FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE
May 3, 2016
For More Information, contact:
Luther Strange
Mike Lewis (334) 353-2199
Alabama Attorney General
Joy Patterson (334) 242-7491
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AG STRANGE PRESENTS OPELIKA HIGH SCHOOL
WITH 2015 SAFE SCHOOL INITIATIVE AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
(MONTGOMERY) – Attorney General Strange today presented Opelika High School
with the 2015 Attorney General’s Safe School Initiative Award of Excellence for Alabama
State Board of Education District 2. Schools were selected as winners from seven* Alabama
State School Board of Education districts, as well as three private schools for each region of
the state.
“The Alabama Safe Schools Initiative Awards of Excellence are presented to schools
that have performed exceptionally to provide a safe environment for students, with special
emphasis on implementation of the Best Practices my office compiled based on previous
recipients,” said Attorney General Strange. “I’m pleased that Opelika High School was
selected as one of the 10 winning schools in Alabama for 2015. In making this decision, the
judges noted many things that distinguished Opelika High School: use of table top exercises
with police, fire and emergency management on different security scenarios and use of an
electronic keying system where the entire school can be locked down in a matter of
seconds.”
“On behalf of the staff of Opelika High School, we are honored to receive this
recognition,” said Dr. Farrell Seymore, principal. “We feel this honor shows the best in
partnerships between education and our city’s leaders.”
The Attorney General’s Office is presenting awards for the 2015 Safe School Awards
of Excellence winners to the 10 winning schools during April and May. Other winning
schools throughout the state include Orange Beach Elementary School in Baldwin County,
Oak Park Middle School in Morgan County, Hewitt-Trussville High School in Jefferson
County, Monroe County High School in Monroe County, Cedar Hill Elementary School in
Limestone County, Coosa Valley Academy in Shelby County, Helena Middle School in
Shelby County, Riverhill School in Lauderdale County and 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