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:

• The East St. John High School Sugarettes Dance Team, for conducting their mini camp for young girls in the area. The camp attracted 37 young girls from throughout the area, who learned dance moves that will be performed at an East St. John football game in the fall.

• Members of the St. Charles Women’s Club, who raised about $19,000 for various organizations in the parish. The non-profit civic group of about 130 members also handed out seven scholarships to local high school graduates.

• Paulina Elementary students Zane McCrary and Lindsay Waguespack, who both placed in the state Physical Fitness Meet in Baton Rouge. Waguespack placed third in the sit-up competition, and McCrary placed first in the sit and reach competition.

• DSC Dredge LLC in Reserve, which recently earned the Presidential “E” Star Award for Exports from the U.S. Department of Commerce. The “E” Awards are the highest recognition any U.S. entity may receive for making significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports.