We see people working everyday to make our community a better place to live in, but a few go above and beyond.

All this month we're teaming with the Red Cross to share inspirational stories of these individuals. At Orchard Avenue Elementary School in Grand Junction, two extraordinary educators inspire their students everyday.

Not just their students either. When Orchard Avenue Elementary's Principal, Denise Hoctor, reflects back on her 16 years at the school, Sandy Thies and Kathleen Santy are always on her mind.

So what makes them so extraordinary?

"I couldn't even begin to list them all. They see a problem and they get right on it," Denise said.

A recent example to share, the tragedies we've seen in Haiti and Japan.

Denise says these educators come together and make the community a better place. It's not just world events these women focus on. When one of their students was diagnosed with cancer, Kathleen and Sandy jumped into action and got their students to help.

"It started with a penny drive. From there kids brought in what was in their piggy banks. They donated from the heart. It makes your heart want to explode with joy for what they give," said Sandy.

The women also say Orchard Avenue Elementary is a place where you come to learn to be a part of a community. It's that word, community. It resonates through the school and makes Denise know she'll always cherish her time as principal.

Sandy, Kathleen and several other people will be recognized at a Red Cross Heroes dinner on April 29th.

If you would like to attend the event, you can buy tickets by calling the Red Cross at 242-4851.