FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE
May 7, 2018
For More Information, contact:
Mike Lewis (334) 353-2199
Steve Marshall
Joy Patterson (334) 242-7491
Page 1 of 2
Alabama Attorney General
AG STEVE MARSHALL PRESENTS SUMITON CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
WITH 2017 SAFE SCHOOL INITIATIVE AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
(MONTGOMERY) – Attorney General Steve Marshall today presented Sumiton
Christian School with the Attorney General’s Safe School Initiative Award of Excellence
for a private school in the northern region of Alabama. 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 Sumiton Christian School was selected as one of the 10
winning schools in Alabama for 2017. In making this decision, judges noted many
things that distinguished Sumiton Christian School: local law enforcement has access to
the school’s camera system from their individual cell phones, the Emissary Club serves
as an excellent mentoring and enrichment initiative, and the school staff has ongoing
safety training by outside community resources.
–more–
501 Washington Avenue * Montgomery, AL 36104 * (334) 242-7300
www.ago.state.al.us Page 2 of 2
Sumiton Christian School Principal Cheryl J. Capps said, “We are honored to
have been selected as the recipient of the Safe Schools Award. Safety for all schools is a
top priority of all administrators and communities. We pray daily that God will
surround us with his angels and watch over and protect us. We thank God for
answering those prayers daily. We are also blessed and privileged to have the support
of the Mayor, City Council, and Police Officers of the City of Sumiton. Their partnership
supports the safety efforts of our School Board of Directors, staff, and parents. We are
excited to have Attorney General Steve Marshall visit our school and present this
prestigious award to our Sumiton Christian School family.”
Attorney General Marshall is 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, Simmons Middle School in Jefferson County, Bob Jones
High School in Madison 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.
–30–
