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Two years ago, Ergin Ahmetaj and his family arrived from Albania. Barely able to speak English, he enrolled in Robert F. Kennedy Community High School in Queens - a transition that he says wasn't easy.

"Moving was really hard for me because when I first came here, my
English was not that good. I had trouble getting into society, getting used to the culture here," says Ahmetaj.

But Ahmetaj surprised everyone - he passed his English literacy test only six months after his arrival, quickly excelled academically and now maintains a 93 average.

"The sheer fact that he's been in this country less than two years, I
find that amazing, that he's just accomplished so much," says guidance counselor Jody Popper. "And not only academically, but he joined a lot of our clubs here, because he wants his senior year to be great."

Ahmetaj especially loves Math and spent last summer taking pre-college courses in calculus at New York University.

"He's a quick study, you know," says Martin Weeks, Ahmetaj's soccer coach. "He came to this country not that long ago and he picked up English quickly. He got used to the culture of
the school quickly and learned how to do well in his classes, as well
as on the field."

Ahmetaj also volunteers his free time at a local business and hopes to pursue a career as an entrepreneur.

"[My] motivation is in the desire to become someone who's really successful. I want to pursue a career in business. I want
to have my American dream, I want to go for it," he says.

The high school senior also kicks up his work ethic as a goalie for his school's soccer team. He displays skills that his coach says are of a professional level.

Weeks recognized what a special athlete Ahmetaj was the first time he saw him play.

"Surprisingly, for a guy as big as Ergin, he was really light on his
feet. Quick movements, quick hands, really a pleasure to see," says Weeks.

The earnest goalie says soccer has helped him make friends and serves as an outlet from a stressful academic schedule. It is a lot to balance for any teenager.

"I had a lot of trouble playing soccer after school and studying, but I loved it," says Ahmetaj. "And I did a great job in school, I did a great job at soccer, and I will play soccer for the rest of my life because I love that sport. It makes me feel better and much more successful."

So, for his ability to block all challenges thrown at him, Ergin Ahemtaj is the latest Scholar-Athlete of the Week.

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.

Each week of the school year, a selected student is profiled on NY1 and receives 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.