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:

• Fifth Ward Elementary fourth-grade teacher Tanya Faucheaux for being recognized as Elementary Teacher of the Year by the Louisiana Association of Computer Using Teachers. She was nominated for the award for her work with kindergarten through eighth-grade teachers at Fifth Ward, showing them how to integrate technology into classroom instruction.

• West St. John High School football players Cailin Cola and Ronnie Feist for being named to the Class 1A All-State football team. Cola is a 6-foot-2 300-pound offensive tackle, while Feist is a 6-foot-1 220-pound defensive end. The pair helped lead the Rams to a 4-1 record in Division 8-1A.

• Valero St. Charles Refinery in Norco for collecting more than 12,400 pounds of food to benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank in Harahan. A group of about 50 Valero employees also spent time assembling more than 2,000 boxes for the food bank.

• St. James High School senior Brandi Jeffery, who signed a letter of intent to play basketball at the University of Nebraska. Jeffery is averaging about 24 points per game in her third season as a member of the St. James Wildcats. She plans to study sports medicine when she gets to Nebraska.