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:

• Local veteran Clayton Jordan, who has found a way to keep himself busy in his senior years. Jordan has taken to making his own clothes and has a dozen suits he made himself.

• Paula Amato Poche, who was recently named the principal of St. Peter School in Reserve. Poche has spent 16 years in Catholic education and comes to the school from St. Peter Chanel in Paulina.

• Lt. Kirt Tregre of the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office, who recently completed 280 hours of instruction at the International Forensic Science Academy at Camp Shelby, Miss. Tregre and the other participants were educated in various forensic science disciplines by world-renowned instructors.

• Gregory Gravois, who was recently elected treasurer of the Port of South Louisiana board. Gravois has previously served as president and vice president.