Comcast recently gave Central Catholic senior Elliot Wiitala a $1,000 scholarship to use for college. The communications company heard about a large project Wiitala led at a Beaverton school for disabled children, building cubbies, coat hooks, a planter and a sand box. Comcast wants to support the kind of person who would do that.
Wiitala shrugs and smiles sheepishly over his celebrity. He did the work a few years back for his cousin, Jason, who attended the school. Wiitala also wanted to complete Eagle Scout requirements. It certainly wasn’t for glory.
“The thing about Elliot is that he is so humble,” says Alisa Sinnott, director of Christian service at Central Catholic. “He does great things and his quietness speaks volumes.”
Wiitala’s aunt and uncle adopted Jason about five years ago. They soon discovered that the boy has autism.
Wiitala took an immediate liking to his younger cousin, who can at times get angry or sad over things that would not affect other children the same way.
Jason began attending an Oregon Health and Science University school in Beaverton and the place looked run down. That inspired Wiitala to devote his Eagle Scout time to the place. He assembled 75 volunteers and 600 worker hours. Companies donated supplies and shop time. It was a huge job.
Many of the volunteers were Wiitala’s Boy Scout friends. He has donated many hours in return to their projects.
In addition, he volunteers for Special Olympics and the Police Activities League for kids as part of his service requirement at Central Catholic. He has volunteered above and beyond the mandated hours.
“It’s important to include them,” he says of disabled children and his work. “Giving back to the community helps everyone in the long run. It makes it a better place for tomorrow.”
Wiitala will most likely attend Oregon State and study business management. He got a taste of leadership during the big project.
Wiitala is a graduate of St. Anthony School in Tigard.
His volunteering has made him appreciate his life.
“I feel lucky for what I have,” he says.
