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 River Parishes Transit Authority, which for more than a year has provided shuttle service to residents in St. John and St. Charles parishes. The service is expanding, adding a 12-passenger bus to the fleet of four already in use.

• The West St. John boys and girls track teams, which won the District 8-1A meet last week.

• The Riverside Academy girls track team, which won the District 9-2A track meet last week.

• Norco Elementary School sixth-grader Justin Schmidt, who won the school’s 4-6 Character Leadership Award.