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:

• Volunteers from Entergy and the New Orleans Hornets, who spent a recent morning planting nearly 900 bald cypress trees along the Lake Pontchartrain shoreline near the Bonnet Carre Spillway. The new trees will help protect the wetland area from erosion.

• St. Joan of Arc School in LaPlace, which recently earned a renewal of its nationally recognized accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The accreditation, which was first earned in 2006, is the culmination of a year’s worth of self-study by teachers and faculty that looks at several educational standards.

• Fifth Ward Elementary School in St. James, which recently conducted a school-wide Black History Month program involving assorted activities. As part of the program, the school was paid a visit by actress Latrice Page, who delivered a speech to students.

• The Riverside Academy boys’ basketball team, which wrapped up another successful season in class 2A with a third straight trip to the Top 28 Tournament in Ruston. The Rebels, unfortunately, lost in the title game to John Curtis and finished their season at 36-9.