Matthew Capestro of St. Louis and William Compton of Independence, Ky. received Disciples Leadership Program scholarships to attend Eureka College this fall.
The full-tuition, four-year scholarships are awarded to two freshmen each year based on membership in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), leadership, academic excellence and the commitment to explore during college a life of faith-based servant leadership. Fellows receive two on-site mentorships exploring service anywhere in the world. The program accepts students from all majors.
Capestro is majoring in philosophy and religion. He is a son of Richard and Nancy Capestro of Tipton, Mo. He attended Table of Grace church, Jefferson City, Mo., where he began a music ministry and planned themed services. He later was a resident at the Christian Church’s National Benevolent Association XPLOR 10-month program for young adults exploring careers in Christian service. He is active in LGBTQ support and advocacy groups and helped form a faith-based LGBTQ group in Ferguson, Mo. He formerly was a pharmacy technician for eight years.
Compton is majoring in psychology. The son of Joe and Amy Compton of Independence attended Walton-Verona High School, where he earned a perfect 4.0 grade point average and was president of the senior class, Student Council, the choir and Spanish Club. He was a member of the Youth Advisory Board, cross-country team, Beta Club for community service, Drama Club and had lead roles in musicals. He is a member of Independence Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), where he is a junior deacon, a member of the church board, performs music for worship services and is a leader in local and regional youth activities. He volunteers at a church camp, a food pantry and other organizations that provide food and shelter to the underserved.
For more information about the Disciples scholarship, contact Eureka College Chaplain Bruce Fowlkes at(309) 467-6429 or bfowlkes@eureka.edu or go to www.eureka.edu/admissions/doc.
Eureka College was chartered in 1855 by anti-slavery activists who were members of the Christian Church. It is among 14 colleges and universities affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). It offers bachelor’s degrees in the sciences, mathematics, business administration, social sciences, fine and performing arts, humanities and education.