Each Wednesday, 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:

• Sgt. Troy Cassioppi of the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office, for recently completing the FBI’s National Training Academy. Cassioppi, a uniform patrol division deputy, was one of 246 law enforcement officers nationwide to complete the training.

• St. James Parish School Superintendent Lonnie Luce, who recently took command of the Louisiana National Guard’s 199th Leadership Regiment. Luce, a colonel in the U.S. Army, will command a troop that provides institutional training within assigned career management fields, as well as the non-commissioned officer education system.

• LaPlace residents Sean and Pierre McGraw, who were recently awarded the rank of Eagle Scout in a special Court of Honor. The twin brothers are active in both Venture Crew 317 and Boy Scout Troop 317 of Destrehan. The twin brothers attend St. Charles Catholic High School.

• The staff at the St. Charles Parish East Regional Library in Destrehan, for organizing a “Hunger Games” Lock-In over the weekend for area teenagers. The event included a wide range of activities based on the successful young-adult novel series and gave some area youth a safe place to enjoy a Friday evening.