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

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:

• LaPlace volunteer firefighter Tanya Daniels, who recently completed an Emergency Medical Technician course through Acadian Ambulance service. Daniels, a four-year veteran of the fire department, learned an assortment of EMT skills.

• Public school students in St. John, St. James and St. Charles parishes, for achieving improved marks on the state’s LEAP tests this spring. Scores from all three River Parishes showed growth over the previous year.

• St. Charles Catholic High School softball players Kati Duhe and Chelsea Loupe and baseball player Chad McNeil, for being named to the class 3A All-State teams in their sports. Both teams enjoyed huge success this past season.

• Riverside Academy senior Shelby Thompson, who was awarded the Ronald E. Thomas Memorial Scholarship on behalf of Louisiana Federal Credit Union. Thompson wrote an essay on personal wealth and freedom and earned a $1,500 scholarship to Our Lady of the Lake College in Baton Rouge.