ORANGE BEACH — The 2024 Attorney General’s Alabama Safe School Initiative Award, which recognizes a school’s excellence in implementation of safety plans, was awarded to Orange Beach Middle and High School (OBMHS) on Feb. 5.

OBMHS was one among six schools in Alabama selected for the award. Other winners were UMS-Wright Preparatory School in Mobile, Ladonia Elementary School in Phenix City, Russellville Elementary School in Russellville, Cullman City Primary School in Cullman and Elvin Hill Elementary School in Columbiana.

According to a press release from the Alabama Attorney General’s office on the event, eight other schools exceeded the minimum requirements for school safety in the state of Alabama through a dedication to safety in student learning and mental health. These eight schools received letters and certificates from the Attorney General.

Joe Blevins, director of personnel, operations and student services at OBMHS, said the award features a “comprehensive four-phase application and review process” involving submitting the application, an evaluation of the school’s Emergency Operation Plan (EOP), a presentation from the school on safety efforts and a final evaluation, which requires an on-site visit from the judging panel.

“Our school and community are incredibly proud of our collaboration and efforts to create a safe environment for all students, parents, staff and guests,” Blevins said. “School safety truly takes teamwork and we are honored to receive this recognition on behalf of all stakeholders.”

In addition to the OMBHS’ award, the Orange Beach Elementary School (OBES) received the 2024 Silver Model of Enhanced School Safety Award, Blevins said. He said OBES also has previously been awarded the Attorney General’s award.

“Although our schools were competing against each other for this award,” Blevins said, “we are proud and honored that both have earned a distinction through this process.”

Blevins said the award the OBMHS won “encompasses many facets working together” to ensure school safety. He mentioned how phase three in the application process focused on “collaboration with local emergency services” such as EMA, law enforcement, first department and emergency communications.

Attorney General Steve Marshall was called to Washington D.C. and so he was unable to present OBMHS with the award, Blevins mentioned. Instead, Chief Counsel Katherine Robertson presented the school with the award.

Attorney General Marshall was quoted in the previously mentioned press release saying, “Orange Beach School’s dedication to safety is exceptional. By implementing cutting-edge security measures, building strong ties with law enforcement and placing a high priority on student well-being, they have set the standard for safe, effective learning environments.”

Later in the release he was quoted again saying how the walkthrough in phase four of the application process demonstrated how OBMHS went “above and beyond minimum standards” in school safety.