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 Hahnville High School softball team, which recently took home the Class 5A state title. The girls defeated Denhm Springs to take the first ever state softball championship for the school.

• Garyville/Mt. Airy Math and Science Magnet School Principal Kelli Joseph, who was recently named the new superintendent for the St. Helena Parish school district. Joseph has been

the principal at GMMS for six years and this year was named

the St. John the Baptist Parish elementary school principal of the year.

• Keeshler Pittman, who took over the operations at New Life Women’s Center following her mother’s death. Pittman currently is trying to obtain a grant through the Pepsi Refresh Project to begin a weekend mentoring project for local youth.

• St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff Wayne Jones, who recently held his annual golf tournament. Jones plans to donate a portion of the proceeds to the Wounded Warriors Foundation, which assists soldiers who have been injured in the line of duty.