uch has been written in the last few months about Cy-Ridge High School, and now LSU Tigers star quarterback, Russell Shepard. What most people do not know about Shepard is that he is a charter member of the Oliver Foundation teen board, Y-E-A-H, Youth Excited About Health!  

The Oliver Foundation is a Houston-based nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention of childhood obesity.  His contribution to the community and a younger generation of Houstonians has enabled him to leave yet another mark —off the football field. In 2005, along with seven other charter members, he was nominated by Dr. Ken Cohen, applied and was accepted to the teen board.

With peers from middle and high schools across the greater Houston area, Shepard mentored elementary-aged children about eating healthy, getting exercise and being a leader in schools and communities. He contributed to the content development of a key learning tool for the Oliver Foundation, The OrganWise Guys Shorts, a DVD targeted to elementary students utilizing a whimsical cast of characters that represent organs in the body and are passionate about keeping the children they live in healthy.  

Additionally, Shepard contributed to an educational supplement for the Greensheet Education Foundation, which was distributed to more than 50,000 Texas elementary schools. In it, he advises young children about the importance of eating fruits and vegetables and adds suggestions on how to include five to nine servings a day. As Shepard moves into a new and exciting phase of his life, he not only carries the key message of the Oliver Foundation, “Making Healthy Choices for Life,” he embodies the message and continues to inspire everyone whom he comes into contact with.

With the unwavering support of his family, Shepard has accomplished more at the age of 18 than many people will in a lifetime. His focus and resolve is that of someone much older than his years.  

Parents Nikki and Russell Shepard Sr., say, “Russell is an old soul. He’s had a plan since he was 9 years old and has never stopped working towards his goal of being a top football player and leading a successful life. ”  

Shepard consistently makes “healthy” choices on and off the field that support his goals. From organizing off-season workouts with teammates, to knowing when it is time to leave a party out of control, he always makes the right choice.  

Adds Russell Sr., “We decided to allow Russell to take a car his freshman year of

With that constant resolve, Shepard comments, “I strive for success. There are no excuses. I want to leave my mark, whether on the football field or in business. ”

Character is the name of the game for Shepard. When asked about the incoming freshman who graduated from high school six months early to attend college, LSU Coach Larry Porter responded, “His approach to life has led him to success.  He is a caring person with a caring heart who treats others with respect. He is a great leader. He brings so much to the table outside of his athletic ability. ”  

A recent article in the Houston Chronicle asked Shepard to use three words to
describe himself, to which he responded, “Electrifying. Wise. Humble.” It is the humility with which he approaches a blindingly bright career and life, which is remarkable.  

“We’ve known Russell for three years now and until the deluge of press coverage began, we ’d never hear about his amazing accomplishments from him. He is very modest. Russell has been an ideal role model for so many kids and a great ambassador for the Oliver Foundation, ” remarked Dr. Tom Woehler, president, and Deborah Woehler, MS, RD, LD, executive director of the Oliver Foundation. “We know when Russell speaks about the epidemic of childhood obesity and the need for intervention, the kids and parents will listen to such a positive role model, ” add the Woehlers.

Leave it to Shepard to have yet another back up plan. He will study international marketing and communications and graduate from LSU in three-and-a-half years. Shepard also plans to attend graduate school. Once his days of conquering the football field come to an end, he will again make his mark —in the business world.

Shepard recently played in the 2009 All Star Game in Orlando, Fla., that was aired on ESPN, and returned home for a signing party and to retire his jersey with the Cy-Ridge Rams, where he dedicated his Offensive Player of the Year Award to his alma mater.

“We thank him for the time and energy he has devoted to the Oliver Foundation and for inspiring so many others to follow in his footsteps. We are rooting for you all the way, Russell, ” adds Deborah Woehler.

For more information, go to www.oliver-foundation.org or call 713-862-7899.l