Attorney General Steve Marshall presented the 2025 Safe School Award to Orange Beach Middle and High School in Orange Beach, Alabama, on Mar. 17. The school was recognized for the second year in a row for its strong safety plans and efforts to address current trends in school safety.
The award highlights the importance of maintaining safe learning environments for students and staff. Out of more than 1,500 public and private schools in Alabama, only nine were selected for this honor, which recognizes ongoing commitment to public safety and community well-being.
During the presentation, Marshall said, “What makes Orange Beach exceptional is not just that they won last year. It’s what they did afterward. They took the review panel’s feedback seriously and came back stronger. They have fully aligned with National Industry Standards, implementing a campus-wide Emergency Alert System accessible to all personnel, securing interior and exterior doors, and deepening their partnership with the Orange Beach Police through extensive emergency response training. This is exactly the kind of leadership and dedication these awards are meant to recognize. Orange Beach’s students, staff, and community should be immensely proud of the work they have done to protect lives, and of their continued commitment to preparedness, collaboration, and building a truly safe environment.”
The selection process involved an application reviewed by independent judges with experience in school safety trends. Schools were evaluated on preparation and training protocols; collaboration with emergency agencies; involvement of resource officers or security personnel; use of safety technology; community participation; as well as law-related education.
Other schools receiving the Safe School Award include ACCEL Academy (Mobile), 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 recognizing their dedication to higher standards for student learning, mental health, and safety.
The Alabama Attorney General office works statewide to enhance safety by focusing on initiatives that reduce violent crime and support victims according to its official website. The office also serves as Alabama’s chief law enforcement agency by prosecuting crimes and representing legal matters across all counties according to its official website. Steve Marshall has served as the forty-eighth Attorney General since Feb. 10, 2017 according to its official website. The office has influenced policy through high-profile cases such as upholding convictions under the Brody Act before the state Supreme Court according to its official website.
The broader impact of these awards reflects ongoing efforts by state officials to promote safer educational environments throughout Alabama.