For Immediate Release:
February 3, 2025
For press inquiries only, contact:
Amanda Priest (334) 322-5694
William Califf (334) 604-3230
(Columbiana, Ala.) – Attorney General Steve Marshall today presented the 2024 Safe School Initiative Award to Elvin Hill Elementary School in Columbiana, Alabama. The award provides the opportunity to recognize the excellent implementation of safety plans and to identify current trends in school safety.
“Elvin Hill Elementary School exemplifies what it means to prioritize the safety and well-being of students. Their proactive approach, strong partnerships, and unwavering commitment to preparedness set a standard for schools across Alabama. This award is a testament to their dedication to fostering a secure and supportive learning environment where students and staff can thrive,” Attorney General Steve Marshall said.
In presenting the award today Attorney General Marshall said, “The Attorney General’s Office is proud that Elvin Hill Elementary School was selected as one of the winning schools in Alabama for 2024. In making this decision, judges noted many things that distinguished Elvin Hill including an excellent school culture of fostering safety, connection, and buy-in among faculty and students. It is for these reasons that Elvin Hill was awarded the full 10 points.”
Elvin Hill Elementary School Principal Courtney Madison stated, “Elvin Hill Elementary is honored to be selected as a recipient of the Safe Schools Initiative Award. This recognition is a testament to the incredible teamwork and dedication of everyone in our school community. The unwavering collaboration among our administrators, safety team, teachers, and school resource officers has been instrumental in creating and sustaining a safe school environment where the focus remains on teaching, learning, and thriving.”
Madison continued, “We are immensely grateful for our partnerships with the Columbiana Police Department, the Shelby County Student Services Department, and community agencies for their commitment to fostering a culture of preparedness and care. As we strive to continue being a model for safe schools, the well-being and safety of our school community will remain our top priority. At The Hill, we embrace a people-first approach, which especially holds true in matters of safety. For us, safety transcends procedures—it is about building trust and confidence, ensuring that it remains at the heart of everything we do.”
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 officer or alternate security personnel; structure and innovation of safety technology, community participation; and law-related and prevention education.
For the Attorney General’s Safe Schools Initiative, six schools from across the State of Alabama were selected to receive the Safe School Award, the highest achievement. Attorney General Marshall will visit each school to present the award in person. Those winners are: Orange Beach Middle & High School, Orange Beach; UMS-Wright Preparatory School, Mobile; Ladonia Elementary School, Phenix City; Russellville Elementary School, Russellville; Cullman City Primary School, Cullman; and Elvin Hill Elementary School, Columbiana.
An additional eight 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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