For Immediate Release:
February 5, 2025
For press inquiries only, contact:
Amanda Priest (334) 322-5694
William Califf (334) 604-3230
(Orange Beach, Ala.) – Attorney General Steve Marshall’s Office presented the 2024 Safe School Initiative Award to Orange Beach Middle and High School in Orange Beach, Alabama. The award was presented by Katherine Robertson, Chief Counsel to the Attorney General, in recognition of the school’s outstanding implementation of safety plans and its efforts to address current trends in school safety.
“Orange Beach School’s dedication to safety is exceptional,” said Attorney General Marshall. “By implementing cutting-edge security measures, building strong ties with law enforcement, and placing a high priority on student well-being, they have set the standard for safe, effective learning environments. This award honors their commitment to not only meeting but surpassing the highest safety standards for their students and staff.”
The Attorney General continued, “The Attorney General’s Office is proud that Orange Beach Middle and High School was selected as one of the winning schools in Alabama for 2024. Thanks to the dedication and work completed by the safety team and entire school, Orange Beach Middle and High Schools exemplify what is being done right in terms of school safety. The walkthrough proved they were going above and beyond minimum standards which propelled them ahead of the other schools.”
Orange Beach Middle and High School principal Chris Shaw had this to say about the award, “Orange Beach Middle/High School is honored to receive the 2024 School Safety Initiative Award, recognizing our commitment to fostering a secure, supportive environment where students, staff, and families thrive through collaboration and care.”
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. 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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