E. D. White Catholic High School Hall of Fame: Honoring David L. Duplantis ’82 

E. D. White Catholic High School is proud to induct David L. Duplantis, a member of the Class of 1982, into its Hall of Fame. This honor recognizes a life dedicated to faith, family, community, and professional achievement.

David Duplantis was born on April 7, 1964, to Wiltz and Dortha (Dot) Duplantis in St. Martinville, Louisiana. The Duplantis family moved to Thibodaux in the mid-1970s, where David attended St. Joseph Elementary before graduating from E. D. White Catholic High School in 1982.

During his years at E. D. White, David balanced academics and extracurriculars, earning a spot in the National Honor Society and participating in Key Club, Student Council, and sports such as football, basketball, and baseball.

After high school, David pursued his passion for engineering, starting at Nicholls State University and later transferring to the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette), where he earned a degree in civil engineering in 1987. His professional journey began with positions in Texas, Georgia, and Louisiana, and he earned his Civil Engineering license in 1991.

In 1997, with encouragement from his wife, Mary Babin Duplantis, David founded Duplantis Engineering, Inc. The company, now known as Duplantis Design Group, grew to employ over 100 professionals and offered services in civil engineering, architecture, surveying, and coastal engineering. David sold his remaining shares in the company in 2023 and transitioned into retirement.

David and Mary have four children—Tyler, Kaley, Ryan, and Jacob—all graduates of E. D. White Catholic High School. Their children continue the family legacy of Catholic education, with David and Mary now enjoying time with their grandchildren.

Throughout his career and personal life, David has been deeply involved in his community. His service includes roles on the E. D. White Advisory Council, Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux School Advisory Council, Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce, CASA of Lafourche, and the boards of several other organizations.

David’s efforts have been recognized through several honors, including serving as the 2016 Thibodaux Fireman’s Fair Grand Marshal, being named an E. D. White Catholic High School Cardinal Great in 2017, and receiving the Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce Frank Kennedy Citizen of the Year Award in 2018.

In retirement, David continues to stay active through Duplantis Properties, LLC, a real estate development company focusing on residential projects. His life is a testament to dedication, leadership, and service to his family, community, and faith.

E. D. White Catholic High School celebrates David L. Duplantis for his many accomplishments and contributions. His induction into the Hall of Fame is a well-deserved recognition of a life lived with purpose and impact.

E. D. White Catholic High School President, Mr. Tim Robichaux, recently sat down with 2024 Hall of Fame inductee, Mr. David Duplantis, for an engaging and inspiring interview.

Stay tuned for the full interview video, coming soon!

PAST RECIPIENTS

1983-Bro. Linus Meyers, S.C.

1983-Richard A. Morvant, M.D.

1983-Harvey A. Peltier

1984– Durbin “Dub” Gibbens

1984-Leonard J. Toups

1985-Sr. Mary Immaculata Garcia, O. Carm.

1985-Robert Morvant

1985-A.G. “Mosse” Olivier

1986-Sr. Marie Therese Broussard, O. Carm.

1986-Jerry P. Ledet, Sr.

1987-Msgr. Raphael C. Labit

1987– Judge Bernard L. Knobloch

1988-R.J. “Yockey”Bernard

1988-Ann L. Jackson, M.D.

1989-Ida Francis Bernard

1989-Joel Harris Robichaux

1990-Shirley Delaune

1991-Louise “Maw Maw” Ber

1992-Billy Ledet

1992-Pris Ledet

1993-Bro. John Hotstream, S.C.

1994-Frances Donnes

1995-Russell O. Ayo, Jr.

1995-Bro. Lee Barker, S.C.

1996-Deacon Willie Ray Joseph Orgeron

1996-Troy Thompson, Jr.

1997-Sr. Denis Rodrigue, O. Carm.

1997-Richard Gibbens Robichaux

1998-Sr. Barbara Nell Laperouse, O. Carm.

1999-Elaine “Pickles” Morvant

2000-Timothy J. Guarisco

2000-Clarence J. Riviere

2001-Boyd C. Hebert, Sr.

2002-Maxine Giardina

2002-Janice Martin

2003-Donald Peltier

2003-James Peltier, D.D.S.

2003-Bro. Xavier Werneth, S.C.

2004-Jacob Giardina

2004-Bro. Ray Hebert, S.C.

2005-Jeanette Labat

2005-Bro. Ralph McGary, S.C. 

2006-Erkle Rodrigue, Sr.

2006-Bro. Ronald Talbot, S.C. 

2007-Martin F. Edlefsen 

2007-Carolyn S. Hebert, M.D.

2008-Rev. Msgr. Francis J. Amedee

2008-Shirley R. Legendre

2008-Sr. Immaculata Paisant, M.S.C.

2009-Leslie Daigle

2009-Joyce Schexnayder

2010-Luke J. Ford, Jr.

2010-JoyLove C. Toups

2011-Msgr. Frederic J. Brunet

2011-Fr. Jules A. Brunet

2011-Ron Harrist

2012-Eddie Cole

2012-Bro. Paul Montero, S.C.

2013-Bro. Christopher Cox, S.C.

2013-Myra Zeringue Luft

2013-Sylvia Thigpen Zeringue

2015-Kathleen Broggi

2016-Boyd C. Hebert, Jr.

2016-Preston LeJeune

2017-J.B. Falgoust

2018-David M. Richard

2019-Alan Gary Phillips

2021-Bro. Patrick McGinity, S.C.

2022-Priscilla Naquin Battaglia

2024-David L. Duplantis

E. D. White Catholic High School Hall of Fame Nomination Form

E. D. White Catholic High School is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the 2025 Hall of Fame. This prestigious accolade aims to honor individuals who have significantly contributed to the school and the Thibodaux community through their professional achievements and involvement in religious, civic, business, or educational activities.

Nominee Qualifications

To be eligible for nomination, candidates must have a substantial connection to one or more of the following institutions:
– Mt. Carmel Academy
– Thibodaux College
– Thibodaux Central Catholic High School
– E. D. White Catholic High School

This connection could be as a former student, graduate, faculty member, parent, supporter, or benefactor.

The criteria for being inducted into the Hall of Fame is the individual’s contributions to his/her profession and his/her religious, civic, business, or educational involvement.

Entry and Selection Process

Each nomination must be submitted using the official nomination form provided below. The process ensures that all information submitted is reviewed with the utmost confidentiality by the Hall of Fame committee and the staff of the Alumni Office. While the details of the nomination remain private, biographical information of selected inductees will be published upon their acceptance into the Hall of Fame.

Importantly, nominations are not a one-time consideration. Once a candidate is nominated, their information will be kept on file and reviewed annually by the committee, ensuring continued opportunities for recognition.

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 Hall of Fame induction not only honors individual achievements but also celebrates the enduring spirit and legacy of the E. D. White community.