Parkview Baptist Alumni Hall of Fame

Abundant Life |Chase Duplessis

Chase Duplesiss, a 2002 graduate of Parkview Baptist School was chosen as the newest member of the Parkview Alumni Hall of Fame.  Chase had this reaction:

“Parkview has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. For the past 16 years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching and coaching here—walking alongside students as they grow not just in knowledge or athletics, but in their faith. In total, I’ve spent 18 years in education, and I can honestly say there’s nothing more rewarding than helping young people discover who they are in Christ.”

“I’ve been married for almost 19 years, and my wife and I have been blessed with eight amazing children. Our family’s story—and my calling to serve—are both rooted in the same foundation that Parkview gave me years ago: Faith, family, and a life devoted to the Lord.”

“Abundant Life isn’t about accomplishments—it’s about walking daily with Christ and living with purpose. I’m grateful to Parkview Baptist for continuing to be a place where that kind of life is nurtured every day.”

Athletics | Kaylin Johnson

A 2008 graduate of Parkview Baptist, Kaylin Johnson scored over 1,500 points in his Parkview career, averaged 18 points per game his senior year, and led the team to the Elite 8. This included an upset when Parkview overcame a 19-point deficit to beat the No. 1-ranked team in the state. 

After Parkview, Kaylin went on to play four years of Division 1 college basketball at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. While playing for Louisiana Basketball Legend Jimmy Tillette, Kaylin shot 40 percent of three-point shots his senior year, appearing in over 80 games. After his playing career, he started coaching, spending eight years as an assistant at Brevard College in Brevard, North Carolina, followed by DI Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina. 

Kaylin is now an assistant coach at Colgate University in Hamilton, New York, where he lives with his wife Katie and their daughter Sophia. Kaylin’s dedication and leadership continue to reflect the strong foundation built during his time at Parkview Baptist.

Achievement | Richie Edmonds

Councilman Richie Edmonds has been a devoted member of the Parkview Baptist community for over 35 years, consistently embodying the values of excellence, service, and leadership that define the Parkview spirit. His journey from student to public servant reflects a lifetime of commitment to both Parkview and the greater Baton Rouge community. After graduating from Parkview in 1992, Richie attended Mobile College in Alabama, where he played collegiate baseball and graduated. He later returned to Baton Rouge to continue his education at LSU and, more importantly, to continue giving back to the community that shaped him.

From 1994 to 2000, Richie served on staff at Parkview Baptist Church, ministering to youth and overseeing student activities. His influence extended across campus as he led weekly chapel services, mentored students, served as the football team chaplain, and energized school culture through events like basketball game emceeing and “5th Quarter” concerts with the band 40 Day Fast.

Richie and his wife, Holly Lively Edmonds (Class of 1996), are parents to Sully (10th grade), Ramsey (8th grade), and Stella (6th grade). Richie has actively served as a coach in elementary and middle school athletics, and currently leads as the Huddle Club President for Parkview football. 

His hands-on involvement includes supporting the Baseball Dugout Club, volleyball, cheer, and swim teams—always willing to step in, raise funds, or serve wherever needed. Richie’s steadfast support has made him a pillar in the life of the school.

Richie’s leadership extends far beyond Parkview. In 2024, he was appointed by Governor Jeff Landry to serve on the first-ever City Council as an At-Large Councilman for the newly-incorporated City of St. George. In 2025, he was elected to a full term as City Councilman representing District 1 and is believed to be the only Parkview alumnus to hold elected office.

In addition to his role in city government, Richie serves on both the Republican State Central Committee and the East Baton Rouge Republican Parish Executive Committee, where he plays an active role in shaping public policy and advancing community priorities at the local and state levels.

A respected entrepreneur, Richie is co-founder and owner of Vertical Construction, LLC, a successful commercial and residential construction firm he launched over 15 years ago with fellow Parkview alumnus Jason Ryder (Class of 1993). His business success is grounded in the values Parkview instills: Integrity, perseverance, and excellence.

Academics | Katherine Smith Bligard

Dr. Katherine “Kathy” Bligard (formally Smith) is a 2006 graduate of Parkview Baptist School after attending Parkview from kindergarten through graduation. She said Parkview cultivated a deep love for learning, science, and service in Kathy that became the cornerstone of her career. 

After graduation, she earned a degree in math at LSU and earned masters and M.D. at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. She completed a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology and then pursued training in Maternal-Fetal Medicine at Washington University, where she gained expertise in caring for high-risk pregnancies and performing complex fetal surgeries.

Today, Dr. Bligard still lives in St. Louis and is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Ultrasound at Washington University School of Medicine. She serves as the Associate Director of the Fetal Care Center, one of the nation’s few comprehensive centers for fetal diagnosis and therapy. In this role, she diagnoses fetal anomalies and performs cutting-edge in-utero procedures including fetal surgery for spina bifida and twin-twin transfusion syndrome. She also leads care for families navigating complicated pregnancies.

Her academic pursuits extend beyond clinical care. She has performed and published research on maternal and fetal outcomes in the face of fetal anomalies and strives to continue to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes through national and international collaborative research on innovative fetal therapies. She mentors students, residents, and fellows, fostering the next generation of physicians.

During her years at PBS, she was deeply involved in various clubs and activities, with her favorite being as a member and captain of the Blue Extreme colorguard. Kathy credits Parkview Baptist with providing the foundation and skills that continue to guide her daily. She is grateful for the education and community that helped her develop both the academic curiosity and the servant-hearted approach she carries into her work today. 

She married Dr. Greg Bligard, an academic ophthalmologist at Washington University, in 2015 and they have two sons, Andy, 5, and Matt, 2. 

Arts | Jeff Morrow

New Parkview Alumni Hall of Fame member Jeff Morrow graduated from Parkview in 2003. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Broadcasting and a minor in Meteorology in 2007. Jeff said, “During my time at Oklahoma, I went on a number of storm chases, seeing a couple of tornadoes. I also served as my fraternity’s president (Phi Kappa Psi). After graduation I got a job doing broadcast meteorology and news reporting at KKCO-TV in Grand Junction, Colorado.” 

“It was cold and the food was bland! So I came home to work for WAFB-TV in Baton Rouge. I’ve been with WAFB for almost 17 years, serving as weekend weather anchor for 14 years, and now Noon and 4 p.m. weather anchor Monday through Friday. During this time, I’ve had the privilege of talking to numerous civic groups and schools, including Parkview, about weather and television news.” 

“I’ve been married to my lovely wife Shanna for 13 years. We have two wonderful children, Logan and Landry, and a daschund-beagle mix named Gary. In my free time, I enjoy reading, travelling, and collecting sports cards.”