By EMILY SPARACINO / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – A creative writing class funded by Shelby County Juvenile Court Services started at the Shelby County Regional Juvenile Detention Facility on April 19.

District Court Judge Jim Kramer and incoming Juvenile Court Chief Probation Officer LeAnn Rigney presented a $4,800 check to Shelby County Arts Council staff members Bruce Andrews and Sandra Annonio for the class, taught by best-selling author R. Kyle Hannah.

The class, which will meet at least three times a month, will tie in with students’ behavior modification, English language arts and social studies teacher Teresa Whiting said.

“It gives them something to look forward to,” Whiting said. “It gives them something to work toward. These are all skills that can transfer into their everyday life.”

Whiting, who also serves on the SCAC board, teaches students at the center alongside math and science teacher Mark Reed.

“Throughout the year, we service 500-plus students,” Whiting said.

The $4,800 came from the Juvenile Supervision Fund, a resource created in 1993 that can be used to help children of families in Shelby County, Kramer said.

Andrews said the SCAC has toyed with the idea of offering an arts-related class on a consistent basis at the center since 2008.

“This gives us a leg up,” Andrews said of the funding. “I would hope the program leaves a better environment for you.”