Talk of the Neighborhood: Local achievements and honors for April 24, 2011
Talk of the Neighborhood highlights Central Texans’ achievements.
* Applause *
* Michael Jarrett (right), McLennan County first assistant district attorney, was awarded the “Prosecutor of the Year” award by the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.
Jarrett, who was a prosecutor in Williamson County before coming to work in McLennan County in January, was presented the award April 2 at the association’s 134th annual convention in San Antonio.
The association covers Texas and Oklahoma.
* Thorn’s Heating and Air Conditioning in Waco earned a national ranking as part of the 2010 American Home Shield Contractor Quality Bonus program, which rewards contractors for providing quality customer service.
Thorn’s Heating And Air was owned and operated by William Thorn, who retired in 2009. Since then it has been run by Ricky Armstrong, president of Thorn’s Services LLC, dba Thorn’s Heating and Air Conditioning.
* Class Acts *
* Ten McGregor High School art students became state gold medalists with 12 pieces of artwork on April 9, at the State VASE (Visual Arts Scholastic Event). Six of those students received gold seals for their artworks.
The gold seal recognizes exemplary work among the 24,000 pieces entered at the regional level; 1,100 entries qualified to the state event. Only 150 pieces received a gold seal. Gold-seal pieces will become part of a traveling exhibit for the next seven months.
Award-winning artists from McGregor are:
Rene Torres, two state gold medals, two perfect scores, two gold seals; Christina Pace, two state gold medals, one perfect score; Alondra Acevedo, one state gold medal, one perfect score, one gold seal; Courtney White, one state gold medal, one perfect score, one gold seal; Melinda Solis, one state gold medal, one perfect score, one gold seal; Taylor Finley, one state gold medal, one perfect score; Darlisha Blaylock, one state gold medal, one gold seal; Jazzy Mendoza, one state gold medal; Eduardo Reyes, one state gold medal; Destiny Contreras, one state gold medal.
Art teacher Lisa Carpenter has been at McGregor for eight years. During that time her students have won 94 state gold medals and 18 gold seals in that time. In addition, five students have attended college on art scholarships.
* In the Military *
* Air Force Reserve Airman Matthew J. Hoffmann (right), a 2010 graduate of Robinson High School, graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. He is the son of Deeann Hoffmann, of Robinson.
* Air Force Airman 1st Class David S. Howard II (left), a 2008 graduate of Robinson High School, graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. Howard, who received an associate’s degree from Texas State Technical College in Waco, is the son of Robin Howard, of Waco.
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