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 and play.

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:

• Students and faculty in air conditioning and refrigeration at South Central Louisiana Technical College in Reserve for their efforts to design and construct an air conditioning unit that runs entirely on solar power. The unit uses solar panels to generate about 13 amps of power for the unit and the school itself.

• Marathon Petroleum of Garyville, which recently donated more than 180 school bags stuffed with supplies to East St. John High School and Garyville/Mt. Airy Math and Science Magnet. The annual donation helps less fortunate students get what they need for the upcoming school year.

• The Southeast Louisiana War Veterans Home in Reserve, which held its fourth annual summer Luau for residents Thursday evening. The luau, which featured Hawaiian decorations, food and music, is one of several events put on by the retirement home to boost resident morale.

• Former St. Charles High School pitcher Jared Keating, who recently signed on to play baseball for Baton Rouge Community College. Keating, who said he will major in engineering at BRCC, ended his career at St. Charles as the Comets’ wins leader with 31 over four years.