This week's Healthplus/NY1 Scholar Athlete likes to get her feet wet in various school activities and is an active member of the National Honors Society. NY1's Michelle Yu filed the following report from Townsend Harris High School.

When it comes to perfecting the right formula for success, Maureen McCluskey has all the proper ingredients. The Townsend Harris High School swim captain makes it clear she's got her priorities straight and is ready for college.

“I think everything that I’ve done defines who I am,” said McCluskey. “I have been swimming since I was little and I haven't given up. Some of my friends don't swim anymore but I'm very dedicated. It's taught me structure in my life.”

The senior has no problem taking charge. She takes pride in being at the head of her class and in and out of the pool. She strives to be a good leader.

“I like being a leader,” said McCluskey. “I like having the responsibility and I like having others look up to me, my peers are my friends. You always want your peers excel and they represent my school and I want to see my school do well.”

“She does something that I think everyone would admire,” said her english teacher, Peter Wamsteker. “For example, like in the pool, she's the first one in and the last one out. Even though she's very successful, she doesn't forget her teammates and keep an eye out for them.”

McCluskey says swimming is what helps her succeed in everything that she does. She says the sport is an escape for her and as captain she gets to help others in something she feels very passionately about.

“As captain, I tried to make sure the team was very unified,” she said. “I organize cheers and things like that. The swim team starts in the beginning of the season so with the freshmen I try to orient them to the swim team and the school.”

“Not only she is an excellent swimmer but she helps a lot of the girls too,” said James Jordan, Townsend Harris High School coach. “She will give up her time to come in sometimes on a Saturday with my freshmen girls and help so she's been really a great part of this team.”

The 18-year-old holds a 93 grade point average and will be heading to Franklin and Marshall College in Pennsylvania in the fall on an academic scholarship. She is looking into enrolling in the school's pre-med program. Maureen recalls making this decision after volunteering at a physical therapy office.

“I would help motivate the patients and help them with their exercises,” said McCluskey. “Some had really debilitating injuries so it was nice to see them along the way getting better."

So for the dominant presence she brings to the pool and the waves she makes at her school, Maureen McCluskey is this week's Healthplus/NY1 Scholar Athlete of the Week.

-Michelle Yu

The Health Plus/NY1 Scholar Athlete program celebrates student athletes who successfully combine academics with athletics, and also find time for community service. The program, operated in conjunction with the New York City Department of Education, is open to any senior attending a New York City public high school. Selected students receive a $2,000 scholarship to the school they choose to attend in the fall.

To apply, download and print out the official Scholar Athlete application, then mail it to the address on the form.