summers, learning the ropes. Sometimes he assists on the rig; other times, he observes his father’s repair work, becoming familiar with the tools and their applications.

At a young age, Easton contemplates the best way to positively influence his family’s business. Whether he enters the workforce directly after high school or pursues college studies in a related field like engineering, Easton admires his father and is determined to uphold the family legacy.

Outside of work, Easton and his father bond over hunting and fishing. They have ventured to Wyoming for turkey hunts and share a passion for deer hunting. Proudly, Easton states that this year he is embarking on his first bow-hunting season, eager to refine a new skill.

Discussing the aspects of life he cherishes, Easton consistently circles back to diversity. Whether it’s engaging with different friends, attending various classes, or playing multiple sports, the breadth of experiences is what he values most. From hands-on classroom projects to competing in sports to observing the family business, the diverse opportunities afforded by a Jasper County upbringing are treasures he does not take for granted.