Attorney General Steve Marshall has awarded Allen Thornton Career Technical Center in Killen, Alabama, the 2025 Safe School Award. The award is part of an initiative to recognize schools for effective safety plans and to highlight trends in school security.
“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,” said Attorney General Marshall. “Today we honor the thoughtful planning and strong partnerships that help ensure the safety of its students.”
During the ceremony, Marshall emphasized the school’s approach: “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 involved independent judges with practical experience in school safety. Criteria included preparedness training, cooperation with emergency agencies, use of resource officers or other security personnel, technology implementation for security purposes, involvement from local communities, as well as education related to law and prevention.
Nine schools statewide received this highest recognition under the 2025 Attorney General’s Safe Schools Initiative: 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). Four additional schools received letters and certificates for exceeding minimum requirements.
The Alabama Attorney General office plays a role in improving safety throughout Alabama by supporting initiatives aimed at reducing violent crime and assisting victims. As Alabama’s chief law enforcement agency,the office provides legal services including prosecution support across all counties.Steve Marshall has served as Attorney General since February 10, 2017.