Magnolia High School

Magnolia High School’s Nyc O’Guinn Receives Prestigious 2025 Brandon Burlsworth Character Award 

Magnolia, AR — Magnolia High School proudly congratulates senior student-athlete Nyc O’Guinn on being named the recipient of the 2025 Brandon Burlsworth Character Award, one of the most prestigious honors for high school athletes in Arkansas. Nyc is the first student in Magnolia School District history to receive this distinguished recognition. 

The Brandon Burlsworth Character Award, which originated in Arkansas in 2004, is now presented nationwide to high school football players who exemplify outstanding character and sportsmanship. Unlike performance-based athletic honors, this award celebrates athletes who may or may not be top performers on the field, but who embody the ideals and values of Brandon Burlsworth—to give 100 percent effort in competition and to serve as a moral example for their team. 

“Nothing but God! Today I was blessed to receive the Brandon Burlsworth Award! The first in Magnolia History! The highest award you can receive in Arkansas! Words cannot describe how thankful I am for receiving this award! Instilled in me by my parents at a young age, was having a good character. I was able to maintain this high character due to the great environment I am around every single day! Underclassman, character will go so much further than football, always remember that! To my coaches, thank you for believing in me when others didn't. Magnolia, thank you so much for playing a part of forming me into the young man I am today, I am honored to receive this award as a Magnolia Panther!” 
— Nyc O’Guinn 

The award not only recognizes Nyc’s integrity, dedication, and sportsmanship but also serves as a call to excellence for others. “We hope that the award encourages the honoree to continue on his path of excellence, and inspires others to follow his lead,” said representatives of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation. 

Nyc’s achievement is a powerful reflection of his commitment to personal growth, leadership, and humility. His influence reaches beyond the football field, making him a role model among his peers and a source of pride for the entire Magnolia community. 

The Magnolia School District celebrates this historic moment and joins students, staff, and families in congratulating Nyc on this extraordinary accomplishment.