Area Schools Recognized For Safety By Attorney General

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Three schools in the Tuscaloosa Patch coverage area were among those recognized statewide this week as Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced the winners of the 2025 Safe School Awards.

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The distinction honors campuses that demonstrate commitment to student safety and preparedness.

Northside High School in Samantha earned the state’s top Safe School Awards, placing it among nine schools statewide selected for the highest level of recognition through the Alabama Safe Schools Initiative.

Woodland Forrest Elementary School in Tuscaloosa also received a 2025 Silver Model of Enhanced School Safety Award.

The awards were announced Monday in Montgomery following a four-phase application and review process conducted by judges with expertise in school safety trends, emergency preparedness, and student well-being. Schools were evaluated on planning, collaboration, training, and implementation of safety measures designed to protect students and staff.

“Through the Alabama Safe Schools Initiative, we are proud to recognize schools that are leading the way with innovative, proactive approaches to student safety,” Marshall said in a statement. “This year’s winners have formulated and simulated critical collaboration that demonstrates a strong commitment to creating secure environments where learning can thrive.”

Marshall is expected to visit each of those schools in person to present the awards.

2025 Safe School Award Winners

• 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
• Harriette W. Gwin Elementary School, Hoover

2025 Silver Model of Enhanced School Safety Award

• Woodland Forrest Elementary School, Tuscaloosa
• Ladonia Elementary School, Phenix City
• Lauderdale County Student Success Center, Florence

2025 Bronze Model of Enhanced School Safety Award

• Pike Road Schools Georgia Washington Campus, Pike Road

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