Orange Beach Middle and High School has once again been recognized among Alabama’s safest campuses, earning a 2025 Safe School Award from Attorney General Steve Marshall for the second consecutive year.

Marshall presented the award to the South Baldwin school, highlighting its continued focus on strengthening campus safety and responding to evolving security challenges. Out of more than 1,500 public and private schools statewide, only nine were selected for the honor this year, a news release said.

“What makes Orange Beach exceptional is not just that they won last year. It's what they did afterward. They took the review panel's feedback seriously and came back stronger. They have fully aligned with National Industry Standards, implementing a campus-wide Emergency Alert System accessible to all personnel, securing interior and exterior doors and deepening their partnership with the Orange Beach Police through extensive emergency response training,” Marshall said in the release. “This is exactly the kind of leadership and dedication these awards are meant to recognize. Orange Beach's students, staff, and community should be immensely proud of the work they have done to protect lives, and of their continued commitment to preparedness, collaboration, and building a truly safe environment.”

The Safe School Award is part of the Alabama Attorney General’s Safe Schools Initiative, which evaluates campuses through a detailed application and review process led by independent judges with experience in school safety. According to the release, schools are assessed on preparedness and training, coordination with local emergency agencies, use of school resource officers or other security personnel, implementation of safety technology, community involvement and prevention-focused education.

Orange Beach Middle and High School stood out for building on last year’s recognition by expanding safety measures and strengthening coordination with law enforcement. Improvements included a campuswide emergency alert system, enhanced door security and increased joint training exercises with the Orange Beach Police Department.

The annual initiative recognizes schools that go beyond minimum requirements to create safer learning environments while addressing both physical security and student well-being. Nine schools across Alabama received the top Safe School Award in 2025, placing Orange Beach among a small group of campuses acknowledged for leadership in school safety.