Krewes Parade

Krewes Parade

Route: Texas Avenue – Masonic – Memorial – North Boulevard – Alexandria Mall
Grand Marshal: Chris Chelette Special Guest: Gracie Reichman, Miss Louisiana

Grand marshal

CHRIS CHELETTE

Chris grew up in Pineville where he graduated from Pineville High School.  He is a also a graduate of Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA.

Chris and his wife Tiffany, who live in Alexandria,  have two amazing daughters, Anna (16) and Kaylee (10), who attend school locally.  Anna is a member of the swim team at Holy Savior Menard High School  and Kaylee plays soccer and basketball. Tiffany has been incredibly supportive.  She is a Physical Science and Chemistry teacher at Alexandria Country Day School-Upper, where she also coaches the boys’ and girls’ power lifting teams, along with the swim team at Alexandria Senior High School.  In his spare time, Chris coaches the Holy Savior Menard swim team.

Chris has been CEO of Valex Federal Credit Union, a $37 million credit union.  He is directly responsible for growing assets from $11 million to over $28 million within an 11-year period.  He has served on several state credit union committees throughout his tenure as CEO of Valex FCU.

Chris is the recipient of the Hometown Hero Award and the Jimmy Williams Spirit of Community Award for his involvement in the Central Louisiana Community.

Chris began working with the Alexandria Mardi Gras Association in 1994 as a “spotter” walking beside one of the floats.  In 1997, he was a member of the Mystic Wizards, a walking krewe.  As he concentrated on his education, he took a brief leave of the Mardi Gras activities.

Chris began working with the AMGA again when his education was completed.  First helping with line-ups and other tasks assigned to him.  He was elected to the AMGA Executive Board in 2001.  He has served as President of the AMGA for 14 different years and has remained on the Executive Board for 21 years.

Chris’ passion for Alexandria is motivated by the love he has for his family and the desire for them to grow up in a place they are proud to call home and eventually raise their families.  Their family is invested in Alexandria being the very best it can be for his family and your family.

Gracie Reichman, Miss Louisiana

Special Guest

Gracie Reichman, Miss Louisiana

Gracie Reichman, Miss Louisiana 2022, from Colfax, Louisiana is a junior Kinesiology & Health Sciences Major at Louisiana Tech University. She plans to obtain a Doctorate in Physical Therapy with Advanced Certification in Sports Physical Therapy. Gracie was Miss Louisiana’s Outstanding Teen 2022 and is currently a goodwill ambassador for the Louisiana Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, as well as a representative for the Miss Louisiana Organization’s Corporate sponsors: City of Monroe, Discover Monroe/West Monroe, University of Louisiana Monroe, Propane Dealers of Louisiana, Vantage Health Plan, Louisiana Office of Tourism and TownePlace Suites by Marriott of Monroe. She has been an active member of the Louisiana Tech University Community as a member of the Regal Blues Dance Team, as well as Phi Mu and the Louisiana Tech Leadership Council. Gracie captured the Miss Louisiana Crown with her exhilarating Contemporary Clogging routine to Blue Suede Shoes. Since Gracie began competing in the Miss America Organization, she has earned over $74,100 in scholarships. She travels the state promoting her social impact initiative, “Think Twice, Be Nice” encouraging positive mindsets and self-worth.