DEDHAM, Mass. -- Each week, NewsCenter 5 presents a high school senior who has taken the lessons of the classroom and applied them to life.

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Meet This Week's A Plus

This week's A Plus student is Ursuline Academy's Nicole Norton.

NewsCenter 5's Pam Cross reported that Norton is the manager of the basketball team, a member of Boston's Mayor's Youth Council and she was recently chosen to represent the council while attending the National League of Cities leadership academy in California.

Norton is off and running to a promising future. And it's the Ursuline Academy senior's work ethic that will get her there.

"Well, whenever I say I'm gonna do something, I usually get it done," said Norton.

"She always goes the extra mile. She's never satisfied just to do the minimum. And that's what makes her very unique," said Norton's communications teacher, Francine Lahey.

Norton also relates well to children and most of her community service and after school jobs involve them.

"I've been involved in basketball since about fifth grade, and I love every part of it. I coach it, referee it, and play it," said Norton.

"She really steps up with the other referees and makes sure they know what they are supposed to be doing. And the way she handles the kids is exceptional," said Norton's boss, Lauren Hurley.

Norton works to save money for college and to help out her family. Her parents divorced when she was 8, leaving her mother with four youngsters to raise alone.

"I think it was pressure I put on myself more than anything, just because I felt that since I was the oldest, I'd have to help take care of things," said Norton.

"It has been very difficult for her, emotionally. Also, financially. Nicole has worked as long as I've known her. So if she wants something special she knows that she has to work for it," said Lahey.

Norton maintains an A average in her classes.

"It's not easy. I go home and do tons of homework all the time. I mean, I do well in school but it takes a lot of after-school time," she said.

Norton plans to pursue a career in social policy.

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