Attorney General Steve Marshall presented the 2025 Safe School Award to Elvin Hill Elementary School in Columbiana, Alabama. This marks the second year in a row that Elvin Hill has been recognized for its implementation of safety plans and efforts to address current trends in school safety.
“Out of more than 1,500 public and private schools in our state, it is an honor to recognize Elvin Hill Elementary School as one of only nine schools selected for an Alabama Safe School Award,” Attorney General Marshall said. “Today we honor the success stories that enhance public safety and foster strong and vibrant communities.”
During the presentation, Attorney General Marshall added, “by building off last year’s success they are further strengthening the school’s commitment to nationally recognized standards. The enhancement of Elvin Hill Emergency Alert System requires three critical components for compliance to include campus-wide alerts, accessibility to all school personnel, and clear permission for use. This all the while maintaining locked, secured, and shut interior and exterior doors throughout the day. By building off the successful implementation of local Behavior Threat Assessment and Management process they promote early identification and intervention. Through continuous improvement, collaboration, and a culture of readiness, Elvin Hill Elementary demonstrates an unwavering commitment to protecting students and staff.”
The selection process involved a comprehensive application reviewed by independent judges with experience in school safety trends. Schools were evaluated on their ability to improve safe protocols through preparation and training; collaboration with emergency response agencies; involvement of resource officers or security personnel; innovation in safety technology; community participation; as well as law-related education.
Applicants from across Alabama participated in the 2025 Attorney General’s Safe Schools Initiative. 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 acknowledged with a congratulatory letter and certificate from the Attorney General for exceeding minimum state requirements related to student learning, mental health, and safety.
The Alabama Attorney General office works statewide as the chief law enforcement agency, focusing on initiatives such as reducing violent crime and supporting victims. The office also represents Alabama in legal matters across all counties and provides legal services. Steve Marshall has served as Alabama’s forty-eighth Attorney General since February 10, 2017 according to official records.