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:

• Destrehan High School Sophomore Nick Dupuy, for his work at the Wetland Watchers Park in Norco. Dupuy built and installed three new benches along the nature trail at the park as part of an Eagle Scout project.

• West St. John High School teacher Wendi Tierney, who recently connected a group of her students with another group of students in Ghana via video conference. The exchange allowed the students to get a first hand account of life in another culture.

• The staff at Riverlands Community Care Center in Lutcher, for their efforts an making the facility one of U.S. News and World Report’s Best nursing homes in the country. Of the more than 15,500 homes rated by the magazine, Riverlands was among a small group to receive a five-star overall rating.

• Students at St. Peter Chanel School in St. James Parish, who listened to the stories of Tessie DiFulco regarding disability awareness. DiFulco explained that no matter the disability, those men and women who deal with that sort of thing only ask to be treated as equals.