The Special Programming for Achieving Network (S.P.A.N.) selected their Friend of the Year Dec. 4 during their 14^th Annual Open House and Graduation Ceremony.

Rex Mayfield, Russellville City Schools Superintendent, was named the Friend of the Year by the Franklin County S.P.A.N. program.

Program coordinator Remona Roberson said that the program has been successful because of the local support and dedication from people like Mayfield.

“We are lucky to have someone like him to be involved with our program,” Roberson said. “He has been such a big help for us this year and he does a lot for this program.”

Mayfield lauded the program and what it does for the community.

“I have seen what this program means to the kids,” Mayfield said. “I have seen what this program and this staff can do for these kids and I’m a very small part of what all they do.”

This was the tenth year the Friend of the Year award was given by the program.

The S.P.A.N. program is a comprehensive approach to meeting the training and service needs of at risk youth and their families, according to alspan.org. The program partners with the Juvenile and Family Court Probation Services as well as local school systems. The Franklin County S.P.A.N. program assists youth to become productive and healthy citizens by developing social, behavioral, academic and family skills.

The Franklin County program hosts two fundraisers each year. The Kruzin’ for Kids Motorcycle Ride is in the spring and the Christmas Open House and Graduation silent auction is held in Dec. each year.