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 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:

• Students in St. John the Baptist Parish, who participated in presentations for “Rachel’s Challenge,” a nationally traveling program spreading the compelling story of Rachel Scott, the first victim of the shootings at Columbine High School in 1999. Days before she was killed Scott wrote an essay challenging her fellow students to an act of kindness chain reaction.

• St. John the Baptist Parish officials, who helped organize another successful Andouille Festival earlier this month. New features – including a gospel tent and kids art tent – and pleasant weather, helped bring more than 18,000 people out to the three-day event.

• Residents of the west bank of St. John Parish, who recently participated in a 1-mile walk at Wallace Park breast cancer awareness. Breast cancer survivors and family members who lost loved ones shared their stories of their battle with the disease.

• Pete Matherne, L.J. St. Pierre and the rest of the St. James Lions Club for their work in organizing the annual October pumpkin patch at the St. James Parish Welcome Center in Gramercy. Proceeds from the event, which continues through Saturday, benefit local charities.