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. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, which recently dedicated a memorial to fallen police officers. The memorial wall and legacy walk, which is situated in front of the Sheriff’s Office’s new headquarters in Luling, honors three former members of the force who died in the line of duty.

• LaPlace resident Dionne Coleman, who uses entertainment, educational resources and a bear costume to educate children about Christianity. Coleman, who runs Christ in Demand, travels to area churches with her “Christ Bear” mascot to teach Sunday School classes.

• Lake Pontchartrain Elementary School, which recently earned the distinction of being a “No Place for Hate” school. Teachers and students at the school participated in a yearlong initiative to eliminate hate and promote individuality and creativity.

• The St. Joan of Arc School band, which recently performed a small concert at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. The band performed several patriotic songs for all visitors to the museum as part of a recent field trip.