Talk of the Neighborhood highlights Central Texans’ achievements.

* Class Acts *

* Candice Maurine Caldwell, of Axtell, graduated from Tarleton State University in Stephenville May 14 with a Bachelor of Science degree in public relations and event management, with a double minor in general business and technical writing.

She is a former Miss Heart of Texas Rodeo Sweetheart and Queen. She was on the executive board for TSU’s Student Government Association and an active member in her sorority.

She is the daughter of James and Cindy Caldwell, of Axtell. She is moving back to Waco to be a financial adviser for Edward Jones.

* Texas State University in San Marcos announced that the following students graduated during spring commencement ceremonies:

China Spring — Amber Barabas, bachelor’s degree in applied sociology;

Eddy — Ann Hardin, bachelor’s degree in recreational administration;

Elm Mott — Susan Bailey, bachelor’s degree in nutrition and foods;

Hewitt — Bianca Smith-Davis, bachelor’s degree in mass communication-journalism;

McGregor — Leana Hengst, bachelor’s degree in accounting;

Waco — Rosiland Werthen, bachelor’s degree in criminal justice-law enforcement; Lance Loftin, bachelor’s degree in exercise and sports science; Lindsey Speights, bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies; Eric Washington, bachelor’s degree in psychology; Marlee Mojica, bachelor’s degree in nutrition and foods; Cuyler Ayers, bachelor’s degree in mass communication-public relations; Federico Escobedo, bachelor’s degree in communication design; Matthew Schwartz, bachelor’s degree in management;

West — Kasey Smotherman, bachelor’s degree in history;

Woodway — Heather Packwood, bachelor’s degree in exercise and sports science; Amanda Alvarado, bachelor’s degree in exercise and sports science.

* Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi students named to the dean’s list for the spring semester include:

China Spring — Kimberly Bailey, psychology; Tiffany Bailey, nursing;

Lorena — Courtney Bowman, pre-biomedical sciences/pre-professional;

McGregor — Ethan Rice, history;

Robinson — Daniel Parker, geographic information science.

* Applause *

* Dr. Robert W. Pryor, president and CEO of Scott & White Healthcare, is the only physician in Central Texas and one of 65 nationally to be named to Becker’s Hospital Review annual list of “Physician Leaders of Hospitals and Health Systems.”

Pryor is a Temple native who is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, and is a Fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians and The American College of Critical Care Medicine.

A graduate of Baylor University, Pryor received his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.