Talk of the Neighborhood highlights Central Texans’ achievements.

* Applause *

* Harry Rejcek (right), a package car driver for UPS, was recently recognized by the company for completing 25 years without an accident.

Rejcek works out of the UPS facility at 5700 Franklin Ave. and provides service in the Waco and Hewitt areas.

Manager Griff Johnson presented Rejcek the 25-year safe driving award.

Rejcek and his wife, Linda, live in Robinson.

* Donna Stauber, of Waco, was appointed to the Aging and Disability Services Council by Gov. Rick Perry. The council recommends policies to the Health and Human Services Commission to assist the elderly and disabled in Texas.

She is a certified health education specialist and life coach, and the service excellence coordinator at Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center.

Stauber received a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University, a master’s degree in education from Baylor University, and a doctorate degree in health education/community health from Texas Woman’s University. She is appointed for a term to expire Feb. 1, 2013.

* In the Military *

* U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Whitney Paige Tanner (right), a 2009 graduate of West High School, was an honor graduate of 4th Recruit Training Battalion Platoon 4009 during ceremonies March 11 at Parris Island, S.C.

She is the daughter of Brian and Kris Uptmor, of West.

* Class Acts *

* Seven scholarships were announced in the Top Young Artists Art Show and Scholarship Competition by Waco Mayor Jim Bush and Lance Magid from Studio Gallery at the Art Center Waco.

The 2011 winners are:

Grand prize ($2,000) — Maria Tinoco, McGregor High;

First place ($1,000) — Ruby Elder, Robinson High;

Second place ($750) and People’s Choice ($1,000) — P.J. Kelly, Midway High;

Third place ($500) — Kelsie Truman, China Spring High;

Honorable mention ($250 each) — Courtney White, McGregor High; Moriah Cooper, Rapoport Academy Meyer High.

Six scholarships were decided by three judges, and the People’s Choice Award was by public vote. More than 600 people voted in this year’s contest, which saw 43 students from 17 McLennan County schools compete.

Art scholarships are provided through the generosity of program sponsors and donors and the sale of student art pieces.

* Pitching In *

* The American Heart Association named four Heart of Waco award nominees at the Rockin’ Heart Preview Party at the home of Scott and Lisa Bland.

They are Kim Falcone (left), community volunteer and founder of Rockin’ Heart Ranch-Waco; Jim Haller (right), executive vice president of First National Bank of Central Texas; Kent Keahey (below left), president and CEO of Providence Healthcare Network; and Jennifer Vera (below right), owner of Action Rental Center, Celebration Central, Vera Estates and Soiree.

The nominee with the most votes by May 15 will be presented the Heart of Waco Award at the American Heart Association’s Rockin’ Heart Gala on May 28. Each vote costs $10 and benefits the American Heart Association.

Online voting is at www.heart.org/wacotxheartball (requires $30 minimum, three votes); in person at the Providence Health Center gift shop; or via mail by contacting Melissa Contreras at Melissa.Contreras@heart.org or 749-3781 to receive a postage-paid, pre-addressed envelope.

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