Attorney General Steve Marshall presented Beauregard Elementary School in Opelika, Alabama, with a 2025 Safe School Award on February 23, 2026. The award recognizes schools for implementing strong safety plans and identifying trends in school safety.
“It was an honor to recognize Beauregard Elementary School for their exemplary commitment to safety. Through proactive security measures, strong partnerships with law enforcement, and an unwavering focus on students, they have created a learning environment where students and staff can thrive with confidence and peace of mind,” stated Attorney General Marshall. “Today’s recognition honors their dedication to going beyond expectations and setting the standard for school safety.”
During the ceremony, Attorney General Marshall said, “Beauregard should be extremely proud to be selected for the 2025 Safe School Awards. The judges found the school was most aligned with national industry standards for Emergency Alert Systems which included locked and secure interior and exterior doors, behavior threat assessment process, scenario-based drills, anonymous tip-line, as well as emergency operations planning. Additionally, the school had an exceptional depth of collaboration and broad integration with first responders for everyday safety, events and emergencies.”
The selection process involved a detailed application reviewed by independent judges with experience in school safety trends. Schools were evaluated based on their preparation and training efforts; cooperation with local emergency response agencies; involvement of school resource officers or other security personnel; use of safety technology; community engagement; and education related to law enforcement and prevention.
Nine schools across Alabama received the highest award this year: ACCEL Academy in Mobile; Orange Beach Middle & High School in Orange Beach; Northside High School in Northport; Beauregard Elementary School in Opelika; Allen Thorton Career Technical Center in Killen; Cullman City Primary School in Cullman; Eastwood Elementary School in Decatur; Elvin Hill Elementary School in Columbiana; and Harriette W. Gwin Elementary School in Hoover.
Four additional schools that surpassed state requirements received a congratulatory letter and certificate from the Attorney General.
The Alabama Attorney General’s office serves as the chief law enforcement agency for the state, providing legal representation, prosecuting crimes, supporting victims statewide, and working on initiatives to improve public safety according to its official website. Steve Marshall has served as Alabama’s forty-eighth Attorney General since his swearing-in on February 10, 2017 according to official records.