Legacy of Late Bridge Authority Official Continues through Support for Employees, Retirees, and their Families
ALEXANDRIA — Two Jefferson County students with family ties to the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority were recently named the Class of 2025 recipients of the Northern New York Community Foundation Russell I. Wilcox Thousand Islands Bridge Authority Scholarship.
River Costello, a 2025 Alexandria High School graduate, and Kaitlyn Daly, a 2025 Thousand Islands High School graduate, were each awarded a $1,000 scholarship.
Ranked in the top 10 of his class, River graduated in June with a New York State Regents diploma. He will attend Florida Atlantic University in January to study architecture. He aspires to work as an architect.
While at Alexandria, he was a standout athlete, competing for three years as a varsity soccer and hockey player and one year on the baseball team. River also was a member of the school’s trap shooting club, competing for three years and ranking 7th in his conference. Off the field of play, he is a National Honor Society member and a volunteer for the school’s backpack program.
River is the son of Jacqualine and James Costello, Alexandria Bay. Jacqualine is a former 11-year Bridge Authority employee.
A top-ranked honor student, Kaitlyn graduated in June with a New York State Regents diploma. She will attend Alfred State College this fall where she plans to study interior design. She aspires to work as an interior designer.
While in high school, she was a two-sport varsity athlete, competing in cheerleading and volleyball. She was active in a wide range of school clubs and organizations, including National Honor Society, Student Council, and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD). She also served as a peer tutor.
Kaitlyn is the daughter of Linda and William Daly, LaFargeville. William is a 31-year Bridge Authority employee who retired in 2022 as a foreman.
Theresa native Russell I. Wilcox, a longtime leader of the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority, established the permanent scholarship at the Northern New York Community Foundation in 2022 as an extension of his life’s work, service on behalf of the Bridge Authority, and in honor of his relationship with Bridge Authority board members and employees. Mr. Wilcox passed away earlier this month.
“Russ saw this as one of the most meaningful ways to carry forward his legacy and connection to the Bridge Authority,” said Rande S. Richardson, executive director of the Community Foundation. “We’re grateful he was able to witness several students benefit from the scholarship during his lifetime. While we are deeply saddened by his recent passing, this award stands as a lasting tribute to his unwavering dedication to the people and
communities of our region.”
Full-time Thousand Islands Bridge Authority employees, retirees, and their children and grandchildren are eligible to apply for the scholarship, which is awarded annually through the Community Foundation.
About the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority
The Thousand Islands Bridge Authority is a New York State public benefit corporation. It owns and operates the Thousand Islands International Bridge System near Alexandria Bay, and Ivy Lea, Ontario, Canada, covering 8.5 miles and providing a direct connection to U.S. Interstate 81 and Canada’s Highway 401.
An international board of directors leads the Authority, which also owns and operates the regional tourist attraction Boldt Castle. Since 1977, more than $20 million in capital improvements have been made to the castle property through Authority revenues without state and federal funds. Annual visits to the Boldt Castle exceed 240,000.
The Authority employs 62 full-time staff, of which 43 are U.S. citizens and 19 are Canadian citizens. The Authority averages 60 additional temporary and seasonal staff annually to support seasonal operations and maintenance.
About the Northern New York Community Foundation
Since 1929, the Northern New York Community Foundation has invested in improving and enriching the quality of life for all in communities across Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.
Through partnerships with businesses and organizations, charitable foundations, and generous families and individual donors, the Community Foundation awards grants and scholarships from an endowment and collection of funds that benefit the region. Its commitment to donors helps individuals achieve their charitable objectives now and for generations to come by preserving and honoring legacies of community philanthropy while inspiring others.
The Community Foundation is a resource for local charitable organizations, donors, professional advisors and nonprofit organizations. It also works to bring people together at its permanent home in the Northern New York Philanthropy Center to discuss challenges our communities face and find creative solutions that strengthen the region and make it a great place to live, work, and play.