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:

• GET HIGH ON LIFE, for holding its 11th pre-Memorial Day breakfast to honor veterans from St. John, St. James and St. Charles parishes.

• DEBORAH BROWN, of Reserve, on losing more than 100 ounds and winning Airline Athletics’ “Biggest Loser” contest.

• ERIN DUHE, a 2009 graduate of Riverside Academy, on being named as the recipient of an academic scholarship from the Louisiana Sheriff’s Scholarship Program.

• Hahnville’s RYAN WATERS on signing a scholarship to play baseball with Jones County (Miss.) Community College in Ellisville, Miss.

• Area athletes named to the Louisiana Sports Writers Association Class 2A and 3A All-State squads, including JARED KEATING, BRADY HITT, ALEX MORSE and JORDAN HYMEL on the Class 3A baseball squad; COURTNEY WESTERN, KATIE OCMAND and sara schexnayder on the Class 3A baseball team and HEIDI GARCICH on the Class 2A softball team.

St. Charles Catholic, Lutcher and Riverside Academy were the schools represented by the players.

• Reserve Christian’s CEDRIC JENKINS and TIMMY BYRD and Hahnville’s BRIAN LUMAR on being recognized as Class C player and coach of the year, respectively, and Class 5A coach of the year by the Louisiana Association of Basketball Coaches.

• The CLASS OF 1964 of Leon Godchaux High School, on the occasion of their 45th class reunion.

• The RIVER REGION BALLET, on the beginning of its 15th season this week with its Presentation Party.