Each Wednesday, L’Observateur recognizes 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 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:

• THE RIVERSIDE REBELS, who advanced to their first-ever Top 28 state basketball tournament with a quarterfinal victory over the Springfield Bulldogs on Friday. The Rebels will play in the state semifinals this evening, and a victory will advance the team to the state championship game Saturday evening.

• SERINA SINGLETON, who last week was appointed principal of West St. John Elementary School. Previously, Singleton held the academic support position at Fifth Ward Elementary School. The west bank resident has been with the St. John the Baptist School System for eight years.

• EAST ST. JOHN ELEMENTARY STUDENTS Jaren Stuart, a sixth-grader, and Javohn Washington, a fourth-grader, who were recognized by the New Orleans Hornets as Outstanding Readers from the community. The students and their families were able to attend a Hornets game and were recognized at center court at halftime for their reading efforts.

• ST. JAMES PARISH RESIDENT ROSALIND DAVIS-SMITH, who has overcome hardship to excel as a published poet, speaker and minister.