Aaron Feis

In 2002, three years after graduating, Feis returned to MSDHS, serving as an assistant football coach as well as a school monitor.^[3][5]

On February 14, 2018, at approximately 2:21 P.M. EST, former student Nikolas Cruz opened fire in MSDHS. According to several eye witnesses and the sheriff's department, Feis quickly ran to the scene and attempted to protect students from gunfire.^[6] According to several sources, Feis died in the protection of two students from gunfire.^[7][8][9] By the end of the shooting, Cruz had killed 17 staff and students.^[10]

After Feis' death was announced, many people came to express their sadness and memories of Feis as a positive influence on their lives. According to ESPN, none of those interviewed expressed surprise that Feis was willing to sacrifice his life in order to protect students.^[11] Dennis Lehtio, a spokesman for the school's football program, stated "[Feis] died the same way he lived – he put himself second."^[12]

Others remember Feis as a caring member of staff who students cited as a "big ol' teddy bear".^[13]

In 2019, the Miami Dolphins posthumously selected Feis as the George F. Smith Coach of the Year.^[14]

In 2025, in recognition of the actions of Feis as well as fellow teachers Scott Beigel and Chris Hixon, the Orange Bowl announced the Beigel-Feis-Hixon Valor Award, a US$10,000 scholarship given to an athlete who had "Identifiable actions, which clearly demonstrate extraordinary courage or commitment and how he/she has overcome obstacles."^[15]