The second Alumni Feature is THS 2001 graduate, Candace Kuhl.

Candace Kuhl, a proud 2001 graduate of THS, has built an impressive career grounded in academic excellence and community involvement. During her time at Thorndale, Candace was an active member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, and served as a class officer. She also participated in volleyball, served as the basketball manager, played tennis, competed on the Academic UIL team, and was involved in 4-H.

After high school, Candace pursued her Bachelor of Science degree in Nutritional Sciences at Texas A&M University, graduating in 2005. During her time at Texas A&M, she was a Fish Camp counselor, participated in Aggie Leaders of Tomorrow and served as the membership chair of the Texas A&M Pre-Pharmacy Society.

It was during her junior year that Candace first considered a career in pharmacy, leading her to join the Pre-Pharmacy Society. After completing her undergraduate studies, she went on to earn her Doctor of Pharmacy degree (Pharm.D.) from the University of Texas at Austin in 2009. Despite her time in Austin, Candace proudly states, "I still bleed maroon!"

While in pharmacy school, Candace was inducted into the Rho Chi Pharmaceutical Honor Society, Nu Chapter. She also served as a clinical pharmacotherapy instructor and participated in various committees, including those for new student interviews, Explore UT, and Parent's Day. Following her graduation, Candace completed a one-year Community Pharmacy Practice Residency at Baylor Scott & White in Temple in 2010. During her residency, she precepted pharmacy students on their fourth-year clinical rotations, assisted with incoming pharmacy resident interviews, and contributed to the residency program's accreditation process.

Candace continued her career with Baylor Scott & White, initially working as a clinical pharmacist in the Medication Therapy Management Program and the Anticoagulation Clinic. She has since transitioned to her current role as a Specialty Care Team pharmacist, where she helps maintain multiple accreditations, precepts pharmacy residents, and serves as the lead pharmacist in her clinical group. In 2020, she was honored as the Retail Pharmacist of the Year for Baylor Scott & White, a particularly meaningful recognition in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Beyond her professional achievements, Candace remains deeply connected to her faith and family, much of which is still rooted in Thorndale. Her husband, Kelly, is a teacher and coach at Thorndale High School, and their son and daughter are students in the Thorndale ISD. Candace is actively involved in their school's PTF organization and regularly attends their extracurricular activities. She also teaches Sunday school at her church and can often be seen proudly wearing maroon and gold at Thorndale ISD events, because as she says, "It's ALWAYS a GREAT day to be a THORNDALE BULLDOG!"

One of Candace's most vivid memories is from her freshman year at Texas A&M. After returning home one weekend, she visited Thorndale High School to catch up with her teachers. During a conversation with Mrs. Culp, she shared her goals and career aspirations. Mrs. Culp encouraged her not to settle, advising her that she had the potential to become a doctor. This conversation inspired Candace to shift her focus to science-based courses, ultimately leading her to pursue a career in pharmacy.

Candace’s message to current students is to "never settle." She encourages them to try new things, change their goals if needed, and test their limits. "You may find you are stronger than you think you are," she says. Candace cherishes her upbringing in Thorndale, where the sense of community, the relationships formed, and the unwavering support are unmatched. "Similar to Texas A&M, there is a sense of pride that you cannot explain to those on the outside," she reflects.

Candace's journey from Thorndale to becoming a pharmacist exemplifies the excellence and determination that Thorndale ISD strives to instill in its students. Her story is a testament to the power of community, education, and the pursuit of one's dreams.

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