FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE
April 16, 2018
For More Information, contact:
Mike Lewis (334) 353-2199
Steve Marshall
Joy Patterson (334) 242-7491
Page 1 of 1
Alabama Attorney General
AG STEVE MARSHALL PRESENTS NICHOLS-LAWSON MIDDLE
WITH 2017 SAFE SCHOOL INITIATIVE AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
(MONTGOMERY) – Attorney General Steve Marshall today presented Nichols-Lawson
Middle School with the Attorney General’s Safe School Initiative Award of Excellence for Alabama
State Board of Education District 3. 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 Nichols-Lawson Middle School was selected as one of the 10 winning schools in
Alabama for 2017. In making this decision, judges noted many things that distinguished Nichols-
Lawson Middle School: an Emergency Operations Planning team with members of school staff as well
as police and fire departments, the use of school resource officers not just during the day but also for
after-school events and summer programs, and a CHAMPIONS initiative that focuses on virtues that
young people need to become successful adults.”
Nichols-Lawson Middle School Principal Gary Rivers said, “Nichols-Lawson Middle School is
worthy of laying claim to being one of the recipients of the Safe School Award as part of the Attorney
General’s Alabama Safe School Initiative. Nichols-Lawson Middle School is a safe and effective school
that is orderly, resolute, professional, and works on a continuous basis to prepare students and staff in
crisis management. Our schools atmosphere is not oppressive and is very much conducive to teaching
and learning. This is all made possible because of the support and collaboration of our school board,
local police and fire departments, school staff, and community.”
Attorney General Marshall is presenting awards for the 2017 Safe School Awards of Excellence
winners to the 10 winning schools during April and May. 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, Austin High School in Morgan County, Simmons Middle
School in Jefferson County, Bob Jones High School in Madison County, Sumiton Christian School in
Walker 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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501 Washington Avenue * Montgomery, AL 36104 * (334) 242-7300
www.ago.state.al.us
