SPAN to hold annual open house

By Staff
Melissa Cason
The SPAN Program, formerly known as the C.I.T.Y. program, will recognize its ‘Friend of the Year’ during the annual open house and silent auction following the Christmas parade in downtown Russellville on Dec. 10.
Program director Ramona Roberson said this year the program has elected to recognize Probate Judge Barry Moore as this year’s ‘Friend of the Year.’
Roberson said Moore was selected because of his support of the program during the difficult time during the spring months.
In addition to recognizing Moore, the program will recognize graduates during the open house.
A silent auction will be held in conjunction with the open house. Various items will be auctioned off to benefit the program. Proceeds go to fund the student incentive program, which rewards good behavior, as well as other needs of the program.
Roberson said the ladies from First Baptist Church have been working on the items for the auction.
While the name of the program has changed, the program’s goal remains the same – helping students gain an education and get out
of the juvenile court system. The program helps student re-enter the school system, get a GED to go to college or get a job.