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. James High School girls basketball team, which took home a state championship this season. The Ladycats beat Avoyelles Saturday night to earn the Class 3A title.

• Destrehan Plantation for winning the 2010 Travel and Tourism Industry Louey Award for Travel Attraction of the Year. A panel of out of state judges chose Destrehan Plantation for the award from a field of 24 other nominations, according to plantation executive director Nancy Robert.

• Elementary schools across the River Parishes for holding special events for Read Across America Day. Various schools in the parish enlisted the help of a plethora of special guests to spend time reading to students in various grade levels. The event annually coincides with the birthday of author Dr. Seuss.

• The Riverside Academy boys basketball team for making it to the semifinals of the class 2A Top 28 State Championship Tournament with their win over Jonesboro-Hodge this weekend. The team was led by Ricardo Gathers, who had 23 points.