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 Riverside boys basketball team for winning back-to-back state championships in Class 2A. The Rebels knocked off Evangel 82-61 at the Top 28 Tournament in Lafayette Saturday night. The team was led by tournament MVP Ricardo Gathers, who had 18 points in the game.

• St. John the Baptist Parish carnival krewes du Monde and Towahpasah for putting on successful parades to cap off the Mardi Gras season in the parish. Weather was fantastic for the Krewe du Monde parade, but Towahpasah had to dodge threatening rain clouds leading to an earlier rolling time.

• Ama resident Shirley Sims for her work with the Alpha Daughters of Zion Outreach ministry in St. Charles Parish. The group runs a safe haven shelter and provides aid and advice to battered women in the region.

• The River Region Multicultural Chamber of Commerce for hosting a jazz brunch for students at Garyville/Mt. Airy Math and Science Magnet. The students were given a lecture on the history of jazz from Toni Thorpe, manager of Sweet Lorraine’s Jazz Club in New Orleans, and entertained by saxophonist Quintin Gerard W.