There are few things, if any, that Julie Edwards has not had her hands in – or added her special touch to – over the last 40 years at Parkway High School. Make that 44, because she was a student before she returned as a teacher. No wonder so many past and present students, parents and faculty members call Edwards the G.O.A.T. of Parkway, or the “greatest of all time.”
Here is just a glimpse: Edwards was the Black Cat Revue danceline sponsor for nine years, during which time the team won Grand National Champions twice; she published a magazine called Dimensions for a decade; wrote the curriculums for Tech I and Tech II; directed over 70 plays and Presidential mock elections; and raised over $10,000 the year she was senior sponsor. Perhaps her greatest legacy will be creating KPAW broadcasting, which is still going strong 36 years later. No wonder she is called the G.O.A.T. at Parkway.
“A book written, a building dedicated, an award presented can’t amount to the recognition she deserves,” said Morgan Ohl Boyette.
Calling her an “inspirational teacher and pillar in south Bossier,” Jinnie Hebert added “Ed treats every kid like they’re her own. She’s famous for the adventures she took her theater classes on to Disney and alternating years, Universal. As a parent, I was able to chaperone one of these trips and see how she operates. Let me tell you, the students have a respect and appreciation for her that I’ve never seen. She teaches the importance of learning, honing the skills they’ve learned and having fun. From her cheesy biscuits (she teaches them all how to make them) to her love for Shark Week, she leaves an impression no student will ever forget.”
So, before Edwards – affectionately called Ed and Jedi – gets ready to make her final exit when she retires at the end of the school year, her legions of adoring fans rallied to turn the tables and shine the spotlight on the woman who normally remains behind the scenes.
The KPAW student production team began their broadcast like any other day, only there was breaking news to report. As Edwards hurried to the set, under the guise there was a technical error, Bossier Schools district leadership broke into programming to announce its latest Gold Star winner; none other than the G.O.A.T. herself, Julie Edwards. Tears flowed when she realized her daughter, former Parkway teacher and Gold Star recipient Gretchen Alexander, had driven from Oklahoma to be a part of the surprise.
“She is a generational legend of Parkway and south Bossier,” said Alexander, who added she believes her mom not only deserves the Gold Star award, but the key to Bossier. “She has dedicated over 40 years of her life not only to south Bossier, but to Parkway High School. Ms. Edwards has touched the lives of thousands of people. To encounter her is to be in the presence of greatness.”
Many others agree, Brooklyn Oney being among them.
“Ms. Edwards’ infectious laugh, vibrant soul, and love of learning are just a few of her amazing qualities,” Oney wrote. “My little corner of the universe, as many will agree, is forever brighter, bigger, and better because she’s a part of it.”
“Ed (Edwards) is not only a woman of character and love, she is a woman of compassion,” added Haley Grupe. “God shines through her every day and her students know if they can come to anyone for an ear, it’s going to be Ed. She shows up for her local theatres, her co-workers, her students (current and alumni), and her family … She’s a winner, the BIGGEST GOLD STAR Bossier Parish has ever had the luck of having.”
It will, indeed, be a sad day when Edwards retires, but she vows to not wander far.
“I will continue working at the local theatres as their lighting designer which includes Shreveport Little Theatre and Emmett Hook Center and occasionally at East Bank theatre,” Edwards noted, adding “And, of course, going to Oklahoma (where her daughter teaches) and being a guest speaker at PHS and at Santa Fe High School.”
Asked what legacy she hopes to leave at her alma mater, Edwards said “Never give up and always troubleshoot! KPAW will stay, and a branch is in Oklahoma; the KSFN network,” which is the broadcast program her daughter leads.
As for what else retirement holds for Edwards, she said “Going to all the Disneys in the world!” Maybe she will even catch up with her beloved Panthers during their annual trip and tag along. As they say, "once a Panther, always a Panther."
Editor’s note: Bossier Schools extends its gratitude to Bossier Federal Credit Union for sponsoring the Gold Star award program for the 12th year in recognition of the employees that go above and beyond every day to ensure an exceptional educational experience for the students of Bossier Parish.