They are the epitome of the scholar-athlete, the very definition of well-rounded students. For seniors Lindsay Eisenberg of Pikesville High School and Charles Olaleye of Randallstown High School, winning the annual Mildred H. Murray Award from the Baltimore County Public Schools system on May 29 was icing on their cakes.

"When I received the award, it felt great. It's such an honor; it's very exciting," said Lindsay, a four-year, three-sport varsity athlete at Pikesville who sports a 4.0 unweighted grade point average and holds the top rank in her senior class of 284.
"I was extremely happy to win this award," added Charles, who was both team captain and most valuable player of Randallstown's soccer, wrestling, and lacrosse teams this year as well as being ranked sixth in his class of 367. "I was surprised and really happy to know how much my coaches and principal thought of me."

In being named this year's Mildred Murray All-Academic Scholar-Athlete Award winners, both students were recognized during a special ceremony at the Greenwood Administrative Offices in Towson on May 29. They both received a plaque and $1,000 scholarship award.
On hand to congratulate this year's winners was both Superintendent Dr. Joe A. Hairston and Mildred Murray herself, who established the annual scholarship award to further promote excellence in both academics and athletics. A former Coordinator of Physical Education and Athletics for the Baltimore County Public Schools, Ms. Murray dedicated 43 years to the effort to blend studying and sports throughout the school system and county.
The award goes to a male and female senior who has maintained a 3.5 unweighted grade point average for each quarter and who has played in at least two varsity sports. "The (selection) committee's decision is always a very, very difficult one, and it seems to get harder every year," said Diane George, Athletic Director at Loch Raven High School and current Maryland Athletic Director of the Year from the Maryland State Athletic Directors Association.

In Lindsay, the committee found a student who participated in soccer, basketball, indoor track, and lacrosse and who was named the unsung hero of three of those teams. She was captain of both the soccer and basketball squads and made First Team All-Division in soccer and lacrosse.

"Sports have been a huge part of my life," says Lindsay. "They keep me busy, and staying busy keeps me on track. Many of the things you learn in sports - things like teamwork and hard work - are things you can apply in the classroom as well."
In addition, Lindsay is a Maryland Distinguished Scholar semi-finalist, a National Merit Scholarship qualifier, a Princeton Book Award nominee, and member of the Model United Nations for three years. She will be attending Yale University in the fall.

Story and Photos by Charles Herndon Communications Officer