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:

• Jaq’s Acting Studio and other entertainment insiders who are planning a production that will feature students from Garyville/Mt. Airy Math and Science Magnet School andWest St. John Elementary and High schools. The project is part of the 21st Century Learning Centers initiative, spearheaded by River Region Multicultural Chamber of Commerce Executive Director O.J. Breech.

• Nicole Tregre, the 30-year-old LaPlace resident who recently finished seventh among female competitors in the St. Jude Marathon. The Memphis-based race benefits the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Foundation.

• Employees at the Marathon refinery in Garyville who recently conducted a Science Expo for third-graders at East St. John Elementary School. The expo featured presentations such as creating Alka-Seltzer rockets, using polymers to absorb liquids, building battery-powered motors and examining fossils.

• Mike Tregre, who will replace Paul Oncale as St. John the Baptist Parish safety director when Oncale retires in February. The St. John native is a 23-year veteran of the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office. Although he will begin learning the ropes on Jan. 10, Parish President Natalie Robottom will still have to obtain council approval before the appointment becomes official.