Each Wednesday, L’Observateur will recognize 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 that 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:

• LAUREN SAVERY, TAYLOR CLEAR AND ALLI PERILLOUX, who were recently awarded first, second and third place, respectively, in River Parishes Hospital’s Young At Art contest for 2009. Each month the hospital features the artwork of two classes on the hospital’s Wall of Art, and three winners are chosen from that group. At the end of the year, three winners are chosen from the year’s monthly winners. First-, second- and third-place winners receive $150, $100 and $50 savings bonds, respectively.

• THE ENTIRE RIVER PARISHES COMMUNITY, which came together last week to celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Two celebrations were held in St. John the Baptist Parish, one in LaPlace and one in Edgard, while in St. Charles Parish a march was held that started at the foot of the Hale Boggs Bridge and continued to the courthouse in Hahnville. In St. James Parish a memorial and rally took place at St. James High School.

• DEBBIE STRICKS, the LaPlace resident who was recently crowned Queen of the Grela parade in Gretna. Stricks lived in the Jefferson Parish west bank community before moving to St. John Parish with her husband in 2000.

• THE STUDENTS OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM, who used the activities of the annual 100th Day of School festivities to collect money for charitable causes. Among the causes supported by the student were the relief effort in Haiti and the Kids For Kops program, which collects money to buy bulletproof vests for St. John’s police officers.ç‘®