Attorney General Steve Marshall presented the 2025 Safe School Award to ACCEL Academy in Mobile, Ala. on Mar. 18, recognizing the school’s leadership and law enforcement partners for their efforts in implementing safety plans and addressing current trends in school safety.
The award highlights the importance of maintaining secure learning environments for students across Alabama. Out of more than 1,500 public and private schools statewide, ACCEL Academy was one of only nine selected for this honor, reflecting its commitment to public safety and community well-being.
During the ceremony, Marshall said, “Operating in an adapted, unconventional facility and serving students through both traditional daytime hours and an evening school model, ACCEL Academy has thoughtfully implemented numerous safeguards to ensure protection across all schedules. The school has embraced a blend of technology-based security measures and strong human-driven practices, creating layered protections that address the specific needs of its environment. By recognizing that school safety must be intentional, regardless of setting or structure, ACCEL Academy has demonstrated innovation, vigilance, and an unwavering dedication to providing a secure learning environment for every student it serves.”
The selection process involved a comprehensive application reviewed by independent judges with experience in school safety trends. Schools were evaluated on preparation and training protocols; collaboration with emergency response agencies; involvement of resource officers or alternate security personnel; use of innovative technology; community participation; and law-related education initiatives. Nine schools received the Safe School Award: 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 were recognized with letters and certificates for exceeding state requirements.
The Alabama Attorney General office works to enhance safety across the state by focusing on initiatives to reduce violent crime and support victims according to the official website. The office also functions as Alabama’s chief law enforcement agency with statewide jurisdiction according to the official website, offering legal representation and prosecuting crimes while supporting victims. Steve Marshall has served as Alabama’s forty-eighth Attorney General since Feb. 10, 2017 according to the official website.
In recent years, the Attorney General’s office received recognition such as the 2020 Hometown Hero honor from the Alabama League of Municipalities for staff efforts during the pandemic according to the official website. The office has also influenced policy through successful defenses in high-profile cases before state courts according to the official website.
Looking ahead, officials say these awards underscore ongoing efforts by schools like ACCEL Academy to set higher standards for student safety throughout Alabama.