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:

• Annette Thornton, who was recently named the director of Student Affairs at Louisiana Technical College in Reserve. A drafting instructor at the school since 2003, Thornton will now be able to apply her self-professed love for the students to the entire student body.

• Felix Landry Jr. and Meionkca Brown, who recently sought approval from the St. James Parish School Board to take students on trips well beyond the borders of the parish. Because of the efforts of teachers such as these, the students of St. James are able to graduate with much more than just the basics of education.

• Dianna Duffy, who is starring in the Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre production of “Hairspray.” The show debuted Friday and will run through October. Duffy’s first stage appearance was as an orphan in St. John Theatre’s production of “Annie.”

• The visually talented art students at East St. John High School. The work of these budding artists has recently brightened up both the Southeast Louisiana War Veterans Home in Reserve and the St. John Animal Shelter.