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:

• Emily C. Watkins Elementary School in LaPlace for being honored with the HealthierUS School Challenge Gold Award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The award recognized the school has taken great strides to promote nutrition, with healthier school lunch options, and physical activity outside the classroom.

• Employees at Marathon Refinery in Garyville for their partnership with the students at East St. John Elementary School. Refinery representatives recently came to the school to perform hands-on science experiments with students.

• Destrehan teen Jonathan Snyder, who recently returned from a trip to Haiti, where he helped build a water well for a small community continuing to recover from a 2010 earthquake. The trip was one of several mission trips Snyder has made to various locations.

• The Rotary Club of LaPlace for holding another successful Pups in the Park event at Highway 51 Park in LaPlace. The third annual event raised more than $7,000 to help the St. John the Baptist Parish Animal Shelter pay for parvo vaccinations.