CAPA award sscholarship to University of St. Francis student

The Cathedral Area Preservation Association (CAPA) has awarded a scholarship to a University of St. Francis student from the Joliet area. The award was presented at the fifth annual CAPA "Party in the Park" picnic on Aug. 28.

A first-year USF student Alan Sternisha, a Joliet West High School graduate will receive the $1,000 scholarship in recognition of his excellent academic record. He plans to major in math and become a high school teacher. Sternisha will also pitch for USF’s baseball team.

USF freshman Alan Sternisha (center) receives a $1,000 scholarship from the Cathedral Area Preservation Association. Pictured are CAPA President Kurt Schackmuth (left) and University of St. Francis President Michael Vinciguerra.

While at Joliet West, Sternisha was vice president of the No Name Club, an anti-drug and anti-violence organization that performed for grade school students. He was also a member of the National Honor Society and pitched on the baseball team, ending the year with a 9-3 record.

Sternisha is the son of Linda and John Sternisha. His brother, Eric, is a graduate of the University of St. Francis.

"CAPA is interested not only in preserving our historic neighborhoods, but in improving the entire community, and education is the key to a strong future for our city," said Kurt Schackmuth, CAPA president. "The CAPA board chose to support a Joliet area student at the University of St. Francis, which we consider a cornerstone of our neighborhood. This is the third year in a row that CAPA has presented this scholarship to a Joliet high school graduate. "

This year’s check will be presented at CAPA’s annual picnic to University of St. Francis President Michael J. Vinciguerra and Richard Kloser, professor of mathematics, who serves as the university’s liaison to CAPA.

"CAPA’s generous scholarship and willingness to partner with the university on various projects shows us how much education and our presence is valued. We look forward to additional joint projects and initiatives that will strengthen our neighborhood and the greater community," Vinciguerra added.

A Catholic, Franciscan institution, the University of St. Francis serves more than 4,300 students nationwide. More than 60 areas of undergraduate study are offered as well as 10 graduate programs.