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:

• St. John the Baptist Parish teachers Shontrece Lathers, Shanna Beber and Janice Lubin, for being named Elementary, Middle School and High School teachers of the year, respectively. The school board honored the three teachers and other nominees at a recent meeting.

• Hahnville High senior Brandi Soigner, who recently received the Robert C. Menezes Sr. Memorial Scholarship for her leadership, academic abilities and contributions to the community. Sognier plans to use the $5,000 scholarship to help her attend the University of Alabama.

• Faculty and staff at Romeville Elementary in St. James Parish, for organizing a day of fun last week for the students at the school. Romeville will close for good at the end of classes Thursday, and the school wanted to do something special for the students.

• St. John Parish residents John and Preston Rodrigue, who have parlayed a love of cooking into a successful spice manufacturing business that has recently started to take off. The brothers’ Frére Jean Seasonings can now be found in Rousses and Winn-Dixie Stores throughout the South.