Corporate Board President Dr. Shepard honored with A.O. Evans Award

Dr. John Shepard, the Corporate Board President for Boys & Girls Clubs of North Louisiana and Northeast Board Member, was honored Tuesday night with the A.O. Evans Award at the West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards ceremony.

The A.O. Evans Award recognizes one individual in the community each year for outstanding contributions to the West Monroe and West Ouachita community. The recipient cannot be an elected official currently in office, not can they currently serve on the chamber’s board of directors. They must also have made several contributions to the betterment of the community.

Dr. Shepard said he was shocked to have been chosen for the award.

“I love this town,” Shepard said. “I love the Boys and Girls Club, I love the Rebels. I’m really thankful and blessed and my loving wife Gayle’s been here every step of the way so I appreciate her as well.”

Tashia Hines, the 2021 recipient of the A.O. Evans Award, commended Shepard on his work with the Living Well Foundation, First West, United Way and the Boys and Girls Club of Northeast Louisiana. 

“Never once has this year’s winner made anything about himself,” Hines said. “Simply, it has always been others, especially kids. His passion for kids is inspiring, and his kind demeanor has inspired countless other volunteers to go above and beyond their call to serve.”