PACE — Pace High School student Casey DeLong is a member of Boy Scout Troop 400, where he takes part in projects that benefit the community.
The PHS junior recently completed his Eagle Scout project, building and installing four Little Free Libraries at Carpenter’s Park, Milton City Hall, Guy Thompson Community Center and the Milton Riverwalk.
Here, we catch up with Casey.
How long did it take to build the Little Free Libraries?
First, we had to do paperwork and get approval. Once the building got started, we did it when we had the time. We cut everything out, painted it, got supplies as we needed them for the process. Once my dad and I put them together at our house in our shop, we had a couple work days for boys in our troop to paint, and another day to install at the sites. It took a few weekends.
How long have you been a Boy Scout?
I’ve been in Boy Scouts since I was 7 years old. I started out as a Cub Scout with Pack 400. I’ve always been kind of an outdoors person. My family and I camped a lot. I just love the outdoors. Cub and Boy Scouts gave me the opportunity to learn outdoors skills and leadership skills.
Do you participate in other extracurricular activities?
I’m in cross country. I do distance running. I did the Blackwater 50K, which was 31 miles. I (recently) went out with a couple of guys and ran 16 miles. It takes a lot of dedication and practice.
What is your dream career, and where do you plan to go to college?
Right now I’m in high school, and I know what I’m good at and what I’m not good at. I don’t really know what I want to do yet, but I can look at what I’m good at and pick a job based on that, and how much money it makes. I like it here in Florida, so maybe PSC or UWF.
What do you like to do in your free time?
It’s usually either school work, running or Boy Scouts; also, spending time with family. Those are the main things. I like running and outdoors stuff. I also do art at PHS; I’m a part of the National Art Honors Society. I’ve had artwork in several different shows, like All-County, the art show by the Riverwalk and at the Pensacola Interstate Fair.
What is your favorite food?
I like sweet stuff.
Do you have a favorite type of music?
Classic rock and country.
What about a favorite TV show?
I watch a lot of Netflix. I like "Chicago Fire" right now.
What is something you would like people to know?
I want to say thank you to everyone who donated and helped out with [the Little Free Library] project. I wanted to build libraries because it gives everyone opportunities to get books and read, because I like reading myself and it gives everyone that opportunity to have that enjoyment.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Catching up with Pace's Casey DeLong