For Immediate Release:
March 17, 2026
For press inquiries only, contact:
Amanda Priest (334) 322-5694
William Califf (334) 604-3230
(Orange Beach, Ala.) – Attorney General Steve Marshall presented a 2025 Safe School Award to Orange Beach Middle and High School in Orange Beach, Alabama. For the second consecutive year, Orange Beach was recognized for the excellent implementation of safety plans and identifying current trends in school safety.
Attorney General Marshall noted that out of more than 1,500 public and private schools in Alabama, Orange Beach Middle and High School was one of only nine selected for a 2025 Alabama Safe School Award, recognizing the school’s continued commitment to enhancing public safety and fostering a strong, safe, and vibrant community.
During today’s presentation, Attorney General Marshall spoke directly about the great work of the school community and repeat winner. Marshall stated, “What makes Orange Beach exceptional is not just that they won last year. It’s what they did afterward. They took the review panel’s feedback seriously and came back stronger. They have fully aligned with National Industry Standards, implementing a campus-wide Emergency Alert System accessible to all personnel, securing interior and exterior doors, and deepening their partnership with the Orange Beach Police through extensive emergency response training. This is exactly the kind of leadership and dedication these awards are meant to recognize. Orange Beach’s students, staff, and community should be immensely proud of the work they have done to protect lives, and of their continued commitment to preparedness, collaboration, and building a truly safe environment.”
The selection process featured a comprehensive application and review process by a panel of independent judges who possess real-world insight into school safety trends. All applicants were evaluated on their ability to enhance safe school protocols through preparation and training; collaboration with local emergency response agencies; involvement of school resource officers or alternate security personnel; structure and innovation of safety technology; community participation; and law-related and prevention education.
Applicants from across Alabama applied for the 2025 Attorney General’s Safe Schools Initiative. The highest honor, the Safe School Award, went to nine schools. Attorney General Marshall will present each of the following schools with the awards for their incredible achievements: ACCEL Academy, Mobile; Orange Beach Middle & High School, Orange Beach; Northside High School, Northport; Beauregard Elementary School, Opelika; Allen Thornton Career Technical Center, Killen; Cullman City Primary School, Cullman; Eastwood Elementary School, Decatur; Elvin Hill Elementary School, Columbiana; and Harriette W. Gwin Elementary School, Hoover.
An additional four schools exceeded the minimum state requirements and exhibited dedication to higher standards for student learning, mental health, and safety. These schools were recognized by receiving a congratulatory letter and certificate from the Attorney General.
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