FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE
May 15, 2018

For More Information, contact:
Mike Lewis (334) 353-2199
Steve Marshall
Joy Patterson (334) 242-7491
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Alabama Attorney General

AG STEVE MARSHALL PRESENTS BOB JONES HIGH SCHOOL WITH
2017 SAFE SCHOOL INITIATIVE AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
School Receives This Honor for the Second Year in a Row
(MONTGOMERY) – Attorney General Steve Marshall today presented Bob Jones
High School in Madison with the Attorney General’s Safe School Initiative Award of
Excellence for State Board of Education District 8, for the second year in a row. Schools
were selected as winners for 2017 from seven* Alabama State School Board of Education
districts, as well as private schools for three regions of the state.
“In these times, we are all intensely aware of the serious responsibility our
schools carry for the safekeeping of our children,” said Attorney General Marshall.
“Recent events have been heartbreaking reminders that we must remain vigilant and
committed to provide the best protections possible in Alabama’s schools. I am pleased
to carry on this important tradition of the Attorney General’s Office, to recognize
schools throughout our state for dedication and excellence in keeping students safe.
Each day that parents leave their children at school, they are entrusting what they hold
most precious into the care of schoolteachers, principals, school resource officers and
other staff. With these awards, we honor those who have achieved particularly high
standards and set examples that others may follow. We are grateful for their service and
commitment to protecting the children of Alabama.”
In presenting the award today Attorney General Marshall said, “The Attorney
General’s Office is proud that Bob Jones High School was selected as one of the 10
winning schools in Alabama for 2017. In making this decision, judges noted many
things that distinguished Bob Jones High School: two full-time officers on campus
provides more interaction with students for building better relationships and more
security coverage, a Text to Protect number is available for students and community
members to notify law enforcement about potential dangers, and the Student 2 Student
and Peer Helpers programs contribute to a supportive and encouraging environment.”
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501 Washington Avenue * Montgomery, AL 36104 * (334) 242-7300
www.ago.state.al.us Page 2 of 2

Principal Sylvia Lambert, Ed.S., said, “I am so excited to accept the Alabama Safe
Schools Award of Excellence on behalf of Bob Jones High School for the second year in
a row! The safety and security of our school is of the utmost importance to set the
foundation for the excellent educational opportunities that we provide our students. We
are thrilled with this honor!”
Attorney General Marshall has been presenting awards for the 2017 Safe School
Awards of Excellence winners to the 10 winning schools this spring. Other winning
schools throughout the state include Opelika Middle School in Lee County, Pine Level
Elementary School in Autauga County, Satsuma High School in Mobile County,
Nichols-Lawson in Sylacauga, Sumiton Christian School in Walker County, Simmons
Middle School in Jefferson County, Austin High School in Morgan County, Coosa
Valley Academy in Shelby County and The Lakeside School in Barbour County.
*Alabama has eight public school districts but no submissions were received from District 4.
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