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:

• National Guard Pfc. Luke T. Boehm of LaPlace, as he recently completed basic infantry training at Fort Benning in Georgia. The nine-week training course covered a wide range of military tactics.

• Hahnville High School Teacher Amanda Baudot, who was recently named the state high school teacher of the year at a ceremony in Baton Rouge. Baudot teaches English and creative writing at Hahnville.

• The St. John Warriors 11-year-old All Star Baseball team, which recently won the Dizzy Dean World Series Tournament in Southaven, Miss. The Warriors finished the tournament with an undefeated record in five games.

• Air Force Airman Eliska M. Duhe of Montz, who recently graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. The eight-week training program covered an assortment of Air Force skills and can be used as course credit toward an associate degree in applied sciences.