Local Creative Writing Program Supporters Start Petition to Save Program

The county's Center for the Fine and Performing Arts is moving in the fall of 2016 from Woodbridge Senior High School to a high school on Hoadly. When the center moves, the Creative Writing Program is slated to be cut. 

Sarah Crossland, a graduate of the CFPA Creative Writing Program, started a petition on MoveOn.org to save the program. 

"It taught me everything I know about writing and allowed me to follow my passion when I was only 14," Crossland said. "I discovered not only who I was as a person while studying there but also that my voice was valuable and powerful."

Cindy Brookshire, president of Write by the Rails, signed the petition, saying graduates of the program helped the county by writing for such outlets as Prince William Living.

"I am surprised by this development, which is regressive," she said. "I had hoped WSHS's creative writing program would spread to more high schools in the area."

CFPA Creative Writing graduate Chelsea Tufarolo also signed the petition, saying the possible discontinuation of the program was saddening.

"My four years as a CFPA student meant a lot to me and have undoubtedly helped me throughout my educational and professional careers. Through my creative writing courses I was challenged to think creatively and communicate effectively," Tufarolo said. "These skills are valuable and applicable, regardless of the career path you choose. The ability to write well is becoming a lost art and removing such a program would be a tragedy."

To read the petition and sign it, visit this MoveOn.org link.