Each Wednesday, 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:

• The St. Charles Catholic and West St. John High School football teams for making the state football playoffs. The Rams will face Ouachita Christian in the Class 1A final Friday at 3 p.m., while the Comets will play Amite High School in the Class 3A final Saturday at 3 p.m.

• Rachael Schexnayder and other faculty members making up the ProStart Program within the St. James Parish School system. The program recently conducted its annual Cajun/

Creole Day for students at Lutcher and St. James High schools, where students learned the trades of Cajun Louisiana.

• Members of the Louisiana Farm Bureau, who recently visited the Southeast Louisiana War Veterans Home in Reserve to spend time with residents, play bingo and present a large donation of coffee to the home.

• Students and faculty at John L. Ory Magnet School in LaPlace. The school recently learned that it achieved an “A” rating from the state Department of Education. To celebrate, the school held a day of outside activities included a special lunch with parents.