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:

• West St. John High School principal Erica Merrick, who was recently named regional Principal of the Year in a region that includes St. John the Baptist, St. James, Assumption, Ascension, St. Mary, Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes. Merrick’s accolades are a reflection of recent successes at West St. John High.

• Residents of St. John the Baptist Parish who volunteered for and came out in support of Relay for Life at Highway 51 Park in Laplace. The event, which featured 12 hours of constant activity, generated more than $70,000 for the American Cancer Society.

• St. Joan of Arc School fifth-graders Brennan Mader and Christian Prince, who earned a trip to the state social studies fair in Lake Charles on April 23. The pair’s project, which focused on the battle of Normandy in World War II, earned first place in the History category at the regional level earlier this month.

• Destrehan resident Hailey Clark, who was crowned Miss Teen Louisiana International 2012 during a ceremony in March. Clark, 15, is a sophomore at Destrehan High School. She will now compete at the national level in Chicago in July.