Talk of the Neighborhood highlights Central Texans’ achievements.

* Applause *

* Two longtime Community Bank & Trust officers were honored with the 50-Year Banker Award during a luncheon at the 127th Annual Texas Bankers Association Convention in Austin.

The honorees were Bruce B. Price, executive vice president of trust services, and William Robert “Bob” Williams, executive vice president of lending.

Price (right) began his banking career at Citizens National Bank of Waco as a clerk in the bookkeeping department in 1959. In 1961, he moved to the trust department and worked there until joining Community Bank & Trust, where he laid the foundation for the bank’s trust department.

Price has 52 years of compre-hensive personal trust and estate administration experience.

Williams (left) began his banking career in 1960 at Citizens National Bank of Waco. In 1965, he became a national bank examiner with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. During his 14 years with the OCC, he was posted to various locations in the U.S., as well as foreign assignments.

Williams returned to Waco and became president of Lake Air National Bank. He continued his banking career at InterFirst Bank Waco, N.A., and its successor bank for the next 26 years.

* Heart of Texas RSVP honored its volunteers at its annual Recognition Event May 21 at the Extraco Events Center.

The banquet celebrated the work of 1,252 RSVP volunteers who gave 126,000 service hours to the region during the past 12 months.

The Volunteer of the Year Award went to Bobbye Spitzer, of Meridian, for her work with the North Bosque Helping Hands program.

Finalists recognized were Danny Urbanovsky from the West Community Center, Johnny Hernandez from the Hill County Meals on Wheels, and Ralph Bowler from the Waco Habitat for Humanity.

This is the 20th anniversary of McLennan Community College’s sponsorship of this Senior Corps program.

* Class Acts *

* Mason Hebert, of Waco, received a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in management during spring commencement at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, S.D.

* Several area students graduated from The New American International Bible Institute and Seminary May 14.

Receiving bachelor degrees in theology were Anne Massey, the Rev. Robert Cummings, Minister Cleo Carroll, Bridgett Lockley, Minister Yolanda Merchant, Elder Steve Richards Jr. and Minister Claudia Woodard.

Minister Mary Lynn Hamilton and Lois Lee received master’s degrees in theology.

Dr. Michelle Jean Pullen received a doctor of divinity degree.

Minister Charles Davis and the Rev. Everett D. James received a doctor of theology degree.

Maryland Bolds received an honorary bachelor’s degree.