WICHITA, Kansas -- Zack Goddard is a regular in Mr. Crippen's special education classroom.
Now a senior, he started volunteering his sophomore year.
"At first, I worked with one kid, and he introduced me to other kids. It went from one class to a whole bunch of kids then they wanted me to be in ace club and go to all their events with them. It happened real fast. I just kinda got hooked."
His time doesn't count toward any school assignment or award.
Zack gives his time in and out of school because he says he enjoys making others feel important and that makes him a Red Cross hero.
"Bowling, football games, hanging out together, it gives them a normal life, people to be with and have friends with, like be a big family or something."
Zack was nominated as a hero by his school counselor, who he says told him he's a people person and was the key to starting the past two years of helping in Mr. Crippen's classroom.
"If my day turns out pretty bad, these kids know how to lighten it up. I go in there, they give me hugs, high fives. If I have a bad day, I come and see these kids and no matter what, it will make it a lot better."
Zack balances being an athlete at Wichita East High School with getting ready for college and spending time with his friends in addition to other things that take up the life of a high school senior.
"He's actually gone a lot more out of his way to make more time to come in and help out, we have ace club once a month after school or we do events and he does those," said Jason Crippen, teacher.
"The looks they give you, the responses they give you, how you become their friend, they kind of look up to you, you know? It gives you a reason to help somebody and be there for them."
When he helps the students, he helps Mr. Crippen.
"He takes initiative to get in and help the students with little direction from me, which is good for me because I have to give lots of directions during the day anyway."
His time spent volunteering has also shaped Zack's future. He plans to go into special education or counseling after high school.
"I'm really proud of him. I'm really excited he got this award because he is so deserving, and it's good to recognize the good things going on rather than focusing on the bad," said Crippen.
All Red Cross Heroes will be honored at a breakfast hosted by the Red Cross December 12.
