EachWednesday, 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:

• Norco Elementary School student Dalton Baglio, who recently won a $5,000 grant for his school as part of an art contest from America’s Wetland Foundation. Baglio’s picture was tops in the 4-7 grade level.

• Students at East St. John Elementary, Emily C. Watkins Elementary and East St. John High School, for taking an active interest in agriculture and gardening. The schools have recently benefitted from community gardens sponsored by the LSU AgCenter and Bayou Land Resource Conservation and Development Council.

• The Engineering Construction Contracting Organization for DuPont for their recent donations to River Parishes charities. The group donated vending machine proceeds to the St. John Ministry of Care and also presented a $2,000 check to the Alpha Daughters of Zion, a River Parishes battered women’s shelter.

• Shanna Beber and Kelly Arnett, the LaPlace Elementary School teachers of the year for 2011. Beber is a sixth-grade math and science teacher, and Arnett is a second-grade teacher. Both have taught for 10 years.