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:

• Former New Orleans Saints running back Deuce McAllister for making an appearance at Emily C. Watkins Elementary School last week to motivate students to concentrate on the LEAP test. McAllister, who travels Louisiana and Mississippi to talk with young children about the importance of education and exercise, was the special guest at the school’s pre-LEAP pep rally.

• The Louisiana Loggers Association for its annual Bass Tournament Classic at the St. James Boat Club in Gramercy. The event, which got started in 2003, is a regular fundraiser for Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital in Baton Rouge, a local affiliate of the Children’s Miracle Network.

• The St. John the Baptist Parish Rotary Club for holding its third annual “Pups in the Park” event to benefit the St. John Animal Shelter. The event, which is regularly held at Highway 51 Park in LaPlace, is a chance for dog owners to learn about some of the various local resources available to help the animal population.

• Reserve 8-year-old Rance Scott Jr. for making the most of his God-given talent to sing. Scott, who regularly shares his voice with the congregation at New Rescue Mission Baptist Church in Reserve, was recently featured on the BET network’s singing competition show “Sunday Best.”