Seniors James Haugh, Brayleigh McCubbin, Trace Nicholas, and Adalyn Staton
By Brandy Young
Magazine students, parents, and school staff gathered on Monday, May 15 for the 2nd Annual Rattler Scholars Banquet. This program rewards students in their freshman through senior years who have maintained a GPA of 3.5 or higher each semester. 43 students were recognized for their academic success this year and were presented with certificates and gifts to celebrate their achievements. This year’s guest speaker for the event was Dr. Brian Sheppard.
Dr. Sheppard was born and raised in Magazine, Arkansas, and is an Alumnus of J.D. Leftwich High School (now Magazine High School), Class of 2001. He earned his Doctor of Clinical Christian Counseling Psychology in 2009 from Emmanuel Baptist University in Wilmington, North Carolina. He is a licensed Family and Marriage Therapist with the American Christian Therapist Society. In 2006 he received an Honorary Doctor of Divinity, conferred at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C. He owns Sheppard and Associates, LLC, a Christian Mental Health organization that offers therapy, counseling, and Church consultations. He is also the Senior Pastor of Park View Baptist Church in North Little Rock.
In 2020 “Doc Brian,” as he is known, became a mental health influencer on TikTok and Instagram, and launched a podcast, Doc Talks with Dr. Brian Sheppard, produced by SoundLounge Studios New York, NY. He has over 90 virtual properties encompassing nearly 10 million followers. In 2023 he will launch a web series and virtual content with Lifeword Media Ministries. Lifeword will broadcast his content in 147 languages with a potential listening audience of 3 billion people.
Dr. Sheppard spoke to the audience about the importance of kindness and the huge impact it can have on an individual, a community, and the world. He quoted Maya Angelou in stating, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” He also spoke about the removing the stereotypes surrounding mental health, assuring the students that no matter the path they are on, or how their plans may change, “you will survive, and you will make it through.”
“What a privilege to speak to the Rattler Scholars this year!” stated Sheppard. “So much has changed since I was a student, and the facilities are impeccable. I hope that everyone was encouraged and reminded that if we want to change the world, it starts with us being kind.”
Dr. Sheppard currently resides in North Little Rock with his wife, Jennifer, and son, Luke.
