E. D. White Catholic High School is proud to announce Craig S. Biondo, P.E., a member of the Class of 1984, as the 2027 E. D. White Alumnus of the Year. This distinguished recognition honors an alumnus whose professional accomplishments and commitment to service reflect the values instilled during his years at E. D. White.
The announcement comes during E. D. White Catholic High School’s Homecoming Week, as the school community celebrates 60 years of faith, academic excellence, and Cardinal tradition.
Craig Biondo has dedicated his career to engineering, military leadership, and national security. He currently serves as Executive Director of the Cheyenne Mountain Complex at Space Base Delta 1, Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station in Colorado. In this role, he leads the operations of a 15-building complex located beneath 2,000 feet of solid granite, supporting the protection of the United States and its allies against nuclear, biological, electromagnetic, and terrorist threats.
Before transitioning to his current civilian leadership role, Biondo served nearly 22 years in the United States Air Force, retiring in 2011 with the rank of lieutenant colonel. During his military career, he commanded three civil engineer squadrons and held leadership positions in engineering and construction, operations, and environmental management. His service included assignments in the United States and overseas, as well as participation in several contingency operations, including Operations Desert Storm, Noble Anvil, Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom.
His dedication and leadership have earned him numerous military and civilian honors, including the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. He has also been recognized for his professional achievements in civil engineering and military management.
Biondo earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Louisiana State University in 1989 and a Master of Science degree in Engineering and Environmental Management from the Air Force Institute of Technology in 1995. He subsequently completed additional professional military education, including Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College, and Air War College.
He is also a registered professional engineer in the State of Texas, reflecting his continued commitment to excellence in his profession.
Beyond his distinguished career, Biondo remains connected to the E. D. White community through his family. He is married to Renee’ Claire Bourgeois Biondo, E. D. White Class of 1987, and they have three children: Ryan, Stefan, and Regan.
As E. D. White Catholic High School celebrates six decades of forming students in the Catholic faith, promoting academic excellence, and enhancing self-esteem, the recognition of Craig Biondo as the 2027 Alumnus of the Year celebrates the lasting impact of an E. D. White education and a life dedicated to leadership and service.
Craig Biondo will be honored during a special Mass at E. D. White Catholic High School on Friday, January 29, 2027, as part of Catholic Schools Week. The E. D. White community looks forward to recognizing his accomplishments and celebrating this special honor with him.
Once a Cardinal, always a Cardinal. Congratulations to Craig Biondo, E. D. White Class of 1984 and 2027 Alumnus of the Year!
2001- Dr. Richard Morvant, Sr. ‘40
2002- Br. Lee Barker ‘44
2003- Judge David Richard ‘63
2004- Troy Thompson, Jr. ‘51
2005- Sr. Dennis Rodrigue, O. Carm. ‘45
2006- Donald Peltier ‘43
2006- Dr. James Peltier ‘47
2007- Gibbens Robichaux ‘47
2008- Dr. William Schneider ‘58
2009- J. Alvin Badeaux, Jr. ‘58
2010- George H. Diedrich, III ‘61
2011- John Patrick Barrilleaux ‘57
2012- Kathleen Robichaux Broggi ‘60
2013- Dr. Chester Weimer ‘69
2014- Edmond Deramee ‘41
2015- Luke Ford, Jr. ‘52
2016- Camille Morvant, II ‘67
2018- Dr. Troy LeBlanc ‘86
2019- Jeff Prosperie ‘84
2020- Dr. Danielle Hemard Melton ‘88
2022- Mark Richard ‘79
2023- Fr. Josh Rodrigue ‘94
2024- Jerry P. Ledet, Jr. ’79
2025- Rob Lindley, Jr. ’04
2026- Robert Townsend Cole, ’96
Nominations are now open for the 2026 E. D. White Catholic High School Alumnus of the Year. This esteemed honor recognizes a graduate who embodies the values of the Sisters of Mount Carmel and the Brothers of the Sacred Heart while achieving success in the global community.
Nominee Qualifications
To be eligible for nomination, candidates must:
Be a graduate of Thibodaux College, Mount Carmel Academy, Thibodaux Central Catholic High School, or E. D. White Catholic High School
Exemplify the values of the Sisters of Mount Carmel and the Brothers of the Sacred Heart
Achieve success in the global community
Entry and Selection Process
Each nomination must include a completed nomination form with accurate details. There is no limit to the number of individuals one may nominate, but each nominee requires a separate form.
All submitted information will be reviewed confidentially by the E. D. White Advancement/Alumni Office. However, if a nominee is selected as Alumnus/Alumna of the Year, biographical details may be shared with local media.
Nominations are carefully evaluated each year by the Advancement/Alumni Office and school administration. Once submitted, nominee information remains on file for future consideration.
For those interested in nominating a deserving individual, please fill out and submit the official nomination form provided below. Further information can be obtained by contacting the E. D. White Advancement Office at 985-449-1859.
E. D. White Catholic High School encourages the community to participate in recognizing those who have made meaningful contributions and left a lasting impact on the school and beyond. This Alumnus of the Year award not only honors individual achievements but also celebrates the enduring spirit and legacy of the E. D. White community.
Honoring the Recipient
The name of the individual selected for the award will be announced each year in early December.
The individual will be honored and presented with an award at a school Mass to be held each year. The family and friends of the individual, as well as alumni and members of the general public, are invited to attend.