SANGER, Calif. (KGPE) - The American Red Cross is honoring its 2025 Central Valley heroes. Individuals recognized for their extraordinary acts of courage, kindness and compassion. This year's education hero is Susanne Peterson, a teacher at Sanger West High School who has advocated for students w ith special needs. "It's humbling and also it's a great honor to have Red Cross recognize what's going on in our community this way." Peterson teaches English at Sanger West High and is also the driving force behind a program that connects special education students with general ed students. It's called "Best Buddies." "And it really helps them to get to know about each others experiences, so events are created and opportunities are given that students can connect with one another and learn about each other," said Peterson. The student body president at Sanger West says Best Buddies builds relationships. "I think best buddies is one of the most amazing things that she's been involved with and she established this program not only for our school but for our community, for our students to be involved," said ASB President Steven Sanchez-Barrera. Senior Chloee Zozaya is the president of Best Buddies and has helped plan events that bring the entire campus together. "We've been able to have poeple just walk by and say hi to each other and not feel embarassed, or they feel seen here on campus, so best buddies just kind of allows that friendship and the overall inclusion that we advocate for," said Zozaya. They have hosted a "Buddy Prom" and "PE with Friends." "We have our PE, our friendship PE and they're getting along they're buddies over there they play together," said Best Buddies Director Adriana Gonzalez. Susanne says that Sanger West High is a unique campus where classrooms for special education students are at the center, not on the fringes. It keeps special needs students from being isolated. "I think my best day in Best Buddies was last year when I saw our homecoming queen and her buddy elbow and elbow hooked up walking down to go to class and just laughing and telling stories and having a great time," said Peterson. And that's a lesson all students can take with them through life. There are ten Red Cross hero awards and this week's hero will be honored at a ceremony Thursday night. ...read more read less