The academic struggles of Clark County schools are well-documented. What doesn’t get enough attention, however, are the many local students who thrive in their studies and have bright futures on the horizon. On Wednesday evening, the Review-Journal handed out its Academic Excellence Awards for the eighth year. The ceremony took place at the Thomas &Mack Center and honored one student in each grade from first to 12th who shines “in academics, community involvement, citizenship and leadership.” Recipients receive a trophy and a $1,000 scholarship. “This is so much more than a dean’s list or an honor roll,” explained Glenn Cook, RJ executive editor. “We are recognizing outstanding students who, foremost, are outstanding people.” That certainly describes Alexander Hickman, a ninth grader at Green Valley High School who carries a 4.225 weighted grade-point average and founded his own dog-walking business while navigating a schedule that includes AP math and biology classes. Mr.…