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 well being 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:

• Court of Appeal Judge-elect JUDE GRAVOIS on his victory and both GRAVOIS and JUDGE MARY HOTARD BECNEL on conducting a clean and informational campaign.

• COURTLAND TAYLOR and JOSH CLEVELAND, both of St. Charles Catholic, on signing college scholarships to be part of the first-ever UNO Privateer football program.

• JESSICA VICKNAIR, ELIZABETH FRANCIS and rachel schexnayder, chosen as St. James Parish Schools TEACHERS OF THE YEAR.

• All the winners in the ST. PETER’S BABY, TODDLER and MISS PAGEANT.