FITCHBURG, Mass. -- Every two weeks, NewsCenter 5 presents a high school senior who has taken the lessons of the classroom and applied them to life.

This week's A Plus student is Fitchburg High School's Choua Yang.

NewsCenter 5's Shiba Russell reported that time management can be a challenge for any high school student, but Yang has become a master at it as she juggles her college-level course load and works to support her family all while seizing every opportunity that comes her way.

"She goes well above and beyond at all times in class. Her homework is impeccable, and even does an excessive amount where she'll outline the chapters and I don't require it as an assignment. But she'll outline every chapter in detail," science teacher Phillip Moore said.

Yang attributes her work ethic to her parents who were born in Laos, but identified as Hmong -- an Asian ethnic group that has no country or wealth. She said their experiences have taught her to make the most out of every opportunity she's given.

"They haven't had a lot of educational opportunities. So here, the doors are open to me," Yang said.

"This is a kid who is determined to succeed. And she understands that it's not for free, and that there is a cost and she's willing to put in the sweat equity to make it happen," Moore said.

When Yang's father lost his job her freshman year, she worked 35 hours a week at Burger King to help support her family of six. Despite the extra responsibility, she still maintained a class rank of sixth.

"I try to get as much homework done as I can in the car. And on the days I don't work, I try to finish my homework for the rest of the week," Yang said.

She's switched jobs to work fewer hours, but still gives 100 percent. At Steve and Barry's Clothing store, she's been promoted from cashier to crew trainer in just five months.

"She's been nominated for employee of the month three months and running and has been elected once. She's a great associate for us," said store manager Michael Coyne.

In between school and work, Yang still manages to squeeze in some extra-curricular activity. She choreographs and performs traditional Hmong dances and mentors middle schoolers.

"I didn't have any homework help. So I think it's important to pass things on that you didn't have to those that need it," Yang said.

If you know a special student who truly makes a difference in his or her classroom, e-mail us your nomination. Please include your phone number.