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 St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office for hosting a recent emergency-response drill at Emily C. Watkins Elementary School in LaPlace. The live action scenario brought together officials from State Police and the St. John Fire Department, as well as emergency technicians from Acadian Ambulance and River Parishes Hospital. The drill was a unique training exercise for all involved.

• Residents of Reserve, Garyville, Lutcher and Gramercy, who annually construct the familiar teepee-shaped bonfires along the Mississippi River levee that light the way for Santa Claus through the River Parishes. The annual Festival of the Bonfires festivities kick off Friday evening in Lutcher, and the privately constructed bonfires will be lit at 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

• The St. Charles Catholic High School varsity football team for their continued excellence on the gridiron. The Comets have finished in the Class 2A state semifinals for the past two seasons. Their only four losses in the last two years were to Evangel High School and John Curtis Christian School, the two previous state champions and this season’s state finalists.

• Dr. Paul Jones for being named the new chief administrator for the Southeast Louisiana War Veterans Home in Reserve. The Cincinnati native spent the last 13 years serving as an administrator at veterans homes in Monroe and Jackson before being transferred to the Reserve Home.