For Immediate Release:
March 2, 2026
For press inquiries only, contact:
Amanda Priest (334) 322-5694
William Califf (334) 604-3230
(Killen, Ala.) – Attorney General Steve Marshall presented a 2025 Safe School Award to Allen Thornton Career Technical Center in Killen, Alabama. The award provides the opportunity to recognize the excellent implementation of safety plans and identify current trends in school safety.
“Out of over 1,500 public and private schools in our state, it is an honor to recognize Allen Thornton Career Technical Center as one of only nine schools to be selected for an Alabama Safe School Award,” Attorney General Marshall said. “Today we honor the thoughtful planning and strong partnerships that help ensure the safety of its students.”
During the presentation Attorney General Marshall noted, “During the evaluation process, it was evident that the school has cultivated a proactive and safety-focused culture. The strength of its collaboration, both within the school community and with law enforcement, was clear at every level. Most notably, students consistently shared that the best part of their school experience is the meaningful relationships they have built with staff. This strong foundation of trust and connection reflects a community deeply committed to both safety and student well-being.”
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 in 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 award, the Safe School Award was awarded 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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