S.P.A.N. Program coordinator Remona Roberson presents Franklin County commissioner Rayburn Massey with their annual “Friend of the Year” award.

When Remona Roberson first became the program coordinator for the Franklin County S.P.A.N. Program in 2002, she said the first person she was told to get in touch with was Rayburn Massey.

“Rayburn is just one of those people who you know you can count on to get things done,” Roberson said.

“He had been a big help to the program before I got here, and I was told he was the person I needed to get to know because he would be willing to go that extra mile.”

Since that time, Roberson said Massey has been a constant supporter of the program, so it was a natural fit for Rayburn to be presented with the 2013 S.P.A.N. Program “Friend of the Year” award at the program’s annual open house and silent auction on Dec. 5.

“Rayburn has always done whatever we have needed him to do, no matter what it may have been,” she said.

“He served on our advisory board for four years before he was re-elected as a county commissioner in 2012, and he continues to be an advocate for our program in the community.

“Rayburn is an invaluable asset to this program and it was an honor to present him with this award.”

Massey, whose family had kept the award a surprise until it was announced Thursday night, said he was truly shocked and honored to receive such a distinction from a program he thinks of so highly.

“There are just so many good things to say about this program, and it’s something I really believe in,” Massey said.

“A lot of these children just need some encouragement to get back on the right path, and this program is an opportunity for those kids to get that second chance that they need.

“The success rate for this program is one of the top in the state, and Franklin County is lucky to have a program like this that helps these kids work toward goals like obtaining their GED, joining the military or entering the workforce.

“When these kids come through this program, they learn how to be more productive citizens, and that in itself is an asset to the community.”

Massey is currently in his second term as a county commissioner for Franklin County, and he said what he strives to do as a commissioner is not a whole lot different from what the S.P.A.N. Program tries to achieve.

“I want to leave this county a better place,” Massey said.

“As a commissioner, I see how much need there is in this county in different areas and I want to do what I can to help.

“This program sees the needs these kids have and they do their best to help them get on the right path and come out better than when they came here.

“I’m proud to be a small part of what they are doing here at the S.P.A.N. Program, and I hope the program continues to be successful for many years to come.”