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 Rotary Club of LaPlace, which recently organized the Pups in the Park Walk. Aside from being a good excuse to get out and enjoy a beautiful Saturday afternoon, the event raised about $5,000 for local charities.

• East St. John football players Anthony Cook and Ivan Schnyder, who following outstanding senior seasons both signed to play ball and attend school at Pasadena City College.

• West St. John senior Kyla Morris, who was named MVP of St. John Parish for L’Observateur’s All-Parish Girls Basketball Team.

• Local minor league football player Billy Hogan, who along with a few dozen other local athletes who play for the River Parish Wolfpack, a non-profit football franchise in the Premier South Football League.

• St. Charles Catholic senior Jordyn Keller and Destrehan sophomores Dean Wray and Vivian Buchanan, who will be appearing in this weekend’s production of “A Taste of Opera” at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts. The three have juggled regular schooling with vigorous arts training at NOCCA.