Each Wednesday, L’Observateur recognizes individuals and businesses in the River Parishes who have gone “above and beyond” in their efforts to make this a better place to live, work, play and raise a family.

We believe an integral part of a community’s wellbeing is an attitude and arena where people who do good things … who work to improve life for others … who try to make a difference … are recognized and saluted.

Because this is a salute to members of the community of the entire River Parishes, we solicit your recommendations for groups or individuals to be considered for inclusion. This week we salute:

• Patricia Triche, who was recently chosen Principal of the Year for the St. John the Baptist Parish School System. She is in her third year as principal of East St. John High.

• Teachers Pamela Newman, Lake Pontchartrain Elementary; James Kline, West St. John High; and Chantel Walker, West St. John High, who were recently selected St. John Parish’s Teachers of the Year in the elementary, middle and high school categories, respectively, for the St. John Parish School System.

• Brent Tearney of LaPlace Elementary, Sandra Mutin of Lake Pontchartrain Elementary and Theresa Prough of East St. John High, who were recently honored as Support Personnel of the Year for the St. John Parish School System.

• Residents of St. James Parish who attended a meeting recently to discuss the Nucor Steel Co. Whether for or against the company coming to the parish, more than 100 residents took the time to show up at the meeting and voice their concern or offer their support.