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:

• The St. John Parish Young Marines Alpha Platoon, who completed boot camp with graduation festivities Saturday evening. The 20 boys and girls are the inaugural platoon of Young Marines in St. John Parish.

• Rev. Martin Smullen, who began his first week as head pastor for St. Peter Church in Reserve by handling the invocation at the annual Fourth of July celebration in Reserve. Smullen is in his 28th year as an ordained priest

• The Elite Ladies Club of Emily C. Watkins Elementary, who ended their year by attending the Word of Life Christian Center Crystal Rose Debutante Ball in Baton Rouge. The six girls were treated to a shopping spree to prepare for the event.

• Deputies of the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office, who have been involved in rigorous training to handle situations involving an active shooter in a public building. More than 80 officers across several divisions have been participating in the recent training exercises.