Young men and women who excel in both academics and athletics during the awkward high-school years must earn our applause as a community. They show leadership at an early age and should serve as models for their classmates and other students in the Baltimore region.

That?s why The Examiner is proud to showcase area Academic All-Stars. We honored the first batch Monday. They are: Luke Smith, Towson High School; Josh Barnes, Calvert Hall; Chris Fawcett and Lija Glemza, Catonsville High School; Katie Griffin, Winters Mill High School; Zachary Halper, Hammond High School; Jenny Li and Tunji Williams, River Hill High School; Carlos Medina, Randallstown High School; Anne Patron and Vince Walsh, Dulaney High School; Angeli Sivaraman, Centennial High School; and Lauren Scott, North Harford High School.