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:

• DR. SON TRINH, who recently retired from his position as medical director at the River Parishes Mental Health Clinic. According to his co-workers, Trinh was a much-loved and wonderful physician who will be greatly missed.

• ST. JOHN DISTRICT ATTORNEY TOM DALEY, who continues to dig into cases even after they seem settled. Thanks to his efforts, new revelations have been made in case of the death of M.L. Lloyd III.

• PRECIOUS JOSEPH AND THE REST OF THE STAFF AT THE LEON GODCHAUX ACCELLERATED PROGRAM, who, through their efforts have steered scores of at-risk youth away from the streets and back into the world of education. Their tireless efforts have raised the success rate from 74 percent in 2005 to 100 percent for the last two school years. Joseph also heads the newly relocated Adult Education Center in Garyville, which has also seen a dramatic rise in enrollment.

• THE ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH SCHOOL BOARD AND CSRS, which have stuck to their Facilities and Educational Master Plan and kept all projects under budget and on schedule or even ahead of schedule. Thanks to their tireless efforts, the students of the district will have a productive and healthy learning environment for years to come.

ç¿¿