Each Wednesday, L’Observateur recognizes individuals and businesses in the River Parishes that 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:

• The St. Charles Catholic High football team, which took home its first state championship Saturday afternoon at the Superdome. The Comets defeated Amite in the 3A title game by a score of 9-8.

• Middle school and high school students at Riverside Academy in Reserve for acting as mentors for younger students during the school’s second annual Math and Science Night. Older students assisted younger students in performing experiments.

• The St. John the Baptist Parish Young Marines, who recently added a third platoon of area youth to its ranks. The program is growing into a popular youth group gaining notoriety and taking on expanded responsibilities in the community.

• LaPlace native and St. Charles Catholic High School graduate Curtis Johnson, who was recently named head coach for the Tulane University football team in New Orleans. Johnson, who becomes the first African American to hold a head coaching spot at Tulane, has spent the last six years as wide receivers coach for the New Orleans Saints.