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 dozens of volunteers who sacrificed many hours last week to prepare spaghetti and meatball lunches to sell as a fundraiser for Reserve resident and St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office employee Daphne Triche, who has been battling liver cancer since February 2009.

• St. James Parish Schools Superintendent and National Guardsman Alonzo Luce, who spent most of his summer vacation on the coast of south Louisiana fighting back oil from the ruptured BP oil well in the Gulf of Mexico. Luce helped place sandbags and also worked communications during his time along the coast.

• East St. John High School Strength and Conditioning Coach Curtis Tsuruda for being named high school coach of the year by the Professional Football Strength and Conditioning Society based on his achievements during the 2009 East St. John High School football season.

• LaPlace teen and budding chef Chayil Johnson, who was the winner of Chef Emeril Lagasse’s “A Dish That Makes a Difference” contest. Johnson’s apricot-glazed roast duck dish with butternut squash won over a panel of renowned chefs. The dish will be featured on the menu at Lagasse’s restaurants nationwide.