Each Saturday, 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:

• FR. FRANK UTER, head pastor for three church communities across St. James Parish, on celebrating his anniversary of joining the priesthood.

• GAYLE ROBERT, EUGENIE SMITH and STACEY NEIGHBORS, on being recognized as TEACHER OF THE YEAR in St. Charles Parish. Robert teaches at Mimosa Park Elementary School, Smith at Hahnville High School and Neighbors at J.B. Martin Middle School.

• RESERVE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY, on advancing to the boys’ TOP 28 TOURNAMENT after defeating Sicily Island.

• HAHNVILLE’S TIGERS, on defeating East Ascension to advance to the boys’ TOP 28 tourney.

• RIVER REGION BALLET, on being nominated for the BIG EASY BEST CLASSICAL BALLET PRODUCTION for its production of Cinderella. This was the first nomination for the River Region Ballet.

• ST. JAMES PARISH SCHOOLS, for their outstanding results in dual enrollment education. Utilizing NICHOLS STATE and LTC-RIVER REGION, the system is well on its way of every student graduating with at least three post-secondary hours.

• DANIELLE RODRIGUE, a senior at Destrehan High School, on being honored with a PRESIDENT’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD. The award is presented nationally by the Prusdential Spirit of Community Awards program.