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:

• East St. John High School Principal Patricia Triche, who recently learned her school has been removed from the academically unacceptable list. Triche has overseen a steady growth in the School Performance Score since taking over as principal three years ago. The school had been on the list for six years.

• St. John the Baptist Parish officials, who broke ground on improvements to the Reserve boat launch last week. The improvements will increase the accessibility and usability of the site thereby increasing the quality of life in St. John.

• Teachers in St. John, St. James and St. Charles parishes, who have spent the past weeks getting ready for the new school year. Their voluntary hard work and dedication will help ensure a successful school year in 2010-11.

• Residents across the River Parishes who hosted and attended National Night Out Against Crime parties last week. The events offered a way for neighbors to get to know one another, which, in turn, increased the chance that they will look out for one another.