WHEELING, WV, Nov. 6, 2009 — T.J. Casto, a first year chemistry major, earned Eagle Scout rank after he completed a bridge building project in neighboring Belmont County, Ohio. Casto has been active in scouting since first grade and is a member of Troop 109. He is the son of Michelle Casto of Bridgeport and Joseph Casto of Rushville, Ohio.

He can often be seen pushing the mail cart across campus as he delivers mail to offices on Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays.

First awarded in 1912, the Eagle Scout Award is the highest rank awarded in boy scouting, with only five percent of all boys who enter scouting achieving Eagle. To earn his rank, Casto tore down two old footbridges that were unsafe due to flood damage in 2004. The bridges were located at the L.A. Youth Camp in St. Clairsville, Ohio.

Casto then reset three new electrical poles, added all new treated deck boards to walk across along with handrails, and rebuilt the bridges. A total of 231 hours of labor went into the project which was performed in May. Casto received help from other scouts, his family and friends.

Casto was honored with an Eagle Court of Honor Ceremony on Oct. 4 at the Bridgeport Masonic Lodge, with family and friends in attendance.