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 Rudolph Dinvaut Athletic Foundation, which raised more than $20,000 for West St. John High School during the foundation’s annual golf tournament at Belle Terre Country Club. The foundation, named in honor

of the former Second Ward and West St. John High School coach, will commit $15,000 to the school’s athletic department and another $5,000 to scholarships at the school.

• Students at John L. Ory Communications Magnet School in LaPlace for their participation in the nationwide “Let’s Move!” program to combat childhood obesity. The school recently orchestrated a workout routine tied to a music video by artist Beyonce that was filmed for television and the Internet.

• Volunteers at Destrehan Plantation for entertaining and educating students from around the region during its recent Heritage Day presentation. Students from as far as Baton Rouge learned about the traits and customs that were popular in the pre-Civil War south.

• Employees from Monsanto in Luling, who presented an $8,000 donation to the Harry Hurst Wetland Watchers Society’s Service-Learning Project during the society’s recent celebration at Wetland Watcher Park in Norco. The funding from Monsanto will be used to purchase equipment and supplies to support the students’ efforts to bring awareness to wetlands protection.