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 East St. John High School football team for their inspiring 49-14 road win over district rival Destrehan in the wake of the resignation of Head Coach Larry Dauterive. The Wildcat team from East St. John overcame a mountain of adversity during a trying time for the school.

• Black Queens United and Girls in Action, a pair of civic groups from the west banks of St. John the Baptist Parish that came together recently for a march to bring awareness to Breast Cancer research. More than 200 community members showed up for the one-mile walk along River Road in Wallace.

• The Belle Terre Civic Association in LaPlace, which held a postponed night out against crime earlier this month. The group decided to move the event from August to October to take advantage of cooler temperatures.

• The Lutcher Volunteer Fire Department, which recently achieved a class four fire protection rating from the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana. The improved rating means that residents and businesses will see a drop in property insurance rates in the coming year.