Talk of the Neighborhood highlights Central Texans’ achievements.

* Applause *

* Young Marine Master Sgt. Alyssa Cadena (right) with the Heart of Texas Unit was recently presented the Spirit of America Youth Award by the Good Soldier Foundation.

She is the daughter of Joel and Alicia Cadena of Lorena.

* Doreen Atkinson, a horseback riding instructor at McLennan Community College’s Highlander Ranch, and her horse, Obadi Del Rios, won five championships at the Inter-national Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Association Championships in Fort Worth.

Atkinson brought home four grand championships and one reserve champion-ship, as well as an array of blue ribbons in several of 259 categories offered.

Atkinson teaches beginner through advanced horseback riding at MCC’s Highlander Ranch.

* Class Acts *

* Five Baylor University interior design students were named winners at a student symposium of the Texas Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers. The theme was “Interior Design: Beyond the Reality Series.”

Winners were:

Blair Schrade of Rowlett — first place in the new unique space design category. Schrade designed a retail space that potentially could be used in Waco’s Richland Mall. Competitors were required to design their projects to reflect the style of a famous architect or designer. Schrade’s kiosk was inspired by the late Louis Sullivan, an architect of the late 1880s known for his elaborate ornamentations in stone, wood, iron and terra cotta for structures ranging from theaters and auditoriums to offices, warehouses, stables and a mausoleum.

Taylor McCammon of Houston, Brooke Morrison of Wheaton, Ill., and Erica Schneider of Columbus, Texas — first place in the collaborative design category. The group designed the interior of an existing facility that could be used for a homeless assistance center in downtown Waco. Their group was among eight interior design teams who presented concepts in the spring to the city of Waco for a proposed homeless assistance center.

Erica Schneider — second place in the small scale commercial category. Schneider designed a “Re-Fuel” convenience store to contribute to the “reduce, reuse and recycle” method of improving the environment. The design was inspired by the Hopis of the Southwest, who are committed to stewardship of the earth. They often use a wave symbol in art and jewelry to symbolize the flow of life.

Kailey Jo Rawson of Colleyville, Texas — third place in the scholarship category. The award was based on the merit of her application, references and activities.

* In the Military * 

* Army Pvt. Colt M. Stone, the son of Karen Macy of Hewitt, graduated from the Fire Support Specialist Advanced Individual Training course at Fort Sill in Lawton, Okla.

His father, Robert Stone, lives in Bronson in Southeast Texas. His wife, Chelsea, is the daughter of Donna Willis of Hemphill.

The private is a 2008 graduate of West Sabine High School in Pineland.