ORANGE BEACH, Ala. — Orange Beach Elementary School was selected as a Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools 2009 Banner School.

The award, established in 2001, recognizes schools for the outstanding programs and service they offer to their students. Schools awarded are said to be “model schools” according to the CLAS Web site.

The elementary school was nominated by the Baldwin County Board of Education Superintendent Dr. Faron Hollinger.

“It is my pleasure to nominate Orange Beach Elementary School for this prestigious award. The teachers and staff have winning attributes, in my opinion, and have shown great leadership skills,” Hollinger said. “I appreciate what each of them do and I hope they get the recognition they deserve with this honor.”

OBES was one of two schools recognized in Baldwin County, Foley Intermediate being the other.

“It’s no surprise to me that OBES received this recognition,” Angie Swiger, Baldwin County School Board representative, said. “The school is expertly run by Principal Mr. Steve Baker and has a true family atmosphere that you can feel when you walk in the door.”

According to Swiger, at OBES education comes first and the teachers passion for learning and technology is passed to the kids.

“Mr. Baker and the OBES students, parents and staff have formed a true partnership and the children of Orange Beach will reap the rewards for years to come,” Swiger said.

Director of Instructional Support for the Baldwin County Board of Education Pam Henson said the school’s Sea, Sand and Stars Lab is an obvious reason the school was recognized.

“It’s the flagship for this school system,” Henson said.

She said the school’s high test scores also lead to the award. Every year OBES ranks in the top three for state testing. She added the community support the school receives is a major reason the school flourishes.

OBES will receive their award in June at the CLAS Conference in Mobile.

CLAS was founded in 1969 to support Alabama’s public school administrators. The mission of CLAS is to “coordinate and facilitate the resources of all members for the advancement of public education,” according to the CLAS Web site. Child advocacy and quality professional development are at the forefront of the CLAS mission.