Boyscout Troop 626 held an Eagle Court of Honor on March 21 for Rahul Brito, who collected over half a ton of school supplies for children in Iraq. His efforts included school drives, door-to-door collections and gathering donations from local businesses.

Local chapters of the American Legion and the Knights of Columbus helped cover the cost of mailing the 24 boxes of supplies, which were distributed to three schools in the city of Kirkuk.

Brito’s military contacts have credited him with helping soldiers befriend the local people, reduce insurgent attacks, and save lives. They honored his efforts by sending him a U.S. flag that was flown over the Baghdad Embassy, along with a “Warrior” Appreciation Certificate.

Brito also received a commendation personally signed by the commander of the Thirteenth Coast Guard District, as well as a Citation for Meritorious Service presented by Judge Advocate Jim Broe of the American Legion.

Additionally, the Bellevue PTSA awarded Brito the Michael Riley Scholarship for $1,000.

The Newport High senior is a National Merti Scholar finalist who plans to attend the University of Washington this fall. He was invited to join the university’s Honors Program, and was also among a handful of incoming freshman offered direct admission to the BS BIOE program offered by the UW Department of Bioengineering.