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:

• Participants in the Tour of Duty run in remembrance of the victims of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The 36 firefighters and other first responders making the journey are from both the U.S. and Australia. The group started in Anaheim, Calif., and ran through the River Parishes last week on their way to New York City, which they plan to reach by Sept. 11.

• St. John school bus driver Felix Dumas, who has driven buses for the parish for a decade. Dumas not only gets the students to and from school but attempts to energize the youth with a blend of gospel music and unbridled enthusiasm.

• Sonic Drive-In of LaPlace, which recently hosted a back to school jam for area students. The event featured games, face painting and a raffle.

• Destrehan student Mya LaGrange, who recently participated in the Global Youth Leaders Conference in New York. One of only four U.S. citizens chosen to participate in the conference, the 300 participants learned about their roles as global ambassadors and analyzed global issues such as diplomacy, law, human rights, peace, security and economics.