Talk of the Neighborhood highlights Central Texans’ achievements.

* Class Acts *

* Jamie M. Olejarski, class of 2001 valedictorian of Reicher Catholic High School and a 2005 graduate of Baylor University, received her medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in May.

She is in the residency program in internal medicine and endocrinology with University of Texas Health Science Center-affliliated hospitals in Houston.

She is the daughter of Robert and Peggy Olejarski of Waco.

* Bob Hingtgen, a 2004 Midway High School graduate and the son of Ricky and Lori Hingtgen of Hewitt, graduated from the University of North Texas in Denton on May 16.

He graduated summa cum laude in his two degrees — bachelor of science in mathematics and bachelor of arts in physics.

He has accepted a teaching fellowship in the mathematics department at UNT while working on his graduate degree program. He hopes to earn a doctorate in mathematics and be a college professor.

* Brenton Hall, class of 2008 valedictorian of Chilton High School, was named to the president’s list at the University of North Texas for the fall 2008 and spring 2009 semesters.

He entered college as a sophomore and is majoring in bioche-mistry. He is the son of Rodney and Candace Hall of Chilton.

* Applause *

* Kay Woodward Olson of Waco was named treasurer of the Texas Cultural Trust board. The trust promotes the importance of the artists in educating children and sustaining the state’s economy.

Olson’s contributions to the arts in Texas include co-founding the Austin Lyric Opera Guild and serving on the boards of the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum Foundation and the Waco Symphony Association.

She will serve a two-year term.

* Dr. Sally E. Taylor of San Antonio, the daughter of Mary Nell SoRelle of Waco, was among 41 doctors named “exemplary psychiatrists” by the National Alliance on Mental Illiness for 2009. Honorees are nominated by individuals and families directly affected by mental illness.

* McLennan County Auditor Steven G. Moore, CPA, was presented a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association for the county’s comprehensive annual financial report for the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 2008.

The certificate is the highest recognition given by the association for governmental accounting and financial reporting.

* Pitching In *

* Caritas of Waco received $5,000 from H-E-B’s “Help End Hunger” campaign.

Tear-off coupons in the amounts of $1, $3 and $5 were located at checkout stands, where customers could add the desired donation amount to their final grocery bill.

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