Erika Orellana has a winning attitude.

"You have to stand out and I've learned to standout," she says.

The Thomas Edison High School senior has proven that she's top notch in everything she does. As captain of her school soccer team, she's perfectly positioned for success on the field. And in school, she makes time to tutor her peers in addition to maintaining a 90 grade point average.

"She's one of the most motivated hardworking students I have ever had," says her math teacher, Richard Dookeelam. "She would give up her lunch period just to make sure she would come and make sure she understood everything."

"Never give up," says Orellana. "I think everyone has a goal in life and it is only you that could achieve that goal and you have to overcome all the obstacles and challenges and if you give up, you are only putting yourself down and those who have encouraged you down as well."

One thing Orellana knows all about is perseverance. She came to America from Ecuador when she was eight years old and said it was always a struggle. However, doing well in school and getting a good education was always her main goal.

"You have to give your best shot at everything because it's all going to pay back," she says.

Orellana considers herself a shy leader, and even though she's normally timid, she's often ready to take charge, especially when it comes to her soccer team.

"I'm helping other people," she says. "I know that they will learn from me and I know I am helping them."

"She's just a go getter. She works hard, has great work ethics, and that drives everybody to work hard on her team," says soccer coach Frank DeNuzio.

Orellana has her sights on being an architect one day and is looking at schools such as Cooper Union. Her teachers say she is the kind of student that does not need much guidance.

"She's dedicated, conscientious, a hard worker, and doesn't give up," says Assistant Principal Sam Sochet. "And all the things you want in a kid, Erika displays every day."

So, for her ability to accomplish all of her goals with such an unassuming demeanor, Erika Orellana is this week's Healthplus/NY1 Scholar Athlete.